Story Behind The Song

I once was at a songwriting seminar where Hugh Prestwood ("The Song Remembers When") was a speaker. He said to include "familiar surprises" in songs when it made sense. So I went a step further and wrote a song called "Familiar Surprise."

Song Description

She visits for a weekend when she wants. He wants her to stay forever. She comes and goes. He begs her to stay. When she says she'll be back next weekend, he, of course, says okay.

Lyrics

VERSE
It's Friday half past five, and I'm feelin' alive
Left those workin' day blues at the door
Is that your car in the drive? Oh, Lord, have you arrived?
I told you not to come here any more

PRE-CHORUS
Now all I could see was your good lookin' knee
As you slipped out of your S-U-V

CHORUS
A familiar surprise
You've got love in your eyes
But how long will love last this time?
A familiar surprise
Paint the skies, reach new highs
This time are you really mine?

VERSE
Well, it's Sunday half past ten; I'm not sure where I've been
It's lookin' like we're gonna dance one more song
When will I see you again? Just can't take every now and then
I guess you can, but please don't string me along

PRE-CHORUS
From what I can tell, all the experts agree
What you are is what you seem to be

Repeat CHORUS

PRE-CHORUS
The best I can tell you are torturing me
Stay for good or turn me loose and set me free

Repeat CHORUS

RIDE

Repeat CHORUS

TAG
Who knows? I guess next weekend would be fine

Words & Music by Don Tomlinson
© 2019 Solid Sterling Music (BMI)
All Rights Reserved.

Metadata:
Legal: One-stop contracting. Control rights to UMC and SR.
Contact phone number: 832.444.4848 (text/mobile)
Email: don@solidsterlingmusic.com
Mood: Brassy; Unsettling
Key: C / BPM: 170 / Length: 3:28
ISRC: QZ37R1900059
BMI: 19207883
ISWC: T9163929542