Story Behind The Song

At a time when I was pondering career directions, disillusioned after college, watching my father make himself ill with over-work, this song emerged. It was a message, a note to myself as well as to those around me, that a life--such a mysterious accomplishment!--requires far more than just making a living. That extra sparkle, whether we call it the magical, the meaningful, or the sacred, is something we must continually re-set our sights upon.

Song Description

How can the sum of one's days add up to a fulfilling life? This song is an injunction to vitality, encouragement to those mired in the mundane, an invitation to "trade silver for crimson in 17 shades."

Lyrics

What would you say if I told you?no empty lies?just the blazing truth? There?s nobody here who can save you, but people are wrong when they say you?ll never find some way to extract red from gray and trade silver for crimson in 17 shades?a gesture of justice to the blood in your veins. We should know by now that gilded dreams are seldom all they seem; when they split at the seams you should bless every hole in your pocket. Your job?s draining and dull as ditch water. Your skin aches for the sun, but it pays alright. You sit at your desk and you wonder if the sum of such days will make a life. Can you find some way to extract red from gray and trade silver for crimson in 17 shades?a gesture of justice to the blood in your veins. We should know by now that gilded dreams are seldom all they seem; when they split at the seams you should bless every hole in your pocket. You have nothing to show from your travels, and you wouldn?t know a smile from a yawn. Now it?s time to let go of that saddle. Now it?s bareback or straight to an early grave.