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LIVIN’ IT CD This CD contains songs written and cowritten by Debbie Fleming
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SIMPLE
LIFE |
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SIMPLE
LIFE
Written by Debbie Fleming
©1990 Fleming Songs Publishing
This song was commissioned by the late great steel guitar player/producer Ron Dann for a group he was about to record. They didn’t end up recording this song – but Debbie Fleming and ChoirGirlz recorded this fun western swing styled song.
I work my job Monday until Friday,
I work hard for every penny I can save.
I’ve got old Bessie sittin’ in the driveway,
And I don’t let cares and troubles in my way.
IT’S A SIMPLE LIFE, LOVE IS ALL
AROUND ME.
JUST A SIMPLE LIFE, FRIENDS AND FAM’LY TO SURROUND ME.
WE MAY NOT AFFORD ALL THAT WE WANT,
BUT WE’VE GOT ALL THAT WE NEED.
I’VE YOU’VE GOT A LOTTA MONEY, YOU JUST PAY WITH THE BLUES
I JUST NEED MY LITTLE HONEY AND MY DANCIN’ SHOES
I’ve got a wealth of health and friends
and family,
With all this love around, how can we get bored?
We all go fancy dancin’ every Saturday,
And Sunday mornin’ – we just thank the Lord.
FOR OUR SIMPLE LIFE, LOVE IS ALL AROUND ME.
JUST A SIMPLE LIFE, FRIENDS AND FAM’LY TO SURROUND ME.
WE MAY NOT AFFORD ALL THAT WE WANT,
BUT WE’VE GOT ALL THAT WE NEED.
I’VE YOU’VE GOT A LOTTA MONEY, YOU JUST PAY WITH THE BLUES
I JUST NEED MY LITTLE HONEY AND MY DANCIN’ SHOES
If we had all the riches this old world could hand ya,
Peace of mind might be a heavy price to pay.
But to have someone to love and understand ya
Is worth more than all the treasures that could ever come your
way—
I LOVE MY SIMPLE LIFE,
I LOVE MY SIMPLE LIFE
JUST A SIMPLE LIFE, YEAH YEAH YEAH
I LOVE MY SIMPLE LIFE LOVE IS ALL AROUND ME.
JUST A SIMPLE LIFE, FRIENDS AND FAM’LY TO SURROUND ME.
WE MAY NOT AFFORD ALL THAT WE WANT,
BUT WE’VE GOT ALL THAT WE NEED.
I’VE YOU’VE GOT A LOTTA MONEY, YOU JUST PAY WITH THE BLUES
I JUST NEED MY LITTLE HONEY AND MY DANCIN’ SHOES
I LOVE MY SIMPLE LIFE
***************************************************
ComFTRble
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2007 Fleming Songs Publishing
This song’s about getting priorities straight when you’re a woman with lots to do!
Elasticized waistbands, and sensible shoes
Brighten my days and chase away the blues –
I need to feel comFTRble
For all the things that I wanna do.
My toes in a vicegrip from wearin’ high
heels –
Buttons a-poppin’, zippers a-droppin’ after good meals –
Now that ain’t comFTRble
And not the way that I wanna feel.
I need to feel loose to go with the flow.
Don’ want nothin’ to bind me, confine me or hold me back
When I wanna go go go!
Fashion’s for youth and
style is for show.
I paid those dues just a while ago
Now I wear comFTRble..
Feelin’ good wherever I go.
I need to feel loose to go with the flow.
Don’ want nothin’ to bind me, confine me or hold me back
When I wanna Rock and Roll!
Elasticized waistbands, and sensible shoes
Brighten my days and chase away the blues –
I need to feel comFTRble
For all the things that I gotta do—
I’ll wear sox with my Birkenstocks
if I wanna!
I’ll wear a chinstrap with my sunhat if I darned well wanna!
Gotta be comFTRble – ‘cuz baby I got lots to do.
***************************************************
TORMENTED SOUL
Written by Dorothy McDonall and Debbie Fleming
© 2007 Fleming Songs Publishing.
This was adapted from a poem written by Dorothy McDonall about
the tortured life of her grandfather,
who actually did, in a moment of insanity,
burn all of his instruments
in a fire.
Lead vocal sung by Dorothy McDonall
TORMENTED SOUL, TORMENTED SOUL
INTO YOUR HEART YOU BURNED A HOLE
YOU BURNED YOUR BRIDGE, AND YOU PAID THE TOLL
TORMENTED SOUL, TORMENTED SOUL.
When you took her for your wife, she was no more than a possession.
Love was something you could never show.
On the day you raised your hand to her, no answers, no more questions-
She left you all alone and in the cold.
As a boy love was a joy withheld from and denied you.
It left you wounded deep down in your soul.
So you closed your heart, and threw away that part
In a cloud of dust behind you,
And anger ate you up and swallowed you whole.
CHORUS
Music was your precious gift, your talent took you far,
It brought you all the love you could desire.
On the day your hate defeated love,
You threw your best guitar, and all your instruments into the fire.
Watch the guitar burn to ashes,
Hear the fiddle moan it’s last goodbye.
The bellows of the squeezebox gasp a final fleeting breath
In pain they cry – your pain they cry – hheeee.
CHORUS
***************************************************
PEACE ON EARTH
Written by Debbie Fleming, Dorothy McDonall and Mary Ellen Moore
© 2004 Fleming Songs Publishing
This was commissioned by the organizers of “Peace Prayer Day” who
engaged the ChoirGirlz to sing at a concert held in Ottawa in
honour and promotion
of Peace Prayer Day.
If we could build a bridge across what divides us,
Leave our differences on the road behind us.
If we could celebrate the ties that bind us,
Sweep away the hate, and let love define us –
THERE WOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH
THERE WOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH
THERE WOULD BE PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
If we could all be kind, if we could all be humble,
If we would throw a line to those who stumble,
If we would not be blind to those despairing,
If we could make some time for love and caring.
THERE WOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH
THERE WOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH
THERE WOULD BE PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
Everybody sing now
PEACE PEACE ON EARTH
It’s up to you
PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
It’s up to me
PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
It’s up to us to bring
PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
If I could do my part to make a difference,
Freely give my heart with no resistance,
If I could rise above the pain and anger,
And learn to forgive through understanding –
THERE WOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH
THERE WOULD BE PEACE ON EARTH
THERE WOULD BE PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
Everybody sing now PEACE PEACE ON EARTH
It’s up to you
PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
It’s up to me
PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
It’s up to us to bring
PEACE, PEACE ON EARTH
***************************************************
ODE TO A VET
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2006 Fleming Songs Publishing
This was written for Debbie’s father – Major
William A. Duncan (1915 – 2008)
who fought overseas
with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in WWII.
Since
fighting for our freedom was Major Duncan’s most treasured
life experience, Debbie wanted to show him appreciation for the
battle won – and
presented this song to him for his 92nd
birthday.
Chase Sanborn plays The Last
Post and Taps on the trumpet,
and Rob Crabtree superimposes ‘Going
Home”, “My Home” and
“Scotland
the Brave”on the bagpipes as the ode is
sung.
Back in the year of 1915, the First Great War raged overseas.
A boy was born to a sweet young mother,
Then came a brother, then came peace.
On Christmas Day in 1918, a black wind blew in the purple sky.
The Spanish Flu took away his mother in a horse-drawn hearse –
A sad goodbye.
And his daddy sat him on his knee, and said these words to a boy
of three –
YOU’VE GOTTA CARRY ON LIKE A BRAVE WEE
SOLDIER,
MARCH TALL AND STRONG UNTIL THE WAR IS WON.
YOU’VE GOTTA CARRY ON UNTIL THE FIGHT IS OVER.
IT MIGHT BE A LONG TIME COMIN’ ‘TIL THE BATTLE IS DONE
UNTIL THE BATTLE IS DONE.
Time marched on for my motherless father,
and to a handsome man he grew.
He joined the army and went to fight
for his king and country in World War Two
Surrounded by the enemy,
Fighting for the freedom of you and me –
HE CARRIED ON LIKE A BRAVE YOUNG SOLDIER,
MARCHED TALL AND STRONG UNTIL THE WAR WAS WON.
HE CARRIED ON UNTIL THE FIGHT WAS OVER.
IT SEEMED LIKE A LONG TIME COMIN’ ‘TIL THE BATTLE WAS
DONE
UNTIL THE BATTLE WAS DONE.
Back home from the war to raise his family,
Did the best he could with what he had,
In his army boots, thru’ his hills and valleys –
A military man – my dear old dad.
And he marches on in my fondest mem’ries,
The battle is done and the victory won
For democracy, and freedom to go down
Any road we choose with our daughters and sons.
And I march on to the legacy,
To the words my daddy taught to me.
YOU’VE GOTTA CARRY ON LIKE A BRAVE YOUNG
SOLDIER,
MARCH TALL AND STRONG UNTIL THE WAR IS WON.
YOU’VE GOTTA CARRY ON UNTIL THE FIGHT IS OVER.
IT MIGHT BE A LONG TIME COMIN’ ‘TIL THE BATTLE IS DONE
UNTIL THE BATTLE IS DONE.
***************************************************
MY
BEAUTIFUL BOY
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2006 Fleming Songs Publishing
This was written with love for the wedding
ceremony of
Debbie’s son
Gordon Fleming to Sara Nunes, on December
2, 2006.
I remember the day like it was yesterday.
I remember the pain that wouldn’t go away.
Just when I was sure I couldn’t take any more
You entered the world with a healthy roar!
Then tears of pain turned to tears of joy
As they gently told me “It’s a boy!
A beautiful boy”
When you were growing up you were my little man.
You were always ready to lend a hand.
The more you grew, the more I knew
The world was a better place because of you.
You made me proud, you made me laugh out loud-
You brought me joy
My beautiful boy.
My beautiful, beautiful boy
My beautiful, beautiful boy.
All too soon you became a man
You discovered your path and your journey began.
Always kind and loyal, gen’rous and strong –
Devoted grandson, brother and son.
Then one fine day, while searchin’ the world –
You captured the heart of a special girl –
A beautiful girl!
My beautiful, beautiful boy
Has found a beautiful, beautiful girl.
Today is your wedding day.
It’s a day we all celebrate
And we pray through our tears of joy
For the love of this beautiful girl, and my beautiful boy.
This beautiful, beautiful girl
Loves my beautiful, beautiful boy.
Beautiful forever. Beautiful together.
My beautiful girl
My beautiful boy
Beautiful!
***************************************************
WILL YOU STAY WITH ME
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2001 Fleming Songs Publishing
Written for a choir of friends to sing at the wedding of
Ann-Marie
Barrett to Chris Tandy on June 2, 2001.
This
song was also sung by the ChoirGirlz at the wedding of
Gord
Fleming and Sara Nunes.
The lead vocal is sung by Dorothy McDonall.
Will you walk with me along the pathway?
If I stumble, will you rescue me?
Will you guide me when I’ve lost my bearings?
When I call, will you answer me?
Will you climb with me the highest mountain?
Will you sail with me the stormy seas?
Can we explore uncharted territory together?
Will you go with me?
WILL YOU STAY WITH ME, WILL YOU STAY WITH ME
‘TIL FOREVER – WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?
Will you nourish me when I am hungry?
When I need time, will you let me be?
Will you hold me when I’m lost and lonely?
Will you only want to be with me?
Will you grow with me in understanding?
When we’re old, will you still care for me?
Can we build a love to last forever?
‘Til the end, dear, will you stay with me?
‘Til forever will you stay with me?
WILL YOU STAY WITH ME, WILL YOU STAY WITH ME
‘TIL FOREVER – WILL YOU STAY WITH ME?
***************************************************
MOVING DAY
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2007 Fleming Songs Publishing
This was written after the life-altering
process of
moving Debbie’s
elderly parents out of their home of
60 years into assisted living.
The
story in the song is based not only on her experience,
but that
of friends Irene and Sam who also
went through the
same process with their aging parents.
Fifty years of dusty memories – clear ‘em
off the shelf.
Her ears no longer hear, her eyes can’t see –
She used to care for me,
Now she no longer can care for herself
It’s moving day.
Sort through the disorder behind her cupboard doors, bag it up!
Her mind is like the tangled up confusion in her drawers, she can’t
think no more.
Her mem’rie’s just a distant melody – it’s
moving day
But not in a good way.
MOVING DAY, MOVING DAY
HER PLEADING VOICE CRIES “LET ME STAY”.
BUT THERE’S LITTLE CHOICE, AND LITTLE LEFT TO SAY.
IT’S MOVING DAY – BUT NOT IN A GOOD WAY.
For so long, I couldn’t leave her on her
own,
She was a danger to herself and everyone around.
For too long – I cared for her with love,
But on the day what I could do for her was not enough –
Push came to shove. Push came to shove.
CHORUS
***************************************************
FIVE REMOTES
Written by Lynne Deragon and Debbie Fleming
© 2007 Fleming Songs Publishing, Charlie Horse Publishing
This sings of the way technology is slowly getting the better of all of us!
FIVE REMOTES, I GOT FIVE REMOTES
FIVE REMOTES, AND ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL!
I can burn a disc, review a scene, watch the
world go ‘round
on a wide flat screen.
I can shop from here in my easy chair –
Do it all without going there!
I got VHS, I got DVD, I got Personal Choice on my HD
I got sonic sound surrounding me –
Woh I’m all hooked up for this century.
CHORUS
Well it’s a-one for the movie, two for slo’ mo’,
Three to fast forward and four Teevo
Shuffle the CD mix, light a toasty fire,
Dim the lights – oops I started my car!
Clock’s flashin’ 12, there was a blackout last night –
Get the manuals from the shelf so I can set the time right
And tape my favourite show, cuz tonite I’m gonna go out
For dinner and a show
Away from the control of my
CHORUS
Got ‘em all lined up in a neat little
row!
After days of setting up, now we’re ready to roll.
The beer’s on ice, the guests arrive –
But wait a little minute – Where’s my number five???
RAP, and CHORUS.
***************************************************
SUMMER IN THE CITY
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2004 Fleming Songs Publishing
Noise pollution can make some people CRAZY!
This song was
the 2008 winner of the
Ian Robb Memorial Sentimental
Songs Contest
held yearly by the Tranzac Club in Toronto.
Summer in the city’s not complete without
the pretty sound of lawnmowers
And leafblowers.
Sip tea in your garden, hear the renovations starting –
It’s enamouring, all that hammering.
There’s nothing like construction sites to brighten up your
day,
And the merry song of bulldozers and backhoes as they play – oh
SUMMER IN THE CITY!
YA GOTTA LOVE SUMMER IN THE CITY
SUMMER IN THE CITY,
IT’S SO PRETTY – A SUMMER IN THE CITY
SUMMER IN THE CITY (whistle)
Sit out on your balcony, enjoy the gay cacophony of road repairs.
The city cares!
Try a conversation while the jackhammers are flakin’ up the
concrete-
It’s such a treat!
The gridlock at the detour is an orchestra of sounds,
With honking, squealing, megawoofers pounding pound pound pound!
CHORUS
I’m going to the country for some solitude
and peace,
But I find myself distracted by this racket in the trees.
As nighttime falls, the silence is quite deafening to hear.
I turn and toss, and try to stop this ringing in my ears –
I’ve gotta go home, I need to go home –
To roaring heat exchangers,
and the sound of
drunken neighbours’ celebrations,
Altercations.
While car alarms scream on and on,
and Mr. Slurpy’s ice cream
song rings loud!
Brings crowds!
Just open up the windows, let the night smog filter in,
While sirens and traffic, raccoons and catfights
Lull you with their din.
CHORUS
***************************************************
DREAM BABY
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2007 Fleming Songs Publishing
A tuneful portrait of the perfect man – who IS he? Where
can I find him?
Would I really want him if I did?
Woke up this morning smilin’ and bright.
Just spent the most fantabulous night with my baby.
He’s strong, but he’s tender when he holds me tight,
Knows just how to soothe me, make everything right –
He’s my baby. My dream baby.
He cooks me gourmet meals, he rubs my feet,
Serves me coffee in bed, and even irons the sheets,
And he don’t mind it!
If I have a problem, he really listens,
He’s as gentle as a lamb with his soft sweet kisses,
But in bed he’s a tiger! And I ain’t lyin’!
DREAM BABY, HE’S SO FINE.
DREAM BABY, HE’S MINE ALL MINE.
DREAM BABY, WANT HIM EVERY NIGHT -
I JUST CAN’T WAIT TO TURN OUT THE LIGHT.
He makes me laugh a lot, he’d never make
me cry,
He won’t cage me up, ‘cuz he wants me to fly as high as
I can.
He’s good with his tools, he’s my handyman,
Fixes everything but me -- loves me just as I am –
He’s my biggest fan.
He shares the remote when we watch TV,
He don’t gamble or smoke, and he’s always tellin’ me
I’m beautiful!
He asks for directions if he loses he way,
He’s always there for me at the end of the day,
Never lies or cheats – I wish you could meet my Dream Baby!
(In your dreams) DREAM BABY HE’S THE PERFECT
MAN,
DREAM BABY, ALWAYS UNDERSTANDS
DREAM BABY MAKES EVERYTHING RIGHT –
I JUST CAN’T WAIT TO TURN OUT THE LIGHT!
DREAM BABY SETS MY SOUL ON FIRE
DREAM BABY, HE’S MY ONE DESIRE.
DREAM BABY, MAKES EVERYTHING RIGHT –
I JUST CAN’T WAIT TO TURN OUT THE LIGHT.
***************************************************
THE 505
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2006 Fleming Songs Publishing
Written on New Years Eve 2006 about one of Toronto’s
most interesting streetcar rides through the multi layers
of our city.
I hop on the red rocket at Broadview on the Danforth line.
Glidin’ smooth, steel on steel, it feels like we’re almost
flyin!
Skyline of the city’s lookin’ mighty pretty
As we sail past Riverdale.
Sunset sky paints the houses we go by
And shines up the old Don Jail – yeah yeah yeah
WE’RE CUTTIN’ THRU’ THE CITY, CUTTIN’ THRU’ THE
CITY,
CUTTIN’ THRU’ THE CITY
ON THE 505 – I LOVE THIS RIDE
WE’RE CUTTIN’ THRU’ THE CITY,
THRU’ THE NITTY GRITTY
CUTTIN’ THRU’ THE CITY
I AIN’T GONNA DRIVE
WE’RE GOIN’ TO A PARTY
IT’S STARTIN’ ON THE 505.
Slowin’ down thru’ Chinatown,
Clang clang goes the bell,
Squealin’ ‘round the corner to Dundas,
To Regent Park where thousands dwell.
Folks get on, folks get off,
Every age, size race and colour.
Talkin’ on their cells, talkin’ to themselves,
Talkin’ to each other – yeah yeah yeah
CHORUS
Ride the dark side past Parliament,
Where broken souls seek repair.
Then Yonge street glows in a blaze of hope –
The Eaton Centre, Dundas Square.
Past the AGO, Spadina Chinatown,
And on to Little Portugual.
I’ve reached my stop, it’s time to get off.
Party on! It’s time to rock and roll!
Yeah yeah yeah
CHORUS
***************************************************
THE EARTH HOUR SONG
Written by Debbie Fleming
© 2008 Fleming Songs Publishing
A singalong written to honour the first Earth Hour on March 29,
2008,
To encourage us all to do our part to reduce our personal
carbon footprints.
Our mother gasps her dying breaths,
We watch her struggling sighs.
We gather ‘round in helplessness
“What can we do?” we cry?
She nurtured us, she gave us life,
She blessed us with our birth.
We gather ‘round together to save our Mother Earth.
What can we do, what can we do
To help our mother earth pull through?
The most important number one - -
Save on gas, run or hike,
Use the transit, ride your bike.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number two – car-pool
If ya gotta drive to work or school,
Share the ride! Save on fuel!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number three – three “R’s”
Too much waste takes too much space,
Be careful what you throw away,
Three- reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number four – save energy more!
Caulk those windows, seal those cracks,
Insulate your walls and attics.
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number five – smooth drive!
Make your engine hum, get it tuned,
Keep it smooth with an oil and a lube.
Five – HMMM – engine tuned,
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number six – don’t drive quick!
Reduce the smog, if ya stop – don’t idle,
And take that lead-foot off the pedal.
Number six – don’t idle, don’t speed.
Five – HMMM – engine tuned,
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Seven stands for temp’rature.
Keep that thermostat down low,
Bundle up when the cold wind blows.
Seven, please, turn down the heat.
Number six – don’t idle, don’t speed.
Five – HMMM – engine tuned,
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number eight – turn off the lights!
When it’s night and the moon is bright –
If you leave the room – turn off the lights.
Number eight – turn off the lights,
Seven, please, turn down the heat.
Number six – don’t idle, don’t speed.
Five – HMMM – engine tuned,
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home.
Number nine, when your clothes are dryin’ –
Let the wind dry ‘em the natural way,
Save your dryer for a rainy day.
Number nine – use a clothesline,
Number eight – turn off the lights,
Seven, please, turn down the heat.
Number six – don’t idle, don’t speed.
Five – HMMM – engine tuned,
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home, folks,
Leave your car at home
Number ten – save water, my friend.
When you flush and brush and scour stains –
Don’t waste water down the drain.
Number ten, save water my friend
Number nine – use a clothesline,
Number eight – turn off the lights,
Seven, please, turn down the heat.
Number six – don’t idle, don’t speed.
Five – HMMM – engine tuned,
Four – cut the energy you consume,
Three – reduce, recycle reuse!
Number two carpool – don’t commute alone.
The most important number one - -
Leave your car at home – take the bus
Leave your car at home – ride a bicycle
Leave your car at home – ride a horse
Leave your car at home.
***************************************************
|
Angel Wings CD Click on a Title for the lyrics, or a Speaker Icon to hear an mp3. |
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