• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Minnesota Association of Songwriters

Learn How to Write Better Songs

  • Home
  • Join MAS
    • Become a Member
    • MAS Benefits
    • Mission & Board
    • MAS History
  • Activities
    • Event Access (Zoom links)
    • Monthly Song Reviews
    • Online Round Robin Song Share
    • Writing Challenges
    • Monthly Songwriting Craft Workshops
    • MAS Professional Workshops
    • Songwriter Showcases
      • MAS Live Songwriter Showcases
      • SongCasters TV Showcases
    • Songwriting Resources
    • Radio Airplay
  • Calendar
  • Members
    • Artist Profiles
    • Guide to Membership Features
    • Event Access (Zoom links)
    • Music Gallery
    • Sign Up / Renew
    • Groups
    • All Activity
  • My Account
  • Log In
  • Contact
Home > Song Reviews
post

Song Reviews

Number of entries: 10


A Christmas Carol

Submitted: January 22, 2023 at 2:01 pm Composed/performed by: Terry Kennedy-Lares, TurloughKennedy@aol.com   Copyright: 2023

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/A-Christmas-Carol-Terry-Kennedy-Lares.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/A-Christmas-Carol.rtf

Lyrics:

A Christmas Carol – Terry Kennedy-Lares

He stepped on the elevator, it raced up the shaft
a desk full of work, brought forth a bitter laugh,

Chorus
What was the meaning of it all? What was the meaning of it all?

Crossed all his “T”s, and dotted all his “i”s,
working hard to please, controlled his little life,
What was the meaning of it all? What was the meaning of it all?

Bridge
He raced to the elevator, now he’s headed down,
Christmas Eve was here, but no joy would be found,
A Dear John letter was lying on his bed,
So, many questions, now racing round his head.

His body quaking, tears flowing from his eyes,
No Christmas miracle, No Ghost to show him why,
What was the meaning of it all? What was the meaning of it all?

Ending Chorus
What was the meaning, his soul could be gleaning,
What was the meaning of it all?
A lost Christmas Spirit, He wouldn’t hear it,
What was the meaning of it all? What was the meaning of it all?

You may send song comments directly to me at TurloughKennedy@aol.com

Comments by composer(s):

This is a song that came out of inspiration from Rachel’s Songwriting Prompts workshop. The prompt given was “Just getting in that elevator and sitting down at one’s desk was deeply meaningful” In the five-ten minutes I had much of the lyrics worked out and the basic chording done. I now have much of it worked out but I am open to any suggestions on lyrics, melody, or production.

Member ID: Terry Kennedy-Lares

Not Predictable

Submitted: January 22, 2023 at 10:00 pm Composed/performed by: Paul Nye, paulenye@me.com   Copyright: 2021-2022

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/LANDR-MORE-PREDICTABLE-6-1_22_23-SHORTENED-EDIT-Balanced-High.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/NOT-PREDICTABLE-LYRICS-.rtf

Lyrics:

Not Predictable
by Paul Nye

How do you fix what hasn’t been broken, or mend a tear not torn?
And how do you get the Sun to shine brighter, or a full moon last ’til morn?
Two things I know with clear certainty, could never change even if I try
I didn’t choose the family I was born into, and I don’t know the day when I’ll die

Why couldn’t life be predictable

My mind is empty of all that matters, my heart a desert parched to the core
And my body aches from idle presence, I have a dream worth fighting for
I find hope each day with anticipation, when a seed is planted and grows
Seasons don’t wait for my approval to change, and the truth is true whether you know

Why couldn’t life be predictable, Not such a mystery
Why isn’t truth undeniable, Not an opinion of what you see
Who gave babies permission to cry, why does it rain on my parade?
Where is this plot to steal my freedom, how did truth become a charade? Yeah
Why couldn’t life be predictable

Dodging potholes of doubt and fear, driving down a street called Despair
Stalled at the crossroads of Truth and a Lie, on a road going nowhere

Why couldn’t life be predictable, Not such a mystery
Why isn’t truth undeniable, Not an opinion of what you see
Who gave babies permission to cry, why does it rain on my sunny day?
Where is this plot to steal my freedom, how did truth lose its way? Yeah

Life is not predictable, A beautiful mystery
Truth is undeniable, A living reality
Life is not predictable
Life is not predictable

By Paul Nye © nyesguyTunes Publishing/BMI * paulenye@me.com * 218.507.0081

You may send song comments directly to me at paulenye@me.com

Comments by composer(s):

I believe I submitted this song quite a while ago for a song review. Trying to decide if I want to include it on a new recording I’m hoping to release in 2023. I did a bunch of editing on the song – cutting it from 5:39 to 4:53….still long, but I’m not looking for radio airplay…S/S album content.

Member ID: Paul Nye

Game for Fools

Submitted: January 22, 2023 at 11:44 pm Composed/performed by: Ann Thompson, athompson@sagecommunication.com   Copyright: 1/23

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Fools-Game-12223-11.19-PM.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Fools-Game-Lyrics-2.rtf

Lyrics:

Fool’s Game

Love is a game for fools who never give up, never lose hope
The stakes are high, as high as heaven
Losing is hard, but winning is (so) sweet.

I remain a fool. With every goodbye, I start hoping again.
Riskin’ my heart for a small piece of heaven
The stakes are high, but I still love to dance.

Time, time’s running thin, so I say a prayer
Heaven help this fool once again

I’ll take the risk for a small piece of heaven
Keepin’ the faith, getting back in the game.

You may send song comments directly to me at athompson@sagecommunication.com

Comments by composer(s):

Still messing with the lyrics, and the key is a bit high, but I like the double-drop D chords.

Member ID:

Love Line

Submitted: January 23, 2023 at 4:52 pm Composed/performed by: Douglas Millaway, virgil.trucker@gmail.com   Copyright: 2023

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Love-Line-011223-3.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Love-Line___©2023-Doug-Millaway.rtf

Lyrics:

Love Line ©2023 Doug Millaway

Eight letters standing in the way
Three words I can barely say
One question keeps lingering in my mind
When am I ever gonna find my Love Line?

Been living this way forever
maybe it’s time to find another road
This old truck don’t have the memories it used to
Ever since you dumped me on the road all alone

Eight letters standing in the way
Three words I can barely say
One question keeps lingering in my mind
When am I ever gonna find my Love Line?

The dog does his best to make me happy
But the conversations all fall a little short
And the food we share tastes kinda crappy
I’m starting to feel even we are drifting apart

Saw the fortune teller and she read my palm
Too bad the story was kinda sad
I’m trying my best to stay real calm
I’m thinking this situation’s gonna turn out bad

Eight letters standing in the way
Three words I can barely say
One question keeps lingering in my mind
When am I ever gonna find my Love Line?
One question keeps lingering in my mind
When am I ever gonna find my Love Line?

You may send song comments directly to me at virgil.trucker@gmail.com

Comments by composer(s):

Member ID: Doug Millaway

I Like Birthdays

Submitted: January 24, 2023 at 9:42 am Composed/performed by: Wayne Hamilton, wayne@waynehamilton.com   Copyright: 2022

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/I-Like-BIRTHDAYS-demo-Hamilton.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/I-Like-Birthdays-Hamilton.rtf

Lyrics:

I Like Birthdays

When I go to a birthday party, I love the decorations there
Balloons on strings and great big numbers taped to the walls with care
Colorful plates, colorful cups, party favors and funny hats
Pictures of Unicorns, puppies and kittens – and Alice with a smiling calico cat

I like birthdays. Do you like birthdays too?
Havin’ fun at birthday parties is my favorite thing to do
Cake, cards, presents, candles are things we always see
And the very best kind of birthday party is the one that’s made for me

Fun really happens at birthday parties when it’s time to open the presents
Lots of smiles, lots of laughs and everyone feels pleasant
You never know what you will see when the paper is pulled away
But we always cheer for the birthday person ‘cause it’s their special day!

I like birthdays. Do you like birthdays too?
Havin’ fun at birthday parties is my favorite thing to do
Cake, cards, presents, candles are things we always see
And the very best kind of birthday party is the one that’s made for me

Instrumental Solo

I can’t wait for my next birthday! Feel like I wanna shout WOO-HOO!
Send me a happy birthday wish and I’ll send one back to you!

I like birthdays. Do you like birthdays too?
Havin’ fun at birthday parties is my favorite thing to do
Cake, cards, presents, candles are things we always see
And the very best kind of birthday party is the one that’s made for me
Oh, yeah!
The one that’s made for ME!

© Wayne Hamilton, 2022. All Rights Reserved.

You may send song comments directly to me at wayne@waynehamilton.com

Comments by composer(s):

This song will be included in a 7-song EP that’s especially designed for kindergarten and elementary school kids under the age of ten. I present it here as a hastily recorded guitar/vocal demo, complete with all its performance flaws, hoping you’ll forgive them and offer me any suggestions and/or ideas you might have. Thank you!

Member ID: Wayne Hamilton

Too Far Gone

Submitted: January 24, 2023 at 1:57 pm Composed/performed by: John Bennett, storehousepro@comcast.net   Copyright: 2023

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Too-Far-Gone.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Too-Far-Gone.rtf

Lyrics:

Too Far Gone ©1/2023 John Bennett

I wonder how you’re doing these days
We can’t return
too many bridges have been burned
I know it’s too late to say that
Some of those days were great
And it hurts
PRE
To know that your gone
To think about times gone by
that was the first time I ever loved
CH
Too far my love
Too far gone

You turned around and walked away
would’ve gave anything
To have you stay
We had our good and bad days baby
all the nights I wouldn’t
have traded away
PRE
we ran out of time
watched it all fall behind
Now we’re just a memory

CH INSTR

I only think of good times baby
like fleeting moments
passing through my mind

Once upon a time I held you
in my arms
There’s not a moment I regret

How could I forget you
I opened my hand up
And watched you fly away
Into the distance CH 2X

You may send song comments directly to me at storehousepro@comcast.net

Comments by composer(s):

This weeks song. It wouldn’t have been written if there wasn’t a meeting. So thanks.

Member ID:

I’m Sorry

Submitted: January 24, 2023 at 4:28 pm Composed/performed by: Mary Kealy-Falk, vintagevfh@gmail.com   Copyright: 2023

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Im-Sorry.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Im-Sorry-Lyric-Sheet.rtf

Lyrics:

I’m Sorry
Mary Kealy-Falk
Copyright 2023

Verse 1:

I saw the post you shared, the one you love had died
How could I reach out so you know you’re on my mind
I could send an e-mail or write a sympathy card
But it had to be personal knowing it would be hard

Chorus:

I don’t know what to say
But I can sit with you as long as you want
Side by side
I could try and say everything will be ok
But I can’t right now
So I’ll hold my tongue and hold your hand
And won’t say anything at all
But I’m sorry

Verse 2:

The fridge is full of casseroles, couldn’t eat them all if you tried
Your cell pings, the phone rings but you can’t answer, you cry
Your hurdle isn’t how to pay the bills on your own
It’s how to go to bed at night all alone

Chorus:

Bridge:

I know that saying sorry doesn’t seem like much
But sometimes saying sorry is this only thing that says enough

Chorus Outro

I don’t know what to say
But I can sit with you as long as you want
And won’t say anything at all
But I’m sorry

You may send song comments directly to me at vintagevfh@gmail.com

Comments by composer(s):

Member ID:

I’m All In (Your Turn to Fall)

Submitted: January 24, 2023 at 4:31 pm Composed/performed by: Dan Barnes, dan@danbarnes.net   Copyright: 2023

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Dan-Barnes-Im-All-In-worktape-for-MAS-25-Jan-2023.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Dan-Barnes-Im-All-In-lyric-for-MAS-25-Jan-2023.rtf

Lyrics:

One hundred percent
Two hundred proof
My heart is yours
Full to the roof, baby

I’m all in
I’ll be wall to wall
at loving you
Long and short of it all is
I’m all in
at your beck and call, baby
I’m all in
Your turn to fall

Like the cash I once had
Every last cent
My heart is yours
Totally spent, and

chorus

It just felt so right
When I fell for you
Don’t you stay so safe
Come on and love me too, ’cause

chorus

It’s amor that’s más grandé
The whole enchilada
My heart is yours
Holding back nada, no

chorus

Your turn to fall
Your turn to fall
Your turn to fall

You may send song comments directly to me at dan@danbarnes.net

Comments by composer(s):

Country song for a bar band, with singalong lines in the chorus.
VERY FIRST WORK TAPE, ZERO PRODUCTION.

Member ID: Dan Barnes

technology

Submitted: January 25, 2023 at 12:02 am Composed/performed by: kristine vlaich, kv2525@aol.com   Copyright: 2023

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Kristine-Vlaich-C-all-rights-reserved-rt.rtf

Lyrics:

You may send song comments directly to me at kv2525@aol.com

Comments by composer(s):

my new computer unsure how to useall of it. this is to be funny

Member ID:

Heartache in the Making

Submitted: January 25, 2023 at 2:47 pm Composed/performed by: Greg Beck, gregb@mac.com   Copyright: 2023

https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Heartache-in-the-Making.mp3
Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/10/Heartache-in-the-Making.rtf

Lyrics:

Heartache in the Making

She had earned her reputation
For stealing hearts and walking away
She was such a sweet temptation
Her lovers never thought they would be betrayed
Then I fell for her too

Chorus:
I knew it was a heartache in the making
Chance I shouldn’t be taking
It was a heartache in the making
But I couldn’t help I couldn’t help myself

My mind told me to resist
She’s going to leave you in the end
But from the moment we first kissed
It was so easy to pretend
She told me that I was the one

[Repeat chorus]

It happened just as I predicted
She found someone new
I guess the wound was self-inflicted
My heart wouldn’t believe what I knew was true
I played the fool just like the rest

[Repeat chorus]

©Greg Beck | gregb@mac.com | 320-266-2460

You may send song comments directly to me at gregb@mac.com

Comments by composer(s):

Member ID: Greg Allen Beck

Copyright © 2023 Minnesota Association of Songwriters • Privacy Policy • Terms of Use • Email List Policy
All information and song samples that appear on this site are protected by US Copyright law, are used here with permission of the copyright holder(s), and may not legally be used for any other purpose without their expressed written consent. For more information, please E Mail Us.