Here’s one I knocked up this week, it’s kind of folky and disgruntled. Perhaps though in time it will become gruntled though. Who can say. Guitar, Bass, Piano and Vocal plus Violin on this recording.

Here are the lyrics. Written by me, not by AI this time. Yes indeed.

No ones on your side, you are on your own.

All notions of fairness are dead and gone.
Your corrupt little empire eventually will go down with the setting sun.
If there is anything better waiting to come I wont see it in my lifetime,
all the good is gone.

Do you stand for anything, can you look me in the eye?
Yes of course you can you are so well versed in the lie
You keep a straight poker face but inwardly you are laughing as you watch me start to cry.

No vengeful god would every reap justice on your head. Everything is quiet now.
Someone said god is dead.

I would try and go home, but now home is gone. Devoid of compassion trust is thrown away. Truth is a mugs game anyway.

There is little that I recognise as time ticks way.
Put me in a museum, I am old and in the way

I got very fed up with a few things this week. To be honest though on reflection they really weren’t of any importance, but I got upset anyway. So it triggered the above song. Every seem so very corrupted and broken in the good old U of K. It’s hard not to be cynical really. I did play a Sunday afternoon gig though with my newish covers trio Orchard which was actually rather good fun. Go me.

Ephesians 5:15-17 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

The Parable of the Talents

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants^[] and entrusted to them his property. ¹⁵ To one he gave five talents,^[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. ¹⁶ He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. ¹⁷ So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. ¹⁸ But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹ Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ ²¹ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.^[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ ²² And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ ²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ ²⁴ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, ²⁵ so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ ²⁶ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 

 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.  For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.  

And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Makes you think. Amazing what’s in the Bible.

So what’s going on then. Various band rehearsals with 2 and a bit acts. Recording and writing music. Backaches, neck aches’ and headaches. Existential angst. The usual suspects.
Keep calm and carry on. Splice the main brace and set sail in in a rusty bucket with broom for a mast and a dishcloth aloft to catch the zephyrs fair, Me hartys. Arhhh.
But it’s not so great actually. i am struggling to keep my spirits up. Many of my friends are
having problems right now. There’s a lot of it about. Hope is a dangerous thing as is living for a tomorrow that may well never come as big disappointments often come that way I have found.
So having parked hope for the present what about loyalty. Perhaps that is the one thing that really matters if you are lucky enough to have people you can depend on. I have been lucky to have had a few people like that pass through my life. But often the ones who do become staunch friends and compatriots are the ones you least expect to. Odd people, spiky ones that at first encounter may not seem that “nice”. People who maybe on first encounter you don’t even like or whos motivation and maybe life style is alien to you. Weird indeed.



Here is a little tune that might be alien to you. maybe you will like it later.
Can you help me get it right.

Can you help me get it right? A plaintive cry in the night.

Friendship is a valuable and enriching aspect of human relationships. It involves a strong bond between individuals who share mutual trust, care, understanding, and support. Here are some thoughts on friendship:

Friendship is a two-way street. Both parties contribute to the relationship by offering companionship, empathy, and assistance. A balanced give-and-take dynamic is essential for a healthy friendship. Friends can have a significant influence on each other’s lives. Positive friendships can encourage personal growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of shared goals. True friends accept each other for who they are, flaws and all. There’s no need to pretend or put on a facade; authenticity is valued in genuine friendships. Open and honest communication is key to resolving conflicts, addressing misunderstandings, and maintaining a strong connection. Friends should feel comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns. People can have friends from various backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Diversity in friendships can lead to a broader perspective and a richer understanding of the world.

Quality Over Quantity: The number of friends isn’t as important as the quality of those friendships. A few genuine, loyal friends can provide more fulfillment than a large circle of acquaintances.

Can You Help Me Get It Right? Indeed that is the question. Where tis nobler in the mind, cetera, cetera. Sometimes we want to hang on to the faded flower, the yellowed photograph. Things do have a time and a season and then that’s all folks. Some move on to pastures new and some retire to day time TV and funeral ads. I have found for me that in the last couple of years what would have been very obvious easy decisions seem to have become complicated and rather more nuanced. Must be brain rot. Well I am just a wandering fool stumbling around in the dark, but whilst I do that I come across fellow travelers who are often just as lost trying to get to their own personal destination and sometimes a connection is made.

Today just keeping on is hard.

So …..

1. Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Even a short walk or some gentle stretching can make a difference.
2. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the things you’re thankful for. Writing down a few positive aspects of your life can help shift your focus away from negativity.
3. Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends, family, or someone you trust for a chat or hangout. Social interactions can provide comfort and support.
4. Listen to Uplifting Music: Music has the power to influence emotions. Listen to songs that make you feel happy and energized.
5. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Take a few minutes to focus on your breath or engage in a guided meditation. Mindfulness can help you become more present and reduce rumination.
6. Engage in a Hobby: Doing something you enjoy, whether it’s painting, reading, cooking, or any other hobby, can provide a sense of accomplishment and pleasure.
7. Get Some Sunlight: Sunlight helps regulate mood and sleep patterns. Spend some time outdoors, even if it’s just sitting by a window.
8. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer to a friend. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk.
9. Laugh: Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or spend time with people who make you laugh. Laughter has a positive impact on mood.
10. Set Small Goals: Accomplishing even small tasks can provide a sense of achievement and boost your mood.
11. Limit Social Media: Excessive use of social media can contribute to negative feelings. Consider taking a break or reducing your usage.
12. Volunteer or Help Others: Acts of kindness and helping others can create a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
13. Practice Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to help calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
14. Create a Positive Environment: Surround yourself with things that bring you joy, like photographs, artwork, or comforting scents.
15. Seek Professional Help: If your low mood persists or becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional for guidance and support.

Remember that everyone is different, so not every suggestion might work equally well for you. It’s important to explore and find the strategies that resonate most with your personality and circumstances. If your low mood persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.