Truly delightful! Love the lyric and the rhythmic groove - beautifully done.
Y'all have a great collaborative chemistry.

Uncanny!

Arkady, I'm a tad on the old side too!  My grandfather used to say it all the time - he was really old! He told about when he was a kid and saw an airplane for the very first time. As kid, I watched the NASA moon landings with him on TV.

Russell, thanks for visiting my page. Since I discovered how to fully activate my recording microphone (after using it improperly for a year!) I have been re-recording some songs. I hope to record 'Elbow Grease Blues' very soon.

I agree with the idea that being able to read helps to open new doors and adds to one's appreciation of the art of making music.  I was lucky to learn to read music at an early age.  It is not an essential skill, but it helps immensely.

Unfortunately, some formally-trained musicians become far too dependent on having notes on paper.  These 'paper trained' players freeze up and freak out unless everything is spelled out for them on a musical staff.  In extreme cases these players are totally lost without a music stand - even if they 'know' the music they can't just play without the paper.

I really like what owlboy said, "the best way to read music is to write it".  Invent a tune then figure out how to write the notes and rhythms.  Excellent advice.

Singing is all about sufficient air. Probably when you first wake up your voice is just not limbered up all the way yet.

Singing tips: Your voice is connected to your gut. Breathe from the gut. Stand up to sing. Good posture helps you to take in a full tank of air. Your voice is a muscle - it takes practice to strengthen and train your voice. Warm up your gut and voice by doing long tones and roller coasters (slide slowly way up and way down). Also, sing scales and intervals and vary the volume from very quiet to full tone.

Lots of water will keep your pipes healthy (caffeine is not good for your singing voice). If you smoke, quit. Find the range of tones that resonate in your head, throat, chest. Focus on producing clear steady tones - volume will come with increased control. Open your mouth and throat - you can't sing if your jaw is clenched shut. Learn to sing vowels and enunciate consonants.

Lovely lyric, Roger.  The simple musical arrangement complements the song very nicely.

Question - What's the white stuff in bird poop?
Answer - It's bird poop!

Love it!

Arkady, I like that interpretation - thanks!

Hi dino48,
A delicious dilemma!  A agree that if the instrument is very valuable that you should tell them about that fact.  But to offer them money might be seen as an insult - so make them aware of it's potential value and graciously accept the gift if they want to bestow it on you.

For non-players, old instruments may have a high degree of sentimental value that is more important than any possible monetary value.  The idea of converting that sentimental value into money may be distasteful.

If they decide to give you this gift, you should do them the honor of learning who it belonged to and how it came into their lives.  Ask a lot of questions and let them tell you all about the history of the guitar and it's former owner.  There are probably many stories they would love to share.

I ride my bicycle to work and back most days.  I also ride here and there for fun.  I don't zoom in and out of traffic like an urban bike messenger - I ride safely and follow all traffic laws (with my bike helmet strapped around my brain).

People talking on cell phones scare me - they are NOT paying full attention to the ever-changing flow of traffic.  I have had close calls with drivers who are entirely too wrapped up their conversations.

Also, I support seat belt laws.  Minor incidents can have dire consequences for people who are not properly restrained.

Driving is an inherently risky activity - alcohol, distractions, excessive speed, and foolhardy driving increase the risks tremendously.

I understand what you are saying, bonedaddy.

The intention here is not to 'ban' entire topics.  Rather, it is to remind people that if any discussion degenerates into pointless squabbling then the topic will be closed or zapped.

I agree that any song that stimulates thoughtful discussion is a good thing.

James