The Kitchen Musician ~ March, 2010
Hello Friends!
This month, the kitchen moves to Shirley, Massachusetts where you will join me at The Bull Run Restaurant for an informal recording of “You’re Not Alone”. I am glad you came by to visit.
At Savoury Lane, West Acton, MA. – Photo: Dan Tappan
This Month’s Music:
You’re Not Alone
© 2010 Tom Smith
You’re Not Alone (Click to play audio)
A different audio track recorded in the kitchen with
Mally Smith: background vocals, Tom Bianchi: bass
Last Thursday I played a show at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley, MA. It was an honor to be asked to do this prestigious venue which has hosted many performers I have admired over several decades. Host Gayle Picard, in addition to being a wonderful musician and songwriter, is a great sound engineer. She made me feel relaxed and very much at home. The evening was also enhanced by a room full of family, friends and folks who became friends by the end of the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
My daughter Mally pressed the RECORD button on the video camera to get some footage of the stage from behind the family table. In the above video, you can even see our waiter, Bob fill the water glasses near the end of this song. So have a seat, grab a glass, and join in the chorus.
Two months ago I sang at a benefit for Art beCause Foundation to help them find and eradicate the causes of breast cancer. I was moved by the great songs of my fellow musicians, and the sense of shared hope in that room. Coincidentally, I had been asked to sing at an upcoming benefit to help the family of a glioblastoma (brain cancer) victim. I decided to use the energy of that room to help me write a song especially for the upcoming event. I filled many pages of my notebook with failed attempts. Somehow, everything I wrote sounded so shallow when compared to the overwhelming emotion I imagined of families dealing with cancer. I set the project aside.
Recently I was met by another coincidence. (Are there any real coincidences in life?) I learned that a family member of a dear friend was diagnosed with glioblastoma. We are hopeful that his case is one that can be treated. I sat down to write a card to express my support for my friend and got as far as the salutation, then I froze in place for twenty minutes. My notebook writing of the previous month didn’t help. I am sure many of you have been in a similar situation. Stock phrases came to mind – “I am saddened to hear the news.” Words surfaced that I’d never use in natural speech – like “condolences” and “deepest sympathy”. On the other side of the coin, words of hope also seemed to lack substance. That is when I picked up my guitar to help me find these simple but heartfelt words.
My friend hasn’t heard this song yet. I don’t know if I can sing it for him. The emotions are too close to the surface. It will take time. Perhaps this simple recording will have to suffice.
I suppose I wrote this song for me too. If you need it, then this song is also for you. If it helps, pass it on to someone else who needs it.
Lyrics below:
You’re Not Alone
© 2010 Tom Smith, All Rights Reserved
CHORUS:
You’re not alone. Look through your tears.
I am standing right beside you, and will lean into your your fears,
Against the tide, of the unknown.
I am here right by your side. You’re not alone.
How can you fight an enemy that you can’t even see?
It’s a struggle every day to find the key.
When your hope is sinking like a stone,
You’re not alone.
We know that human spirit can’t be owned by a disease,
But in darkness when you think that no one sees,
And doubt creeps in to cut you to the bone,
You’re not alone.
When this storm is over and you’ve crossed that great divide,
And your footsteps take you down the other side.
You will not take that journey on your own,
You’re not alone.
~ Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness,
~ Tom
(I invite you to leave a comment. Just scroll down to the end of this page.)
Upcoming Shows
Mon., March 8 Roslindale Open Mike, Feature Performer, with Mally Smith
Tues., March 9 Savoury Lane, West Acton, MA – mini-set (15 minutes)
Mon., March 15 Emerson Umbrella, Concord, MA – celebrating St. Patrick with friends Kate Chadbourne, Pat Kenneally, Robert Phillipps, Bill Kehoe and Linda Abrams.
Sat., March 27 Carter Memorial Methodist Church, Needham, MA – benefit for Needham Opportunities, In-the-round with Chris Pahud, Cheryl Perreault and Steve Rapson
Thrs., April 1 The Mediator Stage, Providence, RI – open mike feature
Sat., April 3 Ciao Time Restaurant, Hopkinton, MA – feature performer at Barbara Kessler’s open mike
Click to view details and all upcoming shows.
Featured Non-Profit: National Brain Tumor Society
“National Brain Tumor Society is a nonprofit organization inspiring hope and providing leadership within the brain tumor community. We exist to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain tumors. We fund strategic research, deliver support services, and promote collaboration.”
Please join me in supporting this worthy cause.
Blue Magruder
March 7, 2010Hello Tom (and Margo)..
What a beautiful song..I predict it will go viral, and am sure many, many will be comforted by it….and your friend too.
All best,
Blue
betty hillmon
March 7, 2010Tom, thank you. All I can do is give you a hug. I needed to feel the words “I am here right by your side. You’re not alone”.
Susan Noble
March 7, 2010Oh Tom, you’ve done it again, touched my heart so deeply I can’t stop the tears from streaming down my face. I know it will bring comfort to so many. I hope you have put it on You Tube. It’s perfect. Love you. Susan
Steve Mullinax
March 8, 2010Tom, the song says beautifully some things that are real hard to say when a friend is sick. As much as the song itself, though, I was touched by your honest description of the struggle and resolution you went through to write it. It helps to understand “you’re not alone” in confronting these emotions.
Pam Swift
March 8, 2010Tom,
You have such a graceful way of saying what we are all feeling. I, too, have sat down to write (too many) letters lately to people going through challenging and heart rending experiences and felt as you did, that it fell short of what I wanted to convey. We all hurt with each other and can be strong when someone else cannot be at that moment. Your song is so beautiful and simple. I now reach for the kleenex before I click on the play button.
Mike Delaney
March 13, 2010Tom, you gave a wonderful performance at the Roslindale Open Mike. Having Mally there too was truly a bonus.
Keep up the good works!
Jon McAuliffe
March 15, 2010Just a note to wish you a happy 39th birthday. I knew you had something in common with Jack Benny, I just couldn’t remember what it was (until now). 🙂
Levi Schmidt
March 22, 2010love the song, Tom 🙂
Ruthann Baler
April 6, 2010This song goes right to my heart Tom. It’s personal yet universal — moves, inspires, and comforts — a beautiful piece and a wonderful accomplishment. Love it!!! ox Ruthann
Laura Gold
April 29, 2010Hi Tom,
What a pleasure to be able to hear this song again (and download it) after having just heard it last week and loved it so much.
Thank you for writing it. Your gentle spirit shines through.
Take Care,
Laura