BACK TO THE WHEEL


Summertime's the Time for Me

summertime, that's the time for me
birds singing, honey from the bees
summertime, I feel so free
summertime, that's the time for me

climb a mountain, climb so high
to all my worries, I say goodbye
hike on up, up to the sky
summertime, that's the time for me

strolled on out to a picnic today
burgers on the grill with corn on the way
how I love a cold drink on a hot, hot day
summertime, that's the time for me

summertime, I feel so fine
gone fishing, can't you read the sign
summertime, cast out a line
summertime, that's the time for me

dive on in, cool on down
swim like a fish in an evening gown
roll over on your back, peace is found
summertime, that's the time for me

summertime… 

        
Jenn Cleary – acoustic guitar, vocals 
Doug Moldawsky – electric guitar 
Eric Moon – accordian, piano
Brian Schey – bass 
Christian Teele – drums, cowbell 

Last Day of Vacation Blues

it's my last day here in paradise
I've got to put back on my shoes
but all I want to do
is stay here and cruise
I've got the blues
there's nothing I can do
cause it's my last day here in paradise
last day of vacation blues

well it's been a whole week
you'd think that'd be enough time
to eat fabulous food
and drink lots of wine
but it wasn't, no
not even close, no
there's gotta be a cure for the
last day of vacation blues

I've had such a great time
swam each and every day
walked up and down that beach
and played, played, played
but it's over now
gotta pack my bags and go
oh the agony of the
last day of vacation blues

you know I'm feeling quite relaxed
have a deep bronze tan
now all I want to do is
dance with the band
don't let them take me away
can't I just stay, one more day
I don't want to feel the pain of the
last day of vacation blues

they say it's my last day in paradise
supposed to put back on my shoes
I really don't think
I deserve to be this blue
so, I'm gonna find a way
go back to work some other day
so I never have to fear
I never have to have
I never have to feel the
last day of vacation blues…

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Mad Dog Friedman - harmonica
Eric Moon - piano, B3 organ
John McVey - electric guitar
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums

Back to the Wheel

everybody wants something from someone
but nothing comes without a price to pay
beware of those engaging smiles
they just might try and take you away

we're all looking to get what we need
hoping someone else might give it to us
safety, love, power and peace of mind
can ease the feeling of emptiness

feeling good is what's drivin' us all
when we succeed we want more, more, more
but life has a balance and we must fall
back to the wheel

so, what is it for you?
the security to do what you want to do?

what do you want sweet honey?
could it be all about the money?

what are you looking to feel?
some love to help you heal?
feeling good…

we go up, we go down, we go all the way around
back to that wheel

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Eric Moon - B3 organ
John McVey - electric guitar
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums

Little Mr. Street Survivor

little Mr. Street Survivor
who ya gonna grow up to be
can you rise above the despair that you see

your daddy's gone, your mama she's in jail
for things you just don't understand
it's not fair, it's not your fault, but it's time to be a man

cause nobody's gonna do it for you
you're on your own, be strong, break on through
stand tall, stay safe and to your own self be true

little Mr. Street Survivor
have you been sneaking around the local stores
jacking again and taking what isn't yours

but how are you to survive
if you don't cheat and lie and steal
for survival depends on finding your next meal

cause nobody's…

nobody's watchin' over you, nobody even cares
except for the competition, you better be aware
there's others just like you, I'm sad to say, everywhere

yet if you are one of the lucky ones
and life smiles upon your plight
you will endure and never again have to fight

cause nobody's…

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Eric Moon - synth
John McVey - electric guitar, ebo
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums

Completely Free

from the Rockies of Colorado
to the Alps of Switzerland
I find myself out
on the move again
I want to make the most of my life
knowing it will one day end
ya never know what's coming
up around that bend

so, I sing this song today for you
knowing it could be my last
opportunity
as life goes so fast
so I unleash this unseen force
of creativity
it flows on out as I trust
what I cannot see

I'm so glad to be alive
singing this here song
cause sometimes life has seemed
completely wrong
life has not always been so kind
and allowed me to be
expressing the way I feel
like this moment of harmony

I feel full of life, full of love
singing here today
I don't know about tomorrow
but I am happy to say
that life is good, life is fine
and I'm so glad to be
in this very moment
feeling completely free

so, I sing this song today for you
when it could be my last
opportunity
as life goes so fast

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Eric Moon - B3 organ
Nick Forster - electric guitar
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums
Megan Burtt - background vocals
John McVey - background vocals

Sun Don't Shine

the sun don't shine here no more
my heart is cold and feeling sore
no, the sun don't shine here no more
I've gotta find my way to a different shore

my man's gone lookin' around again
lookin' for some other woman
my man he's gone lookin' around again
But this time, I ain't waitin' around for him

I think I'll head south down to Mexico
And find myself one of them bungalows
I think I'll head on south down to Mexico
and I ain't coming back till I feel whole

I loved you babe with all my heart
now I'm thinking you aren't so smart
I loved you babe with all my heart
but it's lookin' now like it's time to part

the sun don't shine like it did before
my heart was cold and feeling sore
no, the sun don't shine like it did before
I'm gonna find my way to a different shore

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Mad Dog Friedman - harmonica
Eric Moon - grand piano
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums

Moments of Grace

I'm the man that they wondered, what became of him
I used to run all day playing, until they made me come in
baseball was my glory, how I loved to hear them cheer
now I sit in the stadium watching, with a smile and a tear

I'm the woman they all admired and all heads turned to see
I used to sing and dance for years and so elegantly
how the crowd loved to watch the way I'd glide across the stage
now I sit lookin' out the window of my nursing home cage

we're all born in different packages, no two at all the same
some lives are long, others short, but we all have our pain
life brings us challenges, some more than we can bear
yet everyone has moments of grace that they share

I'm the boy they call Sterling and I'll never get to be
like the mighty men that I admire for I was born with CP
I watch the other children run and jump all day long
while I sit here thinking, why can't I be the one that's strong

I often hope that soon there will come a day
when science finds an answer and I can walk away
from these contraptions on wheels that move me mile after mile
in the meantime I'll tell a joke and make somebody smile

we're all born…

I'm the baby girl they called Abby and I never got to be
like the beautiful woman that looked at me so lovingly
my heart beat only for a very short time
but every second love poured out from that family of mine

we're all born…

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Eben Grace - pedal steel guitar
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums
Megan Burtt - background vocals
John McVey - background vocals

Don't Try and Change Me

don't try to change me to what works for you
don't boss me around or tell me what to do
this is who I am, like it or not
ya gotta be fine with me or find another spot
I ain't putting up with no flim or no flam
if you're stayin' here, then take me as I am
accept this girl for what you see
or you can move on baby, cause I'd rather be free

I like your company and all your charm
I even like it when you take me by the arm
I like the way you pay for my meal
but don't you ever try and go and make me heel
I'd like to share your riches and your gold
I'd like a second house in Monte Carlo
I'd like to have a nice convertible car
but it's just not worth it if you push it too far

I need you to know I'm quite independent
unless of course, it's terribly inconvenient
I know what you're thinking when you're lookin' at me
maybe all you wanted was a devotee
well, I must admit I can be confusing
with all of my fussing and all my musing
but that's how it is, what can I say
will you go or will you stay?

don't try to…

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Eric Moon - B3 organ
Nick Forster - slide guitar
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums

Those Boys

they're zippin' and flippin' and hoppin' about
they're skippin' and trippin', you can hear them shout
those boys, those boys

they're playin' in the woods and climbing up trees
they're diggin' up worms and takin' a leak
those boys, those boys

basketball, baseball, football, hike
soccer, skateboards and ridin' bikes
those boys, those boys

they're laughing, they're cryin', they're runnin' around
they're jumpin', they're crashing, they're lying on the ground
those boys, those boys

someday they will be full of so much responsibility
but for now, they are simple and free
those boys, those boys

they're clever, they're smart, they're sneaky and keen
they're bright, they're cunning, they can even be mean
those boys, those boys

competition, I will win this race and
leave you in the dust without a trace
those boys, those boys

they're bigger, badder, higher, louder
they're taller, cuter, funnier, prouder
those boys, those boys

they're screaming with pleasure, screaming with pain
they're screaming at each other, it's all the same for
those boys, those boys

someday they will be…

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Mad Dog Friedman - harmonica
Eric Moon - B3 organ
John McVey - electric guitar
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums, tambourine

My Favorite Place

climbing, climbing, up in the air
climbing, climbing, I'm almost there
up to my tree house, my own special space
up to my tree house, my favorite place

hi Mr. Squirrel, it's been a whole day
since I've been here, oh there's so much to say
did you see that carnival pull in to town
could you see the rollercoaster going up and down
it was me that you heard screaming so loud
it was me that you saw, sailing through the clouds

hi Miss Bee, you're busy I see
but I have a few questions about your honey
how do you make it or where does it come from
if you have a little extra, can I have some
someday will you tell me how you survive
someday will you take me back to your hive

hi Mr. Robin, I've been meaning to ask
how do you fly and not just crash
do you think you could teach me and be on guard
in case I fall, I promise to try so hard
tomorrow I'll bring wings, we can try them right here
tomorrow I'll bring wings, I will have no fear

swinging, swinging, down through the air
swinging, swinging, don't worry I'll be back to share
goodbye my tree house, my own special space
goodbye my tree house, my favorite place

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Nick Forster - mandolin
Eric Moon -grand piano
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums, shaker

Hope

once there was a little girl
not much more than three
didn't know where she'd go
or who she'd come to be

life dealt her a mighty blow
leaving not much hope
to live beyond her early years
her parents could not cope

the pain started slow
and as the years passed by
the pain only grew
with no answers to why

the third world leaves little hope
for children such as these
born with terrible illness
or suffering beyond belief

I wanna talk about hope
I'm talkin' about people opening their hearts
but I'm talkin' about hope
I'm talkin' about hope

the girl made a long trek
to the city of Kathmandu
volunteers awaited
not yet knowing what they would do

this child had to undergo
many painful surgeries
two years of doctors
trying to avoid tragedy

I wanna talk about hope…

without the generous help
of people far and wide
this precious little child
was not destined to survive

it goes to show that life
has its own ideas
if we open up to hope
it cancels all our fears

I wanna talk about hope…

Jenn Cleary – acoustic guitar, vocals
Jesse Mano – oud, djembe, flute, gobexhan
Brian Schey – bass
Christian Teele – drums

In the Sunshine

darkness has finally come and passed
and new life gives me hope at last
a hard season's gone past its prime
and now I can enter into a fresh new time

warmth melts over the chill on my face
I no longer dream of some other place
well I hope and I trust that all that gray
has gone so I can love this beautiful day

I welcome in the sunshine
I feel alive again in the sunshine
I can smile again in the sunshine
won't you join me in the sunshine

rainbows glimmer in the bright sunlight
when all the rain has gone out of sight
all of my senses jump pleasantly alive
I can see, smell and hear all that thrive

I welcome…

I know it's not gonna always be this way
and I know that this feeling won't forever stay
but I'm so glad I can have just a little bit of fun
and make the most of this fabulous day in the sun

we can welcome in the sunshine…

Jenn Cleary - acoustic guitar, vocals
Nick Forster - electric and slide guitar
Eric Moon - grand piano, B3 organ
Brian Schey - bass
Christian Teele - drums
Megan Burtt - background vocalsJohn McVey - background vocals

BREAKIN' LOOSE


Little Yellow Sports Car

ittle yellow sports car
sittin’ there so fine
won’t you take me out
for a little ride
I’ve got all day my friend
won’t you be mine

I see your dual exhausts there
must make you go so fast
take me to the moon
let’s go have a blast
I’ve got all day my friend
let’s make it last

your black convertible top
keeps you from the rain
but today the sun shines bright
let’s go chase a train
I’ve got all day my friend
let’s take the fast lane

wheels spin around their axle
treads are barely worn
road’s so smooth, air so warm
I’ve got all day my friend
let’s go honk that horn
little yellow sports car…..

Jenn Cleary – vocal
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ,
guitars,drums and percussion
_______________________________

Life Starts Over Again

today is the youngest
we'll ever be
time backs up for no one
not even me
if we try’n to stop a river
from running
we'd only get wet
and it’d keep on goin'
even the tallest mountains
of our land
can't help being worn down
and returned to sand
even the brightest stars
of glowing fire
will one day burn up
and completely transpire
even with death
there is no end
life just starts over
and over again
even with death
there is no end
life just starts over
and over again
at this moment
someone’s passing away
and newborn children
are on the way
today is the youngest
we'll ever be
let's appreciate
the harmony
even with death…..

Jenn Cleary – vocals
Ricardo Peña – bass, guitars,
background vocals
Linda Lewllyn – background vocals
Emily McKay – background vocals
Beto Hale – drums

_____________________________

Wish You'd Been Here To Stay

daddy can you see me singing here
can you see me from where you are
what’s it like up in heaven
do they serve wine and caviar
you come to me in my dreams
your presence strong and clear
I only wish you could talk to me
and take away my fears
life hasn’t been the same
since you’ve gone away
no, life hasn’t been the same
wish you’d been here to stay
I have a family of my own now
a girl and two little boys
I wish you could have known them
they sure make a lot of noise!
so much has happened here
there is so much to say
I hope some day to see you again
for that I can only pray
life hasn’t been the same….

Jenn Cleary – vocal
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ, guitars,
thigh clapping, background vocals
Ed Edwards – background vocals
Beto Hale – drums

____________________________

Attitude (Behind Dark Shades)

she's got attitude.....

maybe you’re hot
or maybe you’re not
so take off those shades
let's see what you've got
you've got the look
you've got the style
but the eyes
they say what's what
she's got attitude.....
maybe you’re hot….
who are you behind dark shades
your high heel shoes and shorts of suede
hair tied back, like you're on parade
strutting like you've got it made

he's got attitude....
maybe you’re hot….
he's got attitude....
who are you behind dark shades
your muscled calves on rollerblades
a fine grown stud of premium grade
hey dude you've got it made
they've got attitude....
maybe you’re hot….
the pick up scene behind dark shades
just looking good to make a trade
harsh realities on the way
it looks like it's all a charade
attitude....

Jenn Cleary – vocal
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ, guitars, drums,
percussions and background vocal
Linda Lewellyn – background vocal
Emily McKay – background vocal
___________________________________

Down By The River

down by the river
down by the river one day
a voice deep within said
why don’t you jump right in?
I said, but why would I do that?
I’m comfortable here on shore
it’s safer to watch from a distance
hear that river roar!
why do I fear so?
can’t I just let go?
trust where life will take me
trust where the river flows
I put my toe in
just to test the water
no, now I think
it’s time to go on back
but go back to what
the river is calling me
maybe it’s time I took a chance
take me to the sea
why do I fear so….
I’m tired of resisting
and believing that I’m in control
why not relax?
and accept where I might go
why do I fear so….

Jenn Cleary – vocal and guitar
Ricardo Peña – bass, guitar,
percussion and background vocal
Linda Lewellyn – background vocal
Emily McKay – background vocal

Doesn’t Make Sense

stained glass windows block my view
I want to know what’s happening outside
there is a musty smell of incense here
and it’s stinging my eyes
old men form a ritual parade
with young boys at their sides
I am a child and this doesn’t make sense to me
all these beliefs of what I cannot see
I don’t want to be a part of your lengthy creed
maybe it’s right for you but I just can’t follow your lead
high above a wooden figure
hangs up on the wall
kneel, heel, sit, stand and stay
are the commands we follow
repeating words that mean nothing to me
feels empty and hollow
I am a child….
monotonous music fills the hall
I am told that God is near
they say this is the way we must live
indoctrination through fear
guilt and shame is what I learn
to recover will take years
I am a child….

Jenn Cleary – vocal
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ, guitars, background vocals
Linda Lewellyn – background vocals
Beto Hale – drums
_____________________________

I Need To Go (Hannah's Song)

I need to leave from this small town
my youth has been tainted with pain
the dynamite I carry
could burst me into flame
now it’s time to give it all up
and leave my past behind
release the fears that hold me
and free my mind
I need to go now go
and put on my black leather boots
I need to go now go
and say goodbye to these small town fools
I need to go……
ya….
I need to go……
and say goodbye to these small town blues
perhaps a spark of hope
and courage found deep within
can release this prisoner of darkness
who has not committed a sin
I can’t let anyone stop me
freedom can’t be far away
I will keep my intentions clear
and hope to find my way
I need to go now go…

Jenn Cleary – vocal and electric guitar
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ, guitar,
and drums, background vocal
Ed Edwards – background vocal
______________________________

Break It Loose

break it loose
don’t hold back
move your body
that’s the knack
break it loose
don’t control
feel the rhythm
let yourself go
feel the most of being alive
don't be stiff and compromised
go for expressivity
feel the connectivity
forget about who you've been
seek a new groove deep within
cast away negativity
and trust your reflexivity
break it loose make a move
put on your dancing shoes
break it loose you can't lose
it's a sure cure for the blues
break it loose no more blues
put yourself to good use
break it loose shake it loose
anyway you choose
break it loose
don’t hold back….
feel the most of being alive…..
give yourself a chance
to learn a new kind of dance
enjoy some flexibility
open up to a new possibility
break it loose make a move
put on your dancing shoes….

Jenn Cleary – vocal
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ, guitar, tambourine
and background vocal
Linda Lewellyn – background vocal
Emily McKay – background vocal
Beto Hale – drums
____________________________

Peace In Our World

why can't there be
peace in our world
I hold out hope
deep down in my soul
why focus on hatred
when it only brings pain to us all
can't we forgive and move on
before we freefall
why do we fight fire with fire
if it only creates infernos
can't we find other ways
and stop struggling with our foes
why can't there …

Jenn Cleary – vocal
Ricardo Peña – bass, organ, guitar
Beto Hale – drums
________________________

Lovin, Like A Fool

I ain't got time for fussin’ or broodin’
I ain't got time for being all blue
I ain't got time for kvetchin’ or complainin’
I've only got time for lovin' like a fool
sometimes I get feeling sorry and sad
think I’m lacking in what others might have
I ain't got time for being selfish and mad
I've only got time for lovin' like a fool
life is short, so they say
time flies by, I was told today
I ain't got time for another cliché
I only got time for lovin' like a fool
I've seen many pass on before me
my day will come and I too will be free
I ain't got time to think of what might be
I've only got time for lovin' like a fool
Just had a visit with a good ol’ friend
got me thinking how lucky we've been
I ain't got time to wait until the end
I've only got time for lovin' like a fool
life is short…

Jenn Cleary – vocals
Ricardo Peña – bass, piano, guitar, background vocals
Ed Edwards – background vocals
Beto Hale – drums