Lyrics Day 141 – ‘SU’

Hey everyone,

I wanted to write some sets of lyrics about my time at University, and the student union came to mind instantly. Even before I arrived there, I loved the idea of having that central meeting hub, a place to connect with all of your friends. As it turns out, I made many great memories there, just as I’d hoped 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

 

SU (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

When I first arrived
for the open day
I dreamed of that place
where we’d spend our days

Several set of images
littered my mind
we’d sit at those green tables
no friend left behind

Spending time with Viki
lying on the sofas
or watching Dim get angry
at a faulty frappuccino

Several set of images
littered my mind
we’d sit at those green tables
no friend left behind
Starbucks and a bar
on the other side of the room
it lived up to my expectations
my University SU

We took a photo one day
of all of our lunches
George always made fun
calling mine a ‘bread sandwich’
I was always trying to sacve
I never had much money
but whilst in the student union
I was never short of company

Several set of images
littered my mind
we’d sit at those green tables
no friend left behind
Starbucks and a bar
on the other side of the room
it lived up to my expectations
my University SU

Lyrics Day 134 – ‘Choices’

Hey everyone,

I wrote these lyrics initially thinking that I wanted to base them on perception; how our experiences shape our choices. However, as I wrote, I became ‘entangled’ if you will on the idea of the threads, representing each decision and potential decision that we make. It’s a really interesting image I think, if you imagine multiple threads lofted in front of you; and, even if you grab hold of one, that same thread can split at multiple points in different directions, depending on which decision you make – I’m sure it would make a really cool piece of art!

(And, if you’re interested, I’ve just uploaded the 5th episode of my podcast, ‘Coffee Table Musings’, where my friends and I speak about our three favourite musical artists – I’ll link it below 🙂 )

Stay safe ~

Sean

Choices (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Two or more paths
emerging from each option
strands taking flight
in multiple directions

Why did I choose
the path that I’ve taken?
Bottom of the iceberg
past weighing on perception

I wonder if they’re viewable
in alternate dimensions
threads great and small
destinations and extensions

 
Why did I choose
the path that I’ve taken?
Bottom of the iceberg
past weighing on perception
but every choice made
invites a new experience
with just a little courage
each day can be different

 
When I think of a choice
the image is fascinating
multiple threads
dancing, waiting
for me to latch on
and travel to their station
even then the material splits
no single conclusion

 
Why did I choose
the path that I’ve taken?
Bottom of the iceberg
past weighing on perception
but every choice made
invites a new experience
with just a little courage
each day can be different

Lyrics Day 133 – ‘Almost a Month’

Hey everyone,

I’ve been a little bit frustrated recently. I’ve written on several occasions throughout this project about the girl who I’ve cared for a long time, and I’ve also eluded to her nature – constantly busy, not much time for me. I hope that I don’t sound petulant, or anything like that; actually, she’s free to message (or not) whenever she wants. But, she last messaged me almost a month ago, and I wrote a detailed response, not only about myself but also enquiring regarding something she had been concerned about, because honestly I really care.

Although I wish I could be with her, I think my frustration is born mainly out of the fact that I know how difficult things have been for her, and I just wish I could help her to live her life, as happily as possible. Again, thank you for giving me a space to air those frustrations.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Almost a Month (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

It’s been almost a month
since I sent that message
your thoughts, your mind
I’m on the last vestiges

I tell you it doesn’t bother me
but that’s not exactly true
it’s no secret that you’re busy
but I feel like you’re being rude

Perhaps this whole time
I was far too polite
always ready to accept
story of my life

 
I tell you it doesn’t bother me
but that’s not exactly true
it’s no secret that you’re busy
but I feel like you’re being rude
you’re under no obligation
to tell me how you’re feeling
still, just for a second
I thought I was more appealing

 
The next time you message
a day, a month, whenever
will I still feel the same
about this hopeless endeavour?
I can’t deny the way
you’ve always made me feel
still perhaps for self-respect
my attention I should repeal

I tell you it doesn’t bother me
but that’s not exactly true
it’s no secret that you’re busy
but I feel like you’re being rude
you’re under no obligation
to tell me how you’re feeling
still, just for a second
I thought I was more appealing

Lyrics Day 132 – ‘Hughes The Mechanic’

Hey everyone,

today I’ve written about a positive experience from around a year ago. I’d just moved into this new place, and was still getting used to the narrow lane where I had to park. As I was slowly driving through, I hit somebody’s doorstep, which punctured my tyre. I managed to crawl to a safe place, and began trying to repair the puncture (I should say that I’m very weak generally in practical knowledge, and so I called my brother, who was walking me through it).

Anyway, I got around halfway through, and realised that I didn’t have enough tools to complete the job. I was ready to give up and call the repair company (which would have cost a substantial sum of money), but at that moment, a lady opposite emerged from her house, asking if I needed any help. I asked hopefully if she knew how to change a tyre, which she didn’t, but, she did recommend a mechanic, who lived a few doors down.

It was a Sunday morning, but he instantly came to help me, which I’ll be forever thankful for. I haven’t spoken with him since then, but he did tell me that he name was Hughes, and put his number into my phone, in case I needed further help. I’m glad I was able to remember and tell this story, because I think it displays the power of the human spirit – I’m grateful too that I was able to experience it.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Hughes The Mechanic (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

I’d just recently moved in
driving in that narrow juncture
heard a sudden bang
my tyre I had punctured

Retreated to the safety
of a nearby pavement
as I turned off the ignition
I was left to lament

A local resident
kindly left her house
recommended a mechanic
she’d heard through word of mouth

Retreated to the safety
of a nearby pavement
as I turned off the ignition
I was left to lament
my lack of practicality
but I’m so thankful to you
coming to my aid freely
the mechanic named Hughes

I’d reached the end of my tether
progressed halfway through
but it was then that I realised
didn’t possess the appropriate tools
I looked up at the sky, defeated
as the lady left her house
more kindness waiting for me
just a few doors south

Retreated to the safety
of a nearby pavement
as I turned off the ignition
I was left to lament
my lack of practicality
but I’m so thankful to you
coming to my aid freely
the mechanic named Hughes

Lyrics Day 131 – ‘Rain 2.0’

Hey everyone,

I’ve just completed my second set of lyrics which show my appreciation of rain, and ‘dull’ weather. In the UK recently we’ve had really high temperatures and although it can be nice at times, when I’m inside I long for the cosy environment which only the rain can bring.

Yesterday afternoon, my wishes were answered, as the sky became cloudy, and the rain began to fall. I smiled, looking out onto the shimmering lights of cars and felt peaceful as the raindrops tapped reassuringly against my window. I’m thankful to say that it’s been cloudy outside today too, so I felt very comfortable when writing 🙂

Stay safe ~

Sean

Rain 2.0 (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Haven’t seen you in so long
wondered where you went
the skies were always blue
left me to lament

The storm arrived quickly
clouds turned to grey
my discomfort wiped clean
as the window tapped with rain

The blinding brightness
was replaced by a warm glow
the son’s unassuming brother
heir to the throne

The storm arrived quickly
clouds turned to grey
my discomfort wiped clean
as the window tapped with rain
staring outside at new surroundings
immersed in the reflections
refreshed by the sound
with rain I feel a connection

I’ve felt this way
ever since I was a child
preferring warmth to brightness
cloudy, grey and mild
libraries filled with old tomes
or coffee shop windows
comfort is exemplified
when rain is on show

 
The storm arrived quickly
clouds turned to grey
my discomfort wiped clean
as the window tapped with rain
staring outside at new surroundings
immersed in the reflections
refreshed by the sound
with rain I feel a connection

Lyrics Day 130 – ‘Sound’

Hey everyone,

I practised a new meditation yesterday, and intentionally did it twice (once in the morning, and again early on in the evening). The meditation itself only lasts eight minutes, so sixteen minutes total were taken out of my day, but man, what a difference.

As the title suggests, the meditation focused on sound, and later on thoughts in a similar way. Essentially, the idea was to listen to sounds non-objectively, trying to focus in the raw vibrations, rather than labelling them (as a car, for example). It was amazing to intentionally listen in this way, focusing in on each individual sound and relating to them in new ways.

What was even more amazing though, was the difference in my well-being and concentration. Usually I’ll go to bed around 11pm, and even then feeling drained of energy. Yesterday, around 10:30pm, I had the focus and energy to research some new information from NASA, and then complete some tasks online that I’d been putting off. I do meditate, but only ever when I feel like I ‘need’ to. Yesterday, I realised that in order to be my best self, I always need to. And, I’m willing to take 16 minutes out of each day to do that 🙂

Stay safe, and alert ~

Sean

 

Sound (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Practised a new meditation
focusing on sound
fascinated by the variety
present all around

Focus not on the labels
you naturally attach to them
instead just listening
to each of the vibrations

There’s so much all around us
if we learn to see
to hear, to smell, to notice
life’s age-old symmetry

 
Focus not on the labels
you naturally attach to them
instead just listening
to each of the vibrations
started to think differently
about the sounds I hear each day
understanding their origins
relating in a new way

That day I felt so fresh
alert, alive and healthy
like life had so much more
that it had to tell me
I heard the sounds outside
wondered how they came to be
vibrations hitting the air
air relayed to me

 
Focus not on the labels
you naturally attach to them
instead just listening
to each of the vibrations
started to think differently
about the sounds I hear each day
understanding their origins
relating in a new way

Lyrics Day 129 – ‘Men On The Street’

Hey everyone,

today’s lyrics were inspired by a sight on my walk yesterday. As I was strolling home, I noticed two deliverymen on the other side of the road, preparing to take some furniture to what seemed like the top of a tall building, based on where they were looking. It was really hot, and as one of them turned, I caught a glimpse of his back, drenched in sweat, shirt sticking.

Because I work in a college, I’m on holiday right now, so life is going at quite a leisurely pace for me. But, looking at those men, who must have been desperately uncomfortable, I felt tremendous empathy. I haven’t been in a job like that before, but of course there are times when all of us have felt uncomfortable. I think it’s important to always take note of what’s happening around us, as it helps to keep things in perspective – even with ‘small’ moments like that, I’m reminded that life is going on around me, that other people are experiencing a plethora of emotions; not only myself. On this occasion, there wasn’t really anything I could have done to help, but recognising subtle gestures and expressions is important I think, so we’re able to support those who don’t openly ask for support.

Stay safe, and alert ~

Sean

 

Men On The Street (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Out in town walking calmly
I noticed to my right
two men and a removal van
drenched in sweat from the sunlight

They were stood on the ground
staring at the top floor
of the adjacent tall building
faces red and sore

One of their shirts
displayed two shades of blue
reminded me of the struggle
that each of us go through

They were stood on the ground
staring at the top floor
of the adjacent tall building
faces red and sore
I continued walking
but only a few feet away
our experiences were opposite
wished them a good day

In a wider context
my thoughts were as follows:
not a single life is silent
the experience bellows
it’s up to us to notice
the signs of joy and pain
even if they’re subtle
to miss would be a shame

They were stood on the ground
staring at the top floor
of the adjacent tall building
faces red and sore
I continued walking
only a few feet away
our experiences were opposite
wished them a good day

 

Lyrics Day 128 – ‘Nature’

Hey everyone,

I’m feeling a little lethargic today, so I decided to write some lyrics about my appreciation of nature, and how it refreshes me – actually, it really worked! I think I’m gonna have a long walk, so I wish you all a good day 🙂

Stay safe, and active ~

Sean

Nature (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Escaping my surroundings
embracing the outdoors
a gentle wind greets my skin
soothes my weary soul

Sitting at my desk
lethargic and uninspired
outside the window is the secret
to revitalise my mind

The spitting rain reminds me
in feeling and in sound
that this world revolves despite us
everywhere, nature abounds

Sitting at my desk
lethargic and uninspired
outside the window is the secret
to revitalise my mind
stepping out into the light
soaked in the sun’s rays
instantly I feel the difference
move forwards without delay

Sometimes when I’m outside
I feel an ancient wisdom
though they’re probably laughing
thinking I’m ignorant
knowing for a millennia
that we were meant to co-exist
side by side with nature
but have an inclination to resist

 
Sitting at my desk
lethargic and uninspired
outside the window is the secret
to revitalise my mind
stepping out into the light
soaked in the sun’s rays
instantly I feel the difference
move forwards without delay

Lyrics Day 127 – ‘Simple Comforts’

Hey everyone,

in today’s lyrics I’ve taken some time to reflect on the simple comforts in life – things that are regular parts of my routine, but that perhaps I don’t pay enough attention to, in relation to their positive impact on me. As the title suggests, I’ve intentionally listed ‘simple’ positives, and I hope that perhaps it can allow you to develop a greater appreciation for the staple comforts in your own life, too 🙂

Oh, before I forget, I wanted to let you know that I’ve recently uploaded episode 4 of my podcast – in this episode, my friends and I discuss the topic of motivation; what motivates and guides us both in life and on a daily basis, and the strategies we implement when we’re lacking in motivation. If you’re interested, feel free to have a look 🙂

Stay safe, and comfortable ~

Sean

Simple Comforts (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Home after a long day
coffee and a drama
window diverts my attention
to a striking panorama

Rain pouring down outside
skies dull and grey
but it makes everything brighter
and takes my cares away

Sitting in my room
focusing on breathing
gives me time to appreciate
this gift of life I’m receiving

Rain pouring down outside
skies dull and grey
but the contrasting warm light
takes my cares away
when I’m forced to retreat
and recharge my batteries
there’s a plethora of comforts
always there to help me

And when I arrive home
there’s just a soft glow
no artificial lighting
sun setting through the windows
like a patient friend
calmly waiting for me
eagerly accepting their embrace –
comfort, and safety

 
Rain pouring down outside
skies dull and grey
but the contrasting warm light
takes my cares away
when I’m forced to retreat
and recharge my batteries
there’s a plethora of comforts
always there to help me

 

 

Lyrics Day 126 – ‘Answers’

Hey everyone,

I watched a really great TED talk recently on the nature of Anxiety, and the experiences of the speaker, who had suffered immensely in the years prior to his speech. He spoke about treating Anxiety as a friend, and listening to what your ‘crew’ (feeling and thoughts) are trying to tell you. After all, your mind is only trying to protect you – it’s just that sometimes it gets thoughts confused with reality.

I suffer from social Anxiety, and whilst I have sought help for it before, I decided to use the time I have in this break from work to watch several talks per day, and to search for links in my past, to gain a new understanding of my Anxiety – an understanding of what it’s trying to tell me. These lyrics detail my thoughts on that process.

Stay safe ~

Sean

Answers (Verse, Half Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus)

Searching for answers
behind my troubled psyche
patterns and connections
between bouts of Anxiety

I thought this was recent
but it occurred years before
in the moments I turned away
and tried to ignore

 
Travelling to the depths
the bottom of the iceberg
exploring beneath the surface
for echoes and whispers unheard

I thought this was recent
but it occurred years before
in the moments I turned away
and tried to ignore
the fears I’d been having
and any small discomfort
If I keep on searching
then I’ll find the answers

 
If I am the captain
of my own vessel
feelings and thoughts are the crew
through the waves we must settle
Approach these tumultuous waters
with courage and love
ask the most pertinent question:
“What am I afraid of?”

I thought this was recent
but it occurred years before
in the moments I turned away
and tried to ignore
the fears I’d been having
and any small discomfort
If I keep on searching
then I’ll find the answers