Ten Years Too Late

Sometimes you meet somebody who turns your world around

Someone who lifts you up when inside you are feeling down

A simple text or message can make your day or night

Someone you want next to you on life’s long haul flight

Chorus

But I’m ten years too late

Too late to be given a chance

I’m not after pity or sympathy

Just want to be given a second glance

When we go out we go out as friends

I’m sadly stuck in that zone

Some night I will find the courage

To call you up on your telephone

We’ll arrange our very first date

But I’m afraid I’m ten years too late

I see your posts on facebook and I wish I could say what I think

To hold you close one evening after an evening of laughter and drink

When we are together I try and tell you exactly how I feel

The way you make me smile, my heart can no longer conceal

Bridge

So what happens now?  Do I continue to hide in the background?

Searching for someone like you but why search when it is you I’ve already found

The past we can not change but the future is up for discussion

We could make sweet music like an orchestra and its wonderful percussion

Yes no doubt we will turn heads but I really don’t care what they all say

I just want to be with you for now and every day

A Stranger’s Advice

It was a cold icy morning, when the train came along

I entered the carriage as normal whistling my latest favourite song

The carriage was empty but soon people came on board

At each stop people leaving, pulling gentle on the exit cord

My mind was wandering as my eyes were scanning the crowd

Thinking about moving, as the noise was becoming too loud

I suddenly noticed an elderly man sitting quietly towards the rear

He looked hungry and alone wearing an aid behind his ear

As I quietly approached him, he looked up and muttered a word

I sat and smiled opposite not knowing what I had heard

The train began to quieten as more and more people departed

The stranger looked back down and his smile had now departed

I spoke to him softly, smiled and simply started with hello sir

He looked up and spoke in a voice that silenced the morning air

We talked about his life, love and losses that he previously had

He said in his long life he had been up and down, both happy and sad

There was a spark in his eyes, as he told me tales from the past

When he was at his highest point he knew it certainly wouldn’t last

He’d lost the love of his life, the kids and the money had all gone

And now he rides the train all day, sitting alone, sitting as one

He asked about my life and why I was riding this passenger train

I told him about my hopes and dreams and what I’d like to finally gain

He said he’d had it all and foolishly thought it would last forever

I asked him, if he could, would he do it again and he simply said “never”

Why? I thought, as he voice began to quiver and the tears began to flow

Because the things I valued gave him this life, he was at an all time low

He said greed takes over when you have the power to influence others

Now materialistic things have gone and so have my sisters and brothers

I could have tried to pick it all up and made another successful attempt

But happiness and love should have been the only dream I dreamt

I asked him if he had some advice that he could pass on to the next generation

His smiled returned, his eyes widened and he spoke without hesitation

Tell the people you love how happy they make you feel

Give people your time as this is something that no-one can steal

Laugh at yourself everyday and don’t take life so serious

Open your mind; don’t say too much let people think you’re mysterious

We laughed for the remainder of the journey exchanged a story or two

My stop was next; I got up to leave and told him I’m glad I’ve met you

He said don’t be a stranger my new friend, come visit I’m here to stay

Ten years have now passed and I talk with my old stranger every single day

Stairway to Fame

Rejection and failure are my biggest fears

I’ve been trying to survive this life for many years

Audition after audition the door slams shut

People continuing to tell me I haven’t made the cut

I’ll reach for the stars because that’s the highest I can be

One day they will believe and see what I do in me

Chorus

One step at a time

I know I’ll get there

One step at a time

Success at each stair

One step at a time

It gets harder to succeed

One step at a time

Recognition is what I bleed

The snipes from people who thought they knew best

Telling me it’ll never happen I should give it a rest

I’ve been at rock bottom looking up to the sky

Asking myself is it worth it, I’ll give it one more try

I’ll reach for the stars because that’s the highest I can be

One day they will believe and see what I do in me

Bridge

But I’ll believe, believe in myself

The recognition for my work is my only wealth

I don’t want all the riches that fame brings

I just want the opportunity to do my own thing

I want people to know who I am, my name

As I take my first step on the stairway to fame

I’ll reach for the stars because that’s the highest I can be

One day they will believe and see what I do in me

Mr Nice Guy

He’ll open the door for you with a loving smile

They’ll be no fake tears like a crocodile

When you walk on the pavement he’ll walk by the road

If you’re carrying bags he’ll be there to lighten the load

Chorus

Mr Nice guy will always be by your side

Offer advice while everybody else hides

Mr Nice guy doesn’t want anything in return

He’ll simple smile and say that’s a lesson to learn

Mr Nice Guy is very few and far between

The greatest gentleman you ever have seen

He’ll pick you up when you’re feeling down

Make you laugh and pretend he’s a clown

Be your go to when you have a tear in your eye

Tell you the truth when all you’ve heard is a lie

Bridge

A man so kind he’ll charm you with all his whit

The candle won’t blow out it will always be lit

He’ll be your brother and father all in one

Have a tissue ready, when you need a shoulder to cry on

A special kind of friendship unheard of these days

You’ll love him forever in different kind of ways

How I miss your love

I thought that you would always be by my side

You would show me the way, be my spiritual guide

Now you’re gone all I want to do is hide

How I miss your love

What I would give just to hold your hand

Ask you things that I don’t understand

Tell you the future and the life I’ve planned

How I miss your love

When I was down you were the brightest light

You taught what was wrong and what was right

Always stay strong and don’t give up without a fight

How I miss your love

An emptiness that you have left behind

Your memory lives on you were beautiful and kind

I’ve searched this land but another you I can’t find

How I miss your love

I still expect you to come walking through the door

In conversation with everyone, you holding the floor

I can only hope and pray one day they’ll find a cure

How I miss your love

Thinking of Others

As winter approaches and Christmas draws near

Some people have no-one, they have lost their cheer

A helping hand can be all that they need

Make someone happy and do that good deed

Chorus

Thinking of others at this Christmas time

Playing games with strangers, singing festival Rhymes

The community working giving all that they can

Bringing together every woman and man

Thinking of others this wonderful Christmas time

A little boy at school who doesn’t believe in Santa Clause

Never given a present, there’s been a greater cause

Like having hot water, and food on the table

Doesn’t know the story about the baby and the stable

Everyone let’s celebrate and show people that we care

Make sure everyone’s involved let’s have no-one spare

Take someone’s hand and show they’re not all alone

Make someone’s day and call them on the phone

Bridge

This year let’s give to others less fortunate than ourselves.

This year we can be Santa and his helping elves

It’s not what you buy or it’s not what you receive

It’s about helping others, those that are in need

Trying to survive day after day

Hoping to provide this Christmas Day

Chorus

Thinking of others at this Christmas time

Playing games with strangers, singing festival Rhymes

The community working giving all that they can

Bringing together every woman and man

Thinking of others this wonderful Christmas time

Dick Whittington – Liverpool Empire

I was a bit sceptical going to watch the pantomime this year, as I felt last year’s wasn’t great.  Thankfully I did, as this year Dick Whittington has everything you want in a panto and more!

Right from the start it hit you with a song we all know and hands were clapping and feet stamping as Leanne Campbell, with ease, talent and enthusiasm, sang the first hit song.  Leanne had great chemistry on stage with the leading male Kurtis Stacey, not being a soap fan wasn’t sure who he was.  After watching him today I can tell you who he is and what he is.  He has great stage presence and has a fantastic voice and threw Leanne around, in the dance routines, like he should be next on Strictly Come Dancing!  Kurtis and Leanne complimented each other perfectly.  Eric Potts provided wonderful entertainment, as the traditional male dame and managed a few add libs, which is always a winner for me in panto.  His side kick Jack, not sure of real name, was perfect for the role.  He interacted with the audience with ease but did get upstaged by a young local boy called AJ, who told the audience all about the titanic disaster, cue the soundtrack from the orchestra and ‘Jack’ miming the boat scene, beautiful!  Sally Lindsey was very good in her role and seemed to enjoy the sponging ‘Jack’ a little too much!  Peter Price provided his usual strong performance and can still belt out a tune, although forgetting a line was quickly pounced on by Eric Potts and it was a joy to see the cast laughing at Pete’s expense.  The rat character created the perfect ‘baddy’. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the cast enjoy themselves on stage.

The dance routines were very well thought out and cleverly had enough slap stick in one dance routine to make children and adults of all ages laugh.  Having said all that, the person who thought of doing the 3D part of the show should be given the freedom of the city.  This was a fantastic idea and had children around the theatre gasp in amazement. 

In conclusion, this has been the best pantomime I have seen for a number of years.  Traditionally poor jokes that the cast delivered with the usual ‘I know it is poor but laugh anyway’.  Enough innuendo to keep the adults amused especially during the sausage scene!  A great family day out and I couldn’t recommend it anymore.  If you haven’t seen it yet you must go.  I’m hoping to go again after Christmas.

Frank Sinatra 100 years celebration event:

What promised to be the event of all events, celebrating an icon in the music industry, sadly started 30 minutes late.  We were given no real explanation except that it was a situation ‘beyond our control’.  The organisation of this event was bordering on the ridiculous.  I have never seen so many people queue to get a drink! 

Thank goodness for the acts and the very talented and amazing vocalist Alan Cross.  I’ve not come across him before but I certainly will again.  The man oozes class and his vocal range caresses each note without hesitation.  Just when you thought the entertainment couldn’t get any better on walks a man who I watched on a TV show at the beginning of the year, George Gallagher.  This guy truly is has a voice ‘Old Blues Eyes’ would have been proud to have.  I would certainly pay good money to watch these two gentlemen perform their own ‘Rat Pack’ show.

The dance troop, who popped up from time to time were good but felt that the layout of the room didn’t do them justice.  The dancer, who performed Mr Bo Jangles with Alan Cross was very good but felt she needed to have on a suit and a hat to give it that bit of extra class.  The ‘Burlesque’ dancer was fine but coming on for a second time seemed pointless, as we had seen all her moves the first time.  The accompanying quartet was good, producing some very good harmonies. 

To sum up, a great night of entertainment that could have easily been ruined by the organisation of the event.  The rendition of New York, New York is still ringing in my ears.

Don’t run away

Don’t be scare of the past

Look to the future

I know its hard now

But it will soon be over

Take what you have

Be proud of who you are

Listen to the advice

You’ve come so far

Chorus

Don’t run away don’t you dare

There are people around who really care

They’ll show their support, they’ll be by your side

Holding your hand, beaming with pride

Don’t run away it’ll turn back the clock

Search for that someone that will unlock

What ever you need you can borrow

Don’t run away you’ll always have tomorrow

Everyday a challenge

Sinking below the line

Don’t want to escape

Don’t have a choice

Try and move on

Where are you going?

Life behind the smile

We’ve no way of knowing

Bridge

You life is tough no one is denying, your life is rough but no more crying

Please don’t run away, save your strength for another day

Tears of Joy

From the moment I laid my eyes on you I knew what love meant

I held you close to my body and smelt your perfect scent

I put my hand behind your head and you slowly peeked at me

The most beautiful girl in the world, know one could disagree

A bundle of joy, a miracle, quite simply the definition of happiness

An overpowering emotion that I never thought I could express

My eyes filled up, a tear was shed, and my heart did exactly the same

Now the most difficult part of all, giving you the perfect name

I never believed in princesses until I saw you that special day

Let me take you to our castle and only a prince will take you away

I will gladly sacrifice everything I have to give you the very best

When I look back on my life, with you, I know I’ve been truly blessed

I’ll be here

In the coldest night I’ll keep you warm

I’ll be your shelter in the wildest storm

When you need to talk I’ll listen to you

I’ll be here waiting, right on cue

When you’re feeling weak I’ll be your strength

I’ll keep negative energies away at arm’s length

If you need to get out we’ll go for a walk

I’ll be here, if you need to talk

 When you are tired and you’ve lost all hope

You won’t be alone as together we’ll cope

We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, we’ll shed a tear

I won’t let go, I’ll always be here

Rise Up

A movement that started many years ago

When the world seemed defeated, at an all time low

They struck unknown and attacked the innocent crowd

Silence tore the world apart; the message was clear and loud

Chorus

Rise Up, stand up, don’t be scared

We all have a voice that needs to be heard

Rise Up, stand up, don’t be scared

No one owns this planet, it should be shared

Can we all just get along I’ll continue to plea

One voice is needed, solidarity is the key

What is the answer to yet another innocent attack?

Do we just stand bye or do we regroup and fight back?

They hurt us all on that fatal day, a day we will never forget

We can’t go on living in this terrorism roulette

Bridge

One world we need to unite

Change the attitudes with no more fight

Tonight we hold on to our loved ones a little while longer

Keep them in our hearts as the world becomes stronger

Searching for that hero to stand up and make a stance

If the world and humanity is to win then this is our only chance