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’