What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?
A while back I made the decision to abandon the iconic news organizations. I still wanted to keep abreast of what was going on in the world, but I didn’t want to be told how to digest it. It has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life, and you wouldn’t believe (well maybe you would) how much calmer, and at peace I am.
What is your favorite genre of music?
Well this prompt is right where I live so bare with me as I share my thoughts. I write, record and perform the only genre of music that is defined by its lyrics. The musical beds change from song to song, but the message of faith, hope, and love always remains constant. Love on!
Describe your most memorable vacation.
I once spent a month traveling through Florida with my wife, our two young daughters (ten and four at the time), and Molly our beloved beagle (who loved to howl at anything that moved). What made it memorable was that my well crafted itinerary became absolutely useless as we maneuvered around three separate hurricanes. Having two young children and a very excitable dog made every relocation an adventure. Looking back, it was rolling with the punches that made for such a wonderful memory.
On what subject(s) are you an authority?
I’m not going to insult the integrity of the prompt by pretending to be an authority on any particular thing. I’ll just say that by keeping my mouth shut in many a situation, those around me have concluded that I’m wiser than I am.
How do you express your gratitude?
I’d like to believe that I express my gratitude both verbally and physically. Of course only those who interact with me would be able to substantiate that claim, but in my mind there should be no doubt about how I feel, all my love and gratitude should be unabashedly real and on display.
What are you most worried about for the future?
As a man of faith, I’ve grown to not worry about the future. I pray over the things that I have control of, and then leave the rest to faith. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a stone in the road from time to time, but that I trust in the outcome through prayer.
What makes a teacher great?
It’s been my experience that regardless of your chosen profession, the difference between the great and the not so great, is a love for the endeavor. A passionate teacher will not stop until the student has learned. Anyone who is one, or has had one, has experienced that love.
Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
My father used to tell me not to sell myself short. That people would respond in kind if I presented myself accordingly. As it turns out, it’s been a pretty beneficial approach to life. Thanks Pop!
I’m dropping another single from the Trio album this month and wanted to share a little background on it’s conception.
The song has a metaphorically smiling lyric that prayerfully will challenge the listener a bit. The title was actually from a magazine article that I had stumbled upon. When I first saw it, I immediately recognized a lyrical idea that could be light in a comical sense, but at the same time thoughtfully spiritual. History has demonstrated to me on more than a few occasions how wonderfully guard-dropping this approach can be.
I’m always looking for a way to stir up the listener’s imagination, and hopefully conjure up some emotional response from them. In this case, maybe even some abstract thinking.
Musically the composition was once again a reaction to the Blicher, Hemmer, Gadd album called Omara, which dominated my playlist throughout the early months of 2022.
Lyrics:
Early in the morning, any time of day
Any time’s a good time, any kind of way
I can take it cold, any time at all
It goes down easy, in the local church hall
So tell me?
Tell me, please?
Won’t you tell me?
How well do you know ‘Za?
If I had my way, I’d always have more
More than may be normal, a note of folklore
Some cry, ‘oh no!, you can’t do that!’
Preaching to the misfit, like some green-eyed cat
So tell me?
Tell me, please?
Oh won’t you tell me?
How well do you know ‘Za?
Don’t give me substitutes, don’t give me theories
No hypothetical miniseries
Just give me a slice, a verse or two
Yeah, I’m a greek guy, but any version will do
I go traditional, I go New York
I go with fold it, or a knife and fork
I don’t go judging, so don’t judge me
Just offer me a bite, and let my manna be
So tell me?
Tell me, please?
Won’t you tell me?
How well do you know ‘Za?
© 2022 Eddy Mann
Hissongs | ASCAP
Album: Trio
Video Credit: E.M. | Pizza by Alfredo (dafont.com)
Available on the platform of your choice.
YouTube Link
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