pulling shoots

words and music by Joe Panzetta

I’ve got something to say but I can’t find the words
like birds I see ‘em, but then they scatter into a tree
I feel it in my heart but as soon as I start to try to look around and see it
it ceases to be

maybe with time in the dark I’ll find how to spark
that truth that I know and I’ll have something to show
but you know what they say ‘bout these things
you may think you have wings
but until you take flight you don’t know if you’re wrong or you’re right

these things come around in mysterious ways
like days and nights they follow their own line
out of the blue here from me there to you
in these words who knows what meaning you might find

thank you my friend in advance for indulging my dance
well it’s awkward, that’s true, but it’s the best that I can do
remember the tale ‘bout the man who tried to hasten his demand
well he pulled on the shoots and mistakenly pulled roots

I’ve got something to say but I can’t find the words
like birds I see ‘em, but then they scatter into a tree

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daffodil

words and music by Joe Panzetta

I tried to warn the daffodil not to trust the days promise
I hate to be a buzz kill I’m just trying to be honest

a time to live a time to pass
of all that comes well nothing lasts
I try to feel what I don’t know
while moving through this earthly show
a time to mourn a time to dance
you cannot plan a game of chance
what can you tell me
before it’s time to go?

I tried to love the whistlelil but I was always off in timing
It seems that only force of will is not enough to bring the shining

a time to live a time to pass
of all that comes well nothing lasts
I try to feel what I don’t know
while moving through this earthly show
a time to mourn a time to dance
you cannot plan a game of chance
what can you tell me
before it’s time to go?

I tried to warn the daffodil not to trust the days promise

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love deserves the crown

words and music by Joe Panzetta

no one ever wants it any other way, there’s just one thing that we’re looking for each day
and that’s love… and love and love and love and love
so god only knows why we ever waste time, mistakenly we learn we have to learn how to shine

sons and daughters, cross the waters, lay your worries down
I don’t know you, but I know you know it’s true, love deserves the crown

look at that change in the space all around, it’s evening outside in the yard laying down
we might not even know just where it is we’re going, but there’s a moon in the sky and who knows what it be showing

sons and daughters, cross the waters, lay your worries down
I don’t know you, but I know you know it’s true, love deserves the crown

warm the embers to start, what you might find in your heart

there’s a crack in the world and we’re spinning apart, it’s so hard to believe I don’t know where to start, and all of these words of how I’m right and you’re wrong,
can’t we just stop and sing the same song

sons and daughters, cross the waters, lay your worries down
I don’t know you, but I know you know it’s true, love deserves the crown

warm the embers to start, what you might find in your heart, what you feel in your heart

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let the right one in

words and music by Chuck Keller

I’d do my best to keep you if there was any way
but the trees are overgrown and the moss is here to stay
and I remember long goodbyes and the thrill of your warm embrace
now the road has grown much stranger than the clouds that darken your face

I didn’t let the right one in but I wish I had
it’s so hard to get rid of them once you let the wrong one in

there are those who will uplift you and those that drag you down
and it’s not always that clear when you decide to keep someone around
‘cause one day its hallelujah and the next fare thee well

I didn’t let the right one in but I wish I had
it’s so hard to get rid of them when you let the wrong one in

so tired of feeling guilty but too tapped into that vein
let’s drink one for the good times before they’ve left without a trace
and one to bless and keep you before we’ve gone our separate ways

I didn’t let the right one in but I wish I had
it’s so hard to get rid of them once you let the wrong one in

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sprite

words and music by Joe Panzetta

dream, you look long in the tooth
faded like an old photograph
you’re as state-of-the-art as a telephone booth
what a laugh

should I dig a hole in the earth of my heart
and bury you with ornamental feather and stone
maybe light a candle in your name
and leave you all alone

as long as I remember you’ve been around
sticking to me like day to night
but you’ve got no form that can be found
you’re just a little sprite

this dance of intention and what is so
graph it on the corner of x and y
but the sand’s dippin’ on the hour glass hole
saying don’t be shy

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adrift

words and music by Rebekah Kuzma

ocean she was adrift on, blanket arms
tossed by ancient matter,
made for higher power,
you cast a net too tight,
with perfume of tongue and fire,
no avalanche of reasoning to loosen rope and wire

its damned desires, that weaken more, her oily skin her deepest pores
out of darkness, light ignites a blinding place, her blood and veins remain
her blast of blue, as open palms release her hue,
letters dripping from her tongue, it is done
breathing in, holding four
It is time to let it go

exhale
exhale
exhale
exhale
exhale
exhale

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looking for free

words and music by Joe Panzetta

I had a seat on top of the world, a star in my crown
I was knocked from my feet as fate unfurled my face to the ground
life is a wheel, that’s the deal, it turns you around
whatever you feel, you better let it all heal or you’ll lose what was found

freedom’s a word what does it mean can anyone say?
I think it’s like love only truly seen when you know its way
is there a false understanding that comes into play?
you’re strong up until the landing, and then you’re made out of clay

looking for free
looking for free

I walked to the water, the morning was new
the starlings were diving out of the blue
exquisitely woven all through the sky
their changing pattern came to my eye
I could not help but be who I was and where
a being of light made of water breathing the air

looking for free
looking for free
looking for free
looking for free

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I was a child

words and music by Joe Panzetta

I was born, I was a child, I grew up, I went to school, I got a job
I was born, I was a child, I grew up, I went to school, I got myself a job
that job became a thing that I do well and now I do it all the time

have mercy, I’m trying to do my best
lord have mercy, my demons don’t rest
I woke up today trying to find my way, I was a child

I was alone, I met a girl, I combed my hair, we fell in love. we made a home
I was alone, I met a girl I combed my hair, we fell in love, we made ourselves a home
a home is a place in the heart where love can feel at home

have mercy, I’m trying to do my best
lord have mercy, my demons don’t rest
I woke up today trying to find my way, I was a child

I was born without knowing when I might die
I was born without knowing when I might die
to die is to fly from underneath to up above or so I’m told

have mercy, I’m trying to do my best
lord have mercy, my demons don’t rest
I woke up today trying to find my way, I was a child

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war on truth

words and music by Joe Panzetta

hello crooked line, so hard to trace
may I learn to turn gracefully
I’ve been drawing lines inside my heart
may I learn to turn

shiny next thing, I don’t know just how
you’ve won any favor in the theater of now
those words are untrue coming out of that face
and if there’s a heart I see no trace

I’ve been thumb-typing in the echo chamber, it’s such a disheartening place
there’s a war on truth, there’s a war on

you’re weaving your tale from then to right now
how you remember the why and the how
hey just one more thing, listen right now
I wish you a future as good as allowed

as good as allowed, the why and the how

we haven’t much time
what came from before is hard to unwind
listen dear one we haven’t much time
for what lies ahead
you better leave something behind

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the great divide

words and music by Joe Panzetta

there’s no way across this divide
we’ll never see things the same way
you say your logic’s sound and no one can deny
all of these half-truths that you’re saying

there’s no telling what may lie before you
when your words are so disguised
before too long, well misfortune will enfold you
and it’ll come as no surprise

there’s no way across this divide
we’ll never be on the same page
every other thing you say is a total blatant lie
you’re the one who belongs inside a cage

there’s no telling what may lie before you
when your words are so disguised
before too long, well misfortune will enfold you
and it’ll come as no surprise

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moonshot

words by Joe Panzetta; music by Dan Tyack

I want to know
what I can not
I want to show
a good face

things forgotten long ago somehow still around
misremembered happenstance never really found
undetected influence silently resounds
dandelion seeds are sleeping underground

I want you
to hold my hand
I want you
to understand

unconstructed memory
decomposing tide
misconnected company
unrequited pride
undesired souvenir looking kind of tired
reluctantly admitting that the moonshot’s missing wide

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slip away quietly

words and music by Joe Panzetta

I me my, when where who
is it the same as this for me and you?

wake now, it’s time to rise
morning light comes to the eyes

I don’t know, I just feel
What you love you just can’t steal

let’s slip away from this noisy crowd
somewhere quiet where we can sing real loud

if only I could listen better before I put my words together
but I’m here speaking in tongues because something’s alive
somewhere inside me and you
what is the way to here
it’s not so clear
somethings alive somewhere inside me and you

sleep now it’s time for bed
rest your tired feet and weary head

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woodstock

words and music by Joni Mitchell
> Visit Jonimitchell.com

blue

words and music by Joe Panzetta

she’s a country girl down in her heart, she wakes up when the bird song starts
she says she once merged with the color green, but her name is blue and that’s plainly seen

she’s the lightning flash and the thunder boom
when she’s not around I hope she comes back soon
when I think of her you know it makes me smile
our kisses last a long long while

she’s a cumulous cloud up in the sky, a thing of beauty coming to my eye
she dances like a willow tree, full of grace, light and free

she’s the lightning flash and the thunder boom
when she’s not around I hope she comes back soon
when I think of her you know it makes me smile
our kisses last a long long long while

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disjointed

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Here I am again, I think I’ve earned this time
To kick back and enjoy some feelings of fine
Into the room of shadows and mischievous smiles
I’m tired of myself, I’m tired of the humdrum

Before long I’ll pillow the thoughts of this life
All of my worries will all go bye bye
The pleasure receptors will all start to fire
But what of this light shines from a lie?

Here in the field we count the stars
But often loose sight of where we’re going
What’s the deal, why is it oh so hard
To find my way
Back there to my home?

You know who is knocking
“just one more time”
You can take me in secret, it‘ll all be just fine
I don’t know why you worry, tomorrow you’ll find
that side of yourself that you like so much better

So go check it out
Cut all the ties
If you happen to see someone just hide your eyes
Ride it all out to the other side
And promise yourself it’s the last time you’ll surf this tide

Here in the field we count the stars
But often loose sight of where we’re going
What’s the deal, why is it oh so hard
To find my way
Back there to my home?

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come dance

words and music by Joe Panzetta – adapted from poems by Rumi and Hafiz as noted below

Outside, it’s a freezing night
Inside a kindling grows warm
The landscape is wide, a cold crusty white
But the real news here’s there’s no news at all
(adapted from Rumi’s “The Tent”)

Listen my friend, something is calling
The breath of the night gently sighs
The moon dropped her dress and now everything’s falling
(adapted by Rumi’s “The New Rule”)
Love is to merge with the sky
(adapted from Rumi’s “Someone Digging In The Ground”)

Here’s how we humans can change
(adapted from Rumi’s “the worm waking”)
And find the secret that hides
Walk to the well of this earthly range
The joy of the universe is inside

Beautiful creature singing the blues
I’m in love with who hides inside you
(adapted from Hafiz’s “We should talk about this problem”)
Come dance with me
(adapted from Hafiz’s “ The God who Only knows four words”)
What you want is the earth, sky and more
On golden wing you can fly through that door
(adapted from Hafiz’s “This Union”)
Come dance with me

Don’t get lost in any of life’s lies
feel your cheek against mine
Find your way and let the oceans rise
(adapted from Rumi’s “A thirsty Fish”)
You’ll soon be harvesting light

Sweet child now is the time
(adapted from Rumi’s “Now is the time”)
there’s love raining down from the sky
It’s so free and wild, take it as a sign
go taste the lips most desired
(adapted from Rumi’s “Someone Digging In The Ground”)

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unforgotten

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Unforgotten wrong, why’d you show your face today?
Sing your sorrow song
Come in for a stay

Come inside, and feel at home
There no need to hide
We’re all alone

Unforgotten dream, I know you all too well
Things aren’t what they seem
No matter what I tell

Unforgotten day from all those years ago
Why your vision stays
I don’t want to know

Unforgotten wrong, why’d you show your face today?
Sing your sorrow song
Come in for a stay

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back to you

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Stay a little while
Don’t worry ’bout nothing now
Open up your smile
I know that you know how
Sit yourself right here
No, you don’t have to fight
Happiness is near
You don’t have to catch the sun to see the light

When you close the door and hide away – we miss you
We’re counting the hours, looking for ways back… to you

Just set all that shit down and feel into the heart
Love is all around
Just let the dancing start

‘Cause when you close the door and hide away – we miss you
We’re counting the hours, looking for ways back… to you

You’re trying to find a truth buried long ago
But the circle mind keeps you chained
It’s a subtle bind digging deeper on itself
But just look behind – moments, one and another dancing with light around the room

Stay a little while

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nothing not nearly

words and music by Laura Marling

Visit LauraMarling.com

ophelia bloom

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Twelve in the sky moving door to door
Thanks for this day, can I have some more?

Walking a line from cradle to grave
What are the things that I’m trying to save?

Don’t tell me ‘bout that particular time when you were staying at that place, and that something went down
Please tell me ‘bout the things that you’re feeling in your heart right now
What you been following around?

Ophelia bloom, you’re making me swoon
I feel your pull on me
A late evening sky shines in your eyes, an opening reality

You’re a most intriguing melody
With all your curves and bends
I feign impartiality
Always the polite friend

A thought from the blue of me and you is filling up my mind and heart
What a pleasant walk – all that mental talk
Let’s skip the chase and let it start

‘Cause if I added in some harmony as we’re coming ‘round again
We might enjoy the hospitality of what the universe sends
You’re a most intriguing melody
With all your curves and bends
I feign impartiality
Always the polite friend

Ophelia, I feel you
I feel you pulling on my heart

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lady bug

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Lady bug I see you flying
All adorned in red and black
Come here and land upon my shoulder
I promise to give you back

I am but one of many travelers
Moving a long through time and space
Now I must go, ‘cause something’s calling
And it’s not your face

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canvas

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Is this the old side of young, or the young side of old?
Can I still invent myself, or has my story been told?

I can remember the feeling of yesteryear
A mixture of confidence slightly brackish with fear

Water and fire
Lost and found in kind
All my desire
You know it all goes down in my mind

The days keep slipping out the door
To get in their line
Moving backwards and forwards
They’re threaded by time

Water and fire
Lost and found in kind
All my desire
You know it all goes down in my mind

Hey you, what are you waiting for, fool?
You act as though you’ve got all the time in the world
But here’s what’s true: you’re just standing still
While you’re turning all your dots into lines
While you’re turning all your dots into lines
Decide who you are, not what you’re wanting to be
Decide who you are, not what you’re wanting to be

Is this the old side of young, or the young side of old?
Can I still invent myself, or has my story been told?

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tracing

words and music by Joe Panzetta

A long, long time ago
In a very different place
I carried fewer years
And wore a younger face
Now that persons gone
But I still somehow trace
In a line

I’m wearing a smile today
A costume out on loan
I’m actually miles away
From feeling at home

But I’ve been here before
I think I know which way to go
And if I lose my way
May another path show
Some useful thing I might not otherwise had known

I’m wearing a frown today
Caught up in its hold
But I think that I’ve found a way
To warm me from this cold

‘Cause I’ve been here before
I think I know which way to go
And if I lose my way
May another path show
Some useful thing I might not otherwise had known

A long, long time ago
In a very different place
I carried fewer years
And wore a younger face
Now that persons gone
But I still somehow trace
In a line

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you are

words and music by Joe Panzetta

How it is I love the way that you are, darling you
I don’t think I’ll ever find the words to say it through

You are the light of day
You are the still of night
I’ve seen you catch the wind
You make me feel alright

How it is I love the way that you are, darling you
I don’t think I’ll ever find the words to say it through

Pink moon rising above the city lights
Share your grace with us tonight
Pale stars rising above the field
Take our dreams into your yield

How it is I love the way…
How it is I love the way…
How it is I love the way that you are, darling you

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what our love could be

words and music by Peter Mulvey & Joe Panzetta

Nobody really loves anybody
Not like they know they should
Not like they wish they could
Everybody says baby give me one more chance to love you like I know I do

Now listen here my sweet honey
I know that you know that it’s true
I ain’t dwelling in no theory babe
I’m talking about me and you

‘Cause when I say that nobody really loves anybody
I’m talking about you and me and what our love can be

Now listen here my sweet honey
I know that you know – that I know – it’s true
I ain’t dwelling in no theory babe
I’m singing about me – talking about you

‘Cause when I say that nobody really loves anybody
I’m talking about you and me and what our love can be

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dreamer of dreams

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Hey there my friend, I know your face
I recognize you, I see who you are
You’re a dreamer of dreams, a light from a far
distant place

Tell me, what is illusion, and what is real?
Beyond the matrix of societal norms, paying your mortgage, and filling out forms,
what’s the deal?

Dreamer of dreams, work your hands into the clay
Forge us a trail where there is none today
Set your arrow to bow and hunt your shadows in the dark
Close your eyes to hit the mark

My understanding based on what I can see
Is that conceptualization and rational thought, emotions and feelings…
A tug of war is being fought
Inside of me

I write my “rude Q&A”
To broaden my stance
I build a platform to stand on
To make my case
I’m wielding language
I’m wearing my best face
For my ghost of a chance

Dreamer of dreams, work your hands into the clay
Forge us a trail where there is none today
Set your arrow to bow and hunt your shadows in the dark
Close your eyes to hit the mark

Close your eyes

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stay up late

words and music by Joe Panzetta

Last quarter moon up in the sky
Midnight’s blooming by your grace
I can see earth’s shadow on your face

It’s you and I all alone tonight
Everyone’s gone into town
Let’s stay up late and see what might be found

Sweet summer breeze, blowing in
My window open to the night
You’re such a tease, harboring
So many spirits in your flight

I’ll think of something to sing about
While you’re dancing with the leaves
I think I might just let it all hang out, if you please

Sweet summer breeze, blowing in
My window open to the night
You’re such a tease, harboring
So many spirits in your flight

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