Rolling out the oldies again with a sister song to “Standing in Line.” Again, written mostly by Matt Stankiewicz and finished with Gary Zimmer and me at our Jefferson Park HeadQuarters. Not sure exactly what this was about lyrically but I’m sensing a strong theme of ambivalence and, “I can’t make big promises but this is what I can offer you.” The title makes me think of meditation and seeking a presence of mind that discards the past and stops trying to solve for the future.
Thoughts on the music
This was written on piano and it shows in the descending melody line that follows with the slash chords. I particularly like the walkup to D minor after the refrain. Gives it a new neighborhood to go to and a memorable place to sing along. When I play it on guitar, I don’t incorporate all the bass notes from the slash chords. I just imagine a bass player is doing that for me.
Lyrics and Chords
Intro
F / C/E / Bb C F /
F C/E
You look so surprised to see me standing here
Bb/D F/C F
I can see it in your eyes
Bb F/A F D-
I can’t explain the way I CAN’T LET GO
G- G C C7
But I know, yes I know
F C/E
Today I realized, the way I feel is clear
Bb/D F/C F
It’s something I cannot disguise
Bb F/A F#o G-
I can’t explain the way my HEART STANDS STILL
G C C7
But I will, yes I will
F Gm C
BE HERE NOW
F
To sacrifice my pride for you And
Am Bb C
SHOW YOU HOW
F
I will stand and fight for you
‘Cause...
Dm C Bb F
Iiiiiiiiiiii can’t know how you feel but
Dm C Bb F
Iiiiiiiiiiii know what I feel is real
Gm C Bb Am F
I’m making my vow to BE HERE NOW
F C/E
I hope you understand, what I came to say
Bb/D F/C F
Your eyes tell me that it’s true
Bb F/A F D-
It’s not a choice to make, to LET YOU KNOW
G- G C C7
I can’t let go, no I can’t let go
F C/E
Whatever you demand, there are no games to play
Bb/D F/C F
I will give it all to you
Bb F/A F#o G-
My heart is yours to take, IF YOU WILL
Cause I still, yes I still
Will... [CHORUS]
