Coffee in Brasil

(11/19/2001)

“ The music I wrote for this song was originally spawned from a Bossa Nova drum beat, native of Brazil. So, with that in mind, I allowed my imagination to run wild, and it led me to a beautiful girl drinking coffee in a magnificent setting.”

Would’ve never thought her to be the kind of girl
To move so quietly, yet shine so brightly in return
Would’ve thought she didn’t care
Threw caution in the air
By the way she dressed, caressed herself while sitting there
She had eyes like diamonds
With a soul to bear the pain
Sex like weapons, though I’m just imagining
CHORUS:
Even if I turn away forever
I’d still see her face with every breath I take
Even if I walked away without her
She’d still be with me every step
Even if it’s all a dream, it’s my reality
And I’ll choose to stay awake or stay asleep
Even if it all goes down, I know yet and still
That I saw Heaven drinking coffee in Brazil

Would’ve never thought her the aggressor
But it became so plainly evident when she sat next to me
Would’ve thought it a mistake, she’d laugh and walk away
But instead gave me her address, a time, and a note said ‘don’t be late’
With her eyes like diamonds
And a smile to ease it all
Love like oceans
No telling how deep one could fall
Chorus

Surreal (featuring Leiah)

(1999)

“ One of the few duets I’ve written, and the first song I ever wrote on the guitar. Coming out of an unhealthy relationship, I wanted to deliver an abstract account of the emotions involved when the attraction between two people relies on conflict. “

Anduze:
Take it or leave it, it’s the best I can do
You choose to feel your feelings when you want to
Don’t try to fall behind
The surface was broken for the better
I’ll try to realize when I would not let you be
PRE CHORUS:
Is it in my head? To make matters worse…
I walked along the edge, to make matters worse…
CHORUS:
So surreal, this experience that I feel
So surreal, the way I feel

Leiah:
You took your chances
You spoke your mind so freely
I can’t tread water long enough to make you see
Don’t try to pull ahead
The surface was broken for the better
I’ll try to realize when I would not let you be
Pre Chorus
Chorus
Guitar Solo
Chorus

Lose My Way

(3/15/2001)

“ Objective here was a catchy acoustic tune that was heartfelt. “

I’m so blinded by the way you look at me
So intricately pure
And it’s amazing how the world can tell
You’re all that I adore
Can’t be held accountable for how I am
When she’s the only touch I can feel
Maybe I should turn away, just up and leave
When nothing around my appears to be real and…
CHORUS:
I lose my way
Every time I get my head on straight
I’m only trying to compensate for love

Listen to my heart and I swear you’ll hear
The whispers of my soul
It’s so different when you’re next to me
I swear I can’t let go
You have this way about you constantly
You make every moment stand still
Sometimes I feel the earth beneath us
Spin out of control, and…
Chorus
BRIDGE:
We’ll protect each other when this world comes crashing down
I’ll keep wandering thru this maze, ‘til there’s no chance
Of being found
Chorus

She’s Always Crying

(1998)

“ During my college semester abroad in Madrid, Spain, I was listening to a lot of singer songwriters and becoming more influenced by songs that told stories, and artists who had something to say. Using my imagination, I wrote this while sitting in Spanish History class one afternoon.”

Natalia’s smile was simple but elaborate enough
To light the kingdoms of the universe for all to see
But she had something hidden deep inside
The beauty of her eyes locked up
In dungeons dark and dreary in her mind
We met randomly thru destiny and fate
We met frequently but never deemed them dates
When I thought I got to know her all
I wasn’t there to catch her fall
I wish that she had told me more
CHORUS:
Why’s she always crying, trying to hide her problems
But I hear it in her voice across the phone
When she’s alone she’s always crying
And I don’t know how to go about it
Cause it’s obvious she wants to shut me out
And what am I supposed to do

I leave another message on her answering machine
And she returns it but I’m not there to receive her call
And yes it gets to me the fact that I have feelings in my heart
And words to say but I know not how to express them
When I’m with her all I see her do is smile
And we’d cross countrysides and we would talk for miles
When I saw it in her eyes, I said what’s wrong, she said I’m fine
And asked if I’d talk more about my life
Chorus

All she left me was a note on paper when she left this world
To say that everything I’d done for her was not in vain
But she will never understand the memories locked in tears I’ve cried
The pain she’s put me thru inside, God knows I tried
I tried to save her as best as I knew how
All I ever wanted was to earn her trust
I guess I don’t much, cause here I’m sitting now and
I’m the one who’s crying
You left me now I’m always crying

Indelible

(10/17/03)

“ I rarely disclose the identity of my song’s subjects. Maybe because I like the fact that more than one person can believe it’s about them. Or maybe I trust the honesty in my writing will leave no doubts. But this song was specifically written to my girlfriend during the height of our romance, and at the time, I wanted her along with everyone to know who it was about.”

I know for sure that we were designed
To be storybook lovers, and I’ve never been
So certain of anything
PRE CHORUS:
We’d have it all, even if we had nothing at all
CHORUS:
She is my earth spinning on axis
No kiss could be better
And we’ll always be
Indelible, incredible what she does to me

And I love you with all that I am
No one’s ever felt so good
I adore you and the love that we have
I never want it to end
Pre Chorus
Chorus
Sax solo
Chorus

Old Man Jaymes

(10/02/03)

“ My friend produced this beat and when I heard it, for some reason I immediately pictured an old man in a barber shop speaking of a lost love.”

Tell me have you ever really been in love?
And found yourself beyond the boundaries of sensation
Has anybody ever looked into your eyes
And lost themselves without a breath of hesitation
I still feel her, seems like it was yesterday
I still breathe her, I remember it well
I still taste her, the way she danced
I remember

Could’ve taken every single moment for granted
But even so, ooh this pain would still be terrible
If I could I would go back and do a lot of things
Much differently, but I can’t and that’s just it you see
I still feel her, seems like it was just a dream
I still breathe her, I remember it well
I still taste her, the way she laughed
I remember

So take my word, my strong advice
Before you act make sure you think twice
Cause anything can happen anytime, any day
You never know when you might be the one to blame
When you find true love
Do everything you can to hold her close
When you find true love
Do all the little things that matter most
When you find true love
Believe that you can stand the test of time
When you find true love
Always try to make her smile

I still feel her, she was like a fantasy
I still breathe her, I remember it well
I still taste her, the way we touched
I remember

Let U Go

(6/08/07)

“ When my long term girlfriend told me she wanted to take a break and spend the summer with her family, I really didn't know what to think. I could have seen it for what it was and begged her to stay, but instead I went numb, unable to decipher the reality of a situation I frankly never considered. I wrote this the week before she left, disbelieving it was the end of us, but deep down, aware of the possibility.”

We did not know each other when she believed in unicorns
And I believed in Superman
But here we stand again in our innocence
She’s like the sand slipping thru my fingers
And I can’t make a fist in time to hold onto one grain
Even castles wash away eventually
CHORUS:
I wish that I could erase my memory
Then all you’d be, then all you’d be is
The greatest thing that never happened in my life
And I don’t wanna let u go
I’m not ready for a girl like you

I used to think I was a man of my word
Promises I made and never kept
Said I’d give you the world, but you deserve much more
And love is an endless abyss of which the sweetest part is the fall
I wish that we could jump and never land at all
Suspended in moments that leave us speechless, and honest, and real
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
As far as I can see, it’s only you and me
Such is this life, so beautiful and so cruel
So back to the board I go and hope
To draw myself kissing your lips again, can we pretend
And can we dream the way children do

If I could replace all the memories with you and me
Then all you’d be, then all you’d be is
The greatest thing that ever happened in my life
And I don’t wanna let u go
Cause I’ll never find a girl like you
If I let u go, if I let u go
Repeat Chorus

I Used To Know a Girl

(1/02/2008)

“ As I sat in my living room in the dark with a bottle of Jameson, I tried to recapture the most prevalent memories of my prior relationship...those intimate moments between two people lost in the wreckage. Each verse paints a very specific picture of who this girl was to me.”

I used to know a girl who loved to stay in bed all day
Especially when it rained, and she’d touch my skin
And I’d kiss her face
But where has she gone, gone away to now
I used to know a girl who cried when she heard sad love songs
And she knew all the words to every one I had wrote for her
Well this is another for you to learn
CHORUS:
I wonder if she can still picture my face
Or am I a memory scorned and erased
Will she remember the moments we shared
And will she care anymore

I used to know a girl who wanted to be by my side
Even when the odds were stacked up against us she’d be there
I can’t seem to find her anywhere
I used to know a girl who spoke in her sleep while I lay awake
And nothing in the world makes better sense now that she’s gone
Now I understand every word she said
CHORUS
Would you recognize me if I showed up at your door
Could we find the words to say anymore
I used to know a girl who missed me when I was gone away…

Falling

(11/04/1999)

“ When I realized I was in love for the very first time, I was watching her dance in the corner of a friend's apartment in Washington, DC. We'd been dating each other exclusively for months already, but that was the moment it hit me.”


She was always more than just a friend, cause I always knew
That we would be together one day doing all the things we do
Specifically remember when I fell in love with her heart
The moment was like magic and I had to let down my guard

CHORUS:
And now I’m falling deeper into this fragile sense of strength
Weightless orbit of wonder, staring love in the face
Nearing total destruction, down these walls will fall
Fearless step in direction, I wish that she could have it all

Round trip tickets to an island down where I’m from
Showed her Cane Bay and Christiansted and let her taste the Cruzan rum
I can’t deny it any further that it feels so good
Sharing pieces that comprise me feels better than I thought it would
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
And she feels so good, her perfect embrace, her blissful kiss
I don’t care if I ever find my way out of this warm abyss. I’ll just keep…
CHORUS

Hostage

(5/21/2006)

“I wrote a lot of songs about this girl upon meeting her, and then lost touch for many years. When we reconnected, seeing her again made me re-evaluate my life.”

Looks like my mind has suddenly become a fugitive
Cause the very thought of you is being held captive
It’s a fragile situation, cause there’s no negotiation
That could set you free, so a hostage you will be
I’m not supposed to feel like this
It hurts to be without you when it’s plain that you exist
I don’t want to be someone left hanging on
To fragments of a dream
CHORUS 1:
If flowers and sunsets are beautiful
Then you’ve transcended above them all
You’re sexy in ways that you just don’t know
And I still see you when my eyes are closed

If you made a wish and blew an eyelash into space
I’d trace its path just to keep it safe
Until it reached the wishing well and then I’d tell
The man in charge to help me out
And grant them all today
You switched me on and you couldn’t turn me off
Not even if you tried to
I will not be complete until I’ve had the physical
Experience of you
I don’t want to be someone left hanging on
To fragments of a dream
CHORUS 2:
If deserts and rainbows are beautiful
Then you’ve transcended above them all
You’re sexy in ways that you just don’t know
And I still hear your name in the cadence of the rain
REPEAT CHORUS 1,2

The Game

(10/05/2003)

“ A simple song about the chase.”


If you knew me you’d probably not stand so far away
You might smile if we talked and you gave me a chance
To say
All of the things that I’ve always been trying to say
Before you turn and walk away
I’ve seen the look in your eyes many times and I’ve made,
Made up my mind about you
Chorus:
She’s playing the game, it’s strange but I think that I like it
She’s playing the game, I guess I’m in need of excitement

If you knew me you’d probably feel like you’d known me
For a while
And we could take the time to put it all behind and realize
The fact that we’d be doing fine if we just let things escalate
This is what I’ve bee trying to say before you turn and walk away
I’ve seen the glance in your eyes many times and I’ve made
Made up my mind about you
Chorus
Bridge:
I’m not trying to be bold, I just want to get to know you
You don’t have to be so cold to me
Chorus

Play it Cool

(2/16/2004)

“ As I planned my move out of Orlando, FL where I'd lived for 6 years, I reflected on the various encounters I'd had with women while working as a promoter at the AKA Lounge.”

When I first saw you I
Pretended that you were with someone else
To keep myself from falling out of line
But I know damn well that you’re the type of damsel
To intrigue the world because you’re aware you’re beautiful
Chorus:
Should I play it cool even though I’m wanting you
Or should I just play the fool
Take a chance and walk up to you
I should just play it cool even though I’m wanting you
It’s hard to know what to do, but if I resist
Will I ever taste your kiss?

Next time I saw you I pretended that you were mine
But every time you look my way, you pay no mind
And I know damn well that I could make you exhale my name
Just the same I guess it’s on me to make the play so…
Chorus
Bridge:
If you really want to know girl,I wanna touch your soul
I could take you on a journey, we could lose control
Chorus

Easier Said (Than Done)

(2000)

“ Different people have different interpretations for this song and it seems to be quite personal to many of those who have heard it. I’m very flattered by that. This song was also heavily featured in an episode of the hit sitcom, 'Girlfriends' in 2007.”

Been down this road before
Sometimes it’s like a lonely highway
Never knowing what’s in store
I’ll act on the things I say
CHORUS:
And I gotta believe that it ain’t the same
As far as I can tell
I know that the pain and the loss can’t hurt
Anymore than it already does
And I’ll be
Everything you need
Feel the things you feel
And just so you know,
The love that I have is real
I know it’s easier said than done
It’s easier said than done

It’s harder to move on
When nothing seems to keep your mind away
Getting over takes so long
And gives you a reason to stay
CHORUS (x2)

You Didn't

(1998)

“ One of the first ballads I ever wrote, about my college girlfriend who had an addiction I was unable to get past. I wanted to save her from herself but ultimately realized that I was wasting my time.”

Out of the whole thing
I believed that maybe you could turn around
I tried with all that I had inside
But nothing ever changes
CHORUS:
You didn’t turn out to be
All the things I thought you were
I guess I’m hurting
You never listened to the girl
I let inside my world
I guess I’m wondering

Chance after chance, finally
I woke up and realized
That I let you get to me
Bring me down, now all I see
Is bitter toward you
CHORUS:
You didn’t turn out to be
All the things I thought you were
I guess I’m being
You never listened to the girl
I let inside my world
I guess I’m seeing
BRIDGE:
It must be difficult for you
And as difficult as you are
Ask me if I care
It’s somewhat satisfying to know
That I’m stronger than you
CHORUS
I can’t believe you (x2)

Natural Obsession

(12/17/2002)

“ Just as I entertained the idea of settling down with the girl I’d been seeing regularly, I met someone who I had an instant and amazing energy connection with. When we were around each other, something unrefined and instinctual filled the air. I played this song for her in my car the night I finished recording it.”

It wasn’t like it was an ordinary day
When you came my way
And I knew when you smiled
That a dilemma would arise
Life is a trip
It travels the roads of the unknown
Until it leads home
And the moment you walk in, you know
Pre Chorus:
Well it seems like these love songs that I have been writing have always been about you
You walk in my life when the timing ain’t right
And I don’t know what to do, except to
Chorus:
Let you slip away
And not give in to the conflict I’m feeling
But how can I stop my heart beating
When I have this natural obsession with you

It’s getting harder to decipher
This life’s so confusing
But you know what they say
That it happens for a reason
Every encounter is our fate
Well destiny has me torn at her mercy
Every time I look in your eyes
Pre Chorus
Chorus
Bridge:
You feel so good the way nobody should
It’s so unfair how the world disappears when I’m kissing you
And now I’m missing you
You feel so good the way nobody should
It’s so unfair how the world disappears when I’m touching you
I can’t stop touching you
Chorus
I can’t get you off of my mind, that’s why I’ve got
To leave you behind
You feel so good, this feels so right
I don’t wanna go home tonight
I wanna stay here, just lie here
And touch you, and kiss you, and feel you
Explore you, deep down inside you tonight

Moving On

(11/04/2002)

“ I had recently broken up with my girlfriend and though I fictionalized much of the scenario here, I guess I wanted her to know that I was moving on and hoping to quell my guilt by asking her to do the same.”

I guess that I can understand why you would leave me
It’s evident that I’ve been doing what comes naturally
You wanna put us down for further consideration
But baby I can tell that you just ain’t been listening, cause I’m
Pre Chorus:
Over it.
You wanna play the game continue if you’d like to
I’m over it
You want control but you ain’t messin’ with my mind
I’m not like your other guys
You can count on the fact that I ain’t coming back

A revelation can be crucial
Depending on the way you handle it can change your life
Like a breath of the freshest air
Like the clearest mind. That’s why I’m…
Chorus:
Moving on
Cause I think its time
That you get yourself together
Moving on to another phase of my life
Sad but it’s gonna have to be without you

I hope you understand that I don’t need you
It’s promising to think that happiness is a state of mind
There’s no need to cry
Might as well dry your eyes
The other side can be much better for us all sometimes
Pre Chorus
You wanted everything to go the way you planned it to
But perfection can be hard to find. I’m…
Chorus
Bridge:
I find myself alone on this open road
With everywhere to go
And the fear sets in
Where the life begins
And everything will be alright I know
I’ll say it all again
Pretty baby, it’s time that I get going moving on
Chorus (x2)
Outro

Broken

(7/09/2003)

“ The irony of this song is that I was very in love when I wrote it. But I was tired of writing happy love songs and in the mood to depict a tale of heartbreak. So I imagined what it would feel like if I found out my girlfriend had cheated on me right after I let my guard down.”

What would it take
To convince you?
That you meant the world to me
I could not have tried harder to please you
And worst thing of all is it seems you did not notice
And I thought that everything for you felt the same
I guess I was wrong to look at you and think that your
Precious eyes would never lie
CHORUS:
How could you say the sweet things you said
All of this time
How could you feel so good lying in my arms
All of those times
I'm breaking down

I feel compelled to tell you
That I'm taking this real tough
I could go anywhere
But I can't escape myself
And I thought that everything for you felt the same
I know now I was wrong
To look at you and think that we would be here forever
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
You aimed the barrel with such precision
The bullet went straight through my heart
While you cry in guilt, I'll try my best
But I love you still
GUITAR SOLO
CHORUS

Our Love

(4/14/2004)

“ Content with my relationship at the time, I questioned its durability in the face of finding what continued to elude me…success. ”

I should have known from the start
That falling for a beautiful girl, one too good to be true
Was probably the wrong thing to do but
It wasn't like she did me wrong, more like
She couldn't handle it all
When it all came to be, you see...
Pre Chorus:
I was just following my dream, and then suddenly
Everything happened for me but,
My time got stretched out for miles, and I couln't breathe
When she said that she was unhappy
CHORUS:
Our love was amazing
So pure to the core
I still want more
Our love was forever,
Still seems like it is
But somewhere along the way I lost her

I should have been more considerate
To your needs, cause baby believe me
The world is much colder without you
So hard to make you understand
That this is the man that I am
And whatever went down, I expected you'd always be around
Pre Chorus
CHORUS

Comet Ride

(11/05/2002)

“ I simply felt like writing a love song using beautiful metaphors and vivid terminology. It's about no one in particular however. ”

How can this be fair?
When all that I can do
Is sit here thinking about your smile
It’s been a while since I could say I’ve felt this way
And heaven forbid that this is love
Cause if it is I don’t know if I’m gonna make it
Through a day if I’m unable to see your face
Pre Chorus:
Touching you is like discovering
A galaxy of new dimension
And kissing you is like nothing that I’ve known
Chorus:
I’m drifting on a star with you
And I don’t wanna go back to earth no more
No, no, no

You’re virtually incomparable
To any sensory bliss that mankind knows
And I’m finding out that goddesses exist
And heaven forbid that this is love
Cause if it is I think that I’m gonna have to take it
Cause a moment like this is only what you make of it
Chorus
Bridge:
The situation calls for strength
Cause it don’t matter if we’re riding Saturn’s rings
The heart and mind determine everything
We can stay up here if we try
Pre Chorus
Chorus