All Songwriting Challenge Results

Banana Splits

By: Chad Shank, Gregory Connor, Mike Rudquist,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Banana-Splits-FINAL-LYRICS-1.docx

Banana Splits
By Greg Connor, Mike Rudquist, Chad Shank
© 2020 Shank, Connor, Ruquist

Grandma took me to Zesto
The ice cream shop in my hometown
Even back then it was retro
Order up at the window no place to sit down
I really have to admit
Those are the times I miss
Oh Grandma and Banana Splits

Brain freeze
Against the heat
Chocolate pineapple and strawberry red
It feels so good, wanna live it again
Oh Oh remember those things that we did
Oh Ice cream dish makes me feel like a kid
Good times, memories, and Banana Splits

Draggin main in my chevy
Feeling that freedom of Sixteen
Holding the hand of my steady
Buddies talking trash in the backseat
Bout to Stop at Zesto again
With my brand new driving permit
Oh Good times and Banana Splits

CHORUS

Went back to find Zesto
All boarded up in my hometown
It’s a wonder where the time goes
The memories keep a hanging around
I really have to admit
Those are the times I miss
All those memories and Banana Splits

CHORUS

Comments:

Created: July 9, 2020 at 11:27 am

Small Town Girl

By: Vicki Morrison Goble, Douglas Millaway,
Copyright info: (c) and (p) Douglas Millaway and Vicki Morrison Goble

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Small-Town-Girl-by-Millaway-and-Goble.docx

Small Town Girl
Doug Millaway/Vicki Morrison Goebel

She was a single mom trying to make life work
In 1952, all she got was the bills
The city on the river was nothing like the farm
Couldn’t be harder on a lady from the hills.
Two of those kids are from another mother.
But everybody’s welcome in Dottie’s home.

She lost her dreams, buried in the grave
She wasn’t ready to make her own way
She’s nothing but a small-town girl
Tryin’ to make it in a big city world
Dottie had a vision. Dottie had faith.
Doin’ all she could to keep her family safe.

Kid number one in a shotgun wedding
Three still home and life still ain’t easy
Her sister and her family live right across the street
Cause a little more help keeps her from going crazy
There were always presents under the tree
Cause the kids came first, just the way it should be.

Church on the weekend is a regular thing
Sunday morning breakfast brings everybody in
The neighbor’s kid acting like he belongs
Ya know, cuz Dottie doesn’t care who you are, where you been
Makes everybody happy with nothing but love
It’s hard to do when you’re all alone.

She’s nothing but a small-town girl
Tryin’ to make it in a big city world
Dottie had a vision. Dottie had faith.
Doin’ all she could to keep her family safe.

Comments:

This story is based on personal experience but is probably a scenario that has played out in various families throughout time. One parent dies, the remaining parent raises not only her (or his) own children but those acquired by marriage and not connected by blood. Caring members of the extended family, as well as friends, step up as needed to help, and all the children grow up knowing they are loved.

Created: July 15, 2020 at 8:57 pm

Can’t Go Back

By: Bruce Caswell, Carl Unbehaun,
Copyright info: ©Carl Unbehaun & Bruce Caswell | bcaswell4@msn.com | 952-250-2100

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Cant-Go-Back.docx

CAN’T GO BACK

You got out of school, you said the heck with your roots
Took your cash and your stash, wiped the town from your boots
You went off to live and to learn, and never return
You didn’t want a life of quid pro quid
In the same old rut like your daddy did
Searching for those things that you lack, you never looked back

CHORUS:
Well that’s right Jack, you can’t go back, when the river rose, the feed mill closed.
All that’s left of the Church of Faith, is a cemetery down by the Interstate
That’s right Jack, the folks you know, they all left town many years ago
All that’s left are their rickety shacks. You can’t go back

You worked so hard, life got in the way
Wife & children, no time to play”
And the job kept pressing harder against your soul
And even if that town was calling your name
It was always a waiting game
There was never any time to go back, that’s a fact

[REPEAT CHORUS]
BRIDGE:
The years flew by, you felt the itch, money & time were no longer a glitch
You jumped in the car, in three long days, pulled into your hometown in a daze
You walked the street and to your surprise, there was no one you recognized,
You stopped a few folks, then left in a blur, no one knew who the hell you were

[REPEAT CHORUS]

©Carl Unbehaun & Bruce Caswell | bcaswell4@msn.com | 952-250-2100

Comments:

Created: July 17, 2020 at 9:39 am

Tapestry

By: Paula Wilson, Tom Peschges,
Copyright info:

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Tapestry-by-Paula-Wilson-and-Tom-Peschges.rtf

Comments:

Created: July 19, 2020 at 11:58 am

Everybody’s Kid

By: Doyle Turner, Pat Hager,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Pat-Hager-and-Doyle-Turner-Everybodys-Kid-lyric-sheet.rtf

Comments:

This is a co-write from Pat Hager and Doyle Turner for the MAS summer co-write challenge!

Created: July 19, 2020 at 4:02 pm

Mytown

By: Mary Kealy-Falk, Zane Bloom,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/My-Town-Co-Write-Challenge-RTF.rtf

Comments:

Hi Brad, This is the first time I have converted a m4a file to a mp3 one. Could you please let me know if you have any problems opening it up. I used an online converter to make the change. Thanks. Mary

Created: July 20, 2020 at 8:26 pm

Where I Grew Up

By: JOHN BENNETT, Tom Engelhardt,
Copyright info: ©2020 by John Bennett and Tom Engelhardt

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/WHERE-I-GREW-UP-1-1.rtf

Comments:

Nice job on this submission form. and the guidelines. CUDOS

Created: July 20, 2020 at 10:11 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Greg Connor,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Mississippi-Moon-Lyrics-Gregory-A-Connor.rtf

I was here when the moon broke that horizon
And the sunset was still in the sky
Now that lunar light brightly shines on
The river as it gently goes by

Mississippi Moon shimmer on the water
As the river glides to the sea
Mississippi Moon help me consider
Something more than me, Mississippi Moon

So I watch the eddies as they mesmerize
Reflecting the moon and the stars
I conclude as I finally surmise
What a small part we really are

The river runs willfully
Reflecting the heavens above
I’m right here where I should be
Pondering purpose and love

Comments:

Brad, I’m at the limit of my Neanderthal brain power converting the lyrics to single space. My Word Program is 2003 (maybe updated to 2010) and your suggestion was a little too modern. I think I got it. If not let me know and I’ll give it another try.

Greg

Created: August 27, 2020 at 9:52 am

Mississippi Moon

By: Chad Shank,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Chad-Shank-Mississippi-Moon.rtf

Mississippi Moon
By Chad Shank

We were getting high and drinking cheapo wine
Somewhere in the weeds out by that riverside
We were teenage kids just chasing summer life
Started making out under the moonlit sky

We learned about love there that night

CHORUS:
Kissing you feeling your hands go up my T shirt
Feel the soft part of your lips
Bending our innocence finding the passion
A magical night of bliss
The riverbank crickets sang chorus in the distance
Serenaded our first time
Something got us in the mood
It’s the Mississippi Moon

We were growing up and learning as we went
Propped our blue jeans up so we could rest our heads
Watched stars go by wishing it would never end
Then we asked ourselves about what would happen next

That night we would never forget

CHORUS

We keep counting the years off
And that night never leaves my mind
Cuz when the moon is way up in the sky
It’s like no time has gone
And I’m back….

CHORUS

Comments:

Written, produced and performed by Chad Shank
(c)2020 Chad Shank Music

Created: August 28, 2020 at 3:54 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Vicki Morrison Goble,
Copyright info: Copyright 2020 Vicki Morrison Goble

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Vicki-Morrison-Goble-Mississippi-Moon-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon
Writer: Vicki Morrison Goble

“Come with me,” he said; “let’s go to Mississippi.”
His eyes were bright; his smile tight with hope
“You can even leave me when we get there.
I just need someone to help me go.

If I don’t go now,” he said, “I never will.
I’ll have a wife and kids; I’ll use an office key.
My hopes and dreams will never be fulfilled.
I really want to go, come with me please.

CHORUS
Let’s go down to Mississippi;
We’ll watch the stars at night and share a point of view
Let’s go down to Mississippi,
Where we can dance beneath the Mississippi Moon.”

I shook my head; “What would my mama say
if I took off and ran away with you?
And what about your bride; what about your wedding day?
And me, I really need to stay in school.”

Repeat Pre-Chorus

Repeat Chorus

What if I had gone, what would I have seen?
I’d like to peek into that fantasy.
Would things be diff’rent? I don’t know.
If I had dared to follow my Romeo?

Repeat Chorus

Comments:

I made it!

Created: September 11, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Mike Rudquist,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/MikeRudquist-MississippiMoon-SoloChallenge-1.rtf

Mississippi Moon

Way down south
Sixty one highway
Where the Georgia Pines shade
And the alligators play
I met my best girl, Ella
Who plays the guitar
Out of tune
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

The Bulldogs play
the Alabama Crimson Tide
We all cheer and stomp
On Saturday night
Touchdowns and pigskins
Are all that we wanna do
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

Chorus
So lets go
To those river banks
Where It feels so right
Where the moon sneaks in
On those southern nights
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

I’ve travelled all around the world
Paris to Tokyo
Seen the Broadway lights
Desert Island ocean glow
But I always come back
To the place worth coming back to
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

So lets go
To those river banks
Where It feels so right
Where the moon sneaks in
On those southern nights
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

Comments:

Created: September 12, 2020 at 5:46 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Grant Ruckheim,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/GrantRuckheim_MississippiMoon_SoloSongwritingChallenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon

I saw the Mississippi moon
She shined upon the water and up back at you
And We laid back against the wooden canoe
In darkness, I shared a secret nobody knew

Refrain:
Sometimes a friend can help you bear the load
Sometimes a friend will teach you more than you know
I’ve spend the last 8 months on my own
But It feels good to share the moonlight with you.

You listened patiently as I shared the news
And empathized how you’ve also been bruised
Told me that it could take a long time to heal
Unless I let the moonlight in and trust myself

It would take a lifetime
But now you’ll be my lifeline

[Repeat refrain]

Now it has been 12 months since that Mississippi Moon
And I still here your worlds echo back at me
“Don’t listen to what he said. You’re worth much more than that.
You’ll find someone to trust once you trust yourself”

[Repeat refrain]

Grant Ruckheim – grantruckheim@gmail.com – 612 708 8766

Comments:

Created: September 13, 2020 at 10:45 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Douglas Millaway,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Mississippi-Moon-.rtf

Mississippi Moon –
Doug Millaway Copyright 2020

I’m traveling down the Mississippi
The bright crescent moon overhead
There’s a wat going all around me
Can’t believe I’m not dead
Moonlight don’t know the difference
Between peace and a bullet of lead

My job seems pretty simple
The railroad that runs underground
We sail from light into darkness
Careful to not make a sound
Moonlight don’t know the difference
Between being lost or being found

Mississippi moon, what do you see?
Mississippi moon, help us be free

The blue and the gray all look the same
On a summer night lit by the moon
I’ll take the chance to find all the stolen
We’ll be heading up north really soon
Moonlight don’t know the difference
Between Cairo and Saskatoon

Float past the lights of St Louis
I hear sounds of unrest on the shore
One man should not own another
Whether he be rich or be poor
Moonlight don’t know the difference
Between flowers and manure

Comments:

Fun project

Created: September 14, 2020 at 11:03 am

Mississippi Moon

By: Paul Beckermann,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Paul-Beckermann-Mississippi-Moon-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon

Sitting by the river on a slippery rock
Probably should have given it a little more thought
We made the long climb to the top of the bridge
It was 60 feet up to the jumpin’ ledge

And we did it. Yes we did it.

Chorus:
And we’ll blame it on the moon
We’ll blame it all on the Mississippi Moon
Together in the night with the full moon bright
We’re gonna take a little ride on a risky side
We’ll dive in and blame it on the moon
We’re gonna blame it all on the Mississippi Moon

And when I jumped my pants caught hold
On a rusty old nail, that’s what I’m told
It twisted and it pulled me and it spun me around
It sent me tumblin’ down my world upside down

Toward the water, toward the water.

Chorus:
And we blamed it on the moon
We blamed it all on the Mississippi Moon
Together in the night with the full moon bright
We’re gonna take a little ride on a risky side
We’ll dive in and blame it on the moon
We’re gonna blame it all on the Mississippi Moon

We did it, yes we did it

And I landed by a rock that was three feet wide
I was terrified, but I didn’t die, now we think of that night
Whenever we’re lost, don’t know what to do
I’ll take that leap, and I’ll take it with you

With you and the moon

Chorus:
And we’ll blame it on the moon
We’ll blame it all on the Mississippi Moon
Together in the night with the full moon bright
We’re gonna take a little ride on a risky side
We’ll dive in and we’ll blame it on the moon
We’re gonna blame it all on the Mississippi Moon
We’re gonna blame it all on the Mississippi Moon

©Paul Beckermann | paulandpambeckermann@gmail.com | 320-455-7420

Comments:

Created: September 16, 2020 at 7:59 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Brad Dunsé,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Brad-Dunse-Mississippi-Moon-Summer2020.rtf

Mississippi Moon

I’m Towboat Toby out’a Baton Rouge
Pushing 40 barges with a triple screw
Headed north for Cairo Illinois
Flankin’ banks at 10,000 horse
Dodging skiffs and bars of course
Smell that river… man it’s a beautiful night
And look right there, ain’t that quite a view
That’s my Mississippi, Mississippi moon

[Chorus]
No matter where I roam in this old world
My pilot house and crew are always here
Back here on the river
Pushing 46,000 ton
And to get back here all I got to do
Is see my Mississippi, Mississippi moon

Wilkerson Point’s lyin’ dead ahead
That’s one wicked piece of riverbed
It’ll throw your tow when the river’s flooding high
It pulled us under in a massive fit
My crew got out, some say I didn’t
Somethin’ ‘bout that story ain’t quite right
I’m doing fine aboard The Déjà Vu
‘Neath my Mississippi … Mississippi moon

[Repeat chorus]

They say old river pilots never die
When they go down with their tow
I reckon there’s a bit
Of truth to that old myth
Guess that one’s best left up to you
‘Neath my Mississippi … Mississippi moon

[Repeat chorus]

I come back to the river
Every time they make this run
To get me here all they got to do
Is see that Mississippi… Mississippi moon
To get me here all they got to do
Is see that Mississippi… Mississippi moon

Comments:

Created: September 17, 2020 at 8:56 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Ann Thompson,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/ALThompson.Mississippi-Moon.SoloChallenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon

There’s a carpet of light on the river tonight.
I am thinking that it is magic.
Sirens’ songs igniting, the forest delighting
Passions I fear could be tragic.

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon,
Mississippi Moon, are you crying?

A union is coming. A dance of becoming.
Fast, clear water is running high.
Mother earth is drumming. Oaks and willows humming.
All is one water, earth, and sky.

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon,
Mississippi Moon, are you smiling?

The Corn Moon is calling. A new day is dawning.
Ancient eyes are drawing me in.
I’m feeling surrender, bewitched in night splendor.
There’s a turning about to begin.

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon
You are laughing!

As the sun rises and my dream starts to fade
One thing I remember Mississippi Moon is alive.

Ann L. Thompson, ©9/14/15

Comments:

Created: September 18, 2020 at 8:48 am

Mississippi Moon

By: Leslee McKee-Perry,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Mississippi-Moon-lyrics.rtf

Mississippi Moon

I’ve travelled the country
Seen a good bit of the world
Looking for a place I could belong
And I’ve seen some beauty
Made some life-long friends
But mostly what I felt like was alone

Chorus:
Doesn’t matter where I go
This will always be my home
I couldn’t get back here too soon
To bathe in her light
Where everything’s right
I missed my Mississippi Moon

Growing up in Minnesota
With the winter’s stifling cold
Spent frozen to the core half of my days
What I’ve realized now that I didn’t see before
When it comes to love, the River has her ways

[Chorus]

Instrumental Bridge

[Chorus]

©Leslee McKee-Perry 2020

Comments:

Solo written, recorded with a little help from some friends

Created: September 18, 2020 at 10:02 am

Schletty-Mississippi Moon-Summer Solo Challenge

By: Richard Schletty,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Schletty-Mississippi-Moon-Summer-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon
Richard Schletty

     C        G           Am    C 
I'll hammer a beat with a rusty spoon
    Dm       G         Dm       G
I'm takin' a ride on a drifting log
     C       G                  Am       C 
The night is clear, cause there ain't no fog
     Dm     G         C
I'll drop a line as I carry a tune

Am     G         F        G
When I hear that lonesome loon
Am     G     F       G 
I just wanna cry out loud
Am   Dm      F      G      
Underneath a starry shroud
          F     G     C
Under the Mississippi Moon

Comments:

Created: September 19, 2020 at 2:01 am

MISSISSIPPI MOON

By: JOHN BENNETT,
Copyright info: ©2020 John Bennett

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/MISSISSIPPI-MOON-John-Bennett.rtf

MISSISSIPPI MOON

She said meet me tonight beneath the Mississippi moon
We arranged to stay late for a midnight rendezvous
Romance was in the air
We laid our souls bare

Underneath the Mississippi Mississippi moon
We wouldn’t let the night to end too soon
We fell in love under the Mississippi moon

Buttermilk orb shining on two shadows bellow
While on the veranda we danced the Tango
You peaked under my mask
Love’s spell on us was cast

Underneath the Mississippi Mississippi moon
Basking in the glow of the night’s solitude
We made in love under the Mississippi moon

Stars scattered like sequins on your black velvet dress
Love shines in your eyes my words hardly can express
It’s impossible to keep
Both feet on the ground

Underneath the Mississippi Mississippi moon
We wouldn’t let the night to end too soon
We fell in love under the Mississippi moon

Light shines from above and the water below
Like a rocket to the stars that keeps our hearts aglow
We wrote our love song
It took us all night long

Underneath the Mississippi Mississippi moon
My whole world now orbits around you
Since we fell in love under the Mississippi moon

Comments:

It’s better not to rhyme the word overused word moon but to put a word after it Like Moondance Moon River Moon ice cream whatever.

Created: September 19, 2020 at 5:40 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Doyle Turner,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Doyle-Turner-Mississippi-Moon-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon

Verse 1
current pulled and curved
through the reds and yellows
fall brought a knowing
you were more than I deserved

Verse 2
sunlight fell away
to my pulse gone rising
like the seasons flyin
put my heart in play

Chorus
we lost track of time, lost track of ourselves
lost to the current, overwhelmed
by the light of that
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

Verse 3
Like a fierce spring flood
in a rush we’re carried
over the levee
you are settled in my mud

Chorus

Bridge:
rising full right were we are
orbit slow round this new star

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon

Chorus

©Doyle Turner / mdturn@midco.net / 218-766-8522

Comments:

I would like to credit Chad Shank for his help mixing and mastering the final draft of the song.

Created: September 20, 2020 at 5:58 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Paula Wilson,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Mississippi-Moon-Paula-Wilson.rtf

Mississippi Moon

Walked this bridge ‘bout a hundred times
Came here tonight, to clear my mind, and my
Steps are slow cuz I walk alone
I feel this hole, inside my soul

But the light reflecting on the river, brings a message for me

Mississippi Moon, filled my heart with hope, that night in June
Mississippi moon, you’re my sign, my love is coming soon
Mississippi moon, Mississippi moon

Walk this bridge with my lover new
Looking for clues, willl he be true, and he
Holds me tight this cool summer night
There in his eyes I see the sky

And the light reflecting on the river brings a message for me

Walk this bridge it’s our wedding night
I’m his he’s mine, our hearts combined, and our
Steps are slow cuz we walk alone
He fills that hole, inside my soul

And the light reflecting on the river brings a message for us

Mississippi Moon, filled our hearts with hope, that night in June
Mississippi moon, you’re our sign, we’ll grow a family soon
Mississippi moon, Mississippi moon

Comments:

Created: September 20, 2020 at 7:30 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Steve Cassavant,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Steve-Cassavant-Mississippi-Moon-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon

Emmitt Till was just 14 when he walked into the country store
In the town of Money Mississippi on that fateful day
He was accused of the crime of being friendly, that and nothing more
For flirting with a white woman, so they say
The men folk grabbed him, tortured and shot him and dragged him down to the shore
Into the muddy Tallahatchie they just threw him away
His precious life was taken too soon
‘Neath the ghostly glow of the Mississippi Moon

I pray to God that someday we’ll know
That peace will be coming soon
No more to be haunted by the ghostly glow
Of the Mississippi Moon

To help the good folks of Neshoba County register to vote
In ‘64 the Freedom Riders came to town
Cheny, Goodman, and Schwerner were the three who brought them hope
They were there to spread democracy all around
But then the KKK came and snatched them away and tied them up with rope
Then shot them in the head and chucked them in the ground
Each life was gone with a flash and a boom
‘Neath the ghostly glow of the Mississippi Moon

I pray to God that someday we’ll know
That peace will be coming soon
No more to be haunted by the ghostly glow
Of the Mississippi Moon

What will it take before we learn?
How can we heal while crosses burn?
We must work together to lift this shroud of gloom
To end the ghostly glow of the Mississippi Moon

Emmitt Till, Cheny, Goodman, and Schwerner – say their names
Martin Luther King Jr and Medgar Evers – say their names
Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice – say their names
Ahmaud Arbery and Philando Castille – say their names
George Floyd and Breonna Taylor – say their names
And the thousands more forgotten souls – say their names

I pray to God that someday we’ll know
That peace will be coming soon
No more to be haunted by the ghostly glow
Of the Mississippi Moon

No more to be haunted by the ghostly glow
Of the Mississippi Moon

Comments:

Created: September 20, 2020 at 8:02 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Mary Kealy-Falk,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Mary-Kealy-Falk-Mississippi-Moon-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Mississippi Moon

I was sitting on the bank of the Mississippi River
On the day my Daddy died, watching the water flowing down the way
Well, he left us way too young and he left me way too soon
I looked up at the sky and I started to pray

I said Daddy, please tell me, what am I supposed to do
As the moon shined above so silently
Then I saw my Daddy’s smile, and I knew I wasn’t alone
I knew where my Daddy would always be

Chorus:
Well I saw my Daddy’s smile in the Mississippi Moon
Shining down on me from the place that he calls home
And when I see my Daddy’s smile in the Mississippi Moon
I know I will never be alone

Verse 2
Now when I ‘m sad and lonely sitting by the Mississippi River
Watching the river flowing and letting it take me wherever it goes
And when the sun goes down and the evening stars are shining
And the sky lights up and shows the full moon’s glow
I say Daddy, please tell me what am I supposed to do
As the moon looks down on me so silently
But then I see my Daddy’s smile in the Mississippi Moon
And I know that’s where Daddy will always be

Repeat Chorus

I asked again, oh Daddy, please tell me what to do
And I hear my Daddy’s voice say tenderly
Be everything you are and when it comes to pass
Become everything you were meant to be

Repeat Chorus

Comments:

Created: September 20, 2020 at 8:48 pm

Mississippi Moon

By: Steve Cassavant,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Steve-Cassavant-Mississippi-Moon-Challenge-2.rtf

Mississippi Moon
Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon
This is my song called Mississippi Moon

As a songwriting challenge I had to come up with a tune
And the title had be Mississippi Moon
When I first saw the theme I thought “oh great,
Now here’s something of which I cannot relate”
What am I supposed to do with this?
I’ve never even been to ‘Ol Miss

At first I wrote about a couple In June
Who fell in love ‘neath the Mississippi Moon
By and by, she passed away, and still after twenty years
Every time he looks up at the moon his eyes are filled with tears
The more I wrote, the sappier it got,
I just abandoned it … at least I gave it a shot

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon
This is my song called Mississippi Moon

What gives Mississippi the right the claim the moon as their own?
There are lots of other places where it’s been known to have shown
Who said it was theirs? Was there a public notice?
Are there any documents signed by POTUS
Who designated it Mississippi moon? Was it Galileo or just some random guy
Or someone on the Wabasha bridge flashing his butt to the boats going by

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon
This is my song called Mississippi Moon

I decided I’d look out on the net
To see what other ideas I could get
But every Google search gave me the same old hit:
“Oh Black Water keep on rollin’ Mississippi Moon won’t you keep on shinin’ on me”
But that didn’t help me a bit

Now it’s time for the obligatory chord progression:
One, Five, Six, One, Two
I said One, Five, Six, One, Two

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon
This is my song called Mississippi Moon

Mississippi Moon, Mississippi Moon
Here’s the end of my song called Mississippi Moon

Comments:

This is the second song. This one was kinda spontaneous just for fun. I wanted to call it “Mississippi Moon – The Sequel”, but you were pretty adamant about the title.

Created: September 20, 2020 at 9:49 pm

Bye Bye MN

By: Bardo el Dunse,
Copyright info: 2020

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Bye-Bye-Minnesota-Lyrics.rtf

Bye-Bye Minnesota
Way up here in the north it’s cold man
Tundra fit for a friggin’ snowman
Fact is it’s truly no land
To feel your fingers and toes
Snow and Ice has lost its kicks
I’ll blow this place like a box of Kleenex
Give winter a tropical deep six
Thumbin’ my Coppertoned nose
[Chorus 1]
So, it’s bye-bye Minnesota
It’s been good to know ya
ten thousand lakes, but they’re all frozen
I need water I can dip my toes in
So it’s bye-bye-bye-bye-bye Minnesota
I’ll come visit when the time is right to
Hook some Walleye maybe Northern Pike too
That week of summer the temps might spike to
It’s Fahrenheit sayin’ 80 degrees
‘Til then keep your ear muffs and mukluks
thermal undies cover ice cold numb butts
Five layers are never too much
‘til it’s time to drop trou and pee …
[Chorus 2]
Yah it’s bye-bye Minnesota
It’s sure been good to know ya
Screw those windchills of thirty below
I’m done fishing with a bunch of ice holes
So, it’s bye-bye-bye-bye-bye Minnesota
I’ll take bikinis cooking weenies at the Tiki Grill
Snapper with a tapper ‘stead of beer battered blue gill
Spend my days baking out in the rays
So when you’re done getting’ snowed in and frostbit
plan your escape from that ice cold bull _____
Margaritaville sounds more like it
Time to start wastin’ away
[Chorus 3]
‘Cause it’s bye-bye Minnesota
It’s been good to know ya
Come trade in those frigid blue lakes
For a beach full of hot bronzed babes
Cause it’s bye-bye-bye-bye-bye…
Yah it’s bye-bye-bye-bye-bye…
Yeah baby it’s bye-bye-bye-bye-bye… Minnesota
©2020 Brad Dunsé – Mike Subialka | brad@braddunsemusic.com | 715-760-0712

Comments:

We be testin’ mon

Created: October 2, 2020 at 3:28 pm

Modern Communication

By: Douglas Millaway, Doyle Turner,
Copyright info: ©2020 Doug Millaway | Doyle Turner

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Modern-Communication-1.rtf

Another Monday morning waking up alone
I hear you downstairs on the telephone
It seems like we don’t talk much anymore
A kiss goodbye as you’re walking out the door
It’s a human complication
Not enough information
You go one way, I go the other
Modern communication

You’re the stranger closest to my side
Caught in the net, we’re lost and disguised
With all the tweets and the messages I see
You have no idea how much this email means to me
It’s a human complication
Not enough information
You go one way, I go the other
Modern communication

Signals crossed in zig-zag lines
strung across the desert of our minds
electronic wind fans the fires
ooooh we’re left whistling in the wires

leaves drop like notes from each tree branch
sunlight burns across our empty hands
only so many heartbeats in these minutes
only so many mornings with you in it
It’s a human complication
Not enough information
You go one way, I go the other
Modern communication

Comments:

Created: November 15, 2020 at 6:41 am

Spread My Wings and Fly

By: Vicki Morrison Goble, Kristine Vlaich,
Copyright info: ©2020 Vicki Morrison Goble | Kristine Vlaich. All Rights Reserved.

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/VlaichGoble-Spread-My-Wings-and-Fly-Cowrite-Challenge-1.rtf

You have no idea how much this email means to me
If you hadn’t sent it I don’t know where I would be
You’ve helped me understand myself and now it’s plain to see
Temporary setbacks are no calamity

You told me I am strong and full of life and you have found
I’ve always faced my fears, I’ve forged ahead and held my ground
I’ve found my inner strength; I will be firm; I won’t back down.
I’m so glad you wrote; your words have turned my life around

I can climb a mountain high
Though I may never reach the sky
If it’s so muddy I just slide
I will spread my wings and fly

No more flowing tears for me; no sorrow in my heart
My depression’s in the past; it won’t tear me apart
I had given up; you helped me make a fresh new start
Your caring words enabled me to rise up from the dark

Comments:

Created: November 16, 2020 at 3:35 pm

Suddenly

By: Korina Hackert, Ann Thompson,
Copyright info: ©2020 Korina Hackert (lyrics) | Ann L. Thompson (music)

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Suddenly-for-MAS.rtf

You have no idea how much this email means to me
I saw it so suddenly
It warmed my heart and melted my walls.

You have no idea how much this email means to me
I saw it so suddenly
The love you shared flowed so easily

Your words felt so true opened my heart my defenses broke down.
Now I can see, how true love can be

You have no idea how much this email means to me
I saw it so suddenly
You brought true love and filled my life
Suddenly, suddenly, suddenly, suddenly.

Comments:

Created: November 20, 2020 at 1:51 pm

Take Me Back

By: Leslee McKee-Perry, Patrick Kozub,
Copyright info: ©2020 Leslee McKee-Perry | Patrick Kozub

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/LesleeMc-KeePerry_PatrickKozub-TakeMeBack-CowriteChallange.rtf

Waves rolled in, Carried your castle back again
perfect towers tumbled through the waves
and you called to me oh how cruel the sea could be
as the ocean gives, how quickly she can take

[Chorus]
our brightest days, hang around us in lonely ways
take me back to where the ocean plays
I still see you there crooked fingers and curly hair
take me back to where the ocean plays

Tides like days, crashing in then sweep away
Passing seasons, days turn into years
and you waved to me oh how fleeting the time can be
College came, and you were on your way

[Repeat Chorus]

[Bridge]
From a voyage away
Glass bottle floating for days
Message rolled up,
Bobbing in the waves
You have no idea
how much this e-mail means to me
I’ll be waiting where the ocean met the beach

[Repeat Chorus]

take me back to where the ocean plays

Comments:

Created: November 20, 2020 at 5:59 pm

Nightingales and Doves

By: Mary Kealy-Falk, Tony Wentersdorf,
Copyright info: ©2020 Mary Kealy-Falk | Tony Wentersdorf

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Nightengales-and-Doves-1-1.rtf

Walking down that barren road, as day turned into night
I felt so lost and lonely, I couldn’t see the light
Then suddenly I heard a sound, and looked up at the sky
Two birds were singing a soft, sweet song
One sang low and one sang high

Chorus
Nightingales and doves, I watch them as they fly
They grace us with their songs of peace and coo sweet lullabies
Nightingales and doves lift up our hearts and minds
Serenade us with their soothing notes in dark and troubled times

I sat beneath an oak tree looking at the setting sun
The birds flew low across the glow and perched where their day was done
They cooed and chirped and fluttered then stilled their lifted eyes
Again, they sang their soft, sweet song
One sang low and one sang high

Repeat Chorus

I found two friends in reverie who cheered my saddened heart
A smile came across my face as the music pined to start
They cooed and chirped and fluttered then stilled their lifted eyes
I joined them in singing their soft, sweet song
I sang low and they sang high.

Repeat Chorus

Comments:

Created: November 20, 2020 at 10:09 pm

20, 21, Whatever It Takes

By: Greg Connor,
Copyright info: Copyright © 2021 Gregory A Connor, All Rights Reserved

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/20-21-Whatever-It-Takes-Greg-Connor.rtf

20, 21, Whatever It Takes

The signals that we send between me and you
There’s every indication that we might be through
I’m not about to let you just slip away
Gonna call you on the phone 20 times a day

Chorus
20, 21, whatever it take
I’m not going to let you go
20, 21, whatever it take
Let It ring till you say hello
Say Hello

I know that I deserve to be left behind
I messed up with you and I’ve been unkind
But I know I can change almost everything
If you pick up the phone when you hear it ring

Repeat Chorus

Bridge
Every lonely night I’m reminded of you
When I look up and see that empty moon
I hope you’ll be coming back home real soon
Cause I ain’t gonna last much longer

Repeat Chorus

Comments:

Level 3

The chord progression, G F D C G D F G, is in the lead break

Created: December 23, 2020 at 12:28 pm

2021 Blues

Lyrics sheet:

Title: 2021 Blues
By Ray Pascoe, Jr.

This last year was a total bust.
Lost the girl of my dreams.
Lost my job and self respect.
Now I’m a man with no means.

[Chorus]
Oh, 2020 was bad enough,
I want to get some good news
That can help me fight these
2021 blues.

Sure, we had a quarrel
On our last Zoom call.
You left the session before I could say
That wasn’t what I meant at all.

[Repeat Chorus]

It’s just not right, just ain’t true.
The signals that we send between me and you.
‘Cause what I’m tryin’ to tell you ain’t coming through
On that crazy ‘puter screen.

[Chorus]
Maybe real soon we can try again.
I really hope you will choose
To help me fight these
2021 .. just ain’t right these
2021 .. say good night to these
2021 Blues.

Comments:

it said my RTF file was not permitted due to security issues. I had tried to drop a TXT file in instead. But, it said it was an illegal format.

Song: one of two silly 2021 songs.

Created: December 31, 2020 at 2:47 pm

2021

Lyrics sheet:

Title: 2021
By Ray Pascoe, Jr.

What a crazy year 2020 has been.
It started out just fine.
Then a virus hits,
Now it’s the pits.
And I’m barely holding the line.

[Chorus]
Just treading water and bidin’ my time,
Not much doin’ with me.
I’ll just have to see what
2021 will be.

First I had to cancel my trip down south
Then I had to cancel the shore.
Now the only place
I show my face (well, part of it)
Is at the groc’ry store.

[Repeat Chorus]

[Break]
At least I can do Zoom,
Don’t need to leave my room.
Just hoping that real soon
I can hug somebody again.

[Chorus]
Just treading water and bidin’ my time,
Not much doin’ with me.
I’ll just have to see what
2021 … hope to see what
2021 … have to see what
2021 will be.

Comments:

Second of two songs. This one is missing “the phrase”. Otherwise, meets the other requirements. Unfortunately, that combo is not an option. So, it becomes a #1 instead of a #2 or #3. Note: this is “2021” and the other is “2021 Blues” (which is a #3) … easily mixed up with all the other data in the filename.

Created: January 1, 2021 at 11:07 am

Driving Into 2021

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Driving-Into-2021-by-Paul-Nye-Solo-Challenge-1.rtf

Driving Into 2021 (MAS January 2021 Songwriting Challenge)
W/M by Paul Nye

I can see 2020 – everything so clear
And I’m dying to get out of here
Wanna leave this bad dream – somewhere deep in the past
I’ve seen the best do the bad, and bad take the best
A lot of heartache, my soul is begging for rest
It’s getting hard to find a love … that will last

Gonna get in my car away from this nightmare
Put the keys in the ignition – and drive somewhere
Got a tank full of faith – and a map to nowhere

Chorus:
And I can see 2020 in the rear view mirror
Got the top down – my head is clear
The future is shining – bright as the sun
Got my eyes on the horizon up ahead
Trying to forget what’s been done & said
I’m driving 2020 into 2021

Glancing in the mirror, I see a look in my eyes
I finally woke up and realized
That reality – is just a bit too real
Some will deny, some criticize
And if the truth stares ‘em in the face – it’s a lie
Then like a thief in the night, the lie will come to steal

Repeat Pre-Chorus & Chorus

Repeat Chorus

Tag:
I’m leaving 2020, for 2021

Comments:

Used concept (or imagery) of the year 2020 as 20/20 vision – our ability to look clearly at our past mistakes/decisions and move on. I used the metaphor of a vehicle leaving 2020 and moving ahead to a better vision, purpose, or hope of what 2021 could bring. I also attempted to use music (instrumental and vocal) elements to signify motion and change. Hopefully, it’s “subtly apparent.”

Created: January 1, 2021 at 11:30 pm

Hope 2021

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/2021-Hope-_______Doug-Millaway-@2021.rtf

Is it true? Is it through?
The year of destruction with little hope for change?
Is it time? Can we climb?
Out of neutral and in the fast lane?
People on the edge. The house on fire.
Everybody’s tired of the DC liars
Planes on the ground. Very little noise
Black Lives Matter up against Proud Boys.

The signals that we send between me and you
Mask all the fear we feel every day
The tears that we blend with the partisan glue
Fall forever on our relatives’ graves.

Can we hope? Can we cope?
The year of recall of things we remember.
Can we shout? Can we sing?
Words of wisdom more to the center?
Children in the yard, stores are open.
Everybody’s ready for a turn.
Cars on the road. Cheers from the crowd.
Science and nature lift the shroud.

The signals that we send between me and you
Mask all the fear we feel every day
The tears that we blend with the partisan glue
Fall forever on our relatives’ graves.

Let’s work together while we can.
Let’s make a place for every woman and man.
Let’s show the world we have a plan.
Moral Fiber – Stronger – Wiser

The signals that we send between me and you
Mask all the fear we feel every day
The tears that we blend with the partisan glue
Fall forever on our relatives’ graves.

Comments:

Lots of challenges here. The only way to make the consecutive chord production work was to to play the E as a minor chord.

Created: January 9, 2021 at 1:37 pm

2021

Lyrics sheet:

I was working 2 jobs
But still an empty bank account
I had much less on my mind
Less to worry about
Less to worry about

Sometimes I daydream
And I let myself drift all the way back there
Back when…

CHORUS:
I was 20, 21
I was young and knew it all
When 2 hours of sleep was enough
I was 20,21
LIfe was lust and fun
Back at 20
21

I had my life ahead
And there were things to figure out
I know times were different then
‘Cause my friends still hung around

Sometimes I daydream
And I let myself drift all the way back there
Back when…

CHORUS:
I was 20, 21
I was young and knew it all
When 2 hours of sleep was enough
I was 20,21
LIfe was lust and fun
Back at 20
21

Livin on caffeine and junk food
Feeling on top of the world
Not realizing those were the good ol’ days

CHORUS repeats out

Comments:

Created: January 15, 2021 at 5:40 pm

It’s Time for 2021

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Paul-Beckermann-Its-Time-for-2021.rtf

It’s Time For 2021
By Paul Beckermann

Alright 2020 this one’s for you
Happy New Year’s Eve, Everyone
It’s time for ‘21

The virus is rising, the markets are down, and faces are swollen with tears
No toilet paper, no headline bands, and only cardboard fans in the seats
I think I’ve aged 100 years facing all my COVID fears
On the streets of Minneapolis, they struggle to breathe, Mr. Floyd, rest in peace.
Moma bear, papa bear, how much more can we bare. All we wanna do is breathe.
All we wanna do is breathe

Chorus
It’s the year of 2020
We’re just tryin’ to get through
We hope that the year 2021
Will bring us some peace and truth
It’s the end of the year 2020
When we pulled a mask over our lives
I think that we’ve all seen plenty
It’s time for 2021

Well Chloroquine and quarantine, I’m not sure what it means, I’m workin’ from home these days
The north pole’s melting, Siberia’s burnin’ and the west coast states are ablaze
We lost the notorious RGB, can we live up to her legacy?
Too many angry tweets and conspiracies and now a zombie hurricane
And now a zombie hurricane

Repeat Chorus

Each new year brings an injection of hope
A cure for a year of woes
It’s time for 2020 to go
Bring on ‘21
Bring on ‘21

Repeat Chorus

It’s time for 2021
It’s time for 2021
If the ball drops in Times Square, and there’s nobody there to see it, did it really fall? Is it really the new year? It better be, and we’ll all be better. I won’t admit 2020 won. You might have burned it down, but we’ll rise from your ashes. Welcome ‘21. We’ve been waiting for you.
2021
We’re ready for you.

Comments:

The way 2021 has begun, I might need to rewrite this song!

Created: January 16, 2021 at 9:20 am

Twenty Twenty One

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Mike-Rudquist_2021_Song-Challenge.rtf

2021

Honey, don’t let all of this darkness
Find its way in your heart
Even if the world is sliding
And falling apart

Because we’re bigger than we think
We’re better than we know
We’re in this human race
Where love is in control

Must be Twenty twenty one
Different ways to show you care
Twenty twenty one
Ways to tell your friends you’re there
So open up your heart, let your kindness show
Twenty twenty one
Ways to let your brothers and sisters know
Give love- brothers and sisters
Kind hearts- make all the difference

How did we lose all of the signals we send
Between me and you?
Broken hearts, broken minds, broken feelings
Block out the truth

PC + Chorus

Bridge
All throughout history
There’s a light we just couldn’t see
Darkest night will always be
Before the end of the storm

PC + Chorus

Comments:

Created: January 18, 2021 at 10:12 am

2021 Come Quietly Dear

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/2021-Come-Quietly-Dear.rtf

2021 Come Quietly Dear

When I was a girl of 20
So close to the edge
When I turned 21
I would leap from the ledge

I was so close to freedom
Old enough but still not quite
I could go to war or vote for a fool
but my whiskey I must hide

The years go by
They move along
Year after year
Song after song
So much will change
Yet stay the same
’21 – come quietly dear
Bring peace to us this year

The New Year is upon us
Many changes now have passed
Tho my icons all are aging
I still feel like that young lass

My hair is thin and grey now
This year moves much too fast
Been to places we thought we’d ne’er go
Due to leaders whose time has past

Comments:

I am uploading it this morning on a very proud day here in the USA – Inauguration day 2021!!!!! I am so proud to move forward with hope for the future. Thanks for listening!!!

Created: January 20, 2021 at 10:00 am

2021

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Kristine-Vlaich-C-all-rights-reserved-rt.rtf, https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Kristine-Vlaich-C-all-rights-reserved-rt-1.rtf

Comments:

used new technology.no chord for keyboard.ordered but not here. sorry.

Created: January 20, 2021 at 3:28 pm

Dreaming in 2021

Lyrics sheet: https://mnsongwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/8/Chucks-Madhav-Dreaming-2021-Solo-Challenge.rtf

Dreaming 2021

I’m dreaming
Of a new world today
I’m wishing
For my dream to be true

Chorus:
Best dreams are for believers
For they want a world for peace
Sweet dreams are for lovers
All they want is one another

The signals
That we send between me and you
Now I’m praying
For the good to come to you

[Repeat Chorus]

Yes I’m a dreamer
Yes I’m a believer
More than a lover
Goodness starts with a dream

[Repeat Chorus]

Keep dreaming; love will find the way//
Keep dreaming

Comments:

Created: January 20, 2021 at 9:03 pm

I Just Woke Up in 2021

Lyrics sheet:

I Just Woke Up In 2021
by Zane Blom

In the past, no one passed
On dandelion wine
Or granddaddy’s shine
Why should I?
Why should I?
Rot gut— I’m disgusting?
Here’s mud in your eye

2020 kinda sounds like hindsight
Am I right?
No, not for this guy
I do try
I swear I try

So when I stood on a table last year
For a cheer for Auld Lang Syne
I was crying
As, amid my ablutions
I slurred my resolutions
Line by line
All perfunctorily
As any morally
questionable
Midnight vegetable
would venture
At just such a time

But my lack of willpower
Did not seem to sour
My dismount—
It’s the thought that counts—
And I took out the table
And those false teeth of aunt Mable on my way down.
Ouch!

Chorus

2020 wouldn’t let me regret what I’d done
What I’d done
Cash the check
I spent every red rent
It was fun!
It was fun

And it was dumb
Now it’s funny
What the heck
I just woke up to 2021

Do I date myself talking 8 tracks?
And vcrs and cars that don’t talk back when
You don’t buckle up?
You young engineer punks
I got tattoos on my butt
Older than the pee in your diaper
And the Pedialite you just drunk

Pfft. 2021- it’s 1981 or so I thunk
I was nine I had gunk in my eyes
When the sandman would come

I look back through that prism
I remember euphemisms like
“Junk in the trunk”
Had no alternate meaning
It’s all so deceiving we’re old
We don’t grow we’re emotionally young
And we laugh til we’re giddy it’s
Par for us idiots
of 2021
Yow!

Chorus

2020 wouldn’t let me regret
What I’d done
What I’d done
Cash the check
I spent every red cent
It was fun!
It was fun

And it was dumb now it’s funny
I just woke up in 2021

And it’s dumb that we’re fun
And it’s fun that we’re dumb
And we’re young
Still young in 2021

Comments:

Created: January 21, 2021 at 12:05 am