More Life in the Years Lyrics

More Life in the Years

Lyrics and Inspiration Notes

Track List:

1. Unraveling - Liz Longley
2. Shine - Jenn Adams
3. Do What I Can - Amy Petty
4. Be Nice To Old People - Jamie Broza
5. Daddy Don't Let Go - Out of Ether
6. If You Don't Remember - Sarah Sample
7. Right There - Kim Richards
8. Squirrels - Colin McGrath
9. Carbon Copy - Joe Cerisano
10. Passage of Time - Sue Brescia
11. It's Hard To Cry (When You Eat A Piece Of Chocolate) - Dave Bastien
12. The Manicure - Phyllis Sinclair
13. Three Quarter Time - Brad Norgart
14. Is It Hot In Here? - Ellen Bukstel
15. More Than He Could Say - Jan Garrett & JD Martin
16. Nothin' But A Number - Mr. Deep Positivity
17. Movies on the Wall - Dan Sirois
18. When The Children Are Gone - Vivien Wolsk

Unraveling
Writer/Performer: Liz Longley
www.lizlongley.com
© 2009 Liz Longley

Inspiration Notes: This song was inspired by my grandmother, Ave, who has been living
with Alzheimer's for over a decade. My family and I recently visited her at her nursing
home to celebrate her 84th birthday and it was full of bittersweet moments. Ave was
always an avid collector of things like porcelain dolls, pottery and unique artwork. After
eighty-four years of leading a beautiful life, it's hard to accept that the one thing she
can't collect is her memories.

Boxes and baskets of all her old things
Porcelain dolls, portrait paintings
She swore they'd be worth something

They're just gathering dust in my attic somewhere
And she's lost in a room where she sits and she stares
Her mind as blank as the walls
Her memory as vacant as the halls

I'm the only daughter of her oldest son
I knew her well before her spirit was gone
Her life is a thread woven into every part of me
And she is unraveling

She looks in my eyes and asks me my name
And every five minutes I tell her the same
She smiles but it's cold and dead
And I'm screaming out loud in my head

I've tried to pull her back
Stories and photographs
Of her children who love her
Sisters and brothers
She can't remember
But how could a heart forget?

I've been tearing through boxes on nights I can't sleep
Searching for memories of who she used to be

Shine
Writer/Performer: Jenn Adams
www.jennadams.com
© 2004 White Boxer Music (ASCAP)

Inspiration Notes: As I watched the HBO documentary "A Century of Living", I was
struck by two women in particular. The first was a small, delicate African American
woman, who, in the late 30's, was working for a man who needed help raising his kids
and keeping up with household chores. He was called to war and did not return, and
there was no one else to raise his children. She was so proud of those boys and you
could feel the love and respect for the life she had been given. She made no excuses
or complaints - she got a job in a factory and did what she knew was right and had a
family to prove it.

The second had lost five sons in World War II. She spoke with such pride and elegance
for the sacrifice, and the dedication and love for her family was evident and shining
brightly. She spoke about being content with her life, a life well lived, and a sacrifice
worth giving.

I can only imagine what it was like for either of these incredible women. The loss of a
child outweighs any other imaginable, but to lose five! And to raise a white man's family
as a single black woman in 1940, and do it successfully, was nothing short of a miracle!

I was just supposed to keep your house
Watch over your children
But that was before the war broke out
And you were lost on foreign ground

They sent a captain pressed and clean
Hat in his hand he began to tell me
Last night
Somewhere near the border

So I take comfort in the quiet of the night
When the moon is rising over these city light
Though I cannot see the stars
I can feel you shine

So I went down to the factory
So many hungry faces to feed
We were poor
Poor as poor can be

She had five sons for the country
We only had you
In those faces left to me here
You do all that you can do

The moon was up when we arrived
Shining on the stones of Arlington
Rows and rows of morning light
We never find your name

Your oldest boy is a good man
He's never been easy but he made his stand
He's got your eyes
He's got your hands

Do What I Can
Writer/Performer: Amy Petty
www.amypetty.com
© 2008 Amy Petty

Inspiration Notes: I never imagined that I would find myself in the role of 'caregiver',
but when my husband's grandparents needed some extra help, that's just what I
became. The occasional trip to the grocery store turned into full-time, round-the-clock
care for five years. I definitely never imagined that we would become such close
friends, or that I would learn so much about myself in the process. It was the most
challenging and most rewarding thing I have ever done. This song is dedicated to my
buddy, Bonnie Gene Norrod.

She is somebody's mother's mother
I am somebody's daughter's daughter
And it seems like this circle's turning to me

She's a little girl with ages on her
I'm an old woman with years before her
And it seems like this circle's turning to me

And so the story goes
And so the story goes

I will do what I can
I will do what I can

I ask her for a memory that I can borrow
She asks what I plan to do with her tomorrow
And is seems like this circle's turning to me

She is not the only one who's feeling younger
I am not the only one who's growing stronger
And it seems like this circle's turning to me

The decades cross right in front of us
And I see myself inept

Cuz she is somebody's daughter's daughter
And I'll be somebody's mother's mother
And it sure seems like this circle is turning to me

I will do what I can
I will do what I can
I will do what I can
I will do what I can

Be Nice To Old People
Writer/Performer: Jamie Broza
www.goodmoodrecords.com
©2004 Elliot Music Co. Inc. (ASCAP)

Inspiration Notes: This song was originally written to make kids more appreciative of
their grandparents, however, it has also found a warm reception with those same
grandparents. It helps kids realize that all the things they do, old folks used to do too,
and probably better… or so they'll say! I hope this inspires kids to look at their
grandparents or older caregivers in a whole new light.

Be nice to old people
They used to be young
They used to tease siblings
To stick out their toungues
To stay up past midnight
To giggle, to yell
Don't believe me? Just ask 'em
They've stories to tell

Be nice to old people
They used to get scared
They'd hide in their sheets
From the monsters who dared
To make funny noises
In closets, on stairs
Don't believe me? Just ask 'em
If they got nightmares

Though grandma gets tired
And sometimes moves slow
She prob'ly ran faster
Than you long ago
She prob'ly dug earthworms
Made her room a mess
Walked into a party
With mud on her dress

Though grandpa gets grumpy
And sometimes seems hazy
He prob'ly played baseball
Went sledding, went crazy!
He prob'ly once thought
His own parents were dopey
Was stubborn, and careless
And sloppy and mopey

Be kind to old people
They sometimes forget
That when they were young
They - liked getting wet!
They'd play in the bath
Water splashed everywhere
Avoided shampoos
Loved to pull sister's hair

And when they were young
They would get into trouble
Not eat their green beans
Turn their crackers to rubble
It's hard to believe but
I tell you it's true
There's very few things
That old folks did not do

Be kind to old people 'cause
Once they were little
Round, rolly babies
Not creaky and brittle
They used to be kissed
Forty-two times an hour
And huggled, and snuggled
And called "wildflower"

And when they were young
They would wish on a star
They'd wish for a horse
For a puppy, a car
They'd wish they were older
But now that they're wise
They wish on the stars
That they find in your eyes

Daddy Don't Let Go
Writer: Marcia Pleshek, James Russell, Larry Johnson
Performer: Out Of Ether
www.outofether.com
© 2008 Out of Ether Music (SESAC)

Inspiration Notes: This song is a tribute to Marcia's father, who is one of the kindest and
most courageous persons we have ever known. He inspired and encouraged every one
around him, even through radical and invasive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to
fight cancer. As fathers with daughters themselves, fellow songwriters Johnson and
Russell knew this song was very special. They also both had mothers who had cancer.
Sadly, Johnson's mother died of a brain tumor before she had the opportunity to hear
the song. It is our sincere hope that this song provides you with the inspiration and
strength to hold on to hope even when all appears lost.

Pig tails, scraped heels, first day no training wheels
Deep breath, third try, I look up and start to cry

Daddy don't let go
I'm so afraid please hold me close
I can't do this on my own
Please Daddy, don't let go

White dress, gold band, it's time Daddy takes my hand
I smile, he knows, this aisle leads to my new home

Through life's uncertainty, I will always be
Daddy's little girl unconditionally
And as the years go by through this circle we call life
The tears and sacrifice teach taught me
What love truly means

Phone call, 3 am, first flight to Galveston
Bedside, Daddy turns for worse, on my knees
I pray these words

If You Don't Remember
Writer/Performer: Sarah Sample
www.sarahsample.com
© 2007 Sarah Sample (ASCAP)

Inspiration Notes: After I graduated college with a degree in music therapy, I had the
privilege to work with several elderly populations with diagnoses from Dementia to
Parkinson's disease. When my Grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I felt
moved to write this song. My Grandfather was a father figure as I was growing up, and
to know and love someone personally affected by this disease has been a struggle to
witness. I wanted the song to capture where I would want my heart to be if my partner
was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

If you don't remember
I'll just remind you
If you tell the story four times
Well don't worry, because it still sounds brand new
Don't worry because it still sounds new

If you don't remember my name
I'll still stay here, just the same
If your mind has been clouded over
Your heart knows truth that just can't be ignored
Yes, your heart knows truth that can't be ignored

When you leave, promise me that we're not through
When you leave, go and save a place for me and you

If you don't remember my face
I'll still stay here with you in this place
I said "yes" to you years ago
I say "yes" today and "yes" tomorrow
I say "yes" today and "yes" tomorrow

Right There
Writer/Performer: Kim Richards
www.myspace.com/sanctuarywithin
© 2004 Kim Richards

Inspiration Notes: This song was inspired by a very genuine, gentle man named Ken
who was semi-retired but worked part time polishing floors in the critical care unit at
the hospital where I worked. He had the ability to find joy in the smallest of things - like
polishing the floors - and his joy was contagious. He greeted every single person that
passed by him with a sincere comment that never failed to put a smile on their face. He
always made time to visit with patients and his compassion for them was so genuine.
He did more healing in that hospital than anyone I know... he healed people's spirits.
This song is dedicated to Ken, the Picasso of floor polishers!

He's just going about his business
Making those dull floors shine
No one seems to notice him
Cause no one's got the time
He carries himself so proudly
Stopping every now and then
To admire those floors he's finished
Before he starts again

And what he don't know is he's been touching
People everyday
He's been changing lives with his smiling eyes
As he takes the time to say
A friendly "hi" to each passerby
Well, he's not even aware
That he's touching a life in a single moment, right there

There's Mrs. G in the corner room
I hear they've put her there to die
Those walls are more unbearable
As time passes by
But as he comes around the corner
He stops and chats a while
It's become a daily ritual
She looks forward to with a smile

Well it only takes one kind gesture to show you care
You can change an entire world in just a moment
Right there, right there

People hurrying past him
Caught up in their world of me
Too blinded by distraction
To take the time to see
How he offers a loving gesture
To his tired and shriveled friend
Who's forgotten what his name is
But he remembers the touch of a hand

Squirrels
Writer/Performer: Colin McGrath
www.colinmcgrath.com
2007 Colin McGrath

Inspiration Notes: This song is a story about a man I met when I lived in San Francisco
and worked at The Strybing Arboretum. Everyday he would be out in the park feeding
the squirrels and calling them to him by name, as though they were his pets. I saw
something inspiring in his simple ritual of generosity, and he was getting something out
of it too - feeling needed by these little creatures who befriended him. It made me
realize that it's important for everyone as they age to feel that their time has meaning,
even if it's in something as simple as this.

My day was done
My friend and I left work and we were walking
Home through the park
The magnolias were in bloom, it was spring
The breeze smelled fine
As the sky got dark

We heard a voice calling
From far away
A man's feeding the squirrels
And he's calling them by name

He was yelling, "squirrels, squirrels
Come here squirrels"
And low and behold
They'd come and eat right from his hand
Everybody has got to have a way
Of keeping the time
From slipping away

He's been out there
Everyday since he retired
With a bag of nuts
That he buys from the shop
He comes at dusk
He used to come before
But the cops in the park
They asked him to stop

He said "sometimes I get upset
Cause of those kids that come around here
Making noise, causing trouble
All drunk on beer
But you seem like a nice guy
And she seems alright too"
And as he talked a little squirrel
Began to crawl up on his shoe

I said everybody has got to have a way
Of keeping the time from slipping away

Carbon Copy
Writer/Performer: Joe Cerisano
www.cerisano.com
© 1996 Outta' the Woods Music

Inspiration Notes: I wrote this song to honor my dad and show my appreciation for the
lesson and values he taught me. As I began to write it I realized just how much alike
we are and how my son is just like us too. I think it's a common realization that as we
mature we begin to see how traits pass on from generation to generation, and more
importantly, how we have a responsibility to honor and pass on the lessons and values
we learned.

Dirty hands and dirty shoes
He always had the swing-shift blues
Deep in his eyes
Forever grateful for what he got
He never really had a lot
But he never realized

Everyday we'd live with the danger
That he might not come home alive
But a man's got to feed his family
Even if it means workin' at the bottom of a coal mine

Well the older I get
The more I understand
I'm a carbon copy of my old man

Recap tires on his pickup truck
Always breakin' down and full of rust
Somehow we made it through
Now the mines are shut down and my dad's gone
But his memory and what he taught me lives on
And it still rings true

I saw the love that he shared with my mother
How they made it through the good and the bad
How they never gave up on each other
Even with what little they had.

Well now time passes and life goes on
And now I have a son of my own
And my love for him runs forever deep
Cause when I look into his eyes
I see my daddy and me

Passage Of Time
Writer/Performer: Sue Brescia
www.suebrescia.com
© 2007 Sue Brescia/Gentle Spirit Records (BMI)

Inspiration Notes: This song came to me immediately after taking my mother to one of
her doctor's appointments. While she was being examined, she looked up at me and at
that very moment I realized, the tables have turned, the passage of time has taken
place. It was my turn to take care of her. This experience also heightened my
awareness of the mortality of my parents and reminded me to cherish every moment I
have with them.

Now let me tell you a story
Slip into a haze from the past
When life was carefree and easy
And days were as long as they last

The world seemed to be a better place
Filled with an innocent bliss
Warmed by the scent of my mother's caress
As she sent me to bed with a kiss

Back then my mother would tell me
Not to wish my young life away
Cause the passage of time comes too quickly
And you'll miss the beauty of the day

Now as I stand in this moment
And savor the remnants of time
Life passed me by with fair warning
And vanished before my own eyes

Which brings me back to this story
Pardon me if I reminisce
As I take my mother by her hand
Send her off to bed with a kiss

It's Hard To Cry (When You Eat A Piece Of Chocolate)
Writer: Dave Bastien
Performer: Susan Van Ham
© 2009 Dave Bastien
www.m4ac.org

Inspiration Notes: This song was inspired by Irene Schmitt. We were driving to visit
relatives and were surprised to see an elderly woman struggling to shovel a foot of
snow, so we stopped to help. She hadn't eaten in two days and said Meals on Wheels
told her they couldn't come unless her driveway was cleared, so she lied and told them
it was, and then hurried outside to shovel.

She's an incredible woman with lots to offer the world but she's shut in, like so many
others. She said one day that it's amazing the kinds of physical setbacks an elderly
person can deal with, but the loneliness is tough. Then she added, "I keep a jar of little
wrapped chocolates in the kitchen and if I ever feel like crying, I go get one, because
it's hard to cry when you eat a piece of chocolate."

Loneliness is one of the biggest problems our elderly face. It leads to depression and
contributes to the fact that the highest suicide rates of any age group occur among
persons aged 65 years and older. It's a sad song, but it's the reality of what many
elderly face. I hope it inspires at least a few people to reach out to an elderly person
and ask, "are you lonely?"

Sometimes you say you want to end your life
When you feel like you're forgotten and alone
Time passing by cuts like a dull and rusty knife
My how the years have flown

And there's no one there when you suffer in the silence
No one to hold you when it's cold
No one to talk to when there's somethin' to say
No way to stop from growing old

The mirror shows the lines from the years that escaped
But the tears are held inside
You say it's hard to cry when you eat a piece of chocolate
So you take a bite and let the pain subside

But it hurts sometimes
When you fear you're near the end
Yes it hurts sometimes
In those lonely nights you spend
It hurts sometimes
When there's not enough to eat
It hurts sometimes
To see this happen to a heart so sweet

So you hold on to hope there's a better day ahead
A little light will shine on you
One last chance to make a little difference
Before your life is through

It hurts sometimes
It hurts sometimes
Yes, It hurts sometimes
To see this happen to a heart so sweet

The Manicure
Writer/Performer: Phyllis Sinclair
www.phyllissinclair.com
© 2008 Phyllis Sinclair

Inspiration Notes: This song was inspired by my aunt who was a commercial cleaning
woman in the city of Winnipeg, and one of those shadowy figures moving across office
tower windows late at night. The years of hard work made her hands cracked, dry and
gnarled. She didn't drive a car and always caught the last bus of the night home,
shopping bags in hand. Her son is a successful doctor thanks to her dedication to family
and years of hard work to support him through university.

After performing this song at a recent concert, a woman whose hands also reflected
years of hard work came to me and said, "Thank you so much for that song, I'll never
be ashamed of my hands again." That's precisely why I write. I am so grateful to my
aunt, my mother and my grandmother for their fine example of hard work,
determination and spirit of humility and gratefulness. We owe a lot to the working
women of their generation.

Standing in the check out line
She pulled her cart up next to mine
She asked if I would help her to unload
My hands they just don't work the same
They're stiff and crooked, but I won't complain
These hands have toiled and labored to get me by
It's the least that I can do to show
The thanks I have and the debt I owe
It's taken a life of living to get my hands to look like this

Back in days when I was young
When little arms around me clung
They dried a thousand tears from crying eyes
They cleaned the dirt from tumbled knees
Spent countless hours shelling garden peas
And they built the house we lived in at the time
They scrubbed a few walls, pots and pans
Coined the phrase of dish pan hands
It's taken a life of living to get my hands to look like this

It's taken a life of living to get my hands to look like this
Leathered, cracked and wrinkled from working hard, I must admit
I know they're not too much to look upon
Never soaked them in a fine salon
It's taken a life of living to get my hands to look like this

Lost the farm in '63, took a job in town at the factory
I assembled parts til my hands were thick and numb
The had their knocks, their bumps and blows
But they bought the farm that the bank foreclosed
And a horse who taught the kids all how to ride
They had their share of cuts and scars
but they taught the value of working hard
It's taken a life of living to get my hands to look like this

Now you know about these hands
I hope you don't misunderstand
I've given them the best care that I could
Though they've never had a life of ease
Never pampered, I can guarantee
They're the reason that I stand here with my pride
My life has been their manicure
Shaped by service through the years
It's taken a life of living to get my hands to look like this

Life In 3/4 Time
Writer: Brad Norgart
www.myspace.com/bradnorgart
Performer: Ronnie Kimball
www.reachhigher.com/RonnieKimball.html
© 2009 Brad Norgart (BMI)

Inspiration Notes: I wrote this song to honor all the couples who are loving and resilient
enough to grow old together. It's been said, "life is a dance", and this story is a
memorable waltz through time from a high school prom to an assisted-living home. The
shooting stars observed by the young couple at the end of the song represent both
their lives ahead of them and the lives of the older couple the story is about.

He's opening the lid
Of a trunk that seems hid
In a closet behind some old clothes
He's surprised when he finds
Her prom dress inside
And a program with a flower pressed closed
Then he opens the pages
Of that magical night
When a young man laid it all on the line, and asked
"If your dance card's still open
Would you please let the next dance be mine?"

He never thought he could love her
More than he loved her that night
He'd never seen her so pretty
There were stars in her eyes
Their feet kept on shuffling
Though the music had died
And the whole room stood silent
As that couple waltzed by
All alone on the dance floor
Life moving in 3/4 time

As he puts things away
He remembers that day
The first time he'd held her close
While in her garden she stands
With a flower in her hands
Like the one from years ago
Then the backdoor squeaks open
And he's there by her side
And that old man tries an old line
"If your dance card's still open
Would you please let the next dance be mine?"

It was like they were floating
What a magical sight
He said she never looked prettier
Stars returned to her eyes
Their feet kept on shuffling
As the day turned to night
And a neighbor stood silent
As they slowly waltzed by
All alone in the backyard
Life moving in 3/4 time

As the moment unwound
They started to talk
Of the secret they found
They'd dance to slow down

Now he's shuffling his feet
Behind a walker he needs
In an old folks home they reside
Down the hallway he squeaks
In every open door he peeks
Nods his head at the neighbor inside
When he reaches their room
Where she lies sick in bed
The nurse motions to him and says
"She's been whispering 'where are you'
The last dance is about to begin".

So he lies down beside her
Wraps his arms 'round her tight
Their hearts beating in motion
To a birds song outside
He said she never looked prettier
Just then the songbird took flight
And as it's music fell silent
In his arms, she died
Her last words were, she'd see him again
On some magical night

Then it happened one winter
God said it was time
So through the snow and the ice
He shuffled outside
He searched all the heavens
Til he caught her eye
And a strolling young couple
Stood amazed at the sight
Two shooting stars side-by-side
The lover's thought
"What a magical night."
Falling in love all over
With life moving in 3/4 time

Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Me?
Writers: Ellen Bukstel/Nancy Wuerzburger
Performer: Ellen Bukstel
www.ellenbukstel.com
© 2003 Ellen Bukstel & Nancy Wuerzburger

Inspiration Notes: I'm a 56 year young songwriter going through what I call career
menopause. This song hits all the hot buttons of women going through life changes, and
has their partners nodding and clapping in wholehearted agreement. It's about hot
flashes, mood swings, and sex drive in the universal language of song. I'm using a bit
of humor to turn up the heat on menopause.

Well, my hormones have been raging for quite a while
I know that I am aging so I gonna go in style
One minute I am laughing, the next one I'm in tears
Cause the magazines I'm reading are confirming all my fears

Is it hot in here I asked or is it me
My family thinks I'm crazy as can be
Well my thermostat is broken, it feels like 103
Is it hot in here, or is it me?

I saw my friend Susan just the other day
Said that she was feeling exactly the same way
With hot flashes all the time, I said I'm on the verge
She said "honey, that's not a hot flash, it's really a power surge!"

Well, the mood swings and the weight gain are making me irrate
Progesterone and Estrogen will help me lubricate
They say that soybeans can reduce the rate of heart desease
And Osteoperosis!!...could you spell that for me please?

They say that my libido is likely to decline...NOT!
Insomnia and night sweats make me tired all the time
There is designer estrogen.. the doctors could prescribe
But recent test are showing that the rats did not survive

This is not a mid life crises or empty nest syndrome
It's just my body changing into something quite unknown
They used to call us crazy, but never knew the cause
Well it's our right of passage and it's called menopause!

Well my thermostat is broken
No truer words were spoken
Is it hot in here, I'm just not clear, please crank up the AC
Is it hot in here I asked or is it me! Yeah!

More Than He Could Say
Writer/Performer: Jan Garrett
www.Garrett-Martin.com
©1999 Foolchild Music (ASCAP)

Inspiration Notes: I grew up with a '50's dad. He loved John Wayne Westerns, and flew
the American flag on holidays. He was a solid citizen, a good provider for the family,
and a stern disciplinarian because he thought that's what fathers were supposed to do.
He had some fun quirks and a decent sense of humor when properly egged on, but was
never effusive when it came to showing tender emotions.

I never remember a time when he came out and said "I love you" to any of us kids as
we were growing up. Fortunately he got mellower with age (and the onslaught of his
adorable twin granddaughters). This is my love song to him, and all the Dads.
Evolution!

We were always kind of scared of him, he was strong & handsome
And he made it clear who wore the pants in the family
Everybody tried to please him, we fought for his attention
Then we would shine like twinkling stars
Don't you wonder who we are
But he was just too far away to see
Our captain sailed us sternly through the storm
He kept us safe, if maybe not so warm
His silence might have kept his kids at bay
But I think he loved us more than he could say

He wasn't much of a talker, so Mom would have to tell us
How proud he was of each of us, and how he really cared
He was busy taking care of things, and we were busy leaving
Now all the king's horses from way back when
Can't quite put us together again
But heaven knows we do the best we can
Now, every empire has its rise and fall
In time the harshest tyrants fade away
He never said "I love you" that I recall
But after all, it was more than he could say

I drove down for the weekend, he was glad to see me
He said, "Your Mom, you know, is kinda slow, it's hard to get around
But we appreciate your coming, we know you keep so busy
We hope the girls are doing fine
Tell them to come by some time
We'd love to see you all next time around
Well, every empire has its rise and fall
In time the harshest borders fade away
I never said, "I love you" that I recall
But after all is said and done
I love you more than I can say

Nothin' But A Number
Writer: James McBride
Performer: Mr. Deep Positivity
www.mrdeeppositivity.com
© Copyright 2009 James McBride

Inspiration Notes: This song was inspired by my 83 year old grandmother named
Laura. Although she is along in years, she still leads a full life, lives independently,
regularly attends church and is always cheerful. Not only that, she's always helping
others and is a blessing to everyone she knows. She's always been a positive role
model to me and truly shows that 'Age is Nothing but a Number' by living her life to the
fullest. My hope for this song is that it inspires seniors everywhere to continue to enjoy
their lives, no matter what their age.

Age is nothin' but a number, keep moving till you're six feet under
This song's for the elderly, enjoy your life till you rest in peace

When you move them old bones you might hear a pop
Might use a walker cause you're scared to drop
But keep it moving no matter what
Cause age is nothin' but a number

Remember life is what you make it
So make it the best everyday you're waking
Keep your mind focused on being elated
Like wine your getting finer as you're aging

Your hands may be shaking hair all grey and
Your hearing decaying, it's OK man
Enjoy every day and count your blessings
It's your time to shine no time for stressing

You can stand still when you're eternally resting
Til then enjoy life and keep on stepping
Be reflecting on the good memories
And keep on jamming like those old melodies

You may walk with a cane, have arthritis pain
Forget what's in your brain, hunched back like Notre Dame
Don't cry or complain that will make you go insane
Instead maintain serenity in your frame

Enjoy everyday cause it might be your last
Recall memories that make you smile so you laugh
Don't live in the past, just live for today
Give and lift another when they're in dismay

You'll brighten up their day when you live this way
And bliss comes back to you like a boomerang
You can do your thing no matter what your age
You're free to roam the earth, you're not locked in a cage

Relish this phase of your life with zeal
Tell your mind that good is how you feel
Adore each moment that new days reveal
I pray your life is full of a love that's real

Movies On The Wall
Writer/Performer: Dan Sirois
www.dansirois.com
© Copyright 2009 Dan Sirois

Inspiration Notes: After an evening of viewing reel after reel of old home movies, I was
overwhelmed at the wave of wonderful childhood memories that washed over me. It
left me wondering how my parents did it all - filling a house with 9 children, surviving
the tough times, the chaos and tears, the list goes on - but the movies answered all my
questions. They were loaded with images of a family full of life, love, support,
celebration and LOTS of laughter. We never seemed to have a lot, yet now I see we
had it all!

Wake up in the mornin' and I'm starin' at my face
The lines keep cutting deeper and get harder to erase
Last night washes over me like a gentle waterfall
I was soaking in the memories
Watching movies on the wall

Flashback Christmas morning 1963
We're swimming thru the gifts that seem to flow out from the tree
There's my mother laughing, and the kids all look so small
I shake my head and wonder how my parents did it all
In the movies on the wall

Here's my sister's graduation, a smiling cap and gown
Standing proud and waving to the clicking of the sound
The old projector wheels keep rollin' like a steady long lost friend
That helps me to remember all the best
Of way back when

We pulled homemade kites with stingray bikes, barefoot fancy free
And fish all day down Hussies Pond, just my brothers and me
We never seemed to have a lot, now I see we had it all
Oh the sweetest childhood memories I recall
In the movies on the wall

Now my life is in the middle of what was and what will be
I may never be a wealthy man, but I'm rich with family

One thing that I noticed, there's not a single frame
Of the man behind the camera, you may never know his name
But when I think about it, he had the best view of us all
When he captured all the best years of our lives
In the movies on the wall
The movies on the wall
Movies on the wall

When The Children Are Gone
Writer/Performer: Vivien Wolsk
www.myspace.com/vivwolsk
© 2007 Vivien Wolsk (BMI)

Inspiration Notes: It seems that many couples wake up one day and find themselves
without children at home and are suddenly left to find each other again. I am 68 years
old and have been writing songs most of my life. This particular song explores the
effect on my relationship with my husband after our experience of raising three children
and having them grow up and leave home. It comes from my own personal experience,
yet I know many others struggle with this as well. It poses the questions and offers the
possibility of renewed love and intimacy that empty-nested couples face.

When the children are gone
And we sit at the window
Looking out at the feet passing by
When the children are gone
And there's only you and I

All the years that we wished
For these moments of peace
Can they now become more than a bore
When the children are gone
Will we love each other more

When the children are gone
And we lie down together
Reaching out for the closeness
We thought was once there
Will we find something left
Besides cartons of long out-grown dreams
And sweet memories of them we can share

When the children are gone
Will we look at the space left behind
And go on as before
Or will we wish that we'd given them more
When the children are gone

When the children are gone
Will we say our goodbyes
And go on no more wise than before
Or have we got some surprises in store
When the children are gone

Will we turn to each other
For the warmth of a lover
Can it be we'll discover
What we dreamed all along
Can a lullabye become a love song
When the children are gone