Brian Peters

Wrote this little singalong many years ago for a fellow Soundclouder who was feeling a bit low. My daughter was in her early teens when she took the lead vocals, and my son was pre-teen. I’m hugely indebted to the supremely talented Russ Sinfield for taking time out to mix and master this little pick-me-up - thanks a ton, mate, I’m really very grateful. (https://soundcloud.com/russell-sinfield #chaoscookhouse) Enjoy! Levana: Lead vox, bvs Jehan: Bvs Me: the rest Russ Sinfield: Mix and mastering Singing The Song (Brian Peters) Looking for a brighter day To come and wash your worries away Hey come on now, come on Searching for a bluer sky And you don’t know the reason why Hey come on now, come on *You got to keep on holding on You got to keep your spirit strong You got to keep on singing the song And it won’t be long* Looking for that ray of hope And finding that it’s hard to cope Hey come on now, come on Wishing on a shooting star Trying to figure who you are Hey come on now, come on Well I ain’t walking in your shoes And we all carry our own blues

A real joy to have Karin-Maria Brunner join me on this song. She has really done an amazing job with my basic track. My grateful thanks and deepest appreciation to you, Karin-Maria. (@user-53145152-479345033) https://soundcloud.com/karin-maria-brunner K-M: Epic pad, Vintage synthesiser strings, harp, violin, viola, cello, crash, bass, processing, mixing and mastering Me: vocals, guitars, drums, keyboards Promise Me (Brian Peters) It's hard to believe Takes courage of man to admit it There's a memory within me The sound of your name recalls it We're living in days Dancing too close to the heat There's pockets of fires Scattered all over the streets *Promise me baby You won't let another come between our love Promise me baby You won't imprison the dove* They tied up the servant They killed the messenger Made a home explosive Marked it ‘return to sender’ There’s a crack in the conscience A finger of light in the skies There’s bug on your telephone Your windows are full of eyes It’s the day of the aliens Night of the UFOs They took all the war brides The baby boomer girls There’s halls of illusion Perverted sex on the screen Young minds in confusion Old men with adolescent dreams The prophet is dishonoured Especially in his own home I’ve been reading Borges Listening to Leonard Cohen There’s sex on the telephone A hundred iniquity dens But the women are sexless There are no real men There’s blood on the doorposts The angel of death is near Speak softly, darling Even the walls have ears There’s a place in the hills It’s like the top of Masada It’s the gateway to paradise Or the scene of a murder Well, the world’s getting smaller It’s like a one horse town But the circle gets faster As it spirals down And the more things are changing The more they are the same And I sound like my daddy I guess he felt the same

I bought a 12-string for the first time in my life - had a little play around. I just love that ringing jangly sound. And repetitive mantric devotionals are great to listen to as well! My Grace Is Enough (Brian Peters) My grace is enough for you My grace is enough for you For all that you do And all you go though My grace is enough for you Look A Little Higher (Brian Peters) Look a little higher than your dreams Look a little higher than your times Look a little higher than your schemes Look a little higher than your mind Look a little higher than your will Keep on looking unto the hills Look a little higher than your power Look a little higher than your plans Look a little higher than your strength Look a little higher than your hands Look a little higher than your skill Keep on looking unto the hills Look a little higher than your silver Look a little higher than your gold Look a little higher than your barns Look a little higher than your folds Look a little higher than your fields Keep on looking unto the hills

I wrote this last year after some tragic news events. While the gun control discussion goes on, I’m still hoping… A real pleasure to have Pravinand joining in…thanks mate, your harmonica really gives this a lift. @johnny-minstrel Last Bullet To Fall (Brian Peters) He had his workout, got into shape With a pre-dawn run Bought some takeout, briskly escaped Into the morning sun A rodded wood beam, trigger and tape That he found on the ‘net Some target shooting, sling bag and cape And he was finally set He moved behind the crowded scene Like a snake on the ground Raised his head, uncoiled to spring As he fired his rounds Now I’m holding my breath Like I’m under water For the death of death In the ever after Where the reels of regret Will be turned into laughter But till that trumpet calls I’ll be shouting from the top of the city walls Waiting for the last bullet to fall Some weeks before I was glued to my phone Just scrolling through Caught my eye some kids had died In a Texas school Slip of a lad just went mad With an AR-15 Shot his gran, got into her van Headed down the street Powder and lead were burning red In the midday heat Twenty-One Dead, the headline read It was the bloodiest scene So I’m holding my breath Like I’m under water For the death of death In the ever after Where the peals of lament Will be spun into laughter But till that trumpet calls I’ll be shouting from the top of the city walls Yes I’m holding my breath Like I’m under water For the death of death In the sweet hereafter Where the steel of dissent Will be bent to a ploughshare But till that trumpet calls I’ll be shouting from the top of the city walls Waiting for the last bullet to fall

This is a delightful departure from my norm. I’ve always loved the Wayfarer cloud, and suggested a collaboration. DG sent me this powerful, haunting music, and the whole song lyric was written within a few hours of listening to it. This is the first time I’ve written something to another piece of music. Thanks a million for such a pleasurable and novel experience, DG. Such a joy working with you on this! Wayfarer DG: Music and mix https://soundcloud.com/user-996383829 Me: Lyrics and vocal Cloudy Charlie (Brian Peters/Dirk Gilleard) Night crawls round your corner Opens up an eye Swallows all the colour Of your life Better read the sign Written in the sand Get yourself together The hour is at hand Cloudy Charlie calling Down your cul-de-sac Leave the blizzard howling At your back Wilderness in tatters Moon has turned to blood The living have been scattered Before the final flood *Sunlight has been broken Pieces on the way Sleep with one eye open Until Judgement Day* Leave one in the chamber Get your running sack Eat the bread of danger Never turn back

This is what jamming with the great Johnny Minstrel sounds like. We always loved that light free airy sound. No added fx. Thanks Pravinand @johnny-minstrel JM: electric guitar, harmonica The Line (Brian Peters) I was looking out my window on the first day of Spring Thought I saw the Winter phantom, well he touches everything We never know what's good or bad until one of them is gone Everyone is looking for the line between right and wrong Well we're looking to the heavens and we haven't left the ground Looking for the eternal in a world going down This road just keeps you travelling, going on and on Everyone is looking for the line between right and wrong I never know what's hurting, I never know what's true But man is always restless about the things he always knew It seems like it started from the day I was born Everyone is looking for the line between right and wrong All of us are blinded, learning how to survive Someone else may tell you, you got to keep hope alive Well I'm staring out my window, I might see another dawn Everyone is looking for the line between right and wrong

Thank you for listening over the last 10 years, for commenting, liking and reposting. Special thanks to those I’ve collaborated with, and those who’ve covered my songs. I’m so grateful to you all, and best wishes for 2023. Talk To Me (Brian Peters) Talk to me about trouble Talk to me about strife Talk to me about men living a double life Talk to me about hunger Talk to me about pain Talk to me about men dying and their deaths being in vain Draw near Put your lips to my ear and talk to me Talk to me about heartache Talk to me about loss Talk to me about men carrying too heavy a cross Talk to me about mercy Talk to me about truth Talk to me about forgiveness in the kissing booth Fold me In your gentle sea and talk to me Talk to me in the whirlwind Talk to me in the heat Talk to me in the thunder of the city’s feet Talk to me in the stillness far away from the noise Talk to me sweetly in that still, small voice Steal away from the cares of the day and talk to me -------------------- [Some unused verses] Talk to me of the garden Talk to me of the fall Talk to me of that valley and the prophets of Baal Talk to me about religion and the loss of God Talk to me about the kingdom and that level sword Stay on for the night is long and talk to me Talk to me about beauty Talk to me about life Talk to me about the colours in the rainbow of light Talk to me about magic in a lover’s eyes Talk to me about music in the heart of the night Lay down on this covered ground and talk to me Talk to me in the riddle of the spoken word Talk to me in the alphabet from another world Talk to me about longing for the one that we seek Talk to me of that name that no man shall speak Thrill me with mystery and talk to me

This singalong was written during my young idealistic days, based on the amusing stories of Giovanni Guareschi. I thought I’d drag it out of the archives for a bit of fun! Little World (Brian Peters) The world of Don Camillo is a little place Sitting on the River Po Work enough for living, time enough to wait And there’s space enough to grow The faith of Don Camillo is a simple grace Patient as the river flow Taking up within the sphere of earthly ways And he knows it must be so - We all live in a little world We can make it grow We all keep the universe And we know it must be so - The God of Don Camillo has a human face Watching as they come and go Sharing in a knowledge that is people based And He knows it must be so

For the joy of acoustic instruments. I wrote this when I turned 35 and moved to the UK. So grateful to have my good friend Johnson joining me - this really feels like a sweet acoustic jam, JR (@johnson-ramm) JR: added guitars and added vocals Me: vox, guitars, harmonica and other stuff Middle of Life (Brian Peters) I'm in the middle of life So much has passed I'm only 35 Save the best for last Hey, riding through the middle of life I'm in the middle of love And I'm settling down I can't get enough It goes and comes around Hey, riding through the middle of love I'm in the middle of the world Between the east and the west And I'm riding the curve Between the bad and the best Hey, riding in the middle of the world I'm in the middle of life So much has gone I'm only 35 But I'm moving on Hey, riding through the middle of life

This is one of my very earliest songs from many decades ago. I decided to put it up here on Soundcloud. Matt Bowman: bass Nick Shutler: sax In God’s Name (Brian Peters) A village burns and leaves a scar on Mother Earth The scented flames ascend beyond the fallen ruins And helpless cries are stilled beneath the weight of senseless birth A sacrifice is offered by the architects of doom A figurehead is raised to cull the subjects’ praise The attributes of God are transferred to his name Unwarranted, his show of wrath and force belie his fears His stature grows, but only death and pain support his claim And so the game is played No fears are allayed And tearing down the idol Can’t be but suicidal Then suddenly a warning shout disturbs his rest The spirits of the wronged are merged with forces of the right A flash of light that brightens up the sky from east to west He crumbles and descends into the world of endless night And so his fate was sealed His evil work revealed Just memories remain To inflict no further pain

This was written in South Africa in 1987, a few years before the release of Nelson Mandela - really digging into the archives here! It was one of a handful of songs co-written with Pravinand (@johnny-minstrel). I had the first verse and an inkling of a melody, and Pravinand finished it off. We were very chuffed by the end result. Hope you like it. The Prisoner (Peters/Maharaj) The empty space he feared Was fixed between his ears To live is but to bear The scourge of twilight years He lost the strength to fight He lost the will to live For all that was his right They took away from him He cannot move his arms The iron weighs him down His feet, they cannot dance He feels no joyful sound He alone must grieve The toll of passing years He alone must feel The loneliness and fears His eyes reflect the pain A man should never bear How long will he sustain To hurt for what is fair And in the dark he prays No one hears his heart Except the one who made Man from dust and blood

With thanks to Femi Ashiru and the late Ian Joshua. You may also like Arkestar's remix - here is the link: https://soundcloud.com/ocean-of-tunes-presents/brian-peters-a-man-of-promise-arkestar-rmx-2021-copy Man of Promise (Brian Peters) He was a man of promise coming down Riding through the dusty white southern towns They heard his music, they thought he was strange But they needed somebody, it was time for change They gave him their disease and they gave him hate They led to the elders at the city gates He toppled the tables at the house of commerce And everyone was frightened of the man of promise - He stood in the jaw of the lion He walked through the trap of the bear He laid in the nest of the eagle And he trampled on the serpent’s head - He was a man of promise come from God He carried the scales and he carried the rod The rod was straight, the scales were set The writing on the wall was the letter of death Everybody knew that the end would come In a hail of bullets from a friendly gun They strung up a recluse, a Judas, a Thomas Then they started looking for another man of promise

Sometimes that's just the way they come to you. Becoming (Brian Peters) I am growing I am learning I am changing And becoming The world is growing The world is learning The world is changing And becoming God is growing God is learning God is changing And becoming

The Songbird asked me to play piano on this cover. It was really such a joy doing this. Thanks a million Cindy - I love it. Your voice soars! Thanks for listening, everyone...no studio wizardry used. Cindy: Vocals https://soundcloud.com/cindyeichardt Me: Piano https://soundcloud.com/cindyeichardt/way-over-yonder-brian-peters Way Over Yonder (Carole King) Way over yonder Is a place that I know Where I can find shelter From hunger and cold And the sweet tastin' good life Is so easily found A way over yonder, that's where I'm bound I know when I get there The first thing I'll see Is the sun shining golden Shining right down on me Then trouble's gonna lose me Worry leave me behind And I'll stand up proudly In true peace of mind Way over yonder Is a place I have seen In a garden of wisdom From some long ago dream And maybe tomorrow I'll find find my way To the land where the honey runs In rivers each day And the sweet tastin' good life Is so easily found A way over yonder That's where I'm bound A way over yonder That's where I'm bound

This song is about keeping our hearts soft despite difficult experiences. There are no fx added. Also listen to If Love [Arkestar RMX 2021] by Arkestar on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/NwyQP If Love... (Brian Peters) If love is the answer Don't leave me bitter I won't be a quitter... on love If love is the reason I won't harbour treason I'm in the season... for love - Now I find Love is blind Now I know Love will grow... again - If love is a flower And this is the hour Give me the power... to love - Now I find Love is blind Now I know Love will grow... again - If love is a maiden And time wears a veiling I will be waiting... for love

I've written several songs on the theme of lost love. Some on this cloud are: 'Open Heart', 'The Space Between Us', and 'If Love...' Here are another couple of songs on that theme. Night Room (Brian Peters) Oh the night has a room for me Between the dream and the memory I was in the sun But I lost someone Now the moon is my company Book of Books (Brian Peters) We walked together We became one Roses and heather Flowers in the sun Flowing with no backward looks We wrote our first words In the Book of Books Looking for changes And opening doors Following strangers To some foreign shores Nesting in our northern nook We were writing out lines In the Book of Books But God is righteous And God is just My spirit rises But yield I must With one hand He gave With the other He took We turned another page In the Book of Books Now I'm alone In the middle of the night We'll meet in heaven Where there is no man and wife Before the Living Brook Writing our final chapter In the Book of Books

Such a joy to have Martin Lucas (The Celturian) on this instrumental piece. He is a hugely gifted musician, and I'm honoured to have him on board. His contribution really enhances this simple composition. https://soundcloud.com/the-celturian https://soundcloud.com/the-celturian/ruah-brian-peters-feat-the-celturian?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=0 Flute/Violin: Martin Guitar/Composition: Me Drawing: 'Terebinth' (BP)

Faith and social issues can be contentious and polarising. But for me, both combined is a marriage made in heaven. As a young songwriter I wanted to explore that, and this was one of those attempts. It is based on the ‘I Am’ sayings, and I thank you for listening. Drawing: Qesheth (BP) Another version by Raging Rausch: https://soundcloud.com/raging-rausch/brian-peters-i-saw-jesus-raging-rausch-cover-version-8 I Saw Jesus (Brian Peters) I saw Jesus in a man who didn’t have a home He was left to wander alone Nowhere to go, no place to rest And nothing secure Jesus, won’t you be the door Jesus, won’t you be the door I saw Jesus in a woman holding empty hands Living out of empty cans Her children starve, it’s been a while Since they were fed Jesus, won’t you be the bread Jesus, won’t you be the bread I saw Jesus in a boy within a prison cell What he’s done he cannot tell Accusers lie, and so his life Will end at youth Jesus, won’t you be the truth Jesus, won’t you be the truth [I saw Jesus in a little girl of eight In her hands she held her fate Away from home the city’s cold But she must stay Jesus, won’t you be the way Jesus, won’t you be the way]* I saw Jesus in a baby who has not a prayer Death and illness ever near May last the night, Tomorrow baby won’t survive Jesus, won’t you be the life Jesus, won't you be the life [I saw Jesus in a people living under siege Never having what they need Their lives have been a horror Of eternal night Jesus, won’t you be the light Jesus, won’t you be the light]* *omitted verses

The songs I've always loved writing are those that come easily, whether they are 'soul-baring' personal expressions or 'thought-constructed' forms. This came very quickly. Sketch: "Bereshit" (Brian Peters) I’VE GROWN USED TO YOU (Brian Peters) I’ve grown used to you What can I say I can’t seem to tell it right Any other way I get to feeling all the things that you do Ooh babe, I’ve grown used to you I’ve grown used to you Does it seem bad Like it’s always been this way For the little time we’ve had Feels like we’re riding on an old country bus Ooh, babe, I’ve grown used to us I’ve grown used to you I’ve grown used to you I’ve grown used to you More than a wife Like I’ve known you somewhere else In another life Feels like we’re locked inside an old memory Ooh babe, and you’ve grown used to me I’ve grown used to you Close as I can For all the distance that they say Between a woman and a man You’re still a mystery, I don’t know where you’re at Ooh babe, and I’ve grown used to that I’ve grown used to you I’ve grown used to you (Solo) I’ve grown used to you At the end of the day I can’t seem to tell it right Like you heard me say Guess I believe in magic and déjà vu Ooh babe, I’ve grown used to you

I wrote this in my 20s in the Apartheid era as a tribute to the many people we lost. During this time our home and our church were invaded by the Special Branch while we were holding meetings. Our phone was tapped, and at work I received a scare call from the Wit Wolf that a bomb was placed in our legal offices. And yet my anti-apartheid involvement was very light-touch and perfectly legal! Heady days indeed. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abDQ6Y4jrnM One Life (Brian Peters) It's so hard to touch a life And it's so hard to feel To know that this is right And this is what is real And when one life goes out Nothing's changed, nothing's new It's your point-of-view You know it could have been you There's no meaning except to know That this is what we give No sense to what we've lost Except to know we live And when one life goes out Something changes within It's a tragedy I guess it could have been me And I'm thinking about Robert And I'm thinking about Ruth And I'm thinking about Albert And I'm thinking about Rick And I'm thinking about Stephen And I'm thinking about Neil And I'm thinking about David And I'm thinking about Chris And I'm thinking about Matthew And I'm thinking about Fort And I'm thinking about Hector And I'm thinking about Saul And I'm thinking about Dulcie And I'm thinking about Johnny And I'm thinking about Solomon And I'm thinking about Sipho And when one life goes out Something changes within It's a tragedy

I was out of town and missing my wife-to-be, so I wrote this. I'm Missing You (Brian Peters) In the midnight You're away How many candles do you light To make it day I feel it too I'm missing you I'm missing you In the sunrise Cold and grey How many promises you make As you pray I feel it too

There was a short period when I stopped using the usual verse/chorus/bridge format, and tried a repetitive drone style instead. I was hoping it would be more transfixing, beguiling and entrancing. This is one of those attempts. Wind In The Trees (Brian Peters) I was on a ride on a sea of dreams When I saw the skies like a water stream On another world on the other side Was another face looking into mine With the eyes of peace Aah but I'm like the wind in the trees Well I thought of you and I thought of me In a dying world we are breaking free We are going down, we are holding on We are on the shore looking at the sun Waiting for release Aah but we're like the wind in the trees Well I tried to sleep, I couldn't settle down Tried TV without the sound On a night like this you could use some help It could do you harm, you could give yourself Over to the beast Aah when you're like the wind in the trees Well my lover lies here next to me And she's got that face of mystery Like a virgin bride or Mother Eve There are changes there when she smiles at me 'Darling go to sleep' Aah but I'm like the wind in the trees

Took up my acoustic guitar after a long while to put this one together. Circle of Light (Brian Peters) She was covered all in glory She was woman, she was Eve He was waiting at the river for his bride She could weave a story That he wanted to believe They fell in love within the circle of light She would gather berries Singing to her child He would build a fire for the night She was sanctuary He was kingdom wild Making up a home within the circle of light I lie upon the bosom I'm in the wilderness The moon and stars are watching through the night When the winter world was frozen There was tenderness When he met her within the circle of light

I was unsure about adding more, so decided to keep this sparse and simple. You’re On My Mind (Brian Peters) You’re on my mind In the light of day Did I lose my way Is it hard to find You’re on my mind Did I hurt you then Was I wrong again Was I so unkind You’re on my mind - Did I take you for granted When I said you were mine Did you feel you were unwanted Just a part of my design You’re on my mind - Was I all uptight Did I see it right Did I take the time You’re on my mind Did we lock that door On what has gone before And what we left behind You’re on my mind - Did I rob you of pleasure Did I steal your smile Did I wrongfully measure Your will against mine - Solo - Can we make it through Tell me what to do Will it work this time You’re on my mind There’s a price to pay For the things I say When I cross that line You’re on my mind

Such a joy to have Hilary Dirlam on this track. She really is a superb multi-instrumentalist. So wonderful working with you, Hilary - my humble thanks for everything: https://soundcloud.com/hilary-dirlam Hilary: harmonies, banjo, swar mandal, kalimba, pan pipes Me: vox, guitar, ukelele, bass, harmonica Let It Rain (Brian Peters) There's an old feeling in my bones Turning like a weather vane Tells me when I get back home Things won't be the same The evening air is getting cold The wind is on the rise The little worm is in his hole The rainbirds left the skies Let it rain, let it fall Flowing from the mountain to the city walls Tearing down the tallest height Let it rain tonight I met a man outside the wall Where the gate is open wide He has been all around the world And over to the other side I met a woman on the road Throwing wishes in a well She was like a summer rose Waiting for the evening bell

Wrote this on visiting this city for the first time one cold winter with tales of Jack the Ripper in my head. I'm supremely delighted to have the Lonesome D String Band making his awesome contribution to it. Thank you, Dan Greenwood - such a joy working with you. I have the deepest respect for your incredible musicianship: https://soundcloud.com/lonesomedstringband https://soundcloud.com/lonesomedstringband/london-town-brian-peters-wldsb Dan: melodica, cigar box guitar, country guitar, ukelele, crunchy guitar, bells Me: vox, acoustic guitar, harmonica, bvs London Town (Brian Peters) Footsteps are fading on Cobblestone Street The wind is beginning to bite A newspaper settles over her feet Late on December's night The leaves were brown, they covered the ground The fog came gently on London Town The morning was shaky, a hollow glow The lamps were flickering dim A policeman was knocking on every door A curtain was moving within There wasn't a clue, no trail could be found The sun broke through on London Town The Mail and the Times, they carried the news What little the neighbours could tell A different version but which one was true The papers were starting to sell She didn't cry out, not even a sound The sun went down on London Town The face of a starlet and eyes of a child The picture was recent, he said His fingers were nervous, his countenance wild We'll get him alive or dead What goes around must come around The night fell swiftly on London Town

This little song is about staying strong and true as we get older. I decided to keep it rough and bare. Bless This Heart (Brian Peters) I've been travelling a while Wearing out these miles Portioning my days In that circle of time I've been holding fast Unrolling the past And I'm doing fine Bless this heart of mine The bright new man, the dunce, I do not fear The blazing sun, the bone-beak missile spear I count them none I've been spinning a dial Unreeling a line Floating on a river Without a sign A sailing lotus shell On a ripple bell Yes, I'm doing fine Bless this heart of mine The cackle and the bark, they hold no sway The parables of dark, they're like the spray I count them none I've been holding the nerve On a winding curve Shooting out some pebbles In the grit and grime My rumbled peace As I take my ease Says I'm doing fine Bless this heart of mine Yes, I'm doing fine Bless this heart of mine

This is a low-key return to the Cloud. The most traumatic experience I've had to endure is the separation from my family. Despite the pain and hurt, I have tried to bear it with dignity, respect and good grace. I wrote many songs about it - two are still on my cloud: 'If Love...', and 'Open Heart'. 'The Space Between Us' is another attempt to come to terms with the situation. The Space Between Us (Brian Peters) You walked away You didn't look back You didn't turn into a pillar of salt I was still waiting For the attack And I was looking for a glimmer of fault There were no answers Just questions unasked No rhyme or reason To peg to my mast You took it all Stirring no dust And in the quiet hush You left the space between us But I wish you well Whatever you choose I don't rejoice in wishes denied The thing you love most Must surely be loosed And I can carry every secret inside There is no malice Now we're apart I'm only sorry That it didn't last We had our moments And though they are passed I'm still holding fast To the space between us And God is in heaven Among the stars They circle round us Like giant cars But He keeps His eye Directing their paths And I pray God will watch In the space between us

I really love it when things come together quickly. Daniel contacted me two weeks ago, and suggested a collaboration. This song immediately came to me, and I sent him a recording a few days later. He then added his magical instrumentation and backing vocals. I am so grateful to him for his wonderful talent and input on this. Thank you, Daniel! https://soundcloud.com/user-276716031 I also asked my niece, Judith, to provide the artwork. It includes a photo of my dad, and the sheet of his favourite song. Thank you, Judith! In remembrance of my dad - this Christmas Eve will be 3 years since his passing. Thanks for listening. Daniel Lockhart: strings, violins, added vocals, harmonium, slide lead guitar, hollow body guitar, accordion Me: vocals, acoustic guitars, bass Judith Joshua: artwork video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V2VyqmvdRo&index=1&list=UUDAJEffE-Nk6zs4eYTrNEgg Birds of Heaven (Brian Peters) Not another story Of princes, crowns and glory Kingdoms rise and fall To a Jester’s call Where Man does not belong There’s a chapel here A burned-out tabernacle here Where a Sliding Stone Makes a passing home For the birds of heaven Now the Archer’s leaving The arrow’s arc receding Bleary harmonies Set in broken keys Are rolling out a song Thru’ the fallow fields Spins a Piper’s reel And Time is gain On a rusty chain For the birds of heaven There’s an open door Fading lines along the shore And flying high In a bluer sky Are the birds of heaven

...wrote this 10 days ago after listening to some of Steve's songs...initially intended it as a kind of homage to the great songwriter, but the song took its own course. I contacted Steve (https://soundcloud.com/spanishlies) the next day to find he'd just returned from the hospital. So glad you're well, Steve, and hope you like this little musical offering. Your music inspires me...thank you! Another Walks Beside (Brian Peters) The blind shall lead the blind I only know what’s left behind I deucedly follow the arrow of time I can do no other And I grow my grain In the wind and rain And I harvest the pain For my fodder Whate’er befall, whate’er betide Another walks beside [short interlude 1] A crying falcon glides I leave undone to where she hides The craggy shore behoves a guide For foe or brother And I blow my horn To the onward storm Fold my fingers fastly on To the rudder How long the road, how rough the ride Another walks beside [ragged harmonica solo] Forsake the marriage feast The unchaste bride, the knowing beast The drunken bellicose great high priest Takes a lover [short interlude 2] May love abound, may faith abide And another walk beside

During Apartheid-era South Africa it was quite common for the regime to use the death penalty as a way of eliminating or scaring off opposition. That history has largely turned me against capital punishment. This is dedicated to those prisoners-of-conscience who made the ultimate sacrifice! vid link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCxWnkrqlxI&feature=youtu.be Death Row (Brian Peters) See yourself in the water Feel the grains of sand beneath your feet Whirling up in form superior Enthralling me with majesty Natural is and natural let it be We live or we die beneath the sacred tree Life is just a mist Soon it’s time to go Spare my little kid Waiting on Death Row To each his own and all for all Provided we can live in honesty Perversion comes to turn the mind Away from man’s equality Natural is and natural let it be We live or we die beneath the sacred tree Life is just a mist Soon it’s time to go Spare my little kid Waiting on Death Row

I've been meaning to collaborate with Sandy for a while now. She has the warmest, most sincere and honest voice on SC. I'm so glad the time has finally arrived. We tried one or two things, but they weren't working out. I decided to write something specially for her, and this is the result. Through this time we got to know each better, and shared our experiences with each other. I am so grateful to count her as my friend. Thank you, Sandy! Sandy: Lead Vocals Me: Music & Background Vocals Open Heart (Brian Peters) - An open heart may be abused May be broken, may be bruised Lovers scorn the thorny dart We got to keep an open heart - The tree of life is blooming And I must learn to live The dove of peace is wooing And I must learn to forgive The things I would, I do not do Ain’t it just the way The things I would not, that I do What more can I say The road may rise to meet me The road may fall away May I keep an open heart When love comes my way

A real treat to have Jordan sing this song. He is an amazing interpreter, with a superb voice! Thank you, Jordan, for this honour. If you want to hear all the music I enjoy listening to, folks, please visit https://soundcloud.com/jordan-cannady Jordan Cannady: Lead Vocals, Guitar (r) Me: the rest Links: https://soundcloud.com/jordan-cannady/road Road In The Desert (Brian Peters) You were here and you were gone Like a candle before the sun Back to where you were born Waiting for a final home - There’s a road in the desert lies With no leaving and no returning No hellos and no goodbyes Once you’re on it, you just keep moving on - You take a walk through that door There’s one way in, and then one more You take a chance on this life You are here just for a time You have seen the end of dreams Carried on the wayward wind To the ocean of our lives We are just a ripple in time

vid link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Tw7pYMhAQ Wonders Will Never Cease (Brian Peters) As long as I can make amends And turn an enemy into a friend As long as I in love defend the peace Wonders will never cease As long as I can take a stand And hold a fallen brother by the hand As long as I can see that man increase Wonders will never cease - I’m calling you There’s a better way I’m calling you There’s a better way - As long as I can heal a wrong Uplift the weak and purify the strong As long as I embrace the very least Wonders will never cease Wonders will never cease