Ten Below Zero
I was listening to a podcast where the guests were talking about mental health issues, and how you need to be proactive and find strategies to work for you, to pull yourself out of situations. I just started singing in the car the line “What do you do when you’re ten below zero, you get a shovel and you dig yourself out”.
The song also reflects on the misguided emphasis placed on money over quality of life with loved ones.
"Fistful of dollars won’t make up lost time"
Let the Games Begin
Rise to overcome adversity and take up the challenge, even when it is tough. At times you just have to play what’s in front of you, but if you tackle things head on, it is amazing how many times you may surprise yourself.
"Doubt is not a sin, let the games begin"
Freestyle
Media has an important role in keeping us informed, however it can lose its way when driven by the pursuit of winning and profit.
I pay a little homage to one of my favourite bands Squeeze, referencing “Eastside stories” in the intro.
"If the truth is dull then you may as well make it all up"
Back to You
John Lennon sang about instant karma - this song has a similar vibe to it in that you get back what you put out to the world.
I am really happy with how the song is quite driven by the bass and rhythm guitar, and has a nice live quality about it.
"Whatever you send out - is coming back to you"
Hot on his Heels
TA reflection that some people have bad luck and misfortune follow them around. The feel of this song reflects me growing in the 80s.
"Antagonists seek out new grudges to hold"
Look What You've Done
We all have an opportunity to make a difference - whether that be good or bad in the world.
Self reflection on a regular basis can help you learn and grow from your mistakes, and continue successful behaviours and actions.
"In our first world - we’re hardly out of luck
Some will make gain - at the expense of others"
Fashion
I am interested in those who live outside the trends of the day, and find their own personal vision of success. From what I can tell, they appear to be internally driven, rather than worrying about anything others think or say.
"I don't like fashion because it goes out of fashion - a timeless point I can view"
History Repeats
Children are often the product of their environment. As adults we can continue cycles or choose to be the circuit breakers.
"Every child is born so pure of thought
Nature fighting nurture - dogs of war"
Chasing Rainbows
Unbridled ambition is a young person’s game - and can yield great lessons.
As I have grown older, I have been more circumspect and level about what is important to me, and what price I am willing to pay to secure whatever achievements I think are important.
"Making the time others can’t seem to find, and we’re chasing rainbows til the sun goes down"
The Arms of War
This song is my attempted optimistic aspiration that things can be different in future with the right will from people from around the world. Conflict resolution has many paths, and peace is not achieved without humility, compromise and forgiveness.
"Preaching practices for global good
Open trading by the advocates in the arms of war"
Swings and Roundabouts
This was the last song written for this album, and seemed a fitting summary of many of the concepts covered in the other songs.
I wrote the song on a long drive stuck in traffic because of a serious accident ahead, reflecting that I may have been closer to that incident had I not been delayed in my departure.
Much of our lives are consequences of choices made, colliding with uncontrollable events in the broader world.
"Half the battle is to keep believing
Save us from the twists of fate
Something made us leave much later that day"