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B’s In The Trees Music
Songwriting. The ability to write great lyrics and put them to music. To create an original song is a wonderful Blessing and like most songwriters, I have written a ton of mediocre songs as well as several really bad ones, however, I have also come up with some good ones and for that I am very thankful. Welcome to the SONGWRITING section where I just might share some examples of each! My songwriting, like any creative endeavor is a constant work in progress. I will admit, that I do not write a lot of songs, but, I thought that it might be kind of fun to share a part of this aspect of my life with you here at Josephsbonsall.com
Some lyrics will be familiar to you and others, well, I assure you that you have never seen and in many cases.... Will NEVER hear!
So, have a little fun. Take A. Peek at some of my children. Good, bad or not so good, I assure you, that each song comes from my heart.
Keep coming back too... I will keep adding lyrics as time goes by!! (JSB)
Sacrifice..... For Me
I wrote this song for the Oaks’ Colors project. The guys and producer Michael Sykes really liked it a lot but the album was pretty full and there wasn’t room for it.
It took me six months to write this song, and I put my whole heart and soul into these lyrics. I think it is one of my better songs and will someday be recorded. (JSB)
Sacrifice (For Me)
Words and music by Joe Bonsall
Verse One
Boy grew up in Caroline
Tobacco farm on the mountainside
Played football on the high school team
Fell in love with Sally Jean
He heard the call of Uncle Sam
Headed off to Viet Nam
When he comes home
Gonna settle down
But somewhere on the Mekong River
The soldier died…… for me
Verse Two
Navajo boy stares at the sky
Bored with reservation life
He has hopes. He has dreams
Joins the United States Marines
A Marine works hard, he pulls his weight
His people are proud. He’s a hero they say
When he comes home, it will be a new day
But somewhere in the desert
The Marine died…… for me
Chorus
So I can live
In the Land Of Free
Raise my kids
Live my dreams
There’s a price
For liberty
Sacrifice……
for me
Verse Three
He punches that clock about half past eight
Just like any other day
Brooklyn fireman calling home
Gonna be late, something big’s going on
The world had changed in just one day
The devil himself had sent those planes
When he gets home, gonna hold his wife
But somewhere in the tower
The fireman died…… for me
Repeat Chorus
Reprise
Long black wall
Field of green
Valley of fire
Distant beach
Cross of white
A hero dies
Sacrifice……
For me
Daddy’s Christmas Eve
I have been fortunate to have The Oak Ridge Boys record three of my Christmas songs over the last twenty years. Although there is much heart and soul in First Christmas Day, this song Daddy’s Christmas Eve is my favorite.
To be a parent is one of God’s greatest gifts and blessings. It also carries a huge responsibility. I have sat up late at night during the Christmas season many times in my life and just stared up at the family tree. The blinking lights represent so many passing years and seem to hypnotize as well as illuminate. So many prayers……
“Dear God, help me to be a good father. Help me to do and say the right things and to be a good example to my children. It is a mean world out there and a parent’s heart sometimes grows heavy with the burden of raising a child, but you would know all about that wouldn’t you? After all, you gave your only begotten Son…… for me.”
We do the best we can. Sometimes it’s not enough but we try. I am thankful that I had such a wonderful mother who showed me what love is all about, and I am thankful that MY girls both turned out well. I am so proud of them, and I love them dearly!
Thank you, Lord…… for Daddy’s Christmas Eve! (JSB)
Daddy’s Christmas Eve
Words and music by Joe Bonsall
Verse One
Staring at the Christmas tree
I guess I couldn’t sleep
The pretty lights hypnotize me
And I begin to think
Seems like only yesterday
That I was just a boy
Dreaming of a reindeer sleigh
And Santa’s bag of toys
Verse Two
A lot of years have slipped on by
A lot of things have changed
But the magic of this special night
Somehow remains the same
I’m so thankful for my little ones
Oh, how I love them so
I know, God, how you must have felt
On that Christmas long ago
Bridge
You must have cried a million tears
On that first Christmas Eve
You knew your one and only son
Would someday die for me
Verse Three
Staring out the window
I can see the Christmas star
It seems a little brighter now
Than it had been before
Help me be the kind of dad
That you would have me be
I guess I’ll go on up to bed
Thank you, Lord, for Christmas Eve
The Sushi..... In Me
I have a deep passion for Sushi. It all started in the early eighties when William Lee Golden had me try some raw tuna, Sashimi style. I just fell in love with it. I could eat Sushi everyday, I think. Maguro tuna is still my favorite, but I also love salmon and yellowtail. I may grow a set of gills if I am not careful.
So with that thought in mind I give you this piece of total silliness called “The Sushi In Me.” Sing it to the exact tune of Tim McGraw's “The Cowboy In Me.” (I am so sorry Tim) HAHA
So......tune a fish..... then.....go tune a banjo….please! (JSB)
The Sushi..... In Me
By Tuna Boy (sorry, Tim)
I always have some chop stix in my hand
A Sushi Bar is a place I understand
I even comprehend some Japanese
I guess that’s just the Sushi ...... in me
I realize that my hands smell just like fish
There’s always some Wasabe on my breath
I wash it down with a cup of hot green tea
I guess that’s just the Sushi ...... in me
Bridge
A tuna roll, a bowl of rice
A crunchy shrimp, a hint of spice
Fresh water eel or salmon raw
Some yellowtail or albacore
A Sushi Bar in every town would be ok, you see
I guess that’s just the Sushi ...... in me
Repeat Bridge
A tuna roll a bowl of rice
A crunchy shrimp, a hint of spice
Fresh water eel or salmon raw
Some yellowtail or albacore
A Sushi Bar in every town would be ok, you see
I guess that’s just the Sushi ...... in me
I always try to sample something new
I guess there’s some things even I won’t do
Octopus or fish eggs I won’t eat
I guess that’s just the sushi ...... in me
Tuna Boy’s a name that I am called
There may be a little Sushi...... in us all
The Boy Inside
I wrote this song a while back. I actually wrote the first verse when I turned 40. It only took me ten years to finish it! I really think it could be a bit better, however, the message is a good one. I believe say that you must never let the little Boy inside die. When people allow the little child to slip away, the spark in their eyes grow dim and old age becomes a stark reality. As Dylan wrote, Stay Forever Young...... at least inside of your heart!! (JSB)
The Boy Inside
written by Joe Bonsall
Verse One
My friends all say that I’m looking just a little older
My hairs turning gray and I’m moving just a little slower
But I still feel the same as I always did
And sometimes I still feel like a little kid
Chorus
The Boy inside
Don’t ever let him die
You can feel him in your heart
you can see him in your eyes
The Boy inside
Keeps our dreams alive
Blessed is the man
When there’s a Boy inside
Verse Two
I still like the sound of a saxophone playing in the city night
I still like a long home run disappearing in the stadium lights
I believe in the simple things in life
The bible tells me so and Momma’s always right
Bridge
Oh we get so caught up in doing what we do
That sometimes we tend to forget
That child deep within
Is the very best friend , that we have
Repeat chorus
UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN
I have tried to get The Oaks to cut this song for years and it has just never happened. I have tried it Rock, Country and even RAP (which is my favorite) The copyright says 1995, however I have written versions of Uncle Luther since 1982.
The song does have a real cult following in the organization and I thought you might get a kick out of it. Think Rap until you get to the bridge. then...... it gets kind of Bluesy! Merry Christmas. (JSB)
UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN’
BY JOE BONSALL
1
COUSIN LILLIE’S HANGING STOCKINGS ON THE MANTELPIECE
DADDY’S PUTTIN’ TINSEL ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE
GRANNY’S CUTTIN’ COOKIES - PIES A BAKIN’ IN THE OVEN
MAMMA COOKED THE TURKEY - UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN’
2
BROTHER DAVID AND THE NEIGHBORS ARE A SHOVELING SNOW
LITTLE VICKIE’S WRAPPING PRESENTS WITH PRETTY RED BOWS
GRANPA’S MAKIN’ EGGNOG - THE POPCORN IS A PUFFIN’
MAMMA COOKED THE TURKEY - UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN’
3
ARTIE FROM THE ARMY’S COMIN’ HOME TONIGHT
CRAZY UNCLE EDDIE’S STRINGIN’ UP THE LIGHTS
SISTER SARAH AND HER BOYFRIEND ARE A KISSIN’ AND A HUGGIN’
MAMMA COOKED THE TURKEY - UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN’
4
AUNT ANNA’S ON PIANO PLAYIN’ CHRISTMAS SONGS
TRYIN’ HARD TO GET THE FAMILY JUST TO SING ALONG
THE CHILDREN ALL BELIEVIN’ THAT SANTA IS A COMIN’
MAMMA COOKED THE TURKEY - UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN’
BRIDGE
WELL THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’
AND THE PEOPLE KEEP A MOVIN’
I NEVER WILL FORGET THOSE
HAPPY FAMILY REUNIONS
THE KIDS ARE GROWN - THE OLD FOLKS GROWN
CHRISTMAS TIME WAS REALLY SOMETHING
WHEN MAMMA COOKED THE TURKEY
UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE TURKEY
MAMMA COOKED THE TURKEY - UNCLE LUTHER MADE THE STUFFIN’ etc.
G.I. Joe and Lillie
By Joe Bonsall, Jr.
He was a streetwise kid from Philly
Just nineteen in forty four
Joined up in Uncle’s Army
Hit the beach and fought a war
A decorated hero
He never talks about those days
Because of guys like G.I. Joe
Our Country’s free today
She was Women’s Army Corp
Raised in Carolina dirt
Escorting wounded young men home
From a burning hell on earth
The first time that she saw him
He was broken and alone
Lillie fell in love that day
When he winked and said ‘hello’
Lillie sang this song to G.I. Joe
Let me hold you in my arms, handsome soldier
Take my hand for we are going home today
Let me kiss away your tears
Let me pray away your fears
I’ll stay here with you
Til’ they carry us away
They married in the spring
All dressed up in Army green
Took out a loan and bought a home
And raised a family
The War returned to G.I. Joe
In Nineteen Sixty Five
The old wounds came back to haunt him
But, Lillie’s love kept him alive
Now they’re living in a Veterans’ home
They’ve both grown old and gray
The medals earned so long ago
Now hang there in a case
Sometimes she finds him weeping
As he lays there in his bed
The distant sound of battle
Still echoes in his head
Lillie sings this song to G.I. Joe
Let me hold you in my arms, handsome soldier
Take my hand for we are going home today
Let me kiss away your tears
Let me pray away your fears
I’ll stay here with you
Til’ they carry us away
Someday they’ll rest in Arlington
Neath' the Red, the White and Blue
Safe in the arms of Jesus
When their journey here is through
An American love story
Not unlike a lot of others
Except that G.I. Joe and Lillie
Is my father and my mother
Antoine and Rebecca
Any songwriter worth his salt and vinigar just has to write a gunfighter ballad sometime. In fact, it may be required! As a kid I loved gunfighter ballads. I purchased a collection on an an album from Woolworths and played it all of the time. From EL PASO to Don’t Take Your Guns To Town to Blood On The Saddle, I loved these things. It’s a small wonder I didn’t grow up to sing with The Sons Of The Pioneers! For my song...... I chose to make up my characters from Scratch (surprise surprise) I even had events take place in Louisiana as opposed to say.. Texas! This song has actually been recorded by Memphis Blues man Don McMinn, although his album has yet to come out! I love Antoine and Rebecca. I feel like I know them well.
A book someday?? Perhaps! Saddle Up Pilgrim! (JSB)
Antoine and Rebecca
words and music by Joe Bonsall
Antoine Devereaux was a cajun man
He grew up hard and mean a six gun in his hand
They say he killed six men one night in Shreveport Louisiana
His reputation grew throughout the bayou land
For eight long years Antoine rode hard and had his way
Robbing Pullman cars and banks and gettin away
For years he dreamed of Monroe queen Rebecca Duvalie’
If she belonged to him - He’d put his guns away
Chorus 1
Rebecca sweet Rebecca my life has changed somehow
The violent ways of my younger days are all behind me now
I’m coming for you Rebecca I need you more than ever
I’m tired and cold and feeling old - I want to come back Home
Now Rebecca Duvalie became a Monroe lawyers wife
It’d been eight years since Antoine rode out of her life
With a heart on fire and a burning desire she watched him ride away
The lady always knew - he’d return for her someday
Antoine left his hideaway and rode straight into town
A dozen Louisiana Marshals shot him down
Before he died he heard the cry of Rebecca Duvalie’
She knelt down by his side and heard him softly say
Chorus 2
Rebecca sweet Rebecca my life has changed somehow
The violent ways of my younger days are all behind me know
I’ve come for you Rebecca - I love you more than ever
I’m tired and cold and feeling old - I’ve finally come back home
For The Love of Dixie
The Civil War has interested me for many a year. I have read many books on the conflict. In fact, I am in the process of writing a time travel Civil War book. (I am sad to say that I have been working on this book off and on for three years now and I am not sure WHEN or IF I will ever finish it!!)
Nevertheless, I wrote this song a long time ago. The image of a young Confederate Soldier actually seeing General Robert E. Lee on his big white horse has always given me goosebumps! Remember there was no 24 NEWS on TV back then!! (JSB)
For The Love of Dixie
words and music by Joe Bonsall
verse one
General Robert Lee
Won’t you look at me
I joined this rebel army sir
When I was just fifteen
It’s been four years since then
I’ve killed two hundred men
All For the Love of Dixie sir
I’d do it all again
verse two
General look my way
I’m feelin’ scared today
You’re goin’ to surrender sir
If Lincoln gets his way
I fought at Shiloh hill
My brother lies there still
My heart belongs to Dixie sir
I swear it always will
BRIDGE
Oh, don’t let them take Dixie
Away from Me.......
verse three
General hear that sound
Atlanta’s burning down
Ride on to Appomatox sir
On old Virginia ground
I know this war must end
one hundred thousand men
Have died for southern glory sir
We’d do it all again
Tagline
All for the Love of Dixie sir
We’d do it all again
SANTA’S SONG
Believe it or not, by far and away, my successful song! Well it helped that it was recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys as part of our HUGE MCA Christmas Album in 1982. My daughter Jennifer was only seven years old in 1981 on the night that I wrote this song. I can still see myself sitting on the living room floor and making her laugh with my lyrics. It was her sweet laughter that assured me that this was a cute little song that just might last. Thanks to YOU...... It has!! (JSB)
SANTA’S SONG
by Joe Bonsall
Verse One
Well my name is Santa and I live up north
Gonna land my Reindeer on your porch
If you’ve been good little girls and boys
I’ll put some goodies in your stockings
and I’ll leave you some toys
Chorus
Well all night long I’m a singing my song
Singing, HO ,HO ,HO, as I travel along
Verse Two
I’ve got a big ol’ belly that shakes when I laugh
With a lotta ground to cover I’ve gotta move fast
On Donner, On Blitzen, there’s a lot to do
When the sun comes up tomorrow
I’ve gotta be through
Verse Three
I’ve gotta long white beard that gets in the way
Gotta red and white suit and a magic sleigh
Gotta lot of little elves that help me do it right
Merry Christmas to you all
And to all a GOOD NIGHT
Silverline Music/ Warner Chapel copyright 1982 ASCAP
FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY
I wrote two songs for The Oak Ridge Boys second Christmas Album and this tender and Blessed little piece has meant the world to me over all of these years. I wrote it in a hotel room at Bally’s around Christmas of 1982, long before we were even thinking of a sequel album. Sometimes I just feel like writing a Christmas Song. I don’t know what it is, but, I always feel good when I write a Christmas song. I have a few more that you have never seen as well. Another thing, I have written a lot of stuff at Bally’s in Las Vegas. MOLLY was even written there.
I wish they would book us back!!! (JSB)
FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY
WRITTEN BY JOE BONSALL
Verse one
Beautiful baby lying there
beneath the shining star
Looking at your mama
through those lovely eyes
Do you know who you are
Wrapped in a blanket on the hay
First Christmas day
Verse Two
Lowly shepards and mighty kings
have waited for your birth
Baby can you hear the angels sing
peace and joy on earth
Promise of a better way
First Christmas day
Bridge
Do you know your fathers plan
Do you know the words you’ll say
And when you become a man
Do you know the words you’ll say
Verse Three
Beautiful baby in the manger bed
holding to your mamas hand
The wondrous love that sent you here
help us understand
Remember when we pray
First Christmas Day
Coda;
Remember when we pray
First Christmas day
copyright 1982 ASCAP B’s in the trees
Sometimes, I Miss the Days
OK... Here is one that I have always been kind of proud of. A little scmaltzy I’ll admit, but, I love it anyway. Whoever clicked on this title are the first ones to have ever seen this lyric. Like many of my songs, No one has ever really heard this one. Someday I may let them all escape. (JSB)
Sometimes, I Miss the Days
by Joe Bonsall
My laptops getting E...Mail
The fax machine’s turned on
two hundred channels on my dish
controlled by CD_ROM
My kids just finished college
The future's turning gray
I can't say that I'm unhappy
But, Sometimes, I miss the days
Sometimes I miss the days, I first heard Randy Owen Sing
It felt so right to me
When the Gambler was the king
No videos to explain the words to the songs we heard, on radio
The Oaks were really Boys back then
I guess we've come a ways
This Boomer's just turned fifty, and
Sometimes, I miss the days
I was there when Rock was born
saw Ike and JFK
I lost my soul in Viet Nam
still feel the pain today
I drifted through the Eagles
threw some real good years away
I Married Jane, in seventy eight
Sometimes, I miss the days
copyright 1996/ B’s in the Trees Music ASCAP
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