Elections are upon the U.S. as we face what is widely considered to be the most important voting cycle in generations. If not the most important, the 2010 midterm elections are definitely the most outrageous in generations, and November 2nd is still five days away.

Fearing both an all time low approval rating and losing Democratic power in Congress, President Obama has resorted to calling the millions of American who disagree with his far left policies “enemies” during an interview with Spanish language network, Univision on October 25, 2010. Allegations of ethics violations and voter fraud abound from California to Florida. With cases such as the now infamous New Black Panther Party intimidation case being all but ignored by our Justice Department, who knows what our more radical friends will try to get away with? It’s not like SEIU is fixing voter machines or anything… is it?

And this is just the early voting brouhaha.

Electronic voting machines are being put to question, along with the integrity of our voting system and any number of incumbents. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent, countless tons of mud has been slung and decision time is drawing near. Do we choose to follow a path of out of control spending and self imposed economic destruction, or do we choose the path of fiscally responsible government and adherence to the Constitution?

We the People decide – one vote at a time. Not only is it our Right, it is our responsibility. Now more than ever U.S. citizens need to vote for principles, not party lines. We especially need to be diligent in looking for, and reporting, any voter fraud as we cast our ballots throughout the next week. Our Nation’s future is riding on what decisions we make today.

Betrayal is nothing new to me, though I am always shocked at the dark depths some people will lower themselves to in order to attain what ever it is they desire.  Whether they are left by ’friend’ or ’colleague’, the scars left by psychological wounds are only visible in my eyes or my lyrics – the latter coming when the pain has all but healed – sometimes many years later.  I am grateful that these experiences have strengthened my character and resolve – the alternative outcome… let’s not go there.

This new song is dedicated to the Master Manipulators I have had the misfortune of knowing – you know who you are.  Whether it matters to those who have inspired these words or not, you did not ever break me – you only inspired my creativity.  Thank you.

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Lying all around me
Manipulation
Dishonesty
It’s clear to me now
Tell me how you can sleep at night
You preyed upon me and my capacity for kindness

Lead me not down your darkened path
I will not cross this line
Though you have tried to force me over
Those like you, thankfully, are few
So spin your web of lies
Your words don’t really matter

Play the game of means and ends
Pretend it’s quite alright
Twist the truth as twisted as your soul
Take your alligator smile and crocodile tears
And sell your crazy elsewhere – you’re not welcome here

To be continued…

© 2010 Colleen Gray – All Rights Reserved.

Update!
I’ve finally gotten around to recording the harmonies for this new tune. These are pilot tracks, including the original live recording of the piano and 1st lead vocal track, recorded on the fly as the first section came to mind. The concept of this piece, lyrically, is how the cycle of our human lives correspond to the four elements and seasons in nature. I hope you enjoy! Please be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think… how is this song shaping up so far?

 

“Elemental Seasons”

Look towards the horizon – the future is unforeseen
The winds always change as the seasons pass endlessly [...]

To the tune of R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World”

It started off with a new President
Hope and change
Innaugurate
John McCain was not ashamed

No more opacity
Sounded great on TV
Followed by Apologies
Obama’s face on our screens
Teleprompted to speak 
Just you wait – the chatter start to matter to the Tea Party
We’re tired of the liars representing our voice
And our government is mired by corrupted choice
Left of left and hungry, in a fury, in a hurry
Tearing down our Rights

One by one reporters cave and start spinning crap
Look at Mathew’s leg: Thrill-in’
Uh oh, Overload, system failure coming soon
We gotta do a Stimulus and do it fast
Listen to Santelli
Bonuses to Wall Street
Money printing faster and there is no end in sight – right

Disconcerted, patriotic, DHS Threats
We’re feeling pretty riled

It’s the end of 2009
It’s the end of 2009
It’s the end of 2009
And I don’t mind

Media losing face
“Coverage” a disgrace
Hannah, James, ACORN
Undercover, ignored
Michael J., Teddy K. and Farrah say goodbye
Getting heated in the Congress when Joe Wilson said “You Lie”
We the People, in the thousands – 9/12 – don’t tell
Limbaugh, Beck – don’t dare
uh-oh, they’re still on air
We’re not scared
Patriots will prevail
No Government, no Government, no Government of lies

Save the Constitution
Preserve our Bill of Rights
and they decline

It’s the end of 2009
It’s the end of 2009
It’s the end of 2009
And I don’t mind
I don’t mind

Balloon Boy makin’ all the news
North Korea making nukes
Neda shot in cold blood
Jihad at Fort Hood
Global Warming, Fistgate
And the spiral in the sky

Climatgate and Cap and Trade and Van Jones: BOOM!
Socalistic, radical, Libotomized… and they’re right? Right.

It’s the end of 2009
It’s the end of 2009
It’s the end of 2009
And I don’t mind

Two years ago, Christmas was forever changed for my family – the meaning of the gift of life more evident to us than we realized before.  At 11:17am, the morning of December 14, 2007, my Grandfather called me with the news that my Mother had unexpectedly died in her sleep.  In some ways I am still in shock - She was more dear to me than any words can truly convey, being a source of strength and wisdom, my mentor in kindness, my first vocal coach… and my friend.  As I said at her funeral, my first real memory is of her singing to me.  Some of the most resonant memories in my childhood are of creating music with her… putting feelings to sound with our voices.  These moments, as are their memories, were and are truly magical.

When my family asked that I sing at Mom’s funeral, I was truly honored… but I knew I would never be able to get through that performance.  The only time in my life I broke down in tears during a performance was during a Mother’s Day duet with her – this request was beyond me.  Instead, I offered to record a piece that we had performed together many times and the one I consider our favorite Christmas duet.  The following version was recorded the night before our final goodbyes, and I hope it may bring some warmth to you on this Christmas:

“Star Bright”
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