‘Second’

I’ve been enjoying my summer break over these past weeks, but have felt lethargic, more so recently, at perhaps not being able to have filled my time as productively or meaningfully as I’d have liked.

So I decided to watch some TED talks, and remarkably, during those 30 minutes or so of viewing, I felt more alert and attentive than I’d been in the entire day – the feeling of lethargy had vanished completely.
Suddenly, it became clear to me. Rest itself is necessary, and can be good, but means nothing if the time surrounding it isn’t spent well. In other words, if all you have is rest, at least in my case, it’s actually quite uncomfortable.

As an example, I run frequently, but on occasion, after work, I’ve felt too tired to go out and decided to skip it. Skipping my run gave me an hour extra free that evening, but actually, having lost the physical and psychological benefits of exercise, those evenings didn’t feel so good, in comparison to when I had exercised. In some ways, I actually felt more tired!

If you look back on the best times of your life, you’ll likely remember how you felt in moments; seconds. In fact, they probably accumulate to less than a few minutes in total – those moments are crystallized, timeless even. As I was considering all of this, I concluded that it’s not the amount of time we have, but to ensure that we live our life in line with our own principles and intentions, in order to be able to fully appreciate those moments when they arrive 🙂

Second

Huge amounts of time
coated in lethargy
fuzzy mind and vision
losing my energy

Thought to take a second
investing in variety
to learn something new
focus returned, suddenly

“In everyday life
we’ve lost our attention.
Constant stimulation
leads to distraction.”

1440 minutes per day
I lived only thirty
but in that brief time
felt an epiphany
rest is consoling
but only in bursts
lack of activity
insatiable thirst

Time becomes irrelevant
when spent effectively
no longer counting down
or lost in complacency
instead captivated
by beautiful moments
fulfilling way to live
even for a second

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Lyrics Day 365 (Final Day!) – ‘Story’

Hey everyone,

I was thinking about when this project might come to an end, and as today marks a year since I began, it seems like a good time. First of all I wanted to say thank you, to every single person who has read and engaged with these words over this period of time – obviously we’ve all been going through a pandemic, which presents its own challenges, however life is a challenge in itself, irrespective of anything else.

I started this project in order to make use of the extra time I had during the pandemic, and I feel as though I’ve done that; it’s acted as a diary of sorts, and has given me a platform with which to express myself. Today’s lyrics, in celebration and consideration of that, are fittingly called ‘story’ – with complete sincerity, I hope that anybody reading this is able to consider their situation, whatever it may be, and work to create the best possible story for their life. Let’s keep moving forwards, all together 🙂

So, for one final time:

Stay safe ~

Sean

Story (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

When I was a child
first picked up a pen
imagined facing dragons
conquering with friends

Now it also provides
a chance for reflection
contemplative musings
deep introspection

It’s important to recognise
the people all around
their thoughts, just like mine
hopes and dreams abound

Now it also provides
a chance for reflection
contemplative musings
deep introspection
wonder what’s written
it’s all down to me
unseen, blank pages
in the rest of my story

Amongst this year of lyrics
I’ve noticed several patterns
a whole host of regrets
but still great determination
inspiration since a child
to fulfil my life mission
everyone in this world
a desire to unite them

Now it also provides
a chance for reflection
contemplative musings
deep introspection
wonder what’s written
it’s all down to me
unseen, blank pages
in the rest of my story

Lyrics Day 364 – ‘Tomes’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are based on a fictional scenario, as I like to do from time to time 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Tomes (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Pace through this stuffy room
frantically seeking answers
city staging the apocalypse
flames outside my window dancers

There must be a solution
in these dusty tomes
some kind of precedent
we can’t be alone

Piles in front of me
numerous ancient texts
forgotten hieroglyphics
test my attention next

There must be a solution
in these dusty tomes
some kind of precedent
we can’t be alone
they somehow overcame
similar evils in the past
let’s end this vicious cycle
make sure it’s the last

They thought me crazy
some fantastical liar
when I noticed the signs
monsters and fires
easily dismissed
by corrupt leaders
somewhere in these texts
I’ll find a way to save us

There must be a solution
in these dusty tomes
some kind of precedent
we can’t be alone
they somehow overcame
similar evils in the past
let’s end this vicious cycle
make sure it’s the last

Lyrics Day 363 – ‘Station’

Hey everyone,

today I’ve decided to write another set of lyrics about train stations, or rather, my feelings in those places, that I haven’t been able to visit for some time now. I explain it below, but just to elaborate a little, I’ve always loved the feeling I get from train stations – whether it’s the excitement of heading into a new city, the comfort returning home, or imagining the stories of everyone else there; they’re magical places for me 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Station (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Noticed all around me
people coming and going
considered their stories
imagined, never knowing

Always loved that ambience
step off the train, descending
sights and smells abound
perfect combination

We were once delayed
outside it was raining
despite the open spaces
could feel the warmth, embracing

Always loved that ambience
step off the train, descending
sights and smells abound
perfect combination
crowds of travelling people
can sense their anticipation
striding out into the city
from that wonderful station

Even spoke to strangers
on a couple of occasions
finally opened those books
read a few of the pages
but I guess it’s not knowing
that makes me feel nostalgic
can’t wait to go back there
and experience the magic

Always loved that ambience
step off the train, descending
sights and smells abound
perfect combination
crowds of travelling people
can sense their anticipation
striding out into the city
from that wonderful station

Lyrics Day 362 – ‘Bonus Time’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are based on a feeling I’ve experienced, both in the past and recently. In essence, I guess in my mind I have a general idea of when I go to bed and when I wake, but during the moments where I stay up beyond that time, or wake up earlier, if sort of feels like a bonus, so there isn’t any pressure, if that makes sense? In reality obviously it’s not good to sleep less, so you’re still paying for it, but I had multiple occasions at University where I would work into the night, and somehow didn’t feel pressured, because I just felt like it was time when I would have been sleeping. It’s cool how perception can allow you to feel that way.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Bonus Time (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Early in the morning
or very late at night
seems to flow differently
call it bonus time

Back at University
I’d work until 1am
no pressure whatsoever
should have finished at ten

Waking up the next morning
a little tired, admittedly
remembering my progress
satisfied, smiling broadly

Back at University
I’d work until 1am
no pressure whatsoever
should have finished at ten
funny how perception
creates a change in feelings
routine set in my mind
happiness arrives from tweaking

Just a little more
I can keep going
the world is asleep
but my energy is flowing
when I close my eyes
seeds I stop sowing
it’s in pushing the limits
I can continue growing

Back at University
I’d work until 1am
no pressure whatsoever
should have finished at ten
funny how perception
creates a change in feelings
routine set in my mind
happiness arrives from tweaking

Lyrics Day 361 – ‘Vision’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are another in a long line of those referring to my unrequited love (forgive me)!

Stay safe ~

Sean

Vision (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Continue to imagine
spending time in your home
intimate and meaningful
moments are our own

Each dream is similar
a lack of imagination
could be responsible
or black and white vision

Forever speaking quietly
as I gaze into your eyes
you ask me to stay
I’m always surprised

Each dream is similar
a lack of imagination
could be responsible
or black and white vision
a sentimental mind
loyal and determined
to see this through
until the very end

I know it sounds strange
in some ways it doesn’t matter
just want to love you
even if we’re not together
you know, I don’t rate myself
imagine so many better
but I still feel so grateful
just to have met her

Each dream is similar
a lack of imagination
could be responsible
or black and white vision
a sentimental mind
loyal and determined
to see this through
until the very end

Lyrics Day 360 – ‘Photography’

Hey everyone,

I was thinking recently that I’d love to go out and start taking photos again. For me, photography is a form of expression which allows us to capture scenes from new perspectives, and share those with everyone. Today’s lyrics explore these thoughts 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Photography (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Can’t wait to get out
capture those scenes
unleash a new perspective
others have yet to see

Shoot from the ground up
perfectly grasp the light
the vastness of this world
such a beautiful sight

Happenings this year
hint at our fragility
perhaps enhance the photos
take on greater meaning

Shoot from the ground up
perfectly grasp the light
the vastness of this world
such a beautiful sight
and when it rains
people shield their eyes
but I love the reflections
a gift from the sky

Realised years ago
another way to tell a story
pictures worth a thousand
display the infinite glory
of this place we call home
miniscule pale blue dot
let’s remember every scene
thankful for our lot

Shoot from the ground up
perfectly grasp the light
the vastness of this world
such a beautiful sight
and when it rains
people shield their eyes
but I love the reflections
a gift from the sky

Lyrics Day 359 – ‘Forest’

Hey everyone,

at work we have a small forest area near to the campus, and walking through it recently made me realise how much I longed to go walking through a big forest, and all that would entail. Today’s lyrics explore those thoughts and feelings.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Forest (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Want to be inside a forest
as the sun begins to set
can still feel the warmth
amidst the tall silhouettes

Almost like another world
where the trees are king
soft hum of nature
assertive, yet unseen

Some of these trees
from the ancient world
imagine the travellers
they’ve seen and heard

Almost like another world
where the trees are king
soft hum of nature
assertive, yet unseen
and I’ll begin searching
for that gentle release
forget the world outside
embrace a sea of green

Wish I could photograph
capture my feelings
try to inspire others
show something appealing
a shame that I have to
when it’s there for all to see
the plethora of colours
beauty behind those trees

Almost like another world
where the trees are king
soft hum of nature
assertive, yet unseen
and I’ll begin searching
for that gentle release
forget the world outside
embrace a sea of green

Lyrics Day 358 – ‘Treat’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are a little more light-hearted, as I reflect one of my favourite things to do – to just come home, make some coffee and watch a drama, with a little snack alongside. I think we probably all have these little moments that make us feel comfortable, and after a long day especially, I’m happy to allow myself that rest 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Treat (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Come home every evening
grab something a little sweet
for around thirty minutes
a comfortable retreat

This time, though
I’m halfway there
the beginning of change
my next important step

Sit down to the warmth
of those orange lights
hear the soft drizzle
of gentle rain outside

This time, though
I’m halfway there
the beginning of change
my next important step
and I did it all alone
so I’ll reflect on the feat
and echoing soft rain
as I tuck into my treat

It’s becoming very rare
to I give myself praise
always pushing forwards
never time to celebrate
holiday’s coming up
this one, three weeks
seems like destiny aligned
perfect time for a treat

This time, though
I’m halfway there
the beginning of change
my next important step
and I did it all alone
so I’ll reflect on the feat
and echoing soft rain
as I tuck into my treat

Lyrics Day 357 – ‘Places’

Hey everyone,

I was walking through the park recently, on my way to the Post Office, and caught sight of a bench, where my friends and I had enjoyed ice cream during the previous summer. It got me thinking that however beautiful a place is, it’s the people who were beside you and the moments you shared which essentially make the memory; the bench seemed quite a sad and lonely place by comparison.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Places (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

She and I sat there
in the park, by that tree
and sitting on that bench
we three ate ice cream

But right now I’m alone
looking back at those memories
the places seem hollow
because now, they’re empty

And it was right here
she searched out that book
introduced me to an author
who later had me hooked

But right now I’m alone
looking back at those memories
the places seem hollow
because now, they’re empty
and there’s a kind of sadness
a bleak association
need to reunite
create new situations

Passing through this town
continue to think of my friends
the way they passed through
thought three years would never end
but most are gone now
headed in different directions
these places remind me
to make new connections

But right now I’m alone
looking back at those memories
the places seem hollow
because now, they’re empty
and there’s a kind of sadness
a bleak association
need to reunite
create new situations