A Mass for Peace in the Third Millennium

Here is a Christmas song for my precious daughter, Tracy, when she was a very little girl.

One Night In Toyland
Music and Lyrics by John W. Vitz

One Night in Toyland, while Santa was away,
All of the toys thought they would like to play.
They always wanted to laugh and sing and dance;
But, ‘til tonight, they never had the chance.

Tommy, the Soldier, climbed down the shaky shelves.
Betty Ballerina awakened all the elves.
All we need is music, everyone agreed.
The Music Box said, “Leave it up to me!”

Whirl around … Twirl around … To the sound …
The Music Box would play as they would
Whirl around … Turn around.
This is Christmas Eve.

Bozo and Bambi were laughing at the Bears,
Swaying to the music, in their rocking chairs.
Laughin’ and playin’, dancin’ to the song,
Hearts all aglow … Skippin’ right along …

Whirl around … Twirl around … To the sound …
The Music Box would play as they would
Whirl around … Turn around.
This is Christmas Eve.

Hard to believe it, all the fun they had.
Oscar the Grouch forgot how to be mad.
Then, just as the party was gettin’ off the ground,
Wouldn’t you know,
The Music … Box ….. ran ……. down……………

© Copyright 1979 and 2004, John W. Vitz

My youngest daughter, Andrea, was a 2 year old dynamo when I wrote this song for her.  Her Fisher-Price telephone was the source of hours of enjoyment.  Her energy was boundless, and we had to tie down anything breakable.  She was the opposite of her older sister, Tracy, who was always demure.  It is so great seeing such diversity among my “little” girls.           🙂  🙂

ANDI PANDI!
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

Who’s that chatterbox tying up the phone?
That’s Andi, Andi Pandi!
And the way she talks I would love to clone
my Andi.  Andi Pandi!

I only know she’s lookin’ for laughter.
I only know she’s lookin’ for love.
I only know whatever she’s after
she’ll have as sure as heaven’s up above.

There she goes again, runnin’ through the house,
that’s Andi.  Andi Pandi!
When she’s playin’ it’s never “cat and mouse”
with Andi.  Andi Pandi!

I only know she’s lookin’ for laughter.
I only know she’s lookin’ for love.
I only know whatever she’s after
she’ll have as sure as heaven’s up above.
I love Andi Pandi.  Andi Pandi!

Who’s that sleepy head lyin’ on the floor?
That’s Andi, Andi Pandi.
Can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store
for Andi.  Andi Pandi.

I only know she’s lookin’ for laughter.
I only know she’s lookin’ for love.
I only know that nothin’ gets past her
And ev’ryone who sees her falls in love – with her.
Andi Pandi
Andi Pandi.

I love Andi Pandi — I do!

Copyright © 2011, Angelus Music. All Rights Reserved.

Life is often hard and sometimes unfair.  Time and distance can cause irreparable damage to a loving relationship.  That doesn’t mean we cannot hope for reconciliation.  For Rachel.

OUR SONG
Words and Music by John Vitz

The song I like the best
Is one as yet to come.
I would sing my favorite song for you;
But, it never has been sung.

I hear it in my mind.
I feel it in my heart.
I would love to sing my song for you;
But, I don’t know where to start.

Because, it’s OUR SONG,
Yours and mine.
Yes, it’s OUR SONG.
Don’t you know – it’s OUR SONG?

If I could find the words,
The perfect words to say,
I would share them with the melody,
And I’d sing it everyday.

And someday you could know.
And you could sing it too.
Then my very special song of love
Will be especially for you.

And we’d sing OUR SONG.
Your’s and mine;
Only OUR SONG.

Copyright ©1976, John W. Vitz. All Rights Reserved.

Love hurts!  It can be especially hurtful when you lose your best friend in the process. This is country music at its finest 🙂

BOB AND ME
by JOHN VITZ

I came home late from working on the second shift,
And the house was looking darker than a tomb.
I knew somethin’ wasn’t right, and I was getting pretty miffed
When I stumbled over somethin’ in the room.

As I turned on the bedroom light, I was startled by the sight
Of a note where my old lady should have been.
I picked it up and I read it, and I nearly died that night.
She had up and run away with my best friend.

My heart sunk to the floor. I fell back against the door.
I asked myself, “How did this come to be?”
Well, I guess it doesn’t matter; but, what makes me feel so bad is
We had so much fun together, BOB AND ME.
BOB AND ME. BOB AND ME.
We had so much fun together, BOB AND ME.

Oh, I learned a lot from life, and especially from my wife,
That love can be a fickle, fleeting thing.
Now, I’m hopin’ and I’m wishin’ that soon we will be fishin’
In our boat with bait and beer and BOB AND ME.

So much fun to be around, always acted like a clown,
Watchin’ Super Bowls since 1983.
No more poker. No more bowlin’. No more basketball and trollin’.
Life just won’t be the same for BOB AND ME.
BOB AND ME. BOB AND ME.
No, life won’t be the same for BOB AND ME.

Yeah, it’s funny how things go. It’s not what; but, who you know.
I guess I should be happy ‘cause I’m free.
Well, it’s gonna take a while; but, it always makes me smile
When I look back on the days of BOB AND ME.
BOB AND ME. BOB AND ME.
When I look back on the days of BOB AND ME.
BOB AND ME. BOB AND ME.
We had so much fun together, BOB AND ME.

Spoken: (“I’m really gonna miss that guy!”)

Copyright © 1996, John W. Vitz. All Rights Reserved.

This was written in the early 1970s. I co-wrote it with Sara Lewis.  We wrote many others back in the day.

My first collaboration with Sara Lewis.  Sara had written a poem called, “Mind Songs”.   I was intrigued by the title, so I insisted that I get to read it.  She reluctantly shared it.  I was moved by the poem’s sentiment, and I asked if it would be OK if I wrote music for it.  Sara’s poems were often esoteric, but always thought provoking.  Back in the day, we wrote many songs together.  “Mind Songs” is one of my favorites!

Thanks to Karen Cramer for her beautiful harmonic accompaniment.  (I need all the help I can get.)

Mind Songs
By John Vitz and Sara Lewis

Mind Songs,
Silent singing, swiftly winging
Thoughts to you.

Can you hear my Mind Songs,
Secret longings, growing strong
In thoughts of you.

Coming near now
Hoping somehow that you’ll stay!
But, I know you
And I know you’ll go away.

You don’t want my Mind Songs.
All alone, I’m singing only thoughts to you.

Coming near now
Hoping somehow that you’ll stay!
But, I know you
And I know you’ll go away.

You don’t want my Mind Songs.
All alone, I’m singing only thoughts to you.

© 1972, and 1997 John W. Vitz and Sara Lewis

Sara wrote such amazing lyrics that I was always in awe of her talent.  It is a shame that so few people got to know her genius.

MIRROR IMAGE
By John Vitz and Sara Lewis

Looking on another life,
Another set of hopeless dreams
So rich with dewy innocence,
And faith that love redeems.

Funny how we are in awe,
Believing we are all unique.
No two are ever quite the same.
Each one’s a separate freak!

Stand back! And you can see yourself.
Look! And you’ll reveal yourself.
Mirror Image – staring back at you.
Mirror Image – all the ages through.

God must rule with careful grace,
With solemnly unerring touch
To make so many variants;
To change each style so much.

But, we are surely doomed to fail
In all the age old proven ways;
The same emotion leading us,
The same as yesterday’s.

Stand back! And you can see yourself.
Look! And you’ll reveal yourself.
Mirror Image – all the ages through.
Mirror Image – staring back at you.

© 1972, and 1997 John W. Vitz and Sara Lewis

I wrote this song for my firstborn daughter on the day she was born.  She smiled at me in the nursery, the very first time we met!  I went home and wrote the music.  The lyrics came decades later.

Instrumental version

Copyright © 1968, 1999, John W. Vitz

I wrote this song with my dear friend, Ann Ammar. Today, it is troubling that there is so much division, anger and hatred in The United States of America. We are free to disagree, but we should be civil about it. It is time to work together to resolve our issues, and to strive for the common good. As “One Nation, Under God”, we have been blessed with abundance. Listen to these words as sung by Mason Douglas.

IT’S OUR COUNTRY
Words by John W. Vitz and Ann Ammar
Music by John W. Vitz

How blessed are we in “The Land of the Free”?
Where you know you belong,
and your heartbeat is strong
for your country.
It’s Our Country

We are free to live without fear to complain,
and our flag will remain
as a beacon of hope, evermore.

How blessed are we in “The Land of the Free”?
Where we all have a voice.
And we all all have a choice.
It’s Our Country.
It’s Our Country.

And we have the right to be heard without fighting.
For, we all have a say
how we live, how we pray.
I thank God every day, we can vote.

For this sacred right has been bought with a price.
Paid for in blood, sweat and strife
by those who sacrificed that we remain free.

Fathers and Mothers
Sisters and Brothers
Husbands and Wives
giving their lives!!

How blessed are we in “The Land of the Free”?
For, united we stand
as we walk hand in hand.
It’s Our Country.
It’s Our Country.

And we have the right to be heard without fighting.
For, we all have a say
how we live, love and pray.
I thank God every day, we can vote.
We can vote. We can vote.
WE CAN VOTE!

© Copyright 2018, Angelus Music

I belonged to a social group called “Sons In Retirement”…[SIRS branch 128]. I was asked to write them a theme song. It was fun, and it reflects the personality of its members. It is not sung here, but this is the demo I sent them. You can follow along with the lyrics. In the words of Bernie Taupin, “It’s a little bit funny”.

The SIRS of 128
By Sir John Vitz

Welcome! Welcome, one and all!

Oh, we are the SIRS of 1-2-8.
We are brothers through and through.
If you ever need a smiling face,
we’ll always welcome you.

For, once a month it’s party time,
with speakers, drink and food.
But, really nothing gets much better than
our jokes from dumb to crude.

Because we stand for fun and folly.
We know you’ll have a real good time!
So if you want to join our number,
remember SIRS Branch 1-2-9.
DOH! My mem’ry’s fading pretty fast of late!
Let’s make that SIRS Branch 1-2-8.

Yes, it’s 1 – 2 – 8!

To be a SIR is really cool,
we have so much to do.
Well, there’s tennis, bocce ball and bridge
And there’s golf and fishing, too

There’s bowling, books and dining out,
and hiking, skiing too.
We have technology, photography.
There’s something just for you!

You see, we stand for camarad’rie.
We know you’ll really get your kicks!
So if you want to join our number,
Remember SIRS Branch 1-2-6.
DOH! My mem’ry’s fading pretty fast of late!
Let’s make that SIRS Branch 1-2-8.

We all recall our glory days,
as youths were all were rocks.
But now today we’re on Obamacare,
and we’ve all hung up our jocks.

So, now, we stand for fun and folly,
we know you’ll have a ton of fun!
So if you want to join our number,
remember SIRS Branch 1-2-1.
DOH! My mem’ry’s fading pretty fast of late!
Let’s make that SIRS Branch 1-2-8.
Let’s make that SIRS Branch 1-2-8!

© Copyright 2017, John W. Vitz

One of my favorites because it is autobiographical; however, most every songwriter I know can relate to this story.

One night, when my daughters were chatting and carrying on, they told me a story about their friend, Elisha, who had a brief encounter the night before with a guy who was trying to hit on her.  I wrote this funny and cute little song from the viewpoint of the poor, clueless guy,

LET’S CALL HER ELISHA
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

I once met a girl – Let’s Call Her, Elisha.
We met in a bar – let’s call it “The Scene”.
We talked for a while – lets’ say for minute.
I saw love in her eyes – let’s call it a dream.

I tried to be cool – let’s say I was crazy.
I tried to be nice – let’s say I was strange.
I told her I worked – let’s say that I’m lazy.
I said I was rich – let’s say I had change.

The mood was sublime – let’s say I was shaking.
I tried to unwind – let’s say I was shy.
She gave me a smile – let’s say she was faking.
I wanted her bad – let’s say I could cry.

She looked good to me – let’s say she was so hot.
I said she was mine – let’s call it a lie.
I asked for a date – let’s call it a long shot.
Then, she looked away – let’s call it “Goodbye!”

I once met a girl – Let’s Call Her, Elisha.
She gave me a smile – let’s call it “Goodbye!”
She gave me a smile – let’s call it “Goodbye!”

Copyright © 2011, John W. Vitz.   All Rights Reserved.

Who can deny the frenzy that has become Christmas?  It’s all about demographics.  Yet, somehow, we make it work as we recall and celebrate the birth of the Baby Jesus.  Let’s have a little “Christmas Cheer” … “Hosanna!”

Christmas Cheer!
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

It’s the night before Christmas!
All over town children are frantically waiting!
As the crush of the season starts winding down,
Everyone’s anticipating!

See the lights and the sidewalks,
They glisten and glow!
The city is so demographic.
Every heart’s beating faster.
Cars stop and go.
People rush home in the traffic.

Why all this fuss each and every year?
Why all the fuss on Christmas morn?
The answer is in this Christmas Cheer!
That “Jesus Christ is born!”
“Hosanna!” “Hosanna!” “Hosanna!” “Ho Ho!”

It’s the night before Christmas!
All over town children are frantically waiting!
As the crush of the season starts winding down,
Everyone’s anticipating!

Why all this fuss each and every year?
Why all the fuss on Christmas morn?
The answer is in this Christmas Cheer!
That “Jesus Christ is born!”
“Hosanna!” “Hosanna!” “Hosanna, On High!”

Copyright© 1996, John W. Vitz. All Rights Reserved.

The Cabbage Patch Kids craze was really something to behold.  My daughters each got one for Christmas, and they came with their very own Birth Certificates!  These vital documents went into our safe, right away!  My girls had a whole lot of fun with “Kira” and “Annie”.

So, if you’re feeling sad, and you really need a friend… look to the Cabbage Patch!

IN THE CABBAGE PATCH
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

Some people say I look funny.
Some people say I look sad.
Some people say they love me any way,
And that always makes me feel glad!

And I can see that you and me will be the best of friends!
Count one, two, three and join our family,
and we can just pretend.

O! Come what may we can laugh and play.
You can stay all day In The Cabbage Patch!
The Cabbage Patch has sunshine ev’rywhere.
In The Cabbage Patch,
In The Cabbage Patch, there’s so much love to share!

People are flippin’ their lids
over the Cabbage Patch Kids!
You can’t replace that funny little face;
but, that’s not all there is!

Children are blowin’ their minds.
‘cause each kid is one of a kind!
I love to squeeze the dimples on their knees
and hug them all the time!

O! Come what may we can laugh and play.
You can stay all day In The Cabbage Patch!
The Cabbage Patch has sunshine ev’rywhere.
In The Cabbage Patch,
In The Cabbage Patch, there’s so much love to share.

In The Cabbage Patch,
In The Cabbage Patch, there’s so much love to share.

Copyright © 2011, Angelus Music. All rights reserved.

In 1994, I saw Carole King interviewed on the David Letterman Show.  She also played and sang.  I was really impressed at how genuine and humble this amazing woman was!  So, I went to my piano, wrote a tribute song for her, and sent it to her as a gift.  Her manager, Lorna Guess, was very appreciative and helpful.  Sadly, her lawyer returned it, unopened, because they cannot accept unsolicited music. What a drag!

I wish I could remember who sang this song with me!  I think her name is Rachel Finch, but that’s probably wrong.  She came to my home to record the song because her mother loved Carole King!  I am sooooo happy she did!  Her voice is awesome!

THE SWEETHEART OF ROCK AND ROLL
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

Back in the olden days,
Before the days of The Beatles,
Carole and the Cosines had a High School Band
That started something special.

And even then, when Rock was young,
“Oh, Carol(e)” was a popular number;
Teaming up with Gerry until
“One Fine Day”, they did “The Locomotion”,
“Will You Still Love Me?” and “Up on the Roof”!

And though those days seem oh “So Far Away”,
I can’t forget the songs we used to play – like:
“Take Good Care of My Baby”,
And something tells me “I’m Into Something Good”.

“Chains”, my baby’s got me locked up in chains,
So, “It Might as Well Rain Until September”.

She gave us “Music” to treasure.
I pray her songs never end.
‘Cause when you listen to Carole,
You know that “You’ve Got a Friend”.

Out of all the Rock and Roll legends,
There are few more “Beautiful” souls.
If Elvis Presley’s The King
And Madonna’s out of control,
Carole King is The Sweetheart of Rock and Roll!

Copyright © 1994, John W. Vitz.

It’s time to BOOGIE!

This one is an instrumental.  There are words you can follow, but the vocal was never recorded.  This one’s a hoot! 🙂

LET’S BOOGIE!
Words and Music by John Vitz

Oh, Let’s Boogie Woogie!
I wanna Boogie Woogie.
I wanna Boogie Woogie with you tonight!
Yeah, we could Jitterbug
And really “cut a rug”.
Yeah, that would be quite a sight.
So, if you’re coming to my party
You gotta do a Boogie Woogie!

Oh, Let’s Boogie Woogie.
I wanna Boogie Woogie.
I wanna Boogie Woogie with you tonight!
We’ll let the music play
And, dance our cares away.
That’ll make everything right.
So, if you wanna party-party
They gotta play a Boogie Woogie!

Don’t want no “old time” Rock and Roll.
And don’t give me no Jazz!
Don’t wanna hear no Funk or Soul. No!
I just wanna feel the beat that
Makes me jump and move my feet!

Oh, Let’s Boogie Woogie!
I only wanna Boogie!
I wanna Boogie Woogie with you all night!
And when the stars go down,
With no one else around,
I will be holding you tight!
Yeah, if you wanna make me happy,
You gotta dance a Boogie Woogie!

(Piano solo)

Don’t want no bogus Rock and Roll.
And don’t give me no Jazz!
I got a fire down in my soul and
I just wanna feel the beat that
Makes me jump and kick my feet!

I wanna Boogie!
I only wanna Boogie!
I wanna Boogie Woogie with you all night!
And when the stars go down,
With no one else around,
I will be holding you tight!
So, if you’re coming to my party
You gotta love the Boogie Woogie!
Yeah, if you wanna party-party
You gotta love the Boogie Woogie!

Copyright © 1994 by John W. Vitz

A sad story of love slipping away.  Lyrics by Sara Lewis and beautifully sung by Stephanie Dean.

CERTAIN SADNESS
Words by Sara Lewis, Music by John Vitz

I know I heard you say, “Tomorrow”.
I know I heard it clearly, in the dark.
Now, all alone, I feel your presence.
All of my belongings have your mark.

So, why this CERTAIN SADNESS that’s starting to appear,
The undertow of my suspicious fears?
Oh, why this CERTAIN SADNESS?
It’s undefined – but here.
How can I really know if you’re sincere?

Can love survive on mixed emotions?
People tend to fight for what they want.
I pledge my profound devotion,
While you carry on, so nonchalant.

And now this CERTAIN SADNESS is starting to appear,
The undertow of my suspicious fears.
Oh, why this CERTAIN SADNESS?
It’s undefined – but here.
How can I really know if you’re sincere?

(Instrumental Bridge)

I can’t go on with indecision.
Tell me if our love is right or wrong.
And do you see what I envision?
I lie awake and wonder all night long.

For now this CERTAIN SADNESS is starting to appear,
The undertow of my suspicious fears.
Oh, why this CERTAIN SADNESS?
It’s undefined – but here.
How can I really know if you’re sincere?

Copyright ©1974 and 1997 John W. Vitz and Sara Lewis

One of my “online” collaborations. Verena Pond sent me these lyrics and I put them to music.  I love the way she writes about having faith in another.  That’s what friends are for!  Everyone has some untapped potential.  Blessed are those who achieve.

INSIDE OF YOU
Words by Verena Pond, Music by John Vitz

Inside Of You
I see so much.
I yearn to just reach out and touch that part of you
that longs to be the best . . . the brightest . . .

The one who sees
all her wildest dreams come true.

Her life to shine,
not locked away.
But, you’ll have your time
when you’ll show them all
what you can do.
You’ll show them all
before you’re through.

And when it all comes true,
I hope I’m there near you
so that I can see
what I always knew
was always there
Inside Of You!

And baby when it all comes true
I hope I’m there near you
so that I can see
what I always knew
was always there
Inside Of You!

Copyright © 1997 and 2011, Angelus Music. All Rights Reserved

This is a dark look at a Godless society under siege.  When law and order are overwhelmed, civil society degenerates into mayhem.  Is this a foretaste of things to come?  Are we living in the End Times?

THE CITY OF ANGELS
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

As the sun comes up over the hills to the valley below us,
The hazy new day brings a strange and radiant glow.
As the city is sleeping the war continues to show us
That all in the name of hate, it’s anything goes!

What a fright every night
As they die in The City of Angels.
Mayhem and fighting while nobody’s righting the wrong.

What a sight through the light
Shining down on The City of Angels.
Everything that’s right and wrong is turned upside down in The City of Angels.

Is there nowhere to turn for the safety of innocent people?
And is there no way to take me away from this hell?
Is there no one on Earth who can help the hungry and hateful?
Is nobody angry enough to stand up and yell? Oh, no!

What a fright every night
There is blight in The City of Angels.
Killing and fighting while nobody’s righting the wrong.

What a sight through the light
Shining down on The City of Angels.
Races and faces abound; but no one belongs in The City of Angels.

Copyright © 2011, Angelus Music. All Rights Reserved.

A love between a husband and wife is made even stronger when children share the roost.  At the end of the day, when love is real, everyday is a holiday.

IN EVERY WAY. . . I LOVE YOU
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

Go ahead. Go to bed.
But, before you rest your head
I’d like to say that, “Everyday,
In Every Way . . . I Love You.”

Days may come. Nights may go.
Love gives me the right to show you
Everyday, in all I say,
In Every Way . . . I Love You.

Everyday’s a Holiday!  Everyday’s a joy!
Everyday’s another day of little girls and boys!
But, tomorrow is another day; another set of plans.
Maybe a chance to get away, but, tonight we can…

Kiss the kids. Tuck ‘em in.
With some luck the fire might begin to glow,
For all we know,
To let you know . . . I Love You!

Go ahead. Go to bed.
But, before you rest your head
I’d like to say that, “Everyday,
In Every Way . . . I Love You.”

Every day . . . I Love You.
In Every Way . . . I Love You.

Copyright © 1984 and 2011, John W. Vitz.

Travel onward to Venus, Jupiter and Mars on an odyssey in search of answers!

Voyager!
By John Vitz

If Man could travel onward to Venus, to Jupiter and Mars,
Imagine how the distance between us would stretch beyond the stars!
We’d seek the perfect hiding place, no distance is too far.
But we would have to travel forever to find the meaning of our
Creation. Elation. Damnation. Salvation.

If Man could learn to love one another, no matter who they are,
Imagine all are sisters and brothers. Would that be so bizarre?
If we could find it in our hearts to call each one a friend;
Then planet Earth will shine through the heavens as Paradise once again!
Creation. Elation. Damnation. Salvation.

If we would all believe in The Power, The Spirit and The Plan;
We would no longer tremble and cower with heads submerged in sand.
We’d know it is our destiny to serve the God of Man.
And we would be akin to the angels, and we would all understand
Creation. Elation. Damnation. Salvation.

© Copyright, 1996, John W. Vitz

Sometimes things get WAY out of hand.  This is a comical, novelty song about the hassles of a harried housewife!  I can just imagine Reba McEntire singing this one. 🙂

MIND-BOGGLIN’ !
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

A little bird, a little bee,
A little love in a tree.
A little you, a little me,
A little baby makes three.
A little pink, a little blue,
A lotta Hullabaloo
In this mind-bogglin’, horn-swogglin’, boon-dogglin’ zoo!

I got a dog. I got a cat.
I got a hamster and rat.
I got a cow. I got a sheep.
I gotta get me some sleep!
I gotta get a little soused!
I gotta go catch that mouse!
In this mind-bogglin’, horn-swogglin’, boon-dogglin’ house!!

I need a drink. I need to think!!
I need a priest and a shrink!!
I need a buck! I need a break!!
I need a no-cal milk shake!!
I need a laugh! I need a cry!!
I need to make one more try
At that mind-bogglin’, horn-swogglin’, boon-dogglin’ fly!!!

I wanna git! I wanna go!
I wanna fancy chateau!
I wanna ebb! I wanna flow!
I wanna blossom and grow!
I wanna run! I wanna play!
I wanna get far away
From this mind-bogglin’, horn-swogglin’, boon-dogglin’ fray!!!

I’m gonna look! I’m gonna see!
I’m gonna find the real me!
I’m gonna seek! I’m gonna find!
I’m gonna try to unwind!
I’m gonna take! I’m gonna give!
I’m gonna learn how to live
One more mind-bogglin’, horn-swogglin’, boon-dogglin’ day!!!!

Copyright ©1996, John W. Vitz. All Rights Reserved.

I’ll bet that most parents of teenagers can relate to this song. It has a special significance to me.

Does It Really Matter?
Words and Music by John W. Vitz

Does it really matter?
Do you really want me to tell you?
Do you ever wonder why I seem to be so unkind – to you?
And did you ever care that I was always there when you stumbled to the ground?
Well, now that you are grown, I’d like to make it known
I’ve kept a little secret of my own.

Have you ever noticed
I’m the one who fights for your rights – when things go wrong?
Have you ever noticed
Though we’ve had our fights – you’ve become so strong?

And every now and then when you might need a friend
Know for sure, that I’ll be there.
Know that I will always care.
Know that I will say a prayer for you.

There are times when the world can overwhelm us all,
And times when we all come crashing down.
There are times when the mighty Oak must take a fall.
But, there has never been a time – when you weren’t on my mind.

Does it really matter, maybe once or twice we have both agreed?
And does it really matter, I’ve embarrassed you when I’d not concede?
Well, as I see it all – before you even crawled, I have known a father’s pain.
But precious little one, I’ve had a world of fun and I’d do it all again.

Does it really matter, soon you will be off on your own, away from home?
And does it really matter, Mom and I will be home alone – unchaperoned?
I hope that you will see the joy you gave to me,
And, I hope that you will know
That, YES, it really matters. The love a family shows — always grows.

Copyright © 1996 and 2011, John W. Vitz. All Rights Reserved.

One of my favorites because it is autobiographical; however, most every songwriter I know can relate to this story.

SONGWRITER
(Close; but, no cigar)
Words and Music by John Vitz

Well I’ve been flyin’ high since Sunday, when I wrote the “perfect” song.
And even on Blue Monday – baby nothing could go wrong.
And now I feel like I’m on fire; no one’s standing in my way.
I never sleep. I’m never tired. I’m writin’ every day!

When I get on a roll like this one, I can see around the bend.
I know some day a twist of fate could make my music end.
For now I’m on cloud nine, and feelin’ fine, and my feet don’t touch the ground.
But, what’ll happen to my head when it all comes tumblin’ down?

It happens every time, something in my mind
Makes me feel invincible; makes me feel sublime.
Today I’m seeing stars.
Tomorrow, maybe Mars.
But soon I’ll come back down to Earth – Close; but, no cigar!

I crave it like a habit, when I write from night ‘til noon.
‘Cause I want the world to have it; I just gotta sell one soon.
But then you tell me, “It’s impossible” – And you tell me to “Get real”.
When I just to touch your heart and show you what I feel.

The music just keeps coming. Guess it’s worth another try.
I’ll be singin’ songs and strummin’, ‘til the day before I die.
I’m hopin’ maybe I’ll get lucky once, and get on the radio.
But, I bet I get discovered on the day after I go.

No matter what, I love to make this music in my mind.
No matter what, I’ll play it in my head from time to time.
No matter what, I’m happy knowing I can make you cry.
No matter what, I’ll never write a song about “Good-bye”.

I love you more than ever. I could never let you go.
We’ve been through hell together and it doesn’t even show.
Some other writers share a fantasy to be a superstar.
But me, well, I’m in heaven when I’m anywhere you are.

Chorus: It happens every time, something in my mind
Makes me feel invincible; makes me feel sublime.
Today I’m seeing stars.
Tomorrow, maybe Mars.
But soon I’ll come back down to Earth – Close; but, no cigar

Copyright © 1996, 2011, John W. Vitz. All Rights Reserved.

Young love can be so hard to deal with when things don’t go right.

Some days are worse than others. Don’t despair. Tomorrow is another day.

We all make choices when we can. How about those who don’t have a voice and who are at the mercy of another’s choice. I dedicated this song to the memory of my dear friend, Pat Driscoll.

Immediately after the terrorist attacks, I wrote this music so I would remember exactly how I felt that day. I prayed about it and I played this music everyday for 2 months. Out of the blue, the words came to me. They fit perfectly. The song, “In The Aftermath” was born.

For some reason, after I watched a movie on the life of Beethoven, Immortal Beloved, I was reflecting on the final scene that showed his headstone. Feeling sad, I sat down and wrote this.

Although this scenario hopefully applies to many of us, I wrote this for my Mom and Dad, Jimmie and Frances. They met one summer, long ago, at Geneva on the Lake, in Ohio. They were young, but their love endured. May they rest in heavenly peace.

When Mother Teresa and Princess Diana died within a few days of each other, I was moved to write a tribute. The “Saint” and The Princess, gone; but not forgotten.

This is the first movement of a work in progress.