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Slivers of Light

by Secretary Michael

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1.
Father Forever 02:59
lyrics
All the men they smile and smile Outside in the breeze Then the weather starts to change All but one man leaves Father Forever, alone in the weather Trying to hold his forecast together Through stormiest storm – Through frostiest freeze He shivers and sweats through mistakes and regrets As he waits and he waits and he waits for a breeze All his children smile and smile With him in the breeze Then the weather starts to change All his children leave Father Forever, alone in the weather Trying to hold his forecast together Through stormiest storm – Through frostiest freeze He shivers and sweats through mistakes and regrets As he waits and he waits and he waits for a breeze Sometimes he is close and warm Sometimes far and cold Like the seasons spinning ‘round Slowly growing old If we can love him through changes in weather If we can hold our Father Forever Through stormiest storm – Through frostiest freeze Then ev’rything, ev’rything, ev’rything, ev’rything Ev’rything, ev’rything else is a breeze.
2.
Little Decisions 02:11
lyrics
Little Decisions, like grains of sand Constantly filtering through our hands Scattered in deserts forever to lie Or piled up as mountains that reach to the sky Little Decisions like pieces of string Leading to tangles or new openings Braided and woven and spun into gold Or tossed to the wind to be lost when we’re old Should I say “Hello”? Should I stay or go? Should I criticize? Or should I close my eyes? Decisions of our lives Little Decisions like people in line Inching and inching until it’s their time Little Decisions can open the gate Little Decisions can make people great Should I say “Hello”? Should I stay or go? Should I criticize? Or should I close my eyes? Decisions of decisions of our lives
3.
If We Could Lean Back and Fall 03:47
lyrics
Slipping and Sliding, upward we slog Climbing and Climbing into the fog We dream (dream we). We lived (lived we). We loved (loved we). Remem (mem’ry). Slipping and Sliding, upward we slog Climbing and Climbing into the fog Into the fog. Into the fog. If we could lean back and fall out of the fog Backwards in time, back down the vine Backwards from fear, ‘til we are clear. Back from alone, ‘til we are home. Slipping and Sliding, upward we slog Climbing and Climbing into the fog We dream (dream we). Me mom (mommy). Dee dad (daddy). Remem (mem’ry) Slipping and Sliding, upward we slog Climbing and Climbing into the fog Into the fog. Into the fog. If we could lean back and fall out of the fog Backwards in time, back down the vine. Backwards from fear, ‘til we are clear. Back from alone, ‘til we are home. If we could fall out of the fog Backwards in time, back down the vine Falling like rain, down from the pain, Leaving it far, far, far above. Lost and now found, plummeting down, Down into love.
4.
Walter Wenceslas 03:52
lyrics
Walter wandered through the streets in the evening rain Memories of past mistakes gave him so much pain “What a wasted life I’ve made, useless and alone” Then between two buildings came A coughing and a groan. PAST MISTAKES. WASH AWAY. There a shaking body lay in the flooded gutter Vomit on his beard said more than his drunken stutter Walter helped him to his feet, then he led him home. So much worse than being sick is being sick alone. PAST MISTAKES. WASH AWAY. Why is it you help me, man? Maybe you should wait. You don’t know about my past. You don’t know my hate. See this scar across my face? Got it in a fight. Did it in the prison yard. Can’t forget that night. PAST MISTAKES. WASH AWAY. Here’s a pair of warm dry socks Take those wet ones off. Try to drink this bowl of soup. It might help your cough. Please don’t brood about your past Or how you got your scar. I do not care who you were – only who you are.
5.
On One Note 02:51
lyrics
This is for those who sing on one note So others are free to dream and to hope So others can sing all over the scale So others can rest and simply exhale This is for those who stay in the chord The internal voice so often ignored Faithful and steady they drone on and on, Never much noticed until they are gone THIS IS MY DREAM, THIS IS MY HOPE TO SWALLOW MY SONG AND SING ON ONE NOTE. This is for those who sing the insides The altos and tenors shaping our lives The parents and friends who take on the cost Of feeding the hungry and finding the lost. This is for those who sing on one note So others are free to dream and to hope We honor their work, their countless refrains We promise their work has not been in vain. THIS IS MY DREAM, THIS IS MY HOPE TO SWALLOW MY SONG AND SING ON ONE NOTE.
6.
Mirrors 02:32
lyrics
Mirror on you and Mirror on me You see you and I see me Do you like my “me” on you? Does your “you” on me look true? Mirror on stranger, mirror on friend Look away, then look again. Mirror on sick and those in fear Look so they can see the mirror BRIGHT, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR CLEAR, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR SHINE BACK TO OTHERS WITH BEAUTIFUL COLORS OF BLUE, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR RED, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR FRAME THEM WITH FLOWERS, REFLECT BACK THEIR POWERS. Mirror on Mom and mirror on Dad I can see the face I had Mirror on Daughter, mirror on Son I can see who I’ve become Mirror on Husband, mirror on Wife Changing visions of their lives Sparkle, sparkle like the sun! Mirrors and mirrors on ev’ryone! BRIGHT, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR CLEAR, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR SHINE BACK TO OTHERS WITH BEAUTIFUL COLORS OF BLUE, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR RED, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR FRAME THEM WITH FLOWERS, REFLECT BACK THEIR POWERS. BRIGHT, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR... CLEAR, MIRROR MIRROR MIRROR...
7.
Janitor's Lullaby 03:05
lyrics
Ev’ry night while you’re asleep I come in to mop and sweep Sweep away your old mistakes You are clean when you awake. You don’t know me – never can. Dif’rent woman – Dif’rent man. Dif’rent ways to love and live I accept it. I forgive. SO SLEEP AND SLEEP WHILE I SWEEP AND SWEEP AWAY, AWAY, AWAY, AWAY AWAY, AWAY, AWAY, AWAY SLEEP WHILE I SWEEP AWAY. Each of us from time to time Needs someone to help us shine Needs someone to let us sleep Needs someone to mop and sweep. Mop and sweep is what I do Mop and sweep my love for you Ev’ry night of ev’ry week Dream of you and mop and sweep SO SLEEP AND SLEEP WHILE I SWEEP AND SWEEP AWAY, AWAY, AWAY, AWAY AWAY, AWAY, AWAY, AWAY SLEEP WHILE I SWEEP AWAY.
8.
Sometimes People Change 03:41
lyrics
Sometimes people with a sickness Do things that are strange Does the sickness have control Or have the people changed? Can our love survive a sickness? Can it make the CHANGE TO TOMORROW – CHANGE OUT OF SORROW CHANGING AND WINNING ANOTHER BEGINNING WHERE WE WILL SURVIVE AND OUR LOVE WILL THRIVE – EMBRACING THE STRANGE ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES PEOPLE, SOMETIMES PEOPLE, SOMETIMES PEOPLE CHANGE... CHANGE... Sometimes people with a fortune Do things that are strange Does the fortune have control Or have the people changed? Can our love survive a fortune? Can it make the change... change... Sometimes people who have nothing Do things that are strange. Does the nothing have control Or have the people changed? Can our love survive with nothing? Can it make the CHANGE TO TOMORROW – CHANGE OUT OF SORROW CHANGING AND WINNING ANOTHER BEGINNING WHERE WE WILL SURVIVE AND OUR LOVE WILL THRIVE – EMBRACING THE STRANGE ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES PEOPLE, SOMETIMES PEOPLE, SOMETIMES PEOPLE CHANGE... CHANGE... CHANGE...
9.
The River Hormone 04:55
lyrics
I am lost and all alone on the River Hormone I am lost and all alone on the River Hormone Through lust and anger, fear and hate I cannot, cannot navigate I am lost and all alone on the River Hormone Looking for a stepping stone on the River Hormone Looking for a stepping stone on the River Hormone I see a rock and start to swim But down the river I spin and spin Looking for a stepping stone on the River Hormone. I’M FLOATING, I’M FLOATING, MY WHOLE LIFE IS FLOATING PAST HARBORS SERENE, PAST THE PORTS OF MY DREAMS DOWN TO PLACES UNKNOWN ON THE RIVER HORMONE. I’M FLOATING, I’M FLOATING, MY WHOLE LIFE IS FLOATING I BOB UP AND DOWN, TRYING HARD NOT TO DROWN AS I FLOAT, AND I FLOAT, AND... The River Hormone flows through my home The River Hormone The River Hormone flows through my home The River Hormone And farther, farther from my house Drift my children and my spouse. The River Hormone flows through my home The River Hormone The River Hormone has grown and grown The River Hormone The River Hormone has grown and grown The River Hormone It seeps into my ev’ry pore Down it pulls me more and more The River Hormone has grown and grown The River Hormone I’M FLOATING, I’M FLOATING, MY WHOLE LIFE IS FLOATING PAST HARBORS SERENE, PAST THE PORTS OF MY DREAMS DOWN TO PLACES UNKNOWN ON THE RIVER HORMONE. I’M FLOATING, I’M FLOATING, MY WHOLE LIFE IS FLOATING I BOB UP AND DOWN, TRYING HARD NOT TO DROWN AS I FLOAT, AND I FLOAT, AND I FLOAT.
10.
Gentle History 02:40
lyrics
There's a history, a Gentle History Of those who choose to live their lives together peacefully. They have no enemy, They have no weaponry Instead they use their strength to build up their community. Just look around and see, In every country, In every family, In every you and me A Gentle History In this history there aren't guns and there's no violence. In this history all the victories come from peace. In this history most gets done in simple silence. In this history most is written by the least. And they go to work each day the same direction. With an honor they have no need to defend. They rely on public schools for their protection. And they smile and turn a page at the end. There's a history, a Gentle History Of those who choose to live their lives together peacefully. They have no enemy, They have no weaponry Instead they use their strength to build up their community. Just look around and see, In every country, In every family, In every you and me A Gentle History
11.
Ke 03:10
lyrics
HE: Look at him – that is me. Just the type I want to be. Happy and completely free That is he and that is me. SHE: Look again – that’s a she. Just the type I want to be. Happy and completely free That is she and that is... Me, me, I am she I am the woman that I can see Me, me, who is me? Who is she? HE: Me, me, I am he I am the man that I can see Me, me, who is me? Who is he? HE and SHE: We would like to know your name. We would like that you explain Whether you are he or she Whether you are you or me. KE: Ke, Ke, I am Ke I am above biology Ke, Ke, I am Ke I am free HE and SHE: You, me, who are we? Are we the people that we can be? KE: Ke, Ke, I am Ke I am free.
12.
Beautiful Life 02:12
lyrics
After all our dreams have broken After condolences have been spoken After all our hopes have died After we’ve whispered our last goodbye What is left from all this sorrow? What remains for us tomorrow? He would never want to grieve us – or bereave us There is something that he leaves us: LIFE, LIFE, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL LIFE What is left from all this sorrow? What remains for us tomorrow? He would never want to grieve us – or bereave us There is something that he leaves us: LIFE, LIFE, BEAUTIFUL (X12) LIFE, LIFE
13.
I am a Scientist 03:36
lyrics
COACH: I am a Scientist when I am leading exercise I am a Scientist when I am handing out a prize Because I test and test and test and test Until my ath’letes can be their best – I am a Scientist Magic charms and lucky numbers – throw them in the bin! Practiced minds with practiced bodies – that is how we win! I am a Scientist when I am leading exercise I am a Scientist when I am handing out a prize Because I test and test and test and test Until my ath’letes can be their best – I am a Scientist ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COOK: I am a Scientist when I am cooking lunch for you I am a Scientist when I am baking pizza too Because I test and test and test and test Until the food I serve you tastes the best – I am a Scientist Magic herbs and secret potions – these I just ignore Making people strong and healthy – that’s what food is for I am a Scientist when I am cooking lunch for you I am a Scientist when I am baking pizza too Because I test and test and test and test Until the food I serve you tastes the best – I am a Scientist ----------------------------------------------------------------------- STUDENTS: We are the Scientists in every little thing we do We are the Scientists because we look for what is true And ‘cause we test and test and test and test Until the things we do, we do our best – We are the Scientists Things to learn and things to do and friendships to be made Different people, different places – we are not afraid! We are the Scientists in every little thing we do We are the Scientists because we look for what is true And ‘cause we test and test and test and test Until the things we do, we do our best – We are the Scientists
14.
Spring Will Melt the Snow 03:41
lyrics
SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW THIS, THIS WE MUST KNOW: WARMTH WILL GROW SNOW, AFTER SO LONG MELTS, LEAVING US STRONG SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW Cold snow Cold ice Cold, killing frost. Cold you Cold me Cold, cold and lost. But SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW THIS, THIS WE MUST KNOW: WARMTH WILL GROW SNOW, AFTER SO LONG MELTS, LEAVING US STRONG SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW Cold face Cold eyes Cold, empty stare. Cold lips Cold words Cold, cold despair. But SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW THIS, THIS WE MUST KNOW: WARMTH WILL GROW SNOW, AFTER SO LONG MELTS, LEAVING US STRONG SPRING WILL MELT THE SNOW
15.
Out of this Mud 03:39
lyrics
Out of this Mud, Out of this crud Out of this scum, Beauty will come. Flowers will bloom, Roses will bud, Clover will sprout, Out of this Mud Berries and beans Melons and greens Sweet tangerines This muddy waste will be replaced Fallow no more, let the mud roar Apples will fall, grain will grow tall Feeding us all I COME FROM EARTH TO TAKE MY TURN AND TO THE EARTH I WILL RETURN I COME FROM EARTH TO TAKE MY TURN AND TO THE EARTH I WILL RETURN. I WILL RETURN BUT FEEL IT MY DUTY TO DO SO WITH BEAUTY Out of this Mud, Out of this crud Out of this scum, Beauty will come Still at the gate, stuck in the mire, Spinning my tire, Now I am late. But this I know, I can still change, I can still grow This muddy waste will be replaced Fallow no more, let the mud roar Out of this mud, Out of this crud Out of this body and Out of this blood Out of this scum, before I’m done Beauty will come
16.
Everyone is Me 02:04
lyrics
Who? Who? Who is he? Who is she? Who do they hope to be? What is deep in their souls? These are things I know. Know their wants, know their needs Know what comes, where it leads Know their laugh, know their moan Know them like my own. DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN? THE MUFFIN MAN, THE MUFFIN MAN? DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN WHO LIVES ON DRURY LANE? I know him. I know her. Who they are. Who they were. Ev’ry land. Ev’ry sea. Ev’ryone is me. DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN? THE MUFFIN MAN, THE MUFFIN MAN? DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN WHO LIVES ON DRURY LANE? Who, who is me?
17.
Taking Care of Mom and Dad 04:35
lyrics
Sometimes when they’re moving slow – feeling a little low I know just what to do – I know how to get through. And in a little while, I can get them both to smile, smile, smile I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad Best job I’ve ever had Always makes me feel so glad, glad, glad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad Best job I’ve ever had Always makes me feel glad I’m takin’ care of Mom (and takin’ care of Dad) I’m takin’ care of Mom (and takin’ care of Dad) I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Older than they were before - now they need me more and more Getting things at the stores, helping out with the chores These are the practical ways I can tell them “thank you” ev’ryday I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad Best job I’ve ever had Always makes me feel so glad, glad, glad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad Best job I’ve ever had Always makes me feel glad I’m takin’ care of Mom (and takin’ care of Dad) I’m takin’ care of Mom (and takin’ care of Dad) I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Now that Mom and Dad are gone, my job is to carry on. By the way that I live, by the hope that I give By the things that I say, I still bring them honor ev’ryday I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad I’m takin’ care of Mom and Dad Best job I’ve ever had Always makes me feel so glad, glad, glad We’re takin’ care of Mom and Dad We’re takin’ care of Mom and Dad Best job we’ve ever had Always makes us feel glad We’re takin’ care of Mom (and takin’ care of Dad) We’re takin’ care of Mom (and takin’ care of Dad) We’re takin’ care of Mom and Dad!
18.
Dancing Like a Zero 03:27
lyrics
Run. Run. Run, Run, run-run-run-run Running, running for a number Fall and winter, spring and summer Running here and running there and Running to I don’t know where I’m Running, running for a number Nothing, nothing could be dumber Running to some place above, I’m Running past the ones I love, I’m Running, running faster, faster Numbers, numbers, master, master Running why, don’t know what for, just Running, running, more and more and More... and More... and More... and More... I run and run and huff and puff and Never, never have enough. The Numbers shout the Numbers scream and Only stop inside my dreams: I dream of Dancing like a Zero Not some kind of hero I don’t need to race I know the score – I know my place. I dream of Dancing like a Zero Not some kind of hero Numbers have me bound But in my dreams I dance around And when I dance the numbers fall And I am found.
19.
The Wedding of One 05:10
lyrics
SOLO: My wedding day – Not one bouquet No honeymoon. No bride, no groom. Just me alone, dreaming of home A home without walls. A home built for all... for all. My wedding vows, silent ‘til now. I want to shout and sing, sing them out. Vows sung to life – not husband, wife. Vows sung to call to one and to all... to all. I standing as One, Promise to accept you Promise to respect you, Promise to protect you From feeling alone, from needing a home From wanting a friend, from now ‘til the end. I promise to you, whatever you do Whatever is done, whatever may come The power, the power, the power of One. COMMUNITY: One family. Come marry me. Not man to wife – a much different life. We, standing as One, Promise to accept you Promise to respect you, Promise to protect you From feeling alone, from needing a home From wanting a friend, from now ‘til the end. We promise to you, whatever you do Whatever is done, whatever may come The power, the power, the power of One.
20.
I am a River 02:21
lyrics
I am a River I fall down and slither And disappear into the bay My destination – I’ve nothing to say ________________________________ But I can dream I’m a sparkling stream I can dream I have magical water And splashing at will I can roar up a hill I can go where I go I can say what I say I’m free to do what I will do But freedom inside of a dream is not true ________________________________ I am a River I fall down and slither And disappear into the bay My destination – I’ve nothing to say I am a River I am a River I am a River With nothing to say.
21.
This Song I Have Already Sung 02:53
lyrics
MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM This song I have already sung I sang it before I was young I sang it before my great grandparents’ birth Before there was music or people on earth Before the Jurassic, before the Big Bang This song I sang. MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM Each rhyme I have already rhymed They unfold in physics and time Each thought I have thought and each deed I have done Each loss I have lost and each win I have won I know I am just an automaton So why go on? MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM I’ve learned to ignore the whole thing I roll up my sleeves and I sing I work and I work and I work until when I feel that my life has a purpose and then I sing it and sing it again and again This life I have already won This song I have already sung MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM MOO-A-OOM
22.
Mile after Mile 01:37
lyrics
Mile after Mile after Mile after Mile after Driving and driving so long Mile after Mile after Mile after Mile I find out my direction is wrong. TOO LATE TO TURN BACK THERE’S NOTHING TO DO. LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND SMILE AT THE VIEW. Mile after Mile after Mile after Mile after Driving as far as I can Mile after Mile after Mile after Mile And I don’t even know where I am.
23.
Please Pass the Sugar 03:05
lyrics
Girls and boys from East to West Are seated at their dinner desk Hungry for a certain sound Their little ears search all around When a parent's voice is heard They smile and swallow ev'ry word Ev'ry word that they can reach Ev'ry little part of speech Words empower, words enable Words learned at the supper table Words to eat and then repeat Those words, those words so strong, so sweet PLEASE PASS THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR PLEASE PASS THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR TO ME AFTER I'VE LEARNED HOW TO PASS SUGAR TOO I'LL PASS THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR TO YOU Girls and boys from North to South Delicious words are in their mouth Words that nourish and excite A very hungry appetite What words will they learn today? What words will their parents say? Will the words lead to success? Will the words bring happiness? Words empower, words enable Words learned at the supper table Words to eat and then repeat Those words, those words so strong, so sweet PLEASE PASS THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR PLEASE PASS THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR TO ME AFTER I'VE LEARNED HOW TO PASS SUGAR TOO I'LL PASS THE SUGAR, THE SUGAR TO YOU
24.
Stranger in the Ocean 03:49
lyrics
Stranger in the Ocean very far away from shore Stranger in the Ocean very easy to ignore Standing safe on solid land, should I, should I lend my hand? Stranger in the Ocean you are testing who I am. WHO AM I? AND WHY DO THESE WAVES SEEM SO HIGH? SOMEONE CRIES. BEYOND THESE WAVES SOMEONE CRIES. BEYOND MY HOME IS SOMEONE UNKNOWN WHO CRIES. SHOULD I CARE? SHOULD I TRY? WHO AM I? Stranger in the Ocean very far away from shore Stranger in the Ocean I can feel you more and more Is it reason or emotion that I step into the ocean? Stranger in the Ocean you are testing who I am. WITH ONE TOE, I TOUCH THE WAVES AND I KNOW. WITH ONE TOE, THE FEARSOME WAVES LAY DOWN LOW. MY FOOT, MY LEG, MY BODY SLIP WARMLY BELOW UP FOR AIR. PAST THE WAVES. WITH ONE TOE. Stranger in the Ocean very far away from shore Stranger in the Ocean I am swimming through the door In this deep, deep, deep unknown, will I will I find my home? Stranger in the Ocean, Stranger in the Ocean You are testing who I am.

about

This album is a collection of Secretary Michael's earliest works. As with his later works, the songs tend to be peaceful and contemplative. But this is heavy-duty contemplation with beautiful, twisting thoughts that just won't let go. (Typed lyrics are provided for each song - be sure to read along).
Many of the songs contain a "warm wave" (a sudden change from a feeling of tension to one of peaceful floating) - midway through the song. He did this using different techniques, including a change in key, a change in accompaniment pattern, and especially a change in meter from simple (4/4) to compound (6/8).
A piano/vocal/chord score has been published for those who want to study the "warm wave" technique or who want to perform the songs as they are heard in the recordings. (ISBN: 978-1888-712124).

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released January 1, 2014

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Secretary Michael Missouri

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