Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair's Videos
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"Expert" Opinions "'Expert' Opinions" - an original song written today (March 20, 2024)! Some dude pissed me off with some unsolicited advice regarding my ukulele playing. I was practicing a song that I wrote that has seven chords in its progressions, by the way, so his comment about songs with three chords was extra patronizing. This particular song is quite simple, on purpose! I just think it's ridiculous when people act so superior under the guise of trying to be helpful. I'm playing my blue Enya Nova U Mini again. Tomorrow or the next day my ORANGE Enya Nova U Concert should be arriving! 🧡 😅 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #advice #opinion #unsolicitedadvice #vent #rant #patronizing Lyrics: "Expert" Opinions Hey there, dude, I think it's cool That you play ukulele, too And your offer of a B diminished sub was fine I think it's swell you like to help But you don't really know me well And it didn't take you long to cross the line Maybe keep it to yourself If no one's asked for your advice If you don't know the background At best, you'll be imprecise Keep it to yourself Even if the need seems clear You admit you're not a teacher So try not to volunteer Your "expert" opinions You think I push too much with my thumb And my positioning is kind of dumb Your words were less blunt but that's what you meant And what's more, I can't ignore Your comments about "cowboy chords" It took great restraint not to tell you to get bent Cho: You're just a doll, "not elitist at all" You never meant to make me small Regarding chords, plenty of great songs use three You're surprised this killed my vibe "sorry if [you] left [me] "feeling criticized" You're just a patronizing SOB Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Almost a Song (Skyward) "Almost a Song (Skyward)" - an original song written in the fall of 2000 (my notes say probably October). Both of these titles appear in different forms of the song that are saved, so I'm not sure which one I like better. I know there's some white noise - I love the acoustics in my classroom, but it might not be good for recording. I don't want to redo it at home, though. Eventually I'll do a nicer video of this song! I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele, with the capo on the 4th fret (I'm using C shapes to play in E because the original G is currently too high to be comfy and I don't wanna play anything with E chord shapes lol). It's pretty hard to play a soprano uke with a capo, but I tried! Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #uncertainty #anxiety Lyrics: Almost a Song (Skyward) Trudy is dancing Alone in the dark No music is playing She steps with her heart She could fumble for candles But the matches are gone Closed eyes call the nightmares So she dances on And her lips move in whispers Forming almost a song Words that make her feel alien Words that make her belong What can I do to propel myself skyward How can I be so unsure at this age What can I say to myself when I'm wondering How can this life feel less like a cage Daniel comes home To his dog every night He feeds it and himself He's resigned to that life But sometimes he feels questions While he's watching the news Perhaps he senses the tremors His dreams singing the blues And his lips move in whispers Forming almost a song Words that make him feel alien Words that make him belong Cho: And I lie awake wondering how many are lost Are there others like me Is their worth based on cost I ache through the doldrums Of an average day In the life of a moonbeam That forgot how to play And my lips move in whispers Forming almost a song Words that make me feel alien Words that make me belong Cho: And my lips move in whispers Forming almost a song ©2000 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Amphibious "Amphibious" - an original song (lyrics written 21 Feb 25, music written today - 09 Mar 25). I wrote the lyrics during #FAWM, after giving myself a quick question prompt of "Amphibian" (I have an ever-growing list of random songwriting prompts). It's an odd little song and you can take it literally or as a metaphor. I mean it both ways. I'm playing my Enya EUT-X1 low-G tenor again. I'm super behind, because on Wednesday I had to take down my whole setup and just didn't have the spoons to put it back together until now. And only guilt made me do it LOL. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Amphibious Coming out of the water Has never been easy for me I take comfort in the weight of it The increased viscosity But coming up for air Is a cursed necessity Even when the coast is clear I feel something's after me Do I belong in both worlds Or nowhere at all The fish say I'm not one of them But on land I barely crawl Coming out of the water Feels like shedding my skin Kind of like I'm undressing I become exposed and thin But coming up for air Is the only way I breathe I wait until my lungs are burning Till fear's conquered by relief Do I belong in both worlds Or nowhere at all The fish say I'm not one of them But on land I barely crawl Why must I always Summit, then fall Do I belong in both worlds Or nowhere at all I want to stay where it's comfortable To keep hidden in the deep But then I yearn for air and sunlight Till I find that I must leap And for one glorious moment I am weightless, almost flying Once satisfied, the fear returns And it feels like I am dying Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #40 Lyrics: 21 Feb 25, 11:58 PM Music: 09 Mar 25, 11:08 PM |
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Another Hit of You "Another Hit of You" - an original song written this morning during a timed group writing challenge for #5090 (50 Songs in 90 Days). I proposed the prompt of "independence (or a lack thereof)" and this is what I did with it. Again, I posted 94 original songs in the official 100 days of this challenge, and then I took a big long break LOL. I posted another one earlier today, so this one's number 96. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Another Hit of You Sometimes a mini-burst of danger Is too intriguing to ignore And I think most of us know better Than to crack open that door I can be so level-headed In the most stressful of times But there you were on my horizon Too enticing to decline I hate the way it feels Wanting another hit of you I knew that you were dangerous And traumatizing, too But now, I'm feeling a bit frisky Even after all you’ve put me through Accentuating all my shame Another hit, a hit of you I cannot cry surprise That you were something of a rake I had mostly open eyes When I committed my mistake You were charming, I was stupid Somewhat willfully, I warrant And even though the ending Was fairly frightening and abhorrent Cho: I cannot reconcile The part of me that thinks you vile With the part that could toss caution To the winds a little while I know that it is perilous To even talk to you I cannot get another hit Another hit of you Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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At Least I Know Your Eyes Are Brown "At Least I Know Your Eyes Are Brown" - an original song finished today (10 July 2024), as part of a #5090 skirmish (the prompt was "You Were Wrong"). This really happened to me, but it was a long time ago. I still think it's funny. I'm playing my Flight TUS-SLO travel soprano, which I usually keep in my bedroom. It's always out of its case, so I've been using it to write quite a lot. General project notes: I attempted to share 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge, but I only did 94 during that time. I'm still catching up. My additional challenge to myself was to post 100 originals, and I'm close now. #acoustic #folk #uke #flightukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #dating #humor #funnysong Lyrics: At Least I Know Your Eyes Are Brown One night I met a man After a brief chat online I was kind of bored And a drink sounded fine I don't remember the conversation Just the target of his gaze It was constantly chest-level Not sure he even saw my face Later in the parking lot He tried to extend the date I called him out on his behavior That's when he had the nerve to say At least I know your eyes are brown I was paying attention I know you thought I only saw your boobs At least I know your eyes are brown I just wanted to mention it I bet you feel bad for implying I was rude I nearly laughed my ass off Cuz my eyes are blue-green hazel Depending on my clothes and lighting Gray, green, or blue's been the appraisal Brown's literally the only guess That I will not accept I bid the man goodnight Marveling at what he said Cho: A day or two later I got a text sent from his phone Stay away from my man or you will pay I said I didn't want him That he was hers alone His words still make me laugh today Cho: But yeah, he was rude ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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At Your Feet "At Your Feet" - an original song written in the spring of 1993! So, this is my third day in a row doing a song from 1993. This one is about a different boy and he was a sweetheart. We were theatre friends. 🎭 I decided to film this one today because for some reason the lyrics are still in my head and it's super easy to play. I spent a couple of hours working on another song (one that I wrote 8 years ago and have always done acapella) but the chord progression is so long and I didn't really feel like I had the spoons for recording that without errors. Another day! I'm playing my adorable Enya Nova U Mini (soprano) ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #singersongwriter #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #crush #unrequited #unrequitedlove #wheniwasyoung Lyrics: At Your Feet Your laugh turns me inside out A harsh word can bring me down A look of kindness lifts me up My feelings are played upon and won I don’t know you very well But I’ve fallen under your spell My smile brightens with yours I don’t understand what for And my thoughts wander to you I can’t control the things they do I’d find solace in your arms If we’d ever get that far Your mind's so able - your brilliance flows Imagination knows more than I know There must be others who share my quest I daresay I’m not the best Of my heart’s desire, you have no ken I’m not even sure that I’m your friend What if you find out and you don’t care Would I be able to take it from there I hate the thought - I rue the day That I’d fall victim to games fate plays Life with you’d be life so sweet My heart trembles at your feet I’d find solace in your arms If we’d ever get that far Life with you’d be life so sweet My heart trembles at your feet As I wait for an answer ©1993 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Be Sensible "Be Sensible" - an original song, lyrics written for a #FAWM group challenge I issued to write a song using the prompt "It's hard to explain, but..." (14 Feb 25), and music written tonight(12 Mar 25). I'm sure many folks can relate. I am playing my Enya Nova U Mini, because that's what I take to work. I recorded this in my classroom after class. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Be Sensible It's hard to explain I'm not looking for fame Just wanna live on my art Not something far from my heart It's hard to describe The seeds of my drive When I create I feel spry All other work is a lie My mother said, "Be sensible" You can do art on the side My mother said, "Be practical" Cherish the safety work provides It's hard to create When I'm tired every day In my free time I sleep Or doomscroll it away It's hard to remember My artistic soul After years or decades Have taken their toll Cho: But maybe once a year Amongst like-minded friends I can enjoy an artist's garden And be as a child again To play with words and sounds And unexpected notions To live in a world Built from beauty and emotion Cho: It's hard to explain I'm not looking for fame Just wanna live on my art Not something far from my heart FAWM 2025 - Song #22 (of what's posted) Lyrics: 14 Feb 25, 2:17 pm Music: 12 Mar 25, 9:39 pm |
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Black and Green "Black and Green" - an original song written last summer for #5090. I have taken out the dragons and the lingo, but if you're a fan of House of the Dragon, you might recognize this story. If you are not up to date with the show, and you don't know how all the dance of dragons ends, feel free to listen up through the second last chorus (there is a double chorus at the end) - up through "hellbent on survival"... And then stop it! Or, if you're not watching the show, or you don't care, or if you have read Fire & Blood, have at it. I'm pretty proud of this song. I wrote it after watching the episode when the ladies of black and green meet in the sept. I'm playing it tonight because I needed to play something I knew well rather than trying to finish writing the melody for something that isn't done yet. I'm trying to catch up! My voice is super hoarse because I'm still a little bit under the weather I guess, and teaching my two ESL classes tonight did a number on me. I don't love how I sound but I don't think it's going to get any better. I did one take. Good enough! I am playing my Enya Nova U Concert. It's probably my comfiest uke to play. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #hot #houseofthedragon #gameofthrones #got Lyrics: Black and Green In the whispers of King's prophecy Just moments before death The Queen heard what she wanted So her son was crowned instead His half sister was Crown Princess And would not bend the knee She believed her father chose her Knowing the leader she could be The Dowager Queen, all dressed in Green Said her husband's choice had changed The Black Queen burned to be so spurned Thus was the realm deranged Soon the hotter heads of men On both sides, Green and Black Resulted in barbarities That could not be taken back Battles broke out between Houses As alliances were made So many soldiers dead or wounded And the peasants were afraid The Dowager Queen, all dressed in Green Wrote to her husband's daughter Hoping that the Queen of Black Would wish to curb the slaughter The Black Queen, in disguise Met the Dowager of Green Lighting candles for the fallen In a church, so far unseen She asked for the King's last words And then she understood Her father had not left her His intentions had been good The Dowager Queen, all dressed in Green Ignored the revelation The Black Queen ceased to sue for peace And prepared retaliation Deep in the Dowager's mind A niggling thought was born Was this all just her ambition? For that, a Kingdom torn? No matter, it was too late To reverse this deadly dance Only one side could survive it So she had to take her chance The Dowager Queen, all dressed in Green Sought to defeat her rival The Black Queen now, sure of her Crown Was hellbent on survival The Dowager Queen, all dressed in Green Would soon see her line ended The Black Queen swore she'd win the war She'd have lived if she'd have bended Lyrics: 08 July 2024, 1:38 AM Music: 08 July 2024, 3:38 PM ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Blood on the Stones CW: Imprisonment and violence, some fatal (self-defense). It is not very explicit (IMO), but may feel too close to domestic violence for some people. My performance is emotional. You can look at the lyrics below to help you decide. ******* "Blood on the Stones" - an original #selkie song written during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month) 2024. This song can stand alone, but there are two more parts, which I think is fun. If you don't know what a selkie is, think mermaids, only they're seals when in the sea: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selkie Part 1 (Keep to the Waves) was recorded for Day 10: https://youtu.be/cBNxQTSA15I You don't have to listen to it first. All you need to know is that a selkie has been captured and imprisoned by two men. In the legends, selkies were irresistible in their human form and would steal a female selkie's skin in order to make her stay with him and be his wife. I didn't want my selkie to go down like that. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele, which I haven't played in several days. I really love it. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #filk #folklore Lyrics: Blood on the Stones I do not know how long I have been in this tower The light is so weak from the window above As the two men who caught me fight over my flower I wait alone, missing the ones that I love I will give up my questing for truth and adventure I shan't wander more from my family's domains I'll do anything now, even welcome indenture I'll do as I'm told, to leave these seaside plains I so wanted the world, now I know that it's nought But a carrion-eater that gnaws at your bones I will end this imprisonment that I have wrought Even if at the end there be blood on the stones Those two criminals open my cell door at last And though one seems disgruntled, the other one beams "You will marry my brother, once this storm has passed" Says the sour one, as blood from his angry wound streams And as I still am naked, I snatch up the cloak Then presented by my gen'rous husband-to-be Its foul stench nearly blinds me and I start to choke I decide this is not who I am meant to be Cho: So I throw the cloak over their heads in my fury Push past their chagrin to a door not quite sealed And I fling it wide open in panic and hurry To find in the shadows a stairwell revealed A great roar rises up from above as they stumble I try to move faster to flee from their pow'r Then my head snaps back as my hair's pulled and I tumble And fall with my captor to the base of the tow'r Cho: When I hear a sick crack as his head hits the ground floor I know I will die if his kin catches me I launch into the storm, and start searching around for My seal coat so I may escape to the sea I collapse on the stones, his weight knocking me down But I do not feel pain as he beats me, enraged My right hand finds a rock and the rock breaks his crown He goes limp, I am shaking and hurt, but uncaged Cho: As the rain hits my face, it is washing me clean For a moment I breathe with eyes closed, arms outstretched Then I run towards a dwelling that glows with a sheen As I'm sure that is where seal skin had been fetched Cho: And here at the end there is blood on the stones ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Blood on the Stones Post-Revel: Blood on the Stones - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Northshield Bardic Madness 2024 in the Shire of Falcon's Keep. Post-Revel: Time to sing everything we didn't get to during the rest of the day :--) To see more of Cobflaith's music, check out her youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@robinleaf |
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Bouillabaisse Bouillabaisse - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Northshield Bardic Madness 2017 in Jaravellir. Bouillabaisse: From the provost’s list of words and of tunes, create a new song to bedazzle us. (A rhythmic rhyming poem would be ok, too, but not a story.) |
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Bouillabaisse Ninth challenge of the event, Bardic Madness XXVII: Poisson d'Avril, hosted by the Barony of Jararvellir (Northshield) and recorded on April 1, 2017. From the provost’s list of words and of tunes, create a new song to bedazzle us. (A rhythmic rhyming poem would be ok, too, but not a story.) Patron: THL Brendan O Corraidhe |
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Breaking the Habit This is super rough and was made on my crappy webcam, but I'm posting it, anyway. I decided to do this song in my ELL class tonight and then recorded it to share my sadness over Chester Bennington's death. This is probably still my favorite Linkin Park song and I spent hours harmonizing with it in my car when Meteora came out. I changed the key tonight. Sigh. Sorry for the cry-singing toward the end. First Chris Cornell, not Chester Bennington. STOP. :( |
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Broken Heart "Broken Heart" - an original song written in February 2005, using a list of prompts requested by a friend (she wanted certain elements included, but I don't remember which anymore). Some of the lyrics are applicable to how I'm feeling right now, and it was fairly easy to figure out on ukulele, so that's why I decided to do it tonight. I feel like I look like hell, somehow worse than 2 days ago, so I really don't want to post this, but I will put it up for now... I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #heartbreak Lyrics: Broken Heart I asked you not so long ago How long we’d last – as if you’d know “Forever,” you said, “eternity” You’re only you when you’re with me My fingers twisting in your hair Head thrown back, abandoned care Made golden by the setting sun We danced in every way but one Everything I wanted The hopes I held for you Are lost inside a broken heart They’ll never make it through My lights are out I’m boarded up A wrecking ball Torn from your love Will turn me to A silent scream You once were Everything I dreamed I’m standing here, you’re standing there The gulf between us looks like air It’s solid as a fortress wall I want to touch you, but I’ll fall Throw pennies at your wayward thoughts A wishing well is what you’ve got And bottomless, it swallows whole The shiny, bright things in your soul Cho: I’m desolate – I miss your face My purest efforts seem a waste I ache for you in bed at night I ache from dusk till morning light I ache each moment, rain or shine I ache – I wish you were still mine Cho: Everything I wanted The hopes I held for you Are lost inside my broken heart ©2005 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Business as Usual "Business As Usual" - an original song (lyrics written 11 Feb 25, music written today - 03 Mar 25). These lyrics were written in response to a prompt on #FAWM to write about advantage. I'm playing my Washburn #banjolele, which I got last fall at a secondhand music store. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #cat #cats #catmom #catdad #catparent #kitty #felineoverlord #funny #silly #comedy Lyrics: Business as Usual The way he strums my heartstrings Should be illegal, at best His demands pin me down A sharp weight on my chest He decides when I should serve him And when I can rest He tracks my every movement Like he is obsessed He knows all my buttons Which he pushes with glee Makes me feel guilty when I don't give in To his whims and devilry Yes, my kitty is a tyrant If he were human he'd be toxic But that's business as usual When a feline's got your heart Somehow I'm totally compliant And I love it when he stalks me I might be slightly delusional The way he plays me is an art We rarely spend a day apart Somehow he silently compels me To give in to his call I seem to know just what he wants Though he cannot speak at all He eats whatever I am eating As he has since he was small I lack the strength to resist I'm completely in his thrall Pre-Cho: Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #19 Lyrics: 11 Feb 25 - 11:58 pm Music: 03 Mar 25 - 2:37 pm |
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Callie Kept Quiet CW: murder, violence, domestic violence "Callie Kept Quiet" - an original song, The lyrics for which were written on 18 Feb 25, for a #FAWM challenge to write a murder ballad. This one is inspired by a true story, but names and some details have been changed/invented. Music written today (10 Mar 25), because it's Monday, and I thought it might be fun to do a theme on Mondays (though I only have one other murder ballad, so I'll have to get writing)... Maybe I'll only do this for the rest of March. 😅 I'm playing my Kala KA-CM-BE baritone, which I got at Aloha City Ukes the weekend after the election, to cheer myself up. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #kala #baritoneukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #murderballad #murderballadmonday #truecrime Lyrics: Callie Kept Quiet Callie lived with Norman In a one-gas-station town They might've seemed standard Before it all went down They had two little kids And a tenant paying rent One day Norman disappeared And Callie "wondered" where he went Callie kept quiet And got on with her life She was still a mother Though no longer a wife Callie kept quiet While her tenant warmed her bed And she had a secret in the freezer She knew Norman was dead Years went by, and Callie With her tenant, Benjamin Worried the kids would find the freezer In the basement and look in They took Norman out and buried him In a poorly hidden grave He was found within a week And when questioned, Benji caved Callie kept quiet And got on with her life She was still a mother Though no longer a wife Callie kept quiet When Benji took the blame She kept the secret in her heart Until his trial date Callie said Norman had threatened To kill her and the kids She didn't say why he said that But she told them what she did She clocked him with a baseball bat And began to cut him up Amazing that this gruesome end Had started out with love She said she chopped off his foot So he couldn't chase her as fast In case the head wound hadn't killed him From the baseball bat Afraid he could still pursue her She went even further Long after it was clear that He could no longer hurt her Callie broke her silence Before Benj got murder one Perhaps she really loved him Or the guilt just weighed a ton Callie pled guilty In 1986 Benj went down as an accessory Don't know what happened to her kids FAWM 2025 - Song #32 Lyrics: 18 Feb 25, 11:21 PM Music: 10 Mar 25, 10:41 AM |
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Can't Say "Can't Say" - an original song written in June 2005, about a guy I dated briefly (who ultimately acted like a heartless jerk, so there's another song about that lol). I had to learn C# minor on uke for this one, and I'm still not great at E major. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #newlove #infatuation #dating Lyrics: Can't Say Feels like my head is probably spinning I'd step outside myself and see But all my being's tightly tethered To this sweet insanity Don't know what else I should call it Or if he feels at all the same I'm somewhat frightened by the future Maybe I've been too demanding And I'll scare his heart away Maybe my mind is making errors And I've got nothing true to say All I know is my confusion I'm light-headed and alive I can't say that I'm in love yet Perhaps I've merely lost my mind I realize it's early Too soon to fret this much But when I'm with him I'm a torch song Just shaking for his touch I spend my nights nervously wondering If he's thinking of me too Or if he's got more pressing issues Cho: I suppose I could give myself a chance I won't know the right tune till I dance I just want his arms around me And his fingers laced with mine I could become a different creature And monopolize his time It's too much so I won't do it He would tire of me too soon And I need to know if he's the one Cho: ©2005 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Cat's Convenience "Cat's Convenience" - an original song. Lyrics written 17 Feb 25 (for #FAWM) and music written 14 Mar 25 (today). I wrote the first two lines of the first verse and the first two lines of the bridge last July - I had it on a list of stuff I wanted to accomplish in February. Anyway! My fellow #cat lovers will totally understand. ♥️ I'm playing my Enya Nova U Pro tenor, which list one of its strap buttons... I ruined a few takes just by losing my grip on it! I really need to fix that. I got a phone call during the end of the bridge, and so there are a couple of flubs after that because my concentration was kind of broken. Fun stuff! General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #cats #catmom #catdad #catparent #kitty #felineoverlord #funny #silly #comedy Lyrics: Cat's Convenience I come in second to my cat's stomach That will always be the case If there's food, I am neglected Unless that food is on my plate I'm here for my cat's convenience I'm under no illusion there I open the cans and give the treats And keep the litter smelling fair I buy the toys and keep 'em charged When I eat, I always share I'd like to think he loves me too But I know I can't compare To delicious smells in the air I give him all the scritches Join him for unplanned naps But if someone else is eating He deserts me in a snap Cho: He knows the sound of my air fryer When I use it, he appears When I open the fridge Or cut open a package He has the most sensitive ears Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #29 Lyrics: 17 Feb 25, 12:23 PM (CST) Music: 14 Mar 25, 12:07 PM (CDT) Started 7/3/24 11:57 am (First two lines of verse verse 1 and first two lines of bridge) |
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Chances "Chances" - an original song written in February 2012 for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I remember nothing about writing it, but I had recorded a rough demo and included "FAWM 2012" as the album name, so there ya go. Must have been feeling slightly optimistic for a change. I wasn't planning on playing this today, but I was noodling around while waiting for my other video to upload (extra slow tonight), and after getting through it once or twice, I decided that that was good enough for the uke challenge! I'm trying to get caught up. 😅 I'm playing the Flight TUS30 Slovenia soprano travel uke that I recently snagged on FB Marketplace, brand new condition (the original owner never really got into playing). It's my "bed uke" now (I play it a bit in my room before bed, and sometimes a bit after I wake up), but I thought I should play it in at least one video. This is the second. I'm behind in my posting but I really have been practicing every day! General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #optimism #gratitude Lyrics: Chances There's a flower in my dreams That is greater than it seems And this flower will blossom someday I can't say when, just hope and pray And give thanks for what I've got Though at times it doesn't seem like a lot "One shot" is all a lie There are chances upon chances If we open up our eyes There's a smile in my heart That could get lost in the dark And this smile is bright as daybreak I hold it close and keep it safe And give thanks for what I've got Though at times it doesn't seem like a lot "One shot" is all a lie There are chances upon chances If we open up our eyes (Lead - like verse:) I give thanks for what I've got Though at times it doesn't seem like a lot "One shot" is all a lie There are chances upon chances If we open up our eyes There are chances upon chances If we open up our eyes ©2012 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Closed Doors Today is March 1, 2024, and I'm participating in the #100daysuke2024 challenge. For my first day, I'm playing "Closed Doors," a song I wrote yesterday (February 29, 2024, the last day of FAWM), from the point of view of my cat, Fennec. 😹 I've had a ukulele for about 2.5 weeks now. 🤣🤣🤣 #fawm #cats #catsongs #ukulele #funnysong #singersongwriter (Oh, and this cool hat is a recent acquisition from The Little Tichel Lady. ❤️) Lyrics: Closed Doors My human's such a gatekeeper It's always such a chore If I want to go anywhere I have to get her to open the door I don't like closed doors I've told my human this before Still she blatantly ignores That I don't like closed doors I like it when she feeds me And scratches behind my ears She makes decent furniture But she ignores my greatest fears Cho: Last week she trapped me In her room for half a day That she didn't miss me sooner Causes me immense dismay Cho: I obviously need to follow her From room to room to room Otherwise she gets forgetful And any room could be my tomb (Cuz I might die in there) Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Coffee Break (Forever in an Instant) "Coffee Break (Forever in an Instant)" - an original song written today (March 28, 2024), using this week's #BadSongClub writing prompt: Forever Coffee Break. It is quite silly. 🤪 I'm playing my orange Enya Nova U Concert. I just got back from teaching my night class and I'm very tired, but I didn't post a song yesterday when I was feeling unwell, so I don't want to get further behind! Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #coffeebreak #coffee #badsongclub40 #forevercoffeebreak #breaktime Lyrics: Coffee Break (Forever in an Instant) I rarely drink coffee But I'm all about a coffee break Or any kind of break in general There's usually tea available If I feel like drinking something hot But my chief interest is temporal When work feels overwhelming It helps to press "pause" Take a little time for myself I'm not breaking any laws But what if my next "coffee break" Could be a step right out of time Forever in an instant That control would be sublime I'd take an hour or several Even catch a nap or two But to the world it'd be five minutes That's magic I could use At home, I'm not ambitious enough To make a beverage for myself But if someone else offers, I'm amenable But what I still love about it Is the social acceptability When other arguments for breaks seem untenable When life feels overwhelming It helps to press "pause" Take a little time for myself I'm not breaking any laws Cho: When life feels overwhelming It helps to press "pause" Take a little time for myself I'm not breaking any laws Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Conversations with a Woman "Conversations with a Woman" - an original song. The lyrics were written in October 2021, when the incident that provoked the song happened. I finally dug them out and wrote music on February 20th of this year, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). The music actually was the result of a challenge to write a song using all 7 major alphabet chords (A major, B major, C major, D major, E major, F major, and G major), and nothing else. It was a bit of a challenge to arrange them into something that I thought sounded sort of coherent. It's also really hard to play! It's better on the guitar because I can just wail on that E majorv and it sounds so deep - I especially hit on that low E string kind of by itself a little bit in my original recording. That doesn't work on ukulele, and I still kind of suck at E major on uke. And B minor. It was also just difficult to keep track of what chord I was supposed to play next, since the progression is kind of wack. I got through it though! I might change the bridge at some point but this is what it is for now. I had forgotten all about that dude until I dug the lyrics out of my archive. I'm playing my orange Enya Nova U Concert. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #fawm2024 Lyrics: Conversations with a Woman I'm sure you're right - I screwed it up Missed out on something rare I mean you told me you're great And still I didn't care No matter that I am attached Hey circumstances change You said you “would not interfere” So an ultimatum's strange Him or you, you will not share You cannot be my friend We're past that now and you are sure In sadness it would end Conversations with a woman Cannot happen without strings If you're a certain kind of hetero male I guess you just instinctively know these things It's totally my fault, I know Here I am existing Not asking for attention Inadequately resisting To say I'm open just to friendship Is obviously misleading I guess that implies I'm open To other kinds of meeting Cho: After a handful of exchanged messages And chat for less than a day Regardless of my constant attempts To make my situation plain You went from willingness to know me In a more platonic sense To being sure I was your person (Spoken) Let's exchange numbers Friend on Facebook… Oh you still don't want to date me? Oh yeah, good luck, we can't be friends (Spoken) Not even to do music Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Court, the Musical The Court of Aibhilin and Konrad, Stellar Majesties of Northshield, at Warriors & Warlords XXIV, was an amazing experience. Recorded on 15 July 2017, this epic court was a labour of love of our Crown and many of their people. Act 1: All Rise -- Arwa al-Jinniyya 0:36 We be Heralds Three -- Sarah Loring 2:14 Signus Visur -- Eyja Bassadóttir 4:17 Tom Tinntinnabulum's Award for Growing Old -- Katerinka Lvovicha 5:44 1st Finalist Bardic Championship -- Thomas Bordeaux 8:39 Act 2: Draw Back the Bow-- Dahrien Cordell 11:43 2nd Finalist Bardic Championship (& winner) -- Eyja Bassadóttir 14:15 Entre Av'e Eva (from the Cantigas de Santa Maria) -- Skjaldvør Kormáksdøttir, called Wyndreth 16:37 The Hedge Knight -- Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic Ímair 19:12 Special Musical Number (or "The Queen Rocks Out!" -- TRM Aibhilin & Konrad 22:33 |
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Dark Water "Dark Water" - an original song written in August 2018, composed mostly while goofing around in a swimming pool on a Friday evening in Door County. I had kind of forgotten I had written it until recently, I found a rough recording and a lyric file with chords. In my recording, the bridge section is an instrumental. I don't know if I'd meant to write lyrics and a vocal line or if I'd intended to leave space for a guitar solo or something. Tonight, I didn't really feel like doing anything else with it other than practicing it and putting it up. I do like a few things about the melody and lyrics, so it's good to resurrect it! I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #newlove Lyrics: Dark Water I feel you're far away from me In more than miles or hours The pressures of your life pull you so thin I know that you're trying And I think we'll be okay But I'm anxious for this romance to begin I want to float with you in dark water And play hide and seek by touch Forget the cares of life on land Each stumbling block and crutch To be the only two existing For an hour or a night No space between my breath and yours No need for sound or sight In the dark water tonight I wonder what you're thinking now And if I rate a role In the dramatis personae of your heart I give what I can to you And I hope that it's just right With a three bears/Goldilocks balancing art Cho: Bridge (instrumental?) Cho: ©2018 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Dave "Dave" - an original song from September 1998. I wrote in about 90 minutes on a piano that happened to be in the hallway of the lower level Shattuck Auditorium (at Carroll University), which I passed through on my way back to my dorm from theatre practice. I think this might have been when I was in Doctor Faustus. Btw, this Dave guy from my song didn't exist. It's just kind of a story I made up. Also, this is another song that I hardly ever have played on guitar. I wrote it for the piano and usually performed it on a keyboard (I'm not a piano player though - I just pretend occasionally). I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Dave Dave, where are you now Are you well, are you sane Dave, are you stronger now Have you finally found your place Glad to hear it You know, I wish I could say the same I go on trying to stay inside myself My tears split the sorrow I can never be someone else Oh Dave, come with me, dear I’ve got so much to say And Dave, it's that time of year When the sinners shall be saved Lord almighty You know, he just can’t fill your space Just go on, try to tell me I can change What do you know Such wisdom comes with age Something you can't quite claim Dave, are you with me now Were you ever with me Dave, come and show me how You could love someone like me Dave, Dave I go on trying to stay inside myself And then, in your audacity You say 'just be yourself' Dave, Dave Dave, my hand is yours Take it and take care Dave, what was I longing for Your heart is all I can bear Your breath makes light my burden Take me anywhere Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave ©1998 Robin Lea Fritche |
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A Different Game "A Different Game" - an original song written in November of 2007. This song is about getting canceled on for a date so the guy could play a role-playing game all day with his friends instead. I was super annoyed, and wrote this song. However, I did still date him for another month or so, I guess. He eventually went back to his controlling ex anyway, and years later contacted me to tell me that he thought he'd made a mistake. 🤣 I just wrote a song about that, too, since it came to mind: https://youtu.be/P0p4Few4I3k I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: A Different Game It's not as if you're worth a song I did not know you at all But you were a fiction that I read A tawdry tale just before bed You were almost what I wanted And you seemed so enthralled by me Yet with a hairpin turn I did not foresee The knot came free Cho1: I made a choice with you that night The next day you made your own And you're sorry - I don't doubt that baby But you're the one that stays alone Cho1: It's not like you were ever real I could not touch you at all You were an interactive daydream plaything I wanted to play but you preferred a different game With dragons, swords, and damsels Magic rings and long-lost Ancient prophecies of liberation You're cunning - you can save a nation And what's a woman with her complications When you can invent a world Cho1: Cho2: ©2007 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Do I Show You Out "Do I Show You Out" - an original song written sometime around 1998, about a fictional situation I imagined. This was a beast to figure out - not sure if I got all the chords right, but good enough! It probably wasn't originally in the key of F but it is now LOL. This is usually a strummed song, but it just wasn't working for me, so I tried picking for one take, and this is it! I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Do I Show You Out I can't offer you a blank page You won't be the first to write The next chapter is yours if you want it But there's no need to start tonight Let my promise be a marker That won't fail to keep your place Don't bother judging my cover All is displayed right on my face I'm fed up with emotional illiterates That can't read their closest friends You seem like a perceptive soul, boy Tell me how all this tale should end Do I show you out and lock my door And collapse like a ragdoll on the floor Will I wonder if you went straight home If you picked up a girl or slept alone Can I let this wait till morning Will my head be clearer then Are you a writer with some honor Will your stories bring me life again Pre-Cho: Cho1: Do I show you out or let you in After all I can think of greater sins The temptation is here and it's mingled with doubt Do I let you in or show you out Repeat of Cho2 lyrics ©1998 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Dominant "Dominant" - an original song written this past February, for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). There was a 1- hour prompt of "alter-ego," and this is what I wrote. It's my real, inner self trying to guide me into self-realization. I much prefer the loops and drum track that I used for my first demo, but I wanted to also include this song in the uke challenge! Maybe I can marry the two ideas together later. I'm not sure I like the picking for the verses, but I was just trying to switch it up a bit. This chord progression is kind of a lot to remember after just practicing over the course of one day, plus I don't have the words memorized, so I'm mostly looking at my cheat sheet. 😅 I'm playing my new Enya EUC-MAD again. 💙 General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #alterego Lyrics: Dominant There was always something wrong You couldn't imagine yourself strong So you smiled and played along That old song When you felt safe enough to share And maybe a bit more self-aware You were scorned to even dare That old snare In our bones we are the same Even if you refuse to claim Our affinity is no shame It's okay It's okay if you admit That your role is not a fit Don't feel that you're wed to it Don't submit You left your fantasies in the dark You didn't know what lit that spark You were a minnow, not a shark Just a mark But those scenes did not excite Maybe you just couldn't do it right Or you're too vanilla for delight To ignite Cho: You were almost self-defined Before that man rendered you blind His betrayal was, in truth, kind Leave it behind You have a chance now to emerge To let your disparate selves converge Be the beast you always were Just submerged In our bones we are the same And it's time for you to claim Our affinity is no shame It's okay It's okay, you can admit That your role was not a fit You were never wed to it Don't submit Don't submit Be Dominant ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Don't Forget "Don't Forget" - an original song written in October 2000. I wrote it on guitar and it's in my muscle memory on that instrument (I've played it a LOT). I was not prepared for how difficult it would be to get the chord progression for the interludes and verses down on ukulele! I guess I must have practiced it quite a bit on guitar before being able to play it really smoothly without concentrating really hard. 😅 Anyway, my high school best friend always referred to this one as "The Salad Song," because of my mention of salad in the chorus. 🤣 I'm playing my new Enya EUC-MAD again. 💙 General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #breakup #breakupsong Lyrics: Don't Forget The back door’s swinging as I run outside I find a smile and I wear it wide It covers all I care to hide So do you see that I'm not satisfied Well the rain it falls with no remorse And the river runs another course What do you do when life feels like divorce Treat the symptoms or seek the source I don’t think I need to tell you that it’s hard for me to see you Eating salad at that open-air cafe with someone new That’s where you took me when you told me that you loved me And you said you wanted children I'm the fool - I don’t forget as well as you Well part of me wants to howl and cry Tell your girl that all you do is lie And hurt you, hurt you, fists would fly I'll probably just walk on by Cho: And it kills me just to think That you’ve been with her all this time Is she so much better baby Does her touch stir you like mine did Cho: (2x) ©2000 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Dreaming in a Windstorm "Dreaming in a Windstorm" - an original song finished roughly 8 hours ago. 😅 The lyrics for the first verse and the first half of the pre-chorus were from a file dated January 2005. I really have no idea why I wrote them, but I tried to continue with the same optimistic spirit. I wrote the rest of the words and music last night. My cat was already in bed with me so I just stayed there, even though I hadn't posted any videos yesterday. 😜 There are two actual days left in the challenge, but I am really behind, so I'm still going to try to finish as close to on-time as possible. I'm playing my new Enya Nova U Pro tenor uke. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Dreaming in a Windstorm You make me feel like music You turn my thoughts to rhyme Somehow I feel connection now To beauty all the time I don't think that it's mutual But at this moment I don't care That's fair - it's enough that I am feeling It's enough to see you there 'Cause I'm dreaming in a windstorm But it hurts no more than breath I should feel lost inside this chaos I feel powerful instead I'm gonna enjoy this for what it is Sensations, emotions, ephemeral bliss I feel more alive today That's worth something, wouldn't you say I'm gonna enjoy this while it lasts Every moment flies so fast I feel more alive today I'll take it You make make me feel like artwork You turn my thoughts to lines I'm sure that every hue is pure Even as they intertwine It doesn't matter if you Cannot see the beauty here It's clear that this is my own journey You need not interfere Pre-Cho: Cho: Lead (like verse) Pre-Cho: Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Dumb "Dumb" - an original song written in February 2006, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). It was a bit of a challenge to figure out how to substitute some of the original chords on ukulele, because on the guitar at least one of the chords requires 5 notes. 😅 I like the dissonance. The way I played the verses of this song on guitar, it used to be something that I would just play to noodle around, for years, and then in 2006 I finally did something with it. I'm playing my replacement Enya EUC-MAD, just breaking in the strings... General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Dumb Darkest propellant Obsidian blade Drain the air from my lungs At a dangerous rate Grey smoke with each breath All alone in the sound Will the raspings of god Bring me happiness now I don't belong here I shouldn't have come Just slink out the back door Slink out the back door I don't belong here I shouldn't have come Just slink out the back door Sweet Thor, strike me dumb Hot air balloons On the living room floor Sticky with sweat Limp, wretched, and poor Thought I found a way out But I sank with great speed I've wanted so much Forget what I need I don't belong here I shouldn't have come Just throw off the breakers Throw off the breakers I don't belong here I shouldn't have come Just throw off the breakers Sweet Thor, strike me dumb Hate/love me senseless I'll wade in that pool I'll jump off that bridge Break my neck like a fool Will I speak to my maker Was I just a mistake Am I one of the demons That's kept him awake I don't belong here I shouldn't have come Just give me a moment Give me a moment I don't belong here I shouldn't have come Just give me a moment Sweet Thor, strike me dumb ©2006 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Eres una revelacin (You Are a Revelation) "Eres una revelacin (You Are a Revelation)" - an original song, lyrics written in February 2024, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I wanted to write at least one song in Spanish during the challenge, and I wrote two sets of lyrics. One was set to music earlier in this challenge (https://youtu.be/RM2kY8qAk8M), and the other one was set to music just before I recorded it tonight. No other recording of this exists yet! I even screw up a little bit. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD - This is still the one that arrived with a crack in the base of the neck. The replacement should be arriving tomorrow. It's a lovely ukulele and it plays just fine. I took it to an open mic tonight. But...a brand new ukulele should not have a crack in it! Enya took a little time to respond, but they were totally awesome about it and shipped me the replacement yesterday. The new one is going to be exactly the same thing so it's not going to make a difference for my videos! General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #español #spanishsong #cancionoriginal #artistaindependiente #canciondeamor #ukelele Lyrics: Eres una revelación (You Are a Revelation) Eres las palabras que escriben mis versos (You are the words that write my verses) Eres la melodía que inspira mi canción (You are the melody that inspires my song) Habitas con gracia todos mis universos (You inhabit all my universes with grace) Solo tú eres el gobierno de mi nación (Only you are the government of my nation) Eres, eres, eres, eres (You are, you are, you are, you are) Eres una revelación para mi (You are a revelation for me) Eres, eres, eres, eres (You are, you are, you are, you are) Eres una revelación para mi (You are a revelation for me) Eres la sonrisa que me ilumina (You are the smile that illuminates me) Eres las lágrimas que salen de mis ojos (You are the tears that fall from my eyes) Eres mi obsesión dulce y divina (You are my sweet and divine obsession) Eres el más delicioso de mis antojos (You are the most delicious of my cravings) Cho: Eres la estructura que me sostiene (You are the structure that sustains me) Eres el amor incansable que me levanta (You are the tireless love that lifts me up) Eres el humor que siempre me entretiene (You are the humor that always entertains me) Eres mi confianza, de la que ahora hay tanta (You are my confidence, of which now there is so much) Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Escape "Escape" - an original song written in the spring of 1993. The reason I'm playing this one is because I could remember all of the words, and when I tried to play it, it was pretty simple (though it probably still took me an hour to get a recording done, because as soon as I turn on the camera, I usually forget what I'm doing). Monday and Tuesday ended up being way too busy to make a video. I did practice, but I practiced things I'm not ready to record yet. 😢 I didn't really have the spoons to do it today, but I don't want to get any more behind, either. This song's got pretty depressing lyrics and it's kind of surprising that none of the adults noticed back then LOL. I performed this for the talent show my freshman year in high school. I probably would not bother to rewrite the lyrics, even though the music might merit something a little bit more cheerful. This is another one that is so old that it's just basically a part of me. It's a snapshot of a past mental landscape. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini again, because it's out and I'm feeling too lazy to grab anything else. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #angst Lyrics: Escape Rain, crashing turbulence Thundering skies Lunar meadows show'r'd With tears from my eyes Whistling wind chills My heart cold as stone Wondering if my thoughts Will e'er come home Misty-eyed dreamland Ride the spirit-filled sea Marvel at wonders Life is priceless and free I see my reflection And for once I am pleased Never a care, no Never a need My mind's picture fades Into the weary night's space Blackness, it tumbles Right into its place A cheerless world Finds all souls at fault With no risk taken Light never touches your heart Eternal day has fallen By the night's swift sword Each new bright horizon Lies dead upon the shore I see my reflection Trapped in simple glass Can't imagine future Can't block out the past A shattered crystal ball Foretells no rhyme Look into the darkness What in hell do you find Black magic swirls And takes command of my soul I hear him calling I can't say no Once again my reflection Finds my hope-filled eyes Appalled at what I see I grow empty inside Cry for me my tears As the underworld calls Death pierce's life's wonder It costs nothing at all Cry for me my tears As the underworld calls Death pierce's life's wonder It costs nothing at all ©1993 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Everything Is Changing All the Time "Everything Is Changing All the Time" - an original song written last month for a #FAWM challenge to write about how things are constantly changing. For my part, I'm still adjusting to a new job and feeling pretty exhausted due to that and my long commute, so I'm missing a lot of days. 6 days behind now! I'm going to try to make them all up though. I wrote it on a regular ukulele but I'm playing my Kala KA-CM-BE baritone so I had to adjust to the different fingerings. I was practicing a different song first, which I decided not to play tonight, and didn't really feel like switching instruments. Lyrics: Everything Is Changing All the Time I'm stuck in a rut And I don't know what to do I'm lonely and tired But sometimes I feel inspired, too I can't help the feeling That my time is bleeding out And I'm beyond revival It seems like everybody else Is following a progression Like they all had the same handbook And I lost mine They move as if propelled While I am in regression Life feels much like an ambush I guess I'll be fine It just seems everything is changing All the time Without me My constants are stifling And that is not a trifling thought If only I were able To break free from this stable rot Pre-Cho: Cho: My current trajectory Has resulted in a sensory lull I wonder how it feels When one's life is really full Pre-Cho: Cho: Pre-Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #6 04 Feb 25, 3:08 pm |
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Feline Paralysis (I Don't Make the Rules) "Feline Paralysis (I Don't Make the Rules)" - an original song for which the words were written in late February and the music was finished earlier tonight (before midnight, so 05 June 2024). When I wrote the words, I was in bed with my cat and he was lying on my right arm. I was dictating the words into my phone, just like I say I was in the song. I wrote the music in my brother's apartment, because he was a little busy for a while. When I was visiting tonight. I wrote it in the key of D to make myself practice more with B minor. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #cat #catsongs #kitty #kittysongs #felineparalysis #funnysong Lyrics: Feline Paralysis (I Don't Make the Rules) Sometimes I've got ambition And I'm just about to act Then my cat appears out of nowhere And settles in for a nap I'm reminded that I'm furniture Dependent on his whims Guess I'll forget that inspiration I should be taking care of him There's a cat in my lap I can't get up I'm sorry I don't make the rules You can talk to my boss But I doubt he'll care Because we humans are all fools I'm sorry I don't make the rules I'd like to write a song But my cat's lying on my arm I can't pick up my ukulele Let alone my guitar I'm reduced to dictating lyrics In an app here on my phone In hopes I'll write the music later Once my boss leaves me alone Cho: I've got a lot of work to do Lots of chores I really should get to But he's cuddly and he's warm And I feel like it would be bad form To dump him off onto the floor Yeah, you have heard this excuse before Cho: Yes, we humans are all fools Because we let them make the rules ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Firefly "Firefly" - an original song written in June 1995. I started writing it because a kid at camp showed me a Firefly they caught. This song was a beast to play, even though it's super easy on guitar. E major on ukulele is not my friend yet, and after playing this over and over, my hand was cramping up pretty bad. I actually have all the words to this memorized still, but when I was recording, my brain kept freaking out about all of the E major and I would forget what words came next. So, I had the words up on my computer screen just in case. In 🥵 I'm playing my new Enya Nova U Pro tenor uke. I did have the AcousticPlus effects on, but I don't think it's noticeable. It doesn't seem as good as my brother's Concert, no idea why. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Firefly If I were beautiful Would my life be perfect Would love and my loneliness Would it answer my prayers Would it give me a world That I've only imagined Would it swallow my teardrops Would it calm all my cares For I am a firefly Blinking bright green Blinking back tears Before they are seen Is finding a mate The most primal of needs Flowers can't bloom In the presence of weeds If I possessed magic Could I mix a potion Would it make you love me Would it sew up loose seems Could that potion give me The voice of an angel Would it sing me to sleep Would it sweeten my dreams Cho: If songs were made of satin Would their words be softer Would they sparkle like ribbons Would they tie up my sorrows And if they were softer Would words still be daggers Would they hurt those that I love Would they spoil their tomorrows Cho: ©1995 Robin Lea Fritche |
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For Science! "For Science!" - an original song, lyrics written for a #FAWM challenge to write about an experiment (26 Feb 25), and music written earlier today (11 Mar 25). "For Science!" is something we say when we are trying to justify some sort of indulgence, usually. 😆 Once again, I am playing my Enya Nova U Concert. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #silly #science #cheese #cheeselover Lyrics: For Science! We were watching a show About Italian cuisine So many yummy things Like an answer to a dream We made a reservation At a fancy restaurant We scoured the menu in advance For our wishes and our wants This was the place You really wanted to go But they didn't have burrata Such a travesty, oh no! We decided to drop in first At another place close by So we could start our journey With burrata and some wine But lo and behold We saw the specials for that night The next place also had burrata And we knew just what was right "For science!" we cried And ordered it again It was our duty to compare And to share results with friends "For science!" we insisted Totally in sync After gathering our data We love to share what we think We were at a giant cheese store On our way out of state And we searched for deliciousness To place upon our future plates I found some 15-year-old cheddar Just a sliver - I could afford it I had to know how it tasted You showed me something important Lo and behold There was a 17-year, too But a bigger chunk cost less What, oh what, was I to do? "For science!" we cried And bought a chunk of both It was our duty to compare And to share our solemn votes "For science!" we insisted Totally in sync After gathering our data We love to share what we think This happens quite a lot And we're generally pleased To gain some firsthand knowledge And not only concerning cheese... "For science!" we cry Whenever there's a need It is our duty to compare and share According to our creed "For science!" we insist Totally in sync After gathering our data We love to share what we think Seriously, it's not always about cheese... (But a lot of the time it is) FAWM 2025 - Song #48 Lyrics: 26 Feb 25, 10:29 pm (CST) Music: 11 Mar 25, 5:56 pm (CDT) |
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Get Up, Lazy Human "Get Up, Lazy Human" - an original song written in February 2024 for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I wrote most of it in the morning, before getting up to feed my cat. 😺 I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano again. This was recorded last night, but I fell asleep after the upload got stuck. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #cat #cats #funnysong #funny #catsongs #catlover #catmom #kitty #caturday Lyrics: Get Up, Lazy Human My alarm rattles off and my kitty is thrilled For he has a belly that screams to be filled He's been so patient while I slept like the dead So he'll march on my body and sit on my head If that doesn't work, he will poke his wet nose Into my slumbering face, I suppose He'll lick my cheek with his scratchy, wet tongue And cry piteously that his day has begun And his belly's still empty, oh no So get up, lazy human, let's go I try to get cuddles for ten minutes or more Sometimes that works for five, then he's scratching the door I try to ignore him, but he sounds so sad And if I wait too long, pretty soon he'll get mad He'll fight the injustice with licks on my nose And bites on my glasses, assaults on my toes He'll knock over my lamp when he must have results For the world is not right till his belly is full And his belly's still empty, oh no So get up, lazy human, let's go A more effective alarm clock has never been made For you can't snooze a cat who wants breakfast today 'Cause his belly's still empty, oh no So get up, lazy human Get up, lazy human Get up, lazy human, let's go ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Girl with the Guitar "Girl with the Guitar" - an original song written for #FAWM on 11 Feb 25. I realize it's kinda lame that I'm playing this song on ukulele, considering the topic, but I'm not doing a guitar challenge right now. 😛 General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Girl with the Guitar From middle school on I was the girl with the guitar I didn't know any others my age I played a hand-me-down Washburn That my mom didn't "bond" with And I started to play it on stage There were two kinds of boys When they saw me with my axe Most rolled their eyes at my style Just one or two had my back I didn't play Metallica Or Led Zeppelin licks I sang folky, little pop songs My own music and lyrics I didn't do guitar solos I didn't even try I was the girl with the guitar Writing songs for boys who made her cry It was a revelation When the best player I'd ever met Commanded me to play for him one day I'd been avoiding him I didn't want to be insulted But he didn't say what I expected him to say I think he became my world When he thought my songs were good Told me those other guys were posers Finally I felt understood Cho: Finally my sophomore year in college I heard playing in the hall Followed the sound and made a friend She and I jammed a lot that fall I taught another girl to play The guitar that leaned against her wall But I still wrote my sad songs For boys who didn't deserve it at all Cho: ©2025 Robin Lea Fritche FAWM - Song #17 11 Feb 25, 10:04 PM |
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Glass Slippers "Glass Slippers" - original song written in 2000! (That's not a typo - lol.) I'm playing a Cordoba 15SM soprano ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 ukulele practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally recording songs I haven't memorized yet, I am not looking at the camera much. ;-) I wrote this song in the summer of the year 2000, I believe. I was thinking about writing some kind of fairy tale song and that's what I ended up doing, because at that point in my life I was feeling pretty disillusioned and it seemed like no one had ever been interested in me, and anyone I was interested in barely knew I existed. 😅 I have always played this song on guitar, so today was the first time I tried to play it on ukulele. It was kind of hard to remember what the chords were. I had to play it on guitar first so I could remember what the chords were (that song is all muscle memory on guitar at this point). I screwed up a bit and I'm not super thrilled with the performance, but this is really supposed to be a practice session. I practiced other stuff earlier in the day, but my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #lovesong #unrequitedlove #sadlovesongs #ukulele #uke Lyrics: Glass Slippers I don't know how to say this I don't know if I should I'm feeling this connection But just to feel it does no good I might as well love raindrops Or a random wash of light A flicker of a photograph Howling through my mind You'll never be my lover And for that I can't blame you I blame my Cinderella daydreams Glass slippers Make poor dancing shoes I don't know how this started Or where it can even go I'll admire you from this distance You won't even have to know I might as well love raindrops At least they've brushed my lips Your Jupiter, you're Saturn I've no means to make that trip Cho: And I have too much to lose Of my fragile face If I keep this pace I feel ridiculous I know there is no "us" But I still dream it I still dream that Someday you'll be my lover Someday you'll know my name And you'll call me to confess that For some time you've felt the same But the Brothers Grimm didn't paint this ballroom I have no dress to wear for you And if I were to leave behind my Glass slipper Oh, what would you do I can't blame you I blame my Cinderella daydreams Glass slippers Make poor dancing shoes I can't blame you I blame my Cinderella daydreams Glass slippers Make poor dancing shoes ©2000 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Gone @LaFTraXOfficial @fleshpurveyor2293 "Gone" - an original song written in late 2000 (lyrics) and early 2001 (music). My brothers are tagged because they're playing with me! We all write VERY different music, but here we are, all playing Enya ukuleles. 😜 @LaFTraXOfficial and @fleshpurveyor2293 are both playing Nova U Concert ukes (the light blue one has an AcousticPlus pickup - the red does not). I'm playing the EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano. I'm singing a bit harshly because I couldn't hear myself over all the ukulele playing. We kinda just slapped this together. 😅 I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge, with an additional challenge that I have set for myself, to play one of my originals each day. #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #familyband #siblings Lyrics: Gone I'm fallin’ outside myself And I'm tumblin’ into you This never happened with no one else And you’re only doin’ what you have to do I know your voice like I know my own name Don’t know where I can place the blame First it was nothin’ but a little nudge Just an open-ended shrug of a notion Now when I try to say I’ve had enough I’m staggered by the force of this devotion I can almost feel your breath on me Don’t know where I’m supposed to be Somehow I’ve found myself in this position And you follow me around like an apparition I need an exorcist To free me of this Now you’re gone Give me a break, give me a holiday I’ll wash my pillowcase and cry to my best friend Grab me a bottle, drink those blues away But in the morning they’ll be back again And like that bitter, morning-after taste My daisy dream has been displaced Cho: Break: Cho: And like a sudden, whirling tide You’ve swept me lost, undignified Afraid I'll drown before I spy the shore I’m fallin’ outside myself And I'm tumblin’ into you This never happened with no one else And you’re only doin’ what you have to do ©2001 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Gone Original song, rough impromptu recording for a friend during the covid lockdown (spring 2020). Originally unlisted, I decided today to make it public, so the date is now reads April 1, 2023. The song was written in the summer of 2000 (ages ago!!!). I'll update with the lyrics once I make a site for such a thing. 😜 |
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Green Grass Winter "Green Grass Winter" - an original song written for a #FAWM challenge last month. I think you can figure out what it's about. 😉 It is worth noting, however, that just a few days after I wrote this song, we really did have a big snowstorm with many inches of snow. I was joking to my students that it was my fault for writing a song about how we hadn't really had much snow. There was so much that they actually canceled school one night! 🤣 Still, overall, this winter has not had as much precipitation in my area, and March, so far, has felt like April and recent years. Kind of concerning. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #protest #climatechange #globalwarming #politics #protestsong Lyrics: Green Grass Winter I've grown up with Midwest winters And I've been noticing a trend They've gotten crazier, and with overall less snow It used to start in October And in May it would finally end With one last knock-down-drag-out storm to bestow Snow halfway up the front door Up to my knees or thighs outside Can't say I hate a shorter season But still I'm low-key terrified Because this year... It's been a green grass winter But of course the climate's tops I'm so not worried that the spring thaw Might not support our summer crops And who the hell would harvest Now 47's in the shop I just hope we all survive Long enough to make it stop Our last snowstorm's now in April While November and December Don't concern me like they used to when I'm driving It's mid-February nearly We've had days of frigid cold But the ground is bare and the grass seems like it's thriving No chance to make snow angels Never more than an inch at a time Can't say I hate a safer drive But still I'm low-key terrified Because this year... Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #13 09 Feb 25, 11:17 AM |
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He "He" - an original song written sometime in the spring of 1999. I had a crush on someone, yadda yadda yadda... Fun fact: On guitar, I used to capo in the fifth fret and then play in C, which means I actually played it in F. I liked the way the guitar sounded in that register for that song. On the ukulele, I'm getting close to the same sound by just directly playing in F without a capo. The only thing I like better about playing it on the guitar is the picking pattern sounds a little more complicated because there are two more strings/notes to play with for each chord. This is a personal favorite, but not one that I played for other people very much. It's not all that catchy, it has overly poetic lyrics, and it doesn't have a repeating chorus. I just personally like it a lot and always have. Could I make adjustments now to make it more appealing and accessible to a general listener? Totally. I doubt I ever will, though, because I like the song the way it is. The only thing that I did change was some of the lyrics of the bridge because I talked about maybe going to a fortune teller and I used terminology that is not acceptable anymore. I decided to go in another direction with that instead. Honestly, the first half of the bridge was my least favorite part of the song, anyway - it always bothered me a little bit. Now it is a bit better. I'm playing a Flight TUS30 Slovenia soprano travel uke that I recently snagged on FB Marketplace, brand new condition (the original owner never really got into playing). It's my "bed uke" now (I play it a bit in my room before bed, and sometimes a bit after I wake up), but I thought I should play it in at least one video. I'm behind in my posting but I have been practicing every day! General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #unrequited #unrequitedlove #crush #infatuation Lyrics: He He’s the sweetest simplicity To ever come from my confusion And in this synthesis of certainty I cannot be swayed by illusion He’s the warmth of a candle fire He’s the dreamer of my days I have not told him all of my desire I cannot force my lips to form the phrase I can’t perpetuate this madness And I’m just too tired to sleep this late at night Give me laughter, give me sadness Give me something else to write He’s the darkest transparency To ever pass through my projector And in this state of sheer emergency I hope to cast him as my protector I can’t perpetuate this madness And it’s just so hard to dream at 10 AM Will his laughter slake my sadness Suck the poison from my pen I've searched my soul and psychoanalyzed Why does this fiction hold me fast I've reviled myself and agonized Mired in a misery unsurpassed Who can tell me what will come of this Who can offer me advice I’m left in limbo, in this bright abyss And only his love will suffice He’s the cruelest kindness To ever invite my affliction And this trial, if I do confess Is more than likely to be my conviction I can’t perpetuate this madness And it’s just so hard to tell who’s right or wrong If my muse becomes my sadness My solemn shelter shall be song ©1999 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Hedge Knight Post Revel - Hedge Knight - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Northshield Bardic Madness 2017 in Jaravellir. Post Revel: Time to sing everything we didn't get to during the rest of the day :-- |
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Hedge Knight Hedge Knight - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Warriors & Warlords 2023 in the Barony of Jararvellir. |
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Hedge Knight At the post-event bardic circle, Bardic Madness XXVII: Poisson d'Avril, hosted by the Barony of Jararvellir (Northshield) and recorded on April 1, 2017. |
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A Home "A Home" - an original song written in February 2012, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I don't remember what the inspiration was for this. I don't think I was dating anyone. In general it's about putting up with way too much crap because of worrying that there won't be a better chance around the corner. I've certainly done enough of that in my dating life! I printed out the lyrics, did an exploratory playing of it to figure out what the chords were, and then I started recording. This is the second take. Just trying to get caught up. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini because it needs love, too. It's the one I take to work with me. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #heartbreak #breakup Lyrics: A Home Did I really let you say that to me Did you really turn me away Did I really let you come back to me Did I really beg you to stay Did I really give you my moon and stars Did I really make you my sun Did I really let you turn my life into a storm Did I really think you were the one Oh it’s hard to turn down chances When you’re rarely asked to dances And it’s hard to see your way out With this haze over your eyes Look at me I won’t complain much In exchange for some of your touch All along I’ve lain here listening For the other shoe to drop I could want to change To feel less strange But what if I’m alone Deep inside my heart The broken part All I want is a home A home Do you really have no regard for me Did I really waste all this time I guess you’ll never open your heart to me I can wait a little longer it’s fine Pre-Cho: Cho: LEAD: (obviously I just played chords here) I can’t stop this ride before I lose my pride What little I have to give after years years years I intend to be strong but I’ve known all along That I’ll take what I can get of these tears tears tears Cho: (2x) A home ©2012 Robin Lea Fritche |
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How Do I Ascertain "How Do I Ascertain" - an original song written this past February, towards the end of #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). The writing prompt was something to the effect of "throw it all away." This is what I did with it - it's about how I feel a lot of the time. I transposed it up 2 1/2 steps and I think I like it better like this (incidentally, that means that I ended up playing it the same as I probably played it on guitar, more or less). I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano. I started off with my new EUC-MAD, but the Bb chords were a bit more difficult, so I switched. It's entirely possible I'll be returning the EUC-MAD because it looks like there's a crack in the neck that I didn't notice till earlier today, when I played in the daylight. Sad. I love it so much. I hope I can exchange it. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #neurodivergent #ADHD #neurospicy #neurosparkly Lyrics: How Do I Ascertain I feel like I've got nothing But at the same time way too much A lot of it has no meaning But I use it like a crutch To amuse or reassure me To distract me from the clutch Of all that I can't handle An obstacle, as such What would happen If I threw it all away Would I start over Then reach the same place again someday Is there a point to it Am I ever going to change Is this life redeemable How do I ascertain It feels a bit like drowning I can't see where to start I can't tell what's important What's garbage, what is art What's useful, what's extraneous I can't tell them apart I feel like the biggest fraud When folks say that I'm smart CHO: I try to put a spin on it Or pretend it's not severe I hope no one can see The real situation here It's not that I don't want to change I'm paralyzed by fear In stasis when I shouldn't be I'm afraid I'll disappear CHO: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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I Can't Play Ukulele in the Bathtub "I Can't Play Ukulele in the Bathtub" - an original song (lyrics written 28 Feb 25, music written today - 05 Mar 25). I started the lyrics on the last day of #FAWM, while I was thinking about taking a bath - I thought I might want to write a song on how inconvenient that would be. Then, I wrote other lyrics while I was in the bathtub, but after I finished those, I finished these! By the way, I've been told that Outdoor Ukes are totally worth it, so it's possible, once I have more money I will take the plunge LOL. And someone else pointed out to me that it's perfectly acceptable to play an out of tune Waterman in the tub, and he wasn't wrong. I can totally still do songwriting on an instrument that needs frequent tuning. I just wouldn't want to perform! Anyway, it's just a silly song! I needed material for the chorus. I'm playing my Kala baritone, which I got at Aloha City Ukes the weekend after the election, to cheer myself up. I thought it would be slightly amusing to put on a hair towel for this. I meant to post yesterday but ran out of time. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #kala #baritoneukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #funny #silly Lyrics: I Can't Play Ukulele in the Bathtub I'm feeling mighty comfortable Soaking in this tub So warm my bones are melting It feels a bit like love Then a tune comes to my mind Like a drink after a drought I wish I could play an instrument Minus getting out But... I can't play ukulele in the bathtub I would, but I don't have the right kind Last year my brother bought a Waterman He says it's out of tune near all of the time I can't play ukulele in the bathtub The Outdoor brand's too rich for my blood And if I'm gonna spend a few hundred dollars on a uke I think it oughta be made of wood I try to get around it, but Voice memos aren't the same If I stay in my warm cocoon The song might slip away I really want to keep relaxing But my nagging muse says no I don't want her to leave again I guess it's time to go 'Cause... Cho: I know these are first world problems Some of my others are much worse But songs are lovely once you've got them So it's time to get out and write another verse Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #54 Lyrics: 28 Feb 25, 8:23 pm (CST) Music: 05 Mar 25, 1:59 pm(CST) |
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I Choose My Cat "I Choose My Cat" - an original song I just finished a little while ago (10 July 2024, 10:33 pm... it's just taking forever to upload), inspired by true events. 😛 I messed some words up, but it's fine. CW: A couple curse words. 😛 I'm playing my Flight TUC-KITTY, because it seemed appropriate. General project notes: I attempted to share 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge, but I only did 94 during that time. I'm still catching up. My additional challenge to myself was to post 100 originals, and I'm close now. #acoustic #folk #uke #flightukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #dating #humor #funnysong #cat #kitty #catmom #catlady #catlover #petlover Lyrics: I Choose My Cat You seemed relatively intelligent When we first began to talk We had a few things in common But I was waiting to take stock Then I mentioned something my cat did As I am wont to do You don't get why people like them This reveals a lot about you If you wanna get in my pants Maybe don't say you hate cats That whole "dogs are better" bullshit Really lowers your appeal Now you're voted off the island Cuz you've fallen off the highland You're not suitable for long-term I choose my cat We're a package deal You're entitled to your preferences Your delivery needs work Your unsolicited elaboration Makes you seem like a jerk I don't need to understand it When someone loves their pet I don't care if it's a tarantula That love should invite respect Cho: I'm pretty clear in my profile There are pictures of my kitty My bio says I'm a cat lover So your attitude is kinda shitty You knew we'd never make it When you messaged me You're only useful as a hookup But not in any future that I foresee Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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I Could Go Out Tonight "I Could Go Out Tonight" - an original song that I just finished today (14 Mar 25). I had maybe a third of the lyrics done before today, and so I finished those up and wrote music. The lyrics for the first half of the chorus were written last May, and then they just kind of sat there in my Color Note app (like many snippets of lyrics often do) until I decided to use the idea. Yeah, this is my third post today, but I'm just trying to catch up. And considering that I mentioned that it's Friday in the lyrics, it seemed like I should post them tonight or wait a whole week. And I didn't want to wait! I sang the last chorus slightly differently, and that may be how I end up singing all the choruses from now on...and I also switched around the pre-chorus lyrics a bit. I just didn't want to record again. I've been battling my phone too much over storage to try to get these videos done. I'm playing my Flight TUC-KITTY travel concert uke, because duh, it's a cat song. 😹 General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #flightukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #kitty #cat #cats #catsong #catmom #catdad #introvert #catlover #catparent #funny #funnysong Lyrics: I Could Go Out Tonight So finally it's Friday And I'm ready to unwind Carpe noctem, as they say Let's see what I can find I've got a couple invitations And there are a few events But after looking through them all I'm tired, as if I already went Then my kitty blinks up at me With those sad, adoring eyes He doesn't like it when I leave him And I completely empathize I could go out tonight But my cat is really cute I mean seriously - have you seen him I've got pics if you need proof I'm sure no one will miss me Not the way my kitty will We'll curl up and watch a movie This is the way I like to chill My kitty's cuddly and funny And gets anxious when I leave He stays near me all the time With hardly a reprieve What would annoy me from a human In feline form seems sweet It's so nice to be needed And kneaded by his feet I can't resist his little chirps And those sad, adoring eyes He doesn't like it when I leave him And I completely empathize Cho: I can't resist his little chirps And his random snuggle strikes He doesn't like it when I leave him So I'll stay here tonight Cho: 14 Mar 25, 7:21 PM (CDT) |
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I Finally Caught Covid "I Finally Caught Covid" - an original song I just finished a little while ago (music 02 Mar 25, lyrics 27 Feb 25). I wrote it because I got covid, duh. I started the lyrics as a joke for #FAWM and wrote them in half an hour. I'm feeling a lot better than I was when I wrote the lyrics, so that's why I can sing okay. I still feel pretty crappy though. I'm sure taking the antivirals has helped, though the side effects are no joke! I'm playing my Enya EUT-X1 tenor, string with a low G. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #humor #acoustic #covid Lyrics: I Finally Caught Covid I'm kind of depressed And definitely stressed So many songs to finish And I feel diminished I failed the test And now I'm obsessed With all I can't do When I hoped to follow through And while I've had a good run I was hoping this wouldn't be the one... I finally caught covid It's really my first time I avoided it for so long Thought maybe victory would be mine I finally caught covid But since I've had all my shots It shouldn't hit me quite as hard Than if I had not Now I'm stuck at home Quarantined upstairs My Instant Pot's full of soup I brought up a desk and chairs Doing dishes in the bathroom In a plastic tub I know it could be worse But this still really sucks And yeah I've had a good run I was still hoping this wouldn't be the one... Cho: I've had bronchitis twice In the last 4 months After nearly 4 years When I wasn't sick once I have so much to do And now my voice is going, too There's no help for all of that Just hope I don't give it to my cat Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #51 Lyrics: 27 Feb 25, 6:54 pm (CST) Music: 02 Mar 25, 11:36 am(CST) |
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I Have to Believe "I Have to Believe" - an original song written in August of 2013, after certain people in my vicinity were criticizing the subject matter of a song I had been working on. I never finished that song, but I went off by myself to write this one and I still perform it sometimes at #SCA events. I've always done an acapella, but for this rendition, I have figured out the chords for ukulele. I didn't have the spoons to play it in B minor, which I think is what I would normally sing, I lowered it to A minor (I also had tried D minor but it just felt too high for this time of night). I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano. ♥️ General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: I Have to Believe I am no maiden waiting for her soldier to return I am older, though no wiser, and I still have worlds to learn I spend much of my time alone and I've been often spurned But I have to believe there's a place for me There's a place for me, I have to believe I am no highborn lady; in no arts have I been trained I stumble through each detail and my smiles are sometimes strained I often don't know what to say and I fear my lack is plain Cho: I am no singer worthy of the accolades of all I can only write my feelings, though my life be very small The words I choose may not please you; they may not please the Hall Cho: Yes, I have to believe there's a place for me There's a place for me, I have to believe I have to believe I have to believe I have to believe ©2013 Robin Lea Fritche |
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I Need a Symphony "I Need a Symphony" - an original song written during #FAWM (on 08 Feb 25). I was dating last summer, and I had the same problem I've always had while weeding out my prospects...so many just want to talk about sex (nothing else) and that is SO BORING. Ugh. Even when I matched with a MUSICIAN and SONGWRITER, he was like, "So you don't want to talk about anything besides music?"...after only like 5 min of trying to steer the topic towards music rather than respond to his clichéd sex comments and pickup lines. So that's what this song is about! I'm playing my Enya EUT-X1 low-G tenor. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #tenorukulele #lowg #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #dating #onlinedating Lyrics: I Need a Symphony I know you think this talk is sexy But I'm getting so bored You seem to be a one-note song The kind that I abhor You've noticed I've gone quiet So you push a little more I've told you I need a symphony Not this basic one-line snore That's right - I need a symphony And you're a three-chord Charlie And an instrumental is preferable To lyrics this trite I need something more complex Nigh on to the point of being snarly My mind is off to something else now So let's call it a night I need a man with myriad interests Ones that get him so excited That he info-dumps with gusto And cannot stop once he's ignited But who's also really curious About my hyperfocus, too And we can grow and learn together While we appreciate the view Cho: I'm far from being a prude I'm likely kinkier than you But I am more than body parts I have a mind - I have a heart And if you want to get me hot It's got to start with my brain Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #12 08 Feb 25, 10:10 PM |
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I'm Sure "I'm Sure" - an original song written in June 2005, about someone who was my first in some ways. He told me exactly who he was right off the bat, and I didn't listen. I told him his past was his past and he could make new choices. He didn't. 🤣 However, this song is not about that. This is about how I was trying to write song lyrics on paper in a dark bar and a guy showed up with a lighter asking if I needed a light. I thought it was a little weird but then he stayed and talked to me until the end of the night. I had been sober and just waiting for the night to be over, because I was the designated driver for a 21st birthday girl and her fiance. So, the entertainment had been welcome. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #newlove #infatuation #dating Lyrics: I'm Sure I don't know what to do with myself You've got me thinking and I don't like it You've disrupted the laws of this world My nerves are singing with inadequacy Why did you walk up to me I wasn't lonely at that precise moment I was all right with my solitude And then you had to offer me a light I turned away from the bar There you stood with a smile on your face Guess I was baffled that you stayed You took the seat next to mine And you stayed till they turned on the lights I was sure that was as far as it would go I don't know what to do with myself It's been so long since I felt like this I'm detached from priorities The things I've held inside my heart for years I'm just fooling this can't be real Will say goodbye and you won't call And I'll return to my fantasies The pretty boys that never turn me down There they are up on that stage Pure rock and roll just great It says through my ears Makes me feel faint Then after I meet the band I go home with some ink in my hand And I'm sure this is the closest I will get to love I'm sure But then I think about the way you looked at me The wheels start moving Making sparks Maybe I'll give this thing a shot Suspend my disbelief I'm sure we probably won't get far I'm sure I don't know what to do with myself My life is changing because of one moment I was all right with the way things were Because of you I'm sure that I want more Better start reinventing myself Chisel a few more cracks in my shell Give you a chance to hurt me Oh I'm sure you will Either way I've got to wake up Know I have nothing to fear from love I'm sure I'll find it eventually If not with you ©2005 Robin Lea Fritche |
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In Chains "In Chains" - an original song written in February 2006, during my first #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I wrote five songs during the challenge that year. I do not remember what inspired me, which is unusual for me! I'm playing my adorable Enya Nova U Mini (soprano) ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all (voice or instrument). 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #singersongwriter #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong Lyrics: In Chains How do I know when to stop trying When to push it, and how far It's a waste of time Or worth the cryin' Another fractured heart Shrug your shoulders Fall apart How can I tell if you really see me Not just my smile, my dress, or my hair If I'm all alone Will you come home Just to tell me That you really care 'Cause I'm restless tonight All this noise in my life Breaks my concentration Just a conflagration Of thoughts in my brain Slowly renders me lame I'm in chains How will I live through revelation Can I change the station Is it all static now Will I forget The day we met And all the hopes I'd have spoken aloud Cho: And I'm, and I'm, and I'm In chains, in chains, in chains Cho: And I'm, and I'm, and I'm In chains, in chains, in chains ©2006 Robin Lea Fritche |
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It's Too Late "It's Too Late" - original song written in the summer of 1994. When I wrote it, I remember thinking it wasn't very good, but then it became the hit of the summer at YMCA Camp Wowitan. 😜 I was asked to play it like 4-7x a day. 🤷🏻♀️ I'm playing my new Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele (unboxing filmed, needs to be edited - I received it today). Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #teenageangst Lyrics: It's Too Late I keep telling myself I don't need him He's dangerous - he'll only make me cry I keep telling myself I don't want him But I'm telling myself a lie I know he's not the man of my dreams I know he doesn't care at all He's got my feeling so low That there ain't very far to fall I want to keep myself from caring this time But I know that it's too late He's already worked his way inside my mind It's too late I keep telling myself I don't know him And I know that it's the truth But that doesn't stop my hunger I've got my secrets, too I'd be content to be his slave And cater to his dark desires Willingly I'd meet the flames And burn to death inside his fires Cho: I keep telling myself I don't need him He's dangerous - he'll only make me cry I keep telling myself I don't want him But I'm telling myself a lie Cho: ©1994 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Journeyman Concert #2 Journeyman Concert #2 Presented at the First Bardic War in the Ethereal Realm May 18, 2021 00 00:00:00 Introduction 01 00:00:59 THL Joya bat Arwa al-Jinniyya (Northshield) One More Dish, Johnny Good Pilgrim Shine 02 00:10:00 Lady Cornelia Caeciliana (Atlantia) Come Again Sweet Love (John Dowland) Amarilli Mia Bella (Giulio Caccini) She Moved Through the Fair (Trad) 03 00:17:40 Lord Gavin Kent (Æthelmearc) Gwilm the Smith 04 00:25:58 THL Aibhilin inghean Daibhidh (Trimaris) A Secret Love or Two (Thomas Campion) Selkie Song The War I Wage 05 00:35:40 Lady Cynthia Anne of Silver Lakes (Atlantia) Ricercare (Vincenzio Capirola) Mille Regretz (attr Josquin des Prez) [original intabulation: Cynthia Anne of Silver Lakes] Ricercar (Joan Ambrosio Dalza) [from Intabolatura di Lauto IV, printed by Ottaviano Pettruci, 1508] The Willy Queen (Cynthia Anne of Silver Lakes) © 2009 Sea Grey Songs 06 00:43:59 Lord Gregor von Medehem (East) Cantigas de Santa Maria #166 (Anon) 07 00:46:43 THL Juliane Bechaumpe (Mid-Realm) Lexandra's Victory 08 00:54:05 THL Bran O'Labhradha (Æthelmearc) Elegy to the Dream 09 00:56:07 THL Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic Ímair (Northshield) Power King's Daughter, King's Sister, King's Mother Matilda 1140 10 01:06:03 THL Ishmael Stedfast Reed (Atlantia) For Lady Serafina degli Aldobrandeschi de Firenze A Petrarchan Sonnet Come Again, Sweet Love (John Dowland) Have You Seen the White Lily Grow? (Ben Jonson) Clara's Soliloquy from The Last Voyage of the Valentine, an original play in 3 Acts 11 01:15:06 Lady Megge Gormshuileach (Æthelmearc) Pennsic Mid-Day Lullaby Freya's Brave Ones The Piper 12 01:24:35 THL Colette la trouvere (Antir) Needle & Thread (A Selkie Song) Song Calls to Song 13 01:34:20 THL Kári Gáranhirsson (Mid-Realm) The Lay of Thrym 14 01:49:17 THL Silence de Cherbourg (Æthelmearc) Tell My Story (Kasia of Two Kingdoms and Silence de Cherbourg) Chanson de Jeune Fille Lyrics: Anonymous, 14th c., Bodleian MS Douce 308 Melody: 13th c. motet from Montpellier codex Heloise and Abelard, Love Will Return (Efenwealt Wystle) 15 01:58:29 THL Elaisse de Garrigues (Calontir) The Phoenix The Shadow of the Scythe The Long Journey Home 16 02:09:27 THL Juliana Laverick (Antir) Heart to Defend A Minstrel Fine Hey, Ho! to the Greenwood (Thomas Ravenscroft) |
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Just a Picture "Just a Picture" - original song written in the summer of 1991 (I think probably August). I had a huge crush on the drummer of Slaughter, Blas Elias (he was super cute and his hair was GLORIOUS). I really loved #hairbands then. This is probably the earliest song of mine that I'm willing to share! I'm playing my new Enya Nova U Mini (there was a lightning deal that was too good to resist last week 😅). I was so excited that I forgot to film the unboxing. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #celebritycrush Lyrics: Just a Picture You're just a face in a magazine But I see you every day You mean so much to me Much more than I can say I wish you could step into my world Out of those pages bright You could make this girl A happy girl tonight You're just a picture Just an image Staring at me from my wall How can I have so much faith in you You're just a picture, that's all I want to experience your smile in person Oh, to see the twinkle in your eye I feel like your face could cure the day Make stormy weather pass by I'm young and foolish, I know I seem to trust the most easily There's just something about you How bad can you be For me Cho: I want to know the man behind The picture of you I see But will I ever meet you You're more than a picture to me You're more than a picture to me ©1991 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Keep to the Waves Keep to the Waves - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Pennsic 51 Aibhilin & Friends Concert interpreter: Tegan de Moreton |
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Keep to the Waves "Keep to the Waves" - an original selkie song - lyrics written on February 7, 2024, and music written March 9, 2024 (yesterday). I started the lyrics from a #FAWM song prompt to use a randomly- generated word cloud that every participant used (with very different results, so much fun). This song can stand alone, but there are two more parts, which I think is fun. Part 2: https://youtu.be/PL915GbhyzM If you don't know what a selkie is, think mermaids, only they're seals: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selkie I'm playing my new Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele (unboxing filmed, needs to be edited - I received it 2 days ago). Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #selkie #filk #folklore Lyrics: Keep to the Waves Here, in my lonely tower, I can hardly see the light I feel I've slept for weeks now, non-existent as a wight No hero's been appointed, no kind, strong-and-silent knight I sit alone and wonder now if everyone was right I heard their warnings clearly, but I hungered for a change At first I ventured slowly, bit by bit, outside the range I watched them from the shoreline, life on land appeared so strange Perhaps to live with so much air could cause one to derange? I could feel my family crying... If you dare to leave the sea, your family you will divide You'll shirk your duty to the colony, stay and abide You will be captured shortly if on shore you are espied Keep to the waves, young selkie, keep your skin with you inside As I rose from the sea and set my weight upon the beach My seal coat fell upon the sand and tumbled out of reach I stumbled on my newfound feet and stopped to stare at each Of the humans gaping at my naked body, robbed of speech I learned that they were farmers and they stole my skin that day They both desired to wed me and to carry me away I tried to flee back to the sea but, oh, to my dismay I could not touch the water, I could only feel the spray I could feel my spirit dying... Cho: They've locked me in this tower while they fight over my hand I wait for their decision and I do not understand If they profess to love me why should they keep me on land The fetid air surrounds me as I'm plotting my last stand I can feel my soul replying... Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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King's Daughter, King's Sister, King's Mother "Kings Daughter, King's Sister, King's Mother" - an original song written in April of 2016. This song is based upon the lives of St. Adela of Normandy (daughter of William the Conqueror and sister of Henry I) and her husband, Stephen II, Count of Blois. Their son, Stephen, succeeded Henry I as King, usurping the right of Henry’s daughter, Matilda. Matilda’s son, Henry II, succeeded Stephen. Just to give you a little context. Also, details about these two are fuzzy, so I did the best I could! I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano again - it's the only one I have with me! General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #singersongwriter #originalsong #musician #medieval #englishhistory #frenchhistory Lyrics: King's Daughter, King's Sister, King's Mother The King's daughter, she married me, as was her duty Fifteen and still blooming, in the flow’r of her youth Twenty years senior, I was heir to my father's line And in his name already ruling our lands The Princess was Countess ere ten years had passed The King's sister, she was then; her father had met his end Our fam’ly grew richer with daughters and sons The holy land called my name, for glory, faith, wealth, and fame For four years I led men to die in the sand I feared the siege fruitless; I returned to France The King's sister felt my disgrace, desired that I save my face My dear wife so hon’rable, pious, and wise I could not bear to shame her, so to Palestine I did go That Crusade was won ere my comp’ny arrived I remained for the Battle of Ramla and died The King's sister, my Lady, I prayed she forgave me My last thoughts were for her and the child in her womb In this strange land far from home, a life at last worth a poem My eyes lost the light and I called forth her voice If only to scold me - lament not my choice The King’s mother was canonized Some years after her demise After many moons ruling all I left behind My children and my lands All prospered in her hands She saw our son crowned ere she went to our Lord A saint and an angel King’s daughter King’s sister King’s mother No more ©2016 Robin Lea Fritche |
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L'Homme Fatal "L'Homme Fatal" - an original song. The lyrics were written 19 Feb 25 (the writing prompt was "toxic"), and music written 14 Mar 25 (today). I thought about the trope of "la femme fatale" and switched the gender. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke (I wrote it on my Nova U Pro, but I already played that in a video today, and it's so damn slippery without a strap). General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: L'Homme Fatal You see something beautiful And you can't wait to touch You even start to salivate You realize you're in the clutch You know you shouldn't taste But he's too beautiful to miss You live a life of pure adventure You just have to steal a kiss Just beware of l'homme fatal He'll trap you like that Venus flower Attract you with his nectar Till you're senseless to his power His poison seeps in swiftly And you're his within the hour He will use you and consume you Till his interest grows sour He's cleverly convincing As poetry tumbles from his lips With sincerity that sparkles A disguise that seldom slips Something so pretty can't be toxic That's what you tell yourself each time But the most poisonous of flowers Often are the most sublime Cho: We all know you're going to do it Just let us know when you want out We've all been there before you But you could take the safer route Cho: FAWM 2025 - Song #34 Lyrics: 19 Feb 25, 3:51 PM (CST) Music: 14 Mar 25, 1:35 PM (CDT) |
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The Lark (Entre Moi et Mon Amin) Post-Revel: The Lark (Entre Moi et Mon Amin) - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Northshield Bardic Madness 2024 in the Shire of Falcon's Keep. Post-Revel: Time to sing everything we didn't get to during the rest of the day :--) lyrics: Anon musc & translation: Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic Ímair To see more of Cobflaith's music, check out her youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@robinleaf |
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The Lark The Lark - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair & Colette la trouvere Pennsic 51 Aibhilin & Friends Concert lyrics: Trad music: Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair interpreter: Tegan de Moreton |
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The Lark "The Lark" - an original song written on February 4, 2024, inspired by the trouvère song, "Entre moi et mon amin" (writer unknown, no music surviving). Both the music and this particular English version of the lyrics are copyrighted by me, all rights reserved. I'm playing my new Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele, which I intend to take to #SCA events. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #medievalmusic Lyrics: The Lark My clandestine love and I In a fair wood near Béthune We played all of Tuesday night In the blue light of the moon Till the dawn conquered the dark And too soon, we heard the lark I said, "My love, we have to go" And he smiled and said, "Please, no..." "It is not nearly day "My lovely, dear, sweet heart "Let us not entertain "The cruel lies of that lark" Then he drew me so near And we cuddled without fear He kissed me heartily thrice I kissed him at least twice His soft caress did not annoy How we'd have loved to stretch our joy That night to last an age With no further need to say Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche, Burn the Blue Wash Music |
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Let's Go "Let's Go" - an original song, with lyrics written 19 Feb 25 and music written today (02 Mar 25). There was a prompt on #FAWM to write about taking a break. This is what I came up with! I'm playing my Enya EUT-X1 tenor, strung with a low G. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #exploration #acoustic #travel #history Lyrics: Let's Go The best kind of break Is filled with adventure An oasis of yes Free of scolding and censure With so much to do Lesser souls would abstain I don't chill on the beach Sipping wine or champagne Give me museums Full of relics and treasures Ruins and tombs Can be my greatest pleasures Old torture chambers Speakeasies and dungeons If the history's interesting You bet I'm among them If you want to relax But still travel with me We'll pick a place Where both can agree You can hang out While I geek and explore Then I'll meet you for dinner And geek out some more Cho 1: Give me galleries full Of the most storied art The context around it Is my favorite part Architecture that's stood For hundreds of years I'll climb towers and pyramids Embracing my fears If I'm not exhausted When I return Then I'm clearly not finished There is much more to learn FAWM 2025 - Song #35 Lyrics: 19 Feb 25, 10:13 PM (CST) Music: 02 Mar 25, 7:39 PM (CST) |
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Listless Heart "Listless Heart" - an original song written in 1998 (or possibly 1997). This was the first take I played all the way through, and that's good enough for now! 🤣 It's fun to sing. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini travel ukulele. I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I got behind making videos, but I have practiced every day since the challenge started! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #relationship #relationshipsongs Lyrics: Listless Heart I harbor a listless heart It cannot function till I find Where I belong Prove to me that there's a way To rouse it from its slumber The truth is, well I've felt nothing for so long You think that I'd be heartbroken Since you left me so abruptly But I just closed the door behind you And thought, well, this really sucks But, well, I'll get over it I always do I will miss your kisses But you sure as hell don't own the patent Do you Do you Oh Cho: Part of me just wants to lie here And forget I'm even alive Is it ever going to matter I don't know Do you care Do you Oh Cho: Maybe I'll just find somebody else Maybe I need to come to terms with myself I'll just get a therapist And this is what I'll tell them Oh Cho: Part of me just wants to lie here And forget I'm even alive Is it ever going to matter I don't know Do you care Do you Oh Is it ever going to matter I don't know Do you care Do you ©1998 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Lost for a Spell "Lost for a Spell" - an original song written at Pennsic War, in late July, 2023. I'm telling the story of a siege, but it's really about being away from the #SCA (especially #Pennsic) due to the pandemic. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert uke again. It's taking me a while to figure out how to accompany this song with an instrument. What I've done here isn't perfect, but I'll work on it. Sorry you can't see my ukulele very much - The lights were glaring so much in my glasses so I took them off, and I kept having to lean forward to squint at the lyrics. 😅😅😅 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #seige #PennsicWar Lyrics: Lost for a Spell Near the breaking of winter As new life pierced the snows Invaders were spotted And we raised the alarms With alliances made against bloodthirsty foes We believed that our borders were safe A few weeks or a month After that, we were sure We'd emerge into springtime Victoriously Just a little while longer behind city walls We'd provisions enough to endure I think I was lost for a spell There was chaos around me It was dark and I fell Into a place where I was alone I sheltered there for a while But now I've come home The siege was unending As if time had been stilled Some folk ventured forth A good many survived But still, how to justify so many killed When they could have been safe behind walls Our resolve and defenses Had built over time Casualties slowed and And the war seemed to end Freedom was gold, but how daunting to find That the enemy had settled our lands I think I was lost for a spell There was chaos around me It was dark and I fell Into a place where I was alone I sheltered there for a while But now I've come home Many, like me, Strained to salvage their joy After the carnage, Confinement, and pain Closely, as neighbors we try to avoid, The enemy lives with us now It's time press on That is simple to say It hurts to observe How soon some forget I mourn the fallen here every day But I'm weary of being alone I think I was lost for a spell There was chaos around me It was dark and I fell Into a place where I was alone I sheltered there for a while But now I've come home So after years of mere living I've called back my voice Supported by friends Who inspire me to sing We shall not forget those who have not the choice In our songs we remember them well I think we were all lost for a spell There was chaos around us It was dark and we fell Into a place where we were alone We sheltered there for a while But now we've come home We were lost for a spell But now we've come home ©2023 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Love Anew "Love Anew" - an original song mostly written yesterday and finished today (22 May 2024)! I screwed up on the last line so that's why the lyrics in the video don't match what's posted below. The meaning didn't change too much, and I did this in one take, so I didn't want to do it again! #OneTakeWednesday By the way, there's a pretty obvious #Hamilton reference for anyone who wants to look for it. I'm even more behind in this challenge... I've been distracted by my crazy, dopamine-chasing brain. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano again. ♥️ General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Love Anew I worry a bit over what you'll say When you find out that I'm dating again We've only recently split, but I feel okay To move on now, and just be your friend It may seem fast But I've done my work I wrote my way out Of the past and the hurt Please don't doubt that I've loved you In some ways, I still do My emotions are evolving To match the journey I've been through I feel best with my heart open And I wish the same for you You were a gift while we lasted Now I hope to love anew I worry a bit over how you'll feel When I tell you that I met someone sweet I don't know if we'll fit, but I must reveal That I'm hopeful and I'm sensing some heat Pre-Cho: Cho: I hope not to hurt you Though it was your choice to make I spent a little time in a dark place And I felt like I could break I did not expect to be here On this precipice of "new" And I hope that you can heal now And have a sweet adventure, too Cho: And I hope that you will, too ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Love Song "Love Song" - an original tune set to poetry written by Dorothy Parker (1929). I wrote the music last month as part of a #FAWM challenge to use something from the public domain to write a song. I loved this poem when I read it - I couldn't resist! I have three-part vocal harmony written for this, so maybe at some point I'll be able to make a video that showcases that as well! I'm playing my Enya EUT-X1 low-G tenor again. I'm even more behind...it's been a week. 😵 General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #tenorukulele #lowg #enyaukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #dorothyparker #poetry Lyrics: Love Song (poem by Dorothy Parker) My own dear love, he is strong and bold And he cares not what comes after. His words ring sweet as a chime of gold, And his eyes are lit with laughter. He is jubilant as a flag unfurled— Oh, a girl, she'd not forget him. My own dear love, he is all my world,— And I wish I'd never met him. My love, he's mad, and my love, he's fleet, And a wild young wood-thing bore him! The ways are fair to his roaming feet, And the skies are sunlit for him. As sharply sweet to my heart he seems As the fragrance of acacia. My own dear love, he is all my dreams,— And I wish he were in Asia. My love runs by like a day in June, And he makes no friends of sorrows. He'll tread his galloping rigadoon In the pathway of the morrows. He'll live his days where the sunbeams start, Nor could storm or wind uproot him. My own dear love, he is all my heart— And I wish somebody'd shoot him. Break: He'll live his days where the sunbeams start, Nor could storm or wind uproot him. My own dear love, he is all my heart— And I wish somebody'd shoot him. Lyrics: Dorothy Parker (published 1926, public domain) Music: Robin Lea Fritche (25 Feb 25, 11:25 AM) FAWM 2025 - Song #49 |
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Make Me Dinner "Make Me Dinner" - an original song, finished just a bit ago (around 2 AM on 31 May 2024). I wrote the words to the chorus a week ago, and then wrote the music and the rest of the words tonight. This is my demo! It's a toootally innocent song about how I like it when my partner cooks for me. 😉 I screwed up a bit at the end but I'm going to go with this version because it's really late. 😅 I was impressed that I managed to get through the key change without totally trainwrecking. A couple lines might get some tweaking yet and I might tweak The melodies a little bit, too, but this is the basic idea. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano. ♥️ General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Make Me Dinner I've dated different kinds of boys And each has his charms Some will defrag your computer Some will fix your car Some are handy 'round the house Some can landscape like a pro Some just throw cash at everything A totes legit way to go But there's a certain kind of boy That really curls my toes He is comfy in the kitchen And he uses what he knows I like boys who make me dinner If he's got a favorite pan, he might be a winner I will clean my plate and drain my cup I'm a hungry woman - come fill me up The best kind of boy Learns how I like my meat He can tell when I want savory And when I need it sweet He never leaves me hungry Except for when that's fun And when I want extra helpings Then I know that he's the one When my man puts on his apron I can feel my pulse go wild I know I'm in for something good Service with a smile Cho: And once we're both sated I'll help him with the mess After all that skilled effort Good boys deserve some rest Cho: (2x, after key change) ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Masquerade "Masquerade" - an original song written in late September or early October, 1992. That's right, another super-oldie! 🤣 I wrote this about a boy that was a couple years older than me. We were in a school play together and I was so very impressed with his acting and musical talents. 🧡 We later became good friends. I think it's especially funny that I say more than once that he doesn't know and would "never dream it," but right after I performed it on stage (at the fall choir concert), he very cheekily confronted me and basically let me know that he knew it was about him (I'm pretty sure one of my friends had tipped him off, though)! Our choir director told the story for years that I had come to the audition saying that I had just written the song that day. I don't remember much about writing the song, but I remember her telling the story. She was such a wonderful and supportive lady. 🧡 I just decided tonight that I should fingerpick it and I think I like it better that way. I'm not sure why, but my voice is super tired today and kind of rough, so I just went with a soft and gentle delivery. I'm playing an Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #crush #unrequited #unrequitedlove #sadsong #adolescence Lyrics: Masquerade My mind wanders My thoughts blow away And the night bleeds Into the day My heart's been captured Without consent But I can't bring myself to Can't bear to resent And my soul's been captured It's gone - I've sold it And close to his heart I hope he holds it I know he can't He doesn't know But that doesn't mean I have to let him go When he smiles at me My spirits fly When he talks to me I float up, kiss the sky But I am an afterthought Nevertheless And what he thinks of Is anyone's guess And I can hide my feelings He'd never dream it I continue this masquerade For all who wish to see it And I can hide my feelings He'd never dream it I continue this masquerade For all who wish to see it ©1992 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Mathilda, 1140 Mathilda, 1140 - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Warriors & Warlords 2023 in the Barony of Jararvellir. Concert MC: Beatriz de Caer Anterth Mawr |
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Midnight Somewhere "Midnight Somewhere" - an original song written for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month) this year. I had never tried a song skirmish before and it was nearly midnight when I noticed that one was going to be starting. I waited to see what the topic was, and it was "midnight somewhere." Since it was literally midnight, I was thinking I should really get to bed, and so in about 10 minutes I came up with this short, little ditty. I had an acapella demo posted by 12:15. 😂 It was my first cat song and I ended up writing four more that month. 🫣🫣🫣 Tonight, I figured out some ukulele chords for it. I probably should have recorded this Friday night in order to post it exactly at midnight for #Caturday. Missed opportunity! I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini (soprano) travel uke. Note that I am wearing pajamas with zodiac cats on them and a #pussyhat I made when I was making hats for the Women's March. My necklace also has two cats on it but it's too small to see lol. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #cat #cats #catsongs #kitty Lyrics: It's midnight somewhere Oh, it's midnight here It is dark and my cat expects treats to appear I bribe him each night So he won't run or hide I'm too tired to catch him, you see So I give him his treats And he warms up my feets And in the morning he'll annoy me awake It's the best damn alarm clock they make It's midnight somewhere Oh, it's midnight here It is dark and my cat expects treats to appear I bribe him each night So he won't run or hide I'm too tired to catch him, you see I want him to spend midnight with me ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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The Mourning Dove's Lament Recorded at Northshield Bardic Madness 2016 in Rokeclif. Blow Someone Else's Horn Performing pieces from the era we study is an excellent way to honor the artists that came before us. It is also good to honor the history of the Society by performing the work of artists from our Current Middle Ages. Perform the work of some other SCA person - we’ll have a special chair up front for the author of your piece, if they are in attendance, to be recognized for their work! |
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My Eyes Are Open "My Eyes Are Open" - original song, started on November 20, 2021 and finished on February 19, 2024, for #FAWM2024 (I found partially-written lyrics and a recording of the chorus melody on my old phone). Not my favorite thing I wrote last month, but I think it's still worth sharing, and more good practice for me to get in and out of E minor! I'm playing a Cordoba 15SM soprano ukulele. I constantly check to see if it's tuned, but the notes end up a bit sharp as soon as I press the strings down on the fretboard. I'm going to go back to the music store I got it from, probably on Monday before choir practice. I think they did not do a proper setup. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #lovesong #fawm #uke #cordobaguitars #sopranoukulele Lyrics: My Eyes Are Open My eyes are open I may regret My eyes are open I don't know the outcome yet I started this thing Knowing it probably would end I did it anyway I thought you were worth it A sweet, young-old soul So articulate So different Yet so much the same as me We walked in the park Amongst ancient ruins Understood about as well As what you saw in me Cho: I've never had a lover So affectionate So exquisite The way you cling to me More reliable Than all the others Regardless of us Being temporary Cho: Sometimes I'm worried I don't exist I'm a way that's really real to you But yet, you're an angel of delight and bliss And I think that you might feel this, too My eyes are open I may regret My eyes are open I don't know the outcome yet I started this thing Knowing it probably would end I did it anyway I thought you were worth it ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche (As soon as I register my songs on ASCAP, they will be published by Burn the Blue Wash Music) |
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The Night I First Kissed You "The Night I First Kissed You" - an original song that I just finished today! I wrote the words and the preliminary music during a one hour challenge (a song skirmish) for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I never really liked the music very much, so on Sunday I wrote new music for the chorus, yesterday (Monday) I wrote music for the verses, and today I finalized the bridge. You might notice that I don't know the bridge very well lol. I think that the song will work better and better, as I continue to practice it and figure out exactly how I want to express it. The song is a sequel to another of my songs, "Spun": https://youtu.be/Rcqe6xxCe3o?si=6zMPCplvuVRk3BfQ I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele, currently covered in butterfly window clings. ❤️ Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #crush #dating #orangeukulele Lyrics: The Night I First Kissed You After we met at the park We planned our second date You said you'd make tandoori chicken Since the pandemic still raged We'd watch Hamilton and I'd explain The Revolutionary War Because it didn't make much sense to you When you tried to watch before Was that really our second date It seemed like such a long time to wait Just one week, I was on fire Near-consumed with this desire I think you felt it, too The night I first kissed you I found your place and climbed the stairs Electricity in my veins You were holding the door open Your passion, too, was plain You asked me to take my shoes off And you showed me round your flat Or maybe not - maybe our clothes fell off It's a bit of a blur after that Cho: We never got to Hamilton But our dinner was sublime We fell asleep on the couch and asleep on the bed And I almost stayed the night (So what if I left at 3 AM?) Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Northshield Turns Northshield Turns - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Warriors & Warlords 2023 in the Barony of Jararvellir. |
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Not a Democracy "Not a Democracy" - an original song started probably about 3 weeks ago, and finished today (04 June 2024). It's pretty self-explanatory. I was chatting with someone I met on a dating app and he expressed unsolicited opinions about women wearing makeup and said that when we went out together, he hoped that I wouldn't dress in such a way as to entice other men to look at me. Oh HELL no. What a caveman move. I'm playing my Flight TUC-KITTY concert uke, but unfortunately it's not very visible here. It's a travel uke, and really the whole point of it is that there are pastel cartoon cats all over it. 😻😻😻 I'm also wearing kitty zodiac pajamas. It's a whole theme. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #flightukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #feminism #bodyautonomy Lyrics: Not a Democracy We were deep in a chat that seemed to go well With a few flags, beige and yellow More eccentric than me, but overall You seemed like a nice enough fellow But your claim to be so highly evolved Had already raised my awareness Then you told me how I should present myself (Or your preferences at least, in fairness) Do you really think, Mr Dating App Man To submit to your whims would be part of my plan My body Is not a democracy It is a sovereign nation And I'm the queen You've voiced your opinions And I've made a note But I'll do what I want You do not get a vote You backpedaled so fast that you nearly fell You'd never presume to command me You just have preferences that you're allowed to state And bound'ries ('round others ogling your candy) My makeup and hypothetical clothes Aren't the problem here, it's you Your insecurity is not my responsibility You've got a few things to work through Women don't need a dress code, sir Men can check themselves, I'm sure Cho: If I consent to this, it's a slippery slope I'm not about to give up control To anyone, let alone you I've seen this movie, so we're through Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Not Too Far "Not Too Far " - an original song written in September 1999. This song is not about something that happened to me. Sometimes my muse is very strange! I wrote "I've been told I must move on now" along with the music, and I intended it to just be a song about recovering from a breakup. But the next line that came out of my head was "I could waste my youth beside this bed." I was shocked, but I went along with it and the story unfolded as I wrote. I cannot sing this without crying a little bit. I have never performed it on stage because I felt a little bit manipulative performing something this emotionally charged when it was just a story that I wrote. But I like it a lot. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano uke. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #singersongwriter #originalsong #musician #sadsong #story Lyrics: Not Too Far I've been told I must move on now I could waste my youth beside this bed I have been absolved of commitment Or so the doctors have said But I would be a coward to leave you Even if you're all but gone How can you lie there like still life Well someone has to hold on I don't think I've ever been this lonely I don't think I've ever been this scared It's like life reared back and bit me And left me unprepared All I really need is your arms around me A look in your eyes that says you've found me You don't need to speak let the music swell My legs grow weak love casts its spell Oh babe I don't know if you can hear me But I am helpless I need you near me How can I see you and still not know where you are I hope it's not too far I've been told I must move on now Even your family agrees They tell me honey it's not worth it And you know he'd want you to be free Well this is not about what you'd want You're not the only victim in this room How can they expect me to stop hurting When everything reminds me of you I can't cross the street without thinking How you held my hand as we walked I can't answer the phone without longing For the hours that we talked I don't need the flowers the I'm sorries The cards just make me cry I don't need to hear that god has called you I don't even need to know why All I really need is your arms around me A look in your eyes that says you've found me You don't need to speak let the music swell My legs grow weak love casts its spell Oh babe I don't know if you can hear me But I am helpless I need you near me How can I see you and still not know where you are I only hope it's not too far Oh I can see you but still I can't be where you are I hope it's not too far ©1999 Robin Lea Fritche |
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On the Stage "On the Stage" - original song written on May 12, 2006, inspired by my obsession with #KingsOfLeon and #CalebFollowill around that time (I'd been able to meet him a few times after shows in 2005 and 2006 and he was lovely - they all were). This was a good song for practicing E7! I'm playing my new Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele again. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #celebritycrush #rock Lyrics: On the Stage Caleb licks his lips as he slips into the spotlight Sweat is glowing red from the halo of the bar signs Looks a little like a god but I swear he's doin' hard time On the stage on the stage on the stage on the stage On the stage on the stage on the stage Caleb's eyes are blue and the pants he wears are so tight Gives me such a thrill when he roars just like a feline Oh, my pulse is set to flutter and I wanna make him all mine On the stage on the stage on the stage on the stage On the stage on the stage on the stage [lead] He shivers in his boots as he screams and his guitar whines The air is gettin' hazy from the smoke, it makes my head light Oh, I wanna crawl up to him but I hear there is a long line To touch that boy On the stage on the stage on the stage on the stage On the stage on the stage on the stage Caleb licks his lips as he slips into the spotlight Sweat is glowing red from the halo of the bar signs Looks a little like a god, but it's just a clever disguise I'll take him down On the stage on the stage on the stage on the stage On the stage on the stage oh he'll scream my name On the stage on the stage on the stage on the stage On the stage on the stage on the stage ©2006 Robin Lea Fritche |
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One Clever Wife Anywhere But Europe: One Clever Wife - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Northshield Bardic Madness 2024 in the Shire of Falcon's Keep. Anywhere But Europe: Share a story from a non-European culture. To see more of Cobflaith's music, check out her youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@robinleaf |
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One Clever Wife We're Plotting Shenanigans: One Clever Wife - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic Ímairmair Recorded at Mid-Realm Bardic Madness 2024 in the Barony of Roaring Wastes. We're Plotting Shenanigans (dun dun DUNNNN!) : The Shenanigans are back! Perform a piece about shenanigans, plotting shenanigans, or that is a shenanigan. |
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One Clever Wife "One Clever Wife" - an original song based upon the Korean folktale "The Resourceful Wife." Due to the historical context, this story would have taken place in 1505 or 1506. A version of the tale was published by Im Bang (1640-1724) and later translated into English by James S. Gale (1863-1937). The king mentioned in the song is also mentioned in the story - I read his Wikipedia page before starting the lyrics, to find more details. Fascinating historical figure, terrible human! The lyrics were written April 28th (a little over 2 days ago) and the music was finished a couple hours ago, on April 30th. I wrote this song for a challenge to perform a story that comes from "anywhere but Europe," but during the medieval period. I will perform it at an #SCA #bardic event on Saturday! (I'll pronounce the final syllable of the king's name correctly then. 😜) I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele because it matches my shirt. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #folktales #koreanfolktale #medieval #joseon Lyrics: One Clever Wife In the Kingdom of Joseon (조선) When Yeonsangun (연산군) was King His illness infected the land He killed all who defied him And closed centers of learning Writing the language was banned In his last year as King Before he was deposed Frightened women were brought to the palace He sent out his thugs To search far and wide For beauties to mar with his malice The people of Joseon lived always in fear Knowing someday Yeonsan's men might appear Maiden or married, the King did not care He required 'entertainers,' the fairest of fair If any resisted, she paid with her life None ever escaped, save one clever wife A young Minister's wife Was so achingly lovely That he knew very soon he would lose her He bade her stay inside But she chose to live free And he could not bear to refuse her Yejin (예진) told her husband She'd never submit He could not stand the thought of her killed When the men finally came He urged her to just go And by then her defenses had stilled Cho: Yejin entered the court With those newly-arrived Standing tall amongst all those who cowered The King saw her confidence He was intrigued So she'd be the first he devoured He bade her come near him And as she approached Her stench was a nasty assault The King flinched in horror And sent Yejin home Likely holding his henchmen at fault Cho: When she returned Yejin's spouse was amazed As she pulled rotting meat from her clothes She'd kept a slice Held tight under each arm Her brilliance none could oppose The Minister cried And laughed all at once He nearly took her to embrace She escaped with a laugh To go take a bath And also her clothes to replace ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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One Day "One Day" - an original song written in February of 2012, for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). I'm doing this even later at night than usual, after coming home from another open mic. I'm super tired and I totally did not even try to look at the camera when I was singing this. I was too afraid that I was going to screw up the chords or the words. I am not great at playing B minor but it's an improvement upon how it sounded a few days ago (when I was trying to practice another song). I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter Lyrics: One Day There's no beauty in the way I've been living So intent upon survival that I forget to thrive I'm alive for more than forty hours of chores Every week and a check once a month There's no love for me apart from my music Would you live without your limbs if you were given a choice I've a voice to raise in any manner of praise Or sorrow, whatever I need to say One day you'll know who I am And you'll remember who you are again One day you'll sing my songs And you will fly One day I'll breathe your name With every melody I play One day, one day, one day Years and years I have been stuck in this pothole If life is a road then I think you get my drift There's a rift between what's left unsaid and unseen In my dreams there's a place where I'm free to say Cho: (2x) One day I'll breathe your name With every melody I play One day, one day, one day ©2012 Robin Lea Fritche |
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One More Night "One More Night" - an original song written in July 1999. I'm not 100% sure this is the chord progression that I played on guitar (on guitar it's in my muscle memory, but I didn't feel like getting a guitar out to check). What I did here sounds fine. Whatever the original chord progression was for the main section, that's something my mom gave me when I was a teenager, just a sequence of chords for me to practice switching quickly (it's nearly the Pachelbel Canon chords in G major, but not quite). She was pretty tickled that I ended up using it in a song, and I think that's why this is one of her favorites. I love it because of the words and the structure. It was quite a challenge for me to play this last night on ukulele (especially considering I did it right after another really difficult song, "Conversations with a Woman" https://youtu.be/KEnBFmd8MiE). With more practice it would be nicer, but I needed to make my video and be done with it! 😅 This is probably going to remain a guitar song because I think it works better with more strings to pick. Or maybe I would like it better with a low G... 🤔 I'm playing my new Enya EUC-MAD, which, as I think I mentioned a couple videos ago, turns out to have a crack in the base of its neck. I'm really bummed about it because I just received it and it was probably there when I first opened it, but I hadn't looked very closely. Now I can't unsee it and it's really worrying me. I have not yet heard back from customer service. 😔 General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #breakupsong #breakup Lyrics: One More Night I was thinking about the other day How you started walking and I didn't stop you And I almost lost it right there On the sidewalk of a populated city Filled with people that wouldn't care anyhow If I fell down they'd step right over me (Without stumbling) With the graceless grace of hurry In the placeless time of chance Another sky would maybe Have inspired us to romance But if I can bring my hearing And you can bring your sight Well maybe we'll find a story To last us one more night So I ask - turn my way Keep my madness at bay You're my anchor my guard Cut the deck - it’s your card It's my dream, you my dear That you dream of me here So I ask - set this right Let this last one more night I was thinking about the other morning How I reached for you in slumber, but only held your pillow And I could still feel your presence there So I told you all the secrets you once told me not to keep from you And I swear I saw you smile at me, but I may have lost my mind (sight) I felt fine (but then you stepped right over me) (Without stumbling) So I reach out to you Little else left to do Once again, stars align I will listen this time It's my dream, you my dear That you dream of me here So I ask - set this right Let this last one more night With the graceless grace of hurry In the placeless time of chance Another sky would maybe Have inspired us to romance But if I can bring my hearing And you can bring your sight Well, maybe we’ll find a story To last us one more night ©1999 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Other Lads "Other Lads" - This is an original tune set to Dorothy Parker's poem "Folk Tune" as lyrics. There was a #FAWM challenge to incorporate something from the public domain, and as I was searching for stuff to do, I found a book of poems on Project Gutenberg by Dorothy Parker and I totally fell in love. I actually set two more of her poems to music besides this one, and plan to do more. The poems were originally published in 1926 so they are in public domain and I can do what I want with them. I love this poem. It's so funny! Anyway, you might notice that the chord progression is pretty weird and that is because there was also a challenge to do ALL 7 of these major chords, A B C D E F G, and ONLY those chords. I mostly took them in order! I think it actually works. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #dorothyparker #poetry Lyrics: Other Lads (“Folk Tune” by Dorothy Parker) Other lads, their ways are daring: Other lads, they're not afraid; Other lads, they show they're caring; Other lads—they know a maid. Wiser Jock than ever you were, Will's with gayer spirit blest, Robin's kindlier and truer,— Why should I love you the best? Other lads, their eyes are bolder. Young they are, and strong and slim, Ned is straight and broad of shoulder, Donald has a way with him. David stands a head above you, Dick's as brave as Lancelot,— Why, ah why, then, should I love you? Naturally, I do not. Lyrics: Dorothy Parker (published 1926, public domain) Music: Robin Lea Fritche - 20 Feb 25, 9:48 PM (CST) FAWM 2025 - Song #44 |
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Outside My Window "Outside My Window" - an original song written in response to a #FAWM song skirmish prompt to write a song from the point of view of someone living through a #zombie #apocalypse. I wrote it in less than an hour on February 19, 2024. 🤣 I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #zombies #horrorcomedy #horror Lyrics: Outside My Window There's a monster outside my window I hope that she can't see me, too And that monster looks so familiar I wonder what she has been through I've seen her out there in the garden Stumbling aimlessly around Then my brother tried to help her And they both fell to the ground I couldn't see what happened But they made such ugly sounds I thought she'd killed my brother But he didn't stay down There are monsters outside my window I hope that they can't see me, too And those monsters look so familiar I wonder what they have been through I've tried to look online But there is nothing in the news When I peek through the curtains I get more and more confused I think one of them's my neighbor And she's wearing high heeled shoes And that looks like my dentist I recall those skull tattoos There are monsters outside my window I hope that they can't see me, too And those monsters look so familiar I wonder what they have been through I'll never leave the house I've got all that I need here This all might be my fault Because I helped that wounded deer My mother tried to warn me Not to let it venture near That's when she went outside 'Cause I pretended not to hear There are monsters outside my window I hope that they can't see me, too And those monsters look so familiar I think I know what they've been through ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Pablo "Pablo" - an original song written in April 2005. The song is pretty self-explanatory, though at the time of this posting, it's now been nearly 28 years since I spent 5 weeks in Barcelona with a family (not nine). 😅 I wrote this song before going to my host sister's wedding. Everything turned out to be great. My mom and I were seated at a table with both of my host brothers and their significant others, and Pablo and I we're seated next to each other. We chatted in Spanglish throughout the event and I had a great time! His girlfriend was super nice, too. No issues with awkwardness! That was a really lovely trip and I should go back and see everyone sometime. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge, with an additional challenge that I have set for myself, to play one of my originals each day. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #infatuation #crush #unrequitedlove #unrequited #dune Lyrics: Pablo Just about nine years ago I met a boy across the ocean He was my brother for about a month Thought he was cool ‘cause he read science fiction I found a copy of Dune in his room I’d just read it so it had to be a sign Read some in Spanish to be close to him Me and the dictionary by my side And all I wanted was for him to notice me And to say something encouraging I knew it couldn’t happen but I needed to dream a while And if he would have smiled I would’ve coped just fine Cried in the dark almost every night I felt so stupid but I couldn’t stop those thoughts Didn’t belong, couldn’t wait till I was gone I wrote some songs, sang until my throat was raw Tried to enjoy the attractions I saw Climbed the towers of Sagrada Familia That day he seemed to see my face I said “no steps” but he coaxed “venga venga” Cho: I was gone before I knew it And now I’m going back Don’t know how to approach this Maybe ignore the embarrassing fact Will he know it when he sees me Will I feel the same despair I want to slow-dance at the wedding And I know Pablo will be there Cho: ©2005 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Portland "Portland" - original song written on February 1, 2024, my first song for #FAWM2024. Today was a bit of a cheat because this song has very little in the way of a chord progression. I wrote it for a challenge to write a song almost entirely using F major and A minor chords. I'm playing a Cordoba 15SM soprano ukulele. I constantly check to see if it's tuned, but things sound off. I had to tune the G string by ear to make the A notes match for the chords I was playing (the whole song leaves the A string alone until that one G chord in the bridge). I may try another tuner, but this thing just might need better strings. I dunno what they had on it in the store. I love this uke, but between that issue and the bad tuner on the C string, I'm a bit frustrated. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #lovesong #twochordsongs #fawm #uke #cordobaguitars #sopranoukulele #ldr #longdistancerelationship Lyrics: Portland Four weeks and six days have passed since he left Madison Feels like forever and yet yesterday Four or five months yet till I can visit Portland Time slips between us with the promise of someday Chorus: And it's fine, I will spare the time There's no other face I'd rather see This is life, right? But it's no sacrifice There's no other place I'd rather be right now Than Portland So anxious for summer - I'm so glad I will teach online I'll spend a month there - another plane ride for my cat Restaurants and theater - we'll do all of the things we love Sweetest of all, time alone in his new flat Chorus: And it's fine - I will spare the time There's no other face I'd rather see This is life, right? But it's no sacrifice There's no other place I'd rather be right now Than Portland Bridge: Some folk imply that I’m wasting my time And they're trying to be kind But they don’t see Chorus: That it's fine - I can spare the time There's no other face I'd rather see This is my life and mine to sacrifice There's no other place I'd rather be right now Than Portland Sometimes I'm homesick for our weekends in Madison Idyllic afternoon walks, good food, good love The city's still beautiful, but no longer feels like home A place isn't home though, home is who we love Chorus: So it's fine - I will spare the time There's no other face I'd rather see This is life, right? But it's no sacrifice There's no other place I'd rather be right now Than Portland ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Power - King's Daughter/Sister/Mother - Matilda 1140 Journeyman Concert #2 Three songs by Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Power King's Daughter, King's Sister, King's Mother Matilda 1140 Bardic War 2021 in the ethereal realm. |
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Private Dreamers "Private Dreamers" - an original song written in early 1999 (my notes say spring, but I remember there being snow and ice on the ground on the night I am singing about). I was out at an open mic with some friends and I was noticing some things about how they were interacting. I wrote this song on piano and have rarely played it on guitar. It's been a long time since I played it at all. I recorded this in one take tonight, in the interest of just getting it done. 😅 I'm playing my new Enya Nova U Pro tenor uke. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #tenorukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Private Dreamers Private dreamers Well aren't we all Yet we con ourselves into saying We're all alone Well in this crowded sea Of self-proclaimed lonely hearts You'd think a few of them Would find a home I know there's someone here tonight Standing over the one he wants Unable or afraid to make a move And there's someone here tonight Who is falling for a friend And she has so much to lose Private dreamers Well I confess That's the only state that I've really Come to know I wish I had some advice To pass along But I'm as lost as any Wandering soul I know there's someone here tonight Who would give up just about anything To bring a lover into his arms And there's someone here tonight Who can't stand to see him reach for her But she hasn't voiced her feelings so far And I I am empty Who can fill me Is there anyone at all I am waiting It seems for nothing Only time returns my calls Private dreamers Maligned by day And by Saturday nights that come cruelly Every week It seems your friends are all in couples And although they include you The prospect seems tired And bleak I know there's someone here tonight Standing over the one he wants Unable or afraid to make a move And there's someone here tonight Who is falling for a friend And she has so much to lose And I am empty Who can fill me Is there anyone at all I am waiting It seems for nothing Only time returns my calls Private dreamers What can I say ©1999 Robin Lea Fritche |
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The Return "The Return" - original song written in the spring of 2012 (probably May). I started writing it while I was driving home from work, and my intention was for it to sound like it could be a folk song. I perform it at #SCA events. I'm playing a baritone ukulele that my dad built from a cheap kit at least 20 years ago (if not longer). It was forgotten in the shed until I started playing my new soprano last month, and then my dad remembered it and asked if I wanted it. I cleaned it up, and last week I put new strings on it. I think the strings are still settling, because I haven't played it much. 🫣 It's not as easy to play as my soprano ukulele or my favorite guitars (wide, thick neck, strings kinda far from one another - I have short fingers). Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #baritoneukulele #originalsong #societyforcreativeanachronism Lyrics: The Return Through the heather, sweet and purple On the hillside, I shall walk And my true love, he shall meet me On the hillside, we shall talk I have missed the sound of his soft words How his gentle fingers searched my face He swore to return in a fortnight And return he shall, to stay Sun is shining, it is morning And my skirts are damp with dew Any moment I shall see him My brave soldier, strong and true I have missed the sound of his sweet song How his gentle lips brushed my hand He's been sent off to fight for king and country And years may pass in that command Bells are ringing in the churchyard I have dreamed of such a sound But I had not then imagined To lay my true love in the ground I have missed the sound of his soft words How his gentle fingers searched my face He swore to return to me someday And return he has, to stay ©2012 Robin Lea Fritche |
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The Return The Return - Cobflaith ingen Sitriucca meic mair Recorded at Warriors & Warlords 2023 in the Barony of Jararvellir. Concert MC: Beatriz de Caer Anterth Mawr |
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Say It "Say It" - original song written during #FAWM2024 I'm playing a Cordoba 15SM soprano ukulele Project notes: I'm sharing 100 ukulele practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally recording songs I haven't memorized yet, I am not looking at the camera much. ;-) I wrote this song using some fragments I had written in the fall of 2020, when I was crushing really hard on someone I dated for a few months - it felt super intense for a bit, and then just fizzled (mutually - we're still friendly). I decided to use the fragments to write a song for #FAWM, and I was surprised at how much I liked the result! P.S. - Adding the lyrics took such a long time - not sustainable for a daily post, but a good learning experience! #acoustic #lovesong #ukulele #uke Lyrics: Say It I've been hesitant to say it Cuz I don't trust myself sometimes I think I'm feeling what you're feeling You come on strong and that is fine I think you've been wanting to say it But you've been waiting patiently You've come so close and I can see it In the way you look at me I feel like the stars in your sky You are the poet now, not me I think I love you but I cannot Seem to make my thoughts agree Does that mean that I feel less now Is it enough you feel like home At once I know you and I don't yet Is it too soon to write this poem What if when I finally say it It doesn't feel right and I am wrong I'm terrified that I will hurt you I want you to know that you belong But if I can really say it With my heart here in my eyes I think it's likely that you'll say it, too Or is my reasoning unwise Chorus: Are you waiting, should I say it Don't want to feel I'm tempting fate In shivering anticipation I try to self-regulate Chorus: There's no other way I want to play it I think I'm going to say it ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Secret Kiss CW: murder, poison (not at all graphic) "Secret Kiss" - an original song, the lyrics for which were finished on 16 Feb 25, for a #FAWM challenge to write a song incorporating a poisonous plant (I was given Carolina jessamine). The music was written 26 Feb 25. This is a story of secret love and jealousy. I tried to make it sound a little bit sexy, too. Last Monday, I posted my other murder ballad, and I thought it would be fun to continue the theme. Maybe I'll even write one for next week! I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert. I love the contrast between purple and orange. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #murderballad #murderballadmonday #storysong #murder Lyrics: Secret Kiss When I first moved into town The brightest soul that I met there Was the most bewitching girl With Carolina jessamines in her hair She smiled at me and I was lost She wore a dress that matched the flowers She spoke with such a melody That I would be entranced for hours She had a beau I envied so She tittered when I told her this "He's nothing, love; it's all for show It's you I give my secret kiss Only you can taste my secret kiss" We were best friends, by all accounts Her man allowed my company I chaperoned near every date To keep her safe, of course you see One day she told me to stay home All would be well and we'd be free Just this one night, was all she asked And then, for us, eternity And oh, that beau I envied so She tittered when I told her this "He's nothing, love; it's all for show It's you I give my secret kiss Only you can taste my secret kiss" She returned at half past three Her hair a mess, her dress askew Her eyes were wild, said, "Come with me" I asked her then, "What did you do?" She'd gone home with him that night And laced his tea with jessamine root Thought milk and honey would disguise The bitterness, but it came though There was that beau I envied so Stricken with paralysis "It's working, but it's acting slow He tried to take my secret kiss Only you can taste my secret kiss" We took the tincture she had made And dribbled it between his lips No time to dither or delay No way but onward after this We buried him deep in the wood Where jessamine vines clung to the trees And fled that uptight town for good To live together by the sea We live as sisters; none suspect Two young spinsters, nothing more I love her so, but still object To liquids she has made and poured I watch her with the village girls Wary of another threat She is my only, precious pearl She'll not be rid of me yet There's no more beau to envy so But still I fear something amiss What if now I'm all for show And another tastes her secret kiss Only I should taste her secret kiss FAWM 2025 - Song #45 Lyrics: 16 Feb 25, 9:55 am (CST) Music: 26 Feb 25, 2:40 am (CST) |
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See It Through "See It Through" - an original song. Most of the lyrics were composed in March 2022, then edited/finished for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month) 2024. The music was written in February 2024 as well. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #relationship #relationshipsongs Lyrics: See It Through It's a little deceptive How attentive you've been Your touch communicates tenderness Again and again But I'm a way station Even when it seems like more You'll soon have to start your real life You've admitted this before I don't want to lose you Sooner than I have to And I know I have to That much has always been clear It doesn't matter that I love you I know what I agreed to I can walk away or see it through I'll think I'll see it through You're not callous at all That's not what I mean You're caring and thoughtful You're earnest and sweet I know you're not staying here And I don't fit your life plans For now we meet each other's needs And I do understand Still, I don't want to lose you Sooner than I have to And I know I have to That much has always been clear It doesn't matter that I love you I know what I agreed to I can walk away or see it through I'll think I'll see it through I don't want to tell you I'm hurting Because you might say we should end it I don't want to tell you I love you Even though I really love you Because you might say we should end it You don't want to hurt me... I don't want to lose you Sooner than I have to And I know I have to That much has always been clear It doesn't matter that I love you I know what I agreed to I can walk away or see it through I'll think I'll see it through And any time with you Is worth what I'm going through This is all I can do I'll see it through ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Skipping Rope "Skipping Rope" - an original song written in February of 2006, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). Funny how I wrote a song about aging back then and it just gets more and more relevant all the time. The jingling and scratching noises that start around the time of the bridge are courtesy of my cat, who suddenly got the zoomies. This is my attempt at #OneTakeWednesday (something that some people do in the community). All in all, it was okay so, the cat noises stay in. I'm not good at the E major chord yet, but I knew this was a song that I could get through in one take and not trainwreck, so I did it. It was easier than figuring out how to play another one of my old songs that I didn't play very much. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert, because I need all the help I can get with E major. At least there's a little more room for it on the concert scale. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #aging #nostalgia Lyrics: Skipping Rope I'm all alone There is no sacred place Inside this hide and bones My face does not display The ways that I atone For everything I've done Up until now I'm somewhat torn Between the world I've found And that which I still mourn I can't believe it's grown so late My face so worn I still feel like a schoolgirl Skipping rope The sun was brilliant on the asphalt Reflecting off the jungle gym I used to climb to the top And time would stop Until the bell rang out Come in What should I say When you look at me strangely Should I turn away Pretend that you don't phase me Mutable as clay Unable to lie scattered In your wake It's all a lie I notice every flicker In your doe-brown eyes Something within me shudders When you pass me by I still feel like a schoolgirl Skipping rope Cho: I haven't changed so much since then I am as weak as I've always been I'm still so afraid I'll be sent away I feel just like a schoolgirl Skipping rope Cho: ©2006 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Soar "Soar" - an original song. The music was written in the summer of 1997. It originally had other words, but they didn't age well. I wrote new words this past February, nearly 27 years later! I decided that this melody was way too much fun to sing to just retire it. I wrote some saucy, new words to go with it. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1. ♥️ General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Soar Lover come to me Set your burdens all aside Close your eyes, just breathe And in me you can confide Rest your head on my chest And divulge your desires The wicked ones are best Let's see what transpires You can close your eyes And let me keep control here You've nothing to fear As we soar You can close your eyes But you're not dreaming You've never had such dreams before I suspect you like Both my kiss and my sting You don't know when I'll strike But that I'll make you sing You can test your bonds Both safe and secure I can't help but to respond To your allure (Cho:) And as you open up Cautiously Don't shy away You are so beautiful Every blissful noise you make Begs me to go deeper 'Til you writhe and quake (Cho: x2) Oh, you've never had such dreams before ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Something Beautiful "Something Beautiful" - an original song written in September 1995. I later added a bridge, but I don't think I like it anymore, so I'm playing the song here the way it was originally written. Maybe eventually I'll edit this one up (there are a couple lines I've always been a little unhappy with) and add a better bridge. I kept changing my mind about some of the chords in these chord progressions, too. (Apparently I did change one of the lines I didn't like, but I didn't remember that, so I sang the old version. I sang "I got a new heart on a loan" instead of "Place my faith in all I know." Ah well. Maybe next time.) I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #singersongwriter #originalsong #musician #sadsong Lyrics: Something Beautiful Here we are at the end Of something that I Hoped would be beautiful And it makes me want to cry Because all my life I've waited for something beautiful Silly me I saw it all in you But your soul was not as lovely as your smile And your smile wasn't lovely enough To make my dreams come true Here I am at the beginning Of a new life all alone I must rely on myself now I got a new heart on a loan (Should be changed to: Place my faith in all I know) So I'll continue my search To find something beautiful Something beautiful to make my dreams come true I know someday I'll find it I'll try hard to be patient Miracles for those in haste are precious few Here I am on the verge Of discovery I'm so close This great expectancy I can feel it in my toes So long I've searched For something beautiful Something beautiful to make my dreams come true I've been so foolish I've known all along I lost my something beautiful when I said goodbye to you ©1995 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Son of a Queen "Son of a Queen" - an original song started sometime in the summer of either 2010 or 2011, and finished in the spring of 2012. Sort of a silly little thing that I wrote is one of my first songs to sing in the #SCA. Up until now I've always done an acapella, and holy crap is it a pain in the butt to play! The chords change constantly and the progressions don't repeat at all during each section. I think it will be really fun once I can play it without constantly looking at the chord sheet to help me focus on all the changes. I tried recording it about a zillion times while making more eye contact with the camera, but then I would screw something up. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Son of a Queen A fair, young maiden was I at one time A fair, young maiden was I And nightly I dreamed of the son of a queen Whose eyes were the hue of the sky The hue of the sky, the hue of the sky And this fair prince would go riding at dawn And this fair prince would ride His silhouette stark 'gainst the death of the dark A riotous, splendid sunrise A splendid sunrise, a splendid sunrise I told him I loved him each bright afternoon I told him I loved him each eve He must not have heard all I spoke 'neath the moon Or else not my heart he would reave, he would reave I wrote him a love song to sing at his court I wrote him a love song to sing He spared not a frown as they laughed at my gown And oh, how his silence did sting His silence did sting, his silence did sting I ran from the hall, dashing tears from my eyes I ran from the hall, dashing tears I risked one backward glance and tripped over a lance My inadequacy was so clear It was so clear, it was so clear I whispered I loved him right into the ground I whispered I loved him so well There were none to hear just how mournful my sound I felt I could descend into Hell, into Hell And then his strong hands helped me up to my feet And then his strong hands helped me up He gave me a smile that bore no hint of guile And anew, I knew I was in love I knew I was in love, I knew I was in love I told him I loved him with his hands in mine I told him I loved him again He looked at me kindly with those eyes so fine And said that he'd rather be friends, just good friends A fair, young maiden was I at one time A fair, young maiden was I And nightly I dreamed of the son of a queen Whose eyes were the hue of the sky ©2012 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Song in My Head "Song in My Head" - an original song written in June 2004. Almost 20 years old! I wrote this song after attending a concert during which, for one song, everyone but the drummer left the stage and the drummer sang and played piano by himself. I don't remember what the song was, but I loved it, and I was a little bit in love with him because of it. So, I wrote this song. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele, which is fabulously orange. 😍 My voice is pretty rough tonight. Kind of hurts. I thought about trying to do another take to see if I could iron out some of the issues I was having, but I think it would just get worse. It is what it is! I need to get my ass to bed. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician Lyrics: Song in My Head I stare at his back As his sings to a wall I don't know if he cares That I'm listening at all He's older in some ways In others naïve I don't know exactly What he wants or he needs But I'm watching his fingers As he touches the keys And I'm wishing those words Were directed at me And high in the rafters There's a fly on the ceiling Completely oblivious To all that i'm feeling I'm standing in line With a song in my head I'll probably say nothing I'd rather be dead The stage grows dark gradually The last note dies away I can't find an outlet for These marks on my brain The house lights comes up And we file toward the door And through to the street Where I'm still craving more But I know that it's over Except for in dreams Where I know he's still singing Where he's singing for me And high on the street lamp Above market and third There's a moth singed by brightness So it falls to the earth Where I'm standing in line With a song in my head I'll probably say nothing I'd rather be dead You know, he wouldn’t care anyway He wouldn’t listen anyway Doesn’t matter what I play I’m invisible, inconsequential And high on the street lamp Above market and third There's a moth singed by brightness So it falls to the earth Where I'm standing in line With a song in my head I'll probably say nothing I'll probably say nothing I'll probably say nothing I'd rather be dead Than look a fool In front of you ©2004 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Spirit Ride "Spirit Ride" - an original song written in November of 1992. I'm kind of astonished at the complexity of the chord progression necessary for this thing. Did I already write this way when I was that young? Wow. I don't really know what this song is supposed to be about and it's really not a favorite or anything, but I figured it should be included. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Spirit Ride Midnight Whispers through the willows Barely audible A sigh Far away A spirit rides Through the night Memories take flight I remember So little Were you there I don’t know It was so long ago Forgive me I just can’t be alone I beg you don’t go I cry out to the empty night The heartless night The endless night And darling it doesn’t seem right That you should be so cold Break: Crazy Never thought I could make the choice Wanting so much To see you To hear your voice Midnight Whispers through the willows Barely audible A sigh Far away A spirit rides Through the night Memories take flight ©1992 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Spun "Spun" - original song written on February 10, 2024. I wrote it from a #FAWM song prompt "spin." I think I originally started with the chorus in my demo, but the lyrics printout I had started with the verse, so that's what I did. 🤷🏻♀️ I think it's better to start with the chorus, but it's late, so for my uke challenge video, this is what it is. I'm playing my new Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele (unboxing filmed, needs to be edited - I received it yesterday). Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #lovesong Lyrics: Spun The sun was strong that day And I feared I'd get a burn We chatted in the shade And my thoughts began to churn Our conversation bloomed And your smiles quickened my pulse I felt a power unpresumed On your scent just like a wolf Why is my head spinning? Have you done something to me? You're a heady mix of innocence And danger breaking free Your sweetness is beguiling And your instant trust profound I can't resist your proffered bliss You've spun my head around Now I know you well And your darling, devious mind You've learned my buttons, I can tell To make me feel like that first time You contrive to be my prey But you're not that tough to catch You never try to run away But somehow I am outmatched Cho: So let me hold you I know you feel safe in my arms You've been entirely unexpected And I am left disarmed That's why my head's spinning You have done something to me You're a heady mix of innocence And danger breaking free Your sweetness is beguiling And your continued trust profound I can't resist your proffered bliss You've spun my head around ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Stars "Stars" - original song, written in the late summer/early fall of 2000. I was inspired by the stars on the ceiling of a room I was staying in (I didn't actually have stars on my own ceiling as a kid). I'm playing my new Enya Nova U Mini (there was a lightning deal that was too good to resist last week 😅). I was so excited that I forgot to film the unboxing. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #stars #plasticstars #ceiling #glowinthedark Lyrics: Stars How can I possibly explain You're like an ocean in my brain It washes over all I know I'm not the girl I was five minutes ago Something about you Makes me think of the stars That I stuck on my ceiling When I was ten years old They looked like nothing Just pale, plastic shapes But when I stuck them on my ceiling They glowed And they were my universe How can I possibly ignore I feel such urges in my core And I'm the center of my view There's always something I can link back to you Cho: And now you're my universe At night I can't sleep in this room full of shadows Where my candle lights don't reach very far Am I alone - am I a child - am I restless All I know is that I sleep well under stars Under stars Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche, Burn the Blue Wash Music |
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Still Angry "Still Angry" - an original song. Most of the lyrics were written on January 20, 2020 (3 weeks after a breakup) and then finished on February 25, 2024. Music written today (March 18, 2024)! This was not my best take (I screwed up some stuff), but it's the only complete take with my cat in it (and I didn't laugh), so that's why I'm sharing. ❤️🐈❤️ This is a make-up song since I didn't post yesterday! I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #breakup #breakupsong #ex #cheater #cat #cats Lyrics: Still Angry I loved to take care of you I loved to hold your hand You said some of the right things You seemed to understand I didn't know we weren't alone 'Til the guilt broke down your dam You still check in about your day You never ask me how I am (Pre-chorus) You've stained all my recent memories I can't relate a simple anecdote Without explaining or erasing you (Chorus) I'm not sure who you were When you weren't with me Because the person I loved Would not've done such things In the end you weren't Who you seemed to be I've lost nothing more Than a fantasy Still hurts though Still angry In an alternate reality We went to that New Year's event We had to leave a bit early Expressing our lament Then fell into bed together Intent on mutual ascent Just another quiet evening But that's not how it went (Pre-chorus) (Chorus) (Bridge) Got used to sleeping in your bed I didn't know this thing was dead It's still messing with my head How I had been misled and misled and misled and misled I really loved you Did I just use past tense It comes in waves - sometimes I'm fine Sometimes it makes no sense Sometimes I'm angry And you know you've no defense You left a hole in all my dreams So yeah, I am a bit intense (Pre-chorus) (Chorus) ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Stop Dreaming "Stop Dreaming" - an original song written in August 1993! Like yesterday's song, I wrote this song for that boy at summer camp. He was willing to be my friend for a while, and then later in the summer, he changed, so I guess I needed to write another song. 😅 I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #crush #unrequited #unrequitedlove #sadsong #summercamp Lyrics: Stop Dreaming Sunday morning I wake up crying And I’m not sure of the reason Your face fills my mind with frozen teardrops For blue sadness is the season And suddenly I do remember Fate’s cruel hand cares for me naught The pain in my heart increases But I can’t bring myself to stop Because the day I stop dreaming Is the day my life will end I know that once I give up I’ll never start again My heart tells me lies While your cold eyes speak the truth But I can’t stop dreaming Regardless of what you do So I pick myself up off the floor And I force on a plastic smile While I’m secretly wishing for your arms to hold me And carry me for a while . . . Don’t tell me I swear i don’t want to know Alice loves her wonderland She doesn’t want to go Because the day she stops dreaming Is the day her life will end She knows that once she gives up She’ll never start again Her heart tells her lies While your cold eyes speak the truth But she can’t stop dreaming Regardless of what you do Regardless of what you say I’ll turn my face away I don’t see you I can’t hear you I’ll love you till the day I stop dreaming Is the day my life will end I know that once I give up I’ll never start again My heart tells me lies While your cold eyes speak the truth But I can’t stop dreaming Regardless of what you do ©1993 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Sunrise "Sunrise" - an original song written, probably, in the early- to mid-90s. I found the lyrics in a box in the basement a couple days ago, and the tune came back to me right away. There is no date on the printout, but my memory and the surrounding documents place it sometime between 1992 and 1996. I feel like 1994 is a good guess. 😜 Just a silly little song, personifying Sunrise. I do not claim that it makes any sense - it's just kind of cute and easy to play. The gender of Wind can be anything. Sun needs to be male because "him" is the rhyming word. I thought about changing the pronoun for Wind but then forgot to do it when I sang it, and I'm not redoing the video LoL. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele. Because orange. 🧡 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #sunrise #personification #orangeukulele Lyrics: Sunrise Hello, my name is Sunrise I wake every morning at dawn I paint the sky - I am famous for my work People still think about me when I'm gone Behind me, I leave an endless trail of blue Below me, I see every one of you Hiding, afraid that it might rain That the sky will darken at my whim But that is not my jurisdiction It's up to Sun - go worship him Behind me, I leave an endless trail of blue Below me, I see every one of you Whisper, holding hands As young lovers often do As I paint my sunrise Turning twilight a brighter hue Soaring on the horizon, I feel so free And Wind, he carries me Away Hello, my name is Sunrise I wake every morning at dawn I paint the sky - I am famous for my work People still think about me when I'm gone Behind me, I leave an endless trail of blue Below me, I see every one of you Smiling ©1994(ish) Robin Lea Fritche |
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Sympathy "Sympathy" - another new original song! I wrote the words last week, and the music was finished before midnight tonight (so, technically yesterday, 04 June 2024). It's written about the same guy as https://youtu.be/MTeDDcdMmD8 - because yeah, I continued to see him after he did that. 😅 The song is pretty self-explanatory. His ex broke up with him because he didn't want to get married, but she wouldn't let him move on, and verbally abused him over the phone pretty much daily. Inexplicably, that tactic got her a marriage proposal. Because I was going to do the other song about that dude, this situation popped into my head and it seemed like a good idea to make it into a song. It's not technically Wednesday anymore, but I did this in one take, so I'm using the tag! #onetakewednesday I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke again - I didn't actually take it off after I recorded the last song. I was just working on finding the music for this new one after that, and intermittently chatting with people. 😉 My cat provided random jingle bell sounds from his collar. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #regret #sympathy Lyrics: Sympathy I knew what she did to you Even after you split She'd call you and bait you Make you feel like shit You were such a red flag But you made me laugh I hoped you would choose me But she held you so fast Every time you were late I knew she had called I said just hang up Or don't pick up at all You couldn't help yourself You gave her that ring You let her win Now you regret everything You have my sympathy That's all you get You chose the rapids So yeah, you got wet It's nice to be right But I'm not surprised I offered honesty You chose the lies She controls and belittles This is not news Did you expect her to change Once she got back with you You say you chose wrong I appreciate that But your segue to flirting Is obvious and sad Cho: You showed me your value Honey, barely a blip You may have fucked yourself But you saved me a trip Go back to your wife Or leave her – whatever But you and me That's happening never Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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The Test "The Test" - an original song. I wrote the lyrics in March and the music Saturday evening (like roughly 28 hours ago). Let's just say it's about disillusionment and you can get any other details you need from the song. 😉 I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini, with butterfly window clings stuck to it (no adhesive). General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #newsong Lyrics: The Test It's still amazing to me How smug you seem Who I thought you were Was merely a dream This feeling's crept up on me A little more each year Then you revealed yourself fully Said things I can't unhear I guess I kind of hate The way my song Still strokes your ego Even 10 years on I think you never really liked me Just what I represent Creating art like a mirror That only shows your best intent You may not even realize it You may believe your own fiction But it's been clearer over the years And I'm resolved in my conviction If I ever sing that song again I won't start it with our story As you've said, your name's not in it So without that, you've no glory And sure, some people know And you can tell the rest But I only wrote that song Cuz I saw you at your best But since then you've failed the test You still do some kind things But inside you're not well Your intolerance is seething Finally others can tell You embellish your achievements Then assault my friends with slurs You're emphatically not Who I thought you were Pre-cho: Cho: I really resent how You've made me hate my song I don't want to sing it anymore Even though that might be wrong The art is not at fault If the subject is untrue Sometimes an artist paints the surface That's the tale of me and you Pre-Cho: Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Thy Book (Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXVII) "Thy Book" - Here is Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXVII (77) set to an original tune that I wrote last month (07 Feb 25). This is one of my favorite Shakespearean sonnets, and the second I've set to music. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD concert uke. I feel like it is especially quiet on this recording - oh well! General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #shakespeare #sonnet #poetry Lyrics: Thy Book (Sonnet LXXVII) words: William Shakespeare (public domain) music: Robin Lea Fritche Thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wear, Thy dial how thy precious minutes waste; The vacant leaves thy mind's imprint will bear, And of this book this learning mayst thou taste. The wrinkles which thy glass will truly show Of mouthed graves will give thee memory; Thou by thy dial's shady stealth mayst know Time's thievish progress to eternity. Look, what thy memory can not contain Commit to these waste blanks, and thou shalt find Those children nursed, deliver'd from thy brain, To take a new acquaintance of thy mind. These offices, so oft as thou wilt look, Shall profit thee and much enrich thy book. |
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Tiny Hacks Day 2/100 - CW: This is a happy, little song about torture. You've been warned. 😜 Project Notes: I’m sharing 100 ukulele practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 Days, for the #100DaysUke2024 (formerly 100 Days of Ukulele Songs) offshoot of #the100DayProject. This is my first time (I'm a new ukulele player). I wrote the words to this song for a songwriting skirmish I hosted during FAWM (February Album Writing Month) last month. I got a random word cloud from #muse_lyricloud and thought it was too good not to share as a group songwriting prompt. I wrote the words in about 40 minutes! It's super creepy...but that makes sense, considering the words I had to work into a song... I wrote the music on March 1st (yesterday). The word list: awake -blade - bloody - butchers - crushed - curse - decayed- devil - door - eyes - gonna - grind - hacks - hand - hatchet - kid - made - mess - radio - smile - spent - terrifying - tonight - trade - triangular - warm I did take some liberties, but I used them all! #fawm #acoustic #singersongwriter #ukulele #uke #songwriting #songwriter Lyrics! Tiny Hacks Music & lyrics by Robin Lea Fritche I am a bloody butcher's blade Hatcheting out what is decayed Cursed since I was made I'm gonna leave you in a mess Tonight there shall be no redress The blade cares not if you confess Tiny hacks until you're crushed Tiny hacks until you're spent Who is that knocking at your door? The devil's come to trade once more Tiny hacks until you're crushed Tiny hacks until you're spent Who is that knocking at your door? The devil's come to trade once more I may start with your hand Just so you understand That the blade is in command I will warm you up a while Give you a terrifying smile I live to grind and to defile Cho: Just to make sure you're awake Your rotten eyes I'm gonna take Like a little kid, you're gonna break So while the radio still blares I'll make small triangular tears Not that anybody cares Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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To the Beat "To the Beat" - an original song. The music was written in the fall, just a silly little tune that I made up while I was driving and didn't know what to do with. I wrote lyrics for it during a timed challenge on the last day of #FAWM this year - the prompt was something involving fae and everyone being welcome. I think it would be cool to have an instrumental break and then repeat the whole thing over again. I also might experiment with turning it into sort of a round. It sounds like it should work, but we'll see. It won't work with these particular chords accompanying it but I might be able to come up with something interesting eventually. I'm going to put this on my SCA-friendly playlist, even though I say "human, fae, or other" in the first verse. There will be folk that won't mind, and many people in the middle ages believed in the fae. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano again. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #filk Lyrics: To The Beat Come join the dance To honor all who appear Human, fae, or other All are welcoming here Step to the beat Any beat that's inside your heart You will know it's right if it ends Right back where you should start If it ends Right back where you should start Come join the choir And sing with us in a round Every voice is needed To create a beauteous sound Sing to the beat Any beat that's inside your heart You will know it's right if it ends Right back where you should start If it ends Right back where you should start Come join the band And play a magical tune Together we will capture The luminous joy of the Moon Play to the beat Any beat that's inside your heart You will know it's right if it ends Right back where you should start If it ends Right back where you should start ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Trial (I'll Still Try to Smile) "Trial (I'll Still Try to Smile)" - an original song finished today (started February 8th, 2024). I started this song a couple weeks before my breakup. I was picking up little cues and I was worried. I didn't write the words that refer to my last relationship until it was over though. I guess I couldn't finish the song earlier because I didn't know what was going on. Probably there would be some kind of instrumental bit and then the chorus one more time, if I perform this with others. It's quite wordy so I don't know how well it will go over. 😅 It's basically a song about wallowing in my own self-pity, which I needed to do for a minute lol. I made a couple lines more dramatic than strictly necessary, but that whole thing with the universe being against me, that's a true story. There were several years during which I couldn't seem to get to a second date. Like, we would plan one and then things would happen, and not just those guys giving excuses why they couldn't see me again. Sometimes I couldn't go. One time I hit a deer. Another time there was a blizzard. And things just fizzled. I gave up intermittently and then I would try again and the same thing would happen. It totally sucked. The title is subject to change btw. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele, because if I'm going to sing yet another sad song, might as well do it with a happy-colored ukulele. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #badluck #brokenheart #unlucky Lyrics: Trial (I'll Still Try to Smile) Am I still that girl fleeing into fairy tales Stories that were never real or true I get swept away each and every time And I don't think it properly through I used to say that the universe Was working against me The random shit that happened Could have come straight from a script Any burgeoning connection Was cut short by a snowstorm Or car accidents or illness I had gathered quite a list Defective or unlucky, it doesn't pay to speculate It's taken decades to progress this far Each time, a little better, but so many years between At this point, success would seem bizarre I've spent so much time unwanted Discarded, disregarded I missed out on many milestones Out of cohort with my friends Maybe I'm too difficult Too strange, too unattractive Smart in all the wrong ways It barely starts before it ends I thought maybe I'd finally Escaped this soul-crushing cycle And I did for a while But now I'm back again, older Both more and less Sure of myself in this trial But I'll still try to smile I can't accept just anyone, which makes it even harder If I like him and it's mutual, that's already a miracle And therefore improbable, and considering my current state To observe I was on borrowed time would've only been empirical I think deep down I still suspect That I don't get to be happy This last hiatus from my status quo Was always going to be brief There were some truly blissful moments And I finally got a taste Of how it felt to have a partner I've stolen moments like a thief Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Ukuleles Are Not Pokmon (But I Still Want Them All) "Ukuleles Are Not Pokmon (But I Still Want Them All)" - an original song written today! Many of us who play ukulele have something called UAS (Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome). I started this song as a joke at around 2 AM (I was up really late last night after SNL) and I ended up finishing it this evening. I hope it makes others in the community laugh! It's super easy to play. I'm playing Enya Nova U Mini travel ukulele again, mostly because it was the closest one within reach and I'm feeling lazy tonight. I also played my Flight TUS30 earlier today. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #UAS #ukuleleacquisitionsyndrome #funnysong #sillysong #musician #newsong Lyrics: Ukuleles Are Not Pokémon (But I Still Want Them All) I don't need another ukulele But I might buy another one real soon I don't have all the sizes and each instrument sounds different Tone woods, laminates, and ABS, and carbon fiber, too I'd love to have both high and low G options There are tunings I would really like to try I'm gonna need a 5-string and an 8-string and a U bass Not to mention an electric I can take to open mics Ukuleles are not Pokémon But I still want them all The variety just appeals to me Plus, they're cute and kind of small I'm enthralled I don't think I really have a problem But others might not see it the same way My brothers really get it, though, and one of them has 4 now It is possible that he will pass me up someday The real question is which one will I choose next Solid wood is great if I can swing the price I also want a pickup and I want it to be pretty There are many on my list - I'll let you know what I decide Cho: My ukes make my guitars feel big as Bigfoot But I still love them and their deep and soulful sound And it's true that I have six of those - I guess it's not surprising That I covet things with strings all around Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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A veces, a menudo, siempre (Sometimes, Often, Always) "A veces, a menudo, siempre" - an original song. Lyrics written February 25, 2024 for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month), and music finalized at around 1 AM today (so, before I went to sleep). I did have a native Spanish speaker double check the lyrics with me before deciding to post this! The English translation will appear after the #Spanish lyrics. I'm playing an Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #español #cancionoriginal #cantaautor #letraenespañol #ukelele (this is the Spanish word, not a misspelling) Lyrics: A veces, a menudo, siempre (Sometimes, often, always) A veces es difícil no fijarme en mis errores (Sometimes it's hard not to notice my mistakes) A veces es un desafío no sucumbir a mis temores (Sometimes it's a challenge not to succumb to my fears) A veces siento que comprometo mis valores (Sometimes I feel like I compromise my values) A veces tengo esperanzas de tiempos mejores (Sometimes I hope for better times) A veces no tiene sentido (Sometimes it doesn't make sense) A menudo no lo entiendo (I often don't understand it) Pero siempre creo (But I always believe) Que me estás queriendo (That you are loving/wanting me) A menudo hablo cuando debería cerrar la boca (I often speak when I should shut my mouth) A menudo no me resisto cuando alguien me provoca (I often don't resist when someone provokes me) A menudo me doy cuenta de que actúo un poco loca (I often realize that I act a little crazy) A menudo me desmorono cuando algo me descoloca (I often break down when something throws me off) Coro (Chorus): Siempre me comparo con muchas otras damas (I always compare myself to many other ladies) Siempre dices que no debería absorberme por sus dramas (You always say that I shouldn't get absorbed in their dramas) Siempre me sorprende la compasión que tú derramas (I'm always amazed at the compassion you pour out) Siempre yo creo que todavía me amas (I always believe that you still love me) Coro (Chorus): ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Waiting for the Moon "Waiting for the Moon" - an original song written in July 1996, while I was staying with a family in Barcelona (though I think I was at their cottage in Matadepera when I wrote this song). I'm feeling really raw tonight, pretty much gutted. I had actually already planned to play this song, but it seems even more appropriate now. I cried off all my makeup and this is what's left. I guess it works. I decided I still wanted to get a video done, and not get further behind! Like everything else that has to do with my music, this is a snapshot. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple soprano travel ukulele. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #sopranoukulele #originalsong #musician #heartbreak Lyrics: Waiting for the Moon Once upon a dream I had I fell in love with you And now I feel an emptiness Inside my heart for you And if the chance to know you well Presents itself to me I promise not to do you wrong If you will stay with me And when the sun lights up the sky I try to see the stars I am waiting for the moon To tell me where you are And though the light shines on my face I feel left in the dark I have shot an arrow That has missed its mark Cho: Once upon a dream I had I fell in love with you And now I feel an emptiness Inside my heart for you ©1996 Robin Lea Fritche |
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What to Do "What to Do" - an original song written in the fall of 2000. I actually made a different video of this last night, but I didn't like how I looked, so I redid it this afternoon. 😅 I have another take of this song, in which I performed a lot better, but I've decided to upload this one, because it's probably going to be more fun to watch with my cat doing his thing in the background. The only reason I was able to get through it without giggling at him was because I didn't look up much. For this song, unless I've recently practiced it quite a lot, I really need to either look at my fingers or close my eyes to stay on track with the instrument-playing (sometimes my brain can't handle distractions very well). This is good enough for now! I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #relationship #relationshipsongs #cat #orangecat Lyrics: What to Do You have such a lovely face When I cannot glance over in haste You have the clearest eyes But they don't see the way they've changed my life And I don't know What to do With you When you smile, when you cry, when you sigh I rush to your side and you tell me why Then I fade into periphery Until you find that you've some use for me And I don't know What to do With you Do I fight you Do I leave you Beat my fists on your chest and scream Do I take you as I have you and lie Say it's good enough for me I never know anymore If I should settle the score Sometimes I feel so blessed Sometimes I rage and curse this test And I don't know What to do With you Cho: So what if I love you So what So what if you're beautiful So what Oh, I don't know What to do With you Oh, I don't know What to do With you What to do With you ©2000 Robin Lea Fritche |
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When I Stand in Front of You "When I Stand in Front of You" - an original song written in June 1993, at YMCA Camp Wowitan. 😜 I had a crush on a boy and everyone knew the song was about him. 🫣 I wrote this song the day after I got to slow dance with him at the barn dance the night before (to "Don't Cry" by Guns 'N' Roses). I knew he didn't like me, but he was nice enough for those particular couple of weeks. I got another #uke! I filmed the unboxing, but I dunno when I'll get around to editing it. I love my blue Nova U Mini and could not pass up an orange Nova U Concert. 🧡🧡🧡 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #crush #unrequited #unrequitedlove #sadsong #summercamp Lyrics: When I Stand in Front of You Dreams of you race through my head In my slumber as I lie here In wonder of the things you say Or don't say to my heart I cry here in the desert moonlight Screaming for a sign And I don't dare to hope for something joyous To help me through the night 'Cause I seem to see your smile die When I walk into the room And you seem to see what you don't want When I stand in front of you Don't tell a lie say I'm just fine I can see what's in your eyes If you say that now I'm wrong somehow I'll know you've told that lie Soft whispers greet each other blindly In my mindsight I have heard Your voice telling me I'm somebody And how much I am worth Still, I seem to see your smile die When I walk into the room And you seem to see what you don't want When I stand in front of you When you hear me now don't turn around I will fade before your eyes My hope's candle shines straight through the night It will burn until I die And I seem to see your smile die When I walk into the room And you seem to see what you don't want When I stand in front of you My hope's candle shines straight through the night It will burn until I die ©1993 Robin Lea Fritche |
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When It Rains "When It Rains" - an original song written, probably, in 1994 (or maybe in fall 1993). It's about the same boy from summer camp, but I don't know exactly when I wrote it. 😅 It was originally titled "Colors Weave a Pattern," but everyone at camp called it "The Rain Song." I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel ukulele. I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #infatuation #crush #unrequitedlove Lyrics: When It Rains When it rains My tears fall closer to the shore When it rains I see you clearer than before And the colors weave a pattern In a song I've never heard In a dream I dream When it rains Can you see the sun It shines in the days that have passed Can you see the moon It shines through my tears of broken glass Do you see me hesitating When I look into your eyes I’m afraid of what I'll see On the other side Through the blindest of my senses I feel your closeness here Intruding upon those wintry hours In silence I hold dear If my mind were a blank canvas And my thoughts a colored dye You'd find your mirror image On the fabric of my life Through eager eyes I found you drifting and displaced Through eager eyes I fell in love with your face And the shadows in your eyes That masked your inner self Contributed to the reasons That I fell When it rains I remember how you looked at me In the rain Tears flowing almost as free And the shadows in your eyes Showed hints of your distaste I still don't know the nature Of my mistake Cho: I swear I'll try To forget about the memories that I hold I swear I'll try But dreams, they die hard - they die cold I’m afraid I'll fall to pieces When I see your face When it rains My tears fall closer to the shore When it rains I see you clearer than before And the colors weave a pattern In a song I've never heard In a dream I dream When it rains ©1994 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Whirling Here with Me "Whirling Here with Me" - an original song that I just finished less than an hour before recording this video (23 May 2024)! I hope to eventually get through more of the chorus without stopping to breathe so I can really punch it, but that'll just be something I aspire to. 🤣 I was going to go to bed but then I had an idea, and I was afraid that I wouldn't finish it if I didn't stay up. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #infatuation #serendipity Lyrics: Whirling Here with Me I feel a little drunk On this conversation What I'm looking at is text What I'm feeling is elation This flow of words intoxicates With every found connection And a meeting of minds Is just the sexiest confection I don't know where you came from Where you've been all this time I don't know why this is happening now Is this truly serendipity Am I reading too much into it How much mysticism can I allow This very well could be All in my head, a fantasy What does it mean If you are whirling here with me This euphoria seems shared And for that I was unprepared How much I care This little spark seems to have flared But it's there, it’s there I could blame it on my brain's Hunger for stimulation I'm concerned I've made you up But still I sing anticipation It seems this reckless rapture Can't be sobered by reflection I feel giddily insane And I don't wish for correction Pre-Cho: Cho: So I guess I'll just go with it Embrace conflation This could be crucial, or at least A bit of fun for the duration It feels like happy chance And I have no objection To swaying on this wave Of such perfect imperfection Pre-Cho: Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Whisper Your Name "Whisper Your Name" - an original song written in July or August, 1996, while I was in Spain. This is another one about the host brother I had a crush on. 😅 It's supposed to be in the key of G, but I didn't feel like singing that high today. So it was super easy to just play it in C, because then I could play the basic chord shapes that I play on guitar for G. At some point I say I'm too young to know the ways of the world, which isn't true anymore, but it was true when I wrote it! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD. It's pretty. My cat is providing some scratching noises and bell noises from his collar during the second verse. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #infatuation #crush #unrequitedlove Lyrics: Whisper Your Name I hold you so dear, my love That I can't see anyone else Why must I be so reliant On a man It distresses me so, my love That we don't speak the same words The distance in years and miles is too large For you to cross I want you to know how I feel for you But I lack the words and the will to see it through My songs shall never whisper your name But I will Yes, I will I'm too young to know the ways of the world And I'm not proud to admit it I looked to you for guidance What shall I do Cho: So I wait in near silence, my love Painting the white walls with my eyes I whisper your name to the stars in the sky, my love No reply I hold you so dear, my love That I can't see anyone else Why must I be so reliant On a man On a man On a man ©1996 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Wide Awake Today "Wide Awake Today" - This is a bit of a hybrid of old and new - last month (February 2024) I found a file with these lyrics, written in January 2005, which never got music. So, I wrote some! I figured I'd better play it quick, since it seems like winter has been over for a while already. It was still cold enough to mess with my strings, though! I'm playing my blue Enya Nova U Mini again. It kinda matches my shirt! ❤️ Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #winter #wintersong #doldrums Wide Awake Today The grass sleeps under snowflakes A love that waits for spring The color's there, just hidden I'll believe in anything But sometimes it's hard in winter To remember love exists The city turns a dirty grey Bitter cold seems to persist Dreams get frostbite in places The ones that venture out to play And life feels like hibernation Though I'm wide awake today I forgot to clean the fish tank Now everything is dead That reaction's sort of drastic Why should I get out of bed Sometimes it's hard in winter To remember I'm alive I could walk barefoot through an ice field And forget to bleed or cry Thoughts are frozen at a low point Feelings hardened to a glaze I've been stuck on autopilot Though I'm wide awake today I think my hands are like machines Pre-programmed to destroy I lack more than understanding I've no more license to be coy But every day just feels like winter There is salt on every road And I'm a sleepwalking disaster With nowhere left to go Optimism is for fairy tales Sleeping beauty's hero stays I don't know if it even matters But I'm wide awake today Lyrics: ©2005 Robin Lea Fritche Music: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Wistful for Wonderful "Wistful for Wonderful" - an original song written in October 2009. It's just how I was feeling at the time (and lots of other times). I realized my hair wrap was all wonky after I recorded. I fixed the wrap and redid the video, but it was dark by then and the glare in my glasses was even worse. So, it bothers me, but I'm putting the video up with the wonky hair wrap. 😅 Probably most people won't notice or care. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Mini (soprano) travel uke. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #lonely #introspection Lyrics: Wistful for Wonderful I think I spend too much time wishing for someone to love Someone of course of the sort I’ve been daydreaming of I end up frustrated and cursing myself So I might as well give up I wonder if loneliness causes a person’s decline While trying to keep up appearances - everything’s fine The armor builds up and it hardens like stone And always alone I pine I never set out to distrust or blame men But when hopes are splintered again and again and again I pretend I don’t want it But I’ve got to declare Everything that I have Is to share I pull out my hair when I’m nervous - I hope you don’t see I guess most of the time I am thinking no one looks at me And if you want to dance I know it’s just a lark Your friends at the bar agree Pre-Cho: I pretend I don’t want it But I’ve got to declare Everything that I have Is to share I can be independent And still part of a pair Everything that I have Is to share I haven’t forgotten the way my hands feel when they’re full The way my heart springs when it senses that preordained pull I fiend like an addict and burn like the sun Wistful for wonderful Cho: ©2009 Robin Lea Fritche |
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With a Song "With a Song" - an original song written in the fall of 1998. If it's not obvious, I was writing this song in a practice room, which had a red floor and those fancy white soundproofing walls. I wrote this song on a grand piano and I was thinking how ridiculous it was that I was writing on such an amazing instrument when I couldn't really play it. Just chords. Anyway, I'm pretty sure this is about a crush I had on (yet another) guy from my choir. 😅 I'm playing my new Flight TUC-Kitty, which is fabulous. Did I need it? Obviously. It's adorable. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #flightukulele #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: With a Song I stand upon a red floor I shudder in a white room I stare at this grand piano That I will never truly play The air hangs like laundry Stale and heavy with too much rain The walls suck half my sound away And I’m trying to write about beauty And the way my life feels now that you’ve come along I’m trying to be clever, but the words all come out wrong How can I win your heart with a song? I draw upon my daydreams As hollow as my poor heart I sit at this grand piano Clumsy fingers touch the keys I try to find my voice now I wonder if I’m just naïve Tell me what to say, please 'Cause I’m trying to write about beauty And the way my life feels now that you’ve come along I’m trying to be clever, but the words all come out wrong How can I win your heart with a song? This obsession is growing More harmful each day I’m paralyzed by my options Which don’t seem promising, anyway If I send this song to you Will you laugh or pity my pain? How can I make you sing my refrain? How can I ever hope to explain? That I’m trying to write about beauty And the way my life feels now that you’ve come along I’m trying to be clever, but the words all come out wrong How can I win your heart with a song? How can I win your heart with a song? ©1998 Robin Lea Fritche |
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With Respect "With Respect" - an original song that I just finished today (04 July 2024). It's my third song for the #5090 challenge (just the first one that I've managed to make a video for). Not all songs will get videos, depending on how any co-writers feel about me putting them up. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert uke. I know I took a month off after finishing 94 songs in 100 days, but now I'm writing new stuff so I'm going to put up those last six! Plus more (but I won't be counting them toward this uke challenge after I hit 100). I had a bunch of old songs that I could have done, but it was just getting exhausting figuring out how to play them. That will be an ongoing project for sure. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: With Respect I'm searching for your marks on my skin Those that are lasting and come from within I don't want to find them No matter the hue I don't need another reason To remember you I still do I'm hoping that you'll leave me alone You don't seem to fathom what you've done to my home I hope to fix the damage That it isn't too grave And the structural integrity Can somehow be saved As I cave You said so many times That I wouldn't regret it That your aim was to care and protect I know those were just lines That sounded great in Spanish I knew, so how could I expect That you would treat me with respect I'm thinking that I'll see you again You know where I'll be, both where and when I cannot avoid it It's all my fault I saw some of the signs And ignored them all Unforestalled Cho: You could be living in my nerve centers I'm scared, still I'll search you out It's anguish waiting for the warning That I'm most worried about Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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With You "With You" - an original song I wrote in 1995! It's just something I made up - I was pretty young and I was not dating anyone. I wrote the lyrics to a tune I had stuck in my head by Bon Jovi (I bet you can't guess which one) and then later I wrote music. It sounds nothing like the Bon Jovi song! At this point I would have to listen to that other song in order to figure out how my words went with that tune. Fun songwriting exercise, though! I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple soprano travel ukulele. 🥰 I kept forgetting what picking pattern I wanted to do with this, since I couldn't really get it to work the way I used to play it on guitar. I also was losing the light, so even though I scared up, this is the take we're going with. The next one was even darker and it was pretty bad video quality. My phone also had like 15% battery left. I have awesome planning skills. 😅😜🥴 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #lovesong Lyrics: With You If I had one wish That could be granted tonight I wouldn’t bother with riches You know it wouldn’t be right I would just close my eyes And wish to be in your arms Then my world would be perfect Life would not lose its charm The earth doesn’t have to be round The sun doesn’t need to shine I don’t care about that Just as long as you’re mine The rain does not need to fall The sky doesn’t have to be blue Everything is all right Baby, if I’m with you If I had one dream To lend my slumber its art I would dream of the love That you give from your heart Because your love is as sweet As the most delicate rose And I know it won’t fade It just deepens and grows Cho: If the world were to end If the sun lost its spark I’d spend my last day with you And I would not fear the dark Whatever I have is yours If it’s mine to give Because if I don’t have you I have no reason to live Cho: ©1995 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Words Fail Me "Words Fail Me" - an original song written in April 1998 (and the story/subject was total invention, on my part - the person I'm singing to did not exist in my life). 🫣 I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert again. I also went to play at an open mic tonight, but I played songs I've already posted this year, so I needed to do something else. After getting home and winding down, I figured out that this song was fairly easy. It took a while to get recorded because I was having storage issues on my phone. 😅 My voice feels a bit sore and some of the higher notes sound a bit pinched because of that. 😢 Wah. I need to get to bed. General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in ~100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #originalsong #musician #lovesong #sweetsong Lyrics: Words Fail Me I could follow your voice through the darkness and never fear That you've led me astray You could make a moment bloom into something so dear Like a soft spring day Words fail me when you call out my name When I doubt that you feel the same Like a careless child you disappear Into my heart when it's been vacant for years I could carry the moon in my waiting wanting hands On a night like that You could turn a mountain into a pile of sand And pull my mind from the mist Words fail me when I open my eyes When I know that you've seen through my guise Like a newborn fire your presence grows Into my life displacing my woes Words fail me when you turn out the light When you ask if I'm yours for the night Words fail me when you turn and smile Saying if not we can wait for a while You can kiss my hand and make my mind see dreams With the words you choose You could take a common stone and show me how it gleams How could I refuse Words fail me when I want to speak When I try to describe what I seek Oh my muse you know just what to do And all my stars now belong to you Words fail me when you turn out the light When you ask if I'm yours for the night Words fail me when you turn and smile Saying if not we can wait for a while ©1998 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Wrong (An Ode to Three Exes) "Wrong (An Ode to Three Exes)" - an original song written on February 2, 2024, on the second day of #FAWM. I'm playing my blue Enya Nova U Mini again. It's so cute! And a shout-out to my friend Mysie, who made this hat for me. ❤️ (I made the poncho. 🤪) Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. Still, due to my newness to the instrument and the fact that I'm generally filming myself practicing songs I haven't memorized yet (or just haven't played on ukulele before), I am not looking at the camera much. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all, and my voice might not be warmed up, either. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! Regardless of whatever else I practice, my intention is to post an original song each day as well. I have plenty! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #exes #relationships Lyrics: We'd had quite the night I had a story I could tell in old age That was all I'd planned 'Til you appeared with pen and paper in hand We weren't quite a fit But I feared you were my only chance I tried to hold on to our heat But by midwinter I admitted defeat Thank you for your interest in me For far too long I didn't believe That such things were for me to receive I was wrong I loved you because you were there Plenty reason for me to care Broke my heart to end the affair But we were wrong We met on the range I had borrowed gear, just arrows and bow Unasked, you helped me shoot And you loved my songs, so I thought you were cute I didn't see you for four years But when we met again, it felt just like fate But you were filled with so much spite by then I could not overcome your dark with my light Cho: Our first chat lasted hours, late at night The next day our first date Closed down the restaurant You were nerdy and sweet And you seemed to like me It felt right but you lied You lied the whole time Cho: A little slow, but now I know my worth ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche, Burn the Blue Wash Music |
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Yellow Bird "Yellow Bird" - an original song, written in February 2011, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). It's about a guy I had just started dating that I had been so excited about, until he called me the day before our second date to confess that he was married. 🙄 He said he liked me too much to keep lying to me and he hoped I'd still want to see him. I told him I very much appreciated that he told the truth before anything really happened, and then I wrote this song. 🤣 I'm playing an Enya Nova U Concert ukulele. Because orange. 🧡 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #cheater #liar #cheatinghusband Lyrics: Yellow Bird Yellow bird I hear you don't like your cage You tried to pretend it away Told me you were free to play Yellow bird You sang with such joy in your throat I paused just to savor each note And I could recite them by rote The illusion of your openness And your eagerness to please Appealed so to a blue sky like me Yellow bird Your voice was so sweet I was ready to sway to your beat Yellow bird I hoped you could be My yellow bird My yellow bird Yellow bird You didn't mean me any harm Your cage doesn't have an alarm You thought you could land on my arm I was spellbound by your song Until you sang to me your truth I shouldn't trust a yellow bird like you Cho: You chose your cage Long before you met me So you're not happy It's your choice to leave Cho: Yellow bird You never wanted to lie You just craved a taste of the sky Cho: ©2011 Robin Lea Fritche |
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You Can Guess "You Can Guess" - an original tune set to words written by Irish poet Arthur M. Forrester (1890). I wrote the music today (17 Mar 25), just so I would have something kind of Irish to post on St. Patrick's Day. 🍀 I tried to make it sound plausibly like some sort of traditional folk tune. How did I do? I'm playing my Enya EUT-X1 low-G tenor uke. General project notes: I am sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2025 #challenge. I'm also going to do only original songs, like last year. #acoustic #folk #uke #ukulele #tenorukulele #lowg #enyaukulele #irishpoet #irish #stpatricksday #originalsong #musician #stpaddysday #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: You Can Guess (poem by Arthur M. Forrester, music by me) There are grottos in Wicklow, and groves in Kildare, And the loveliest glens robed with shamrock in Clare, And in fairy Killarney ’tis easy to find Sweet retreats where a swain can unburden his mind; But of all the dear spots in our emerald isle, Where verdure and sunshine crown life with a smile, There’s one boreen I love, for ’twas there I confess I first met my fate,—what it was you can guess. It was under the shade of its bordering trees, One day I grew suddenly weak at the knees At the thought of what seemed quite a terrible task, And yet it was but a short question to ask. ’Twas over, and since, night and morning, I bless The boreen that heard the soft whisper of “yes.” And the breezes that toyed with each clustering tress; And the question was this—but I’m sure you can guess. Lyrics: "You Can Guess." by Arthur M. Forrester (An Irish Crazy-Quilt. SMILES AND TEARS, WOVEN INTO SONG AND STORY. ©1890 Arthur M. Forrester) Music: Robin Lea Fritche, 17 Mar 25, 3:00 PM (CDT) |
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You Were Not Invited "You Were Not Invited" - an original song written during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month) this year (2024). I wrote it because I often say the title to my cat when he follows me into various spaces that I'm trying to just get in and out of really quick. 🤣 I wrote the final chorus first, during a 5 minute drive to go do some music stuff with my brother. I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele. It is fabulously orange. 🧡 Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all (voice or instrument). 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #singersongwriter #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #cats #funnysong #funny #catsongs #catlover #catmom #kitty #comedysong #musicalcomedy Lyrics: You Were Not Invited Everywhere I go, at home I have a furred, 4-legged tail He follows closely what I'm doing Like I'm his entertainment That can lead to trouble When he's trapped in a closed space Mostly it's funny or annoying Depending on the day So I sing... You were not invited I can do this on my own I do not require your expert help I prefer to work alone I know you like to make sure That I do not get off task Of course you're my first priority If I need your aid, I'll ask I put my stuff in drawers and closets A sad attempt to organize But every time I close one I must check if he's inside When I get on my computer To do a little work He's right there trying to sit on it I do love that little jerk So I sing... You were not invited I can do this on my own I do not require your expert help I prefer to work alone I know you like to make sure That I do not get off task Of course you're my first priority If I need your aid, I'll ask So I've got bodily functions Which is normal here on Earth These things are usually private Here, that's not how it occurs So I sing... You were not invited I can do this on my own I did not request an audience With Your Highness on the throne I know you like to make sure That I do not get off task Of course you're my first priority Now please get off my ass ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Your Devil "Your Devil" - an original song. The verse/chorus lyrics were written this past February during a timed writing challenge I hosted for #FAWM (February Album Writing Month), and the music was finished today. I did the tune for the verses back in February, but didn't come up with something I liked for the chorus until now (long story). After finalizing the chorus, I decided I needed a bridge, as well, so I wrote that today, too. If you're curious, the challenge I issued was: Pick up a random book nearby and open to a random page, then collect the first two or three sentences that capture your attention. Use those sentences as inspiration to write a song. I picked up #Elantris by #BrandonSanderson and the sentences I noticed contained some of the words/ideas in these lyrics (but the song has nothing to do with the novel - I haven't even read it yet). I'm playing my Flight TUS-30 SLO, because I did most of the writing/practicing for this song in my bedroom (where that uke normally lives). General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #flightukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #FAWM2024 Lyrics: Your Devil Come, melt into my darkness So much safer than the light Let me cocoon you in the comfort My protection can provide Come, feast on my illusions Let me unify your thoughts You don't have to feel confused here I'll untangle all your knots I'll be your devil Your reason to revel Hunker down to my level I'll be your devil I shall strike sensations deep Past your flesh, into your bones You will love to be my plaything You've no reason to atone Submit to me, my lovely Lie back and close your eyes Delicious pain mixed in with pleasure Each touch is a surprise Cho: A shuddering rapture Enveloped in bliss You sink ever deeper Kiss by kiss With wordless abandon You enter the abyss I like you inarticulate Just like this Cho: (x2) ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Your Eyes Are Greener When You Cry "Your Eyes Are Greener When You Cry" - an original song written, probably, in the fall of 1993. This was my beloved and esteemed high school choir director's favorite of my originals, and a friend from high school recently requested it. So, here is the result of practicing the song 3x and then filming! I'm playing my Enya Nova U Concert ukulele. With more practice and more vocal warm-up I could probably do this one a lot better, but I was just really trying to knock out another video before bed tonight, to catch up! At least now I have the chords written down for next time. ❤️ Project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so it's not my first stringed instrument. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #concertukulele #originalsong #singersongwriter #crush #infatuation #unrequitedlove #unrequited #orangeukulele Lyrics: Your Eyes Are Greener When You Cry I see the sorrow in your eyes You cannot hide - I see the pain Your eyes are greener when you cry Tears change the way you see the rain Your world turns black and slowly dies Again, he fails to notice you Another man has hurt your pride Without his really meaning to You're trying not to let him know You're trying to be brave somehow You must not let your weakness show If he could only love you now Sometimes you wonder if he'd care If he were to find out the truth You know he just stands still and stare And never would acknowledge you It's happened many times before You pray that it won't be the same You know that he'll walk out that door And soon he will forget your name Cho: And in your sleep you call his name And dreams you swear you hear his voice This cupid's arrows tend to stray When shot at unsuspecting boys I see the sorrow in your eyes You're looking for someone to hold I know I should not be surprised These are the truths my mirror's told I'm trying not to let him know I will him not to pass me by I must not let my weakness show My eyes are greener when I cry ©1993 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Your Heart "Your Heart" - an original song written on February 13, 2024, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). It was in response to a prompt to write the sweetest love song we could. ♥️ My original demo of this was using piano loops and stuff. I'm not sure what I will eventually do regarding the arrangement of this one, but for now I'm just doing straight strums. Everything else felt a little bit too cluttered, rhythmically speaking. I'm playing my Enya EUP-X1 pineapple travel soprano ukulele. I never thought I would love an HPL uke so much. I bought it because I wanted a travel ukulele that looked plausibly like wood from a distance, and the bonus with this one is that I feel like the pineapple shape fits in well with the medieval stuff I do, though the ukulele did not exist during that time (just its ancestors). General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge . I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I played my uke! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #sopranoukulele #originalsong #lovesong Lyrics: Your Heart You are strong in your softness Brave enough to be held You can express your emotions Pretty well You can be the caretaker Or let me coddle you You can weep without shame while Watching cartoons Your sweet smile Your big brown eyes Your heart that I see through them Gets me every time You can be borderline selfless But you've got boundaries You can choose yourself sometimes When you please You can be hedonistic In the most appealing way You don't hide your inmost soul Especially when at play Cho: I'm so lucky to have you I hope you feel lucky to have me too Cho: ©2024 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Your Sacrifice "Your Sacrifice" - an original song written in February 2006, during #FAWM (February Album Writing Month). Rather than explain what this is about, I'm going to let you all come to your own conclusions. I'm playing my Enya EUC-MAD - This is still the one that arrived with a crack in the base of the neck. The replacement should be arriving tomorrow. It's a lovely ukulele and it plays just fine. I took it to an open mic tonight. But...a brand new ukulele should not have a crack in it! Enya took a little time to respond, but they were totally awesome about it and shipped me the replacement yesterday. The new one is going to be exactly the same thing so it's not going to make a difference for my videos! General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist Lyrics: Your Sacrifice Watchful now, I turn around In wary circles, sighs, and frowns The enemy approaches me I give in without backing down He lurks in every ray of light Man-made or natural, morning, night Astonish me - I don't believe Your sacrifice is lost on me Lost within and lost without I speak in phrases laced with doubt The enemy has time to flee Before the dogs can sniff him out Cho: You mean nothing to me Do I have to believe Have to listen when My fellows praise your name And your evil just the same There's a great wisdom we can't see You've got to be kidding me I ask nothing save set me free Cho: (2x) ©2006 Robin Lea Fritche |
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Your Warning "Your Warning" - an original song written in 2006, most likely in August (in October I'd posted the lyrics to my LiveJournal with the comment that I had written the song a couple of months before). It was inspired by one of my favorite guitarists, John Frusciante, but it's not really about him. Instead, it's about an imagined guitar player that is known to the narrator of the song. John actually has a song on one of his solo albums called "Your Warning." I love how he plays and the melodies he writes. My favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers music is the stuff they recorded when he was in the band. He is mesmerizing to watch live. I wrote this song on guitar, but I kind of love that I am playing a ukulele for this video, because when I sing "with your song and your six-string, I'm outmatched all right," it's really cool that I am not also playing a "six-string." By the way, I still don't feel like I play Bm very well. I didn't want to put this song off any longer, though, because I didn't have any others that I'd prepared the chords for, and I have the lyrics memorized. I'm playing my new ukulele! 💙 It had a slightly complicated journey to me, getting missent to the wrong village and disappearing from tracking for 3 days after that. I was so worried. This is an Enya EUC-MAD acoustic/electric concert ukulele. The color is really stunning when the light hits it just right. It is solid mahogany. ♥️ General project notes: I'm sharing 100 #ukulele #practice sessions as 100 posts in 100 days, for the #100DaysUke2024 #challenge. I'm a new player (starting 11 February 2024), but I also play guitar, so skill transfer is a thing. 😜 Also, it's practice, not perfect at all. 🤣 The point is, here's proof I've been practicing! #acoustic #folk #uke #enyaukulele #enyamusic #concertukulele #solidwood #originalsong #musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #inspiration #johnfrusciante Lyrics: Your Warning Your fingers make me crazy They're so delicate and fine Super-dexterous with your instrument The melody is mine You know every note to play Never had to write it down And the look upon your face Is worth the cost to come to town Delirious with languor I'm made of magic nymphet-dust Your song is so transforming It lights me up like morning If you're unsure, this is your warning Move on 'Cause one day I'll get close enough To chain you down And one day it will be too late To turn your feet around You won't know how I got there You'll be as much to blame as I With your song and your six-string I'm outmatched all right So turn off the light I love the song you're playing It paints pictures in my mind You send the melody cascading Into my center every time You know how it touches me An irresistible caress You could play ten thousand feet away And I'd feel it yet Delirious with languor I'm made of magic nymphet-dust Your light is so transforming It wakes me up like morning If you're unsure, this is your warning Move on 'Cause this is your song Cho: Delirious with languor I'm made of magic nymphet-dust Your song is so transforming It wakes me up like morning If you're unsure, this is your warning Move on 'Cause this is your song Cho: ©2006 Robin Lea Fritche |
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