MUSIC: After hearing and loving “From a Distance” by Julie Gold as sung by Nanci Griffith, I started out trying to write a positive, optimistic, uplifting song. This is background music to play while you are reading my last few caregiving blurbs.
I failed. Sorry.
This version of Don’t Be Discouraged was recorded in GarageBand, then brought into Logic. I created some midi parts. Samuel Franklin Reynolds really put it all together by adding organ and some electric guitar parts.
Peter Lehndorff: vocals, acoustic guitar, midi stuff.
Sam Reynolds: mixing, production, organ, electric guitars
Don’t Be Discouraged
© Peter Lehndorff
Chorus: Well, Don’t be discouraged, when the future is not bright.
And don’t be discouraged when nothin’ turns out right.
Don’t be discouraged if things look bad at first
No, don’t be discouraged It’ll probably get worse.
Well your pipes seem to leak a lot. Your plumber’s name is Ray.
Your wife seems to call him over, whenever you’re away.
Your kid pulled off her braces, She wants a new tattoo.
Your in-laws just sold their house and they’re moving in with you.
But they said…..
CHORUS
They’re cuttin’ back your hours at work. There’s rumors going ‘round.
Everything keeps going up. While yours keep going down.
You’re angry at your bank again. You call to let them know.
They raise their rates while you wait to their music on hold.
And they’re singing….
CHORUS
Well you saved up for a vacation. To go off to Italy.
You ended up on a camping trip with your plumber’s family.
And folks ask “How’s it goin’?” (You always say it’s “just fine.”)
Well two can live as cheaply as one for about half the time.
Two can live as cheaply as one for about half the time.
CHORUS
Any proceeds or tips from Bandcamp downloads will benefit the good work of the Huntington’s Disease program at the University of Connecticut Health Center where my wife Kathy gets treatment and I get support. UConn is doing stem cell research and helping patients and families like ours. Huntington’s Disease is the genetic disease that took the life of Woody Guthrie. It is neurodegenerative disorder that causes problems with emotional control, memory and movement, and eventually leads to death.
Here is a live version: