I met Bruce Springsteen!

And I took this photo with my camera. I was lucky enough to snap the photo in Tulsa, OK. My first show of the Working On A Dream Tour. It wasn't my dream meeting by any chance, but at least it occurred. I told him I went to quite a few shows on the Magic Tour, and that out of all the shows St. Louis was my favorite. So, I questioned when he would tour Missouri again. I got the obvious Bruce giggle and, "Well, we always get there eventually," or some similar answer. I then blurted out, "But it took six years last time!" Oops.

I hope you aren't tired of Bruce pics from LA

LA: 4/15 and 4/16

Yet more LA pictures

More Bruce in LA

Bruce Springsteen: LA 4/15/09 and 4/16/09

The first photo was taken by a friend near me. All photos taken with my phone.

Wadi Rum Sunrise

Jordan 2007. Beautiful sunrise at Wadi Rum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr2QGEnrJoE

If I Got Something Good (update w/ audio)

Someone at a Pearl Jam board I post at likes my lyrics and used some of them set to music along with him singing. Check it out here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=ef7e232153e0045dab1eab3e9fa335ca5b7955ff9adfa398

I posted the full lyrics not too many posts back. And here are the lyrics used in the song:

Something about your eyes
The way they shine
Something about your body
The way it presses against mine
It all feels so right
It all feels a little too good
Sure not going to last
And I have learned
If I got something good it’s gonna end soon

I got a big empty hole and nothing to show
I got a big empty hole and you’re a friend in this world
I have so many friends
I need you to be more…

Speak Easy (Speak Nothing)

Again, more.



Speak easy, speak nothing
Speak a million words in a million ways
Speak it all to me without solving the problems we see
Speak it all but we’ll say nothing
In a tangled mess all your big words from your tattered dictionary
Flow from your mouth to my head and you think I need an explanation
Only if it’s of your complication because I own a dictionary too
And I’ve read it through and through and once again just to discern

But I’ve figured if you speak nothing, I mean really speak nothing
Maybe I’ll die, I’ll let my feelings die
Maybe this tie of all connections we have will break off and float to the sky
I’ll speak easy of a love from the past
I’ll be old, but it won’t last
I’ll see options, so many that I‘ll have, but I won’t make them my opportunity
For something else to have but not have, to love and not stop
And be hurt again
No thank you, I’m done with that ball and chain

But I can pretend, I can climb the mountain, from the top I can shout
Be easy, be free, look at me, but I’ll just speak nothing, I won’t be free
I’ll just imagine that you weren’t for me
You say if I want the best, go love the rest
But not the one that isn’t good enough, but settle, please settle
You must find love though it’s not everything
And you must settle, baby, please settle
Best and settle don’t sound habitual, not together side by side
So I’m confused just a little and this is how nothing is spoken
Contradictions and round about ways to show your affection is a token

Speak easy, speak nothing
Speak a million words in a million ways
Speak it all to me without solving the problems we see
Speak it all but we’ll say nothing
In a tangled mess all your big words from your tattered dictionary
Flow from your mouth to my head and you think I need an explanation
Only if it’s of your complication because I own a dictionary too
And I’ve read it through and through and once again just to discern

But I’ve figured if you speak nothing, I mean really speak nothing
Maybe I’ll die, I’ll let my feelings die

Anyone Can Tire Of This

Another one.




Knock, knock
You say who’s there
I say open up
Let me show you I care
I’ve walked alone
It’s a thin line
This solitude can wear down over time
Anyone can tire of this
Anyone can tire of this

Hello. Hello
Excuse me while
I feel sorrow
Pick me up
Show me tomorrow
Don’t break my heart tonight

Anyone can tire of this (loneliness)
Anyone can tire of this (loneliness)

Is this way right
‘Cause my heart says it is
If I cry
Will it wash away your fear
Ah, my dear

Oh, don’t break my heart tonight
I won’t break your heart anytime
Don’t break my heart anytime
Don’t…not now

This solitude can wear thin over time
Anyone can tire of this
Anyone can tire of this

Anyone can tire of this (loneliness)
Anyone can tire of this (loneliness)

Silent Screaming

And more...




I found you there
Standing by the door
You were smiling silently
Looking down where
I could not read your thoughts
But I could see
You were thinking
And I wondered what about
You started moving closer now
Nothing out of the ordinary
That’s where I wish it would stop
One day what you think
Will come out on top
Until then we must be content
Walk in circles until we are spent

Dance with me please
This dance of sweet misery

A movement of the hand
It grabs my attention
Sitting next to me you don’t realize
That each movement holds my breathing
I’m sitting here and I’m wishing
That these few minutes will last forever
The touch of your body against mine
Sitting together and you probably don’t even recognize
That existing here only for these minutes with you
That would suit me just fine
Sitting there without a sound
Only the creaking of the house
And the breathing of me and you
But I realize we aren’t alone
And as the shadows fall I start to sigh
I tried to say what is on my mind
Too many people crowded around
Waiting for the news to spill on out

They see, the trees see
The birds and the bees see
All know that we know
And the dance is sweet
But my brain’s tired and so are my feet

Song For You

More writing from me.



I wanna watch you dream
Wanna watch you dream, mmm
Tell you the truth
This song is for you

I wanna know you love
Wanna know you love, yeah
Let me know you feel
Cause this song is for real

I wanna feel your touch
Wanna feel your touch, mmm
Guess I want too much
Sure I’ve said enough now

But this is me
I feel and I breathe
I break and I bleed
And I sing this for you

I try to let go
But if it’s working
It’s hopelessly slow
And doesn’t stop my dreaming

I wanna watch you dream
Wanna watch you dream, mmm
Tell you the truth
This song is for you

I wanna know you love
Want you to know my love, yeah

If I Got Something Good

Something about your eyes
The way they shine
Something about your body
The way it presses against mine
It all feels so right
It all feels a little too good
Sure not going to last
And I have learned
If I got something good it’s gonna end soon

Something about your words
The way they thrill me
Something about your promises
We never get to see
It all was a little too much
Blinded by the rush
And I have learned
If I got something good it’s gonna end soon

It brought me to my knees
And it brought you to your feet
I was going straight and you u-turned
I can’t say I know what you feel, but I sit here and yearn
If there has ever been one thing that I can teach
It’s don’t give your heart to a man with too many words
I allowed him to reach
He buried inside and somehow I didn’t mind
But now you’re gone
I got a big empty hole and nothing to show
I got a big empty hole and you’re a friend in this world
I have so many friends
I need you to be more…

Something about your eyes
The way they shine
Something about your body
The way it presses against mine
It all feels so right
It all feels a little too good
Sure not going to last
And I have learned
If I got something good it’s gonna end soon

Ground I Ought To Stand On

I have made my own decisions

I have been down the road less taken

Mistakes are mine

The love is fine

And the heartbreak has left me shaken

I learn from it all and I see my path

I know the ground I ought to stand on

But it’s your side I want to be by

If we follow each other we might go down

But it will be together and with a love that falters none

You only live once and it’s making it tough

Except someone will get hurt

You stand staring me down and

I know the ground I ought to stand on

Far away and can’t hold your hand

This is where you tell me I am suppose to be

I had the love and I had your touch

We shared it all as if it was only us

We parted, but I thought I saw the light

I figured you just might get to be mine

Until you told me you found new ground to stand on

Sent my love back and told me yours is gone


I guess I have to find new ground to stand on

Miss Together

Miss Together

I loved you and you loved me

I opened my big mouth and all had to leave

Nothing feels quite the same

I like to say I’m to blame

The more I hurt somehow makes it all right

Still I miss good night

I miss love you, baby

And I miss together lately

It hasn’t been long and I already want it back

For reasons unknown I would turn back the clocks

Take back the tears, the sighs, the words

Bring back the laughs, the tender-hearted longing

I miss sharing the sweet things we wanted

I miss learning what haunts us

I miss love you, baby

And I miss together lately

There are a few things I want

I shouldn’t but I do

I don’t know how to fix what can’t be undone

Two hearts and cracks all through them, love

But I know

I miss talking through the day

I miss knowing you love me crazy

I miss love you, baby

And I miss together lately

Yeah, I miss love you, baby

And I miss together lately

Can love happen t0o fast? And become too strong? Maybe. But one thing is for sure. To have love happen fast through a great connection and become so strong only to not ever have a chance to succeed is one of the worst things ever. It messes with the human condition.

Love You Crazy

You have left and I’m alone

I don’t know how

I don’t know why

But I sure did let you go

And I can’t cross that river for fear I’ll drown

I wish I could swim it but I have not learned how

I love you crazy without a doubt

I want you back

I will learn the way

I will open my heart to find you again

A warning was not needed

Nothing was fast enough to tell

Your love knocked me down before I knew what I was feeling

Hit me before I even fell

I opened up like never before

We cried and laughed

Threw the past right out the door

I don’t know how

I love you crazy without a doubt

And how do I ever say goodbye

Tears of happiness are all I’ll cry

If you’ll stay here and give it all you got

I’m not gone, but we are a little lost

And like the space we live in

I don't understand

But I love you crazy without a doubt

Burn (Where There's Smoke)

As always this is sort of autobiographical. A plea or warning of sorts to someone. He did not listen. I got hurt.

Burn (Where There’s Smoke)

Another little heart that is messed up

One more drink to forget it all

She’s going to jump when your fingers touch

She’s been waiting and it has been long

You’re gonna come down, it’s gonna hurt

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

And it’s gonna burn

She’s a little cracked but not fully broken

If you can’t be careful, be kind, and put her back

It won’t be wild but a gentle token

And when it is the love you lack

You’re gonna come down, it’s gonna hurt

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

And it’s gonna burn

You have been a worried man

Not sure about the path you are on

Your eyes are empty and you want to shine

You see a light and want to grab on

Anything for a sign

You’re gonna come down, it’s gonna hurt

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

And who’ll get burned?

Without a reason

But we need a reason

You run around and tire

And then what will you desire

Where there's smoke, there's fire...

Lonely (Why Am I So)

Just wrote this.

I have nothing anymore
I won’t chase it anyway
I’ll let it all find me
Is this why I’m lonely?

I had it once but I let it go
I tried to be warm but I left it cold
I’m a little too blinded to see
Is this why I’m lonely?

I say I know what I want
But I really, I really don’t
Every time the going gets good
I tend to find a retreat
Is this why I’m lonely?

I’ve found the sun
And I’ve found the moon
I’ve found your love
I’ve found some truth
But out of it all
Seems to grow a lie
And I need you to help me
Find my mind

So call my name
Bring a smile to my face
Let me see those dark eyes
May they keep me in line
I’m not so sure I want to stay
Lonely all the time

Bruce: 4/04/08 Sacramento, CA

April 4, 2008
Sacramento, California
ARCO Arena

All right, so I take a bus from Springfield to St. Louis, MO. I fly from there to Orange County. I had booked that flight before I knew I would attend Sacramento as well. I’m there for about two hours before flying to Sacramento where my friend Morgan picks me up. We were going to spend the wait before the lottery together, but she had to work at the last minute! Off to In n Out which we scarf down in the parking lot of Arco. Nice guy tells us where wristbands are being given out and while saying good bye to Morgan Greg and Lizzy show up. I get my ticket and get my wristband. Meet some cool people while hanging out. Finally meet Pauline, Andrew (officially), and so many others. You all know who you are! The community that Bruce brings together is quite amazing really. I cherish it. Ok, so lotto time I’m all lined up, the number is called, and I’m in. I end up second row in front of Stevie behind two pretty cool boys. They aren’t big fans but they seem to enjoy the music and get a lot of attention throughout the night.

Spirit in the Night won the radio contest, and has Charlie (!!) and Max open the show we all hear the beginning of the song. I was quite surprised. Ever since seeing the Hartford video all I can think is I wish I could see So Young and In Love open a show, but Spirit in the Night was in the same vein and quite a shock. I love this song regardless, but this night was extra special. One of those openers that makes me say I would be happy even if the band left after that. Anyway, Pauline was lucky enough to be in front of Bruce as he sat down on the stage and then nearly slid off the stage into her arms! Why wasn’t I in front? Nah, very happy for her. Bruce was clearly in a grand mood.

Radio Nowhere was great per usual and works well going right into No Surrender which is always dead on and great. Lonesome Day is just hot! The band is really pumped and on for this show. Gypsy Biker was really good. Magic was haunting, and I’ll have to say again I really like Soozie’s vocals on this.

Tour premiere of Murder Inc.!!! I nearly jump out of my shoes! I got the tour premiere of Lost in the Flood in Cincinnati and now Murder Inc. in Sacramento. This song is tied as one of my favorites, so I was psyched to hear it. It was amazing and all I expected. I’ve never heard it live before, obviously, but it was one of the best versions I’ve ever heard. Maybe I’m biased. Reason should have been next. I really missed hearing it especially if it came after Murder Inc. I can only imagine how fantastic that would have been. Although Candy’s Room is killer. I can’t complain I suppose.

Because The Night follows and is easily my favorite version I’ve heard live. Seriously Nils just goes off with the most astounding BTN solo, and he throws in a little riff that blows all other BTN solos away. I don’t know why he hasn’t sounded like this since, but it is as if one night he just wanted to vary the solo. I’m glad he did!

I might be getting tired of She’s The One, but I still enjoy it. Livin’ In The Future is a lot of fun and great as always and the same can be said for The Promised Land. Sherry Darling next and it continues to be fun as always. It’s funny that some of these “fun” songs might not rank as high on my list of favorite songs, but I would sometimes rather hear them live. Nothing like hearing either a barn burner of a song (i.e. Murder Inc.) or a fun song (i.e. Sherry Darling) live. It really sets the mood and allows people to just lose themselves in the songs.

Around this time Bruce spots the sign Lizzy and I bought because she had written “Clarence for President” on it. She was on the other side of the stage from me, so I didn’t recognize it was our sign at first. The sign spends the rest of the night onstage. We joke that Bruce owes us $4 for the sign. Backstreets comes next as a request it seems, and is one of the best versions I’ve heard. Afterwards we get the usual Devil’s, The Rising, Last to Die, Long Walk Home, and Badlands. As always let me praise Last To Die here. During Badlands I thought Stevie was pointing at the boys in front of me since I assumed every band member was looking at them when looking in my direction. We know kids get the love. Then Stevie points at me though and mouths “No, no. You!” and points at me. Ok, so I’ve been following him around and he notices. J

Girls In Their Summer Clothes opens the encore…unfortunately. I like it, but I’m just not so sure about hearing it live. A sign asking for Rosalita is seen, and the band go running into it. A lot of fun with great interaction between Bruce and Stevie. Without a moment to breathe BTR starts next and then Ramrod. I mean Sacramento is seriously loved by Bruce. One can tell with his demeanor and this setlist. The night closes with American Land, and as that drum beat starts up I’m sad the show is over but thrilled to hear AL. My first show was in Sacramento, and it was tremendous. This show did not change that.

Spirit In The Night
Radio Nowhere
No Surrender
Lonesome Day
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Murder Incorporated (Tour Premiere)
Candy's Room
Because The Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Sherry Darling
Backstreets
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands

Girls In Their Summer Clothes
Rosalita
Born To Run
Ramrod
American Land

Bruce: 3/24/08 Columbus, OH

March 24, 2008
Columbus, Ohio
Schottenstein Center

Four days and my final show of spring break. Of course by this point I know that I have four shows in California to look forward to! Lizzy gives me a call, so I head down to the lobby to wait for her. While there three people show up and sit down all the while talking about avatars and such. One person looked kind of familiar, so I was thinking they must post at Greasy Lake. Lizzy calls saying she is looking for the front, so I get up to head out. First I talk to the three, and I find out they are Bushy, PattyC, and VABossfan. Pretty cool to run into them. We talk a bit and I head out. The usual happens as we get our wristbands, go eat, and head back to the line. We are lucky enough to be on the rail on Stevie’s side!

The show opens with a predicted The Ties That Bind. No complaints as the song is great once again tonight. Afterwards I hear the opening chords of Radio Nowhere which always gets the place rockin’. Lonesome Day was as fun as always, but the first really hot song of the night is Adam Raised A Cain. My second time hearing the song I believe. Absolutely awesome as always. The guitar, the lyrics, the intensity were all there.

Gypsy Biker isn’t a favorite from the album, but I actually really enjoy hearing it live. Singing the last few lines is a lot of fun. So we get Adam and now Something in the Night! I’ll take the whole Darkness album, so no complaints from me. RTB per usual and I always hope he will never take the song out of the setlist. It’s needed. Well, I need it. Not sure about everyone else.

This night is going along really well because You’ll Be Comin’ Down was premiered! Great song from the new album, and I was wondering when the band would finally play it. Thankfully I was there to enjoy it. Lizzy was telling anyone that would listen that it hadn’t been played before. Lol

Because the Night was searing as usual thanks to Nils’ solo. I’m glad he gets to shine during that song. She’s The One I can get tired of, but I’m not going to say I don’t enjoy it live. I do. I just would like to see that spot mixed up a little. I also can’t clap the rhythm of this song and sing at the same time damn it!

Livin’ In The Future is one of those songs I can’t tired of. It must be because it and Last To Die are my favorites from Magic. The usual intro with needed applause. Yeah, I know it won’t change our country back to the way it was. Maybe it will give us some a kick in the butt. The Promised Land follows and always seems so relevant to sing. Maybe one day that last verse won’t mean so much and be so powerful, but I doubt it.

Right before Sherry Darling Bruce mentioned that it won the radio contest and he joked that Stevie was the one voting for it so many times. That got a few laughs, and the song was a lot of fun. Definitely something Stevie enjoys playing.

Andrew has been chasing this song, and I told him I’ll be in Columbus and we will get it. He should have been there because we did get it. All I could think is how lucky I am to hear some rare songs, but I can’t manage Darkness on the Edge of Town. Weird luck.

Devil’s, The Rising, Last to Die, Long Walk Home, and Badlands are no surprise. All great especially Long Walk to Badlands. I love singing Last to Die. This song just means a lot to me and Long Walk Home makes it the perfect 1-2 punch.

Girls… started the encore. I don’t mind this song. I mean I do like it. Maybe it’s because my mind can’t seem to remember more than 90% or so of the lyrics. I don’t know why. I’ve got the whole rubber ball smacks part down. Why can’t I remember more?!

BTR, Rosalita, Glory Days, and American Land were great song to end the night. Rosalita had Lisa pissed off at me some more. I can’t help it! I don’t tell Bruce what to play. J Glory Days isn’t a favorite, but it is always fun live and the majority know the song. American Land I will always argue should end every show except on special occasions or one-offs. If this song doesn’t get you singing and jumping…well, I don’t know what to say.

And the best thing about the end of the show? Lizzy and I make a sign that says “Garry Rocks.” She is holding it while I point at it like a maniac. Stevie goes up to Garry and motions that he paid us off. We all have a laugh over that. At the end of the song Garry grabs his pick and starts walking toward me! I never see him do this! I put out my hands like I’m begging for food, and he places his pick in my hand! Love it!

After the show I tried to find Marty, Bill, Tim, and Bob who I met earlier in the day. I met Bill before, but my first time to finally meet the others. Sure took long enough especially with Marty! We didn’t get to meet up, and I was on my way to the Greyhound bus station. I had to wait until 4:30 or so in the morning before getting on the bus for home. Spent the rest of spring break there with the thoughts of 3 great shows.

The Ties That Bind
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
Adam Raised A Cain
Gypsy Biker
Something In The Night
Reason To Believe
You'll Be Comin' Down (Tour Premiere)
Because The Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Sherry Darling (Tour Premiere)
Incident On 57th Street
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands

Girls In Their Summer Clothes
Born To Run
Rosalita
Glory Days
American Land