Lyrics Day 319 – ‘Pain’

Hey everyone,

I think I’ve written about this once before, but I had a friend during University, who I only realised later was suffering from Depression, and other mental health issues. I was just thinking about that situation recently, and how I could have done more, during that time. It teaches me to be more alert to those signals now.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Pain (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

There was this guy
knew from University
acted like the class clown
but inside he was empty

‘It’s just nice to be needed’
he said, as I laughed
an uncomfortable reaction
really, I should have asked

Then there was that time
he asked me to walk home
said that with all the work lately
it was nice not to be alone

‘It’s just nice to be needed’
he said, as I laughed
an uncomfortable reaction
really, I should have asked
‘Are you feeling lonely?
Is there something on your mind?’
Blind to his struggles
when I should have been kind

Thought myself empathic
alert to other’s pain
but only in retrospect
did I realise my mistakes
did I really not see
or was I just distracted?
Either way I was careless
when I should have acted

‘It’s just nice to be needed’
he said, as I laughed
an uncomfortable reaction
really, I should have asked
‘Are you feeling lonely?
Is there something on your mind?’
Blind to his pain
when I should have been kind

Lyrics Day 318 – ‘Productivity’

Hey everyone,

I had an experience a couple of days back which made me consider the nature of productivity, or rather, the motivation behind it. I read something a few years ago which said: ‘motivation breeds motivation’, and it really stuck with me. In order words, if you want to be motivated, you have to take the first step. So, a couple of days ago, I completed my morning run, as usual, and then found sudden inspiration to clear out some kitchen cupboards, something I’ve been meaning to do for some time.

After that, I suddenly began to think of other things I could do, and my mind began whirring. Maybe two hours later, I finally finished after a series of productive tasks, and my mindset is actually still like that – what I can do, even in a small way, to improve my daily life? I suspect that this feeling isn’t just unique for me, so I hope that it can help you, too. If you’ve been meaning to do something, then essentially the key is to just start with something, anything, even unrelated, to get you moving, and your mind working. After that, it becomes a snowball effect, and you can continue to move forwards 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Productivity (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Experienced a surge
in my productivity
one after another
activity after activity

And it always happens
when I take that first step
seems to strike a chord
changes my mindset

Look all around
consider just what to do
to make tomorrow better
positive energy I exude

And it always happens
when I take that first step
seems to strike a chord
changes my mindset
then I begin to wonder
what I can do next
making use of this wind
a perpetual vortex

Completed an activity
I’d put off for months
without any heartache
bruises or lumps
shows how easy it can be
if only I’d take action
instead of resisting
bowing to hesitation

And it always happens
when I take that first step
seems to strike a chord
changes my mindset
then I begin to wonder
what I can do next
making use of this wind
a perpetual vortex

Lyrics Day 317 – ‘Travelling Home’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are quite simple in meaning, and just speak about how I’ve been looking forward to the holiday I have this week. With everything that’s been going on, it’s felt like a long term in some ways, and I’m very happy to have this chance to rest 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Travelling Home (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Late nights, early mornings
Copious amounts of testing
This term has been a long one
But finally, ideas of resting

Walk towards the car
Turn my keys in the ignition
Immediately thoughts conjure
Chocolate cake in my kitchen

It’s always the best one
Day before the holiday
Imagining what will come
What my mind has to say

Walk towards the car
Turn my keys in the ignition
Immediately thoughts conjure
Chocolate cake in my kitchen
Feel like I deserve that
Texture soft, taste sweet
It’s a peaceful drive home
Looking forward to the week

For at least a week
Finally, my mind is free
No scheduling ahead
Cleared of debris
Can sit down with a book
And swirling foam of coffee
Sits comfortably beside
Always there for me

Walk towards the car
Turn my keys in the ignition
Immediately thoughts conjure
Chocolate cake in my kitchen
Feel like I deserve that
Texture soft, taste sweet
It’s a pleasant drive home
Looking forward to the week

Lyrics Day 316 – ‘Bitterly Cold’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are written with regards to my feelings about running in the cold recently, which, as I write, is difficult initially, but then I begin to appreciate it, as my body warms up. I guess it’s another aspect of mindfulness, where I can really feel each breath 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Bitterly Cold (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Standing at the traffic lights
gloved fingers still freezing
admittedly begin to wish for
arrival of the milder season

Step out of the front door
notice my breath in front of me
but have to keep moving
even if at first uncomfortably

Four pairs of socks
and my feet are still numb
have to ride out the opening
to the cold, never succumb

Step out of the front door
breath appears in front of me
but have to keep moving
even if at first uncomfortably
I’m aware of the dangers
of settling into lethargy
takes away my mind
spoils the day ahead of me

About halfway through
I begin to warm up
regain the feeling
beneath gloves and socks
and appreciate the cold
the freshness it brings me
each breath visible
as I run along happily

Step out of the front door
breath appears in front of me
but have to keep moving
even if at first uncomfortably
I’m aware of the dangers
of settling into lethargy
takes away my mind
spoils the day ahead of me

Lyrics Day 315 – ‘China’

Hey everyone,

it was the Chinese New Year recently, and as a gift I wrote a set of lyrics for my friends there, explaining why I love the country, and wish to travel there someday 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

China (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

At first I was enamoured
By the courage of ancient heroes
But then I discovered
That same spirit in their people

As I sit on the ground
Staring up at those lanterns
Dreams no longer hidden
Know that I’ve found them

Just as Zhao Yun rode
To the aid of Liu Shan
I have faith in new friends
By my side, hand in hand

As I sit on the ground
Staring up at those lanterns
Dreams no longer hidden
Know that I’ve found them
Orange glows fill the horizon
But the true warmth is inside
This magical country
Where I wish to reside

And perhaps I’ll recite
Speak of those traditions
As we traverse
The Temple of Heaven
‘Think of them all –
the heroes who passed by!’
I say with a huge smile
As I look to the sky

As I sit on the ground
Staring up at those lanterns
Dreams no longer hidden
Know that I’ve found them
Orange glows fill the horizon
But the true warmth is inside
This magical country
Where I wish to reside

Lyrics Day 314 – ‘Black Sheep’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics explore some thoughts I’ve been having about my introverted nature, or perhaps that’s too simplistic a term. I guess the word ‘introverted’ may partly explain it, but whilst I do love people, and having friends, often I feel exhausted if I spend a lot of time with others, and frequently require my own space. I’m still trying to decide if it’s something I’d like to try and fix, but for now, here are my thoughts.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Black Sheep (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Wonder if these thoughts
Are inherent and innate
Running away from others
Quick to instigate

Stay away from the flock
Where there’s no pressure
To pretend to be interesting
Retire at my leisure

When I noticed her call
I was quick to delay
Suddenly felt tired
Unsure of what to say

Stay away from the flock
Where there’s no pressure
To pretend to be interesting
Retire at my leisure
I want to help others
Don’t want to socialise
At least, not often
Isolation my prize

Hearing her voice
She seemed so alive
‘I like your company’
I instantly thought ‘why’
And I know I was wrong
I feel it inside
But it’s just too painful
Sometimes even to try

Stay away from the flock
Where there’s no pressure
To pretend to be interesting
Retire at my leisure
I want to help others
Don’t want to socialise
At least, not often
Isolation my prize

Lyrics Day 313 – ‘Flower Shop’

Hey everyone,

as I’m walking home through town, I always pass by a small flower shop. In today’s lyrics I’ve imagined a little scenario, which came to mind as I thought about the shop 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Flower Shop (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

On my way home
I always pass by
That beautiful store
Where the flowers reside

On a calm morning I’d enter
Know the lady at the counter
Embrace the smells and colours
All those beautiful flowers

Daisies and Roses
Tulips and Chrysanthemums
Imagine in that life
A whistle as my anthem

On a calm morning I’d pass by
Know the lady at the counter
Embrace the smells and colours
All those beautiful flowers
‘They’re for my wife, you see,
She’s pregnant with our daughter.
Can hardly believe
I’m about to be a father’

And when I present the flowers
See her warm smile rise:
‘You were planning something
I could see it in your eyes’
Then I give thanks,
Looking up at the sky:
‘To be honest I’m just happy
To have someone to surprise’

On a calm morning I’d pass by
Know the lady at the counter
Embrace the smells and colours
All those beautiful flowers
‘They’re for my wife, you see,
She’s pregnant with our daughter.
Can hardly believe
I’m about to be a father’

Lyrics Day 312 – ‘Learning’

Hey everyone,

I was watching a drama recently, when one of the main characters spoke about their experiences, and instantly remembered why I love to learn about people’s views, experiences, and beliefs. In that moment I felt: ‘I want to know people – their stories; learn from their experiences, and enrich my own life as a result.’

This is the reason why I would love to continue podcasting, and if people were willing, to just ask them questions, and discover their philosophy. In my mind, there’s nothing more fascinating than somebody’s personality, and what has shaped their story over the years.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Learning (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Every person out there
has something to teach me
different perceptions
unique philosophies

Want to travel far and wide
meet a friend in each country
sit down, eye to eye
hear their life stories

Grant me the privilege
of listening to your experience
it can only be fruitful
to my limited existence

Want to travel far and wide
meet a friend in each country
sit down, eye to eye
hear their life stories
and in so doing enrich my own
learn the lessons they speak
understand myself and the world
find the knowledge I seek

Not only will it provide
width for my tunnel vision
but also in the future
when making each decision
I’ll remember it all
each of their stories
a permanent light
glowing inside of me

Want to travel far and wide
meet a friend in each country
sit down, eye to eye
hear their life stories
and in so doing enrich my own
learn the lessons they speak
understand myself and the world
find the knowledge I seek

Lyrics Day 311 – ‘Coffee Shop Conversations’

Hey everyone,

I haven’t seen anybody socially, in person, in over a year now, and one of the things I really miss are the meaningful, and enjoyable conversations we would have whilst sat in coffee shops. I really enjoyed writing these lyrics, and tried hard to reflect both the sense of comfort and relief that I feel, in that environment. I’m looking forward to going back there again 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Coffee Shop Conversations (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Oh how I miss them
words softly spoken
in that calm environment
fragile heart slowly opened

Sit down at those tables
warm and inviting
offload my concerns
let go of inciting

Take a sip of hot chocolate
as I bask in the light
never overbearing
gentle and kind

Sit down at those tables
warm and inviting
offload my concerns
let go of inciting
inclinations of the mind
and my weary soul
leaves with another piece
reattached to the whole

There I reconnect
with comfortable feelings
scent of brewing coffee
is more than appealing
and sitting with a friend
there staring back at me
gone are my worries
and growing sense of lethargy

Sit down at those tables
warm and inviting
offload my concerns
let go of inciting
inclinations of the mind
and my weary soul
leaves with another piece
reattached to the whole

Lyrics Day 310 – ‘Understanding’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics are written about a phone call I shared with my friend recently. I listened politely, but I guess then, and to be honest over the past week or so, I’ve just felt…placid, is the best word I can use to describe it. I’m still trying to understand that feeling fully, so I can’t really offer a whole lot more on it right now. What I can say though, is that these lyrics are based on my thoughts around it.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Understanding (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

I woke up feeling tired
didn’t want to reply
but still I continued
other things on my mind

She probably thought me rude
as I hummed along
wondering as she complained
where her energy came from

‘Sorry, I just need a break
from all conversation’
Instead of trying to appease
should have been my inclination

She probably thought me rude
as I hummed along
wondering as she complained
where her energy came from
as she passionately explained
why she argued with her Mum
I was trying to understand
where my lack of feeling came from

She laughed as she said
she was lost, wrong direction
I just feigned a response
lost in introspection
she was probably hurt
at my lack of consideration
but it’s hard to care right now
leads to alienation

She probably thought me rude
as I hummed along
wondering as she complained
where her energy came from
as she passionately explained
why she argued with her Mum
I was trying to understand
where my lack of feeling came from