You can’t make it without trying…

In “Something’s On Your Mind”, Karen Dalton reaches out to a friend who is at a cross-roads in her life. For years, the friend has lived a carefree lifestyle, partying; night was day and day was night, but something seems to be on her mind lately. She asks herself, “Why am I not getting anywhere or achieving my dreams? What has my life become?”

Dalton tries to lay it out for us–It is very probable that the narrator will never tell the friend the true picture of what she is seeing. That’s a hard conversation that can end relationships if the person isn’t ready to hear the truth.

Her assessment of the situation is straightforward: this “fast” lifestyle used to work for her friend, and it no longer does. That is why her heart and mind feel heavy all the time.

In order to achieve your dreams of becoming successful in any field, you must work hard before you reap the rewards and live the partying lifestyle. Perhaps in the artistic and music communities many might not see that their favorite musicians get to “party all the time” because they put in 10 years of hard work, plugging away every night for no money. They just want to skip the hard part and make it and start partying.

As the song ends, the narrator is observing the friend, contemplating how much longer she will be able to hold her life together. But would it even be worth saying anything?

Sometimes, people must come to this decision themselves. We also get the sense that perhaps they have had similar conversations before.

Karen Dalton’s unique vocals bring this song to life. The mix is really out there: There are a bunch of instruments that weave in and out and the percussion creates a unique pulsing vibe.

Dalton was never famous and did few recordings, but her voice was incredibly unique, and she delivers this song with such soul. She lived a hard life and died relatively young and in obscurity.

Something’s On Your Mind Lyrics

Yesterday, any way you made it was just fine.
So you turned your days into night-time.
Didn’t you know, you can’t make it without ever even trying?
And something’s on your mind, isn’t it?

Let these times show you that you’re breaking up the lines.
Leaving all your dreams too far behind.
Didn’t you see, you can’t make it without ever even trying?
And something’s on your mind.

Maybe another day you’ll want to feel another way, you can’t stop crying.
You haven’t got a thing to say, you feel you want to run away.
There’s no use trying, anyway,
I’ve seen the writing on the wall.
Who cannot maintain will always fall.
Well, you know, you can’t make it without ever even trying.

Something’s on your mind, isn’t it?
Tell the truth now, isn’t it?
Something’s on your mind, isn’t it?
Something’s on your mind.

Songwriters: Dino Valenti

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys/
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.

Not many 3 minute songs are so rich that they can be developed into a cartoon special, but Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Puff the Magic Dragon” did just that. The song is about loss of innocence. Puff and Jackie are great friends who go on mighty adventures throughout the mystical land of Honahlee. Jack would ride Puff and all the kings and princes would bow before them and their might. The adventures were magnificent for Jack…and for Puff.

But then one day it happened, Jackie grew out of his phase of playing with his toy dragon. Puff and Jackie were lifelong friends, but Jackie grew up and it kills Puff inside. Jackie is moving upwards and onwards; Puff is stuck with the memories. He will be forgotten.

This is such a unique tale of growing up, and outgrowing friendships, and being left behind all in a beautiful allegory. The harmonies of Peter, Paul and Mary blend well with just an acoustic guitar. This is a can’t miss folk song.

Puff The Magic Dragon Lyrics & Meaning

Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff

Oh, Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff’s gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes would bow whene’er they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name

Oh, Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali

A dragon lives forever, but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant’s rings make way for other toys
One gray night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff, that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane
Without his lifelong friend, Puff could not be brave
So Puff, that mighty dragon, sadly slipped into his cave

Oh, Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honali

Songwriters: Leonard Lipton / Peter Yarrow

What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can’t tell you, but I know it’s mine.

“With A Little Help From My Friends” is a Joe Cocker classic written by the Beatles. They let Ringo sing lead on it and he performs admirably…or at least it works well for this song. The song’s structure is a serious of questions and answers that make for a unique song and experience.

The background sings the questions, “Would you believe in a love in first sight?” And Ringo answers, “Yes, I’m certain that it happens all the time.” That is a nice structure for the bridge that continues into the chorus…”Do you need anybody?” “I just need someone to love”… The song sounds simple due to the lack of variety in Ringos voice, but the song is actually very well written.

Joe Cocker’s cover of the song because it borderline surpasses the original. Whereas the The Beatles version feels like a collective effort, Cocker’s sounds lonelier. He is saying that he needs help from his friends because that is part of the human condition. It is a fantastic version and perhaps the best introduction song to a TV show ever: The great Wonder Years.

Little Help From My Friends Lyrics & Meaning

What would you think if I sang out of tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song
And I’ll try not to sing out of key

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

What do I do when my love is away?
Does it worry you to be alone?
How do I feel by the end of the day?
Are you sad because you’re on your own?

No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes, I’m certain that it happens all the time
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can’t tell you, but I know it’s mine

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, get high with a little help from my friends
Oh, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I just need someone to love
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Oh, I get high with a little help from my friends
Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends
With a little help from my friends

written by lennon/mccartney