"Never Is Forever"

“Never Is Forever”
Copyright by Frank DeCenso, Jr.

I’d build a pyramid, made of old Styrofoam;
I’d count all the bees, in a giant honeycomb;
I’d dig until I found you a sparkling diamond throne…
Before I’d leave you all alone...

I’d climb the highest tree, till there was no more sky;
I’d jump to the moon, if I just could jump that high;
I’d hold to our mem'ries as tomorrow passes by…
Before I’d ever make you cry...

CHORUS 
Never is forever may sound like words a bit cliche, 
But when I say those words their only meant for you;
To show my love I'd try and do those things I never can,
To try and be the man you weren't sure that you knew

I’d sing you a love song if my voice was more in tune;
I’d cross the Himalayas, in a hot air balloon; 
I’d put the whole ocean, in a baby’s gold teaspoon;
Before I'd ever stop adoring you...

I’d travel back in time, and then tame a dinosaur;
I’d cross a million miles, then cross a million more;
I’d chisel our two faces, on top of Mount Rushmore;
Before I’d lose what this love is for....

CHORUS 
Never is forever may sound like words a bit cliche, 
But when I say those words their only meant for you;
To show my love I'd try and do those things I never can,
To try and be the man you weren't sure that you knew

[OUTRO]
I cannot think of anything,
That I wouldn't do,
If I had to try it all –
It's from my love to you…

“Two Bullets”

“Two Bullets”

Copyright by by Frank DeCenso, Jr.

He trotted into town on a stallion bold and sturdy,

He was looking for a killer, who never showed mercy;

He carried an old pistol, six bullets in that gun;

He always packed them in, but knew he’d need just one.

CHORUS

Some folks knew him as he entered into town,

He lived a dangerous and wild game;

And he never never ever needed

Two bullets –

One would do - it was always the same

The saloon was full that day as he opened it's wood doors;

The simple folk were shakin’ - they had heard the folklore.

He spotted in the back, behind the piano player;

The killer he’d come for as the skies got grayer…

CHORUS

Some folks knew him as he entered into town,

He lived a dangerous and wild game;

And he never never ever needed

Two bullets –

One would do - it was always the same

BRIDGE

They walked outside to the dusty old street -

Each dressed in garments all worn and beat -

They drew their guns in the wind and heat -

Then killer saw blood falling slowly at his feet…

The deed was done –

Then the unnamed bounty hunter saw…

Two bullets had left his gun.

CHORUS

Some folks knew him as he entered into town,

He lived a dangerous and wild game;

And he never never ever needed

Two bullets –

One would do - it was always the same

OUTRO...

The townsfolk all cheered

As he road into the sun;

Never to return there

With his aging gold gun.

“Two bullets, one too many”,

He thought as he road away -

It was time to find a home,

And for the rest of his life he’d stay.

“Sleepy Old Place”

“Sleepy Old Place”

©️ by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

<All Rights Reserved>

[VS1]

The sky awoke with an orange hue,

One brisk, summertime ‘morn.

Joggers pelted the pavement hard,

As flowers were reborn.

Headlines fell on old porch steps,

Steam rose from coffee cups.

Some were shaking the nighttime off,

While trying to just get up.

CHORUS

Another sleepy morning, in another sleepy place

Some putting clothes on, and some their best face

Some never noticed that some left no trace…

As some were leaving every day - 

Leaving this sleepy old place.

[Vs2]

The town's dusty homes were still for sale,

With paint, just peeling away;

Yards untouched simply rose above,

All the little squirrels at play...

Some folks stayed - they had nothing better

Then just pass away their time;

But the young ones had a life to live;

A career, and a ladder to climb.

CHORUS

Another sleepy morning, in another sleepy place

Some putting clothes on, and some their best face

Some never noticed that some left no trace…

As some were leaving every day - 

Leaving this sleepy old place.

[Vs3]

This city had a strong history,

Going back for many years;

But time had stolen it's beauty,

Some thought it disappeared;

But some folks are still living here,

And content with concrete lives;

They're still happy and that's what counts,

As they wave leaving ones goodbye.

CHORUS

Another sleepy morning, in another sleepy place

Some putting clothes on, and some their best face

Some never noticed that some left no trace…

As some were leaving every day - 

Leaving this sleepy old place.

“A Scary Movie Kiss”

“A Scary Movie Kiss”

Copyright by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

[Vs1]

Your excuses struck like lightning, burning through some graveyard air;

And all the promises you gave, were soiled dark and bare;

You begged me to believe you, with a badly built disguise –

But I held the door wide open, as you kissed your last goodbye.

CHORUS

Our last embrace goodbye,

Had a scary movie kiss;

Like a zombie's mouth clamped on me,

With no way to resist...

But that scary movie kiss goodbye,

Finally set me free. 

[Vs2]

Don’t call me when you’re somewhere, 'cause your eyes are harsh and raw;

Your words are red light signals – that poison fills them all;

Tomorrow when you miss me, don’t forget I didn’t cry;

Your icy hands froze 'round me, as you kissed me the last time.

CHORUS

Our last embrace goodbye,

Had a scary movie kiss;

Like a zombie's mouth clamped on me,

With no way to resist...

But that scary movie kiss goodbye,

Finally set me free. 

[BRIDGE]

They say each story has two sides,

But your’s just didn’t care –

‘Cause everything you ever gave,

Were kisses with dead air…

CHORUS

Our last embrace goodbye,

Had a scary movie kiss;

Like a zombie's mouth clamped on me,

With no way to resist...

But that scary movie kiss goodbye,

Finally set me free. 

"Tiny Horses"

“Tiny Horses”

Copyright by Frank DeCenso, Jr.

[Vs1]

When she was young she loved her ponies –

Plastic painted toys she made to walk;

Then she got older, loved little horses –

And when she played with them she made them talk.

[Vs2]

When she went riding, a few years later –

Horses brought a joy she’d always keep;

Then after lessons, as she laid resting –

She’d see horses running in her sleep.

CHORUS 1

Tiny horses

Come in all sizes

To a girl tiny horses are always talking;

Tiny horses

Can bring surprises

Tiny horses may one day come back knocking

[Vs3]

Before she left home, to go to college –

She cleaned her closet and found a box;

It was all filled with, those tiny horses –

She remembered when they used to talk.

CHORUS 1

Tiny horses

Come in all sizes

Tiny horses are not made to be forgotten;

Tiny horses

May one day start talking

And her dreams saw tiny horses running often

[Vs4]

One day her parents, found all her horses –

And they seemed so sad without her there;

They sealed the box up, to send to her –

And shed some tears as they thought just where ….

CHORUS 2

Tiny horses

Come in all sizes

To a girl tiny horses are always talking;

Tiny horses

Can bring surprises

Tiny horses have one day come back knocking

"If Walls Could Talk" (Long Version)

“If Walls Could Talk” (Long Version)
Copyright by Frank DeCenso, Jr.

A fam’ly was moving in the Cooper’s once new villa;
Bringing their belongings in, they thought they smelled vanilla;
Tried to make some sense of the crayon masterpiece -
That covered a small bedroom wall, and along the baseboard piece.

Bedtime stories filled that home from those many years gone by;
Children's noises floated there as they saw the pool'd gone dry;
The family had to move away when daddy lost his job;
But the memories they left behind hung to those lonely walls.

CHORUS
Each family has a story,
Written with sweat and tears, dug deep in like a quarry;
Memories still write about,
The good and bad that all those walls will carry.
If walls could talk...they'd rarely..

The kitchen floor was stained from when li'l Johnny spilled some paint; 
Baby’s room was small and clean just like fed babies ain’t;
They also found some worn out toys on the darkened cellar floor; 
They were sad to think those toys would have fun time friends no more.

Sights were seen that shouted there did not make any sense, 
To a family moving in a villa with a broken fence;
But they couldn’t help but wonder how the Coopers were today;
Seemed no one knew where they went or when they moved away.

CHORUS
Each family has a story,
Written with sweat and tears, dug deep in like a quarry;
Memories still write about,
The good and bad that all those walls will carry.
If walls could talk...they'd rarely.

An old friend of the Cooper’s heard news about their fate;
Daddy works in a car wash not far in a nearby state;
They’re living in a two bedroom just next to railroad tracks;
The walls all have dirty stains and all the floors have cracks.

The kids still wear their old clothes to a nearly vacant school;
The oldest one works after dark at a station pumping fuel;
But it’s here that their living now with sidewalks covered with chalk;
And the kids are filling these blank walls with new stories to talk.

CHORUS
Each family has a story,
Written with sweat and tears, dug deep in like a quarry;
Memories still write about,
The good and bad that all those walls will carry.
If walls could talk...they'd rarely.

“Canfield Fair” (Long Version)

“Canfield Fair”

Copyright by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

[Vs1]

Misty tail lights ride the highway, 

Neon shadows fill the air;

People slowly walk the midway,

Some just sit all lonely there…

Strangers meet in hidden anguish,

Hoping for someone to care;

Kids’ balloons ride into darkness,

High above the Canfield Fair.

[Vs2]

Twirling sticks of cotton candy,

Sticky sugar sometimes shared;

Couples kiss while riding ponies,

Broken lovers meet despair…

Clowns in makeup, children laughing,

Hanging lights create a glare;

As the heat lifts from the pavement,

High above the Canfield Fair.

[Vs3]

Music travels 'neath the moonlight,

From the bands that journeyed there;

Melted hearts bake in the spotlights,

As their eyes dance in a stare;

When the last night comes and scatters,

Leaving mem’ries to compare;

The whole valley knows tomorrow,

Will bring next year’s Canfield Fair.

[Vs4]

Soon the season turns to orange,

And the trees start turning bare;

Then the snowflakes without number,

Hit the ground, winter declares…

When the sun brings all the flowers,

Climbing up through warming air;

I'll be looking toward tomorrow...

And new stories written there -

A living song, the Canfield Fair...

OUTRO

If we can meet,

Just once a year,

In the moistened Midwest air –

Just look for me,

‘Cause I’ll be there,

Waiting at the Canfield Fair.

“Light Never Dims” (Long Version)

“Light Never Dims” (Long Version)

Copyright by Frank A DeCenso, Jr.

She's living in a mansion where the light never dims;

She'd write me love letters, now she lives there loving him;

He’s a fine looking man with a finer salary;

But “money’s not important”, she used to preach to me…

I’ve been burning in these fields since I was a young kid;

Dad sold all that dirt gave and I have followed him;

I met her at a school dance when she was sweet sixteen;

Now she dances in a garden grown by richer means…

CHORUS

I remember the jokes we'd tell after school –

We'd laugh at all the teachers who made some silly rules –

We always held hands as she’d flash her dimpled grin –

Now I hope in her future her light never dims…

I hope in her future her light never dims.

When she flew North to college, I stayed on that hot land;

I knew we'd both make it by the sweat in my rough hands;

I'd build us a small cottage by the lake where we could hide;

But with glamour she came back in a shiny limo ride…

I wonder if she’s livin’ the life in her own dreams;

'Cause sometimes a good life isn’t all it sometimes seems;

Well, time's inclination is erasing its loose ends;

And maybe someday soon I’ll find another best friend…

CHORUS

I remember the jokes we'd tell after school –

We'd laugh at all the teachers who made some silly rules –

We always held hands as she’d flash her dimpled grin –

Now I hope in her future her light never dims…

I hope in her future her light never dims.

[OPTIONAL VERSE]

Some things are always harder 'cause they’re not meant to be;

Like her promise she’d come back with open arms for me;
But if she’s real happy buildin’ somethin’ here with him –
I wish her all the best and her light never goes dim…

[OPTIONAL CHORUS]

I remember the jokes we'd tell after school –

We'd laugh at all the teachers who made some silly rules –

We always held hands as she’d flash her dimpled grin –

Now I hope in her future her light never dims…

I hope in her future her light never dims.

"Candle Without Air"

"Candle Without Air" (revised)
©️ by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

<All Rights Reserved>

[Vs1]
Lightning scratching the Arizona sky;
Tear drops are falling from swollen red eyes;
Every dream broken like a gambler's cracked token;
You try to catch your breath wondering why...

[CHORUS]
Like a candle without air -
All your burnings done,
Now you just sit there,

Feeling naked and bare...
Hoping for another chance -
To stand again and join the dance...
But a candle without air
May never find one.

[Vs2]
Dreams all shattered, a wine bottle busted,
Shadows crawl creepy with no love trusted;
You're feeling hunger from your hopes buried under,
Hoping future ones aren't fully rusted...

[CHORUS]
Like a candle without air -
All your burnings done,
Now you just sit there,

Feeling naked and bare...
Hoping for another chance -

To stand again and join the dance...
But a candle without air
May never find one.

[BRIDGE]
The time has come when all you're dreams are tired;
Don't give up hope - that's not how you're wired...
Just stand strong 'neath the Arizona sky -
The quiet wind may answer the unknown whys...

[CHORUS 2]
Like a candle without air -
All your burnings done,
Now you just sit there...

Feeling naked and bare...
Waiting for another chance -
To stand again and join the dance...
'Cause a candle without air
May someday find one.

"A Husband And A Wife"

“A Husband And A Wife"

Copyright by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

<All Rights Reserved>

He just finished a poem,

She finished a glass of wine;

She was his world forever,

She’d be through all of time…

Her heart was still in motion,

Since he promised her his life;

As they lay close together,

Now as husband and as wife.

CHORUS 1

In a lifetime of real love, there are more than diaries;

More passion and devotion, and fulfilled guarantees;

They were pieces of one heart, more than memories;

They’d hold each other tighter, when they crossed uncharted seas.

They spent their days together,

But some words were hard to say;

Those moments were too special,

For just words that fade away…

They stared into each other,

And their feelings intertwined;

The whole world simply vanished,

As they crossed each borderline.

CHORUS 1

In a lifetime of real love, there are more than diaries;

More passion and devotion, and fulfilled guarantees;

They were pieces of one heart, more than memories;

They’d hold each other tighter, when they crossed uncharted seas.

As they passed through every year,

With their lifetime’s history,

Their love kept growing anchored,

As they bowed on bended knees…

They knew the years were closing,

All the pages in their book;

They'd hold each for forever,

If forever's what it took.

CHORUS 2

In a lifetime of their love, there's still more than diaries;

More passion and devotion, and fulfilled guarantees;

They're still pieces of one heart, more than memories;

They’d hold each other tighter, when they crossed uncharted seas.

"Days of Christmas"

"Days of Christmas"

Copyright by Frank A DeCenso, Jr.

[Vs1]

The wreath is clinging tightly to our frozen porch door,

Covered up with snow flakes that always bring more;

The tree has pretty bulbs, Uncle Danny left behind,

He didn't care for Christmas, at least the commercial kind.

[Vs2]

Candy sticks are hanging right above our chimney's ground,

They're sometimes gone by Christmas, never to be found;

The mistletoe swings as you kiss me in the hall,

A train is riding fast and free around a manger stall.

CHORUS

Ah, the days of Christmas bright,

Parties and some presents...

Don't forget the real gift,

God gave us that night.

[Vs3]

The tree is up and under it a train circles free,

There's a plastic Jesus that shows what Christmas means - 

It means the Savior of the world came here a baby small,

He only came to love us - to love us one and all.

CHORUS

Ah, the days of Christmas bright,

Parties and some presents...

Don't forget the real gift,

That God gave us that night.

BRIDGE

One day he'd give His life,

To show the Father's love;

Till then we have our Christmas,

To show what love's made of.

CHORUS

Ah, the days of Christmas bright,

Parties and some presents...

Don't forget the real gift,

That God gave us that night.

"Run, Girl, Run" (Long Version)

“Run Girl, Run”

Copyright by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

[Vs1]

She was bred for speed and fury,

But at birth could barely walk;

This little foal had a hist’ry,

Tomorrow hadn’t yet brought…

She stood strongly next to momma,

Momma’s power filled her eyes;

With that bloodline flowin’ in her,

She could someday win the prize.

[Vs2]

She grew up with slender power,

Every day she ran the fields,

Still wet with morning’s moisture,

That Kentucky’s weather wields…

Momma tried to run behind her,

But momma's legs were getting’ old;

Someday she’d lose her filly,

For the races she’d be sold.

CHORUS

Run with those legs momma gave you,

Run girl, won’t you run?

Run with all your built in might,

Until the day is done;

Run through rain and snowflakes,

Run girl, you’re not done –

You’re momma’s pride and glory,

And you’ll always be her one.

[Vs3]

She was training for the Derby,

She trained long, she trained her hard;

She ran with an intensity,

As daylight moved to dark…

Her new owners smelled the roses,

Till an injury took away;

All the hopes they had for glory,

She could have brought them in one day.

[Vs4]

They gave her back to her breeder,

Said her running days were done;

They placed her in the same field,

Where her running had begun;

Momma saw her from a distance,

Trotted to her little mare;

And now they trot together,

In that cool Kentucky air.

CHORUS

Run with those legs momma gave you,

Run girl, won’t you run?

Run with all your built in might,

Until the day is done;

Run through rain and snowflakes,

Run girl, you’re not done –

You’re momma’s pride and glory,

And you’ll always be her one.

OUTRO

Run girl, run

"Bricklayer"

“Bricklayer”

Copyright by Frank A. DeCenso

 

It’s isn’t easy burnin’ every day in the sun

You ain’t finished till what is done is all done

With all that sweat you bleed, and dusty air you breathe

Like love you hope those bricks you laid don't crumble beneath

 

CHORUS

Between two bricks there lay some old mortar

I hope to understand now just how our’s cracked

As the bricklayer I thought all was in order

But there was something that the mortar mix simply lacked

 

Didn't I show you that I'd always love you?

Guess I thought what I said would still say I do

But time tells every story that you couldn’t guess

And when mortar breaks up it leaves a scattered mess

 

CHORUS

Between two bricks there lay some old mortar

I think I understand now just how our’s cracked

As the bricklayer I thought all was in order

But there was something that the mortar mix simply lacked

 

BRIDGE

It’s so easy thinkin’ I’m always right

I wonder if I really care or dare to see the light

Even when what I do feels so damn strong

Sometimes love’s a feeling that’s been built a bit wrong

 

CHORUS

Between two bricks there lay some old mortar

I think I understand now just how our’s cracked

As the bricklayer I thought all was in order

But there was something that the mortar mix simply lacked

"A Beer and a Breeze"

“A Beer and a Breeze”

Copyright by Frank A. DeCenso, Jr.

I miss the kisses from your lips

They tasted like fresh honey

Outta my heart the earth flipped

The dark once again, turned sunny -

Oh but -

I wish I had more time to show I love you

But sometimes the bond you build just rips

Everything you’ve held’s like vapor

Like loving words left floating always do...

 

CHORUS

I’m sittin on the swing with a warm beer

Can't wait till mem’ries are no longer here

You can’t be replaced by the warm summer breeze

Would all these thoughts of you go, if I said “please”?

 

I miss a touch from your hands

They felt so soft and tender

A nice long song from the band

The Gucci scent from your sweater…

But girl -

I wish there was more time for our story

Too bad the hourglass ran out of sand

I thought the times we made would never end

But even rock runs out in a quarry

 

CHORUS

I’m sittin on the swing with a warm beer

Can't wait till mem’ries are no longer here

You can’t be replaced by the warm summer breeze

Would all these thoughts of you go, if I said “please”?

 

OUTRO

A beer and a breeze

I gotta say “please”

"Far Beyond Here"

“Far Beyond Here”

Copyright by Frank DeCenso, Jr

[Vs1]

I hear some desert dogs, howling at the moon;

Midnight's rain is gone now as crickets sing in tune...

Falling stars are dancing, not too far away;

Here the whole universe is music on display...

[Vs2]

The morning creeps above, those mountain tops in view;

The sky is drawn with crayons, just like a child threw…

Miracles of color, fill up this desert land;

An avalanche of beauty is always near at hand...

CHORUS

There is a place beyond here where clean mountain springs,

Are bringing life and beauty to seldom seen things;

A place that’s far beyond here, past the city lights;

Down an endless highway, where lives are remade right –

It is far beyond here…

I can take you there tonight.

[Vs3]

I can’t believe the stillness, the night has left behind;

Grips me with a welcomeness that is so hard to find…

I’ve stopped hearing voices that screamed through city nights;

Angry that their choices could never be quite right...

CHORUS

There is a place beyond here where clean mountain springs,

Are bringing life and beauty to seldom seen things;

A place that’s far beyond here, past the city lights;

Down an endless highway, where lives are remade right –

It is far beyond here…

I can take you there tonight.

BRIDGE

Can you hear serenity,

It’s calling in the wind –

Together far beyond here...

Somewhere we've never been...

CHORUS

There is a place beyond here where clean mountain springs,

Are bringing life and beauty to seldom seen things;

A place that’s far beyond here, past the city lights;

Down an endless highway, where lives are remade right –

It is far beyond here…

Let me take you there tonight

"Hide Under The Covers" (Draft)

“Hide Under The Covers” (Draft)
By Frank A DeCenso, Jr.

[Vs1]
Do you remember when we’d laugh and joke at each other?
Or remember when our eyes met they made our heartbeats flutter?
How’d those days leave – can you be honest and true?
‘Cause I’m starting over now with, someone else brand new…

[Vs2]
Can you recall we’d walk the beach and look for sea shells?
Can you recall when we'd smile just hearing wedding bells?
Those days are gone – but we thought they were strong
Now I don’t want this love I’ve found, to ever go wrong…

CHORUS
If lovers knew the future from what they learned in the past…
They’d hide under the covers until that time has passed
They’ hide under the covers 
The love they want to last

[Vs3]
I think I can remember how we came to split our ways…
We got busy with things of life that pulled us both away
Maybe we have learned – that love can make a turn
I need this new love I have, to shine but never burn

CHORUS
If lovers knew the future from what they learned in the past…
They’d hide under the covers until that time has passed
They’ hide under the covers 
The love they want to last

BRIDGE
When I look out the window, I see leaves ride the wind
Just like some love may go like new leaves followin'

CHORUS
If lovers knew the future from what they learned in the past…
They’d hide under the covers until that time has passed
They’ hide under the covers 
The love they want to last

"No Longer Lost"

"No Longer Lost"

©️ Copyright by Frank A DeCenso, Jr

To a hill not far away

A young man walked that way

His body torn as all alone He went

He was like one of us

He only walked there 'cause

Saving us was His loving intent

They laid Him on a tree

That's what it used to be

Something in the past that He had made

They nailed Him to that wood

But didn't know He could

For His love of them He'd gladly trade

When all His time was spent

His body broke and bent

He died for the universal plan

He was buried in a tomb

Not unlike a woman's womb

But He was both God and He was man

A few days then He rose

From the death he had chose

The price of it out weighing all the cost

He now calls all of us

To His love we can trust

To live forever and no longer lost