Here is a little bit about each song on my new CD:
(click the title for the lyrics and hear songs)

Farmer Dan
I wrote this as a result of some research I did (for a conference performance) on chemical farming. I was trying to get inside the head of the guy who slowly realizes what the chemicals he is using are doing to the environment and how he has been misled…
I played a little banjo on this one. Apologies to all banjo players.

A Fine Line
Preachy anti-American rant or message of concern from a friend and fellow earthling?
You must decide. Got a great groove either way!

Old John Dear
I want to be one of those old guys in the nursing home staring off into space and grinning from ear to ear. This song is about that guy.

Bushed
This song is for all our American friends who DID NOT vote for George and Dick.

Hard to be a Hero
When the Dixie Chicks were being tarred and feathered-- for comments they made about George Bush-- there was hardly a peep from the music community in defense of their right to free speech. I felt country music could use a little more Left Wing perspective. The Right is certainly well represented.
Flat-pick solo was one take. Surprised the hell out of me!

Satisfied
This song was started Sept 12, 2001 and finished the day we recorded the vocal.
It is a confession and an accusation. It was the most challenging song on the CD to write, and the most satisfying.

Home
My micro hit. This is the one about driving to Alberta. This may be the one you heard…

The Bard’s Goodbye
This instrumental was in its infancy when a good friend, David Greirson, passed away.
It became impossible to play this tune without thinking about David and so it became his song. Words did not seem necessary or even possible for this one.
He used to call me “…the Bard of the Comox Valley”, when he would play my political songs on CBC. He was a dear man.

The Reason
I first wrote The Reason 15 years ago as a love song for my wife, Joanne.
It has evolved into a more political song since then but remains a tribute to my best friend and biggest supporter these past 22 years. So much for no self-indulgent love songs. There had to be at least one. It’ll never be a hit…too long!

Dad
Is a true story. Every word

Feel the Hunger Burning
I remember the Sixties because I was too young to take drugs.
I remember the idealism and the belief in the power of the people.
Where did the garden go?

Conrad
A tribute to my favorite ex-Canadian.