Bruce Edwin

Plays:

86

Song Description

An Illinois Town is a quaint, rustic town in Northwest Illinois. I was fortunate to spend four years there...four special years.

Story Behind the Song

My first teaching job was in Mt. Carroll, IL. Met great people, enjoyed the friendliness of the town, and the rustic flavor of it as well. It will always be a special place.

Lyrics

An Illinois Town

Copyright © 1979
Words/music by Bruce Edwin

It's another Sunday morning in this Illinois town,
Look out my window; the snow is falling down.
The branches of the trees are covered with snow;
Birds are flying - to and fro.

Over in the distance an old man walks alone;
Passing the children who are playing in the snow.
He stops awhile and smiles as the children say, "Hello!"
Now he's on his way - leaving footprints in the snow.
And it's places like these that touch the soul,
And stay with you - wherever you go.

I can hear the church bells - they're ringing through the air,
As I watch the people gather from my easy chair.
The air is cold; the sky is gray; the snow is in my way.
Looking out my window - on this December day.

It's another Sunday morning in this Illinois town.
A friendly town - a quiet town - it's good for the soul.
Now, I wasn't born in this little country town,
But, I've got a feeling - I might stay here for awhile.
And it's places like these that touch the soul,
And stay with you - wherever you go.
>Instrumental<
Now, somewhere in the middle of the U.S.of A.,
A friendly town - a quiet town found me one day.
I never thought I'd find myself in this little country town,
But, it looks as though I'll be - staying for awhile.

It's another Sunday morning in this Illinois town,
Look out my window; the snow is falling down.
Over in the distance an old man walks alone;
Now he's on his way - leaving footprints in the snow.
And it's places like these that touch the soul,
And stay with you - wherever you go.

Plays:

45

Song Description

Spiritual journey through life...

Story Behind the Song

Just finished an occupation...start of a new one...life continues...we continue to evolve...we're influenced by our past experiences...I'm a "work in progress."

Plays:

74

Song Description

Trying to stay positive regardless of the situation

Story Behind the Song

there's times when things get tough or frustrating...it's important to remember that the mere act of living can be a form of giving...don't count yourself out...

Lyrics

Attitude

Copyright © 2003
Words/music by Bruce Edwin

You wake up to live another day;
You hope things will go your way.
Who knows what you might face.
How's your attitude today?

You may be down but not out,
And there are some things you just can't figure out.
You think it's time for a change.
How's your attitude today?
Don't let it get in your way.

Living by loving - loving by living -
Don't sell yourself short.
Living by giving - giving by living -
Life doesn't owe you a thing.
How's your attitude today? EAAA -EAEAAAAAA - EAAA.

What happens to you - in your life,
Might make or break you; fairness may escape you,
But, how's your attitude today?
Don't let it get in your way.

- Instrumental -

You wake up to live another day;
Who knows what you might face.
There's one thing that can make a difference -
How's your attitude today? Don't let it get in your way.
What happens to you - in your life,
Might make or break you; fairness may escape you,
But, how's your attitude today? Hey, E, A...
Don't let it get in your way.
How's your attitude today? - EAEAEA
Don't let it get in your way...
How's your attitude today? Don't let it get in your way.

Plays:

120

Song Description

Lasting marriage...

Story Behind the Song

I wrote this song to capture the past and the future of my marriage.

Lyrics

My Heart Belongs to You

Copyright © 2007
Words and music by Bruce Edwin

Heading down another road - and baby, it's you and me.
We've been together through the years with laughter and with tears.
I think about what we've done and where we've been.
We've stuck together through thick and thin.

And baby, my heart belongs to you;
You're the reason my sky is blue.
You know - my heart belongs to you.

Years ago we both said our vows, "To love till' death do us part."
We've been around; we've been up and down and kept those vows alive.
You're my lover; you're my best friend; you're my confidant.
And, we'll be loving each other till' death do us part.

And baby, my heart belongs to you;
You're the reason my sky is blue.
You know - my heart belongs to you.

>Instrumental<

You're my lover; you're my best friend; you're my confidant.
And we'll be loving each other til' death do us part.

Looking ahead to another road and baby it'll be you and me.
We'll be together through the years with laughter and with tears.
We'll think about what we've done and where we've been.
And, we'll be sticking together through thick and thin.

Cause baby, my heart belongs to you;
You're the reason my sky is blue.
You know - my heart belongs to you.
It belongs to you - it belongs to you.

Plays:

44

Song Description

Remembering acquaintances, friends, relatives, and family.

Story Behind the Song

I find it amazing when out of the blue, one's mind brings back a forgotten friend or family member either living or deceased. The workings of the mind are amazing!

Lyrics

Thoughts of You
Words and music by Bruce Edwin
Copyright © 2012

There are times when I think of you.
Thoughts of you come out of the blue,
Any 'ol time rain or shine... thoughts of you.

Like a shooting star going by,
Thoughts of you catch me off guard,
Any 'ol time day or night... thoughts of you... forever in my mind.

Thoughts of you hidden away-
Come to me in mysterious ways.

In my ocean of memories,
Thoughts of you are a treasure to me
More precious than gold...they never grow old.

Like a story that starts to unfold,
Thoughts of you have a life of their own,
They do as they please...so carefree... thoughts of you...forever in my mind.

(Instrumental)

Thoughts of you hidden away-
Come to me in mysterious ways.

There are times when I think of you.
Thoughts of you come out of the blue,
Any 'ol time, rain or shine, thoughts of you.

Like a shooting star going by,
Thoughts of you catch me off guard,
Any 'ol time, day or night, thoughts of you...forever in my mind.

Thoughts of you hidden away-
Come to me in mysterious ways.

Plays:

74

Song Description

Fatherhood...the joy that accompanies selfless love.

Story Behind the Song

When I became a father, it was important for me to step back and not be the main focus. To be a good father one must accept the responsibilities that go along with it.

Lyrics

Don't Fear Love

Copyright © 2000
Words/music by Bruce Edwin

We're all a little rough - along the edges;
A little lazy it's easy to hide.
Come on out into the open;
Emerge and give love a try.

Giving up of self to love another -
It's worth the effort; it's worth the pain.
Taking the time to love another -
It's worth the effort; it's worth the gain.
Don't fear love - have the courage to love -
Believe in love - don't fear love-
No, no, no, no - believe in love - don't fear love.

Love lives within us -
Stir it up; don't let it die.
Surrender to a higher power;
Extend yourself and give love a try.
Don't fear love - have the courage to love -
Believe in love - don't fear love-
No, no, no, no - believe in love - don't fear love.

And there's no easy way out for doing what's right.
So, don't give up; don't ever give up.
You've got to put up a fight - yes, you do you know -
You gotta do what's right.

We're all a little rough - along the edges;
A little lazy it's easy to hide.
Come on out into the open;
Emerge and give love a try.
And don't fear love - have the courage to love -
Believe in love - don't fear love -
No, no, no, no, no - believe in love - don't fear love.

Plays:

27

Song Description

Childhood impressions of characters from hometown.

Story Behind the Song

Growing up in my hometown, there was a character, Walkin' Joe, who left a lasting impression on me. His appearance and the way he carried himself left me with a feeling of loneliness.

Lyrics

Walkin' Joe

Copyright © 1982
Words/music by Bruce Edwin

Not so long ago in a place I call my home,
Lived a man named Walkin' Joe who had no place to go.
He'd walk the streets continuously; he'd walk the streets alone;
No one really knew for sure where that man would go.
Walkin' Joe...Hey, Joe! Keep on walking Joe.

Dressed in old bibbed overalls and covered with a hat.
Walkin' Joe would wander while never looking back.
He became a fixture in the town I call my home;
People knew for certain that he was Walkin' Joe.
Walkin' Joe...Hey, Joe! Keep on walking Joe. >Instrumental<

I remember to this day riding around the town.
My father would be driving and I'd be looking out.
Before too long we'd come upon walking down the street,
A sight so familiar we knew him by his feet.
Walkin' Joe...Hey, Joe! Keep on walking Joe.

We'd see him in the winter; he'd be walking in the snow,
We'd watch him in the summer while the sun was hanging low.
For every season he must've had his reasons,
For always walking by himself it always seemed so sad.
Walkin' Joe...Hey, Joe! Keep on walking Joe. >Instrumental<

Then one night it happened and it took me by surprise,
The room where he was sleeping was taken by a fire.
The hotel burned to the ground and not a soul survived,
And Walkin' Joe I was told had walked his last mile.
Walkin' Joe...Hey, Joe! Keep on walking Joe.

And I remember to this day riding around the town.
My father would be driving and I'd be looking out;
Before too long we'd come upon walking down the street,
A sight so familiar we knew him by his feet.
Walkin' Joe...Hey, Joe! Keep on walking Joe. >Instrumental<

Plays:

63

Song Description

terminal disease

Story Behind the Song

I have a friend who battled lymphoma...a struggle and and a challenge...song covers the stages of dealing with a terminal illness.

Lyrics

Survivor

Words and music by Bruce Edwin
Copyright © 2000 (Dedicated to those fighting cancer)

Feeling weak and vulnerable,
Feeling scared to face the unknown.
Send me an angel; send me a prayer;
This poison in my body is filling me with despair.
Love is silent, it's hidden away;
Is love silent when life is unfair?
Full of anger - full of doubt,
My spirit is hurting; my soul wants to scream and shout.
But, I'm a survivor; I'll learn to endure.
I'll learn to be patient; I'll wait for a cure.
I'll replace fear with faith and hope,
Cause I'm a survivor - yes, I'm a survivor.

Dear God in heaven, I pray to you,
Give me the courage to see myself through,
This time of darkness, this time of pain,
Your love is my fortress; help me to be myself again.
This situation is beyond my control,
In the darkness you learn to let go.
Surrendering to love's healing ways,
And with a little luck - I just might make it through this day.
And, I'm a survivor; I'll learn to endure.
I'll learn to be patient; I'll wait for a cure.
I'll replace fear with faith and hope,
Cause I'm a survivor - yes, I'm a survivor.



Now this anger is melting away,
The hope of love is erasing the pain;
My faith is growing like flowers in May;
Trusting that love will carry this poison away.
In the darkness there is light;
In the darkness love is alive.
Holding on to a thread of hope,
My spirit is healing; I'm clinging to courage of the heart.
And, I'm a survivor; I'll learn to endure.
I'll learn to be patient; I'll wait for a cure.
I'll replace fear with faith and hope,
Cause I'm a survivor - yes, I'm a survivor - I'm a survivor -
I'm a survivor - I'm a survivor.

Plays:

37

Song Description

Related to victims of violence.

Story Behind the Song

School shootings at Columbine and Sandy Hook...as well as the movie theatre in Aurora, CO which was showing the Dark Knight. My sister happened to watch a movie earlier in the day in the same theatre as the shooting. I watched the news on TV discussing the shooting...they showed the white crosses and a mourner holding a sign that said, "Say hello to Jesus." Thus, the beginning of my song...the song is not religious...but the sign caught my attention.

Lyrics

When You Get There

Copyright 2012
Words and Music by Bruce Edwin

Say hello to Jesus when you get there.
The sorrow in heaven is beyond compare.
A tragic situation...life can be unfair.
Say hello to Jesus when you get there.

White, wooden crosses standing on the Earth.
If there's a silver lining, it could've been worse.
A senseless situation - a deed so adverse.
White, wooden crosses standing on the Earth.

It's so surreal - it's hard to explain.
Victims of violence . . . innocent souls,
Taken from us . . . their lives cut short.
Say hello to Jesus when you get there.

Tears of sadness falling from mourners' eyes.
Friends and family left to wonder why.
One hopes and prays it never happens again.
Tears of sadness falling from mourners' eyes.

(Instrumental)

It's so surreal - it's hard to explain.
Victims of violence . . . innocent souls,
Taken from us . . . their lives cut short.
Say hello to Jesus when you get there.

Say hello to Jesus when you get there.
The sorrow in heaven is beyond compare.
A tragic situation...life can be unfair.
Say hello to Jesus when you get there.
Say hello to Jesus when you get there.

Plays:

16

Song Description

Transitions...it's time to move on from one line of work to another.

Story Behind the Song

I just completed the teaching profession and was ready to move in a new direction. The song captures my feelings at the end of the teaching line.

Lyrics

End of the Line

Copyright © 2011
Words and music by Bruce Edwin

Well, I know it's time for me to go,
Cause I've been at this for a long, long time.
Yes, it's been good; it's been one helluva ride,
And now I know I'm at the end of the line . . . and I don't mind.

It's no surprise that I'm replaceable.
There are plenty of people waiting in line,
To take my place... fill my space...
To leave their mark like I left mine . . . now it's their turn to shine.

Oh, ho it's time for me to go;
It's been quite a ride.
There have been highs and there have been lows,
And I tried to take things in stride and hold onto my pride.

And, yes, I've had the time of my life;
It's hard to believe I'm at the end of the line.
Time flies when you're having fun;
My time here is over and done . . . c'est la vie!

The more things change the more they stay the same,
Been there; done that before.
I've come full circle so show me the door,
Same thing just a different name . . . it's time for a change.

So many faces I've had the pleasure to know,
Each one has touched my soul.
Some are here and some have come and gone,
I'll be thinking about them off and on . . . I can never forget.

Well, I know - it's time for me to go,
Cause I've been at this for a long, long time.
Yes, it's been good; it's been one helluva ride,
And now I know I'm at the end of the line . . . and I don't mind.

Plays:

14

Song Description

Finding strength from within.

Story Behind the Song

The challenges of adolescence...so much emphasis is on outward appearances...just look at ads in magazines and on TV. It's what's on the inside that counts...

Lyrics

Beauty (Free Yourself to Be Yourself)

Copyright © 2009
Words and music by Bruce Edwin

Beauty - is on the inside,
So, put that smile back on your face.
Twinkle - those eyes at me.
Be yourself; set yourself free.

Seize the day - it's there for the taking.
Spread your wings; enjoy the ride.
And when dark clouds - gather round you,
Be yourself; let your light shine.
And, everyday - in everyway - be good to yourself.
And, everyday - in everyway - be true to yourself.

>Instrumental<

You're never gonna win - trying to fit in.
Real beauty lies within - that's where to begin.

Beauty - is on the inside,
So, put that smile back on your face.
And, everyday - in everyway - be good to yourself.
And, everyday - in everyway - be true to yourself.

Love yourself, believe in yourself, free yourself to be yourself -
Laugh at yourself, cry at yourself, free yourself to be yourself -
It's what's on the inside that counts.
It's what's on the inside that counts.
It's what's on the inside that counts.
It's what's on the inside that counts.

Plays:

40

Song Description

A song to honor all Veterans, current and past.

Story Behind the Song

The song was written to honor all those who have served their country regardless of the conflict. Unfortunately, some soldiers did not receive the honor and respect they deserved because of conflict...Vietnam is one example.

Lyrics

Freedom Fighter

Copyright © 2012
Words and Music by Bruce Edwin

You've been away for too long;
Serving your country - keeping it strong.
Years of fighting can take a toll.
The war is over; it's time to come home.

Old Glory couldn't be prouder,
She's been with you every step of the way.
Her stars and stripes salute you.
She's free to wave because you are brave.

Welcome home, American soldier.
Welcome home - back to the USA.
Back to your family - back to your friends,
Back to the world where you were belong.

Thank you soldiers of every war.
Your undaunted courage cannot be ignored.
It doesn't matter when or where you served.
Our freedom you helped to preserve.

Welcome home, American soldier,
Welcome home - back to the USA.
Back to your family - back to your friends,
Back to the world where you were belong.

From the first casualty to the last,
"You kept the faith; you finished the course."
We will remember; we can never forget,
The price you paid for liberty...welcome home...American soldier.
welcome home...freedom fighter.
The cost of war affects all humankind.
Freedom's not free - it comes with a price.
When you put your life on the line,
It's the ultimate sacrifice.

Welcome home, American soldier. Welcome home back to the USA
Back to your family - back to your friends,
Back to the world where you were belong.
Back to your family - back to your friends.
Back to the world where you belong-
American soldier...welcome home... freedom fighter...welcome home.