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Gentle Dreams
And Simple Truths
Songs by
Keith Wayne Phillips
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
2
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-
Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
©2015- All rights reserved
ISBN-978-0-9919704-2-1
Quo Vadis Publishing
quovadispublish@shaw.ca
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-
Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
Contents- Page
Introduction 9
Songs-
1) Troubled World 10
2) An Unfulfilled Dream 13
3) I Am Getting Older 15
4) A Question 17
5) I’ve Had Dreams 19
6) Be Alone 21
7) Francine’s Dreams 23
8) Feeding Time 26
9) I’ll Get By 29
10) To D.D. 31
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Songs continued- Page
11) I Was Born In Summer 33
12) I Knew A Girl 36
13) A Look At Christmas 39
14) Poem- Song For Darkness 41
15) Early Thought 42
16) Walkin’ To San Francisco 43
17) Where Are You Now? 46
18) Still Wondrin’ Why 48
19) Poem- To Claire 50
20) It’s April 52
21) Road To Freedom 54
22) The Songwriter 56
23) I Sing My Songs For You 59
24) If You Want To 61
25) To Sing My Song 63
26) Candle 65
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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27) Try To Love 67
28) While The World Goes By 69
29) Some Say 72
30) She Is The Reason 74
31) If I Were American 76
32) I Feel So Happy 77
33) I’ve Seen The World 79
34) Oh Blues 82
35) Biggest And The Best 84
36) Poem- Return To Dust 86
37) Poem- Gather 88
38) Steady Job 90
39) Dreams Are For Children 92
40) Got The Blues 94
41) Take A Look 95
42) I Am A Dreamer 98
43) Three Wise Men 100
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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44) Seabirds 102
45) A Dream Called Freedom 105
46) I Was Not A Soldier 107
47) Wind Of Changes 110
48) A Stranger In Their Town 112
49) That I Would Marry You 114
50) Gentle Dreams And Simple Truths 116
51) To All The Women In The World 119
52) The House In Lower Mount Royal 123
53) Diamonds In The Dust 126
54) Since You Left Me Girl 128
55) Tiny Stars 130
56) I Guess You Wanted More 132
57) A Killing For Convenience 135
58) Sing Out A Song- 1976 137
59) 42nd Street-1976 139
60) Amongst The Grains Of Sand 142
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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61) The Light Of The World 144
62) American Transcendentalists 146
63) The Road 148
64) Time 150
65) The Desert Storm 152
66) Hey There Young Lady (To Kobie) 154
67) Calling Out To You 156
68) Long Ago (In Underground Coffee Houses) 158
69) Lately- (We’re Living Together Alone) 161
70) All In All 164
71) The Questioning Song 166
72) Truth Is What We Are Seeking 169
73) Loving, Take Me Home 171
74) Moonlight On Still Waters 173
75) Blessed Trinity 175
76) I Won’t Be A River 177
77) I Don’t Know The Reason Why 179
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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78) And I Don’t Think I’m Old Enough 181
79) The Apathy Song 183
80) Talkin’, Walkin’ And Hawkin’ 185
81) Walkin’ Around Cranbrook Blues 187
82) Poem- The Sandman 191
83) I’m All Alone/I Really Don’t Miss You 194
84) The Little Soldier 196
85) ‘Till The End Of Time 198
86) Take My Hand 201
87) I Don’t Need Nothin’ 204
88) We Landed Hard In Barcelona 207
89) I Have Found The Way 209
90) I Make My Promise Now 211
91) I Will Put My Life To Song 213
92) Let ‘Em Ride 215
93) And Now I Know That I Believe 217
94) Come Be My Light-(Mother Teresa’s Call) 219
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Introduction-
I am a dreamer. Looking back, all that I remember are my dreams; both fulfilled and not; lofty and low; secret and shared. These visions kept me alive and led the way to adventure; and adventure led the way to Life. I cannot associate solely existing or surviving the day with living or Life. I know that I must progress; progress to know and then experience. I must cast aside my fear of losing what I have, what I am, and what I was and look forward to what I can be. I can imagine as much as may come true. My dreams can and will become my life.
So dream, imagine yourself as greater than you are. Know that you can become anything that you wish and you will then come alive in that dream; and it will become your life. You will be a dreamer, as am I, and together we will make our lives an adventure!
September 5, 1973
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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First Song- 1965 16 years old
Troubled World
I’m sittin’ here
Wondrin’ ‘bout another way
Do I really have to stay
In a Troubled World?
Seems to me
It’d be easier to run away.
A dream world’s not too far away
From a Troubled World.
So, come on there.
Sit up in the clouds with me.
Come and see what there’s to see
On a Troubled World.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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People there,
Always sayin’ can’t ya hurry?
Haven’t got no time to worry
‘Bout a Troubled World.
Over there,
An army nears a jungle camp.
Wading through the cold and damp
Of a Troubled World.
Children care,
Will they get fed some other day?
Haven’t got too much to say
In a Troubled World.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Sacred cows
Bull their way throughout the streets
Knocking over what they meet
In a Troubled World
You and I,
We don’t really seem to care.
All we do is blindly stare
At a Troubled World
So come on there,
Come and run away with me.
Run so far, we cannot see
All this Troubled World.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
13
Earlier Songs- 1965-1969
An Unfulfilled Dream
Sunday morning
On a winter’s day.
I’m out walking
The snows in my way.
Every winter the same old thing
Waiting for the Spring.
It gets so it’s lonesome here
Not doin’ anything.
Makes me wonder how it’s goin’ to be
In later years.
When I’m very old and grey
Will I shed a tear
At the dying of each summertime?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Will I last throughout the cold?
Will I die a little with each Fall
When I’m very old?
The Spring can revive a man
And set him on his feet.
But will it hide my old, old age
From the people that I meet?
No, one Fall this old man will die
Along with all the green.
And I’ll be covered with a blanket of snow;
An unfulfilled dream.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
15
Earlier songs- 1965-1969
I Am Getting Older
Take these eyes and let me see
All that was created free.
That lives its’ life as it should be
For I am getting older
I am getting old.
Take these hands and let them touch
Nothing will be thought too much
For hands are tied when used as such
And I am getting older
I am getting old.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Chorus-
See, feel, touch and hear
All I want is to be freer
Emotions have been locked away
I want to set them free today.
Take these ears and let them hear
The sounds that man has heard for years
And then the sounds that may bring tears
For I am getting older
I am getting old.
Take this heart and let it love
Make me believe in a peaceful dove
That brings down hope from up above
For I am getting older
I am getting old.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
17
Earlier songs- 1965-1969
A Question
Listen as the falling rain
Taps upon my mind
Beating out a melody;
A soft and moving rhyme.
It weaves a pattern carefully
Of thoughts and space and time
And leaves me wondering about the rain
And if these thoughts are mine.
Shimmering through the trembling leaves
The sun sends down its rays
To soothe and warm the human soul
On cold and dreary days.
Are these the bearers of the word
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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That somewhere someone stays
Watching everything that moves
Through the earth’s confusing maze.
Floating clouds, they block my sight
But I think that I can see
A power greater than us all;
He made the earth and sea.
But did He help to make the cannon?
Did He father greed?
And if He did, when this earth’s taken
Will He plant more seed?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Earlier songs- 1965-1969
I’ve Had Dreams
I’ve had dreams
I’ve had time
And now I know
The dreams weren’t mine,
They were my minds.
Floating on a cloud
High above the ground
Will I ever land at all?
Climbing on a hill
Getting very tired
Hoping that I will not fall.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Thinking about dreams
I’ve had before
Of going far away
I’ll dream no more.
Swimming in a lake
Moving very slowly
Will I ever reach the shore?
Fighting through the night
Blinded by the darkness
I think that I shall see no more.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Earlier songs- 1965-1969
Be Alone
Go and touch the sky my love, go and touch the sky
Go and touch the sky my love, go and touch the sky
And be alone, be alone, be alone, be alone.
Go and feel the dirt brown earth, go and feel the dirt
Go and feel the dirt brown earth, go and feel the dirt
And be alone, be alone, be alone, be alone.
Chorus-
The wonders of this earth and sea
And sky can just be seen
When you’re all alone and there’s no one
To tell you that you’re just a human being.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Go and taste the salty sea, go and taste the sea
Go and taste the salty sea, go and taste the sea
And be alone, be alone, be alone, be alone.
Lie down in the deep green grass, lie down in the grass
Lie down in the deep green grass, lie down in the grass
And be alone, be alone, be alone, be alone.
I have touched the sky my love, I have drank the sea
I have felt the dirt brown earth; lain in grass so green
And I’m alone, I’m alone, I’m alone, I’m alone.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Earlier songs- 1965-1969
Francine’s Dreams
Francine always dreams
Dreams that are unreal
Of fairy tales and full blown sails
And gods with winged heels.
Imagining a princess
With hair so gold and fair
Sugar cube within her hand
Will surely take her there.
She tastes the cube of sugar
And closes tight her eyes
Soon she’ll be away;
Away from a world despised
Soon she’ll be a princess
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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In a far off distant land
Soon she’ll meet a handsome prince
And hold him by the hand.
Her breath begins to falter
And she quivers with delight
Her medieval world of castles
Is entering her sight
But as she nears the castle walls
She knows something’s not right
For the castle seems so cold and damp
And dark as shadowed night.
Inside she sees a beggar
With hands so gnarled and dry
He looks at her with sorrowed eyes
He waits for life to die
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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And soon she realizes
She’s seen this all before
Far away in a newer world
In a country plagued with war.
Francine never dreams
Dreams that are unreal
Of fairy tales and full blown sails
And gods with winged heels.
She dreams of broken people
Who cannot reason war
And now she realizes that
She can’t escape no more.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Earlier songs- 1965-1969
Feeding Time
The rain is sifting down
Like flour into a pan
Running water wriggles past
Like fingers of a thin mans’ hand
And people with umbrellas
Go sulking down the street
Watching very carefully
For water on their feet.
And in the gap between two walls
Of two ancient hotels
Feathers flapping, beaks all gnashing,
Flashing eyes can tell
That the time is near for the seed of life
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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To feed their starving souls
And they wait in silent agony
For the hand that they all know.
An old man walking down the street;
He has gifts to bring.
Within his pocket lies the seed
To make his children sing
And with careful steps, he makes his way
On to his rendezvous.
And he hopes his children will be waiting
For his holy food.
He nears the place of meeting
And steps between the walls.
He holds the seed within his hand
And to his children calls
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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And a hundred strong, they dive together
On to his outstretched hand
And all peck hard at the holy food
And some peck at the man.
The holy food soon turns red;
Their manna is now spoiled
And off they fly to greener fields
Than another man has toiled
And the old man looks down at his hand
And sadly makes his way.
He is the God, they are His children
Another year, another time, but not today.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Earlier songs- 1965-1969
I’ll Get By
I’ve had dreams
I’ve had time
I have wandered
And I’ve roamed.
I’ve seen this country
With my own two eyes
There’s nothing there to call my own.
Chorus-
But it’s alright pa, don’t you worry
Don’t you even heave a sigh.
And it’s alright ma, don’t you worry,
I’ll close my eyes and I’ll get by.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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I cannot be
The man I want to,
They won’t even let me try.
I tried so hard
To learn of living
But all I’ve learned
Is how to cry.
Chorus- then
All my hopes
Have slipped aside.
I’ve lost my strength;
I watch them die.
I’m so afraid
To just keep on livin’
But Lord I’m not afraid to die.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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May 4, 1969 19 years old
To D.D.
Are you going far away, to
Leave your troubles far behind?
Listen to the voice inside;
You have got to use your mind.
Only lonely people go
Upon such distant journeys.
Never speaking anyway;
Everybody has that yearning.
Everybody needs a friend;
Do you think you’re the only
Individual that is lonely?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Sadness makes a female homely.
Listen to the voice inside you;
Open your heart to mankind.
Victory comes to those who live for
Every single moment of their lives.
Do you see the words I’m writing;
Are you going anyway?
Read again the lines before these.
Love can make you want to stay.
Everybody needs some freedom;
No one has his way.
Everybody needs a lover.
.Do your best to stay.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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June 3, 1969 19 years old
I Was Born In Summer
A child is born
On a warm summer night.
With the aid of God
The child gains his sight.
And soon he’s taught
The wrong from the right,
And then the child grows older.
He’s sent to school
And he soon learns to hate
The fact that he’s different;
Destined by Fate.
Creative in mind,
But still second rate.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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And then the child grows older.
Turned out at last
His schooling is done.
He faces the world
But still he’s too young.
How could a child
Our businesses run?
Wait child until you are older.
He soon discovers
How different he thinks.
He’s not impressed
With fast cars, or mink.
To Dylan and Cohen
He wants to be linked.
And then the child grows older.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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He finds that he cannot
Live only on rhyme.
The meaning in life
Is losing to Time.
The hand in his pocket
Clutches a dime.
Starving can make a young man older.
He cannot return
To the false business line.
But no one will buy
His life’s work in rhyme.
Now he sits everyday
On a lone park bench crying.
And what can he do but get older?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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June 30, 1969 19 years old
I Knew A Girl
I knew a girl
I knew her quite well.
I used to share with her my time.
She had her hopes; I had mine.
Both of us knew
They would never entwine.
The meaning of words
You need not explain
To neither her, nor I.
We knew the meaning of telling the truth.
We knew the meaning
Of living a lie.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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We used to sit
In a large darkened room
And Cohen passed away the time.
Sitting together; in two chairs, in silence.
Both of our moods;
A couplet of rhyme.
We used to walk
In a long darkened park.
Like the river we were free.
Never touching; just two friends together.
I understood her;
She understood me.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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I knew a girl
I knew her quite well
I used to share with her my time.
She had her hopes; I had mine.
Both of us knew
They would never entwine.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
39
December 1969 20 years old
A Look At Christmas
Bright colored lights
On sawed off trees
That you probably stole from my garden.
Bright tinted paper
Soon thrown away
Wrapped around gifts you’ve purchased or stolen.
Santa’s bring guns
To your little children
And teach them to shoot at the world.
You haven’t the time to talk to your children
So you purchase a Barbie to talk to your girl.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Chorus-
Where does Jesus fit in your Christmas?
I can’t see Him anywhere.
Where does Jesus fit in your Christmas?
I can’t see Him; do you care?
Bar stools are filled with
The spirits of Christmas.
All celebrate the holiday.
Turkeys are killed; people are starving.
But they’re in our prayers you all say.
A church of three hundred donates the money
To buy three turkeys for the poor.
Your generosity just overwhelms me.
How could you possibly give anymore?
Chorus- again
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
41
Early poem 20 years old
Song For Darkness
Darkness with your magic spell
Let your soul be seen
To this believer in your strength
Who knows that minds can be made
To see, to feel, to touch
More than they ever have before.
Let your blackness hide my clothes
And the objects around me.
They belong to another world
Not the world where mind meets mind
In holy union
To see, to feel, to touch
More than they ever have before.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Let the light of reason break your spell
But let none other.
Pamper me not with false emotions
That come and go as quickly as a smile.
I want to see, to feel, to touch
More than I ever have before.
If only in my dreams.
Early thought-
I am conscious of a world around me
But the world within me, escapes
My outward looking eyes.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
43
March 1970 20 years old
Walkin’ To San Francisco
Walkin’ down the highway
Headed for the Bay
Got two thousand miles to go;
Still I’m on my way.
I’ve set my eyes on San Francisco
I’m goin’ to the Gate.
But now I thumb the passin’ cars
And now, I stand and wait.
Walkin’ past a prairie town
See the grass and grain.
Walk a million steps it seems
Still it looks the same.
I wonder if old San Francisco’s
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
44
Seen a Texas gate?
But now I thumb, the passin’ cars
And now, I stand and wait.
Chorus-
Will you give a ride to a lonesome hobo man?
Will you give a ride to a lonesome hobo man?
Will you give a ride?
Wind has started blowin’ now
I try to stand upright.
Dust is blowin’ in my eyes
Tryin’ to block my sight
But I still dream of San Francisco
And the Golden Gate.
But now I thumb the passin’ cars
And now, I stand and wait.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Funny how you see much more
Walkin’ on the road.
But it’s hard to make good time
With this heavy load.
But I’m still comin’ San Francisco
‘Though I may be late
For now I thumb the passin’ cars
And now, I stand and wait.
Chorus- again
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
46
March, 1970 20 years old
Where Are You Now?
I knew a girl
And I thought that I could love her
And so she travelled far away.
She used to comfort me
When I was filled with sorrow.
Oh girl, I feel that way today.
Chorus-
Where are you now when I’m hurtin’ so bad?
How can you stay away when I feel so sad?
Where are you now when I need to have you near?
It’s not the pain but the darkness that I fear.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Made friends with a woman
And I knew I really loved her
But I knew that woman didn’t know.
She used to come with me
When I had to travel.
I just would ask her and she’ go.
Chorus- then
Soon heard of a God
And I thought that I could love Him
Because He promised to be near.
Well Lord I’m lonely now
Why do you stay away?
Is it my prayers you can’t hear?
Chorus-
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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March, 1970 20 years old
Still Wonderin’ Why
Every mornin’ on the run
Can’t even see the rising sun.
Got to run, got to fly
And I’m still wonderin’ why.
All we really need is love
They say He’ll send it from above.
What’s that I hear; it’s just a sigh
And I’m still wonderin’ why.
Chorus-
Tell a man you’ll try to be his friend.
Tell a God you think you may have sinned.
Knock on the door; He may let you in.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
49
All you got to do is try.
People all agree to fight
For a cause they think is right.
Do they want to see me die?
And I’m still wonderin’ why.
People wanting to be free
But they’re trying not to see.
Bird that is blind, how can you fly?
And I’m still wonderin’ why.
Chorus-
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
50
Poem- March 27, 1970
To Claire
You’re here in my arms
So soft; so warm;
And so near.
It’s easy to get lost in your love.
A love so young;
And yet so old.
I’ve always known you in my dreams
And now; a dream come true.
All the world needed a girl like you
But you came to me.
And now I believe in miracles.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
51
It’s funny how nice it feels
Just to hold you in a world
Of softness, and candlelight.
And then we kiss
With only the darkness looking on
And soon my mind is filled with new dreams
For tomorrow; and you;
And days we’ve yet to spend together.
I love you.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
52
April, 1970 20 years old
It’s April
It’s April.
Feel the sun shinin’ down on me.
I’ve got no worries and I’m feelin’ free
Life is beautiful and I can see
It’s April.
It’s Springtime
Birds are coming back to find their mate
Some are early, but then some are late
Poor old early bird may have to wait.
It’s Springtime.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
53
Chorus-
April comes but once a year
The rain seems to fall like heavenly tears
A time for going to the sun above
A time for peace; a time for love.
I’m happy
Can’t remember ever feelin’ blue
Ever since the day I first met you
I know I love you and you know it too.
I’m happy.
Chorus again
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
54
1970 20 years old
The Road To Freedom
Go to your true love;
Take her by the hand
Then journey off together
To find a place to stand.
And searching for the reason
You know she’ll understand
You’re looking for the road to freedom
In this, our promised land.
So you start off on your journey
You soon lose your way
No one wants to help you
“I wonder why?”, she’ll say
And searching for the reason
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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You know that she will see
That you’re looking for the road to freedom
And the chained despise the free.
Travelling makes you weary
People make you cry
She’ll want to give up so badly
But you tell her you’re still goin’ to try
And searching for the reason
She’ll know the reason why.
You’re looking for the road to freedom
Some peace before you die.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
56
August 1970 21 years old
The Songwriter
He lies there in bed
Stares at the wall
Sees his guitar on the floor
On the desk where his pencil
And paper still lay
There’s a song that won’t live anymore.
His thoughts they are dying
His words, they keep trying to rhyme
But they stumble and stutter
And fall in the gutter
And flow down the river of Time.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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Chorus-
And the songwriter waits and he wonders will he write anymore?
A girl, she is sleeping
She’s soft and she’s dreaming
Of a time when her lover will star.
Fairytale fancies of travelling the country,
She knows that they can’t be too far.
But the songwriter weeps
And he stares at his sheets of rhyme.
And he hopes she’ll still love him
When she finds dreaming of him
Can shatter the hopes in her mind.
And the songwriter waits and he wonders will he write anymore?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
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He looks at her there
And tries to compare
The songs he now writes with before
They’re lacking in feeling
His thoughts they are reeling
They’re not making sense anymore.
And the harder he tries
The songs fill with lies, and fall.
And he sees that he’s changing
His life rearranging
But he doubts he can write
Through it all.
And the songwriter waits and he wonders will he write anymore?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
59
September 1970 21 years old
I Sing My Songs For You
Smokey haze around my eyes
As I gaze around my dreams
I try to clear the way for love
And know the songs I sing.
I take my guitar in my heart
And let the notes flow in
And wonder if you’ll come to me
When I play again.
And I,
I sing my songs for you
And hope you really like them.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
60
Flowing liquid all around
People on the run
I try to sing my songs to those
Who came to have some fun
But I, I sing the songs of life
And some they may be sad
I hope you’ll try and listen as
I sing of dreams I’ve had.
And I,
I sing my songs for you
And hope you really like them.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
61
Fall 1970 21 years old
If You Want To
If you want to you can sing my song
If you want to you can sing my song
I won’t mind if you want to sing along
Then everybody will be singin’ a song
Then everybody will be singin’ a song.
If you want to you can laugh sometime
If you want to you can laugh sometime
You needn’t wait until you hear a funny line.
Then everybody will be laughin’ sometime
Then everybody will be laughin’ sometime.
If you want to you can have my love
If you want to you can have my love
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
62
I won’t mind ‘cause I get it from above
Then everybody will be gettin’ some love
Then everybody will be gettin’ some love.
If you want to we can live in peace
If you want to we can live in peace
Pray every day to have the devil’s hand released
Then everybody will be livin’ in peace
Then everybody will be livin’ in peace.
If you want to we can share a friend
If you want to we can share a friend
His name is Jesus and He’ll be here ‘till the end
Then everybody will be sharin’ a friend
Then everybody will be sharin’ a friend.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
63
December 1970 21 years old
To Sing My Song
Love was here
Love has gone.
I think she cared
Or am I wrong?
I need someone
To sing my song
I am here
You are there,
You sit and read
I sit and stare.
I need someone
Who says she cares.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
64
I watched you come
I watched you go.
You said you cared
I said-“I know”
And now you’ve gone
I need you so.
Love was here
Love has gone
I think she cared
Or am I wrong?
I need someone
To sing my song.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
65
January 1971 21 years old
Candle
Candle yellow burning bright
Say your prayers for me.
Take my mind up through your flame
Let me rise to lesser fame
Let the world forget my name
And sail away.
Take my heart and make it whole
Give my life a better goal.
Leave my body, take my soul
And sail away.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
66
Leave the world a blackened shore
Let me leave to fight no more
Give the dream I’m living for
To sail away.
Candle yellow burning bright
Say your prayers for me
And make me free.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
67
January 1971 21 years old
Try To Love
A girl you know is there
She’s at your side
You want to say you care
You try and try
You know no reason why
You know no reason why
But it’s hard to give your love to her
You know she’ll make you cry.
But try, try; try to love,
To love her
A God you know is there
You know not why
He makes you want to share
You want to try
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
68
You know no reason why
You know no reason why
But it’s hard to share your love for Him
They know you’re goin’ to die.
But try, try; try to love,
To love Him
Your life you know is there
It’s right ahead
Your dreams you want to share
You’ve often said
You know no reason why
You know no reason why
But it’s hard to share your dreams with them
You know they’ll make them die.
But try, try; try to love
To love life.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
69
February 1971 21 years old
While The World Goes By
I’ve seen the sun come risin’ now
I’ve seen it ridin’ high
I’ve often wondered if the world around me
Ever wondered why?
Sun comes up every morning
If we live or die
Takes a place in a worldly heaven
While the world goes by
While the world goes by.
Take a lesson, sing the sun a song
Maybe then it’ll let you come along.
I’ve seen some birds a flyin’ freely
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
70
Headin’ for the sky
I’ve often wondered if the world around me
Ever wondered why?
Never thinking where they’re going
Never question why
They take a place in a worldly heaven
While the world goes by
While the world goes by.
Take a lesson, sing the birds a song
Maybe then they’ll let you come along.
I’ve seen some grass a-growin’ green now
A perfect place to lie
I’ve often wondered if the world around me
Ever wondered why?
See the grass and head a warning
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
71
We can live or die.
Take a place in a worldly heaven
While the world goes by
While the world goes by.
Take a lesson, sing the grass a song
Maybe then it’ll let you come along.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
72
March 1971 21 years old
Some Say
Some say I might have helped them
On their way
Some say I might have done some good
Some say they heard the words
I had to say
Some say they thought they understood.
But I’m still the man I set out to be
But I’m still the man I set out to free.
Some say they like the songs
I have to sing
Some say they only like the tune
Some say I’ve led a life, found many things
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
73
Some say I’ve led my life to ruin.
But I’m still the man I set out to be
But I’m still the man I set out to free.
Some say they’ve learnt so much
Of life from me.
Some say I’ve dreamt so much away
Some say I’ve won the right
To being free
Some say I’ve lost the right to pray.
But I’m still the man I set out to be
But I’m still the man I set out to free.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
74
March 1971 21 years old
She Is The Reason
Softly she wakes me and shows me the day
Sun comes up rising, lighting the way
My world comes before me while sleepy I lay
Softly she wakes me and shows me the day.
There’s many a reason for living they say
There’s many a reason for wanting to stay
There’s many a reason for feeling this way
She is the reason I’m living today.
Walking beside me she’s learning with me
Smiling she shows me two buds on a tree
We know we are growing and learning to see
Walking beside me she’s learning with me.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
75
There’s many a reason for learning they say
There’s many a reason for wanting to stay
There’s many a reason for feeling this way
She is the reason I’m learning today.
Softly she comes to the bed where I lay
She tells me she cares in her own special way
And we hold each other as dreams come to stay
Softly she comes to the bed where I lay.
There’s many a reason for loving they say
There’s many a reason for wanting to stay
There’s many a reason for feeling this way
She is the reason I’m loving today.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
76
April 1971 21 years old
If I Were American
If I were American
I wouldn’t fire a killing gun
I wouldn’t rob a black man of his pride
I wouldn’t go to fight a war
I couldn’t find a reason for
But maybe God’ll tell me when I get
To the other side.
I’d grab my bag, hop my bike
I’d head for places that I thought that I would like
I’d grab my daydreams and bring them all along
And if by chance I met with you
I wouldn’t tell you what I thought you should do
I’d be so happy that we both
Could sing this song.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
77
1972 22 years old
I Feel So Happy
Oh I feel so happy inside
Oh I feel so happy inside
Take the time to find yourself
Everywhere you go
But never let it get you down
Never let it show.
Oh I feel so happy inside
Oh I feel so happy inside
I’ve got a love from above
It’s never goin’ away
A worry comes, I start to hum
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
78
And then it fall away.
Oh I feel so happy inside
Oh I feel so happy inside
So walk along, sing a song
Everywhere you go
Let the world know that you’re happy
Got to let it show.
Oh I feel so happy inside
Oh I feel so happy inside
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
79
1972 22 years old
I’ve Seen The World
I’ve seen the world
I’ve held in my hands
All of the fighting I don’t understand
I’ve cried for the people
Lost in their rights
I’ve looked for a reason
They’ve lost in the fight
But I can’t go on crying this way
I’ll take all the sorrow
And lock it away
I’ll take all the sorrow
And lock it away
Then I’ll start living again.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
80
I’ve seen the world
I’ve held in my hands
All of the loving I don’t understand
But man, that was living
And I cried every night
I was so happy, I knew that I might
Keep on just lovin’ you and all of the world
And take all the sorrow
And lock it away
Take all the sorrow
And lock it away
Then I’ll keep on loving this way.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
81
I’ve seen the world
I’ve held in my hands
All the religions I don’t understand
I know there’s a God
I know that He’s near
But I live on loving, I can’t live on fear
And I can’t go on dying this way
I’ll take all the sorrow
And lock it away
Take all the sorrow
And lock it away
Then I’ll start praying again.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
82
March 1973 22 years old
Oh Blues!
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
Oh Blues, I‘ve come to you
You know the man, he said I can
Stop all this foolish war
So he sent all the guns, and dropped all the bombs
Now there ain’t no country no more
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
You know the man, he said we can
Gather ‘round and talk of peace
So they talked through the years as the people shed their tears
Waitin’ for the bombing to cease.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
83
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
You know the man, he’s doin’ what he can
To keep his serenity
So he’s hiding in a house, keepin’ quiet as a mouse
He’s afraid of what he really might be.
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
Oh, Blues, I’ve come to you
You know the man, he said I am
Standin’ on the brink of peace
So the people voted in, the man and all his kin
Now they’re tryin’ to find some kind of release.
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
Oh Blues, I’ve come to you
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
84
March 1973 22 years old
The Biggest And The Best
I went a walkin’ down a country lane
Saw all the flowers that I knew by name
Started up a singin’ out a simple rhyme
But I knew that all the flowers
Would be gone with time.
Work your ass off, all your life
Try to find a better wife
Save your money to buy a car
So you can show the world
Who you really are.
Build yourself a gut with beer
Turn up the set, ‘cause you’re tryin’ to hear
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
85
Tell your kids to go off to school
So the can show the world
They’re nobody’s fool.
Buy a house, pay twenty five years
Keep a smilin’ face as you hide away the tears
Play the game until you’re laid to rest
And they’ll maybe mark your grave
With the biggest and the best.
The same as all the rest
The biggest and the best.
I went a walkin’ down a country lane
Saw all the people that I knew by name
Started up a singin’ out a simple rhyme
But I knew that all the people
Would be gone with time.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
86
1974 23 years old
Poem-Return To Dust!
Old black boots, scuffed from Life
Shuffle the worn grey over-coated man
Down the dust filled streets.
Return to dust!
His memories gained from youth
Keep his eyes cast downward, lest his
Dream filled eyes trouble those that he meets.
Return to dust!
And he’s shared his dreams with no one
For none would understand the reasons
Although at first he thought that they would
Return to dust!
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
87
For all around him
Crumbles into a concrete mass
Of greying dust upon the shoulders
Of the younger feet
And they’ve become as settled
At the window sill
As the old man is in the street.
Return to dust!
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
88
1974 24 years old
Poem-Gather
Gather all the prophets
Who tell their tales of doom
For the waiting vultures,
And set them free among the flying sparrows
And watch them change
And see them gather.
Gather all the masons
Who build their walls of strength
Around sheltered people
And let them play their trowels
In children’s sand hills
And watch them change
And see them gather.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
89
Gather all the old men
Who memorize their lives
To show some worth
And push them on to new adventures
With younger dreamers
And watch them change
And see them gather.
And then gather all the children
And set them free.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
90
1975 25 years old
Steady Job
You moved away from Eastside
And found a steady job
But now you find, you’ve got no time
So where do you go to now?
Chorus-Oh time for some, means time to walk
Time to be alone
It’s hard to find your inner mind
When you’ve got a steady job.
Your money comes on Fridays
Before it didn’t come
But still you find, you own no time
So where do you go to now?
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
91
Chorus-then
So work away your life and save
For that far off time
When you lose your age and you lose your pay
And you wonder where you go to now.
Chorus
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
92
Fall 1975 26 years old
Dreams Are For Children
Dreams are for children
Or those that are childlike
Coming as daydreams, with stillness in soft light
Or falling as visions, that come in the dark night
Dreams are for children like you.
Chorus-
Oh people who dream and love are few
So let us continue this way
Perhaps if we show them, we’ll change all the grownups
Before all the dreams go away.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
93
Love is for children
Or those that are childlike
You want to be near those
Who can share what they’re like
And yet still be a seeker, seeking some insight
Love is for children like you.
Chorus-then
Hope is for children
Or those that are childlike
Hope for tomorrow, a small hope for all life
To grow with the seasons
To become all that they might
Hope is for children like you.
Chorus-
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
94
Fall 1975 26 years old
Got The Blues
Got the blues comin’ down on me
Got the blues comin’ down on me
If I don’t get some money
I ain’t never goin’ to be free.
This bottle of wine- hmmm-sure tastes fine
This bottle of wine- hmmm-sure tastes fine
I think about workin’
But I ain’t got no time.
Got holes in my pockets, holes in my shoes
Got holes in my pockets, holes in my shoes
I think about workin’
But I don’t want to pay no dues.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
95
Fall 1975 26 years old
Take A Look
Take a look at your life
You can see that you’re changing
Where will it lead; what paths to follow
On the way- on the way?
Take a look at your friends
Are they one, or are they many?
I don’t care, we can share
What truth we know- what truth we know.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
96
Chorus-
Take a look around you ‘though you’ve seen it all before
There are truths that have yet to be found
Take a look around you as the planets trace their paths
Universal laws unfold, as they spin around.
Take a look at the stars
They can tell where you’re going
Take a look at your life
Where has it gone – where had it gone?
Chorus- then
Now I don’t know much about me
But I know that I’m growing
And someday, through many lives
I’ll be home – I’ll be home.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
97
Chorus- then
Let’s take a look at ourselves
And the values we’re maintaining
We fought to win, and now we’re losing
We’ll have to change – we’ll have to change.
Chorus
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
98
March 1976 26 years old
I Am A Dreamer
I am a dreamer
I’ve seen many dreams go by
I’ve seen many dreams come falling down
But my dreams are goin’ to teach me how to fly.
Chorus-
But only through my dreamin’
Will my dreams come true
And only through my songs will I see
And only through the thoughts
That I am writing down
Will the feelin’s that I’m feelin’ set me free
Will the feelin’s that I’m feelin’ set me free.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
99
I am a singer
I love singing to the sky
I love singing when old friends gather ‘round
And the feelin’s that I’m singing make me cry.
Chorus-then
I am a writer
‘Though I rarely have the time
‘Though it’s hard for me to write words down
I need to share the memories that are mine.
Chorus-
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
100
April 1977 27 years old
Three Wise Men
Golan, a piper, a piper is he
Golan, a piper, a piper is he
He’s been ‘round this world before
You can see it in his eyes.
Golan, a piper, a piper is he.
Ronald, a brother, a brother is he
Ronald, a brother, a brother is he
He can preach his sermon now
From the words there on his sleeve
Ronald, a brother, a brother is he.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
101
Franklin, a rebel, a rebel is he
Franklin, a rebel, a rebel is he
He’s the son of a holy man
Who was killed while on his knees
Franklin, a rebel, a rebel is he.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
102
April 1977 27 years old
Seabirds
There’s a light in the window
And it shines like a seabird
As it flies in the sight of the sun
And its rays are ever reaching
Like the arms of a woman
Who waits alone for the coming of her man.
And she flies like a seabird in the day
And she soars in her freedom all the way
But the night time brings the memories of her pain.
In the day, she’s a seabird
In the day, she has freedom
In the night, she’s a woman all alone.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
103
There’s a ship in the harbor
With its bow headed seaward
And it sails in the light of the moon
And it leaves with its canvas covered cargo
And a sailor watching seabirds
As they fly away too soon.
And he flies like a seabird in the day
And he soars in his freedom all the way
But the night time brings the memories of his pain
In the day, he’s a seabird
In the day, he has freedom
In the night, he’s a sailor all alone.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
104
And they’ve left each other trying to be free
And they’ve left each other trying not to see
All the years they’ve spent together
Making promises forever
And they never thought they’d ever say
“Good-bye”.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
105
May 1977 27 years old
A Dream Called Freedom
It was the old pursuit of a dream called freedom
That left me living in this room
With its single bed, with its wrought iron headboard
And candle lighting up the gloom.
There’s a desk, with books, of ink on paper
And faded dreams have traced the lines
There’s an old guitar, with note-filled songbooks;
Melodies of younger times.
Chorus-
Can I write a situation for every song I see?
Let’s raise a glass of wine to being free
There’s no need for a friend, for a friendship ends
But it’s nice that you could share this night with me.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
106
When I was young, I left, for endless highways
I saw them leading from the night.
I’d read the books, heard the songs,
Of time swept travelers
Who soon were lost in all their rights.
Then the road became and endless reason
For all the questions of the day
And my songs were filled with dying seasons
And all the dreams had gone away.
Chorus- then
It was the old pursuit of a dream called freedom
That left me staring at the door
With its key-turned lock, and its time-turned handle
Holding out the thoughts of more.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
107
Fall 1977 28 years old
I Was Not A Soldier
I was not a soldier
I was not a man
I was just a young boy
Holding mothers’ hand
Holding mothers’ hand, boys
Holding mothers’ hand
I was just a young boy
Holding mothers’ hand.
I had heard of fighting
I had heard of war
I had heard of young men
Who would fight no more
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
108
Who would fight no more, boys
Who would fight no more
I had heard of young men
Who would fight no more.
Father got his orders
Father went to war
Father took to flying
He will fly no more
He will fly no more, boys
He will fly no more
Father took to flying
He will fly no more.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
109
Now the war is over
Peace across the land
How I lost my father
I don’t understand.
I don’t understand, boys
I don’t understand
How I lost my father
I don’t understand.
I was not a soldier
I was not a man
I was just a young boy
Holding mothers’ hand
Holding mothers’ hand, boys
Holding mothers’ hand
I was just a young boy
Holding mothers’ hand.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
110
October 23, 1987- ten years later- 38 years old
Wind Of Changes
I can feel it; hear it calling
Wind of changes, comes to me
Gather dreams up; hold them closely
Wind of changes, comes to me
I can smell the fires of burning bridges
In the wind
I see my life turning around a bend.
Coming closer; feel its spirit
Wind of changes, comes to me
Taking no “buts” for an answer
Wind of changes, comes to me
And I know that I can never go back in time again
I see my life turning around a bend.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
111
Chorus-
I can feel the wind of changes
As it’s blowing over me
I can’t go back now; I must move on
I can’t fight the wind of changes
As it carries me along
I can’t be weak; I must be strong.
I can feel it; hear it calling
Wind of changes, comes to me
Gather dreams up; hold them closely
Wind of changes, comes to me
I can smell the fires of burning bridges
In the wind
I see my life turning around a bend.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
112
October 24, 1987 38 years old
A Stranger In Their Town
With melton coat and collar high
He wanders down the street
His footsteps sound on walls around
From boots upon his feet.
His hat pulled low and his gait is slow
The rain is sifting down
And all he sees seem ill at ease
He’s a stranger in their town
A stranger in their town.
He makes his way through alleyways
He knows his way around
In a small café, he stops to stay
With a musical background.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
113
He sits alone with a coffee close
And listens to the songs
The eyes he meets, all look away
He’s a stranger in their town
A stranger in their town.
He pays his bill while the songs play still,
He opens up the door.
He steps outside and in darkness hides
He needs to walk some more.
A saddened face, he leaves this place,
This cold and bitter town
And all he met, he’ll soon forget
He’s a stranger in their town
A stranger in their town.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
114
October 25, 1987 38 years old
That I Would Marry You
It was written there in stars above
That I would marry you
Each moment knew that with our love
That I would marry you
And now this day has come to pass
A prophesy come true
Each heartbeat knew that given time
That I would marry you
That I would marry you.
I knew from that first day we met
That I would marry you
And all our friends among them bet
That I would marry you
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
115
And now this day has come to pass
I make my vow to you
By stars above and all my love
That I would marry you
That I would marry you.
And now we stand; I hold your hand
That I would marry you
Our loved ones there behind us stand
That I would marry you
And now this day has come to pass
I give my ring to you
Each movement knew our love would last
And I would marry you
That I would marry you.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
116
April 28, 1988 38 years old
Gentle Dreams And Simple Truths
Take me through confessions
Of holding dreams inside
I can see the reasons now
Swallowing my pride.
Take me down a winding road
Where the sun refuses to shine
And I will show you dreams I’ve had
In the shadows of truth in my mind.
Take me by my fortunes
Show me right from wrong
Make me dance a waltzing step
Following my songs
Spinning ‘round, my weary eyes
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
117
Can only see what’s inside
Gentle dreams and simple truths
That time has taught me to hide.
Take me now, I’m willing
To try to love again
Lead me now, I’ll follow
I will be your friend
Ask me not to share the dreams
I keep locked away in my mind
For they will only tear apart
The love we’re beginning to find.
Take me through these lessons
Teach me worldly ways
I must learn acceptance
Gentle dreams don’t pay
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
118
I must learn to laugh with time
Through days that are all prearranged
Dreams may come, and dreams may go
But the world is unable to change.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
119
July 28, 1988 39 years old
To All The Women In The World
To all the women in the world
Who walk the streets on lonely nights
Seeking meager compensation
For the hardships of their life
Your passionless behavior only serves
To prove men right
You’re an object of intentions and
A victim of their might
You’re and object of intentions
And a victim of his might
Your passionless behavior only serves
To prove him right
Seeking meager compensation
For the hardships in your life
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
120
You’re a woman of the world
Who walks the streets on lonely nights.
To all the women in the world
Who wait alone on weekend nights
Watching babies while their husbands
Go out seeking brighter lights
Reading books of sexual passion
While they dread the late night fights
You’re and object of intentions and
A victim of their might.
You’re and object of intentions
And a victim of his might
Reading books of sexual passion
While you dread the late night fights
Watching babies while your husband
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Goes out seeking brighter lights
You’re a woman of the world
Who waits alone on weekend nights
To all the women in the world
Who sit in offices and type
Trying to please the men they work for
Wearing skirts a bit too tight
Having dreams that they’ll be cared for
By a white and shining knight
You’re and object of intentions
And a victim of their might.
You’re and object of intentions
And a victim of his might
Having dreams that you’ll be cared for
By a white and shining knight
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Trying to please the man you work for
Wearing skirts a bit too tight
You’re a woman of the world
Who sits in offices and types.
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February 10, 1989 39 years old
The House In Lower Mount Royal
In a three story house on the side of a hill
She lived on the upper floor
With a bay bedroom window, that faced to the east
All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal,
Her name was Joan.
Her possessions were few but her books were a-plenty
Her records were of a classical age
She lived in a room with fold-out bedding
All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal.
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I have sat on her bed as she sat at her dresser
And watched in the mirror as she brushes her hair
Carefully combing, prepared for his coming
All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal.
He is older than her my five years or more
I am younger than her by three times the same
And yet we were three friends
That shared alike daydreams
All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal.
As the years carried on, I married another
While both of these friends watched from behind
They smile out at me from pictures in albums
Are they alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal?
Or all alone?
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For twenty odd years I have pondered the question
Of how we are close and then drift away
Of how we can change; leaving the daydreams
All alone in the house in Lower Mount Royal.
Her name was Joan.
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February 1989 39 years old
Diamonds In The Dust
Black is the night
Stars light up the sky
Each one- a tiny sparkle
Bringing dreams to life.
Black is my fathers’ face
As he takes me by the hand
This land is our true birthplace
Try to understand.
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Chorus-
Black is this hole in the earth
Diamonds in the dust
We work our lives- placing starlight
On hands that lust
For diamonds made from dust.
Black is our source of power
We shall overcome
When all that sparkles is the starlight
We will know we’ve won.
Black is the night
Stars light up the sky
Each one- a tiny sparkle
Bringing dreams to life.
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June 6, 1989 39 years old
Since You’ve Left Me Girl
My world is falling down
Like raindrops on the ground
I spend my time just crying
Since you’ve left me girl.
I spend my time just crying
Since you’ve left me girl.
You’ve taken all my hope
I’m trying hard to cope
I spend my time just sighing
Since you’ve left me girl.
I spend my time just sighing
Since you’ve left me girl.
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Chorus-
Since you’ve left me, I can’t sleep
Struggling on my own
Planning dates that I won’t keep
‘Cause I’m all alone.
I’ll learn again to care
I’ll open up to share
I spend my time just trying
Since you’ve left me girl
I spend my time just trying
Since you’ve left me girl.
Chorus-then
I spend my time just crying
I spend my time just sighing
I spend my time just trying
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June 27, 1989 39 years old
Tiny Stars
Chorus-Tiny stars, far above
Lead me to the one I love
Guide me through this chilly night
Lead me home by mornings’ light.
I’ve been like a river now
Flowing through my days
Following the easy paths
Being led astray.
I’ve been lost and I’ve been found
I’ve travelled all alone
But now I need a guiding light
To take me to my home- to my home.
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Lead me to the mountains now
Help me learn to climb
Ever reaching higher ground
As the paths unwind.
Learning what I need to know
Travelling on my own
But now I need a guiding light
To take me to my home- to my home.
Chorus- then
Like a bird I want to fly
High without a sound
Leaving all my troubles there
Laying on the ground.
Heading through the darkness
As I fly alone
But now I need a guiding light
To take me to my home- to my home.
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July 25, 1989 40 years old
I Guess You Wanted More
Take my hand, I’ll lead you there
It’s just across the way
Follow me, I’ll show you where
A man like me can stay
A man like me can stay.
Just pass on through the doorway there
Never mind the drunks
They’ve got stories, just like mine
Of living out of trunks
Of living out of trunks.
Careful now, as you climb the stairs
There’re people comin’ down
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Although it seems, it’s noisy here
We won’t make a sound
We won’t make a sound.
Now I have unlocked the door
Won’t you come on in?
Place your coat upon that chair
Would you like some gin?
Would you like some gin?
Never mind that old guitar
I haven’t played in years
It only brings back memories
Memories and tears
Memories and tears.
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Never mind the books you see
They’re from another time
I used to write a poem or two
Now I can’t write a line
I can’t write a line.
I only want your company
We needn’t share the bed
I only need to hear some words
That someone else has said
That someone else has said.
Why are you pickin’ up your coat?
Headin’ for the door?
I never promised anything
I guess you wanted more
I guess you wanted more.
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September 5, 1989 40 years old
A Killing For Convenience
There are reasons for conceiving
That each one of us must believe
The results of simple actions
In the tangled lives we lead.
The results of simple actions
May bring life that’s hard to face
A living, growing embryo
In a woman’s’ sheltered place.
When can life be beginning?
The moment we conceive
That if we left the life alone
It would someday live and breathe.
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Her body has the shelter
His body has the seed
These facts of life will never change
‘Though different lives we lead.
The pattern of gestation
Is simply Natures’ way;
Preparing for eventual birth
On the appointed day.
Once begun; it shouldn’t end
The seed will soon awake
A killing for convenience
Would be a grave mistake.
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Earlier songs found in my guitar case
Sing Out A Song-1976
I’ve had a good life, I can’t complain
Some troubles I’ve had, and they may come again
But now I feel happy and nothin’ seems wrong
So if you feel happy, please sing along.
Sing, sing, sing out a song
Sing, sing, sing out a song
Oh, now I feel happy and nothin’ seems wrong
So if you feel happy, then please sing along.
I’ve got a good wife, I can’t complain
We’ve worked out some problems and we’ll do it again
I know I’m in love though, and nothin’ seems wrong
So if you’re in love, then please sing along.
Sing, sing, sing out a song
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Sing, sing, sing out a song
I know I’m in love and nothin’ seems wrong
So if you’re in love, then please sing along.
I look to the future and know what it holds
Some questions may come with the answers not known
I know I’ve got hope though, and nothin’ seems wrong
So if you’ve got hope, then please sing along
Sing, sing, sing out a song
Sing, sing, sing out a song
I know I’ve got hope and nothin’ seems wrong
So if you got hope, then please sing along.
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Earlier songs found in my guitar case
42nd Street-1976
I was walkin’ down 42nd street
I had nothin’ left to lose
I was walkin’ down 42nd street
I had nothin’ left to lose
Well I saw a pretty woman and said
“Hey babe, I got the blues”.
She said- “slow down there mister
There’s no need to hurry on”
She said- “slow down there mister
There’s no need to hurry on”
“if you got the money honey, come on
Let’s have some fun”.
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I said- “Hey babe, you’re such a pretty woman
And I like your style”
I said- “Hey babe, you’re such a pretty woman
And I like your style”
“I’ve got lots of time and
I’d like to stay with you awhile”.
She said- “Hey babe, I think you’re forgettin’ something
Have you got the bread?”
She said- “Hey babe, I think you’re forgettin’ something
Have you got the bread?”
“All this talk about beauty, well
It ain’t goin’ to my head”.
I said-“we don’t need money, honey
And my wallet’s kind of low”
I said-“we don’t need money, honey
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And my wallet’s kind of low”
She said- “Come up with the money, honey, or
No dough, no go!”
Well I was walkin’ down 42nd street
I had nothin’ left to lose
I was walkin’ down 42nd street
I had nothin’ left to lose.
Well I lost that pretty woman
And I still got the blues.
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March 15, 1990 40 years old
Amongst The Grains Of Sand
The evening light is fading now
It fills my world with grey
Washing all the colors down
As blackness ends the day
Overhead, the starry night
Begins its peaceful reign
I walk alone through sands of time
And watch the waves again.
Chorus-
Heading on to nowhere
With no intended plan
Accepting Fortune where it lies
Amongst the grains of sand.
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My footsteps mark a shallow path
They’ll soon be swept away
By crashing waves of endless haste
As Nature has its way.
My place is marked by where I stand
And this cannot be changed
I whirl around, ‘though standing still
The paths are prearranged.
Chorus- then
The waves of life will come and go
And then come back again
Be lifted up by sunny skies
And then return as rain
I’ll walk alone amongst mankind
As each one does the same
Accept my fortune as a gift
As I accept the game.
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March 26, 1990 40 years old
The Light In The World
There’s a light in the world
Shining on all mankind
It was there at the first
And will remain for all time
And I won’t be afraid if I cannot see it shine
For it dwells in my soul; and in my heart;
And in my mind.
There are men in the fold
Who worship a God
That is different than mine
But it’s what they’ve been taught.
And I won’t be afraid if their words are not mine
Each plan will unfold at the end of all time.
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We must live every day
As each scripture book says
For they’ll all become one
As the judgment brings death
And I won’t be afraid if the light shines on me
I have lived with the faith of a bird that is free.
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October 16, 1990 41 years old
American Transcendentalists*
He was a well-read man
Sitting home at night
Reading Emerson by one small shining light.
He believed in Character
And Compensation for ones’ worth
And so he wound up spending
One more Self-Reliant night -alone.
American Transcendentalist
american transcendentalist
He was a walking man
Seeking nature for the truth
Trying hard to simplify as Walden did Thoreau
He cast aside his need for love
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And raised his eyes to the glaring sun above
And blinded by the many rays,
He wandered down the road- alone.
American Transcendentalist
american transcendentalist
He was a witty man
Writing poems on Leaves of Grass
Stating thoughts that were not allowed
For many years to come
The people asked him not to write-
Shielding hands over younger eyes
And so he left the world despised
To write the naked truth- alone.
American Transcendentalist
american transcendentalist.
*published in the Thoreau Society Bulletin-issue 281
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December 1, 1990 41 years old
The Road
The road is for travelers seeking their freedom
Noting the truth as they make their way
Carrying burdens, previously purchased
Through worthy endeavor
Each moment of the day.
Each moment of the day.
The road is for dreamers following visions
Of temperate nature, soon led astray
Promising futures of unbridled freedom
Shackled by sellers
They’ve met on the way
They’ve met on the way.
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Chorus-
The road is fire, burning desire
Dampened by earthly burdens
Bought by the buyer; sought by the buyer.
The road is for answers to all of the questions
Posed by the seekers; standing alone.
Hands raised in silence, begging for freedom
Wanting direction
Seeking their home.
Seeking their home.
Chorus again then-
The road is for travelers seeking their freedom
The road is for dreamers following visions
The road is for answers to all of the questions.
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December 4, 1990 41 years old
Time
Time traces patterns
Moving in circles
Gathering dreams on the way.
Building on visions
Memories fading
Lost at the dawn of each day.
Moments are taken, stolen by seconds
Life’s running sands
Held in its’ hands.
Time teaches lessons
We must move forward
Nothing will stand in its way
Mountains are pebbles
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Waiting for rivers
Knowing they’ll soon wash away.
Moments are taken, stolen by seconds
Life’s running sands
Held in its’ hands.
Time waits for someone
Lost in the moment
Accepting Life as a game.
Always progressing
Never regressing
All we bring forth is our name.
Moments are taken, stolen by seconds
Life’s running sands
Held in its’ hands.
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January 23, 1991 41 years old
The Desert Storm
The Desert Storm’s awaiting; blue sky overhead
A newsman says that birds are flying
And wonders if they’ll soon be dead.
The “Forties” child is bent on fighting
And he leads his men to war
His mind is filled with days of glory
And comradery he’d felt before.
Each generation has its’ way of fighting wars
We memorize our books of history
But do we know what for?
The Desert Storm’s beginning; fire overhead
The missiles land on Arab towns
An unmanned bomb can’t count the dead.
The “Sixties” child was through with marching
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And now he needs to march again
He gathers up his children
And calls for “brotherhood of men.”
Each generation has its’ way of fighting wars
We memorize our books of history
But do we know what for?
The Desert Storm is ending; the sky is bloody red
Troops need reassuring
A camera’s eyes will count the dead.
The “Nineties” child reacts in wonder
At the images he sees
The Pentagon is playing arcade games
The victims aren’t allowed to bleed.
Each generation has its’ way of fighting wars
We memorize our books of history
But do we know what for?
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November 13, 1991 42 years old
Hey There Young Lady (To Kobie)
Hey there young lady who’s leaving her childhood
And now stands a woman, moving out on her own.
I am your father who was never prepared for
The hurt that I’m feeling; it cuts to the bone.
Hey there young lady who’s finding her own way
Please don’t reject the way that I see
I sought my own way; rejecting my parents,
And now twenty years later it happens to me.
Hey there young lady, I only want the best for you
I don’t want to dampen the fire inside
I don’t want to dampen the fire inside.
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Hey there young lady, I know how you’re feeling
At twenty years old I was crazy inside
Overwhelmed by a world that I couldn’t quite fit in;
Overwhelmed by some feelings I kept trying to hide.
Hey there young lady, believe what I’m saying
It only gets better, there is nothing to fear
Each day as you struggle through your many battles
Remember your father will always be here
Remember your father will always be near.
Hey there young lady, I only want the best for you
I don’t want to dampen the fire inside
I don’t want to dampen the fire inside.
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November 20, 1991 42 years old
Calling Out To You
I can hear your voice call my name
It doesn’t need repeating
I can hear your lips softly say
Friendly words of greeting.
I can hear my voice calling out to you
Calling out to you; I love you too!
I can sense your thoughts come my way
Gentle souls are meeting
Even though the world is filled with hate
I sense love competing.
I can sense my thoughts calling out to you
Calling out to you; I love you too!
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Chorus-
Calling out to you
I can hear my voice calling out your name.
Calling out to you
I can sense my thoughts driving me insane
Calling out to you
I can feel my heart beating out for you
Calling out to you; I love you too!
I can feel your heart close to mine
I can feel it beating
I can feel your love build inside
I know where it’s leading.
I can feel my heart calling out to you
Calling out to you; I love you too!
Chorus again-
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January 4, 1992 42 years old
Long Ago In Underground Coffee Houses
Long ago in underground coffee houses
We would go to hear the music.
Sitting close; our coffee warming up the dreams
We’d come to share and set to music.
Where have those places all gone?
How could they all change?
Why have the poets stopped their writing?
When did it all become so strange?
Long ago in underground coffee houses
We would go to hear the music
By candlelight; candles stuck in old wine jugs,
On checked cloths; we’d hear the music.
Where have those places all gone?
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How could they all change?
Why have the poets stopped their writing?
When did it all become so strange?
Long ago in underground coffee houses
We would go to hear the music.
Long hair, flowing skirts and turtle-necks,
With books of poems we’d set to music.
Where have those places all gone?
How could they all change?
Why have the poets stopped their writing?
When did it all become so strange?
Long ago in underground coffee houses
We would go to hear the music.
Tortured souls would play their Martin 28
Singing written rhymes they’d set to music.
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Where have those places all gone?
How could they all change?
Why have the poets stopped their writing?
When did it all become so strange?
Long ago in underground coffee houses
We would go to hear the music.
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November 16, 1992 43 years old
Lately – (We’re Living Together Alone)
Lately, I’m trying so hard to be right
I don’t mean to be wrong.
Lately, I’m trying to shed some new light
On what I’ve known all along.
Lately I find myself wishin’
That I was the light in your eyes
And lately I’m fearing
The fire has gone out of our lives.
Lately, I’m hoping you’ll want me again
Where has the time we loved gone?
Lately, I’m hating the silence of rooms
Knowing I’ll end up alone.
Lately I find myself hopin’
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A time when we’re close will arrive
And lately I’m fearing
The fire had gone out of our lives.
Chorus-
Lately I sense you don’t need me
We’re living together alone.
Partner-less dancing, through days without touching
Not even hearing the song.
We’re living together- alone.
Lately, I’m wanting to go back in time
And capture days when we met.
Days that were filled with laughter and love
And none that were filled with regrets.
Lately I find myself dreamin’
That I feel your warmth at my side
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And lately I’m fearing
The fire has gone out of our lives.
Chorus-
Lately I sense you don’t need me
We’re living together alone.
Partner-less dancing, through days without touching
Not even hearing the song.
We’re living together- alone.
Lately we’re living- together-alone.
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June 23, 1993 43 years old
All In All
There are roads that will refuse to wander
There are seasons that will not be named
There are winds that will not blow an answer
All in all, it’s just another game.
All in all, it’s just another game.
There are men that will not fight for freedom
There are souls that will not rise in pain
There are truths that will not bear repeating
All in all, it’s just another game.
All in all, it’s just another game.
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Chorus-
All in all, it’s a simple life we’re leading
We are born and then we soon will die.
In between we will carry many burdens
All in all there is no reason why.
There are songs that do not have a meaning
There are poems that will render men insane
There are books that wise men won’t be reading
All in all, it’s just another game.
All in all, it’s just another game.
There are hours that seem to last forever
There are days where memories remain
There are times that are not really changing
All in all, it’s just another game.
All in all, it’s just another game.
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February 2, 1994 44 years old
The Questioning Song
Mary had a baby child, oh why, oh why?
To bring me life.
Mary had a baby child, oh why, oh why?
To bring me life.
Oh why? - to bring me life-
A Holy Child!
Mary had a baby child, oh why?
To bring me life.
Jesus spoke in parables, oh why, oh why?
To spread the Word.
Jesus spoke in parables, oh why, oh why?
To spread the Word.
Oh why? - to spread the Word-
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A Holy Child!
Mary had a baby child, oh why?
To spread the Word.
Pilate sent Him to the cross, oh why, oh why?
That He might rise.
Pilate sent Him to the cross, oh why, oh why?
That He might rise.
Oh why? - that He might rise-
A Holy Child!
Mary had a baby child, oh why?
That He might rise.
And then they found an empty tomb, oh why, oh why?
To bring me Hope.
And then they found an empty tomb, oh why, oh why?
To bring me Hope.
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Oh why? - to bring me Hope-
A Holy Child!
Mary had a baby child, oh why?
To bring me Hope.
And now He’s livin’ in my soul, oh why, oh why?
To give me Peace.
And now He’s livin’ in my soul, oh why, oh why?
To give me Peace.
Oh why? - to give me Peace-
A Holy Child!
Mary had a baby child, oh why?
To bring me Peace.
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April 27, 1994 44 years old
Truth Is What We Are Seeking
Truth is what we are seeking
Reaching out with open hands
Under guidance from each other
Thoughts we try to understand.
Hands encompass solemn moments
In the grasp of Times’ embrace
Sensing openness around us
Waiting for an eager face.
How can we progress much further?
And discover all we know?
Truth it seems has many answers
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Waiting for the winds that blow.
Enter all with true compassion
Adding to your knowledge base
Reaching out to all around you
Empty thoughts of Time and Space.
Seeking strength amongst each other
Enter now this place of Peace
Excess thoughts will soon abandon
Kindred souls will find release.
In the quiet of these moments
No one will be sure of Grace
Give a gentle gift of knowledge
.Truth will find the human race.
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May 11, 1994 44 years old
Loving Take Me Home
I’ve been lost on roads to freedom
I’ve been found inside myself
I have lent my inspiration
I’ve received your hands of help.
Take me home, home.
Take me home, home.
I have opened eyes to loving
I have closed my mind to hate.
I’ve been in the mood for going
I’ve been out in time to wait.
Take me home, home.
Take me home, home.
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Chorus-
Loving, take me home; loving take me home.
Loving, take me home; loving take me home.
I’ve been far away from darkness;
I’ve been close enough to see.
I have strength that keeps me thinking;
I am weak on bended knee.
Take me home, home.
Take me home, home.
I’ve been cold when I’ve been seeking
I have warmth to give to you
I’ve been numb to new emotions
I can feel your love is new.
Take me home, home.
Take me home, home.
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August 15, 1994 45 years old
Moonlight On Still Waters
Moonlight on still waters
Shadows chasing fire light
Darkness tries to cover all I see
But I know you’ll be spending Life with me.
Darkness is pervading, but
Daybreak will be waiting
To bring enlightenment to me
But I know you’ll be spending Life with me.
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Chorus-
I know you’ll be spending Life with me
I know we’ll be sharing our memories
And tonight as I sit by the fire and hold you
So close and so tenderly
I know you’ll be spending Life with me.
Days filled with frustration.
Time is wanting payment.
Dreams come, and then they fade away
But I know you’ll be spending Life with me.
Chorus again
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October 22, 1994 45 years old
Blessed Trinity
I was alone and you came to my open heart
And beckoned so softly- come with me!
I was alone and you came to my open door
And entering, called out- come with me!
You showed me love; you showed me love,
You showed me love.
I entered the world and walking down empty streets
You kept on repeating- come with me!
I entered the world and ‘though I was feeling lost
You guided by saying- come with me!
You showed me love; you showed me love
You showed me love.
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And walking through Life I met many other souls
But you kept on calling- come with me!
And walking through Life I learned how to give and take
With your voice insisting- come with me!
You showed me love; you showed me love,
You showed me love.
And now I await, comforted by your strength,
I hear in the distance- come with me!
And now I await; I am feeling no sense of alarm
As you keep on urging- come with me!
You showed me love; you showed me love,
You showed me love.
Blessed Trinity, Blessed Trinity, Blessed Trinity.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
177
October 29, 1994 45 years old
I Won’t Be A River
I’ll wait, I won’t be leaving
I’ll bide my time
I’ll wait, I won’t be grieving
I know what’s mine.
And I, I won’t be a river
I won’t move on.
And I, I won’t be a river
Flowing on and on.
I want your present daydreams
To match with mine
I want your living reasons
To mark my time.
And I, I won’t be a river
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I won’t move on.
And I, I won’t be a river
Flowing on and on.
I’ll watch your twinkling starlight
Warm up my night
I’ll watch your soothing sunrays
Measure my sights.
And I, I won’t be a river
I won’t move on.
And I, I won’t be a river
Flowing on and on.
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179
January 2, 1996 46 years old
I Don’t Know The Reason Why
There are times when all is said and done
When I get tired of waiting
And I gather up my dreams
And venture down the road.
I know not where I will be heading
But I know I’ll be surviving
And I don’t know, I don’t know the reason why.
I have hope for the future
And I know it will be coming
Every step that I take upon its path; making me free.
And the burdens that I carry
Keep on falling down beside me
And I don’t know, I don’t know the reason why.
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Chorus- Take the magic- of the moment
Hold it firmly in your hands.
And I see God in every atom of this world
And Grace within me
And I’m joined to all creation
As a link within its chain
And I see power and I see beauty
In all the faces there before me
And I don’t know, I don’t know the reason why.
So take my hand and I will guide you
Through the dawning days adventure
And we’ll gather up believers
With the enlightened steps we take
And those who follow will be freer
And will shine with power and glory
And I don’t know, I don’t know the reason why.
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181
March 1996 46 years old
And I Don’t Think I’m Old Enough
I gather memories from the shelf
And lay them on the floor.
Scattered pictures measure off
Dreams I’ve had before.
I take a moment in my hands
And wonder if it’s mine
And I don’t think I’m old enough
To have gathered so much time.
I filter feelings from within
And leave them on display.
Ordered actions from without
Are left in disarray
I feel emotion in my heart
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And wonder if it’s mine
And I don’t think I’m old enough
To have filtered love inside.
Chorus-We measure years in time we’ve spent
Circling the sun.
I measure life in moments
In tune with All and One.
I measure life through melodies;
I orchestrate the tunes.
Words, they come in harmony
Some are left in ruin.
I struggle with this poetry
And wonder if it’s mine
And I don’t think I’m old enough
To have measured up through rhyme.
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183
November 29, 1996 47 years old
The Apathy Song
He said now- “I gotta move my bed tonight.”
He said now- “I hope I don’t have another fight.”
He said now- “I need a blanket to keep me warm.”
He said now- “Some people think I’ve got a lot of charm.”
Chorus-
And I said- “Oh!” And I said- “Oh!”
And I said- “Oh!” And I said- “Oh!”
She said now- “I got a husband who’s been bad to me.”
She said now- “I hide the kids so they will not see.”
She said now-“Sometimes I hate it when I go back home.”
She said now- “Sometimes I wish I lived all alone.”
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Chorus-then
They said now- “There’re people starvin’ in some far off land.”
They said now- “We better organize and lend a hand.”
They said now- “There’re people dyin’ by the thousands there.”
They said now- “There’re goin’ to think that the rich don’t care.”
Chorus- then
You said now- “We’ve all been looking for a better life.”
You said now-“We can’t be bothered with what’s wrong or right.”
You said now- “we can’t feel guilty ‘cause we got no say.”
You said now- “just blame the government and go your way.”
Chorus again.
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185
February 27, 1997 47 years old
Talking, Walking and Hawking
I’ve been talking
I’ve wagged my silver tongue on many a topic
I’ve strung wisdom pearls on views myopic
While I made my point.
I’ve been talking
I’ve stated my piece on many a war that was calling
I’ve reinforced my stance that society is falling
While I aired my views.
Chorus-
But now I seek to understand
And then to be understood.
I stand quietly now, knowing that all that is good
Will come to me; will come to me.
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I’ve been walking
I’ve stepped over many a line that tried halting
And discovered many a find that was faulting
The way that I lived.
I’ve been walking
Pushing my way through days full of seasons
Carrying my burden of a bag full of reasons
That I had to give.
I’ve been hawking
Selling my wares to those that would buy them
Giving incentives to keep on believing when
They began to lose faith.
I’ve been hawking
Leading troops while we tried to force changes
Engaged in a battle for freedom that ranges
From run to wait; from love to hate.
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187
May 4, 1997 47 years old
Walkin’ Around Cranbrook Blues
Chorus-
I’ve been walkin’ ‘round Cranbrook
A singin’ this song
I’ve been walkin’ ‘round Cranbrook
Why don’t you sing along?
I’ve been walkin’ ‘round Cranbrook
Singin’ the Cranbrook blues.
I’ve been walkin’ down Baker Street
Lookin’ for a bar.
I’ve been walkin’ down Baker Street
Lookin’ for a bar.
I’ve been walkin’ down Baker Street
Singin’ the Cranbrook blues.
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Talkin’-
When I first came out to Cranbrook in December I said to myself- “Man, they’ve got a lot of snow- it must be ten feet high, and I don’t exaggerate! How’s a guy like me supposed to walk around after he’s been to the bar?- a singin’ this song?”
Chorus- then
I’ve been walkin’ down Van Horne
Listenin’ to the trains.
I’ve been walkin’ down Van Horne
Listenin’ to the trains.
I’ve been walkin’ down Van Horne
Singin’ the Cranbrook blues.
Talkin’-
Yeah, my home away from home is the Sandman Inn. It’s pretty close to the railroad tracks, then again, everything in Cranbrook is pretty close to the railroad tracks! When a train comes the windows rattle- the floor creaks- the bed shakes- the T.V. goes fuzzy. I think that you can tell that I barely even notice those trains
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anymore!
Chorus- then
I’ve been walkin’ down the Strip
Why can’t they plant a tree?
I’ve been walkin’ down the Strip
Why can’t they plant a tree?
I’ve been walking down the Strip
Singin’ the Cranbrook blues.
Talkin’-
Remember all that snow that I was talkin’ about? Well on the Strip they piled it on the sidewalk- at least I think that it was the sidewalk! Anyway, so I had to walk on the road. Now it may have just been my imagination, but it seemed to me that those guys in pickup trucks- with a skidoo on the back- with a hat that says-“Kokanee” on the front- were tryin’ to run me down! –while I was singin’ this song.
Chorus- then
Talkin’-
I turned on the T.V. and watched a city council meeting.
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At first I thought that I was watching a scene from that movie- you know the one- the one called “Grumpy Old Men”- but it wasn’t that movie. Anyway, those men were trying to figure out what to do with all that snow. And they talked for hours and hours and I don’t think that they ever did figure out where to put all that snow- ‘cause it sure stayed around here a hell of a long time!
Chorus- then
Talkin’-
You know, ever since I came out here somethin’ has been botherin’ me. North doesn’t seem to be North; South doesn’t seem to be South; East doesn’t seem to be East; and West doesn’t seem to be West! Who the hell set this town up?
But I’ve grown to like Cranbrook. I’m goin’ to buy myself a house- on high ground- away from the railroad tracks. I’m goin’ to buy myself a pickup truck- and a skidoo- and a hat that says-“Kokanee”on the front, and I’m goin’ to be alright! And I won’t be needin’ to sing this song- you know the one- the one that goes like this---
Chorus again-
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191
July 12, 1997 48 years old
Poem-The Sandman
I’m sitting in this hotel room-
A bottle of wine half finished.
It’s ten o’clock and I’ll be sleeping soon
If I’m not already.
I’ve taken off my glasses
So that I can see much better
And closely examine the words
On the page.
The television talks to me
But I’m not listening-
Hearing the hum of the various topics
But not really taking it in.
I marvel at the words as they
Flow from my pen.
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An inner beauty emerges in script;
Expressions of belief.
How do we tell others of
What we are feeling
Except by words spoken
Or written in rhyme?
We each have a gift
That must be expressed.
We can’t keep it suppressed
If we are truly alive.
I feel the vibration
Of a train as it passes.
I pulse with the movement
Of dreams I express.
Others enfold me and hold me
In abeyance-
Not wanting my visions
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Nor needing my presence.
I miss you; your room
Full of bustling and cleaning
And exact organization.
I’m organized, but lonely;
No one to distract me
From my precious thoughts
And recurring visions.
We’ll be together soon
And I may be losing
Some part of myself
But gaining that of another.
-the Sandman Inn-Cranbrook
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
194
October 22, 1997 48 years old
I’m All Alone/I Really Don’t Miss You
I’m all alone and I am reading
I fill my head with empty words
The thoughts between the lines
May be misleading.
The more I read my vision’s getting worse.
Chorus-
I really don’t like you baby
I really don’t need you hangin’ around
I really don’t miss your loving arms
Holding me tightly; holding me tightly.
I’m all alone and I am walking
I watch the lovers kissing in the park
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The tavern light is soothing and inviting
I sit alone and drink long after dark.
Chorus- then
I’m all alone and I am waiting
I watch the telephone but it doesn’t ring.
The chords on my guitar are melancholy
The words to all our songs I can’t even sing.
Chorus again- then
I’m all alone, I really don’t miss you
I’m all alone, I really don’t miss you.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
196
November 13, 1997 48 years old
The Little Soldier
See my weary eyes and scream my name out loud
I’m a soldier, who longs to hear you talk.
See my weary eyes and drag me to my feet
I’m a soldier who needs to learn to walk.
See my weary eyes and open up the door
I’m a soldier who needs a loving home.
See my weary eyes and hold me in your arms
I’m a soldier who cannot be alone.
Chorus-See my weary eyes that cry
See my weary eyes that try
To understand as days go by
Why we need to fight.
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See my weary eyes and try to understand
I’m a soldier who needs to have you near.
See my weary eyes and take me by the hand
I’m a soldier who cannot live in fear.
See my weary eyes and even though I’m young
I’m a soldier who’s learning how to fight.
See my weary eyes and know that as your child
I’m a soldier who knows that it’s not right.
Chorus- then
See my weary eyes and know I need your love
I’m a soldier who’s reaching out to you
See my weary eyes and call an end to war
I’m a soldier who wants to start anew.
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198
August 31, 1998 49 years old
‘Till The End Of Time
Some people out there keep on askin’ me
How can you dare to dream?
There are so many illusions out there
Things; they are not what they seem.
But I say, I’ll keep on dreamin’ ‘till the end of time
I’ll keep on dreamin’ ‘till the end of time.
Some people out there keep on askin’ me
How can you dare to love?
There are so many broken hearted people out there;
More than the stars above.
But I say, I’ll keep on lovin’ ‘till the end of time
I’ll keep on lovin’ ‘till the end of time.
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Chorus-
Keep on dreamin’; keep on lovin’; keep on hopin’
As your paths unwind.
Keep on dreamin’; keep on lovin’; keep on hopin’
‘Till the end of time.
Some people out there keep on askin’ me
How can you dare to hope?
The world is filled with so much complexity
It’s getting hard to cope.
But I say, I’ll keep on hopin’ ‘till the end of time
I’ll keep on hopin’ ‘till the end of time.
Some people out there keep on askin’ me
Why did you write this song?
The words are pretty simple now and
We’ve been asked to sing along
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And I say, I’ll keep on singin’ ‘till the end of time
I’ll keep on singin’ ‘till the end of time.
Chorus again.
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201
April 16, 1999 49 years old
Take My Hand
He sits across from her in a small town coffee shop
And gazes out the window,
As she says she’s leaving him.
He places a tarnished spoon into an empty cup
And stirs away at nothing
And then he says to her.
Chorus-You say that you love somebody,
Well I don’t understand
How you can give your love to another man.
You say that you need somebody
To take you by the hand.
Well my hand’s reaching out as far as it can
Take my hand.
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He looks away from her as the waitress comes to say-
“How are ya doin’?”
And he says that they’re doin’ fine.
She pours some coffee back into
His waiting coffee cup and then she walks away
As he says again-
Chorus- then
He lifts the cup and tries a sip
And watches as a tear flows down her cheek
And it’s tasting bitter.
He puts it down, and grabs the cheque
And looks at what he owes
And it’s come to this
As he says again-
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Chorus then-
She’s standing up; she grabs her coat
And she’s headin’ for the door
And he’s left scramblin’
With a hand full of pocket change.
And the coffee that was once so hot
Is starting to turn cold
And he’s left thinking about all he said to her-
Chorus
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204
May 2001 51 years old
I Don’t Need Nothin’
Chorus-
I don’t need nothin’ ‘cause I already have.
I don’t need nothin’ ‘cause I already have.
Got a wife who loves me-
Got three children too.
Got a wife who loves me
And my three children love me too.
Chorus- then
Got a house with a view of the ocean
That I cannot believe.
Got a house with a view of the ocean;
Winchelsea Islands there before me.
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Chorus- then
Got a job and I make big bucks
And I love what I do.
Got a job and I make big bucks
And I love what I do.
Chorus- then
Got some friends and they come to see me
And we share a bottle of wine.
Got some friends and they come to see me
And we share a bottle of wine.
Chorus- then
I’ve got a guitar and I write some songs;
I get to sing to people like you.
I’ve got a guitar and I write some songs;
I get to sing to people like you.
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Chorus- then
Every day is a blessing, said the busker on the street.
Every day is a blessing, said the busker on the street.
Chorus again.
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207
October 17, 2001 52 years old
We Landed Hard In Barcelona
We landed hard in Barcelona
And headed for our hotel.
Dropped our bags and walked down to La Rambla
It’s after midnight and they’re still raisin’ hell.
Chorus-
The Spanish girls, they hurry on by
Smokin’ their cigarettes.
We’ve tried every Spanish wine that they have to offer
But we still ain’t got drunk yet.
We landed hard in Barcelona
Saw a Gaudi church touch the sky
It has twelve towers for the Apostles
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Awaiting Christ’s tower- twice as high.
Chorus- then
We landed hard in Barcelona
Met a man standing all alone
He said- “My passport says that I’m Spanish
But Catalonia is my home.
Chorus- then
We landed hard in Barcelona
Saw Columbus starin’ out to sea
The Mediterranean is bluer than I thought
And the cork that stops my wine grows on small trees.
Chorus again.
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209
November 4, 2005 56 years old
I Have Found The Way
See the young man standing there
He’s calling, wanting, striving, needing.
He’s been lost on many roads before.
Now he’s standing at the crossroads
Searching, seeking, crying, pleading.
He can’t seem to wander anymore.
Chorus-
There are many roads to follow
We all see them everyday
There are many dreams to hope for
I can tell you now, I have found the Way.
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See the young girl laying there
She’s dreaming, hoping, planning, sighing.
She’s tried to love in lonely times before.
She has dreamt so many times of
Caring, loving , holding, giving.
But she can’t find the one that she’ll adore.
Chorus- then
Read again about the One
Who came here- preaching, healing, bleeding.
He only asked that we would follow Him.
There is no other path that will give our lives
This promise.
He died for us so that we might live again.
Chorus
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211
November 5, 2005 56 years old
I Make My Promise Now-
(Arden and Bobby’s Wedding Song)
I see your hope filled eyes through mine
And all the love you’re holding
Through faith each day I know we’ll find
Our dreams in life unfolding.
I know, I am truly grateful
I know, I feel truly loved now.
Chorus-
Holding hands we’ll walk together
Side by side, in love forever
I will live my life with you
I make my promise now.
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Say your promise to me now
You will always care for me
Yes, in sickness and in health
You will always love me.
I know, I am truly grateful
I know, I feel truly loved now.
Chorus- then
Holding hands; we’ll walk along
Through many life adventures
In times of trial, we’ll find we’re strong.
The gift of love, we’ll treasure.
I know, I am truly grateful
I know, I feel truly loved now.
Chorus again.
Gentle Dreams and Simple Truths-Songs by Keith Wayne Phillips
213
November 5, 2005 56 years old
I Will Put My Life To Song
I won’t leave my chance to fortune now
And I won’t leave my love to fate.
I won’t let my strength be bound in chains
And I won’t fear enough to wait.
Chorus-I will move slowly now,
But I will move on.
I will not rest on prior gains
And I will put my life to song.
I won’t let my gift of days go by
And I won’t waste another dime
I won’t try to follow easy paths
And I won’t waste away my time.
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Chorus- then
I am grateful for the gifts I have
And I won’t squander them away
I know that these are all gifts from God
And I am thankful when I pray.
Chorus- then
Each note becomes a melody
Each word becomes a song
Each chord becomes a symphony
As I try to sing along.
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215
June 1, 2006 56 years old
Let ‘Em Ride
I don’t make my livin’ easy
I don’t make my livin’ hard
I don’t make my livin’ usin’ anything
That I didn’t already have from the start
So take those dice, and throw them down
And let ‘em ride.
I’ve been walkin’ down the middle road
Right and wrong on either side
I ain’t carryin’ a heavy load
I’ve got nothin’ to hide.
So take those dice, and throw them down
And let ‘em ride.
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You may think that I’m a cultured man
You may think that I’m a helpin’ hand
You may think I’ve got a lot to lose
You may think I’ve got a right to choose.
So take those dice, and throw them down
And let ‘em ride.
I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout a better life
I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout an end to strife.
I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout my gamblin’ ways
I’ve been thinkin’, I should start to pray.
Yeah, take those prayers and send them up
And let ‘em ride.
First verse again
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217
June 29, 2006 56 years old
And Now I Know That I Believe
I was lost but now I’m found
I had wandered off alone
Many years passed by, with many wasted days
I was lost but now I’m found.
I was old but now I’m new
I had travelled many ways
I was standing firm, but now I bend my knees
I was old but now I’m new.
Chorus-
I was lost but now I’m found, and now I see,
And now hear and now I know that I believe.
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218
I was blind but now I see
I had closed my eyes to God
I had seen the light but then I closed my eyes
I was blind but now I see.
I was deaf but now I hear
I had closed my mind to Grace
I had heard the Word but let it slip away
I was deaf but now I hear.
Chorus-again
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219
June 2008 58 years old
Come Be My Light-(Mother Teresa’s Call)
Come be my light, He asks of me.
Come show them how they can serve me.
Come be my hands; teach them to love.
Give them my peace, I send from above.
But I am so small, how can I serve?
How can I give all You deserve?
What can I do, where do I start?
How can I love with all of my heart?
He answers me- look in the street.
I am there in all that you meet.
Lift up the poor; look in their eyes
There you will see Me in disguise.
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But I am so small, how can I serve?
How can I give all you deserve?
What can I do, where do I start?
How can I love with all of my heart?
Come every day, fall on your knees.
I’ll give you strength, all that you need.
Then go out and serve all those you see
As you serve them, you are serving Me.
I am so small, but I will serve.
I’ll try to give all You deserve.
All that I do, all that I start
I’ll do out of love for Your precious heart.
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