I have a musical challenge. Words and music have been put together for centuries. Some people get started in music, like me, but finds words easier to deal with than practicing the clarinet, or any other instrument for that matter.  I know how to read music and even have a clarinet around for fun. Others find words difficult to find. 

A classic example of a great working relationship is Elton John and Bernie Taupin.  Together, they have written hundreds of songs and a few musicals.  I was blessed with the song Next Flight by Michael Albright (see poem and audio on this Web blog and the video on You Tube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYLcL43rBoI).

My challenge to the readers of this Web blog is to put my words to music, including any poem on this Web blog.  To get you started, here are a few other poems included for the first time to help you get inspired.  If you need more lyrics, e-mail at contact@eliastobias.net.

The prize, well not much. No Jay Leno appearance yet.  No money now.  There might be a video in YouTube in the future .  Send me the song as an mp3 or simlar general music format as an attachemt to an e-mail to contact@eliastobias.net.  I’ll be waiting.  See notice of this and other events in works at the new Bulletin Board page on the right side of the Web blog.

Cowboy Song

Just let me keep my old saddle,
I can always get another horse.
A good broke, trained animal is
cheap; a great saddle cost more.

If you’re on the trail a long time,
you just get used to a certain ride.
You can always pick up a horse
along the way that will do fine.

Just let me keep my old saddle,
There’s only one way I can fit.
When I try riding a new saddle,
I don’t feel just right when I sit.

Now there are others who say
that a good horse is a friend.
They say a good horse knows trouble,
and will help you until the end.

Just let me keep my old saddle.
I sleep on it next to my loaded gun.
I just need a few hours of sleep
before I get up with the rising sun.

Laughing

days disappear with the passage of time
and i have plenty of nothing to do.
i know i have employment to find
but all i can think about is you.
i know i have lots of bills to pay
and there is food to buy and eat
but I can’t seem to start my day
without you tickling my my feet.

and this makes me want to laugh,
but i really just want to cry.
bad things seem to happen to me,
but all i want to know is why?
then i see myself in the mirror,
and the only thing i can do is try.

when we went to the beach on the sea,
we left footprints in the hot sand.
it was the place I wanted to be
while you held tight to my hand.
we waded in the water  up to our knees
and a big wave  knocked you down.
And that was funny time to me,
but now you are not around.

and this makes me want to laugh,
but i really just want to cry.
bad things seem to happen to me,
but all i want to know is why?
then i see myself in the mirror,
and the only thing i can do is try.

i remember at the company party,
when i asked you to dance.
my heart was not ever sorry
for the night filled with romance.
you held me close in your arms,
like you never wanted to let go.
i was enchanted by your charms.
you let your love for me flow.

Watch Where You Drive Your Heart

You crossed over the line, babe,
when you made that sharp turn.
Accidents can happen, babe.
When will you ever learn?

Watch where you drive your heart.
You don’t know where you’re goin’.
You got to make love last.
You should be slowin’ down, down down.
Watch where you drive your heart.
You don1t know where you’re goin’.
Love’s lost when it is hurried.
You should be slowin’ down, down down.

You crossed over the line, babe,
when you made that sharp turn.
Accidents can happen, babe.
Your heart can crash and burn.

Watch where you drive your heart.
You don’t know where you’re goin’.
You got to make travel plans.
You should be slowin’ down, down down.
Watch where you drive your heart.
You don’t know where you’re goin’.
You need to stay with one man.
You should be slowin’ down, down down.

You crossed over the line, babe,
when you drove on the road.
Accidents can happen, babe.
Better drive as you are told.

Watch where you drive your heart.
You don’t know where you’re goin’

A new video made by Elias Tobias to promote the interactive capabilities of the World of Words by Elias Tobias for the Web blog’s viewers is now on the YouTube Web site for the world to view. To see it, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1txWKbAdkI . See the Texan show how many poems can fill a cowboy hat!   If you have any problems, send an e-mail to contact@eliastobias.net.

Also see A Minute of Elias Tobias, a fast-paced colorful musical promotional video for this web site at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0plgExxDKQ.

Also on YouTube is a new video for the song Next Flight, a poem written by Elias Tobias  and set to music by a former college roommate Michael Albright. 

To see it, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYLcL43rBoI .

The video is created from photos taken by Mike Hall and those photos in public domain to illustrate the 2:35 minute song recorded in one take in the spring of 1977, 30 years ago.  Unfortunately, Albright died in a traffic accident that year, and the poem he chose has the line, “Take me on the next flight to earth.”  The original poem and the audio version are at eliastobias.net, under “Next Flight” in the search box.

Here are a few poems echoing some of the changes that have been happening to me related to my recent move.

Who are you?

Is your name real?
Show a driver’s license to prove it.

Do you live where you say?
Produce a rent receipt to
review it.

Is this card your account?
Give the number and expiration to
verify it.

Is this car really yours?
Give me a registration form to
demonstrate it.

Are you really married?
Let’s see a license, and
photos can be faked.

Are you allowed to vote?
You need a card to
register it, regardless
of party affiliation.

Can you pass customs?
Have a passport and declare it.

Hello? Is Jason there?
No, I got this phone number
Yesterday. Ok. Forget it.
Goodbye.

Ditch digger

The ad said, “Great entry employment opportunity.
Must be willing to work from the ground up and
be good with outdoor activity. No experience necessary.
Position comes with management possibilities.
Send letter to P.O Box 43553. No calls please.
 

Under the Old Oak Tree

When I’ve said my last word,
And breathed my last breath,
Take to me that old oak tree
On the small hill overlooking
The field in back of the house.

As the limbs of the tree grow,
So will the memories as the
Colors of the season change,
And the fields bear the fruit
Of the harvest of  the crops.

From the hill, I would be
Able to see the people I once
Loved in life continue to
Grow in the knowledge that
There is life after death.

To read this poem in Spanish, click here.

Newsletter of the World of Words by Elias Tobias

 Photo by Mike Hall

It’s November already.

It has been good to see change of seasons with the different
colors of leaves in Indiana,and that’s different than the trees
along the Mexico border in Texas.  Next will come colder
weather and snow. We’re getting ready with new coats
and getting our cars winterized like we did when we went
to school at Ball State. The  new apartment was set up in
three weeks with final touches the next few weeks afterwards
while I started looking for a a full-time job in Indianapolis.

My wife’s job is going great, and we spent a week in
Winchester, Indiana, where she was assigned for that
time.  I checked the computer for jobs at the hotel,
and took some photos of the changing colors of leaves.

  Poem of the Month

I chose a poem that is about transition for the
Poem of the Month for November, since fall is a
time of summer to winter.  My life is certainly in
transition, and others are too.  Change is difficult,
but it can be accomplished with some understanding.

Lasting Understanding

They say you can forgive, but you can never forget.
Interest of sins from the past can create a terrible debt.
Accrued guilt, which compounds daily, is hard to grasp.
Peace comes when we find an understanding to last.

 Elias Tobias