People Are People
I’ve traveled the world – Seen almost everything that I could see
I’ve seen all kinds of people who are not so different from me
Everybody hurts – And though divided by oceans
We all laugh and love and share a common bond of emotions
People are people all over the place – Imagine yourself in a different space
Driving on the left – Driving on the right – Drinking a litre – Or downing a pint
Does it really matter in the least
If people are people and we only want to live in peace
Ignorance is bliss – When we run around with blinders on
If we never leave home, how’re we ever gonna see beyond
And it’s the same everywhere – We depend on what we see on the air
The facts get distorted and exaggerated just to scare
People are people all over the place – Imagine yourself in a different space
Living in the East – Living in the West – Bathed in riches – Or living on less
Does it really matter in the least
If people are people and we only want to live in peace
People are basically good but we’re all sinners
And sometimes prejudice rules and there are no winners
History tells us to judge by the way people live
But can’t we agree most everyone has something to give
We see another side – We don’t always understand their ways
But the world’s getting smaller and it never ceases to amaze
We think we have the answers – We think everything we do is right
But different isn’t wrong and not everything is black and white
People are people all over the place – Imagine yourself in a different space
Children are children wherever they’re from – Bound to a faith or no religion for some
It doesn’t really matter in the least
‘Cause people are people and we only want to live in peace
People are people - We all want to live in peace
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Back to Innocence
Time machines and magazines take me back to where I used to be
Won’t you come with me
The hits on AM radio; Rock ‘n roll and black and white TV
And it was free
Walking to the candy store; Pixie sticks and bubble gum cigars
And nickel Hershey bars
Stickball in the street; Imagination up against the wall
With a Spaldeen ball
All the sights and sounds – They’re coming back to me
Making all the rounds – Thru ancient history
Going back to innocence again
To people, places, things from way back when
Hoola Hoops and TinkerToys; Captain Kangeroo was in his prime
We’re going back in time
Khrushchev and the Kennedy’s; Viet Nam and Martin Luther King
Oh what the times would bring
Twenty five cent gasoline; Seatbelts just an option you could buy
How did we survive
The milkman came at five A.M.; And Mr. Chips brought pretzels in a can
Then came the soda man
Life was so much simpler back then
Technology was paper and a pen
Cars were hot and war was cold; The age of fifty seemed so old
There’ll never be a time like that again
Record players, forty fives; Dial phones and roller skates with keys
How I skinned my knees
Pitching pennies, flipping cards, training wheels and candy cigarettes
I’ve no regrets
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Abbey Road
I’ve got a ticket to ride to Maryelbone Station – Then I hop a cab to St. John’s Wood
When I see the crosswalk, there’s no mistaking – It’s a celebrated neighborhood
All the people try to reenact it – That famous scene from yesterday
They cross the street and they hold up traffic – And pose for pictures on the way
As I walk across to number three – I see the writing on the walls
Every color there, every word, I see – It’s only love, and that is all
Feeling all the envy of the crowd – Up thru the private entryway
It’s so surreal, I’m in a cloud – A nowhere man, I’m miles away
I’m talking ‘bout Abbey Road – For the sound of a generation
Walkin’ thru Abbey Road – A backstage pass for me
Am I really at Abbey Road – Or is it just my imagination
Seeing Abbey Road – Like it was nineteen sixty three
So I roam about the hallowed hallways – Photos hanging from a distant time
Sessions past, remembered always – All these legends here and I feel fine
The sacred corridors and rooms – The magic lives in number two
With every step, the story looms – So many memories since Love Me Do
I’m thinking ‘bout Abbey Road – It was part of the revolution
Checking out Abbey Road – Its fortunes on display
Chilling at Abbey Road – Where we saw an evolution
Lookin’ at Abbey Road – It’s a treasure still today
Mrs. Mills still sits against the wall – The fabled four-tracks aging in the hall
And if I close my eyes and concentrate – I can hear the music resonate
I’m thinking ‘bout Abbey Road – It was part of the revolution
Checking out Abbey Road – Where Sargent Pepper taught the band to play
Chilling at Abbey Road – Where we saw an evolution
Lookin’ at Abbey Road – It’s a treasure still today
I’m talking ‘bout Abbey Road – For the sound of a generation
Walkin’ thru Abbey Road – A backstage pass for me
Was I really at Abbey Road – Or was it just my imagination
Seeing Abbey Road – Like it was nineteen sixty three
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Break the Devil's Spell
You came from riches and you came from rags – From both sides of the tracks
You had a future and you had a past – Are you ever going back
All of the reasons for your state of mind – We can read them in a book
Hindsight is clear and there were many signs – But we had to know to look
Your parents they don’t understand – Where did they go wrong
They tried to lend a loving hand – To help you get along
But you chose another path – Temptation won the day
You yielded to the devil’s touch – And you sold your world away
Spiraling downward – Falling Fast
Into the darkness – The die is cast
Can you turn back now – Is there light ahead
Do you have a chance or have you made your bed
Seems a hopeless situation – You’re living on the street
Pushed to desperation – To find shelter and something to eat
You feed your brain with the devil’s brew – You can’t seem to get enough
So indebted to who knows who – You’ve got to pay before things get rough
Your mother’s filled with sadness – Your father wants to turn the page
They remember how it used to be – Back in your younger days
They’re sick inside at the circumstance – Losing sleep and shedding tears
But raising kids is a game of chance – It takes some luck to make it thru the years
You chose your own direction – No one else can set you straight
And now your resurrection, is up to you and the choice you make
At the end of the road is it left or right – Everything is on the line
Will you meet your fate or see the light – Your guess is as good as mine
‘Cause it takes a lot of courage – to flee that living hell
To climb back to the surface – And break the devil’s spell
You’ve got to break the devil’s spell…
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Behold the Invisible Man
Do I live in your space – Do you know that I’m here
Do my words make a difference – Can you sense when I’m near
Do you hear what I’m saying – Do you know how I feel
Would it change where you stand – If you noticed I was real
Take a look – Take a listen – Take the time to understand
Then you’ll know what you’re missing – Behold the invisible man
Take a look – Take a listen – To a voice from no-man’s land
Can’t you see what you’ve been missing – Behold the invisible man
Do you take me for granted – Do you know my point of view
Do I have any purpose – Or is it all about you
Will you come to your senses – Can you stop running blind
Will you dignify my presence – And leave the apathy behind
Take a look – Take a listen – Take the time to understand
Then you’ll know what you’re missing – Behold the invisible man
Take a look – Take a listen – To a voice from no-man’s land
Can’t you see what you’ve been missing – Behold the invisible man
It’s all I ask – It’s all I need – A little of your time
To realize you notice me – And finally feel you know that I’m alive
Take a look – Take a listen – Take the time to understand
Then you’ll know what you’re missing – Behold the invisible man
Take a look – Take a listen – To a voice from no-man’s land
Can’t you see what you’ve been missing – Behold the invisible man
Take a look – Take a listen – To a voice from no-man’s land
Can’t you see what you’ve been missing - Behold the invisible man
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Caroga Lake
Let me take you on a journey to a place I used to go when I was young
With the memories or summer, reflecting all the senses overcome
Nestled in the mountains - The wilderness – The Beauty all around
The cool clear water kissed the shore – The pine trees - The needles on the ground
Like a sanctuary hidden by a landscape that defends its sacred space
It's a sentimental memory more vivid in my mind than anyplace
Whether sitting on the shore or drifting out upon the quiet water's tide
I remember every moment with the images embedded in my mind
Caroga Lake it glistened with the sunset
At dawn its stillness like a sheet of ice
Caroga Lake in quiet isolation
A peaceful solitude in paradise
In the twilight we would sit beneath the stars and watch the fireflies
They hovered neared the trees like imaginary sparkles in our eyes
When morning came the grownups would drive to pick up donuts in the town
They were the best I’ve ever had but there were never quite enough to go around
In all of my reflections of the days when I was coming of age
The stories left a mark like nothing I recall from any other phase
All year long I’d look ahead, counting down the days ‘till we could take
That magical excursion to the cabin at that Adirondack Lake
In an old and shaky rowboat we would navigate the waters on our own
Baiting hooks and casting lines into marshy bogs so thick and overgrown
We caught a thousand sunfish every summer and it felt like such a crime
But since we had to throw them back I swear I caught the same one every time
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
This One's For Her
This one’s for her – This one is spoken for – This one’s for her
Every year I love her so much more
This one I wrote – I wrote it for the one I love – This one I wrote
To tell her who I’m thinking of
And the words – They came – So easily
From the heart – And the soul – They appeared to me
This one’s for her – And it’s for all to see – This one’s for her
She means the world to me
This one I sing – I sing a love song – This one I sing
I’ll serenade her all day long
And the words – They came – So easily
From the heart – And the soul – They appeared to me
And this one’s for her – She makes the house a home
And this one’s for her – She’s got a heart of gold
And this one’s for her – She treats me like a king
And this one’s for her – She is my everything
This one’s for her – This one is spoken for – This one’s for her
Every year I love her so much more
This one I wrote – I wrote it for the one I love – This one I wrote
To tell her who I’m thinking of
And the words – They came – So easily
From the heart – And the soul – They appeared to me
And this one’s for her – She always will astound
And this one’s for her – She makes my world go ‘round
And this one’s for her – She brightens every day
And this one’s for her – She still takes my breath away
And the words – They came – So easily
From the heart – And the soul – They appeared to me
So I wrote – Them Down – And I found a tune
And I play – Them now – In a song to you
But this one’s for her – This one’s for her – This one’s for her
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Just Along For the Ride
Wheels are turning / Wearing a smile / Sun is shining / Taking my time
Celebrating life for a while
On road off road / Feeling no pain / I’ve nowhere to be / A beautiful day
With all the twists and turns along the way
And I’m feeling so fine / with the passage of time
Looking back on the road left behind
It’s an uphill climb / ‘Til the downhill side
And I’m just along for the ride
Making tracks / Seeing the sights / Taking the fast lane / Living the life
No stopping now and it’s alright
Uphill downhill / Feeling so strong / The breeze in my face / And singing a song
I could do this all day long
Low gear riding / Pedaling fast / Making the grade / The wind at my back
Time to descend now at last
Over the hill / A steep decline / Picking up speed / But feeling alive
Coasting to the end of the line
The world goes by / Mile after mile
I’m taking the journey in stride
‘Cause I’m just along for the ride
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
They're The Ones
I’ve read a thousand stories and I’ve heard of all the glories
Of the ones who don’t live ordinary lives
They take the heat and don’t think twice of making any sacrifice
They’re all prepared to pay the asking price
Their nature is to gravitate to places most can’t contemplate
The call to duty never gets ignored
With skill and with precision – And never indecision
They give themselves for little in reward
Can’t you see the infantry and don’t forget the ones at sea
Overhead we hear them roar – Unafraid – They take the shore
They are the first responders – They serve with all the honor
Of the heroes who all wear the uniform
And in the face of danger – They’ll risk it all for strangers
Running toward the raging of the storm
Courageously they walk a beat - In winter cold or summer heat
Honored to protect and serve – With all their hearts – And all their nerve
They’re the ones who protect us – They’re the ones who defend us
The ones we take for granted everyday
They’re the ones who leave their lives behind – Whose loved ones have to compromise
The ones who keep the peace along the way
When you see them all around – Or run across them in your town
Stand up and applaud their gallantry
Show appreciation – Express your adulation
For the ones who keep us all so safe and free
When things get hot and others flee – They heed the call so willingly
Bravely facing danger zones – Risking lives and saving souls
We’re thankful for the stories and we’re proud of all the glories
Of the valorous extraordinary ones
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Time to Shine
Do you know how it feels – To be out on your own
Are you ready to deal – With forces unknown
Can you break the ties – Leave it all behind
Now’s your time to shine
You’ve been working so hard – As a means to an end
You’ve been doing your part – To amaze and ascend
It’s another day – Now you’re on your way
Now’s your time to shine
I can hardly wait – To watch you flying high
To see you make your mark – And I won’t be surprised
Turn another page – Step into the light
Go and change the world – Stand for what is right
It’s time to shine – Time to shine – Time to shine
Time to raise the bar up high
It’s time to shine – Time to shine – Time to shine
It’s your time
So now it begins – You’re taking the field
You’ll be playing to win – And now it’s all real
The stakes are high – But you will rise
Now’s your time to shine
I can hardly wait – To watch you flying high
To see you make your mark – And I won’t be surprised
Turn another page – Step into the light
Go and change the world – Stand for what is right
It’s time to shine – Time to shine – Time to shine
Time to raise the bar up high
It’s time to shine – Time to shine – Time to shine
It’s your time
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
Free Will
So many questions - With answers unknown
We’re learning our lessons - From things we've been told
All of the reasons - For the way that we live
They’re etched in our minds – Well before life begins
The race against time – It starts when we're born
Telling truth from lies - Takes our whole life long
Picking up pieces - Of facts on the road
Trying to make sense – And trying to carry the load
But no one can tell me how to believe – I think for myself and I see what I see
I’m guided by faith and the golden rule – So don’t judge me and don’t call me a fool
I’ve got free will – I’m marching to my own beat
I’ve got free will – And I’ve taken a lot of heat
I’ve got free will – I make no apology
I’ve got free will – I follow my conscience and go where my heart takes me
Whether I’m right – Or whether I’m wrong
I feel I know – Just where I belong
I’m seeking the truth – Like everyone else
But I go it alone – I search by myself
It took me a while to find my way
To break the mold that was so ingrained
I may not see the way you see
But I’ve got plenty of faith and it works for me
And no one can tell me how to believe – I think for myself and I see what I see
I’m guided by faith and the golden rule – So don’t judge me ‘cause I don’t judge you
No one can tell me how to believe – I think for myself and I see what I see
I’m guided by faith and the golden rule – So don’t judge me and I won’t judge you
I’ve got free will – I’m marching to my own beat
I’ve got free will – And I’ve taken a lot of heat
I’ve got free will – I make no apology
I’ve got free will – I follow my conscience and go where my heart takes me
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger
We Can Dance
The room was filled – The lights were low
The music played – But even so
I stood alone – And watched the crowd
A lonely soul – Feeling down and out
The night grew old – The hour was late
Then all at once – I saw your face
You captured me – With just one glance
I knew I had – To take a chance
I walked across – The crowded hall
I met your eyes – They said it all
I asked if we – Could rendezvous
For just one dance – Before the night was through
You took my hand – You felt so warm
We danced in step – Toward the floor
But the music stopped before we got too far
And the lights came on
We’d waited all the evening to belong
And now we had no song
But I wasn’t gonna let this go to waste
The silence couldn’t break our embrace
I held you close and whispered in the night
We can dance – We can dance
We can dance – To the beat of our hearts – To the heat of the moment – In each other’s arms
We can dance – Like there’s no tomorrow – For as long as we want to – To the edge of the stars
And so we danced – In this silent place
We moved as one – In our own space
We owned the room – For all the night
And come what may – It felt so right
We can dance – To the beat of our hearts – To the heat of the moment – In each other’s arms
We can dance – Like there’s no tomorrow – For as long as we want to – To the edge of the stars
© Copyright 2017 Wayne Merdinger