• From: Starkville, Mississippi USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,069

Topic: "Box of Tools"

Here is another folkie manifesto from an old flower child.

Box of ToolsJames McCormick, July 9, 2007


You [C]need a box of tools to make your life complete


Basic skills and strategies to [G]keep you on you [F]feet.


You [C]learn 'em when you're little, use 'em as you grow


Simple lessons still apply es-[G]pecially when you're [F]old.


There [C]really is no mystery, just some simple rules


To make a real difference you [G]need your box of [F]tools. . .


You gotta have [Am]heart , [G] . . gotta have [F]smarts


[Am]Fortitude to [G]do what's got to be [F]done.


You gotta have [Am]cheer , [G] . . gotta [F]get past your fears


[Am]Courage to be-[G]lieve and over-[F]come . . .


With your [Am]box of tools the [G]game of life is [F]fun . . .


With your [Am]box of tools the [G]game of life is [F]won . . .


The [C]world is complicated, competitive and tough


The pompous and the jealous can [G]never get e-[F]nough.


They [C]claw their way to the top driven just by greed


Selfish and unscrupulous they'll [G]eat you to suc-[F]ceed.


There's [C]idiots and madmen, there's parasites and fools


To stay out of the food chain you [G]need your box of [F]tools.


You gotta have [Am]heart , [G] . . gotta have [F]smarts



[Am]Fortitude to [G]do what's got to be [F]done.


You gotta have [Am]cheer , [G] . . gotta [F]get past your fears


[Am]Courage to be-[G]lieve and over-[F]come . . .


With your [Am]box of tools the [G]game of life is [F]fun . . .


With your [Am]box of tools the [G]game of life is [F]won . . .


[C]I am an idealist, I work for freedom and peace


When we all act rationally the [G]wars and hate will [F]cease.


So [C]help the children grow up with independent minds


If they're thinking for themselves the [G]truths are there to [F]find.


Yeah [C]grow up to be thoughtful, hungry deep inside


To make the world a better place with [G]dignity and [F]pride.


You gotta have [Am]heart , [G] . . gotta have [F]smarts


[Am]Fortitude to [G]do what's got to be [F]done.


You gotta have [Am]cheer , [G] . . gotta [F]get past your fears


[Am]Courage to be-[G]lieve and over-[F]come . . .


With your [Am]box of tools the [G]game of life is [F]fun . . .


With your [Am]box of tools the [F]game of life is [C]won.



"That darn Pythagorean Comma thing keeps messing me up!"
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_comma[/url]

James McCormick's Website

  • Registered: 2007-07-14
  • Posts: 25

Re: "Box of Tools"

You have an amazing way with words.  If someone else or I tried to say this same point it would be very uninteresting.  In fact, for me this idea sounds uninteresting.  But you made it interesting.  I love it!  Great job again!

  • From: Starkville, Mississippi USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,069

Re: "Box of Tools"

Glad you found it interesting, Tone Obsession94.

This one went through many changes and tear-ups and start-overs before finally starting to come together.  Still not certain it says what I want it say - but it is 'done' for now.  I plan to record it this weekend.

Realized after posting it this evening that it sounds alot like Richard Thompson's "Beeswing" - a masterpiece by a consumate artist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K18xQgDS3U
Although the similarity was unintentional, I guess if I'm copying I might as well copy something fantastic.  James

"That darn Pythagorean Comma thing keeps messing me up!"
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_comma[/url]

James McCormick's Website

  • Registered: 2007-07-14
  • Posts: 25

Re: "Box of Tools"

Haha.  Great logic.

  • Registered: 2007-04-03
  • Posts: 3,489

Re: "Box of Tools"

" Beeswing" or any of Richards Thompsoms Stuff!
Bring It on James.   Re.  "Box of Tools! Everyone should have One of the finest quality!

Old Doll.

Why Blend in with the Crowd ? When you were made to stand out !
  • From: derbyshire
  • Registered: 2007-05-17
  • Posts: 2,844

Re: "Box of Tools"

another great song james.you certainly need tools in all aspects of life and you've portrayed it beutifully..

love is life ,life is for love,keep a true heart and live life to the full....stay cool

daddycool's Website

  • arkady
  • arkady
  • ambient moderator
  • Offline
  • From: England
  • Registered: 2006-11-23
  • Posts: 2,147

Re: "Box of Tools"

Hi James
Life Skills or as your song so nicely calls them "Box of tools" are needed by everone.
Like to hear you record it.

Regards

Ark

  • From: Starkville, Mississippi USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,069

Re: "Box of Tools"

My recording of 'Box of Tools' is now on my MySpace Music page.
Please give it a listen!
  http://www.myspace.com/r200james

"That darn Pythagorean Comma thing keeps messing me up!"
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_comma[/url]

James McCormick's Website