Christmas Eve (Peace be with you)

Have a great Merry Christmas...and peace to you and your family



Snow is gently falling, the cat’s under the tree

Joyous light is calling, new hope for us to see

Winter is here, and nothing to fear

Friends are in town, and comfort abounds

Peace to you, Peace to you,

God’s peace to you, Peace.

Church bells are sounding, the parking lots full

The eve service starting, racks packed with wool

Jesus is here, and nothing to fear

Good friends around singly heavenly sounds.

Peace to you, Peace to you

God’s peace to you,  Peace.

By Dave Schipper © 2013 Rose Riversongs

To feel the likes

Updated from the Feb post.....
When you’re staring at your morning face

And your friends all hate the human race

There are a few that you wouldn’t erase

They make you feel you’re loved

Evening traffic and the likes appear

So does that stalker that you sometimes fear 

He’d like to hold you for 1 million years 

And all your pics he loves

I know you haven’t made your mind up yet 

Your event list a mile long 

Click going when your mind is set

And hope your friends all come along

You’ve been tagged so much you’re feeling bruised

You wake each day to your timeline news

And reminded what you used to do 

And see that you are loved

The storms are raging over gun control

And all the Me toos  in between

When you need reprieve and lol

You check a dweeby friend.

He can make you happy, make you laugh a few

There is nothing he wouldn’t do

Go and find a meme just for you

To make you feel you’re loved
Go and find a meme just for you

To make you feel you’re loved.

Parody of Bob Dylan’s “To Make you Feel my Love”

By Dave Schipper © 2018 Rose Riversongs

Ok normally I don't give the story behind these pieces, but this one is too fun.  It started with a conversation with a friend Jessie McDonald if I should tag her on a picture.  My comment was "You are tagged so much you must feel bruised"  This morning I did a quick google to see it anyone had coined that expression and I couldn't find it.  Morning commute and news was boring so I turned off the radio, now what could I do with that line. I said it in such a way it reminded me of Dylan's song.  I did have to re-listen to the song to get the start of some of the verses, but a good parody needs to match the original as much as possible.  I was so surprised that there was a line about being black and blue, it forced me to use my first idea as the 3rd verse.



Here are the original lyrics, feel free to grade me on my parody skills, and avid readers know this isn't the first time I've parodied Bob.  (Click here for Hey Mr. Tangerine)

Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven’t made your mind up yet But I would never do you wrong
I’ve known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I’d go hungry, I’d go black and blue
I’d go crawling down the avenue
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rollin’ sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain’t seen nothing like me yet I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn’t do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love

Copyright © 1997 by Special Rider Music

I actually laughed when I first had to learn the song for a wedding that I backed up Katie Johnson singing, here was a Bob Dylan song I didn't know.  Then to find out that I owned the CD and had ignored the song and it was a Garth Brooks cover the bride liked. If you don't know the song, here's a video I put together a while back.  I had recorded Katie so she could practice the song than added my voice later.  (I referred to it as my beauty and the beast duet.  Ha)

Stalker vs Whiner Parodies

At our most recent house concert... Randy Sabien talked about how many songs can fit into the Stalker or Whiner category... Country, Blues, Pop... no genre is clean.  It's been on my mind until I started to think about playing with a parody of a few of these to make them MORE extreme and MORE modern... Sorry Carole King (I feel the Earth Move)  and Jim Croce (Operator)... I did find that Carole King's was very stalker like without much changes (can women stalk?)

Stalker

I feel the earth move when I look for you.

I see your page tumble down, 

I see my hand start to trembling

Whenever you’re found

Ooh Baby when I see your face

In my timeline you are tagged.

Oh darling, I can’t stand it

When you look at me that way.

I feel the earth move when I look for you.

I see your page tumble down, 

I see my hand start to trembling

Whenever you’re found

Ooo darling I’ll get near you

And I’ll whisper our your name

I know my own emotions

Are something I just can’t tame.

I’ve just got to have you, baby, uh huh huh uh huh huh yeah

I feel the earth move when I look for you.

I see your page tumble down, 

I just lose control

to my very soul.

Whiner:

Hello Siri, could you help me find this girl

See the number on the napkin is all tattered

She was living in LaCrosse with old friend Ross

A gay guy she said really didn’t matter.

Isn’t that the way they say it goes, well forget all that

Look up that strip joint up in Bluff Siding

So I can just just call to tell them I’m coming for the show

I’ve overcome the blow, I’ve learned to miss her so

If only the dancer would could convince me of that

It just wasn’t real, so I wonder how she feels.

Hello Siri, could you help me find this girl

You see the number you just call was for pizza

There’s porn on my screen, and my phone froze up

I think a lot of her still, I thought we could hook up

Isn’t that the way they say it goes, well forget all that

Look up that strip joint up in Bluff Siding

So I can just just call to tell them I’m coming for the show

I’ve overcome the blow, I’ve learned to miss her so

If only the  dancer would could convince me of that;

It just wasn’t real, so I wonder how she feels.

Both songs parodied by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs.

Maia

This was originally posted on Feb 13, 2018... song added Nov. 10, 2018
Listen to the song here.. 

Her soft petals of grace

Born from seeds planted in black dirt

Ages and ages and ages ago

Fed by the showers weeks earlier

But hardened by the cold

Her soft baby flesh

Born from seeds planted an August night

Days months and years ago

Fed by love from family friends

But hardened with pain.

Her dark lovely eyes

Born from the seed of Atlantis

Lived eternal days of dancing 

Fed by the mountain streams

But hardened by jealousy

May you continue to bless us.

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Image Credit https://www.pinterest.com/pin/206884176610432730/

One last shot of whiskey

The glass is on the table

Just where you left it

Girl I’m strong and able

Could you give it a rest

Yep don’t give me started

You know I’m downhearted

The moment I farted

And you left me there

One last shot of Whiskey

Another night alone

I would tell you I’m lonely

If it would bring you home

My eyes were burning

And my stomach turning

I guess I'll won't learn

To control my gas

I feel like an ass

The lowest of class

I’ll plead for you back

My prettiest flower (Chorus)

Sure miss your cooking

The way you used cumin

I'm just way to human

So I'll live by myself.

One last shot of Whiskey

Another bowl of chili

Babe it sure gets lonely

And smelly around here (Chorus)

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Vote

I first wrote:

Will it be where I land

Will it be where I stand

Are you there by my side

Make it be hand-in-hand

And with today's world filled with hate... the rest wrote itself. 

Please vote with love in your heart.

When

When your eyes go blurry, 

Follow the white lines
When your words are slurred,

You know it’s time.

We're a breath away

From the shadow
Starting every day

In a hole.

Seems to be no limit

To the pain
Or joy from the pulpit,

Just disdain

If we lock her up,

Well who’s next?
If they shut him up

At what risk?

We so much long

For gentle touch
We need a new song

So very much

Until we do find 

Such respite

Let's take the time

To comfort

...
One another 

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Verse in a Song

Years they go by 

Adding up memories 

Was it a disco night or a Mo Udal rally

Either and both didn’t last long

Only verses in a song

Why can I paint 

And see my first kiss

Behind the garage near the park

Right off of Waldo Boulevard

What was her name now just a pawn

And just a verse in a song

I’m not an early riser

But my heart would pound for her

As I waited for the bus; 
A bouncy packet of the energy

Dark eyes, brown hair so long

What's left is this verse in a song

Chaotic as can be 

A little nympho was she

She became a friend who I left in he end 

I still wonder if we stayed around

Yet now only a verse in a song.

Prayers are answered 

And of course its her

We went from teasing to pleasing

Warm nights, cold butts, and years long

We are more than a verse in a song

Now platonic love 

Does fit like a glove 

Safely I’m old and allowed to hug

Many fine spirits and oh so young 

They live my last verse in song

By Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

note some write an autobiographical memoir, some write a song.  I've done the later.

Him

He was alone in the room
alone in his mind
Invisible to everyone
Seen a few times

Dealers knew him as strange
Or stranger than most
The odd mix of pills and chills
This side of danger

The air filled with Friday

Music and laughter

He brooded in silence

Pure evil they say

Did anyone saw him leave?

Did anyone care?

He left carnage behind

Everyone would see

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Take back

Take back the words

Take back the money

Take back all that I’m worth

You showed once

That it’ll be twice

Third time call me a dunce

Ginger was fine, but Maryann’s mine

7 hour cruise with her would be kind

See you noon, bring your bassoon

Strange the better at the light of the moon

Chorus

Booze cruise time, Pamela’s mine

Michael should’ve pushed Jim overboard

She’d win my Dundie, or see my undies

I’ll sit on a roof with her anytime

Chorus

Insanity is just a state of mind

Yes, I’m closer to lousy than fine

Hawk knew those hips belonged to Hot Lips

They would please Frank all the time.

Every day

Every day I ask, will it be my last

Will it end in a mistake or with a heartbreak

Run down by a truck or just ran out of luck

Maybe hit by a brick, oh let it be quick.

I live on the defensive and border on offensive

Well I have a shy side, but keep it inside

It comes out with the pen leaving me dangerously open

So I’ll pack it in and smile; blend in for a while

Here’s to the start of the day, look ahead and pray

Yes find the time to be kind

Go walk around in small towns

Then say good night complete; to wake up & repeat

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Old World WI

It was 1963, a trip to the country

Dirt floors in the kitchen, a smell of piss in the air

German was spoken, Grandpa was smokin’

This five year old would remember it until today

Old world WI, far cry from their land

Weathered & wrinkled these immigrant hands

The pope had just died, JFK had lied

There was nothing much to say, I just stared

You betcha we will, blood sausage swill

This five year old knew, nothing good for today.

Zeman and Euchre, a jug of beer

They were still family, rural white trash farmers

Ma moved to town, got a room her own

Worked in a butcher shop, a job she knew well

Old world WI, far cry from their land

Weathered & wrinkled these immigrant hands

It was 1963, before there was a dream

It was a family of six, and not a lot of smiles

Packers were alright, TV was black & white 

This five year old would remember it until today

This five year old would remember it until today

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Enjoy the first demo...

give me

Give me silence
I have had more than enough
Noise whining and bickering

Let me just breathe
Warm thoughts of you smiling
Oh so comforting

I am alone
Maneuvering through the crowd
To stop is rewarding

Soak in silence
Bathe until your soul is clean
The noise
               ......is awaiting

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

What did I say?

What was it I said?
What was it I did?
When did you stop
being a friend?

I’m obsessed with you
But I kept it cool
You cut me off
Silence from your end

Should I avoid you
Stop going places
They’ll be awkward smiles
One will leave in the end

Now it’s back to me
Stalk you in reverse
I’ll find new haunts
And just remember when

I’ve said way too much
Done more than you wanted
You gave me no chance
And just made it end

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

note... don't panic.. trying to get in touch with sadness, I imagined a friend deciding she had enough with me.  A truly saddest state I could imagine.  I made a point of getting in touch with my morose side when I heard Dessa insured herself against losing it... say what, in case she got too happy.  Yes I've been too happy.

Friends

Yes what follows is true.

Believe me friends can catch you

They can stretch you, boost you and lie to you.

One by one, they come calling

Surprise you when you’re falling

Or lead into the appalling and withdrawing

Now I pause for a second

Will I learn a new lesson,

Or persist in confession and confusion.

I’ll guess the later

But seriously does it matter.

With friends like this I’m happier and sadder.

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Forever 21

Somewhere along the way

you grew part of my day

Oh the stories you’d tell
A bit emotional

Chorus

You’re   forever   21

the first to have fun

Not to be outdone,

you’re  forever    21

You don’t care to grow up

Plan days to act adult

So put on your fav dress

And dance your hair a mess

Chorus

She knew that she had won

When she was her baddest

She’ll slow down just for once

At the dawn’s morning kiss

Chorus

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Strings

Strings, strings, bodda bing

you played my heart strings

with a voice clear and charming

Strings strings rusty strings

Oh you played summer heat

but not now you sound incomplete

Strings, strings political things

I will yes sir with all my heart

And won’t be in it from the start

Strings, strings, sloppy things

This old comfy shirt is tattering

Which is soul shattering

Strings, strings, my strings

Any pretty smile plays me

I’m ready to do as you please

Strings, strings, what tomorrow brings

Maybe more words on an organ

Maybe sleep in and forget again

Strings, strings bodda bing

you make my heart sing

You make my world everything

Strings, strings, endless strings

Caught in a ten minute symphony

Lost in thought what irony

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs 

 Note: This came from a morning exercise called Object Writing. Learned about the putting this routine in from Miss Tess and she pointed me to ObjectWriting.com  I highly recommend the exercise, and if you sign up, Mr. Pattison's name is Pat.

Crazy Enough for You

When its 1 o’clock and I’m all spent
You’re still all smiles and won’t relent
Another round or maybe two

Because I’m crazy enough for you

Tonight this chick flick has three men in it
And I am one of them and proud of it
We’ll laugh and cry too
Because I’m crazy enough for you

You open the door and scream “Snake!”
Without thinking I go and grab the rake
Was I dumb or just a fool
At least I’m crazy enough for you

Many guys have a way of shutting up
You know me, I’ll just make the words up
Sometimes they’ll catch you too
You know, I’m crazy enough for you

By Dave Schipper © 2018 Rose Riversongs

Really didn't think this was going to be a song... picked up a guitar and it wrote itself.

Safe Friends

Here’s to safe friends, may you have a few

The stories shared don’t go anywhere

They pick on you when you’ve had a few

Pick you up when you’re feeling blue

They’re first to say sorry even if no harm was done

And they’ll laugh with glory when your fly is undone

So here’s to those safe friends 

……………may they be with you to the end

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

We live with Angels

We live with angels all around

In these sleepy little towns

They take no credit for themselves

They are just women at the well

In the mirror they see a sinner

Not a warrior or winner

But in their heart, they are a saint

With the new world to paint

We live with angels

They are in the silence

We live with angels

Know they are present

We live with angels

They’re mothers in the crosshairs 

For migrant children in despair

They’re making bread for the poor

Greeting them at the door.

These angels shine bright in dark bars

In factories and beat up cars

They energize a full classroom

Knowing someone there will bloom

We live with angels

They walk among us

We live with angels

And they cuss and fuss

We live with angels

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

writers note:  This piece was written in my mind over days, and it was influenced by song titled "Too Many Angels" by Jackson Browne who I had chance to see in last weeks.  The angels I know would never claim to be angels, and those claim to be champions are paupers not worthy of Jesus love.  But love he promises, and will deliver to the tax collectors, to the border protectors, and to the innocent of the world.  We have a world with a hand we're dealt, let's try to spread love of an angel while we're naturally born sinners.

Photo linked to : Meet the Women  credited to Gregory Bull/AP/REX/Shutterstock 

Festival is on

I’ll take my hands and use my voice

Share my gifts as a choice
A loving gift to the folks, here

I’ll spread the stories all around
It’s just where I’m bound
And tip a hat the ones, before

Sing and dance
Take a chance
Just freelance
a little romance

The festival is on today
Stop by decide to stay
It’s held for folk, like you

Handmade and old inspired
Just chill you won’t get tired
Here’s a brown ale just, for you.

Sing and dance
Give a glance
To enhance
Your life’s stance.

by Dave Schipper (c) 2018 Rose Riversongs

Written after I was challenged to write a song for the Great River Folk Fest that I've been the chair of for the last 3 years. greatriverfolkfest.org