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You’ve probably seen or heard those so-called “influencers” who boast (as they insist they’re not boasting) about being able to work from anywhere. And maybe they even show you some tropical sights while a steel drum band delivers up some musical beach sounds. Come to think of it, that doesn’t sound half bad right about now. But I digress (or do I?).Pardon me for a second while I turn down the beach sounds in my earbuds.
Of course, most of that influencer stuff is hype and silliness. Sure, it can definitely be done. But most hard-working business owners and entrepreneurs don’t live that life. Because they’re too busy serving the needs of their customers and clients.
But I said all that so I could say this.
I used to live a life very much like that. I led the life of a full-time traveling musician. And there were plenty of times I found myself enjoying the beach sounds during the day, and making the music sounds at night. And thinking up new songs to write or learn. I wasn’t rich, but it sure felt like it sometimes. I can very distinctly remember how, sometimes, I’d pinch myself and say “Just think, Tony, someone is actually paying you to sing and play music!”
The venues wanted top 40 and variety.
So, naturally, that’s what I played. Because I had to get paid. But during the day, I could focus on my original music. And I did a LOT of that. If you’ve followed my articles or podcast for a while, you’ve heard me talk about my Motel Sessions. There were lots of those. And today I found one of those songs from one of those sessions in a little beach motel near Padre Island, Texas.
Keep in mind, the emphasis is on Motel Sessions. No studio involved. No vocal booth. Just pure, raw motel room recording. So, when you check out the podcast version of this post, you’ll hear that it’s not a radio ready recording. But I believe it’s very listenable.
It’s a song about a girl (And the crowd gasps! What?! A musician writing a song about a girl?!). Yeah, I know. But hey, I was much younger, unmarried, and a musician. So, the songwriting trifecta. Anyway, it was a girl I only saw a couple of times. Before you jump to any conclusions, we didn’t have a physical relationship. And truth be known, I think bicycling in the salt air did more to inspire me to write the song than anything else.
Anyway I hope you get a kick out of this little peek behind the curtain of time. Below are the lyrics. And you can hear the song when you click or tap on the podcast player button.
Makenzie
She touched me for a moment and held my heart at bay
A feeling took me over more than just these words can say
She had a look about her that could make a man a boy
But she didn’t take advantage; she didn’t play me like a toy.
Now I often write her letters just to let her know she’s here
In the corner of my memory. In my mind; I hold her near.
Makenzie, make that moment ours again.
Makenzie, let me feel the rhythm of your heart.
I wish we could shut down the hands of time.
Why do I have to be apart from you…Makenzie?
She spoke of Colorado, and a light came to her face.
She said she’d never been there but still she loved the place.
And something stirred inside me ’cause we shared that pleasant thought.
And I think I ought to tell her that, for now, my heart is caught.
© 1987 (January 10)