A fun writing contest, sure, why not?

What a start to the week! I belong to several Home Free fan pages and one of them announced a writing contest a few weeks back. Writers were asked to write a one page Home Free related article, story or poem. A few days before the deadline to submit an idea, I emailed my idea and it was accepted. Now comes the hard part, putting my long winded idea in a one page article. I knew what I wanted to write and just started typing. A page and a half later I knew I was in trouble. I was able to make the edits needed to keep it to one page and submitted it. In all honesty, I didn't think I stood a chance, as many of the writers I'd run across were closer to professionals than I am and very good. But I didn't see the harm in submitting an article. If I'm going to try to get my writings out there, then I need to get my writings out there, right? Admittedly so, I was checking all day the day they were supposed to announce the winner, but nothing. My allergies had me feeling very tired by the end of the day, so I went to bed early. I heard my phone going crazy after I was in bed, but I was too tired to check my phone, it can wait until tomorrow. The next morning I checked my  phone to see what all the noise was about and there it was, they announced the winner of the writing contest. Me. I thought I was seeing things, so I gave myself a couple minutes to wake up. I sat down and read it again and yes, I had won the writing contest. All the beeps on my phone were people congratulating me. I was speechless, but at the same time giddy like a teenage girl! Yes, it's a contest in fan group, not a magazine, but it might as well have been to me! So Home Free has not only inspired me to write again, but they have also helped me pull out a win! I know the people who also entered and I hope we get to read them all, as they are all great writers. So here it is, my first "award" winning article (she says with a silly grin).

How Home Free Inspired Me  written by Michelle Gallardo

How many times have you heard a song that made you cry or saw an elderly couple holding hands that made you smile or a heard a baby cry that made you want to comfort that baby? We all get inspired by the simple things in life that go on around us every day. I started writing at the age of twelve, when I made some great friends from Germany. When they left, I missed them so much that poems and songs were racing through my head so fast, some nights I couldn’t sleep. I stopped writing at some point due to life in general. Recently, while scrolling in Facebook, I came across this video of “Ring of Fire” by Home Free. I became fascinated with these guys and their amazing talent. These five guys can accomplish what other bands, with or without instruments, can’t quite capture. The perfect combination of talent in Home Free is pure magic. After watching every video I could find for about a week, I bought their Crazy Life CD.

When I heard “I’ve Seen,” I stopped what I was doing and listened to that song about five times. Listening to that song took me back to when I wrote and sang my own songs. I heard my friend and me singing, and laughing when we messed up. The words I’d written came into my head, as if I had just written them yesterday. This song, “I’ve Seen,” brought back all the rhythmic, poetic words that used to run free in my crazy brain and I began writing again.

After finding some fellow “Home Fries” online, I slowly became a part of many Home Free fan pages on Twitter and Facebook. Every person I came in contact with, was all too happy to share their Home Free experiences. After Tim Foust favorited a comment of mine in Twitter, I fan-girled for a short time and decided to get tickets to their concert in Nederland, TX.  Nederland has a small town, welcoming atmosphere, like where I grew up. The concert was, needless to say, spellbinding. I played it back in mind, for weeks! On the drive back from Nederland, we took the back roads instead of going through Houston. It was absolutely gorgeous. “Driving the back roads of Texas, trees as far as I can see.” And there it was, my inspiration for song lyrics for “Homeward Bound in Texas”

Another song I just love is “Champagne Taste.” Such a guy song, but very funny! I challenge myself to write things out of my comfort zone as much as I can. This song inspired me to write a silly song from a man’s point of view. So again, with a little Home Free inspiration, I wrote song lyrics about a guy crying in his beer when his girl left him, but what hurt him more, was she took his truck and his tools. The song is called “Mae.” Mae is the truck.

The latest inspiration came from Tim and social media. Home Free had been on “vacation” after Christmas. When the time came, Tim posted a simple “Back to the studio” in Facebook and Twitter. Once again, his words, along with some complaining about the weather, inspired me to write song lyrics. “The Studio” is about an artist going back on the road after a winter break.

Home Free grabbed my heart last summer when I heard them sing “Ring of Fire.” They continue to inspire me with simple posts, making music that can make you laugh and cry and just being themselves. Not to mention the inspiration I get from their equally amazing fans, the Home Fries. I even wrote a poem for the Home Fries and how they make me feel every day. So be sure to look around you, every place you go. There’s something out there that you feel strongly about, that can inspire you, like Home Free inspired me.

Today's featured song lyrics is a double feature!

Today’s featured song lyrics happened while I was trying to update/modernize some older lyrics and is a double feature. I never did update the lyrics to “When the Sun Goes Down” (found on the Older Song Lyrics page). I realized how much I liked that song as is, so it turned into a new song. After working on these “new” song lyrics for several days, I’m not sure why, but the chorus partially popped into my head (maybe a subliminal idea from TV or something). Meeting in an elevator, kind of different but fun idea, and off I went. After writing “Elevator Ride”, I was immediately able to finish the lyrics to “Someday”, which can be found on the New Song Lyrics page. Both are posted below. And just as a side note here, finishing these two also led to finishing “Same Club, Same Time” (found New Song Style page). I also want to give a shout out and Thank You to my fellow Home Fries (Home Free fans). I reached out to several of them for their opinion on some of these song lyrics and they were amazing. They gave some fantastic feedback and suggestions and it was greatly appreciated! And now “Elevator Ride” and “Someday.” I hope you like them and have a great weekend!

Elevator ride

What a wild ride, the past few years have been, often wonder if it’s real.

It seems like only yesterday, I thought being single was a sweet deal.

I played when I wanted, stayed alone when I needed and never had to feel.

Clubs and parties, a date here and there, my freedom had a thrilling appeal.

(chorus)

I pressed the up button and heard someone say, “Hold the door, please”

She smiled at me and pressed seven, all I could was stare and hope she doesn’t see

As the doors closed, there she was, workout clothes, ponytail and no make up

The elevator ride to the seventh floor made me feel like a boy, a little love struck

That day, three years ago, changed my life girl, tomorrow we say I do

Clubs and parties and quiet nights at home, I now get spend with you

That elevator ride was more than a lift up, that day you came to my rescue

I was on my own, nothing to tie me down and now I’m part of something new

(chorus)

I pressed the up button and heard someone say, “Hold the door, please”

She smiled at me and pressed seven, all I could was stare and hope she doesn’t see

As the doors closed, there she was, workout clothes, ponytail and no make up

The elevator ride to the seventh floor made me feel like a boy, a little love struck

(ending short chorus)

As the doors slowly closed, I heard the preacher say, “You may kiss the bride”

This elevator ride to the seventh floor is our first one as husband and wife

Written by Michelle Gallardo

 January 28, 2015

Someday

I never had time to spend on love, working on my dreams took all my time

I had control of my own world, my heart, my work and this crazy life of mine.

My friends used to say, don’t wait too long, you don’t want love to pass you by

Then, one day, I bumped into you and in that instant, you changed my life

(chorus)

Why did my heart open up that day?

One look at you and I didn’t know what to say.

My stomach got a tingle, your eyes, I can’t look away.

My knees went weak, did I really just laugh that way?

Oh Lord, what’s happening, is this my someday?

We spilled our coffee and had a laugh, we sat and talked for what seemed like forever

I missed a meeting and didn’t answer my phone, I messaged that I’m under the weather

Did we both just take the day off, and make plans to see a matinee together?

I’m not sure what happened that day, but when I look at you, my world is better

(chorus)

Why did my heart open up that day?

One look at you and I didn’t know what to say.

My stomach got a tingle, your eyes, I can’t look away.

My knees went weak, did I really just laugh that way?

Oh Lord, what’s happening, is this my someday?

Fate took over when we walked in that café

I believe I’ll take a chance that this is my someday

Written by Michelle Gallardo

January 28, 2015

Sad song lyrics then happy song lyrics, to keep me smiling

Here's an example of when I push myself to write something upbeat and happy after I've written something sad. The first one is from personal inspiration with some exaggeration to make it more effective. The second one came to me as I see all the posts in social media about everyone being ready for warmer weather. I'll be adding both of these to the Lyrics/Photo fun page also. I hope you enjoy them.

Both photos taken by Michelle Gallardo (July 2014)

Featured song lyrics "Two Best Friends"

The past few weeks have been filled with inspiration. I've done lyrics about two best friends, my mom, one I posted earlier about a bad day and one that hit me from a post on Facebook in response to a silly game. Sometimes I really wonder if I have a short in my brain. So not to over load this post, I'll post the one about best friends. I was more than double lucky growing up, not only was my mom a best friend of mine, but I had two other friends who were best friends to me. I lost my mom and one of those friends the same year to cancer. I still have one friend and she is still very special to me and helps every day, just by being there. We couldn't be more different or more perfect for each other. The best part, I made music with both of these friends. So here are my song lyrics for "Two Best Friends." These are not perfected, but I thought I'd go for it anyway. These lyrics aren't on any other page, yet. But be sure to check out some of the other pages above.

Two Best Friends

(chorus)

Have you ever had a friend that always made you feel your best?

One you always needed even when they put you to the test?

I could never do without my girls, yes, I had two best friends

These ladies made life a party that I never wanted to end

We always had a great time no matter when or where

Playing in a band, working the same shift, together we were there

Learning how to drive, then driving all over this town

I can’t remember a day without you, the best friends around

We learned the highs and lows of life, standing side by side

Kissing boys and concerts, it’s been one hell of a ride

(chorus)

Have you ever had a friend that always made you feel your best?

One you always needed even when they put you to the test?

I could never do without my girls, yes, I had two best friends

These ladies made life a party that I never wanted to end

When I hear a country song it makes me think of you

We’d sing every word together, all the way through

You could always make me laugh at just the wrong time

And hold my beer when it’s my turn comes to sink the nine

Remember when we got the giggles at three in the morning

We drove all night from San Anton, then couldn’t stop laughing

(final chorus)

Have you ever had two best friends that made you feel your best?

Two friends that had your back and keep you safe from the rest

I could never do without my girls, yes, I had two best friends

One’s in heaven and one is here, best friends until the very end

Written by Michelle Gallardo

March 20, 2015

Ever had one of these days, ladies?

Have you had a day where you just wanted to get in an elevator that could take you straight to your bed? I feel like I've been having one of those days for the last two weeks. Well I decided to put into words. Writer's warning: this is a first draft.

Do Over

Woke up late, alarm clocked stopped and there’s no coffee in sight

I’ll get coffee on the way, I took a quick shower and got soap in my eyes

Can’t see very well, got to the door and noticed my shoes don’t match

Got myself together, made it to the car, wait what, was that a big scratch?

(chorus)

It’s one of those days and I’m ready to start over

I forgot my purse and my keys, really, oh brother

Had to get decaffeinated, hope I don’t commit murder

I want to go back and be a child and call a do over

When I got work my boss wasn’t there, so I sat at my desk with a smile

She walked in soon after and to my surprise, looked like she walked for miles

Her left heel was broken, she had a limp and her hair was a sight to see

She went into her office and sat with a thud and a look that said why me

(chorus)

It’s one of those days and I’m ready to start over

I forgot my purse and my keys, really, oh brother

Had to get decaffeinated, hope I don’t commit murder

I want to go back and be a child and call a do over

By 5 o’clock, not a minute past, we were ready to get the hell out of there

She asked me if she could get a ride, we decided to get drinks and share

A little girl power, a glass of wine and a little bit of Tequila to slam

Woke up the next day, right on time, oh wait it’s Saturday, well damn

(chorus)

It’s one of those days and I’m ready to start over

I forgot my purse and my keys, really, oh brother

Had to get decaffeinated, hope I don’t commit murder

I want to go back and be a child and call a do over

Written by Michelle Gallardo

March 17, 2015

Featured lyrics "Need To Be Gone"

These lyrics are a little hard to share, but I also like them and I actually have a melody in mind for them. If you read My Story, you’ll remember I said after years of not writing and many emotional events in my life, I heard the song “I’ve Seen,” written and performed by Tim Foust, and I started writing again. This is the first thing I wrote after all that time. It is inspired by personal events, but I honestly feel this is filled with emotion from many things, not just one event. It’s powerful and revealing to me. I actually re-did the words so it could be sung by a man also, which is something I have never done before. Here’s the original version of "Need To Be Gone," which can also be found on the New Song Lyrics page.

Need to be Gone

(chorus)

I don’t understand, it wasn’t like this yesterday, I never thought I’d feel this way

I need to be gone, I need to be free, I need to be me, I can’t carry on, I need to be gone

Before you and I, I wasn’t missing anything, but my heart needed to sing

You needed someone to help you break up all the pain, and bring you in from the rain

We became husband and wife, then a baby on the way, she’ll bring us laughter everyday

It made your past came alive, you treated me like I was her, and the nights became a blur

(chorus)

I don’t understand, it wasn’t like this yesterday, I never thought I’d feel this way

I need to be gone, I need to be free, I need to be me, I can’t carry on, I need to be gone

The years have gone by, you always left us on our own, and I began to feel alone

We had a good life, I wouldn’t change a single day, we shared so much along the way

But the struggles went on, we don’t talk any more, you were always out the door

One day it was gone, the love I felt had disappeared, I knew the time was drawing near

(chorus)

I don’t understand, it wasn’t like this yesterday, I never thought I’d feel this way

I need to be gone, I need to be free, I need to be me, I can’t carry on, I need to be gone

Lyrics by Michelle Gallardo

August 29, 2014, updated 12/4/2014

Feature song lyrics "Revolution of Minds"

 Going back to the past again for these featured song lyrics. If I remember correctly, I had just heard a story on the news about eating too much peanut butter can cause cancer. I do remember thinking to myself, the next you know they are going to tell us breathing is bad for us. Partly being a teenager and partly just tired of hearing that everything is bad for us. So in my teenage frustration, these words came to mind. When my friend and I put the music to these words we disagreed on how it should be done. I felt like it was a rock/upbeat preachy song. She felt like it should be a ballad. After asking other musician friends, we went with the rock song. These lyrics can also be found on the "Out of the Box" Song Lyrics page.

Revolution of Minds

We revolt not against the government in which we live

We revolt not against the churches to which money we give

We revolt against the minds which will not let us live

(chorus)

The time has come for us to see, the true act of being free

We cannot let our minds be ruled, for we are only being fooled

It’s our turn to make the find, it’s our revolution of minds

They tell us life is over and we’ll soon be dead

But it’s only the funny wheels going round in their heads

They should turn out the lights and go to bed

(chorus)

The time has come for us to see, the true act of being free

We cannot let our minds be ruled, for we are only being fooled

It’s our turn to make the find, it’s our revolution of minds

People run in panic, believe every word they say

But I’m staying home for the rest of the day

I refuse to listen to their theory, and I’ll go my way

Lyrics by Michelle Gallardo 1982

Music by John Heuring and Tama Moritz, October 1984

Featured Poems

I wanted to feature a poem this time and I wrote two new poems over the weekend, so I became undecided on which one to feature. They are short, so I decided to feature them all. They can all be found on the Poems page too.

Makes Me Me was inspired by my own little quirks.
My Kids was inspired by my son and daughter and the struggles when they were born.
A Friend is a about a lady I've never met, but has helped more than she could know.

Makes Me, Me

I wanna watch football and then a love story. I wanna two step and then rock to Journey.

I wanna eat out four nights in a row, because I don’t feel like turning on the stove.

I wanna try new recipes when I’m in the mood, then go get a burger because it wasn’t any good.

I wanna drink a little, but not too much, I wanna laugh a little and then too much.

I wanna kick a little ass while playing pool, I wanna see a scary movie and scream like a fool.

I wanna cry when I lose someone I love, and pray they are happy with God above.

I wanna dance with my children and see them smile or just sit and talk with them for awhile.

I wanna stay busy, I don’t like to keep still. I wanna live each day so I get my fill.

I wanna move forward and not live in the past, I wanna see my kids grow up, but not too fast

All these things make me, me. I need someone who can let them be.

The serious, the funny and even the angry, share and come with, don’t leave me alone.

Don’t expect me to do this all on my own, I’ll run so I can live and don’t have to stay home.

               

Written by Michelle Gallardo, January 22, 2015

My Kids

My kids were both so tiny the day that they were born

They arrived a little early and my heart was very torn

My son struggled for hours to breathe all on his own

My daughter was a little stronger, but I still went home alone

It’s never easy to see your baby hooked up to machines

They were the sweetest, most amazing things I’d ever seen

An incubator with tubes was my son’s very first bed

He’s going to be OK was what the nurses always said

Thirteen years later my daughter’s journey was better

Her heart and lungs were stronger, but she was not a good eater

Today my son is twenty, six foot three and plays the drums

My daughter now is seven, likes art and to write poems

My kids are so amazing, I can’t imagine life without them

I love them every day, even when they’re causing mayhem

I know life is a winding road, but hopefully they’ll be ready

My true desire for them is that they’re both always happy

Written by Michelle Gallardo, March 7, 2015

A Friend

Although we’ve never met your encouragement kept me going

Your stories are so perfect, I thought I was there watching

Your tales help me disappear into a world of mysterious wonder

The words that we both write brought us close together

I wanted to share my words but I was still a little nervous

You gave me a positive push and I began to feel courageous

What if no one likes the song lyrics floating in my head?

From across the globe we support each other now I’m confident instead

So thank you to my dear sweet friend from across the Atlantic Ocean

We both love to write and get inspired by simple actions

I look forward to the day we meet even if it takes years

I’m glad our paths have crossed, you helped me conquer some of my fears

Written by Michelle Gallardo, March 8, 2015

Featured song lyrics "Mae"

Today’s “featured” song lyrics are what I call challenge lyrics. When I first became friends with my music partner, Tama, in high school, she told me my lyrics where too sad or too gooey. She did not believe in pulling punches! She “challenged” me to write a happy, upbeat song and/or lyrics. She often gave me challenges on something to write and you’ll see some of those later. Since she passed away in 2009 and isn’t here to challenge me, I have kept that tradition going by challenging myself. If I’m feeling down I’ll write my sad poem/lyrics, but then I challenge myself to write something fun or happy. After hearing the comical song “Champagne Taste (on a beer budget)” by Home Free, written by Tim Foust, I challenged myself to write a comical song in a similar style. This one was not easy, as it’s from a male point of view. I started it back in October of 2014 and just recently finished it to my satisfaction (after several updates). So without further delay, here is "Mae"

Mae

I been sitting at the bar since 5 o’clock, my boss said he thought he was talking to a rock

My girl just left with my very best friend, a truck with a hemi and tools falling out the back end

We had a great family of two small dogs, one named Butch and the other called Frog

But the light of my life sat in the driveway, it was a dark blue truck and her name was Mae.

(chorus)

You can take a man’s pride, you can take his cash

You can make him feel low and put him out with the trash

But don’t take a man’s truck, or throw away his tools

Cause he’ll sit at the bar, and drink like a fool!

My girl said I didn’t make her feel special, and often thought I was a bit of a devil

Said I drink too much beer, watch too many games, and then didn’t even remember her name.

But of all the things that made her grumble, when I talked about my truck, she went postal.

Everything was gone when I woke one day, the furniture, the TV, but mainly Mae

(chorus)

You can take a man’s pride, you can take his cash

You can make him feel low and put him out with the trash

But don’t take a man’s truck, or throw away his tools

Cause he’ll sit at the bar, and drink like a fool!

I ran out the door and what do I see, my girl driving off and my tools flying free

My boss picked me up and took me to work, but thinking about Mae made me berserk

My truck is gone, I’m trying not to bawl and this beer ain’t doing any good at all

Treat your girl right, so she won’t split and she won’t take your truck and leave you with…..zip

Lyrics by Michelle Gallardo

February 2, 2015, updated March 3, 2015

I went a little loco this weekend

I had this crazy idea to write song lyrics that were partially in Spanish. These are just for fun and I had fun writing them. It's not always easy to rhyme English words with Spanish words.