27.11.25
Hearty thanks to Damian Griffiths and his Yamaha keyboard for creating a backing track and simplifying the song Parkinson People to make it more catchy. We went to Neon Sound Studios to record a demo and add the vocals. You can hear it if you go to the A-Z of songs and scroll down to the P’s. The updated lyrics are also there.
I am hoping to improve the vocals by straightening out my out-of-tune bits!
16.9.25
The Parkinson song is still developing; meanwhile I’m hoping to get a recording of I married a cowboy thanks to Ian and Sue from the Cherry-Tones.
07.05.2025
Parkinson People is a song I’m working on about Parkinson’s disease. Here are the lyrics.
Parkinson People are good to go, even though, they could be slow
Counting their paces from heel to toe
Parkinson People, steal the show
Jeremy Paxman, Michael J. Fox, dear Billy Connolly, lots and lots
of well-known people, are on the same bus. Parkinson People – – – that’s us!
Kick off your lead boots, put on your dancing shoes
Get in the swing and do your own thing, get away from singing the blues
Parkinson People, can make you an offer, you can’t refuse
Nn -Nn, Nn-Nn
Let’s get together, for coffee and chat, What could be better, to learn where it’s at
There’s news and there’s gossip, to share and discuss, with Parkinson People – – – That’s us!
As the whole world knows, there are highs and lows
We want plenty of these please, and not too many of those
And when, the medication kicks in, we’re not slow, no no no
Just watch us go go go – – – like a tornado
Parkinson People caught in the rain, they’re even gleeful, never complain
In every endeavour, whatever the weather, they gather together, and laugh at the rain
Click on the website, hit on the social scene
Get in the loop with Parkinson group, and it won’t even cost you a bean
Read all about it, in the Parkinson magazine
Nn-Nn, Nn-Nn
We are enabled to go anywhere, we’re not disabled, when we’ve got a chair
To take us to places, without any fuss, Parkinson people – – – That’s us!
We mosey on down, to the centre of town
Our wheels are steady, always ready, ready to ferry us round
We’re smooth, in the way we move
It’s appealing, even healing, just watch us whee whee wheeling – – –
It’s a nice feeling
Out in the open, 3 times a day, just get your coat on, and you’ll be away
A good dose of fresh air, is par for the course, you will get nowhere, sitting indoors
You can try dancing, or you can sing, it’s life-enhancing, to do you’re own thing
with Parkinson People, Parkinson People, Parkinson People _____
People, People, People ____ That’s us!
On 1st June 2024 the Cherry-Tones had a reunion – The weather was a bit cold for our get-together, but everyone was warm-hearted.
Thank you to Sue and Ian for inviting us, combined with your 50th wedding anniversary, and making it such a good event.
Joe asked me for my website details. It’s called notjustasongbook.com and you can go to ‘Harmony Examples’. Try Night And Day, Send In The Clowns and Stand By Your Man.
These are 2 songs I’m working on at the moment – a Cherry-Tones type song, and a song about Parkinson’s disease
You’re the cream in my coffee – Lyrics
INTRO (Girls): You like coffee, I like tea, that is satisfactory.
We like different things it’s true. You like me and I – – – really like you
Boys: You’re the cream in my coffee. I’m the milk in your tea
We’re two of a kind together. We’re complementary (you and me)
You’re the cream in my coffee, and we both understand
You are your own woman, and I am your man
Girls: Lazing in the sun at Joe’s café, we are both the highlights of our day
We make perfect company, me for you and you for me
(When) you put milk in my Earl Grey, you make my heart go Zip-a-dee-ay – – –
You make my day – – – Hip Hip Hooray – – – – –
Boys: You’re the cream in my coffee, I’m your number one fan
Ever since you said I am, your number one man (Yes I am)
You’re the queen in my coffee, I’m the king in your tea
We’ll always be together, entertaining royalty
All: In our tea and coffee, we like variety
That entitles us to be, members of the café society
Boys: You’re the cream in my coffee, I’m the milk in your tea
Just like two birds of a feather, we’re sitting at the top of the tree
Girls
All our friends say we’re made for each other. Our difference is what keeps us both together
We have our own points of view, but you like me like I like you
For all the world it’s plain to see, we go together perfectly – you and me – Tweedle-ee-dee
Boys: You’re – – – – the – – – – cream in my coffee, and we both guarantee
That we’ll stay together, whatever the weather may be
All: We like tea and coffee, in all variety
That’s what makes us proud to be, living in the café society
ENDING: Boys: You’re the cream in my coffee, we’re a fait accompli
Although we’re different people, we live in harmony (You and me)
You’re the cream – – , in my coffee. What else can I say?
All: Cream in coffee, milk in tea. They make perfect company
Yes you’re the cream – – – – – – in my coffee
26 April 2024 – Here is a draft copy of my Parkinson song (lyrics).
Parkinson People
(Intro: ) Parkinson – – – Parkinson – – – people .. people.. people
Parkinson people are nice to know
Even though they’re rather slow
Easy come and easy go
Parkinson people . . . . steal the show
Jeremy Paxman, Michael J. Fox
dear Billy Connolly, lots and lots
of well-known people are just like us
We’re in this together . . . . we’re on the same bus
Kick off your lead boots, put on your dancing shoes
Get in the swing and do your own thing, get away from singing the blues
Parkinson People are people with nothing to lose
Let’s get together for coffee and chat
There’s nothing better, to learn where it’s at
Finish your latte, time for a walk,
Back in the cafe, more gossip and talk
We – – – – have lots of highs and lows
We want plenty of these please, and not too many of those
And when – – – – the medication kicks in
We’re not low, we’re not slow
Ev’ryone together and away we go, go, go
. . . . like a tornado
Click on the website, hit on the social scene
Get in the loop with the Parkinson group and it won’t even cost you a bean
Read all about it, in the Parkinson magazine
Movers and shakers don’t sit back
Opportunity takers hit the road Jack
If it’s wet they put on a mack
And keep on walking – – – they’re on the right track
You’ll be pleased – – – with our facilities
Of all the therapies, you can’t do better than these
The key – – – to our vitality
Is exercising, socialising
Realising that the sun is rising
Way out, on the horizon
Slip outside, hitch a ride on a witch’s broom
Sweep up the clouds, turn the broom around and see how far you can zoom
Break the sound barrier, make your own sonic boom, shake the whole room
(Ending: ) You can try dancing, or you can sing
It’s life-enhancing, to do your own thing
With – – – Parkinson people . . . . Parkinson people .. Parkinson people
People … People … People
(I’m reasonably happy with the words – still working on the music.)
Song competition November 2022. 3 songs entered in the SongDoor competition. Didn’t win, but good reviews from judges:
King of Charleston: Lyrics are “insanely clever.” See file in A-Z of songs.
Cry My Beloved Country: see file in A-Z
Rolling Along: “Superb storytelling. Very fine song-writing.” See file in A-Z of songs.
Second year 2023
I have been conducting a straw poll and most people have voted for A man’s Gotta Do What A Man’s Gotta Do, Butterfly Song and I‘ll Be There, so those are the three songs I’m entering in this year’s competition. The closing date for entries is 14th. November.
Songwriting competition newsletter – Peter Bradford, 3 October 2023 notjustasongbook.com
Newsletter handout
As you may know, writing songs has been one of my hobbies over the years, and as I turn 80, I think of these songs as part of my legacy. Last year, I entered 3 songs in the SongDoor song competition. They didn’t win but were highly praised by the judges (see below). I’m hoping to enter 3 songs again this year. The closing date is 14 November.
To help me choose which songs to enter, I’d like you to pick out the ones that appeal to you (or don’t!).
You can hear the songs on my website notjustasongbook.com
Scroll through the A-Z of songs and click on a title – the song will come up in the form of a lyric sheet with an orange button in the top left corner. Click on this orange button to hear the song. You can hear the song. and read the lyrics as you listen.
There are more than 100 songs, so here is a timesaver shortlist: A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, Butterfly song, Crazy cat, Falling in love, Go away, Good morning Maria, Happy birthday Jesus, I need a man, I’ll be there, Listen to the wind (from TV 1976), Love me a million, Middle of a minute, Off to the war, Primrose Hill, Read between the lines (2 versions), Rhythm is power, Strangers in the night, The devil has the best tunes, Tutto di me, tutto di te, Wake me up when the sun comes up, When I look out of my window, When I think of you now. These are studio recordings.
Some songs are recorded with just me and my guitar, such as: I belong to Scotland, It gets you that way, Pretty Mary, Stay with me, The road to Babylon, The story that you told me, Thinking it over, and We’re alright here.
8 people have responded so far. Janet said “It’s a lot to be proud of. Well done.” Brian said “We usually listen to Elaine Paige’s Sunday afternoon programme of show tunes; I must say many of yours would be far superior in my view.” The songs they chose were A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, Butterfly song, I need a man, Rhythm is power, Wake me up when the sun comes up, I’ll be there, The devil has the best tunes, Say No, Read between the lines. Kirsty chose I belong to Scotland, I’ll be there and Little rose. Warwick: Butterfly song, Listen to the wind and Love me a million. Ian: Say No, I’ll be there, Wake me up, Master key and he adds: I like Go Away. I can imagine that song having been written by Adele. An Adele-type backing, with piano, a bit faster, would bring it up-to-date. Jason: Crazy Cat, I belong to Scotland, Tell him. Sheila: I’ll be there. Roger: A man’s gotta do, Butterfly, Good morning Maria, Lady in black.
Last year the judges said of King of Charleston: “Love the title, very intriguing. The lyrics are insanely clever, the structure is solid; the movement is logical and each song part resolves well. The melodies are a little derivative, but that’s almost necessary to convey the feel of the era.”
About Cry my beloved country they said “A fine, rallying-cry type of song in the grand folk tradition. Good storytelling, that is both evocative and emotional.”
On Rolling along, they said “There is a strong intro that grabs the listener. The song isn’t overly personal; it’s something the general public can relate to. There is a different melody for the verse, chorus and bridge. The transitions are smooth and pull the song together. Overall, this is a well-written song with actual commercial potential.” Other comments: “Superb storytelling – you put us right there, rambling down the open road. Excellent imagery painting as well. Your lyrics are so descriptive and well-written, just an excellent job. The verse and chorus melodies seem familiar, but upon closer inspection they are actually quite unique and very catchy. One can’t help but tap their toes. Interesting transition from the verse to the chorus – it’s short but effective. This would be a great fit for a film about trucking/the road life. Very fine songwriting.”
The songs didn’t win anything, but with such praise, I’m not complaining! It inspires me to have another go, so please have a look at the songs and pick out a song, or songs, that you think have a chance.
You can text me on 07792 016697, or email your choices to pbradfordsongs@gmail. com
Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for taking the time.
Peter
Critique from Ian – Go Away
Oct 2023 – I was asking people to suggest songs for for me to enter in a song competition. Ian chose 4 songs plus Go Away:Ian: Say No, I’ll be there, Wake me up, Master key and he adds: I like Go Away. I can imagine that song having been written by Adele. An Adele-type backing, with piano, a bit faster, would bring it up-to-date.
I emailed Ian to say I’ve speeded it up a bit on the website. He emailed back Nov 2023:
Hope you are all doing well, and good luck with the song competition. I hope the judges like Country and Western!
Re Go Away. Difficult to make too much comment. The original arrangement was ‘bluesy’ and that was suited by the speed. Though I do think slightly faster is better and I might even speed it a little more. But I was really commenting that if it had a more modern ‘Adele-type’ backing, it would benefit from being faster (and even faster than your speeded-up original backing). But I appreciate that you won’t be wanting to write and record a modern version!! ( I guess I was thinking along the lines of Adele’s ‘Don’t you remember’ – for example- on the 21 CD). But a third-party picking up on the song would probably be inclined to write the more modern type of backing. Anyway, it’s a good song.
Cheers
Ian.
Evaluations (Nov 2023)
About A Man’s Gotta Do they say “The story-telling is great.”
For I’ll Be There they observe that “4 people can sing along with a song they’ve never heard before.”
They describe the Butterfly Song as a pretty little carefree song, and say I’ve done a good job of creating a light lilting mood.
A Man’s Gotta Do What A man’s Gotta Do
Comments: Good storytelling going on here, in an old-school kind of way. There’s a beginning, a middle and an end, which keeps the listener engaged. Good job of creating a little suspend in the story and including the twist of “a girl’s gotta do” at the end. Structurally, it’s a folk song because it’s all verses with an occasional (but inconsistent) refrain line, not conventional country structure. Unfortunately, the melody (and there is only one) has already been done by other people multiple times over. We want to know what Peter’s version of country sounds like … dig deeper and create your own sound. This would be hard to place because 1) it’s very long; 2) there is no chorus or bridge to break it up; and 3) the melody is just not original. It’s really only suited for live performance. Bravo on the storytelling, which is great. Thank you for using the SongDoor Evaluation Service.
I’ll Be There
Comments: Unlike “A Man’s Gotta Do,” there is no story here – it’s just a statement of commitment that is repeated several times. We want to know more about why you feel this way – how did you get here? Structurally, it’s somewhat better in that there is a different verse and chorus melody, but the chorus should have the same lyrics throughout. Your second chorus has completely different lyrics. This one, too, needs a shot of originality – it’s not good if 4 people can sing along with a song they’ve never heard before. Play with different progressions and chord changes and create something that is yours alone. That is how you will find success with your music. That said, because of the Bakersfield sound this has, it might land a sync license in a throwback film as a background track.
Butterfly Song
Comments: We re-read the lyrics 3 times in an effort to discern why this was entered in the Christian category and came to the conclusion that it must have been an error. Would you like us to move it to Soft Rock? It’s a pretty little carefree song that creates light, lilting mood. There is no story here, only observations. Structurally, there are two verses and a bridge, then two more verses with a spotty refrain. It would help your writing tremendously to learn the fundamentals – if you’d like to do that, check out John Braheny’s “Craft of Songwriting” book. It’s a classic for a reason. This song might be used in a throwback film/period piece because of the nature of the 1960s-era melodies. Good job of creating this particular mood.
They’re not as enthusiastic as last year, are they?
Hey Ho, keep soldiering on!
Eccentric songs are going to be added to the Categories section, such as Hallo Mausi, Eric or me , I belong to Scotland, Red moon, On the banks of Loch Lomond, Put your long-johns on, Two little dickie birds, Blue corner, Comme ci comme ca, Fellini, If I were to hire a psychiatrist, Juke-in-the-box, Midnight train, Office romance, One o’ them days, Time step, Wake me up when the sun comes up.
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