Liner Notes for Dreamland CD
Songs
Home
My childhood home no longer stands
Torn down long ago for something more grand
So young when I left, I did not know
That I'd never return to that life so slow
I couldn't wait to go
But now I yearn for the home of my youth
My messy room, the place I'd escape to
The family together, under one roof
My mother's small kitchen, morning coffee to brew
A few false starts, some bridges burned
I've loved in vain, left pages unturned
I settled down, no longer alone
Started a family of my own
Made my own home
And still I yearn for the home of my youth
My messy room, the place I'd escape to
The family together, under one roof
My mother's small kitchen, morning coffee to brew
I'm starting to gray, my kids are grown
Looking forward, singing their own songs
I packed away artwork and games
Dress-up and dolls, waiting to be claimed
Boxes with their names
And do they yearn for the home of their youth
My messy room, the place I'd escape to
The family together, under one roof
My mother's small kitchen, morning coffee to brew
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Zoe Elkin – harmony vocals
Jim Henry – acoustic guitar, bass, dobro Jon Carroll – piano, organ, Wurlitzer
Because You Didn't
I learned to ride a motor bike
Camp by redwood roots
Join a rock band, live with no plan
No pursuits
I'd never met someone like you
New adventures every day
Go anywhere, I didn't care
Come what may
You took me as I was, but it turned out I could've been any ol' way Not 'cause you loved me but because you didn't
You were the one I was sure
What a gift, so you seemed
Fun and light, took me high
Like a dream
I'd never felt so beautiful
Your touch made me burn
But it was chance, not romance
I would learn
You took me as I was, but it turned out I could've been any ol' way Not 'cause you loved me but because you didn't
When I left you just shrugged, turned away and let me go
You never fought me, but you taught me to flow
I'd never been one to let go
Surf the tide, let life unfold
My bruised heart has made me smarter
You should know
You took me as I was, but it turned out I could've been any ol' way Not 'cause you loved me but because you didn't
Ginny Elkin – guitar, vocals
Paul Kochanski – bass
JJ O'Connell – percussion
Jon Carroll – piano, Wurlitzer
Greg Snedeker – cello
Yes
Written after watching the documentary 'Rumble'. I am amazed by the Native American people's survival, in the face of such violence and discrimination.
Stolen grounds, outlawed songs
Instruments were burned
Such terrible wrongs
Spirits strong, songs survive, will not be denied
Stolen drums leave stamping feet
Rhythmic in the night
Return to age-old beats
Pouring skies tumbling down, circle dance 'til dawn
Stolen seasons, spring brings rain
Listen to the call
New grass bringing change
Voices sing, spirits proud, ringing true and loud
Stolen futures, hopes and dreams
Hidden identities
Finally are seen
Courage flies, hearts stay true, still pushing through
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Zoe Elkin – harmony vocals
Jim Henry – acoustic and electric guitars JJ O'Connell – drums, percussion
Paul Kochanski – bass
Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Lyin' in bed another night, just can't sleep, just can't sleep
Thinking 'bout the past again, promises I did not keep
Toss and turn, hot and cold
Blankets off, blankets on
Must be this dammed old bed, too awake to even yawn
Woulda coulda shoulda all night long Woulda coulda shoulda on a merry-go-round Woulda coulda shoulda an endless song Woulda coulda shoulda when the sun goes down
Wake up another day, snap out of it, snap out of it
Pull on clothes, make some joe, no time for a big ol' snit
Drop the car at the shop, fix the brakes, fix the brakes
Then work and pick up food A few more calls to make
Woulda coulda shoulda all night long Woulda coulda shoulda on a merry-go-round Woulda coulda shoulda an endless song Woulda coulda shoulda when the sun goes down
And when it's dark and late I get in bed, I get in bed
I'm sure I'll go to sleep, eyes closed over heavy lids
But then the hamster wheel begins to spin, begins to spin
I'm getting mighty grumpy Here I go again
Woulda coulda shoulda all night long Woulda coulda shoulda on a merry-go-round Woulda coulda shoulda an endless song
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals
Danny Elkin – mandolin
Jon Carroll – accordion
Paul Kochanski – bass
JJ O'Connoll – percussion
In The Canyon
Deep deep down the Vishnu gorge
The Colorado River roars
Waves crash and crest, cool waters splash
Between its rocky shores
Canyon walls, like sun warmed skin
Breath stealing views 'round every bend
Rapid spray carries me away
Dories slice and bob and spin
In the canyon, oh, the canyon Take me away to the canyon
Moonlight on the cliffs
Sparkles down on currents swift
A gentle breeze rustles the leaves
These are things I'm gonna miss
In the canyon, oh, the canyon Take me away to the canyon
I'm in love with this river run
And here I want to stay
In just six days my hearts been swept away
Now I'm leaving when I've barely begun
It's beautiful up at the rim
Now I'm on the outside looking in
I'm red with dirt, my body hurts
If I could I would descend
In the canyon, oh, the canyon Take me away to the canyon
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Zoe Elkin – harmony vocals
Jim Henry – electric guitar, mandolin, dobro
JJ O'Connell – drums, percussion
Paul Kochanski – bass
Jon Carroll – piano, organ
Love Is Love
While my friend Mitch Tischler was recovering from a serious car accident, he wrote a series of poems, and I drew lyrics from them for this song.
Love is love is love
True the smile of heart
Flowing out through our eyes
True the smile of peace
Simple are the words
Reaching into peace
Still the place of miracles
Open to us now
Walk straight into mystery Embrace the majesty
Ordinary eyes
Shield the spirit core
For to see beyond beyond
Listen whisper soft
Walk straight into mystery Embrace the majesty
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Zoe Elkin – harmony vocals
Greg Snedeker – cello
Paul Kochanski - bass
JJ O'Connell – percussion
Blue Green Visions
I've had several peak experiences take place in water, and it always calls to me.
Floating in a bay, on a day so fair
Suspended between water and air
Cares drift away, let me always recall
This moment infinite yet small
Deepest true blue, sea glass green
All that goes in between
Turquoise seas will always be
Calling out to me
Blue green visions, coast to coast
Oceans, rivers and lakes
All colors create
Blue green visions, always close
When my feet are in wet sand
I know who I am
Wading in, is coming home
Diving under, it's in my bones
The ancient ones came from the sea
And they're still calling me
Blue green visions, coast to coast
Oceans, rivers and lakes
All colors create
Blue green visions, always close
When my feet are in wet sand
I know who I am
Sparkling water whispers to me
Come on in, come in and play
And when clouds catch the last light
One more good day, one more good day
Blue green visions, coast to coast
Oceans, rivers and lakes
All colors create
Blue green visions, always close
When my feet are in wet sand
I know who I am
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals Jon Carroll – organ, piano, steel drum, keyboard sounds, electric guitar, harmony vocals
Jim Henry – electric guitars
JJ O'Connell – drums, percussion
Paul Kochanski – bass
Outrun The Blues
This is an old song, that I rewrote recently after son asked why I only sang my newer songs. It prompted me to start looking back and pull this one out of the vault. It was originally written shortly after college.
I had a rough time in the city of wind
Blamed it on my address
Everything would be better when I moved away, expecting the best
Hightailed down south for a bit
Mexico seemed ideal It didn't take long for me to admit
Blues were still nipping at my heels
When I slow the grapes all go sour
The days seem to hold only dark hours
Haven't I already paid enough dues
I'm just trying to outrun the blues
I drove out west to beaches and sun
Land of lovers and dreams
I couldn't sit still, was coming undone
Losing the threads holding the seams
When I slow the grapes all go sour
The days seem to hold only dark hours
Haven't I already paid enough dues
I'm just trying to outrun the blues
If I could I would stop and grow roots
Turn and face down my doubts
Instead here I am pulling on boots
Then I'll disappear like a creek in a drought
When I slow the grapes all go sour
The days seem to hold only dark hours
Haven't I already paid enough dues
I'm just trying to outrun the blues
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals Zoe Elkin – harmony vocals
Jim Henry – electric and acoustic guitar Paul Kochanski – bass
JJ O'Connell – drums
Jon Carroll – organ
Mama's A Comma
The chorus was taken from words my daughter Zoe said to me when she was about eight. She had already figured out both her dad and me.
She's a cup of tea at the kitchen table
He's espresso on the go, catch him if you're able
She's a novel, beginning, middle and end
He's a one word text, write it quick and send
He's let's make a party have a big crowd
Cook a lot of dishes, messy and loud
She's a walk around the block, have a good talk
Then serves up homemade soup, cozy and hot
Dad's an exclamation point, mama's a comma
Dad's fun love, home love is mama
Gentle and calm, go find mom
Tickles and laughter, dad's who you're after
She likes to slow things down, look before she leaps
Consider all the angles, do a full critique
He on the other hand, not so slow and steady
He says, “I've decided, let's go, I'm ready”
Dad's an exclamation point, mama's a comma
Dad's fun love, home love is mama
Gentle and calm, go find mom
Tickles and laughter, dad's who you're after
She's a put on music, dance around the house
He's lets see a movie, car chases and shouts
But if one of them is busy, simply out of reach
The other one steps up into the breach
When life is great give dad a call
Have a frisbee catch or throw a ball
If clouds have gathered in your sky
Go grab mom and have a good cry
Dad's an exclamation point, mama's a comma
Dad's fun love, home love is mama
Gentle and calm, go find mom
Tickles and laughter, dad's who you're after
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals Jon Carroll – piano, harmony vocals Paul Kochanski – bass
JJ O'Connell – drums, percussion
Dreamland
I wrote this when the pandemic first hit, and we were told to stay in our houses. It was a scary time. It was a time to dig deep inside for strength.
To stay indoor we have to dig deep
Reach down for dreams beyond our sleep
What lies beneath, we never slowed
Enough to see another road
Dreamland, dreamland, open your eyes, see what's inside
Boredom will come, turn us inside out
Pull us under, toss us about
There's an artist in each of us
Buried under the daily rush
Dreamland, dreamland, open your eyes, see what's inside
To the unknown, may there be silver linings
As we persist, our spirits shining
Let us not let madness over take
In this dark hour, while we must wait
Dreamland, dreamland, open your eyes, see what's inside
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Zoe Elkin – harmony vocals Greg Snedeker – cello
Jim Henry – electric guitar
Paul Kochanski – bass Jon Carroll – bells
Garbage Or Gold
This is the true story of my husband's grandparents. We never know when something bad may lead to something good.
My name is Chaim Lieb
I've a true tale to tell
One of good fortune and life
Out of ashes and hell
In Ukraine we were poor
Barely able to survive
Small house, dirt floor
My cousins and I did decide
To America we'd go
Though she wouldn't let Jews in
We found our way and layed low
A secret life to begin
You never know what will come, how life unfolds
What is smart, what is dumb What is garbage or gold
We worked 'til we could barely stand
Cutting suits, pressing ties
Saving money as planned
Our future was the prize
My cousins hid their earnings
In mattresses and socks
I wanted more in return
Thought I was smart and bought stocks
That fateful day in '29
The market crashed
I barely had a dime
Paper turned to trash
You never know what will come, how life unfolds
What is smart, what is dumb What is garbage or gold
My cousins all were gone
Back to families and home I held on
In America all alone
I scraped together enough
Brought my wife and daughters here
Making ends meet was tough
There was no time for tears
Then came war and devastation
All my cousins rounded up
Mass extermination
We were saved by dumb luck
You never know what will come, how life unfolds
What is smart, what is dumb What is garbage or gold
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Danny Elkin – mandolin
Jim Henry – harmony vocal, acoustic guitar
Paul Kochanski – bass
Greg Snedeker – cello
Jon Carroll – accordion
JJ O'Connell – drums, percussion
Visitor
Morning walk on the beach, wild waves roar
A dolphin caught in a net, right off shore
I swim out to free her, afraid and cold
Before she swam away I swear we touched souls
I visit every day, as the tides ebb and flow
I long to dive under, join my kin
Sunlight through aqua layers, never ascend
She's a visitor above, I'm a visitor below
She's my north star, my aquatic heart and soul
I visit every day, as the tides ebb and flow
Watching for dark arches that disappear below
Lean bodies slip under to worlds away
My heart strings stretch and sing, but here I stay
She's a visitor above, I'm a visitor below
She's my north star my aquatic heart and soul
I visit every day, as the tides ebb and flow
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Paul Kochanski – bass
JJ O'Connell – percussion
Jim Henry – electric guitar
Jon Carroll – piano, organ
Everything's Better With A Beer
Sing along with the chorus (it's almost impossible to resist).
Sitting on my porch swing
I don't have to do anything
No boss man to give me flack
Pop the top and throw one back
Everything's better with a beer
Bring that cooler over here
Dig through ice and get one out
That's what this day's been about
You cook dinner, I'll lend a hand
Open up a couple cans
Crank the music up some more
Dance around the kitchen floor
Everything's better with a beer
Bring that cooler over here
IPA or Belgium ale
I don't need a chic cocktail
On the couch with my old man
Got a cold one in my hand
We're gonna stay up late tonight
Laughing in the blue screen light
Everything's better with a beer
Bring that cooler over here
Pale ale or coffee stout
My throat's been in a terrible drought
Ginny Elkin – main vocals and harmony vocals
Jim Henry – guitar, lap steel guitar
Jon Carroll – accordion
Dan Zukergood – harmony vocals
JJ O'Connell – drums, tambourine
Faded Blanket
There is nothing better than good friends!
I packed up my car, all set to roam
Left behind deadlines and jobs, ringing telephones
Found a grassy hilltop, city left behind
Parked under a big old oak, looking for peace of mind
On a torn and faded blanket I prayed and breathed and sang
Waiting for enlightenment
But it never came
Instead an old friend did appear
Like silver turned to gold
She said she'd been waiting
Had come to share my load
On a torn and faded blanket
We talked and laughed and sang
Waiting for enlightenment
But it never came
I'll never reach nirvana
Be calm and serene
But times well spent rekindling
A friendship long unseen
On a torn and faded blanket
We talked and laughed and sang
No need for enlightenment
Just friendship to reclaim
Ginny Elkin – acoustic guitar, vocals
Jon Carroll – harmony vocals
Paul Kochanski – bass
JJ O'Connell – percussion
Jim Henry – electric guitars, mandolin
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