Shows
John Speckine MusicYESTERDAY IS GONEOnce in a very great while, I dream songs. I typically think they're not too bad, but just as typically, forget to write them down never to be heard from again. This is one I wrote down.
The song is upbeat - hopefully, you'll find it to be a toe-tapper. It's a "good memories" kind of song; a song of regret, to be sure, but still remembering the good times.
Music & Lyrics ©2023 by John Speckine
When I wanna see you, there is one thing I can do:
I think about how good life was when I was still with you
B...2023-12-2104 min
John Speckine MusicGamble on Romance (last Yulli mix)Gamble on Romance (last Yulli mix) by John Speckine2023-01-3103 min
John Speckine MusicThank God for You - Remix©2000 by John Speckine
Alternate version with high keyboard2022-10-1303 min
John Speckine MusicA Day in the SpringWords and Music ©2007 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
A happy-go-lucky, "feel good" song. I wrote it while watching my then 12-year old son playing in the mud, with the dog, on a nice March afternoon.
LYRICS:
Just a day in the spring
Another day in the sun
Winter's cold weather ends
And warm weather's begun
What good things will life bring
Another day in the spring
Just a day in the spring
Got my s...2022-08-2502 min
John Speckine MusicWho God Made for MeMusic & Lyrics ©2001, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by John Speckine
Mix/Master by Nate Kohrs, Los Angeles, California
Lyrics below.
A song about love found. I consciously lengthened the song on the premise that, if people are slow dancing with their sweetie, their "snooky-ookums", shining each others' belt buckles, they don't want the song to end in three minutes. :)
LYRICS:
Never in all of my life
Never in all my knowing
Have I ever felt something
Half as wondrous as you
Never through all the breaths
Never through all the heartbeats
Has m...2022-07-0905 min
John Speckine MusicSummertimeMusic & Lyrics ©1981, ©2003, ©2016 by John Speckine
Instrumentation: John Speckine
Vocals: John Speckine
Producer: John Speckine
I wrote this during my college days. One of the guys I played ball with pretty much lived at the beach on Lake Michigan and thought he was God's gift to women. This is about him. :)
LYRICS:
So you go down to the beach some warm night
Stay 'til you know that the feeling is right
Uh huh
Stay 'til it's right
Girls have been laying all day in the sun
Makes you feel good to know summer has come
Uh huh
Summer has come
It's sum...2022-06-3004 min
John Speckine MusicFeel The Same Way (2022)Words and Music ©1991, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by John Speckine
Master (pending)
Lyrics below.
This is another song written for no one in particular. I did, however, write it shortly after seeing and meeting The Marshall Tucker Band. A musician friend at the time commented: "I can tell you've been listening to Marshall Tucker." :) I didn't MEAN to sound like Marshall Tucker. Can you hear it? :)
LYRICS:
I search my mind to find the way I wanna say
Things I wanna say to you
But when I'm next to you, m...2022-03-2203 min
John Speckine MusicSuckin' Puppy (the Hot Dog Song) - UNPLUGGEDA whacked-out song I wrote while driving home at 2AM. I kept the screw-ups to make it sound more like I was sitting there with you while you listen.
Just me, acoustic guitar and a metronome.2022-02-1003 min
John Speckine MusicThose Old WoundsMusic & Lyrics ©1985 by John Speckine
This is probably the last song my Jody heard me write. I would often play my guitar in bed for her when we were ready to sleep, and one night in the summer of 1985 just before we went to sleep (we were living in Athens, Greece), this came out. It's not written for or about Jody - in fact, it's not written for or about anyone in particular. But Jody was lying next to me when I wrote it, so it's kind of a "Jody song". When I finished it (a matter of maybe 15 minutes), I...2021-12-2103 min
John Speckine MusicGamble On RomanceMusic & Lyrics ©1987 by John Speckine2021-11-2603 min
John Speckine MusicI'm Gonna Be ThereMusic & Lyrics ©1982 by John Speckine
(renewed ©2003 and ©2016)
Arrangement by: John Speckine
Instrumentation by: John Speckine EXCEPT: Strings (by Yulli Keplër)
Vocals by: John Speckine
Mix & Master by: Yulli Keplër, Mommy Called Studio, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
EP: 1982 ©2021 by John Speckine
TRACK: #1
RELEASE DATE: July 1, 2021
My intention was to make this sound a bit like the Beatles of the mid-60s.
A promise made to the love of my life.
LYRICS:
It's a long way to
Where you're going, and
Where you're going is
Where I'll be
My heart will always
Be there with you, and
You know when you might
...2021-06-2904 min
John Speckine MusicTeddy BearMusic & Lyrics ©1982 by John Speckine
(renewed ©2003 and ©2016)
Arrangement by: John Speckine
Instrumentation by: John Speckine
Vocals by: John Speckine
Mixed by: Yulli Keplër, Mommy Called Studio, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
EP: 1982 ©2021 by John Speckine
TRACK: #2
RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2021
This song was requested by Jody (love of my life, remember?) while we were still dating. She had just turned 18 and still loved her stuffed animals and such. She wanted a song about teddy bears, Raggedy Ann and lollipops, and since I loved making her smile, I wrote this. I couldn't fit in the lollipops. :)
This is one of my late father's favor...2021-03-3003 min
John Speckine MusicBrand New World (MASTER)Music & Lyrics ©1982 by John Speckine
(renewed ©2003 and ©2016)
Arrangement by: John Speckine
Instrumentation by: John Speckine
EXCEPT - Keys & Strings by Yulli Keplër
Vocals by: John Speckine
Mixed by: Yulli Keplër, Mommy Called Studio, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
ALBUM: Mosquito-Bite Blues ©2020 by John Speckine
TRACK: #10
RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2020
Lyrics below.
My Jody was my first girlfriend and I was (and still am) completely head-over-heals for her. I wrote this song for her the first summer we were together, about six months after we'd met and a year before we got married. I remember wanting to use a style in which I rare...2021-03-3004 min
John Speckine MusicTake My HandMusic & Lyrics ©1982 by John Speckine
(renewed ©2003 and ©2016)
Arrangement by: John Speckine
Instrumentation by: John Speckine
Vocals by: John Speckine
Mixed by: Yulli Keplër, Mommy Called Studio, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
EP: 1982 ©2021 by John Speckine
TRACK: #4
RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2021
This is a wedding song I wrote for the love of my life back in 1982. We were married in 1983, but I'd forgotten my guitar where I'd been stationed after Basic Training and so didn't get to play it at our wedding. Even though she'd heard it many times, I still wish I would have remembered my guitar.
LYRICS
The night's long
The night...2021-03-2903 min
John Speckine MusicNo Matter WhatMusic & Lyrics ©1982 by John Speckine
(renewed ©2003 and ©2016)
Arrangement by: John Speckine
Instrumentation by: John Speckine
Vocals by: John Speckine
Mix & Master by: Yulli Keplër, Mommy Called Studio, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
EP: 1982 ©2021 by John Speckine
TRACK: #5
RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2021
Another of my happy love songs for Jody before we got married. I was going for a bit of an early George Harrison sound on lead guitar.
LYRICS:
Living my life with you, girl
Has put my life in a real whirl
My love for you is running so deep
When I'm awake and when I'm asleep
It'll be there forever
I'll...2021-03-2702 min
John Speckine MusicForever's ButterflyMusic & Lyrics ©2000 by John Speckine
LYRICS:
Well here I am all alone again
At the mid-point of my life
I let myself fall in love with you
A thing I said I would never do
I fooled myself into thinking I
Might even win one this time
I let my hope take control, it seems
I let myself start to dream the dream
It's there in front of my face; it's there in front of my heart
But it's so hard to capture
It's there and suddenly gone and my heart feels more alone
After feeling the rapture
Of the f...2020-12-2602 min
John Speckine MusicNew York City on the 9th of MayEP: EP#1 (©2021)
Track: #2
Release Date: 12/20/2020
All words and music ©1988 by John Speckine
I've decided to keep this song "unplugged".
Lyrics below.
BACK STORY:
When I got to Greece on the 6th of May, 1985, I was married. When I left Greece on the 6th of May, 1988, I was not.
When the military charter landed in Philadelphia, both myself and a guy I knew had to go to Bayonne, NJ to pick up cars we'd had shipped in. Being a Friday, we rented a car and hustled to Bayonne so we could hit the road home that night. Unfortunately, we didn't make it...2020-12-1902 min
John Speckine MusicCHRISTMAS WITH YOUMusic by John Speckine & Yulli Kepler
Lyrics by John Speckine
©2020
PERFORMED BY
Yulli Keplër - Drums, percussion, bass, electric guitar
John Speckine - Acoustic guitar, electric guitar (OUTRO), vocals
CHRISTMAS WITH YOU (Under the Mistletoe)
We waited through the summer
We waited all year long
Excitement started building
As autumn rolled along
Now lights on the tree and wreath hanging on the door
Grinch is in the yard and Santa’s there, too
Pies in the oven, gifts wrapped so merrily
I can’t wait to spend my Christmas with you
The yard lights blink and sparkle
Can be seen f...2020-12-1802 min
John Speckine MusicI-Love-You KissesWords and music ©2018 by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
This song is remembering the preparations Jody and I made in 1982 for our wedding the following spring. And then about when she left. It's always a little hard for me to play, emotionally, but it's 100% accurate which is probably why I sometimes have to stop in the middle of the song for a couple of seconds. I call it a "kick in the gut" song.
LYRICS:
I remember when our love was new
I'd stay awake all night and lay with you
We'd laugh and talk and make love all night long
A...2020-12-1704 min
John Speckine MusicSabrina'moure (Instrumental)Written by John Speckine ©2020
Music originally created for lyrics written by someone else (I don't name names without specific permission). It was slower than she wanted, but I liked the music so I kept it. There's a bit of an homage to "Sara" by Fleetwood Mac (©1979) included in the song - I'm sure you'll recognize it. :)
I tried to put my own lyrics to it, but after listening to it a few times, I decided to make it my first instrumental. I also decided to use the original lyricist's first name in the title (with her permission).
INSTRUMENTATION:
Banjo
Guitar...2020-11-2003 min
John Speckine MusicYou Are the Only One - WORKING DEMOAll words and music ©2003 by John Speckine
An all-acoustic demo recorded in 2008. Just dug these out over the weekend.
One of the few songs where I wrote a vocal counter-melody(two of them, actually)before recording. You'll hear them in the Choruses.
When composing, I have a knack for putting myself where I want to be rather than where I am in reality. Songwriting proved to be excellent emotional therapy and probably kept me from eating a bullet on more than one occasion.
LYRICS:
Music & Lyrics ©2003 by John Speckine
I woke up this mornin'
And you were already on my mi...2020-10-1403 min
John Speckine MusicLong Time AgoAlbum: None This song will be released as a Single.
Words and Music ©2018 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by John Speckine
Master (pending)
Lyrics below.
A more-or-less rock ballad about lost love. Yep, another "Jody" song. :)
LYRICS:
Long time ago, a day came when I fell in love with you
Since then, nothing's been the same
I love you so, I feel like I am standing next to you
Any time I hear your name
But I lost you long ago
And every day, I still see your face
And I w...2020-08-3103 min
John Speckine MusicI Need Your LoveWords and Music ©2001, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
I may do a little tweaking with the Lead Guitar part on this one before it's all said and done. We'll see.
The song is about 'meeting' someone on the Internet, feeling a little nervous about that first face-to-face and finding instant chemistry.
BRAG TIME...
This is one of three of my originals the band Border Line (of which I was a member) played on September 22, 2002 when we opened for Keith Urban and Montgomery-Gentry. In fact, this song w...2020-08-2804 min
John Speckine MusicLucky-Me SandwichAll words and music ©2002, 2020 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by John Speckine
Master (pending)
Lyrics below.
First things first. This song is on the docket to be re-recorded and re-mixed. I'm not quite thrilled with the Lead Guitar, so I've been working on a couple of things and I think the end result will be noticeably better.
This is a song written specifically for the band I was in at the time, for an upcoming date to open for Keith Urban and Montgomery-Gentry.
It's a fun song about meeting women in a...2020-08-2703 min
John Speckine MusicI Don't Wanna Think of YouAll words and music ©1987, 2003, 2016 by JOHN SPECKINE
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by John Speckine
Mix/Master by Yulli Kepler Fonseca Dias, "The Kepler"
at Mommy Called Studio, Bela Horizonte, Brazil
Lyrics below.
I wrote this around 4:00 AM sitting in the Air Passenger Terminal at Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain. I was on my way back to Athens after another unsuccessful attempt to talk to my ex-wife (who had divorced me less than a year earlier while I was stationed overseas). I was miserable, but I really didn't want to write another depressing, 'tears-in-your-beer' k...2020-08-2503 min
John Speckine MusicMy Best Friend (Once Upon a Time)Words and Music ©2012 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by John Speckine
Master (pending)
Lyrics below.
It's a folk-like, bluegrassy-ish, country kinda song. Remembering, and missing, the good times.
I am VERY pleased with how the instrumentation arrangement turned out. There isn't a lot of guitar in this one: banjo, fiddle and piano are the primary instruments used. The fiddle parts (there are two) were based on the style used in the George Strait classic, "Amarillo by Morning".
I have a few songs that, lyrically, can still hit me pretty hard emotionally. T...2020-08-2504 min
John Speckine MusicDon't Look BackAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES
Track: #2
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©2013 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by John Speckine
Mix/Master by Nate Kohrs (Los Angeles, California)
Lyrics below.
I know it doesn't sound like it, but this song is me kicking my own ass. I'm telling myself to get up, get my head out of my ass and move on. In other words, it's pretty much another "Jody" song, but it's not as obvious as in the others. :)
LYRICS:
In school, you had your first lover
Sometimes they're still on your mind
B...2020-06-1103 min
John Speckine MusicDreams and MemoriesAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #9
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©2017 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by John Speckine
Mix/Master by Nate Kohrs (Los Angeles, CA)
Lyrics below.
I had a lot of fun with this one, musically speaking. The subject isn't fun - again, based on personal experience - but playing it is.
A "Jody" song.
The song has bit of a haunting, dirge-like feel. I modeled it somewhat on Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" with the organ and style of lead guitar used. The 'throb' - created by...2020-06-1105 min
John Speckine MusicThinkin' 'Bout YouAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #5
All music and lyrics ©2014 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by John Speckine
Mixed/Mastered by Nate Kohrs (Los Angeles, CA)
Lyrics below.
BACKSTORY: If you're a fan of the Doobie Brothers, you might notice the similarity of THIS song and the Doobie's "Take Me in Your Arms" - not in the sound (I've occasionally been told I sound like a couple of famous musicians/bands, but never the Doobies). The similarity is in the subject combined with tempo.
"Take Me in Your Arms" is a ve...2020-06-1003 min
John Speckine MusicDon't Make Her Cry (original album mix)Album: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #11
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music © 2010 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by: John Speckine
Mix / Master: Nate Kohrs (Los Angeles, California)
Lyrics below.
This is a "lesson learned by me" which lets me "give advice to you" song. I learned too late, but maybe I can help someone else NOT mess up their life.
LYRICS:
Whatcha gonna do when the world goes wrong and
Whatcha gonna do when her love is gone
Whatcha gonna do when you find she's gone away
Whatcha gonna do when yo...2020-06-0903 min
John Speckine MusicWhen I Look in Your EyesWords and Music ©1989, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Mastered by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
Sometimes I write about the good things even after the good things are gone.
The title pretty much tells the story. This is about the early stages of a relationship when you're hoping she feels like you do, but you're not quite sure. I will say this much: they were very deep, soft, brown eyes. I miss 'em. **SIGH**
LYRICS:
When I look in your eyes
I...2020-05-3104 min
John Speckine MusicIt's Too Late (cover: ©2015 Nathalie Janette)ALL MUSIC & LYRICS ©2015 by Natalie Camacho
Arrangement by John Speckine
This is my cover of Nathalie Janette (Camacho)'s "It's Too Late". Nathalie owns 100% of the rights to this song, so if you think you'd like to buy a copy, you'll have to go to HER SoundCloud page to make any purchases.
I asked Nathalie if I could cover her song for use in a live performance band and she gave that permission. This is pretty much what it will sound like.
She has NOT given me permission to release the cover commercially, so don't ask me if you can b...2019-05-1503 min
John Speckine MusicWill I See You AgainWords and music ©2010 by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
This is a new version. The first version had no drum or bass and sounded very classical - as in Beethoven and Mozart, not the Stones. :)
This version definitely has drums and bass.
Regardless of changes in instrumentation and the arrangement, this is still a song about how much I miss and regret losing Jody, and how things might have been. And it still has that classical feel to it.
LYRICS:
Long ago, you loved me
Then I broke your heart
All these lonely years later
We're still apart
Every day, I've l...2019-04-1903 min
John Speckine MusicMosquito-Bite BluesAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #16
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©1987, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Produced by John Speckine
Mix/Master by Nate Kohrs, Los Angeles, CA
Lyrics below.
BACKSTORY: This is obviously the album's title song.
Sometimes I'm quite the dork and come up with something a little on the off-beat side of things. This was written after an especially hot and muggy TDY ("Temporary Duty") assignment in northern Italy back in July 1987. It was hotter'n a goat's butt in a pepper patch.
NOBODY was able to sleep one night, so we went out and sat on the bl...2019-04-1305 min
John Speckine MusicOne NightAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #13
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Music and lyrics ©1986, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by: John Speckine
Mix/Master by: Nate Kohrs (Los Angeles, California)
Lyrics below.
This will be re-released on the "MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES" album. The metadata Release Date is the date the original SINGLE was released.
The song has kind of a Steve Earle feel to it - which I never saw coming when I wrote it back in 1986. Originally titled, "Do You Ever Think of Me?"
The Backstory.
In 1986, I was still stationed in Greece. In...2019-03-0804 min
John Speckine MusicOn a Good Day (Once in a Blue Moon)This song pending release as a Single.
Words and music ©2012 by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
Sometimes known as "Once In A Blue Moon", this song came about when I realized I'd gone a few days without even thinking about Jody - which, of course, made me think about Jody. And THAT is the premise of this song.
LYRICS:
On a good day, you don't bother me
On a good day, my heart's finally free
But on a bad day, you're here
Your mem'ry puts my loneliness in gear
But once in a blue moon, I have a good day
Once u...2019-03-0703 min
John Speckine MusicAnything to Make You Smile (Whatcha Gonna Do)This song pending release as a Single.
Words and music ©2014 by John Speckine
This song will be re-recorded back to the original more bluesy feel.
Lyrics below.
Written for absolutely no reason whatsoever. It just kinda spilled out of my guitar - as the blues originally (wouldn't take much to turn it back into blues). :)
LYRICS:
Whatcha gonna do Friday morning
Whatcha gonna do Friday night
Whatcha gonna do with your weekend
Whatcha gonna do the rest of your life
Don't you know that I love you?
And I wanna be by your side
I'd do anything to make you s...2019-02-2304 min
John Speckine MusicDon't Know WhyWords and Music ©2011 by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
The subject is not a happy one but the song itself is very upbeat. It's a non-morose, undepressing "I miss you" song.
LYRICS:
Don't know why I can never forget you, girl
Just because you were my whole world
Doesn't mean you should stay on my mind
Why can't I just get you outta my heart
So I can let a whole new life start
Without your memory
Every day since you left
Every night you've been gone
I've been thinking of you
You're the bar that I set
When I meet s...2018-09-0604 min
John Speckine MusicNobody Else AroundRe-Record and Re-Mix scheduled.
Words and Music ©1988, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
This song was written in 1988 for Maria - a girl from Argentina who made my last few months in Athens, Greece bearable. Without going into great detail, the three years I spent in Athens were the worst years of my life. Greece SUCKED except for meeting Maria. I wish we'd have had more time.
I wish even more I could find a way to contact her. I mean, who knows? :) It would be really cool if she heard this and remembered, but what are the odds?
LYRICS:
When y...2018-09-0603 min
John Speckine MusicI Don't Feel So LonelyRe-Record and Re-Mix scheduled.
Words and Music ©1988, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Lyrics below.
Another song for Maria, the girl from Argentina that I met when I was stationed in Greece. As I said in the description for "Nobody Else Around", she's what made my last few months in Greece bearable.
LYRICS:
Early in the morning
When I first awake
I don't feel so lonely
You start out my day
And then in the evening
When I go to sleep
I don't feel so lonely
You're still here with me
Because you're always in my dreams
BRIDGE
And then in the daytime
W...2018-09-0503 min
John Speckine MusicOne More KissWords and Music ©2002, 2016 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This is a kind of goofy tune about how, in the beginning stage of a relationship, you really don't want a date to end and you have to go home.
LYRICS:
Well we had ourselves a good night on the town
Just the way we always seem to
Here we are again at your front door
And I wanna give the love I feel to you
H...2017-08-2003 min
John Speckine MusicHeavenAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #12
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©1992, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This song was written BEFORE there was an Internet, or at least before I knew about such a thing. It's about a girl I know is out there somewhere, but who I haven't met yet - but when I do, it's gonna be great!
The song is only acoustic guitar, organ and piano with counter-melodies on gu...2017-08-1604 min
John Speckine MusicClose My Eyes (Cry Myself to Sleep)Words and Music ©2014 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine, except:
Slide Guitar played by James Turk
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
Originally titled "Cry Myself to Sleep", as of its release date, I consider this to be one of my best songs about losing the love of my life (along with "A Million Times a Day", "I-Love-You Kisses", "My Best Friend" and maybe one or two more). These are the songs I have trouble getting through, emotionally, on the first t...2017-08-1502 min
John Speckine MusicI'll Come RunningWords and Music ©2014 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine, except:
Bass Guitar played by Tim King
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & JohnSpeckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This song is applicable for my son, two daughters and two granddaughters.
LYRICS:
My little darlin', you know
Whenever you're feelin' low
Just call on me
And that's where I'll be
I'll come runnin' to you
Don't think about it
Just call on me
I'll come runnin' to you
Any time you're feelin' sad
Somebody's treated you bad
Or a n...2017-07-2303 min
John Speckine MusicCall on MeWords and Music ©1991, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
I wrote this song for a young lady with whom I had become infatuated but who was already in a relationship - albeit with a real jerk. He beat her, etc., so I was basically telling her that if she ever got tired of that crap, she and I might be able to make something happen.
As it turns out, we never did get together (other t...2017-07-2204 min
John Speckine MusicYou're BackAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #8
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©2013 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This is about a lady I dated for a while but we turned out to be better friends than anything else. Then she got married and I didn't hear from her in a while, when one day - 13 years later - she found me on Facebook and we got the friendship, and ONLY the friendship, going ag...2017-07-2103 min
John Speckine MusicYou Make the Sun ShineWords and Music ©2016 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This is a REMIX of 'Dance with Me'.
Back in 2012 and 2013, I was playing a lot of 'open mic' nights and in one particular venue, one of the bartenders and I hit it off and so I decided I'd write something for her without going overboard. I mean, there was nothing romantic about our relationship - we just liked talking to each other - hence the V...2017-07-2003 min
John Speckine MusicThe Way I FeelWords and Music ©1999, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This one was written for a lady I'd started feeling serious about and was basically hoping against hope it might help make her start feeling like I did. It didn't work, but I still like the song.
Kinda puts me in mind of some of that folk-rock from the 60s.
LYRICS:
I wanna give the world to you
I wanna make you feel so wonderful
So y...2017-07-2003 min
John Speckine MusicForgetful BluesWords and Music ©2011 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
A light-hearted look at how hard it is to forget somebody. You can forget just about anything else, but damned if her memory will go away.
Ever walk into a room and forget why you're there? That's what this song is about, except with the codicil that no matter what else you forget, you just can't forget that one special person in your life who you l...2017-07-1904 min
John Speckine MusicForever and a Day (SINGLE) ** Country/Bluegrass version **Album: None Released as a Single
Words and Music ©1987, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Mastered by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
As it says in the title, this is the 'banjo' version for a more country/bluegrassy sound. A version of what was originally intended (mostly acoustic guitar) will be recorded in July 2020 - I hope. :)
This song is about how meeting someone new can turn your life around and take you from a broken heart to happiness.
The 'a capella' s...2017-07-1903 min
John Speckine MusicLay in the Sun (original studio version)Words and Music ©2010 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
That's a can of beer being opened in the INTRO and someone (might be me, but I'm admitting NOTHING) taking a toke on a bit of the Happy Herb in the CHORUS.
That's the general idea of the song: Escaping the cold Michigan winters (where it occasionally becomes colder than a titch's wit) and spending your days lazing around on a tropical beach being drunk and w...2017-07-1903 min
John Speckine MusicIn My DreamsAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #15
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and music ©2000, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
This song has an interesting evolution. I wrote it as a country waltz. For some reason, when I was practicing for recording, I started playing it in 4/4 instead. Next thing you know, I'm playing Major 7th chords on the piano and LO! - I have some soft jazz.
LYRICS:
In my dreams, I see your face
Yo...2017-07-1804 min
John Speckine MusicAnother Day in ParadiseAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES
Track: #4
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©2014 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
As I recall, I was getting a little tired of writing sad songs (I was having a bad century) and decided I'd write something positive. This song is loosely based on, and definitely inspired by, the happy years with the love of my life.
LYRICS:
Living in the old days, driving down the highway
Had no ties to hold m...2017-07-1802 min
John Speckine MusicLost in You (a waltz)Words and music ©2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
Something I came up with for a lady who had become uber-important to me. It's self-explanatory.
LYRICS:
You came into my life from out of a blue sky
You changed the way my heart has felt from then on
The love that you give me means more than my breathing
My home is by your side; I'll never be gone
Now each time I'm with you, I...2017-07-1804 min
John Speckine MusicI've Got a Problem (I Think I'm in Love)All words and music ©2013 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
When a problem isn't really a problem - or maybe it's just a good problem to have. :)
LYRICS:
I've got a problem: I think I'm in love
I've got a problem: You're the only thing I can think of
Don't wanna hunt, play golf or fish; to hell with football, too
I've got a problem: All I want is you
When I was going up, t...2017-07-1803 min
John Speckine MusicI Forgot About SleepingAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES
Track: #6
Words and Music ©2013 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by: John Speckine
Mix/Master by: Nate Kohrs (Los Angeles, California)
LYRICS BELOW.
This is a fun little song about the affect on your sleep habits meeting the love of your life can have. It starts with that giddy "just starting out" phase of a relationship, then moves to the "you carbonate my hormones" phase, and finally to the "been together a long time but you still turn me on" phase. Amazing how much sleep you DON'T get when you h...2017-07-1704 min
John Speckine MusicA Million Times a DayAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #3
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and Music ©2012 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
Originally titled: "When You Said Goodbye", this is my first piano composition. The subject concerns when the love of my life left me because I was too stupid to realize what I had.
It's an emotional song, one of loss and regret. It's one of the "Top 5 Most Difficult for Me to Play" of all my or...2017-07-1703 min
John Speckine MusicAll Your Fault (A Love Song)Album: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
Track: #14
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and music ©1990, 2003, 2016 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced by Tim King & John Speckine
Mix/Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
I wrote this in 1990 for Cheri, the girl I was dating in Omaha and to whom I had recently become engaged.
Lyrics:
My head is spinnin'
My face is grinnin'
My ears hear "I love you"
I say, "I love you, too"
My eyes are open wide
My heart feels so alive
I wanna be with yo...2017-07-1503 min
John Speckine MusicThat's RightWords and Music ©2012 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
How finding that one special person can just make your millennium and what you're willing to do for him or her.
LYRICS:
Nothing's been the same since I met you
Got me doing things that I never do
And I don't know how I'll get through the night
Without you
That's right, that's right
Yeah, my heart feels happy when you're around
I can barely keep m...2017-07-1402 min
John Speckine MusicYou're My GirlWords and Music ©2014 by John Speckine
Arranged by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine, except:
Backing Vocal by Crystal Barenie
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
The line "Since the day you walked into my life" was SUPPOSED to use "came", not "walked" (because my daughters are technically my 'step-daughters', though I've never called them that), but I didn't notice the screw up until it was mastered, so I just kept it.
LYRICS:
I remember the first day I met you
Nothing ever more would be t...2017-07-1102 min
John Speckine MusicPerfectAlbum: MOSQUITO-BITE BLUES ©2020 by John Speckine
To hear the full album, click the ALBUMS link above.
Track: #1
Release Date: June 15, 2020
Words and music ©2012 by John Speckine
Arrangement by John Speckine
Instrumentation & Vocals by John Speckine
Produced/Mixed by Tim King & John Speckine
Master by Tim King, LTD Music Productions, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Lyrics below.
Remembering what it was like that first amazing year I was married to the love of my life.
LYRICS:
Whenever you're around, I feel perfect
When you are next to me, I feel right
When I look into your eyes, time stops moving
There's no place I...2017-07-0803 min