The older I get, the more I think the answer is to love.

https://youtu.be/9mAsmL1daJg

I'm not sure what spoke to me to give this one a shot, but it's a complete 180 from what The Offspring did.  There's something about music.  I don't think I'll ever get over how it makes me feel.  I'm hooked.

Below is a link to my latest musical endeavor - a piano ballad of The Offspring's hit, "Gone Away"

https://youtu.be/BvU9ywdDKu0

Something that has been on my mind lately is how much we affect each other.  I'm not sure if it's just me, but I tend to take in a lot from the interactions I have with others, be it positive or negative.  Anything from a smile from a stranger to reuniting with a long-time friend to a thoughtless remark.  That's the idea around this song.  We all leave something behind with each interaction.  Let's leave fingerprints that make people wanna smile.

https://youtu.be/6jpeqdqPLqA

I always thought Mad World should have been a rock song.  I'm pleased with how this turned out - especially the pre-chorus.  Thanks for sticking with me all these years.

https://youtu.be/v5QbQ3C1qDc

So, sometimes my songs are just fun ditties that come into my head on a whim, and some come from somewhere deep inside.  This song came from a conversation with someone very close to me, who I've known for 16 years, but never took time to really get to know.  Anyway, we had a heart-to-heart and came to know of some deep differences in our beliefs and worldviews.  It finally got to the point of deciding if I should throw away our relationship, or put a microscope on my own beliefs.  I'm grateful I chose the latter, and that is what this song is all about.

As I was writing, it also became clear that this is a message to not only me but to a hurting world at large.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own beliefs it can become a jail cell without me even knowing it.  When I find myself in this position, I usually think it's the opposite.  I believe everyone else is trapped in the "wrong" and I am free in my "right".  It's hard to take a close look at myself because I know when I do, I usually have some things that need changing, and change is hard.  From my experience, though, nothing too terrible usually comes from introspection, deeply considering what may or may not be true.

Anyway, that's the longest intro to a song I've ever written.  Thanks for sticking it out with me.  Please enjoy my latest original rock song, "Between Me and You"

https://youtu.be/hgvISv6ABm0

So, I saw Top Gun Maverick a few days after it came out, and I've gotta admit, it is one of the best movies I've seen recently.  During the end credits, I heard this amazing song being sung by who I assumed at the time to be Lady Gaga.  I immediately knew I needed to cover it.  It rings the same sentiment as "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers which I covered in June of 2020.  Anyway, the more I listened, the more this song came to life - giving a message that so many need today.  "It's okay to be not okay - I'm here.  Hold My Hand.  Let's cry together."  Mourning with those who mourn, crying with those who cry is a simple action that could literally save a life - and the difference between having 1 person there, and having nobody is as big as life itself.  Such a simple song with such a powerful message.

Please enjoy my rock cover of Lady Gaga's modern hit, "Hold My Hand"

https://youtu.be/nbSPShX4oHU