trinSONGS Music

LYRICS

Here's the song that led to all of this, my attempt at a "Libertarian anthem". The recording was done at Lost Highway Studios, under the able production hands of Jack Harris, who also not only owns the studio, but delivered the guitar parts and drum-track arrangements. His wife, Debra, is the bassist. That's me on vocal, recovering from a bad case of the crud (my voice almost sounds gravelly enough. Trace Adkins is who should really be singing this …). (Meanwhile, Renee Kimball and "Enuf Waste" have begun performing this song as part of their enviro-libertarian shows, with some good response so far, and it's been featured and honored on a number of libertarian websites, for which I'm eternally grateful.)

Another tune about liberty & self-responsibility, spawned from my reaction to what I call "Neil Young's wimpiest song ever": that whiny ballad, "Looking for a Leader" ... What can I say? Don't insult my intelligence with a song, or you're liable to get a rebuttal! A live performance from the French Quarter (12/28/06) with both Bill Warrington and Brian Wright backing my hoarse croaking voice. Better version to come soon!

I am SO proud of this latest effort, I had to get it up here in first position. A co-write with Jimmy Johnson, whose vita includes not only touring and writing with a number of top country acts in the 60s, 70s and 80s, but ... Well, let's just say, how many people can say they've written a song with someone who's had songs cut by Tom Jones AND Ray Charles? ... I can now!! This was recorded, with Jimmy's voice and guitar-licks, and Bryan Cumming on bass, percussion, keys and strings - as well as production, engineering and hand-holding - at Studio 23. (Enjoy, but keep tissues handy ...) The second version is Jimmy, live at the Bluebitrd Cafe (10/20/06) with a bit more "juice" to the groove ...

LIVING LIBERTY (demo)
©2000, 2003 trinSONGS
Words & Music by Steve Trinward

Some people say the American dream has died
Slain on an altar of hatred greed and fear
Some say it's time to take up arms
And fight for what's left of our rights
Cause Armageddon Time is drawing near
But I think we still have a chance to turn this train around
With simple ways built on solid ground

Walking in Peace ...
Choosing Freely
Hurting no-one along the way
Standing in Truth ...
Sharing Willingly
LIVING LIBERTY day by day

Two hundred twenty-some years have come and gone
Since revolution was the watchword in this land
But the dream those patriots cherished
Seems so much farther away
Than it was in Tom and Sam and Patrick's hands
We give away our freedoms and pretend it makes us safe
Now it's reached the point I pray it's not too late

(To be) Walking in Peace
Choosing Freely
Hurting no-one along the way
Standing in Truth ...
Sharing Willingly
LIVING LIBERTY day by day

      It's just do unto others
      As you'd have them do to you
      Live and let live give and let give
      ‘Cause that's what you really want to do

(When you're) Walking in Peace ...
Choosing Freely
Hurting no-one along the way
Standing in Truth ...
Sharing Willingly
LIVING LIBERTY - It's the only way
LIVING LIBERTY day by day

THE LEADER (live version)
©2006 trinSONGS
Words & Music by Steve Trinward

Everyone's upset … 'cause nobody's leading anymore
And the ones who think they're in charge
Have no clue where to go
They think empire building is the only path to choose
So they play their games … those deadly games …
And it's you and me who lose

But maybe we've been searching
In the wrong direction all this time
If we turn that gaze around
With a little reflection we might find

If you're looking for a leader
Take a look in the mirror
There's no-one else
In charge of what you do
Listen to that inner teacher …
See your vision and carry it through
Take hold of the reins …
Find THE LEADER in you!

It's not enough to cry for some hero to appear
Just another damned politician
With a powerlust all too clear
Running for election to a job nobody oughta want
Giving orders to every me and you …
About what to do and not

No Superman or Wonder Woman's
Gonna come to save the day
If this game is ever gonna change
It'll be us who show the way

If you're looking for a leader
Take a look in the mirror
There's no-one else
In charge of what you do
Listen to that inner teacher …
See your vision and carry it through
Take hold of the reins …
Find THE LEADER in you!

     So get up off your ifs and buts
     And get yourself involved
     Stop being part of a problem
     That together we can solve

Don’t be looking for a leader
Take your turn at the tiller
If not now when …
And if not us then who
You will see when you believe it …
You can make those dreams come true
Just a step at a time
We'll find a way to make it through
Take hold of your reins ...
Find the leader in you

LOVE ENOUGH ALONE (live upbeat / demo)
©2006 trinSONGS / Candilane Publishing (BMI)
Words/Music: Steve Trinward & Jimmy Johnson

Sifting through the ashes of the love we knew
Some memories still hold a lot of fire
Little things I never thought I'd need to keep
Pieces of our history in time
Ticket stubs and photographs
Here's a tear, there's a laugh.
Each one with a story all its own
Of all the things we could've done and didn't do
Why couldn't we leave LOVE ENOUGH ALONE?

Looking back on all the times we had it made
Safe and warm within each other's arms
Something always came along to make it bad
And made us use our heads and not our hearts
There were times a single word
Out of place or just not heard
Turned that place of peace to battle zone
And no matter how we tried our best to let it be
We never could leave LOVE ENOUGH ALONE

What went wrong when we had it so right
Why did we have to make it tough
We loved each other ...
Why wasn't that enough

Wishing's never gonna bring you back to me
That's a well we emptied long ago
With all the many lessons life has tried to teach
You'd think we might have learned enough to know
Our search for perfect spoiled the good
It ended like we knew it would
And turned two loving hearts to solid stone
'Cause nothing's sure to make the magic fade away
Like never leaving LOVE ENOUGH ALONE

Of all the things we could've done and didn't do
Why couldn't we leave LOVE ENOUGH ALONE?

This one started out while I was pulling data cable through the walls of a hospital for a living; it got put on hold while I recovered from falling off a ladder while doing such, then was finished (once the broken arm healed) and ended up being more about my painting-contractor brother, Kevin. I then dedicated it to him & made him a copy for a Christmas present that year. [It was also the first full-band demo I did, at Panda Productions, featuring both an all-star band of players and a top-notch demo singer ... Tim Buppert (who not only delivered the goods, but made a valuable lyrical suggestion during the session).	This is the only "Christmas song" I have written. It has been performed on several occasions, most notably as part of the Christmas Pageant at my Church (Religious Science of Nashville) the last several years. I wrote it in order to have something to perform there in 2001, and continue to do so. The DEMO version is a guitar/vocal demo, done at Tom Manche's Nashville studio. That's me singing, with Tom handling all the heavy lifting. Also included is a recent live version (French Quarter, 12/28/06), with co-writer Brian Wright handling the heavy (guitar) lifting, and pianist Kevin Reeves adding some fills.	This song is a spiritual/religious "New Age hymn" of sorts. It was even inspired by something my minister said one Sunday. The recording is a live one, with me accompanied by Brian Wright and several others, recorded during a special show at Religious Science of Nashville (ca. 2004), whence the inspiration continues to flow. (The previous version is also available for comparison, featuring the fingerstyle delicacy of former guitar-teacher Ellen Britton, as well as her able backing vocals ... via the secondary link below.)
TOOLS OF THE TRADE (full band demo) ©1995,2003 trinSONGS Words and Music by Steve Trinward Well his phone number’s stenciled across the side Of his dusty blue pickup truck It ain’t just a casual ride It’s how he makes a buck Buckets and ladders and sheetrock screws; Hard hat, goggles and steel toed shoes Everything in place, nothing mislaid These ain’t toys ... They’re the TOOLS OF THE TRADE (He’s) got a smile and a wave of a welcome hand For everybody he sees It ain’t just good business, man; It’s what his heart believes Proud of his work and the things he makes, Giving back a little more than he takes Doing his best to earn every dollar he’s paid It’s just common sense ... One of the TOOLS OF THE TRADE And when he pulls in the drive At six every night A shower a shave and a cold one or two ... That’ll put him right (Now he’s) Got his sweet lady snuggled against his chest, watching their kids on the floor It ain’t just his time to rest - it’s what he’s really here for A kiss and a hug and a pat on the head, Read ’em a story, tuck ’em in bed Being a Daddy is turning the work into play A new set of rules ... A new set of TOOLS OF THE TRADE Yeah being a Daddy You learn something new every day And little by little, He’s learning the TOOLS OF THE TRADE	THIS TIME OF YEAR (demo) (live) © 2001, 2006 trinSONGS / WrightTUNES Words/Music: Steve Trinward & Brian Wright THIS TIME OF YEAR we gather round With our families and friends We bow our heads and pray for peace And goodwill to every man Open hearts and grateful giving Celebrate the joy of living Filling up the holidays with cheer … THIS TIME OF YEAR THIS TIME OF YEAR we're reaching out To our loved ones near and far We take the time to keep in touch With a phone call or a card Exchanging gifts and season's greetings ... Santa's lists and happy meetings Spreading joy for everyone to hear … THIS TIME OF YEAR The reasons for the celebration vary heart to heart The birth of a savior or the solstice of the sun A festival of sparkling lights a time of family fun And all of us try our best to do our part … THIS TIME OF YEAR THIS TIME OF YEAR let's make a pact To extend these days of love We know we can, we know we must And we know there is are enough If we focus on the moments passing ... Peace inside and everlasting Letting go of prejudice and fear … THIS TIME OF YEAR Let the healing begin right here … THIS TIME OF YEAR	I AM (live version) OR (older one) ©2001, 2006 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward I am a wave on the ocean of life Sometimes a ripple sometimes more All that I am is borne on the tide Reaching out to that distant shore I am a raindrop part of the flood Armored in Truth and powered by Love A being of spirit not just flesh and blood Like no one ever before I AM a part of the Great I AM in charge of my Fate And if anyone is able to see How I fit into the Plan ... I AM ... I AM I am a ray in the spectrum of light Sometimes a glimmer sometimes more Shining my brilliance with all of my might Making clear what was dim before I am a laser steady and true Focused unbending and serving as proof (that) Wisdom is nothing but what gets you through All that you need to endure I am a thought … Just a piece of the Mind My lessons are taught with the passing of time I AM a part of the Great I AM in charge of my Fate And if anyone is able to see How I fit into the Plan ... I AM ... I AM
I decided it was high time I wrote an anti-war song -- the first one out of my head and fingers since the chant (ca. 1989, right after the Wall fell),"Whattaya Gonna Do (When Peace Breaks Out)?" -- and this is what came out: a statement that also expresses the libertarian "Non Aggression Principle" pretty clearly, IMNSHO ;). Anyway, this is a live recording from an RSN Coffeehouse round, with Bill Warrington on guitar (and the amazing Brian Wright barely audible at times, when I remembered to hold the microphone out ... GRRR!).	This one grew out of a highway experience, and I hope it ends up being worth it all ... Started out on a road-trip to Denver as a passing thought as I stopped to fill the gastank and plan my next stopping-place. I finished it during the 28 hours on a Greyhound back to Nashville from the Mile High City, after a most unfortunate car-crash... Anyway, this is a live recording from the same RSN Coffeehouse round, with Warrington and Wright on guitar .	I once considered this my most successful co-write. For about two years in the late 90s it was the theme song for "Jeff Stewart and the Big Dogs" (the band was named after the song) who played out all around Nashville. It started as my own idea (even the signature lick!) after I attended a writers' round featuring veterans Don Schlitz, Fred Knobloch and Thom Schuyler … and first-time-Number-one "tyro" Craig Wiseman -- and saw the "rookie" crap they were dishing out at Craig, who had nothing to apologize for, then or now! I went home trying to combine that "big dogs" feeling with something reasonably close to Knobloch's "Don't It Feel Like Missisippi" bayou-swamp guitar licks. [It was recorded at Denny Martin's Studios in Nashville, using a variety of good local players, with Jeff delivering the vocal and rhythm guitar parts, and Denny on lead and dobro. (NOTE: There's now a live version of this tune, from a Big Dogs performance, as the title song of Jeff's new "Live Dogs" album.)
DON'T START WITH ME (Live) ©2004 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward Your Daddy's great-granddaddy Met the Yankees at Bull Run And Grandpa fought the war to end all wars Your family's always ready When fighting's to be done Standing tall to soldier for the cause And now we've gotten one more plea From the reigning Commander In Chief But maybe it's time to change those old beliefs DON'T START WITH ME And I won't start with you Let's let it be … I know you want it too We can have peace & love & freedom And agree to disagree Pick your battles … But if you must make enemies DON'T START WITH ME It's more than just a question Of armies laying down guns There's violence in every naked ape The bloody thirst for vengeance Nhe need for Number One To win it all whatever cost it takes So how about we make a deal Ro talk it over instead of a fight We'll blaze a new trail Where might does not make right DON'T START WITH ME And I won't start with you Let's let it be … I know you want it too We can have peace & love & freedom And agree to disagree Pick your battles … But if you must make enemies DON'T START WITH ME If nobody strikes the first blow Nobody needs to defend Isn't that a wiser way to live DON'T START WITH ME And I won't start with you Let's let it be … I know you want it too We can have peace & love & freedom And agree to disagree Pick your battles … But if you must make enemies DON'T START WITH ME DON'T START WITH ME No, DON'T START WITH ME	GONE (Live) ©2004 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward Twenty bucks goes 300 miles … That's far away enough for now This old truck ain't much for style ... She'll get me here to there somehow A brand new chance to start again Brand new town, brand new friends The past is past -- new life begins (I'm) GONE -- Like a ten-cent cup of coffee GONE -- Like a roadside meat and three Disappeared into space Vanished with no sign or trace There ever was a place called you & me GONE Started out with wide-open hearts … And forever in our eyes Nothing could ever tear us apart 'Cause together we would fly Above the clouds in our lives Could not divide us ... not this man and wife Our love was strong … we would survive (But it's) GONE, like it never really happened GONE - like it wasn't meant to be Disappeared into space Vanished with no sign or trace There ever was a place called you & me GONE Tank is full … Time to head on down that road Drive away the pain until it's Go-ing … Going ... GONE -- Like a line drive to the bleachers GONE -- Like a freight train rolling through Disappeared into space Vanished with no sign or trace There ever was a place for me and you GONE Twenty bucks goes 300 miles … That's far away enough for now	BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS (demo) ©1996, 2003 trinSONGS/Blue Clover Music Words/Music: Steve Trinward & Jeff Stewart Golden puppy chasin’ butterflies Across a yard full of dandelions Doesn’t stop to wonder why ... It comes naturally Hears a howlin’ from across the fence Calls back with a ‘yelp’ at best Doesn’t know what he’s up against ... Can’t wait to be BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS Makin’ noise with the boys next door Talkin’ that big talk Mixin’ it up not a pup anymore BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS Little Jimmy he’s a three year old Never seems to do like he’s told He’s not bad he’s got a need to know ... It’s curiosity Through the window hears the kids at play Wants to join ‘em in their baseball game But Momma’s got him stayin’ in today ... He can’t wait to be BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS Makin’ noise with the boys next door Talkin’ that big talk Mixin’ it up not a pup anymore BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS Every puppy, every boy, Anyone with a dream Gives it all they’ve got ... Can’t wait to be BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS Makin’ noise with the boys next door Talkin’ that big talk Mixin’ it up not a pup anymore BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS BARKIN’ WITH THE BIG DOGS
This is one of my oldest songs, and one of my first co-writes. Michael and I put this together one day after the Berlin Wall fell (Yes, the song is now old enough to vote!) We initially saw it as melodic, and a fairly conventional song; as I've unearthed it since my Nasbville move, it's slid more into a chant/hiphop/rap groove. This was a live performance at RSN in 2006, with Ed Haggard providing the percussion on jimbe, and (though you can only faintly hear them in the background) a sizable audience doing the response parts. (This too shall appear, in studio form, on the upcoming Living Liberty project.	This was my first real love-ballad, dedicated to the woman I maybe have yet to meet (and to some I've known in the past?). My first co-writer, Dave Carew, had the basic melody back as 1986, but never quite liked the lyrics. We collaborated in the late 90s and came up with what is on the recording, using Jack Harris and Margaret Bailey (lead singer of the delightfully monikered bluegrass band, the Cluster Pluckers) to sing the duet (with Jack's usual masterful production and instrumentation). In 2002, through serendipity and the very useful suggestions of Tammy Reno, the song was rewritten a bit (a vast improvement on the first verse!); her input was easily significant enough to add her as a co-writer. (Imagine this lyric over the existing recording; new version soon, I promise.)	This one has been growing slowly for about a decade, and now finally feels like it's right. The message is a bit preachy and shows a rather amazing grasp of the obvious, but for some it may be valuable. A lot of my songwriter friends like it. [Production with Rick Gordon, his solid guitar work and my shaky vocals. The revision yet to be recorded, along with the extra verse and reordering of lines, is in 6/8 time instead of 3/4. It's TONS better!] (Meanwhile, the abovementioned Renee Kimball (see "Living Liberty") is reportedly in the process of learning this one as well, to perform with her group, "Enuf Waste".)
(Whatcha Gon' Do) WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Lyric/Groove by Steve Trinward & Michael Santoro ©1990,1996, 2004 trinSONGS / SantoroSounds (choral response in RED) Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT When there’s nothing left to fight about We can make the world a field of dreams If we just stop feeding that war machine Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out And hey there generals, you Peter Pan boys Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Time to put away those childhood toys Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT No tin soldiers or bombs or guns Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT The war is over and everybody won (YEAH)Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out TWO BARS OF DRUM Senate and Congress will you heed the call Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Can’t you hear the sound of the crumbling walls Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Don’t drag your feet come join us now Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Churn the guns to butter beat swords to plows (AND) Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out (I say) Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out When peace breaks out When peace breaks out DRUM SOLO? You see it every day in every land Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT People throwing down arms and taking up hands Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Workin' together and rising above Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Unconditional surrender to peace and love (AND) Hey this message is for you and me Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT Time to open our hearts set our souls free Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT We’ve got a chance like never before Whatcha Gon' Do WHEN PEACE BREAKS OUT To start making love and stop making war (SO) Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out (I say) Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out When peace breaks out When peace breaks out Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out (I say) Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out Whatcha Gon' Do When peace breaks out When peace breaks out [beat] … PEACE OUT!	YOU AND I (Lyrics Revised) ©1998, 2003 trinSONGS and others Steve Trinward/David Carew/Tammy Reno Sleeplessly wandering late-night TV Tracy and Hepburn black & white Just left me wondering was someone there for me Then you came into my life YOU AND I Don't know the reason why Something strong Has pulled our hearts together YOU AND I Don't know how far we'll fly But we can make each moment Last forever Up on the silver screen love is unreal Only a moment's fantasy You see the man I am and love me anyway You see the woman I can be YOU AND I Don't know the reason why Something strong Has pulled our hearts together YOU AND I Don't know how far we'll fly But we can make each moment Last forever Opening hearts … Touching souls … Tearing away the walls No, YOU AND I Don't know how far we'll fly But we can make each moment Last forever Yes we'll just make each moment Last forever … YOU AND I	THE SECRET (Lyric (and tempo) revised) ©1994, 2003 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward THE SECRET to walking on water is knowing Where all the rocks have been placed THE SECRET to getting beyond the fear Is staring it right in the face THE SECRET to loving the work you do Is turning that work into play THE SECRET to having whatever you want Is learning to give it away THE SECRET to swimming the river of life Is learning to go with the flow THE SECRET to gaining enlightenment Is knowing how much you don’t know THE SECRET to finding your place in the world Is finding out what you do best THE SECRET to winning the race of your life Iis outlasting all of the rest There's no trick … No sleight of hand Nothing all that hard to understand Don't need a magic wand to make it so All you need to know (Is that) THE SECRET to getting where you want to go Iis taking each step with a plan THE SECRET to being all that you can be Is doing the best that you can THE SECRET to finding your own true path Is figuring out who you are THE SECRET to falling in love sweet love Is opening all of your heart Yes THE SECRET to falling in love ... sweet ... love Is opening all of your ... daring to follow your ... Opening all of your heart
LYRICS ONLY; MP3s TO COME SOON
BEFORE YOU ©2005 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward BEFORE YOU Thought I had it figured out What life was all about What I could do without and still make do BEFORE YOU BEFORE YOU Life was simple as it gets Few doubts and no regrets I scrambled some and yet I muddled through BEFORE YOU Then you came into my life And nothing's been the same I doubt it’s ever gonna be again You're my lover and my light Through the pleasure and the pain Now I know I was only half a man [SOLO on verse] I know sometimes I don’t say The words I need to tell To show how I feel about you dear I let my silence play That role I know only too well So you never guess how little I had clear ... BEFORE YOU BEFORE YOU (I stand in) friendship and in love With a heart that's big enough To hold the both of us and keep it true Me and you I thought I knew How it felt to be surprised By the love in someone’s eyes But now I realize I had no clue And I wonder how I ever made it through BEFORE YOU	BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ ©2001 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward I was bouncin’ off the walls I’d had about all I could take That lonely had me down Lower than the belly of a snake I was draggin’ on the bottom of my puddle of pain Thinkin’ I might just as well drown When you paddled up beside me And pulled me up for air Now I can’t get my feet back on the ground (I’m) BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ Lucky dog happy day I can’t get no higher ‘Cause the roof gets in the way It’s such a crazy feelin’ Whenever you are near I’m BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ And I could get to like it up here I can hardly catch my breath And it ain’t just cause there’s less of it around Got a poundin’ in my chest I think my heart is guessing what I’ve found There’s a spring in every step and a rainbow every rain Something like I never felt before Got me tappin’ all my toes from ten feet in the air (Are those the) same feet that used to walk the floor (‘Cause I’m) BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ Lucky dog happy day I can’t get no higher ‘Cause the roof gets in the way It’s such a crazy feelin’ Whenever you are near I’m BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ And I could get to like it up here And now it seems like every day The climb keeps gettin’ better I think I found somebody I can trust to hold the ladder (While I’m) BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ Lucky dog happy day I can’t get no higher ‘Cause the roof gets in the way It’s such a crazy feelin’ Whenever you are near I’m BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ And I could get to like it up here Yes, I’m BOUNCIN’ OFF THE CEILIN’ And hey I think I like it up here	THE LEGACY ©2006 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward There was never any question in my mind The day I got the call My baseball card collection had been found I said "you can have it all" It was always my intention Unless Momma'd thrown 'em out To pass that treasure down To the firstborn in our house And since I had no children of my own It was my oldest nephew Who inherited that throne It was a LEGACY handed down from me The least that I could do To pass along my youth It was a LEGACY somehow meant to be Cherished rare and precious to a few A LEGACY created Something old becoming new It was back in '57 maybe eight When I started playing ball And I bought those shiny pictures with that gum From the spring until the fall Each April I had visions I'd accumulate the set But every late October There were empty spaces left And when high school came I turned to other cares So I packed 'em in a shoebox And forgot that they were there It was a LEGACY Though at the time I couldn't see The value in those cards Collected with my heart It was a LEGACY somehow meant to be Cherished rare and precious to a few A LEGACY created Something old becoming new (Another) 20 years have gone But that collection still lives on Encased in plastic hidden from the light And it's all ready for his child The one who's coming by and by To carry that tradition where she might It's a LEGACY Handed down from more than me And now it's in a holding pattern Waiting patiently It's a LEGACY handled oh so tenderly Such a rare and precious thing to view (Handed) down through generations A heritage so true … A LEGACY created Something old becoming new 'Cause there was never any question in my mind … The day I got the call
{ FOR YOU, MOM } ©2005 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward You taught me there is nothing wrong With letting my feelings show And how sometimes the only answer Is admitting "I don't know" You helped me not to need to be perfect Just do the best I can (And know that) sometimes letting things just be Is part of being a man You help me when I need it, Let me go when I need to fly free (So) MOM … This is your song I've written so many over the years I'm sorry it's taken so long I guess I was waiting for inspiration 'Til the right words came along Now MOM … this is your song I've written songs about lovers gone, And maybe some yet-to-be A couple on politics some about God And more than a few about me There's even a couple I wrote about Dad And all those battles we've fought But I've never properly thanked you For all thosethings you've taught I know I might have said it before But now here's one just for you ('cause) MOM … This is your song I've written so many over the years I'm sorry it's taken so long I guess I was waiting for inspiration 'Til the right words came along Now MOM … this is your song All through the years You've loved and stood by your son Laughter and tears and so much more As we go on and on! (so) MOM … This is your song It can't make up for all those times My footsteps led me wrong But each time I fell by the wayside You're the one who came along Yeah MOM … this is your song Yes MOMMA I love you … And this is your song	IS YOUR MOMMA STILL MARRIED? ©2005 trinSONGS/Bill Warrington/Beeps Me Music Steve Trinward, Bill Warrington & Sharon Palmer I was lying on the grass at an Earth Day bash The first real breath of spring Kettle corn, lemonade, catfish sandwich Oh that Nanci Griffith sure can sing Suddenly my eyes got big as drumheads As she came walking by Sweet sixteen if she'd lived that long All I could do was sigh IS YOUR MOMMA STILL MARRIED? And if she's not would she like to be A pretty peach blossom like you little darlin' Don’t fall too far from the tree You're barely old enough to be my daughter You're really too young for me No need to worry ... But IS YOUR MOMMA STILL MARRIED? Is your mother here? Does she look like you? The questions ran through my mind Do the two of you share that shiny hair I wondered what kind of vision I'd find Then I looked up to find that same little girl And what do you think I see Walking right beside her was the in-the-flesh answer Smiling right back at me (and I thought) IS YOUR MOMMA STILL MARRIED? And if she's not would she like to be A sweet magnolia like you little darlin' Don’t fall too far from the tree You're barely old enough to be my daughter You're really too young for me No need to worry -- But IS YOUR MOMMA STILL MARRIED? No "don't bother me" sign on her finger No Daddy lurking anywhere in sight Just a fine looking woman on a fine kinda day What could be more right? (So I asked her): Hey MOMMA ARE YOU STILL MARRIED? And if not would you like to be I see where your sweet little blossom comes from Nnever seen such a lovely tree I got to admit it, I noticed your daughter But you're much more right for me No need to worry -- But MOMMA ARE YOU STILL MARRIED? Excuse me ma'am … But MOMMA ARE YOU STILL MARRIED?	(I Wanna Feel) PRETTY (c) 2002 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward I wanna feel pretty In someone’s eyes Someone with vision Who can recognize The beauty I am That no mask can disguise I wanna feel pretty In someone’s eyes I wanna feel sexy In someone’s arms One who’s turned on by My romantic charms And when we get together We’ll set off alarms I wanna feel sexy in someone’s arms And I know God knows And I can see it in the mirror But where’s that Someone Who’ll come a little bit nearer I wanna feel cherished In someone’s heart Someone who knows I’m God’s work of art Who loves me as I am Right from the start I wanna feel cherished In someone’s heart I wanna feel sexy Iin someone’s arms I wanna feel pretty … In someone’s eyes Yeah I wanna feel pretty In someone’s eyes ... In someone’s eyes
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This one was written about a friend of mine, starting back before I even moved to Nashville. The "true" story involves a Navy enlistment instead of an Army drafting, and a few other details are also shaded a bit. For more on the backstory, I recommend "Scars of the Square Needle" which has just been re-released by Outskirts Press, and is available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Powell's Books -- as well via download or direct order on the website. [This was produced by noted (studio session and touring) guitarist Rick Gordon, in his small home studio; he's also the guitarist, while Jeff Stewart handled the vocal, a couple of keys above his best range, when I found I couldn't do it justice …]	Here's a feisty little number about learning from your mistakes and moving on. Although I wrote it first about one of my own near-disasters, I was easily convinced to "chick it up" and flip the genders. The demo was another one done at Lost Highway, with Amy Frederick on the vocals. I still think with the right handling it could get cut some day (even though there's a song out there right now with the same title).	I had the Dixie Chicks in mind all the way when I wrote this, combining sassy "girl talk" feel with my imagined fiddle-scratching licks. [AnotherJack Harris/Lost Highway production, with Amy Frederick on vocals (all three of them) and the incredible Tim Lorsch on the fiddle.]
HE WASN’T THERE (guitar/vocal demo) ©1993, 2003 trinSONGS Words and Music by Steve Trinward I grew up playing soldier 'Til they marched me off to war And I met a man I’ve never quite forgot He was like an older brother ... He’d been over there before And I’m still learning from the lessons he taught And more than once he saved my life Ffrom angry fire or mad Marine When no one else around seemed to care And I wonder if I’d ever made it through If HE WASN’T THERE (We) were crouching in a foxhole Ankle deep in mud Praying that the shell that had our names Would pass us over harmless Or maybe be a dud When suddenly the world filled up with flames I woke up an evac tent With tubes and wires surrounding me They told me I’d be fine but I didn’t care ‘Cause wherever in the world it was he’d gone HE WASN’T THERE Twenty years pretend it never happened Twenty years of nightmares every night. Twenty years of wondering If they got him back alive Twenty years afraid of what I’d find Stranded in the Capitol, Fogbound, cancelled flight Grabbed a cab and headed into town Jagged scars of gray On a slab as black as night Remember 50,000 who went down I held that book with trembling hands Ran my finger down the list Then I fell down on my knees in grateful prayer That of all the boys whose names were on that Wall HE WASN’T THERE	I DON'T WANT TO ©1999,2003 trinSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward I don't wanna be the one to say I told you so … But Baby I did I don't wanna shake my head and say That's how it goes … But Baby it is You're the one who said our love had seen its day You're the one who said goodbye and walked away Now you're back … and asking me to stay with you But I DON'T WANT TO I … DON'T … WANT … TO …. Do that any more All … I … want … is … You outside that door Maybe you'd like to turn back time and Pretend that there's still a me and you But I DON'T WANT TO I'll admit there was a time or two I cried all night… After you left (Then) came the morning and I knew I'd never Felt so right ... It was all for the best You were nothing but the man I needed when All I wanted was two arms to hold me in Never gonna … be that way again with you … (Or anybody) I DON'T WANT TO I … DON'T … WANT … TO …. Do that any more All … I … want … is … You outside that door Maybe you'd like to turn back time and Pretend that there's still a me and you But I DON'T WANT TO No I DON'T WANT TO I DON'T WANT TO I DON'T WANT TO	(HE CLEANED UP) PRETTY GOOD ©1998, 2003 trinSONGS Words and Music by Steve Trinward He walked across the room ... I thought he looked familiar ... I told myself it can’t be I blinked and looked again Aand all I could remember (Was that) mess of a man he used to be But that Armani suit was no T-shirt ‘n jeans, And that seltzer with a twist - Not a pint of Jimmy Beam HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD I couldn’t believe my eyes Was he the one I used to know HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD I hardly recognized That boy I loved so long ago Well I’m not saying I want him back Or even I was thinking I should I’ve just got to admit ... HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD (Never) thought I’d see the day He’d turn around that corner Between a misfit and a man He always had a way of Chasing profit without honor But ending up where he began I guess he hit the bottom of that barrel he was in Or maybe found somebody Who taught him how to swim ('Cause) HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD I couldn’t believe my eyes Was he the one I used to know HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD I hardly recognized That boy I loved so long ago Well I’m not saying I want him back Or even I was thinking I should I’ve just got to admit ... HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD No I’m not saying I want him back or even I was thinking I should I’ve just got to admit, girl ... HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD ... HE CLEANED UP PRETTY GOOD
This was the first of several successful co-writes with a fellow who's since moved back to Arizona, to raise a family and be closer to his natural one. While he was here, though, he made a definite mark, and I know he's still writing songs out there in the hot desert. Anyway, thins (and the three further down) are all Scott Tonkinson - vocals, guitar parts, engineering, production, mixing, etc. - in his then home-studio (with some Music Row mixdown and duplication). My favorite of our co-writes is this ode to communication, or rather the lack of it. I think it speaks for itself ...	This song owes its inspiration to an O'Henry short-story of a similar title, although I was only slightly aware I was lifting the idea as completely as we discovered we had. Hey, if "Chicken Soup" can inspire the likes of Don Schlitz ... Anyway, keep your hankies handy; ya might need 'em.	This one came out of a desire to write a poignant song about a breakup (and recovery therefrom), inspired more than a little by the Don Schlitz/Stephanie Davis song "Learning To Live Again" that Garth Brooks took to #1 a few years back.
SHAKESPEARE WOULD BE PROUD ©1995, 2000 trinSONGS/TonkaSONGS Words & Music by Steve Trinward & Scott Tonkinson Act One we’re sitting at the table With a script we know too well The same old words we keep repeating When there's so much more to tell Once upon a time we would’ve talked it through Now I’m staring at a woman I once knew (And) we both act Like there's nothing wrong Smiles well-rehearsed Faces painted on But the anger and the pain Aare the real-life tragedy I guess SHAKESPEARE WOULD BE PROUD Of you and me In separate rooms we finish out the evening 'Til the final scene takes us to bed A quick goodnight . . . the curtain falls And one more show comes to an end ('Cause) we both act Like there's nothing wrong Smiles well-rehearsed Faces painted on But the anger and the pain Aare the real-life tragedy I guess SHAKESPEARE WOULD BE PROUD Of you and me We swore we never would Let silence end the day Now cold and lonely Are the only parts we play (But) we both act Like there's nothing wrong Smiles well-rehearsed Faces painted on But the anger and the pain Aare the real-life tragedy I guess SHAKESPEARE WOULD BE PROUD Of you and me Yes I know Shakespeare would be proud ... Of you and me	THE LAST LEAF (guitar/vocal demo) ©1995,1999 trinSONGS/TonkaSONGS Words & Music: Steve Trinward & Scott Tonkinson It was an early autumn morning The leaves were on the ground Jenny woke to angry voices But she didn’t make a sound Tiptoed down the hallway Put her ear against the door Heard Momma and Daddy sayin’ This ain’t workin’ anymore Momma cried we’ve tried everything I know Daddy said I think it’s best I go I’ll be gone Before THE LAST LEAF falls You won’t hear my voice Up and down these halls Don’t know who’s to blame It’s really no-one’s fault But I’ll be gone Before THE LAST LEAF falls There’s just some words a 5-year-old Should never have to hear Jenny’s heart was pounding As her eyes filled up with tears She wondered what she'd done To make her Daddy want to go away She had to think of something special To make him want to stay A big idea filled her little head Pushing through the screen-door She heard the words her Daddy said I’ll be gone Before THE LAST LEAF falls You won’t hear my voice Up and down these halls Don’t know who’s to blame It’s really no-one’s fault But I’ll be gone Before THE LAST LEAF falls Looking out the window What do Mom and Daddy see Their little girl replacing Every leaf back on the tree (Singing) Daddy now you can’t go Until THE LAST LEAF falls I heard you and Mommy talking In the bedroom down the hall I promise I'll be better I know it’s all my fault But you can’t go Until THE LAST LEAF falls And with tears in their eyes They held her and said It never was your fault Maybe we can try once more before ... THE LAST LEAF falls	YOU ARE (guitar/vocal demo) ©1995, 1999 trinSONGS/TonkaSONGS Words & Music: Steve Trinward & Scott Tonkinson (She said) I’ll pick you up at 7:30 ... I said that’s fine Well that only gives me an hour or two Lord it’s been a long long time Since there was anyone but you My hands are shaking ... Guess I’m a little scared But I’m finally on my way I tried and tried to get over you But your memory wouldn’t let me thru Whatever I did I never got far But there’s a light Breaking through those clouds Chasing away all my doubts And it’s so nice to know I’m not going out of my mind YOU ARE You didn’t make it easy when you said goodbye I told myself this ain’t worth the pain Now there’s someone new on my mind I’m acting like a teenage kid again My hands are still shaking ... Yeah I’m a little scared But I’m finally on my way (‘Cause) I tried and tried to get over you But your memory wouldn’t let me thru Whatever I did I never got far But now there’s a light Breaking through those clouds Chasing away all my doubts And it’s so nice to know I’m not going out of my mind YOU ARE Doorbell’s ringing Here I go On with the rest Of my life (‘Cause) I tried and tried to get over you But your memory wouldn’t let me thru Whatever I did I never got far But now there’s a light Breaking through those clouds Chasing away all my doubts And it’s so nice to know I’m not going out of my mind YOU ARE Yes it’s so nice to know I’m not going out of my mind YOU ARE
And this one was just a fun little ditty about a newlywed couple buying furniture ... or was it? You be the judge.		This one I wrote largely about my Dad, as is indicated in the (revised) lyric below. It was his catchphrase for a while, especially after he first "retired" (to a"part time" gig on the Board of Directors of the local bank, then as CEO/President, being a major driver in its expansion into Northeast Bancorp!) It deserved to be preserved. [Production: Another Panda product, again with Tim Buppert on the vocals.}
A BIGGER BED (guitar/vocal demo) ©1995, 1999 trinSONGS/TonkaSONGS Words & Music: Steve Trinward & Scott Tonkinson There’s Bobby and Janie through the bedroom door She’s got all the covers his foot’s on the floor Tangled together sleepin’ double in that single bed Such a sweet gift when they said I do Bobby’s been savin’ up a dollar or two Been meaning to buy a new one but they haven’t yet Janie rolls over and opens her eyes Says Bobby you know I really think it’s time We could have a couple extra pillows And more covers than I could steal You’d have your space to toss and turn And I’d have mine to dream You wouldn’t lie awake with the rhythm Of my heartbeat in your head Honey I think it’s time we got A BIGGER BED Eight a.m. sharp they’re down at the store First in line as they open the doors All those beds Janie don’t know where to start Some too hard some too soft Some so big a body might get lost Finally finds the right one that wins her heart Leads Bobby over by the hand Says look at it Baby don’t you understand We could have a couple extra pillows And more covers than I could steal You’d have your space to toss and turn And I’d have mine to dream You wouldn’t lie awake with the rhythm Of my heartbeat in your head Life could be so fine In A BIGGER BED Lyin’ there Bobby looks at Janie And the space between ‘em Stretches to touch her face But she’s out of reach (And he says) Baby you can have my pillow And all the covers that you need I don’t have to toss and turn I’ll just watch you dream I love drifting off to the rhythm Of your heartbeat in my head I don’t need A BIGGER BED I don’t want that space between us I wanna hold you close instead Honey I don’t need A BIGGER BED		SOMETHIN’ TO DO (full band demo) ©1996, 2003 trinSONGS Words and Music by Steve Trinward Daddy burned that candle Both ends and the middle ... Forty five years same every day Took all he could handle but it wasn’t no riddle: Had a fam’ly to feed and bills to pay And weekends weren’t for kickin’ back, Just a couple more laps on the treadmill track A squeaky step or a leaky roof ... There was always SOMETHIN’ TO DO (It had) SOMETHIN’ TO DO With what he'd been taught SOMETHIN’ TO DO With what he been through He ain’t satisfied with what he’s got And he don’t believe it’s true That life is somethin’ to live … Not SOMETHIN’ TO DO Daddy’s workin’ days ended And he stepped to the wayside Sold the house and moved away Florida winters summers at the lakeside ... Life in the slo-o-w lane well deserved change But sittin’ and watchin’ those wheels go ‘round Couldn’t keep his feet from churnin’ ground Now he’s canin’ chairs and picklin’ cukes ... Says it gives him SOMETHIN’ TO DO (It’s got) SOMETHIN’ TO DO With what he's been taught SOMETHIN’ TO DO With what he's been through He ain’t satisfied with what he’s got And he don’t believe it’s true That life is somethin’ to live … Not SOMETHIN’ TO DO And when it comes his time To walk through Heaven’s door He won’t feel at home 'Less he knows what he’s there for So if they wanna keep the peace ... Well Buddy they better find him … SOMETHIN' TO DO! [1/2 chorus -instrumental] No, He ain’t satisfied with what he’s got And he don’t believe it’s true That life is somethin’ to live … Not SOMETHIN’ TO DO
	More to come ...