The Days…                                                 
Copyright 2009, Stephanie R.
Johnson....

.. ..

Sweet nostalgia hit my inbox
today....

Hard to believe 20 years came
and went our way....

Photos of faces, fresh and
full of fire....

Soarin’ high in their cheerleading
attire…....

....Shelby....’s pretty pony tail blowin in the wind....

With her Jake on the field,
scorin 6 again....

Wrapped up in the Fall
football haze....

Caught up in the making of…....

.. ..

The days… of cheering for Midwestern
flames and farm boys....

The days… of kicking high and
flying high on life....

The days… of trying to make
the grade, full of friends and beds we made....

The days of believing we’d be
leaving… no time soon.....

When we girls were the stars
and our boys hung the moon.....

I clicked on the image of that
time machine.....

The faraway frames on our
life’s movie screen....

And, as they rolled, so, they
told…  “the days”....

.. ..

I have to admit, as the
memories came clear.....

The best of bittersweet fought
off a tear.....

Frozen frames inside our
moving story....

Marched on to the beat of our
new grown-up glory....

Jake and Shelby married soon
thereafter ....

Brought their children to that
chapter....

Saw shots of their gang not
long ago....

Gorgeous grins graced the sand
of ....Mexico........

Could tell by the looks on
their faces,....

They were caught up in the
making of…....

.. ..

The days… of cheering for
their little, little leaguers....

The days… of taking turns and
taking leaps of faith....

The days… of fittin’ it all in,
full of love’s adrenaline  ....

The days of liven within their
means and their American dream....

When drawing the line between
is a fine art it seems....

As Jake captures the kids in
the digital craze....

..Shelby.. shines under the ....Yucatan.... rays....

With words unspoken, her heart
soaks in…  “the days”....

.. ..

And… the days, can get heavy
and hard....

They’re not all picnics in the
perfect backyard....

Spun up in life’s web can tangle
our ties....

When we find ourselves there, go
back to the start....

To a simpler September, and
remember…....

.. ..

The days… of cheering for Midwestern
flames and farm boys....

The days…of kicking high and
flying high on life....

The days… of trying to make
the grade, full of friends and beds we made....

The days of believing we’d be
leaving…no time soon....

When we girls were the stars
and our boys hung the moon....

As we flip back the page to
our old grand stand....

The tables are turned, now
we’re the fans.....

In the bleachers, just out of
reach of… “the days”....

.. ..

We cheer them on like an old
friend....

That always takes you back…....

And silently remind them, that
the days, the best days....

Are down around the track.....

.. ..

.. ..

S. Johnson ....

Hello Friends and Collaborators,

Life has been an absolute whirlwind as of late, however, I have had the opportunity to write much more in the past couple years due to circumstance, and honestly, necessity.  Writing is my healer and spiritual medicine, no doubt.  So, I wanted to share some copywritten material that has yet to be completed in "full-song format" as far as lyrical composition goes. As a writer, it is often a much needed release to unleash your material to diffuse the creative angst.  As always, I encourage you to leave a comment or request for a collaborative opportunity.  Publishers, I'm ready. I dropped the ball the first time around or... maybe it just wasn't my time yet.  I'm opting on the latter. FYI- think contemporary country.

Feels Like Everything...

Ain't it funny, when next to nothing, feels like...

Everything, every dream

Like a heart can have hope to fly with dusty wings

And a soul can soar, through a steel-plated door

I know it sounds extreme

I never would have dreamed

Next to nothing, could feel like everything.

Fly to me...

Fly to me, take a one-way train

Show up at my door in the midnight rain

Had my fill on the thrill of the red-eye flight  (drill)

Just to see, if you and me, could get it right

Fly to me, from where you are

Catch yourself a ride on a run-a-way star

The ticket to my heart you'll see...it's free

No more red-eye flights for me

No, that ain't gonna fly, ain't gonna fly....fly to me.

You Just Don't Get Me

You can't have me, baby I'm real sorry

We've been playing this part so long,

That we've played our hearts so wrong

From the outsider standing near

You'd think we're the couple of the year

From the inside, my heart....stands clear.

You can't have me

Cuz you just don't get me.

Daisy Dreams in Butterflies

Daisy Dreams in Butterflies

Lemonade and ruby skys,

Diamond wings display colors never seen on Earth

Her eyes are closed but her heart can see a second birth

Flying high

Guess that's why...

Daisy dreams in butterflies.

Do you feel me? Words/Music Stephanie Johnson Copyright 2008

Would I kick myself in 20 years?
If I'd backed down because of fear?

I think so. Some things you just know. 

Would I regret a love that slipped away?
Would it haunt my heart if I strayed?

Yeah, I think so. Some things you just know. So..

I'm gonna take a stand on something real,
I'm gonna make you feel….

Feel me
Feel my soul
Feel the song I sing for you.
Feel it flow
Feel the rain drop on my face
Feel it falling on that sacred space
The perfect place, to feel free...to feel me.

Will it hurt your heart around the bend
If you choose the one just to please your friends?

My guess......is yes.

Would it pain your soul, so deep
If you lost a love too afraid to keep.

Yeah, I thinks so. Some things you just know. (So)

I'm gonna take a stand on something real.
I'm gonna make you feel.

Feel me.
Feel my soul.
Feel the song I sing for you.
Feel it flow
Feel the rain drop on my face
Feel it falling on that sacred space
The perfect place, to feel free....to feel me.

Feel me.
Feel my soul
Feel the song I sing for you
Feel it flow
Feel the rain drop on my face
Feel it falling (to) that sacred space
The perfect place, to feel free.

Do you feel me?

(I am still working on bridge...any thoughts?)

(A song about unfurling and flying our "freak" flags- we all have them, by the way.)

Kind of a chick-anthem. I envision a group like the Dixie Chicks or She-Daisy bringing it to life. Or, better yet, a one-time exclusive recording with Sheryl Crow, Jennifer from Sugarland and Faith Hill. Sort of like what they did for Moulin Rouge- Christina etc.

Words/Melody: Stephanie Johnson, LuluBlu Publishing ASCAP 2006

Bet you have a friend

Who's a little bit freaky, that's what you love about her

Spirited, riled-up, free, even when chains ground her

Parades her heart on both of her sleeves

With her naked soul, she'll make you believe

She's a little bit freaky, that's what you'd love about her

And she's got a friend

Who's a little bit needy, that's what she loves about her

A calendar overly committed, so lonely won't surround her

If she'd just listen to her heart, not her head

She'd know she's more than enough… enough said.

But she's a little bit needy, that's what you'd love about her

Bad breaks and their share of broken at the seams

But, making up for it, because they believe

There's more than just one way,

They'll kick and scream their way to….. an American Dream.

Yeah, they're a little bit freaky, that's what we love about them

And they've got a friend

Who's a little bit preachy, that's what they love about her

Unapologetically convicted, when it comes to the Father

Recites the Rosary by heart and on her neck

She wears a crucifix as her safety net

She's a little bit preachy, that's what you'd love about her

Yeah, these girls, are a little bit freaky, that's what you'd love about them

A little bit needy and preachy, wrap your arms around them, so glad you found them

A little bit clumsy, quirky, foolish, obsessive-compulsive, too many to-do lists

Come to think of it, WE ARE ALL, just a little bit freaky.

Yet, Angels still surround us. Guess that's what they love bout us.

Copyright 1997  ASCAP, LuluBlue 

Verse 1

Christmas in LA, knees down against the hardwood floor.  Afraid.

I said "Lord, my hearts torn. Have my dreams left me astray?"

Couldn't call Mom back, the storm had left it black

My heart embraced, by an emptly space, how'd I get so off track?

But, in a Father's voice, he said, "You've made this choice."

I knew you'd wander, into the thunder, so I could make a little noise.

It's then,  I opened up my heart... and heard. 

Face to face, amazed with grace, hung on every word.   My soul stirred. 

Chorus

(When he said) If you listen, you will undertand

I won't abandon anyone, that's not my master plan

But, if you're out to doubt my dear, it's hard to be your right hand man

If you listen, I'll reveal, your number one fan.

Verse 2

Grandpa said he'd pay,  (to)pack up and ship my dreams away

Catch a flight, Omaha by night.  Big breaks would have to wait.

Then, a voice said still and strong, "I'm not here to steer you wrong.

Just stay hear, it'll all become clear."   Then he promised me this song.

Chorus

(And he sang) If you listen, you will understand

I won't abandon, anyone, that's not my master plan

But, if you're out to doubt my dear, it's hard to be your right hand man

If you listen, I'll reveal, (it's me), your number one fan.

Bridge

On that Christmas Eve, I decided not to leave

As I closed my eyes to sleep, my heart opened up to me

An Angel Symphony. 

Chorus

(And they sang) If you listen,  you will understand

He won't abandon anyone, that's not his master plan.

But, if your out to doubt my dear, it's hard for him to reach your hand.

(And) If you listened, he's revealed, that he's your number one fan.

(tag)

Christmas in LA, it's been a year today.

Note:  Since it's "THE SEASON", I felt moved to share a little piece of a very "turning-point" Christmas, one decade ago.  And, yes, it is the only Christmas Song I have ever written. I am in the process of rewriting, not necessarily for commercial reasons, but, it needs to be tightened up a bit for prosterity.  But, in the spirit of Christmas, just try to feel my vibe, 10 years ago as I endured "a go" in the "City of Angels"!  That sounds very holiday-esque, wouldn't you say?

Also, in a more spiritual vibe, I want to give all the credit to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for getting me through that period, and through other valleys since then, even now. I am so blessed to have you as my number one fan.  And yes, there are days that I feel as though you are my "only fan".  I guess that is the point, that I recognize that you alone, are sufficient. That you are enough. I have fallen so many times to the lures of the world...acceptance, approval, pride, fear of rejection, materialism, poor stewardship of my finances etc., and you have NEVER turned away from me.You are amazing and it is my prayer that EVERY CHILD of yours recognizes the intense love that you have for their well-being, and for each one to be a "unique tool" to serve you on this Planet.  You know my heart.  You know their heart. We are so humbled.

Note: Aside from "God'll Get Back Our Souls" and "When We Are One", the song "Christmas in LA" is the only other song of mine that was 100%, beyond a shadow of a doubt, inspired by the hand of God. You just know these things.  I truly was engulfed in a literal and spiritual storm at that time of my life. And, it seems during these storms, God has made his presence known through these inspirations.

WHEN WE ARE ONE  Copyright 2001 Stephanie Johnson, ASCAP.

So many times people run away
When little things go wrong
They turn their back on one another
Refuse to get along

But, if it was up to me
Here's how it should be
If we're gonna be strong
We've got to face our fears, loud and clear
To break a new Dawn

Where we are one
Where we are free
To share a little love with one another
That's how it's got to be
When we are one
When we are free
To lessen the load of our sisters and brothers
For a brand new heart beat,

Beatin as one, flowin free

Screamin and shoutin ain't what it's all about
It'll make a heart grow cold
But a tender word, loves to be heard
By both young and old

We better count our blessings, start confessin'
We need a hand to hold
Grab on to mine and you will find
Truth will be gold

When we are one
When we are free
To share a little love with one another
That's how it's got to be
When we are one
We will be free
To lessen the load of our sisters and brothers
For a brand new heart beat

Beatin' as one, flowing fee.

Bridge

Sometimes all we have to do to believe
Is pick up our hearts, dust them off
And place them on our sleeves

Then everyone
Will be free
To share a little love with one another
That's how it's gonna be
When everyone
Knows it's free...don't cost a thing
To lessen the load of our sisters and brothers
For a brand new heart beat...beat, beat

Beatin' as one, flowin free

When we are one
We will be free
When we are one
(Softly)- We will have won

Friends and Music Folks!

This song was inspired post September 2001, for obvious reasons.  I think it is safe to say that most songwriters were lead to their own little anthem to push through the pain of what happened in our World and find hope.  Funny thing, knowing myself, this is the kind of lyric that I had inside me, however, it took a tragedy to bring it to the surface.  That sounds pretty sad, I know. That being said, songwriters or not, we need to band together and spread a little love, before, a tragedy puts us there. Deal? Therefore, I hope you draw a little inspiration from the above lyric, in a "Like To Teach The World to Sing in Perfect Harmony" vibe.  I really think they need to bring that commercial back, by the way...at least for the Holidays.

Merry Christmas,

Stephanie Renae Johnson