A few months ago, I confessed to a friend of mine - who is a professional singer - that I wrote poetry. To my surprise, rather than ask if I’d had anything published, she asked if I’d ever set any to music? This got me thinking as I’d never considered writing song lyrics, and - in any case - how can you write words to songs without having a tune to begin with? My friend suggested that I start by writing alternative lyrics to existing songs, and the following is my version of Brian Wilson’s ‘You Touch Me’ (from his ‘Getting In Over My Head’ CD)

‘Living In Dreams’

'Romance' for me, it always used to be
In grainy shades of scratchy black and white,
In all those old movies shown on late TV
Where everything would always turn out right.

But I was just living in dreams,
While I was watching the screen.
I never got to find,
The kind of peace of mind,
That..loving..you..has..given..me.

The day you came along, I never can forget.
The way you turned me on, when I switched off the set.
The smile upon your face, as I start kissing you.
The one-to-one embrace, that I’d been missing too.

Now they’ll be no more living in dreams,
And no more watching that screen.
With celluloid I’m done,
Now I’ve enjoyed the fun,
Of..living..out..my..dreams..with..you.

Now you’re here with me,
I don’t need TV…
Life is real,
And I feel
The..love..you..give..me

Now you’ve turned the camera around on me,
And you’ve shown me how true love can really be.
I’m thrilled to discover that, with me and you,
It’s pure Technicolour, with the 'best seat' view

And they’ll be no more living in dreams,
And no more watching a screen,
All on my own at nights.
With all your home delights
The late night feature’s us
It’s not vicarious
Oh..how..I..love..you.

Now you’re here with me
I don’t need TV…
Life is real,
And I feel
This..love..we’re..sharing.

Let me petition and entreat your heart,
And let me audition as your leading part.
Now you’ve shown me love I never knew before.
My name’s up in lights, and there’s a star on my door.

Because now I’m living that dream
And now I know what love means.
Now you’re here with me
I just don’t need TV
Oh..how..I..love..you

Yeah, now I’m living the dream,
And now I know what love means.
Now I’m living the dream,
And now I know what love means.
Now I'm living the dream
Now I know what love means



(repeat and fade on last two lines)



The only trouble is - I don't suppose anyone but Brian Wilson could ever sing this!! I've also posted this under the 'Songs and Lyrics' discussion forum, although I don't quite understand how anyone can comment on lyrics unless they hear the tune - buy the CD (it's great!)


MICKEY