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Islands

by Stephen Gartshore

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1.
Simple Joys 03:10
1. Two dollar ice cream cones the size of your arm... if it rains you get half price. It hit 40 degrees today. Looks like the weatherman was wrong again. It's so hot, I'd take off my skin. chours: Islands in the sun, our piece of paradise. Why not sit a spell and let the world go by? Sunlight dappled on the water. Simple joys of summer. 2. I smell sweetgrass in the air. A sweet breeze on my cheek. My stress left behind. It leaves me weak. The dusty smell of kids in the sand. (chorus) Bridge: Sugar in my coffee, some fine Merlot as to-and-fro I go... It must be five o'clock somewhere (chorus) 3. A butterfly thinks it's hiding on the grass...nice try as I sit and sigh. The world just washes away (except for that mosquito). Fires burn bright. Oh, what a sight as the smoke gets in your eyes. (chorus)
2.
Nightsongs 04:22
1. I looked outside my window...the rain was coming down. Got my shoes and coat and I went outside. The street light shining through the trees casting shadows on me. Echoes of feet, ring in the quiet street. Another car drove by on the way downtown. Somewhere a wind chime sings softly to itself. Chorus: Lying peaceful and still...wishing dreams fulfill. Let the music carry you. 2. The rain eases up (I guess I don't need the umbrella anymore) A breath of stars appear seems to guide my way. Fifty-one steps to the mailbox. I count them every time. Was that a bird on the wing? I just don't now. Looking up, the old church...it welcomes me home. The bells they ring out the time again. (chorus) 3. The wind blows on my cheek and I drift away, following the steps I've taken so many times before. My feet know the way, they take me everyday. Time will slowly pass and then I'll turn another page. Finding the words I've written down before. I find they illuminate me. (chorus)
3.
Free Bird 03:35
1. Northern spirit calls you, landing you back home. Endless summer days with friends, no matter where you'd roam. Dancing on the beach at night, bonfires burning bright. On the wharf your ship steams in with dreams in tow and you'd wonder if you'd ever get to go. Chorus: Free bird...soaring ever higher...ever on. Wheels turn deep into the night until the dawn. 2. The snow so high with frosted pictures on the window sill and you'd wonder if the old Model-A would make it up that hill. From the basement come the skates, that were hanging on the nail. The wood stove in the kitchen would warm your soul. The northern lights would guide you on the road. (chorus) (instrumental) (chorus) 3. The winter breaks and with it takes the chill of seasons past. Crocuses in bloom again, her promise made at last. Though things have changed, you're still the same girl running swiftly free.....with Richard and Jean and everything you mean to me. (chorus)
4.
1. Sitting here under the blue sky-light, just shooting the breeze. Feeling cold water on my toes waiting for my brain to freeze. The weather it was sunny and bright...the mood was feeling fine. I can't get over what she said. She's talking about nickels and dimes. chorus: Nickels and dimes, they blow my mind. They kicked us out at eight. How can we tell all our friends we've got to close the garden gate? Nickels and dimes, it takes up time. There's nothing left to do....and I blame it squarely all on you. (instrumental) (chorus) Bridge: You gotta pay some more, boy. I guess our time is up. Always the same line...nickels and dimes. 2. Still waiting, still dreaming. I guess we're out of luck. A little here, a little there. It's nibbles to death by ducks. Everybody quits now, even the band. (chorus)
5.
chorus: Relax and breathe. Feel moments come and moments stay on the way. Relax and breathe. Feel moments come and moments stay on the way. 1. Many miles tick by with one more sigh...are we their yet? The coffee in my hand is not so grand. It doesn't give what I need. Spicy air carries birdsong up from there. Are we their yet? I can feel the breeze. It's on my face and in my mind. (chorus) 2. Picking oranges warmed up by the sun. Nothing better. Relaxed and breezy sand between your toes...there it goes. The shape of clouds remind me of the things I'd rather see like those Florida shirts and one more cocktail. (chorus) Bridge: But if for a while it'll make you smile...fight the devil inside. Sweet for the moment or forever. Carries you through in all kinds of weather. 3. Children of the sun are so appealing. A break is what it takes from being broken. The ocean's sigh...the breezes blowing by... the daily grind is not so caffeinated. (chorus)
6.
Castles 04:10
1. Enter a little boy, who fell down on his knees from his shiny red bike. He's as happy as can be. Was given his first hockey stick and he left it on the floor. Cause there must be just a little bit more... chorus: He's busy building castles. It takes the spirit high living in the castles in the sky. And just around the corner - the good times and the bad. I think of all the times we've had...again. 2..He made up monsters that he fought and battled them with pride. Wrote songs about them to anyone on his side. Wilderness trips and floating ships take him far away. They knew he'd come back again someday. (chorus) 3. He moved away and changed that day from boy into a man. Things were different where he went. He'd put up as best he can. He loved...lost...broken heart. Then loved again once more. Walked through fire and the pain...clean on the other side. (chorus) (bridge) (chorus) 4. Many years have passed now and he's finally on his way. The road he took has been oh-so-long. Not easy to persuade. The future path is not so clear, but a shining light he'll find. It has always been there right behind, right behind. (chorus)
7.
Lady Blue 04:51
chorus: Lady Blue...in your eyes, I see love and all the wonder 'neath the scarlet painted skies. Lady Blue...flying free You are so dear to me. 1. Oh, I saw you sitting there across the room. The shaggy dog strolled by and that look was in your eye. You laughed and said that I could walk you home. Roads so dearly taken...not unknown. (chorus) 2. We rode our bikes through wind and rain and storm. The fear it went away and the sun did shine that day. Your travels took you far away from me. If you love someone you've got to set them free. (chorus) bridge: And the towns...they came and went and money was all spent and at times it felt like we had reached the end. With the tears, the sun shone through and I took a look at you. Two hearts are one my dear and precious friend. 3. The years have now sped by. Can it be so? You look into my heart, though you knew it from the start. You did not shy away or run right then. Two spirits on the journey...never ends. (chorus)
8.
Chorus: The road it gives and it takes…living by the choice it makes. Riding the rails or out of the blue, It can't keep me from you. It can't keep me from you. 1. Those northern roads take you far, if you have far to go. Rocks, trees, a fresh summer breeze and you. We passed a funny little statue with big ideas and we laughed…not far from Oastler. (chorus) 2. Falling rocks aside, and construction of bridges. Delays due to blasting. Finding blueberries is worth it. The wind on your face, in a state of Grace with the rivers laughing by. (chorus) 3. The rolling hills rock you to sleep…it's your turn anyway Within the miles you keep your secrets. I hear the answer with every truck that passes …and then I know. (chorus x2)
9.
1. He told me once that he was proud that all he had fit in his car. Never tied down...goes where he wants to. Eighteen forever, wheels still turning. The song keeps on burning. chorus: There he was, young and free. Rocky and Bullwinkle on TV. Yeah, yeah you can't catch me. Exit...stage left. There he was, young and free. Rocky and Bullwinkle on TV. Yeah, yeah you can't catch me. Exit...stage left. 2. Once bitten, twice shy. Love would never live in this guy is what he told me once...but he was wrong. Enter she with the long black hair, who's tender and fair with a heart of gold. Taught the old dog some new tricks. (chorus) bridge: The winds of change sometimes surprise and the look in her eyes tell you all you need to know. 3. Travelling down Eglinton avenue past that place they like to go to. I can't remember the name. Hawk and dove flying high in the sky in formation. He'll never have it any other way. They are they...loving and free...loving and free showing us how we all should be. They are they...loving and free...loving and free showing us how we all should be.

about

We all find ourselves on islands of one kind or another. Some of us make bridges.

credits

released May 1, 2014

music and lyrics by Stephen Gartshore
lyrics for 'Relax...and Breath' with Jeffrey Gartshore and Katherine Garber

6 and 12-string guitar, electric guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, percussion by Stephen Gartshore

Flute by Katherine Garber

Cello by Jeffrey Gartshore and Maurice Gendron

Drums by Michael Gartshore

Produced by Katherine Garber and Stephen Gartshore

Recorded and produced in Burlington, Ontario, 2014

**'Northern Roads' recorded and produced in Burlington, Ontario, 2015

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