Ironically on the weekend I packed up my studio saying that I wasn’t going to work on any music for a while.  That night I sat down at my piano (I usually play guitar) and started out with a C chord, then somehow my fingers moved to a Am7/F chord… well the next 30 minutes I came up with a new chord progression… It’s the first time I’ve done that in ages… and a song will come of that.

But the last week or so my son (2 1/2 now) hasn’t been getting much sleep of a night… I’ve been saying up late with him.

Today at work when I wasn’t thinking (ironically) a got an idea of taking a retrospective look at life.. and I jotted down a few lines, some made it in to what I’m posting below.

But would love to hear your thoughts if you like / hate the song.

I’m think I’m going to keep on writing first drafts for a month now and then go back at the end and see which ones I should record.  But for now, here is “If Only”

If Only

Reading my diary
from the summer of 92
I was surprised at the things I said,
and all the things I used to do.
Well the world has changed a lot since then,
since I wrote those words with my pen.

Back then,
I didn’t have to worry about phone bills
And if I wanted adventure I got my fills
I did some stupid things I will say that
A few times I wore my dunce hat
But if only,
I knew then what I know now…

I had a girlfriend
Who I hardly knew
I wrote her letters everyday,
that ended with I love you.
Giving those words away freely then
Didn’t mean anything in the end

But back then,
I didn’t have to worry about paying the rent
I didn’t have to work for the money I spent
I’ve got my parents to thank for that
And they know one day I’ll pay them back…
But if only,
I knew then what I know now…

Bridge
Now the world hasn’t been the same since 9/11
When innocent people were sent to heaven
Cause we live now with a constant worry
And seem to travel everywhere in a hurry
Taking life a little to fast
We’re just another person in the cast

But back then…
I didn’t have to worry about a child
And now my days are over from being wild
All those speed humps that got in the way
Shaped me to be the man I am today….
Cause now, I know more than I knew then

Now I know more than I knew then

(c) Daniel Porter 2009