It is finished

Last night I felt tired of writing happy songs and I had this overwhelming passion to create a song inspired by Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. I grabbed my son's electric guitar and started composing.

Ok, so true to his tweaking of King David's Bathsheba story, I thought about the road to Damascus and thought why not find a moment when true love was found NOT to be true. Wow... then I had the words "It is finished" run through my head. Kim will read this so I do tread on blasphemy, but she knows I'm a true believer. Who knows that God isn't inspiring me to use the words to open up the Bible to new ears. I digress but these things do flow through your mind.

So know I had a parts of the puzzle, I was determined it would not sound like another song I've written. So I plugged in Dustin's electric guitar, turned the patch to "METAL STACK", and then words and melody collided. I started with It is Finished... knew it was the chorus immediately. Remember the Chorus has to be the best part of the song, though if the rest is weak it'll be forgotten quickly. Then down my Damascus, but unlike Paul my revelation was that I was blinded by love.

What I love about it so far is that it can swing either voice, but I'm not crazy that I took the plunge to use Text. Such a modern phrase. I might stick with some and offend others. Now for the treat... I recorded the rift so that I can go back to work tomorrow without trying to remember it. It promises to be a busy week so I might now re-visit this for a while. Now I'll remember it later. The video starts with the chorus's melody line.

Finally yes some might find tangents in Dustin's current love life, but truly if it's in there so are many other pieces and parts from other love lives that I've ran into over the last 52 years.

It is Finished

Every night I wait for a text
And I cling to every word
Replies that leave me so perplex
Just feeling like a nerd

Then there is a glimpse of hope
A new life again after death
Only to find a new tight rope
We have drawn our last breath

It is finished, we are through
I beg forgiveness to the Lord
For you know not what you do
In the guise of loving true

Today I found my Damascus path
And my eyes were suddenly clear
Words you said too gift wrapped
I see there were just chevalier

Today I see I was on your strings
Trained to stay somewhere near
So say goodbye to your plaything
You’ve lost a treasure dear

It is finished, we are through
I beg forgiveness to the Lord
For you know not what you do
In the guise of loving true

By Dave Schipper © 2010 Rose Riversongs

Mary's Eyes.... the video

So I own this song since June 12th, and I've played it 62 times according to my iTunes...

The song was recommended ironically my a gay male blog reader friend of mine Bruce Potts, and it is written by Janis Ian a pretty famous lesbian, about Mary Black. Truly this is a great study in song writing.. Newcastle gold is a great way to say Coal black hair.... Novice to his fast? now where did that come from but isn't it true.. the first time you decide to fast you might be the most dedicated. The across the ocean is such a metaphor for the distances between people; and to stare across the water for a glimpse of Mary's eyes... Can you imagine the times that you truly want something and just stare out into space thinking about it. Then there is the ocean... distance so vast like 20 years apart, 30 miles, two blocks if someone doesn't see you staring.

Then there is the second verse... wow such contrast in each line. I did a paltry cover of it and posted it below but I really recommend you buying Janis's or Gaelic Storm... yet if I can get it better, I really think this should be sung by a guy and I'll put some studio time to it.

Mary's eyes are startling blue
And her hair's Newcastle gold
And she walks the thin white line between the body and the soul
She's as faithful to her history
As a novice to his fast
For she's standing on the bones of Ireland's past

Chorus:
She's singing of the troubles
And the fire in the land
'Til I can almost feel the famine slipping through my trembling hand
And i wonder as I hear her,
That the spirit still shines through
And she can reach across the ocean deep and break my heart in two...

Mary's wise and she is foolish
She's as constant as the tide
For it's a woman's heart that beats beneath that stubborn Irish pride
We are saints and we are sinners
We are heros we are thieves

We are all of us beginners on the road to Galilee

Chorus

So let us hiost a pint of silence
To the east where ireland lies
And we will stare across the waters
For a glimpse of Mary's eyes
We are ships without a harbor
We are sailors are on dry land
And the song goes on forever
Even though the record can't

Doesn't this just make you smile..

You make me feel so.. by Paul Cebar

So after I popped off the iPod and slipped a cd into the garage player... Paul brought me back to life.

Forever young by Anchor in the Valley

Kelsey Waldon does a great job on the song... makes it feel like an old Carter Family song.

Steve Marking with Sinatra songs...

Of course everyone loves romance with Sinatra.. and while I can't sing like my friend Steve Marking.. and I love to listen to him.. plus I had a chance to back him up once too.

Confession of a true romantic, happy Father's day

Here's a new piece and an old piece from me for Father's Day. My dad died awhile ago but when is not really important. Truly it is more sad when a child doesn't out live his parents. I was lucky to be raised by intensely passionate parents. Rich in work ethic, but never would I describe them as Saints. As I've grown, I've understood the patchwork that God loves in us... the deep navies and the trouble corduroys are right next to the rich flannel and the bright silk. So for Father's Day I go back to something he passed me that I can't erase, romance. Say what you will about Dad, but he raised seven children while flirting with every pretty woman I ever saw him close to at a wedding or family get together.

First a song I wrote for Dad back in 2005...

Me and Dad never talked to much
He pounded nails for a paltry pay
We were just Catholic White Trash
Goin to church but not actin’ that way

Now I’m walkin’ with the ghost of my old man
I live his purgatory today
Refresh his soul from his bigotry
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.

Dad had an eye on pretty girls,
He had sparkle eyes when he flirted
Now over 40 and I do the same
But like Dad, we never cheated

Your craft made wood come to life
Red River Valley was a hymn to you
Now I make the guitar wood sing
And I hasten to bid you adieu

Now I’m walkin’ with the ghost of my old man
I live his purgatory today
Refresh his soul from his bigotry
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.
I am walkin’ in his footsteps everyday.

Footsteps Everyday by Dave Schipper © RoseRiversongs 2005

Next is just a fresh piece of prose with many inspirations from Leonard Cohen, Harry Chapin, and Rod McKuen ... so a guy's got to write about he knows sometimes '-) and I doubt if it will become a song like the last one. Of course, I do think it has potential if I write a cool chorus.. (eternal optimist ... yep I would think Dad first for an influence on that one.)

It is with dread I tell my story; my confession.
As I open myself to the honesty of consequences.
Addicted, I must avoid the public places of life
Anytime I sit in the open, it’s mere moments
And I’m lost in romance of another stranger.

These novelettes are one sided but each unique.
The cotton print of the blushing brunette
The piercing eyes of the gray hair beauty
The pug braid accentuating her long neck
And I’m lost in the unfolding love and danger.

The vulnerability is my haunting pleasure
These souls don’t realize their power over me
I’d be on bended knee in a flash if they knew.
A mere sentence or two would pierce a shy armor
Bleeding passion profusely, a life changer.

Though no one is hurt, scar tissue is growing.
Not that this play has no acts or scenes set,
It’s just that the reality of a few minutes
Is dwarfed by the epic played out in my head.
I’m just lost again in romance and I linger.

But drag me through the gutter; I do go on.
And I must admit my saviors are the angels.
I must only be attracted to the true golden ones.
They see this halo of a ring I wear proudly
And treat me as some else’s gift and tender.

Well a leopard can’t change his spots, nor I.
I am blanketed in love from a special woman.
One who knows me for the gypsy lover within
So my heart will skip a beat for sparkling eyes
And I’ll be lost in romance with another stranger.

But I sleep at peace with my true love
With a smile on my face.

(c) by Dave Schipper 2010 Rose Riversongs

ok maybe I have read way too much Rod McKuen in my youth... Happy Father's day to all.. and I hope that your boys grow up to be romantics in love with every woman they see.

Julia

Angie drove deep in my soul a few years back. Such an angel, and she left to prop her family in Colorado leaving me with the inspiration for this song.

Mary's Eyes....

Thanks for Bruce and his recommendation... I didn't realize that Janis Ian also was enthralled by Mary Black's eyes... video isn't much to watch, but it's a very good cover. I personally went and downloaded Janis's song from iTunes; and you should too.

Mary Black...

I've always loved any song I've heard sing... this video had me captured in her piercing gray eyes.

John Prine on Letterman

My hero.

Sponsored by Gillette Pro Glide?

hey watch Pete's video and leave a tasty comment... wish him luck, it's an outstanding video.

Singer Songwriter Interview

This hits home!

Seven Bridges, Seven Tales

Originally posted June 26, 2009; I thought this was perfect way to remember the fallen soldiers, and the ones that came home and lived with the war a little bit longs. This is likely my most researched piece, down to knowing that Albert is buried in a cemetary just a mile from my house. The Richie Havens story is a little embellished, but it could have happened.


In seven minutes, seven miles breeze by
To my right, the old road beckons
Seven bridges, and seven stories
For my delight, if I just listen.

Lizzy,
Lizzy paid no attention to crickets
But that gun shot made her jump.
Crazy Bill McGilvary shouted
“Dem swamp rattlers!
Liz listen up next time
They sound just like crickets!”







7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.






Davey,
Davey just had an itch to fish
But he had chores galore.
Ma’s fresh pie served as a bribe
And little Jim, he won’t mind
He’ll do the chores just fine
While he finds time to fish.






7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.





Joanie
Joanie had a hankerin for fun
Like a red shouldered hawk
She swooped in on Henry
“Kee Year” she mimicked.
In the bottomland grass,
She rolled with her new hun.





7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.




Billy,
Billy cursed that bridge from hell.
Clinton embossed the back of his neck
As he hung motionless from the A frame.
Damn riverboat gamblers
Took his life savings
So he hung there a spell.








7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.







Tommy,
Tommy never really came back
So he made these swamps his home.
Nam killed more than his hearing
He lost trust in people
They say the lost site of him
As waded out in the river named Black.








7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.



Ritchie
Ritchie mumbled “How did this happen?
Rental piece of shit,” but he hated flying.
Aw a strawberry stand, and a latin beauty.
“Two bits for sweet carazon.”
“Precious what’s your name”
“Oh they call me Donna”






7 minutes, 7 miles
7 bridges, 7 tales.




Albert,
Albert was nineteen in 1865
At the Spanish Fort battle in ‘Bama.
He was 90 when they laid him down
Four miles from the bridge
He and Rynert used to fish
Sure wished he would have survived.












In seven minute, seven miles breezed by
To my right, the old road beckoned
Seven bridges, and seven stories
For your delight, if you listened.





by Dave Zeman (c) 2009 Rose Riversongs





Story behind the song can be read at http://songwriting202.blogspot.com

Photo Credits

Swamp Rattler -massasauga, Red Shouldered Hawk, Historical Marker, Ritchie Valens, Green Mound Cemetary, Bridges & Swamp, Riverboat Gambler

Lady in Blue

I revisited a song that I wrote a while back based on a little inspiration from Hope Waits. She had posted a picture of herself in blue sepiatones, and was recently lamenting loneliness in the city of Hollywood. A few other tidbits may have a tie into reality, but the song flows as a fictional story. This lady I don't know if I want to meet, but Hope Waits... anytime.

Funny thing happens when you revisit a song after three years, you re-write a line or two, change a few chords, and maybe make it better. Song writing isn't a science, and it isn't a contest; it's a passion to tell a short story in 3-4 minutes. Why stick your head in a book for days... here you go... here's atleast a chapeter with pictures no less of the beautiful Hope Waits


She fixated on a venomous moment
Surrounded by a harried world.
Just sits alone with her personal torment.
A bottle of Jack numbs the senses
Maybe she’ll go dress up with pearls tonight
Hit the bars and take some chances.


The lady in blue has a life to choose.
The lady in blue stuck in Hollywood.
The lady in blue turns to look away
The lady in blue will find a way.

Her tall and slender frame turns heads
She’s learned to ignore them easily
But with this she’s added a hard edge.
An armor of cold disdain for true love
She can crush those who come weakly
Leaving her left with the just the stuff.


The lady in blue has a life to choose.
The lady in blue stuck in Hollywood.
The lady in blue turns to look away
The lady in blue will find a way.

A trickle of hope is never really gone
She was raised with grace and joy
But left it behind to write her song
The lady bumps into life in the dark
Will she choose to notice or be coy?
And in the end she’s just make a choice.

Lady in Blue by Dave Schipper © 2007/10 Rose Riversongs Photos from myspace.com/hopewaits

a quick video for me to remember it...

Larry Heagle....

Lori and I went to the Big River last night with a few of our friends (Ha.. 9 of us ultimately from Holmen)... and I didn't get the connection that Larry was the writer of a The Vasectomy Rag. It was a song I knew along time ago from Clay, and when he added it to his recent house concert, it brought such a smile.



This worse Country song by Larry was done last night, and I wonder if it isn't absolutely intentional that the sound doesn't match the video below. You get a chance, stop and see Larry sometime.

I believe in you... Tyler and Kina

I happened into this video tonight... what a great song, and great harmonies... these two should do more than a video together...

Funny I had Kina Grannis as a MySpace friend, and this is her second time on the Zemmy Show... And Tyler Hilton... don't know much but he seems like a talent.

Introducing Seth Horan

Well last night I was introduced to this great voice and talented bass player.... Seth Horan, by a friend of my son... yes a 20 year old can talk to me anytime about good music, and this is good music... so much so that I've reached out to a solo bass player to play at our house concert... crazy... you'll agree not after you watch this video.

Jolene by Ray LaMontagne

This song is fairly new to me but it is already tied to some stories that will be with me for a long time. During the interview I had with Briana with Second Supper... Hope Waits came up in conversation, so I started the 4 track demo ep she sent me and continued talking. As her song Jolene came on, Briana stopped the conversation and said isn't that a Ray... and she stammered out the last name kind of like I did. I said maybe, Hope didn't pass me the credits. After she left, I quickly became immersed in Ray's music. Incredible that I had missed him. Later I shared the story with Hope, and she told me of an incredible personal family tie to the song because her dad's first wife's name was Jolene, and she helped the healing of her huge family when her mother, (her Dad's second wife) died. Top it off with an intensely powerful song, and it'll be with me forever.

My cut... and stick with it toward the end to see the outtakes...



and I wasn't kidding about that talented Hope Waits ...

News article on Bluff View Concerts

Briana did an outstanding job capturing the feel of the concert series.... Read on...

Holmen concert series brings music out of bars, into garage
By: briana.rupel@secondsupper.com
People who call the Coulee Region home are no strangers to live music. In fact, throw a dart at a map of local bars on any given day of the week, and it's a near-guarantee that you'll find something aurally pleasing: a groovy blues show at Nighthawk's, a foot-stompin' jam session at The Popcorn, or a smooth jazz set at Bodega. Since January 2009, a new venue has been added to this proverbial map; a charming house snuggled up against the bluffs in northern Holmen, where Dave Schipper and his wife, Lori, invite nationally touring musicians to play a handful of house concerts a year, right in their living room.

Pull into the driveway, and you're likely to find Dave kicked back on his porch, strumming on an acoustic guitar and occasionally taking a sip out of a glass of wine. A longtime music-lover (the guy has over 3,000 albums on vinyl) and musician himself, Dave stumbled into the house concert scene almost unintentionally through social networking sites.

"I got on MySpace mainly to connect with other musicians because my hope and desire was to someday be covered as a songwriter," he explains. Meanwhile, a folk-singing friend of the Schippers was trying to raise money for a church trip to South America. When asked if they would be up for hosting a concert at their house as a fundraiser, the couple was enthusiastic to help. .... Finish the article here... and leave a tasty thank you to Bri.