Song Description

Reflection on musical influences and having the courage to pursue music full time against advice from others.

Lyrics

Candy man

Voices all around me
Tellin' me the way
To follow in their footsteps
That life is work not play
But when you're only seventeen
And building on your dreams
The only voice I'd listen to
Was my inner voice not theirs
Then Steffan taught me Ragtime
Opened up a door
Suggested listening sleeve notes
Just led me onto more
I was hungry for improvement
Eager for to learn
An alter bass in drop-D
My fingertips would burn

There was nothing they could do or say
Cause all I'd want to do was play
Candy Man
Powder Rag
Mississippi Blues
And Salty Dog

I was needing to express myself
And Bert taught me to sing
From my heart, to myself
And led me onto learn
A medieval step dance
John showed me a style
The lady and the unicorn
In colours deep and wide

There was nothing they could do or say
Cause I was simply blown away
By Anji (Anji)
And Veronica (Veronica)
Judy (Judy)
And Debbie Anne (and Debbie Anne)

Now the voices all around me
Who where tellin' me the way
Would follow in my footsteps
To live a life of play
But when you're only seventeen
And building on your dreams
The only voice you'll listen to
Is your inner voice not theirs

There was nothing I could do or say
Cause all I'd want to do was play
Ragtime
In a tiny room
Finger style
Singing out of tune