Everything Changes
Words and Music by Tom Kimmel and Sue K Riley
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Used to be when things got crazy
I’d get to feeling low
But, I found out I can’t let that phase me
‘cause honey, now I know
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Who expects the unexpected, life sneaking up on you
And, sometimes we all feel disconnected
What ya gonna do?
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Who’s to say why it works this way
When it’s kind of strange, but it’s true
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Everything changes, and I can change too
Everything changes, and I can change too
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Used to be when things got crazy
I’d get to feeling low
But, I found out I can’t let that phase me
‘cause honey, now I know
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Who expects the unexpected, life sneaking up on you
And, sometimes we all feel disconnected
What ya gonna do?
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Who’s to say why it works this way
When it’s kind of strange, but it’s true
When everything changes, I can change anything
Turning the pages, everything’s new
If life’s little stages are teaching me anything
It’s everything changes, and I can change too
Everything changes, and I can change too
Everything changes, and I can change too
Grandpa's Hands
Words and Music by Sue K Riley
From a cardboard box of mem’ries, I lift the faded photo
It’s me at six with skinny arms, hair tied up in bows
I’m sittin’ at the piano, grandpa next to me
Heads pressed together, hands resting on the keys
His hands were rough with ragged nails from laying brick all day
Grandpa loved his music, never missed a chance to play
With fingers full of magic as they danced across the keys
He’s sing and grin, wiggle his ears and teach me patiently
He’d say “Watch my hands, do as I do
We’ll go slow until you learn the tune
Let the song become a part of you
Watch Grandpa’s hands, do as I do”
He retired to Florida and formed a little band
He would beam with pride when I’d play some songs with them
We’d play Whispering and Stardust, Just Because and Yum, Yum Blues
That hall would swing with music, we played every song we knew
He’d say “Watch my hands, do as I do,
We’ll go slow until you learn the tune,
Let the song become a part of you,
Watch Grandpa’s Hands, do as I do”
I wheeled him to the rec hall to make music one more time
The final grand performance of the teacher and the child
Now music is my calling, a gift I love to share
It’s how I say I love you, how I show I care
When I find those little hands beside mine on the keys
I repeat the loving words Grandpa said to me
“Watch my hands, do as I do,
We’ll go slow until you learn the tune,
Let the song become a part of you,
Watch my hands, do as I do
Watch my hands, do as I do”
It’s me at six with skinny arms, hair tied up in bows
I’m sittin’ at the piano, grandpa next to me
Heads pressed together, hands resting on the keys
His hands were rough with ragged nails from laying brick all day
Grandpa loved his music, never missed a chance to play
With fingers full of magic as they danced across the keys
He’s sing and grin, wiggle his ears and teach me patiently
He’d say “Watch my hands, do as I do
We’ll go slow until you learn the tune
Let the song become a part of you
Watch Grandpa’s hands, do as I do”
He retired to Florida and formed a little band
He would beam with pride when I’d play some songs with them
We’d play Whispering and Stardust, Just Because and Yum, Yum Blues
That hall would swing with music, we played every song we knew
He’d say “Watch my hands, do as I do,
We’ll go slow until you learn the tune,
Let the song become a part of you,
Watch Grandpa’s Hands, do as I do”
I wheeled him to the rec hall to make music one more time
The final grand performance of the teacher and the child
Now music is my calling, a gift I love to share
It’s how I say I love you, how I show I care
When I find those little hands beside mine on the keys
I repeat the loving words Grandpa said to me
“Watch my hands, do as I do,
We’ll go slow until you learn the tune,
Let the song become a part of you,
Watch my hands, do as I do
Watch my hands, do as I do”
Hey Cupid
Words by Karen Taylor-Good, Chris Kunstadter, Sue K Riley, Music by Glen Roethel
One more springtime wedding, two less single friends
The same friends who’d just told me that love was through with them
History is full of grand affairs that you’ve created
Like Romeo and Juliet, hey Cupid, I feel cheated!
Hey Cupid, what’s your problem? Hey Cupid, Can’t you see?
Do you need contacts lenses? Don’t you practice archery?
Are you blind and aging, flying with one wing?
You’re shooting all these arrows, but you just keep missing me!
Each year I make a treasure map and love’s a vital part
Right there front and center, waiting for your magic dart
Your arrows, once so swift and true, now seem to go astray
Instead of “Casa Blanca”, I’m the star of “Groundhog Day”
Hey Cupid, what’s the deal here? Hey Cupid am I second class
My life could be a dream come true if you’d get off your#
Ask me what’s the answer? You’re just out of practice..
Get some lasik surgery if you’re too vain for glasses
That arrows always slightly off in it’s trajectory
If you wanna find your soulmate?, just stand next to me!"
I’m glad we’ve had this little chat, I’m feeling somewhat better
I trust you’ll take this talk to heart, ‘cause I can’t wait forever
I’d like to start my new life before I’m old and gray
I might have a chance for love if you’d start shootin’ straight.
Hey Cupid, please forgive me, Hey Cupid, heart to heart
I’m worried that you’ve lost your touch ‘cause you can’t hit the mark
I know you’re pretty busy, and I really hate to whine
But, I’ve had it with you Cupid, where’s my stupid Valentine
I’ve had it with you Cupid, where’s my stupid Valentine
The same friends who’d just told me that love was through with them
History is full of grand affairs that you’ve created
Like Romeo and Juliet, hey Cupid, I feel cheated!
Hey Cupid, what’s your problem? Hey Cupid, Can’t you see?
Do you need contacts lenses? Don’t you practice archery?
Are you blind and aging, flying with one wing?
You’re shooting all these arrows, but you just keep missing me!
Each year I make a treasure map and love’s a vital part
Right there front and center, waiting for your magic dart
Your arrows, once so swift and true, now seem to go astray
Instead of “Casa Blanca”, I’m the star of “Groundhog Day”
Hey Cupid, what’s the deal here? Hey Cupid am I second class
My life could be a dream come true if you’d get off your#
Ask me what’s the answer? You’re just out of practice..
Get some lasik surgery if you’re too vain for glasses
That arrows always slightly off in it’s trajectory
If you wanna find your soulmate?, just stand next to me!"
I’m glad we’ve had this little chat, I’m feeling somewhat better
I trust you’ll take this talk to heart, ‘cause I can’t wait forever
I’d like to start my new life before I’m old and gray
I might have a chance for love if you’d start shootin’ straight.
Hey Cupid, please forgive me, Hey Cupid, heart to heart
I’m worried that you’ve lost your touch ‘cause you can’t hit the mark
I know you’re pretty busy, and I really hate to whine
But, I’ve had it with you Cupid, where’s my stupid Valentine
I’ve had it with you Cupid, where’s my stupid Valentine
Look How Far You've Come
Words and Music by Sue K Riley
As the year drew to a close, I lamented to a friend
About the things I hadn't done, twists and turns I had not planned
Doors that did not open, love that did not stay
She smiled and said "That may be true, but hasn't it been great?"
Not the reaction I had hoped for, I said in self-defense
At times I've felt like Moses, with those plagues and fires and pests
She says, "leave the desert, come sit here in the shade
Let's talk about the future, let's cool off with the rain."
'Cause, there's no way to change the past,
Take back a single word, undo what has been done
'Though you're not where you were heading
Just look how far you've come
She left me feeling speechless as she drove off in the night
Then, I thought about the points she'd made,
Could she possibly be right?
Was I so caught up in the process, in the how and what and why
That I failed see the beauty in the days as they went by?
Could I have watched more sunsets,
Walked more winding roads,
Been sweeter, softer, kinder,
Embraced this life I chose
So, I've made a few adjustments to my treasure map of dreams
I've found that being happy pretty much depends on me
I can't go back and change one single thing from times gone past
But, each day I remind myself to treasure what I have.
'Cause, there's no way to change the past
Take back a single word, undo what has been done
Though I’m not where I was heading,
I’m gonna look how far I’ve come
Look how far I’ve come, look how far I’ve come
Look how far I’ve come, look how far I’ve come
About the things I hadn't done, twists and turns I had not planned
Doors that did not open, love that did not stay
She smiled and said "That may be true, but hasn't it been great?"
Not the reaction I had hoped for, I said in self-defense
At times I've felt like Moses, with those plagues and fires and pests
She says, "leave the desert, come sit here in the shade
Let's talk about the future, let's cool off with the rain."
'Cause, there's no way to change the past,
Take back a single word, undo what has been done
'Though you're not where you were heading
Just look how far you've come
She left me feeling speechless as she drove off in the night
Then, I thought about the points she'd made,
Could she possibly be right?
Was I so caught up in the process, in the how and what and why
That I failed see the beauty in the days as they went by?
Could I have watched more sunsets,
Walked more winding roads,
Been sweeter, softer, kinder,
Embraced this life I chose
So, I've made a few adjustments to my treasure map of dreams
I've found that being happy pretty much depends on me
I can't go back and change one single thing from times gone past
But, each day I remind myself to treasure what I have.
'Cause, there's no way to change the past
Take back a single word, undo what has been done
Though I’m not where I was heading,
I’m gonna look how far I’ve come
Look how far I’ve come, look how far I’ve come
Look how far I’ve come, look how far I’ve come
Magical Work
Words and Music by David Roth, Karen Drucker and Sue K Riley
I do magical work, in a magical way
I give magical service for magical pay
I am, I do, I see, I know I speak my word, it’s so
Magic, magic, magic, magic, magic, magic, magic magic
Though I’m afraid of letting go
I’ve got to trust my heart to know
That if I’m open to receive (if I’m just open to receive)
Magic can happen, if I believe
I do magical work, in a magical way
I give magical service for magical pay
I am, I do, I see ,I know I speak my word, it’s so
Magic, magic, magic, magic
My perfect job is calling me
Though it’s all a mystery
If I just take a step each day
Nothing and no one will get in my way
I give magical service for magical pay
I am, I do, I see, I know I speak my word, it’s so
Magic, magic, magic, magic, magic, magic, magic magic
Though I’m afraid of letting go
I’ve got to trust my heart to know
That if I’m open to receive (if I’m just open to receive)
Magic can happen, if I believe
I do magical work, in a magical way
I give magical service for magical pay
I am, I do, I see ,I know I speak my word, it’s so
Magic, magic, magic, magic
My perfect job is calling me
Though it’s all a mystery
If I just take a step each day
Nothing and no one will get in my way
Speed Bump
Words and Music by Karen Taylor-Good, Jana Stanfield and Sue K Riley
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
I used to think someone like me could never have the best
I’d walk into a banquet and settle for what’s left
Nowadays you’ll find me right in front, arms wide open
First in line, last to leave, claiming what is mine
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
Used to think in romance, I didn’t have a prayer
My friends all played the game of hearts..I played solitaire
But these days in my new life, my dance card is filled up
I’ve learned that loves like chocolate, you can never have enough
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
So long to the things I once believed
Bye, bye past, you’ve got no chains on me
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
Up until now, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
I used to think someone like me could never have the best
I’d walk into a banquet and settle for what’s left
Nowadays you’ll find me right in front, arms wide open
First in line, last to leave, claiming what is mine
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
Used to think in romance, I didn’t have a prayer
My friends all played the game of hearts..I played solitaire
But these days in my new life, my dance card is filled up
I’ve learned that loves like chocolate, you can never have enough
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
So long to the things I once believed
Bye, bye past, you’ve got no chains on me
I was my own speed bump, up until now
Didn’t love myself enough, didn’t know how
I’m so over tears, negativity, and fears
And every thought that held me down, up until now
Up until now, up until now
Teach Me to Pray
Words and Music by Fred Bogert and Sue K Riley
Teach me, teach me to pray
My heart is open wide.
My cares are swept away
Oh, Spirit, teach me to pray.
Teach me, to live in grace
Wash my grief away
Here in this silent space
Oh Spirit, teach me to live in grace
Teach me, teach me to love
Unconditionally
Let my heart open up
Oh Spirit, teach me to love.
Lift me up in the light
In Your holy way,
Knowing this time is right
Oh Spirit, lift me in the light. O Spirit, teach me to pray
My heart is open wide.
My cares are swept away
Oh, Spirit, teach me to pray.
Teach me, to live in grace
Wash my grief away
Here in this silent space
Oh Spirit, teach me to live in grace
Teach me, teach me to love
Unconditionally
Let my heart open up
Oh Spirit, teach me to love.
Lift me up in the light
In Your holy way,
Knowing this time is right
Oh Spirit, lift me in the light. O Spirit, teach me to pray
The Me I Wanna Be
Words and Music by Harold Payne, Teri Wilder and Sue K Riley
Made my NY resolutions, only 16 pages long
Didn’t hardly make a dent in all the things that I’ve done wrong
But, Hope springs eternal and I’ve got a whole new year
maybe this time I’ll get through all the things I wanna do
blaze a new frontier
I’m just gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, is I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
I’m just gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, is I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
I’m full of good intentions, Not so good on follow through
failed too many times to mention, what’s a dreamer supposed to do?
It’s a wonder I’m not jaded after all the things I’ve tried
quitting this and starting that, thinking thin and getting fat
But, now it’s time to turn the tide
I’m gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
Only I can free myself from this yearly carousel
No more going round and round and round
I’m just gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, is I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
Didn’t hardly make a dent in all the things that I’ve done wrong
But, Hope springs eternal and I’ve got a whole new year
maybe this time I’ll get through all the things I wanna do
blaze a new frontier
I’m just gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, is I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
I’m just gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, is I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
I’m full of good intentions, Not so good on follow through
failed too many times to mention, what’s a dreamer supposed to do?
It’s a wonder I’m not jaded after all the things I’ve tried
quitting this and starting that, thinking thin and getting fat
But, now it’s time to turn the tide
I’m gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
Only I can free myself from this yearly carousel
No more going round and round and round
I’m just gonna move a little, make it past the middle
all that I can guarantee, is I’ll get closer to the me I wanna be
Waltzin' Today
Words and Music by Karen Taylor-Good and Sue K Riley
Some days are tangos, some twist and shout
Some are a quick step where you scramble about
But, nobody can tell me how to feel, how to move
Gotta find my own rhythm, find my own groove.
Though the world may be jumpin’ in a frenzied state
I may need to slow down, go my own pace
Tomorrow might find me rockin’ away
I just feel like waltzin’ today
Life’s about dancin’, the world is my stage
I lead or I follow, I give or I take
Somedays I’m tap dancin’, just holdin’ my own
Sometimes love’s my partner, sometimes I dance alone
Though the world may be jumpin’ in a frenzied state
I may need to slow down, go my own pace
Tomorrow might find me rockin’ away
I just feel like waltzin’ today
Sometimes the whirling and spinnings just fine
But, right now, a slow dance is what I have in mind
Though the world may be jumpin’ in a frenzied state
I may need to slow down, go my own pace
Tomorrow might find me rockin’ away
I just feel like waltzin’ today
I just feel like waltzin’ today
Some are a quick step where you scramble about
But, nobody can tell me how to feel, how to move
Gotta find my own rhythm, find my own groove.
Though the world may be jumpin’ in a frenzied state
I may need to slow down, go my own pace
Tomorrow might find me rockin’ away
I just feel like waltzin’ today
Life’s about dancin’, the world is my stage
I lead or I follow, I give or I take
Somedays I’m tap dancin’, just holdin’ my own
Sometimes love’s my partner, sometimes I dance alone
Though the world may be jumpin’ in a frenzied state
I may need to slow down, go my own pace
Tomorrow might find me rockin’ away
I just feel like waltzin’ today
Sometimes the whirling and spinnings just fine
But, right now, a slow dance is what I have in mind
Though the world may be jumpin’ in a frenzied state
I may need to slow down, go my own pace
Tomorrow might find me rockin’ away
I just feel like waltzin’ today
I just feel like waltzin’ today
When We're Talking Dreams
Words and Music by Harold Payne, Karen Taylor-Good and Sue K Riley
You feel life’s passin’ by you, while you’re standing still
You wanna grab your share of it
Wonderin’ if you ever will
You’re lookin’ back and what you see
Sure ain’t what you hoped it’d be
But, time’s your friend, and not your enemy
It’s not a question of your age
You’re breathin’ so it’s not too late
There’s no expiration date when we’re talkin’ dreams,
and we’re talkin’ dreams
Sometimes they’re elusive,
Sometimes they hide from you
Sometimes so much time goes by
You swear they never will come true
A dream is just a seed you plant
Then you wait for it to grow
You’ve been waiting patiently, I know
It’s not a question of your age
You’re breathin’ so it’s not too late
There’s no expiration date when we’re talkin’ dreams
Anything can happen, long as you think it can
Unexpected gifts await your outstretched hand
Open up that hope chest
Sprinkle some fairy dust
There’s no time like the present
To wake your sleeping beauty up
It’s not a question of your age
You’re breathin’ so it’s not too late
There’s no expiration date when we’re talkin’ dreams
And, we’re talkin’ dreams
You wanna grab your share of it
Wonderin’ if you ever will
You’re lookin’ back and what you see
Sure ain’t what you hoped it’d be
But, time’s your friend, and not your enemy
It’s not a question of your age
You’re breathin’ so it’s not too late
There’s no expiration date when we’re talkin’ dreams,
and we’re talkin’ dreams
Sometimes they’re elusive,
Sometimes they hide from you
Sometimes so much time goes by
You swear they never will come true
A dream is just a seed you plant
Then you wait for it to grow
You’ve been waiting patiently, I know
It’s not a question of your age
You’re breathin’ so it’s not too late
There’s no expiration date when we’re talkin’ dreams
Anything can happen, long as you think it can
Unexpected gifts await your outstretched hand
Open up that hope chest
Sprinkle some fairy dust
There’s no time like the present
To wake your sleeping beauty up
It’s not a question of your age
You’re breathin’ so it’s not too late
There’s no expiration date when we’re talkin’ dreams
And, we’re talkin’ dreams
Yoga Retreat
Words and Music by Sue K Riley
I met my inner critic in the mirror yesterday
She laughed and said you're such a mess, it's time to get in shape
I must admit she shamed me into taking drastic action
I grabbed a friend and off we went to a well known yoga ashram
We pulled up to some isolated cabin in the pines
The door blew shut as we unpacked and locked up both outside
With a ladder perched against the wall, I made the scary climb
To the second floor, unlocked the door, and opened up the wine
Stop that chatter monkey mind, relax and get some rest
Count to ten as you inhale, it all starts with the breath
I'm staying up late talking, not getting that much sleep
It's coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
Coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
When I awoke at dawn after my super hero climb
My body made it very clear that I had lost my mind
I'd used a hundred muscles that I'd not used in the past
Advil IN my coffee, as I limped to my first class
Beginning yoga, resting pose, listening to my breath
Heard this popping in my ribs when I turned to the left
Then, I got a charley horse, so I went to the car
To nurse my wounds with ice packs and a jumbo chocolate bar.
I really like the food here, whatever it might be
Roots and berries, soy and fruit, decaffeinated tea
Breakfast times are silent, which I approached with dread
But now instead of talking, I just eat 5 kinds of bread
Stop that chatter monkey mind, relax and get some rest
Screaming muscles, aching joints, intestinal distress
Trying to do the downward dog, but I can't touch my feet
It's coffee, wine and chocolate on my yoga retreat
Coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
So, where' my inner critic now with all her sage advice?
I couldn't find her anywhere, I thought "this is really nice"
I've got permission to relax, a swim would feel so grand
Then I found HER in the hot tub, margarita in her hand!
Stop that chatter monkey mind, get into the swing.
The chant begins with OM, not "oh my God, you must be joking"
My critic's at a loss for words and that feels really sweet.
It's coffee, wine and chocolate on my yoga retreat
Coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
I hope to God someday that I can touch my feet
She laughed and said you're such a mess, it's time to get in shape
I must admit she shamed me into taking drastic action
I grabbed a friend and off we went to a well known yoga ashram
We pulled up to some isolated cabin in the pines
The door blew shut as we unpacked and locked up both outside
With a ladder perched against the wall, I made the scary climb
To the second floor, unlocked the door, and opened up the wine
Stop that chatter monkey mind, relax and get some rest
Count to ten as you inhale, it all starts with the breath
I'm staying up late talking, not getting that much sleep
It's coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
Coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
When I awoke at dawn after my super hero climb
My body made it very clear that I had lost my mind
I'd used a hundred muscles that I'd not used in the past
Advil IN my coffee, as I limped to my first class
Beginning yoga, resting pose, listening to my breath
Heard this popping in my ribs when I turned to the left
Then, I got a charley horse, so I went to the car
To nurse my wounds with ice packs and a jumbo chocolate bar.
I really like the food here, whatever it might be
Roots and berries, soy and fruit, decaffeinated tea
Breakfast times are silent, which I approached with dread
But now instead of talking, I just eat 5 kinds of bread
Stop that chatter monkey mind, relax and get some rest
Screaming muscles, aching joints, intestinal distress
Trying to do the downward dog, but I can't touch my feet
It's coffee, wine and chocolate on my yoga retreat
Coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
So, where' my inner critic now with all her sage advice?
I couldn't find her anywhere, I thought "this is really nice"
I've got permission to relax, a swim would feel so grand
Then I found HER in the hot tub, margarita in her hand!
Stop that chatter monkey mind, get into the swing.
The chant begins with OM, not "oh my God, you must be joking"
My critic's at a loss for words and that feels really sweet.
It's coffee, wine and chocolate on my yoga retreat
Coffee, wine, and chocolate on my yoga retreat
I hope to God someday that I can touch my feet