Attitudes

Introduction

While this song about the futility of war, was originally a Scottish dirge, I’ve adapted its melody with new words which are my opinion and expression of the futility of war
after my time and experience serving on 2 aircraft carriers, flying combat missions in Vietnam. I wasn’t the flyer, but I was part of the squadron.
One other point: the words “haru, haru,” which appear many times in the song are the Scottish equivalent of us saying “harah, harah” which the Irish version uses. And away we go.

Introduction

This song too was written during the first gas crisis during the 1970’s Carter administration. I had fun putting these new gas shortage lyrics to these beloved Christmas standards, And as I say them you will be able to figure out by the nature of the song which Christmas song I carol out.

   The actual song itself is available only in spoken form, as requested by Philip.

Introduction

This song was written during the first gas crisis of the 1970’s Carter administration.
I did belong to a carpool, and once again, my songwriter’s imagination took off.
But the people described in this song were at least somewhat close to the personalities I describe herein.

   The actual song itself is available only in spoken form, as requested by Philip.

Introduction

My wife really loves Christmas. The spirit of it, and everything about it. So, I wrote her this song.

   The actual song itself is available only in spoken form, as requested by Philip.

Response from John

The last GEM you just listened to was titled A Carousel Christmas Ride by Phil the Wordsmith.

I wish you were in the studio with us. He nearly broke a tear 2 or 3 times in the performance of that poem. And these are really not poems -their songs.

Introduction

There’s a difference between alone without a life’s partner yet and being lonely. I wrote this song to explain the difference as I’ve come to understand it.

   The actual song itself is available only in spoken form, as requested by Philip.

About the Author

Phil Gross has written poetry and turned them into songs since he was about 19 years old. Many people write in diaries or journals.
Poetry and songs are his journals, documenting his life, strife, loves and the passing of his years.

Introduction

This song was written by my wife. I supplied the melody for song and just a few of the lyrics. Here’s my wife’s explanation for writing it. “I wrote this song at the end of fall in Rochester New York, a few weeks after November 19, 1976, our wedding day. As the first snowfall left its coating in white, I thought of the path I took as a single woman out on my own, to marriage, to my husband, a poet, artist musician. The end of one road traveled when single was the beginning of new roads ahead as a couple.”

   The actual song itself is available only in spoken form, as requested by Philip.

About the Author

Phil Gross has written poetry and turned them into songs since he was about 19 years old. Many people write in diaries or journals.
Poetry and songs are his journals, documenting his life, strife, loves and the passing of his years.

   The actual song itself is available only in spoken form, as requested by Philip.

“Hi hon. How was golf?”
“I was lousy, as always.”
“But how did it feel?”
“It was fabulous being out in this gorgeous weather.”

Sound like a familiar conversation?

We often allow feelings of hopelessness to become our predominant emotion.

She stared at me with her oh so serious and piercing eyes, chin resting on her hand, and said in a most sincere voice: “I love talking to old people.”

There she was, one of a gaggle of elementary school girls at the first meeting of our new workshop, and these were the first words I heard out of her mouth.

Well, I responded, "I love talking to young people, so we’re going to have a great time together – sharing and learning from each other."