Time’s a road we all travel
With the same destination
Some reach it without warning
And many without salvation
I’d ridden along with you
But not as often as I’d wish
And I’d love one more trip
Even if it’s just to go fish
Up at the crack of dawn
You’d already have your plans
Making sure they were met
With your strong and sturdy hands
You knew wrong from right
And you knew truth from lies
Always a welcome sight
Sad how I see time flies
We weren’t ready for you to leave
But I guess God had another notion
And who am I to question
He who set the world in motion?
With you upon my mind
You know I felt you shake me
Just that one little sign
I know you’d never forsake me
I hear you in the radio
I heard you in that song
Just like a black hole sun
Your warmth was just as strong
And then the shooting star
To guide me upon my way
Set me on the path of giving
Never shall I stray
You knew no strangers
Every person was a friend
And you scarcely felt anger
Every problem you’d try to mend
And forever I shall miss you
And always shall I try
To be half the man you were
‘Til we reunite in the kingdom in the sky.
-Tyler Woodbridge
01/05/11
Lyrics I Wrote to a Song by my Rock and Roll Band; Sons of Our Fathers
Thunder echoes across the hills
Chimes warble in the wind
Dark night lit up by a crack of lightning
Branches they crack and bend
While safe inside we watch through the window
Telling stories ‘bout days gone by
And I’m loving every thing you do
Each word, every laugh and sigh
I know you’ve got your heart set on another
But I can’t help but pray
That perhaps you and I
Could be the wind and the ran someday.
Even as I work and toil
You’re still upon my mind
I manage to hear your name
In each song the radio finds
And as I watch the dark clouds gather
I think, what a sight
Wishing you’d be watching them with me
Wishing I could hold you tight.
I know you belong to another
But I can’t help but say
That I’d love for you and I
To be the wind and the rain someday.
-Tyler Woodbridge (6-12-10)
Lyrics I Wrote to a Song by my Rock and Roll Band; Sons of Our Fathers
Give me a secret to keep
I’ll stay mum and let it grow
Tether and bond all you like
Soon signs will start to show
Show me the way to your heart
But I’ll chart a different course
Find my path there in the end
Take you back to the source
It’s a great day to begin again
Just like we’ve never met
I shall fall for you at first sight
Let go of my regret
Lightning comes, lightning goes
The wind stops, and then it blows
Trust me with all you think I can hold
Make up your mind and then break the mold
Friends first and now to here
Memories made will be so clear
In my mind, and in my dreams
Open my soul at its seams.
Show me the way to your heart
But I’ll chart a different course
Find my path there in the end
Take you back to the source.
-Tyler Woodbridge (6-12-10)
Lyrics I Wrote to a Song by my Rock and Roll Band; Sons of Our Fathers
Dance with me through the last starlight
Before the day breaks to the sound of
People stirring to lay waste to their dreams
Wander with with me, wonder what it all means
As Christs blood spilled would He know
That so many would forget His gift
Yet it flows through to this day
Come up through as I pray
Laying pen to paper and putting music to song
Bards and minstrels disappear with centuries
Every song has a start, an inspiration
Dreams are born through frustration
Cut down by fates worst reckoning
Stars snuffed out before they can shine
Fortune favors the bold or so I’m told
My fire’s gonna shine ‘til I grow old
Sons of our fathers
Cradle to the grave
Can’t promise tomorrow
So embrace the day
Sons of our fathers
Products of the past
Before we fade away
Make this moment last
Watch as time goes by
Passing us as we breathe (It’s gone)
Gasp as family falls
Taking away what we need (It’s gone)
Blink before you see
Clear away your fears (AWAY)
What are you here for?
Think before you move
Preserve your life today (TODAY)
Know, YOU’RE NO GOOD DEAD!
Sons of our fathers
Cradle to the grave
Can’t promise tomorrow
So embrace the day
Sons of our fathers
Products of the past
Before we fade away
Make this moment last
Lie down beside me and tell me that it’s okay
Take my hand and promise that you’ll be fine
Gather my accomplishments and the seeds I’ve sown
Water them, treat them well, see through that they’ve grown
I know a better place awaits me in the end
I’ve lived a dynamic life, I truly can’t complain
But as the lights grow dim all else becomes clear
My life flashes before me as that one last breath draws near
I wouldn’t be where I was if not for those before
Now I know how my father felt as his father too
I will be joining them in the arms of God
Pave my life’s course, chart where I’ve trod
Share with everyone exactly what I did
Kneel before the altar and pray that I’m safe
I’ll be around to bless you as my fathers bless me still
Never stop chasing dreams, fight for that thrill
Sons of our fathers
Cradle to the grave
Can’t promise tomorrow
So embrace the day
Sons of our fathers
Products of the past
Before we fade away
Make this moment last
-Tyler Woodbridge (6-12-10)
Rising bright and early just to race the dawn
Testing his strength just to say he’s that strong
Braving torrid summers and ice cold winters
Time-torched hands and metal splinters
Just another part of that big machine
But his crooked smile still has a sheen
That says he’s fine with just where he stays
And that’s where he will be until the end of days
The young ones come and the old ones go
The leaves will fall and the streams will flow
Through the years one man will stand
Without a seal, stamp or brand
He will never be rich but he’ll never be alone
He won’t gamble with dice he’s never thrown
And as the world continues to change around him
He will just adjust those chains that bound him
He’s a heartland hero
Persevering through the roughest times
A strong man here to
Prove that in the end it’s all just fine
The heartland hero
He had his dreams when he was young
But he was quick to learn that under this sun
Not everything will grow to be how it was planted
And the decisions he made can’t be recanted
Just like his father’s father and those before they
There’s a code to follow and a law to obey
Family comes first and the world comes second
So work for them, love with reckless abandon
He ain’t been out of this valley for a decade or more
He’s grown numb to the pain, he’s no longer sore
His purpose is clear and his mind is devoted
He’s never bragged and he has never gloated
The world may look at him like he’s a common man
But there’s one thing they won’t understand
His wisdom comes not through books but through years
His face is dirty, never cleansed by tears
He’s a heartland hero
One of the few proud to be
A strong man here to
Work hard without sympathy
The heartland hero
The sun will set and that last bell will ring
He’ll hang his hat, listen to ol’ Bruce sing
Smile to himself and have a last sip of joe
He may not be rich but he will always know
That when the sun sets in the very end
His legacy will never break nor bend
For while he may never be well known
He will be proud that the world was shown
You don’t need a degree to be well-learned
And money made is always money earned
You don’t need a mansion to be right at home
And as long as you’ve got your pride you’re never alone
You don’t need to be wealthy to feel like you’re blessed
And you don’t need an “A” to pass the test
Though the world does not know your name
You’ve made a mark, so don’t feel no shame….
The heartland hero.
-Tyler Woodbridge
11/17/08
(via poker)
MY LUCKY HAND
It’s been some time since I’ve seen you
I know you watch over me every day
It seems my whole world’s come apart
Since you’ve went away
But I know it’s for the better
I can’t question how or why
I can still make you proud
All you asked is that I try
And I will still wear your quilt
No matter how old I grow
I will always think of you
When I see cardinals in the snow
It’s been some time since I’ve known you
I realize we could’ve been close
The more stories I hear about you
I find I resemble you the most
You always made me laugh and smile
No matter what I wanted or done
It’s a legacy of cheer and charity
You’ve given the gift of fun
And I will still turn the pages
Whether it be fast or slow
I will always think of you
When I hear the train whistle blow
I thank God you’re still around
Lord knows you’ve been through the thick
Whenever I see your smile
I pray you never grow sick
Your art has always intrigued me
Your hugs have given me hope
Your laugh rings through my ears
And your words help me cope
I will be there for you
In your times of sorrow and need
I will always think of you
When hummingbirds come to feed
A rock and a pillar of comfort
Holding up my dreams
You’re a friend and my biggest fan
At least that’s how it seems
Whether telling stories or sharing meals
You’re a fresh piece of humanity
Durable, solid, and strong
A shield from the insanity
I owe you much for your gifts
And how you’ve been so tough
All of you have been amazing
I can’t think of you enough
Giving so thanklessly
Taking so little in return
Through your examples
You’ve helped me learn
Whether you’re here or gone
Whether I’m right or wrong
Whether it’s dusk or dawn
Whether I’m weak or strong
You’re a part of me, and I smile
Every step of every mile
What you’ve done has paved the way
For me to be who I am today
Thank you.
(via thisisnotjon)
“When the game is over, the king and the pawn go into the same box.” —
~ Italian proverb
(via vestwad)
[video]
(via vestwad)
(via vestwad)
1. My earliest memory is of my mom pushing me in a little yellow bucket swing on a bright spring day in my backyard, singing my “ABC”s with me and counting.
2. The first birthday I can remember is my 4th birthday. I received a monster truck board game.
3. I was obsessed with dinosaurs from birth, practically, until about the age of 10.
4. I owned literally every action figure from the first Jurassic Park movie.. I think I still do.
5. It thrilled me when my first band agreed to call themselves The Dennis Nedrys. Dennis Nedry is a character in Jurassic Park.
6. I take pride in being a team player, a role player, the person that does what nobody else wants to do; if it means getting the job done. I’m the guy who “takes one for the team.”
7. I HATE MUSHROOMS AND COCONUT
8. I remember being 4 and “cruising” with my dad in his car, jamming to Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” and Van Halen’s “Panama,” and me responding to the latter by saying “Dad! That’s a country!”
9. I also recall jamming to a ZZ Top record with him.
10. The first three ROCK albums I ever bought were with my first ever paycheck, which I earned being the mascot for the Chillicothe Paints. The albums were greatest hits compilations from ZZ Top, The Doobie Brothers, and Van Halen.
11. I decided to check out The Doobie Brothers because of a Simpsons episode that had a funny reference to them.
12. Lisa Simpson inspired me to take up the saxophone.
13. I’ve been a NASCAR fan longer than I have anything else. Except maybe dinosaurs and reading.
14. My mom began teaching me how to read and write at the age of 2.
15. My mom and I have co-authored dozens of books. They were all created when I was between 4 and 8.
16. I had a slight Colorform obsession.
17. I first had iced coffee with Casey Wolfe and Ansel Benson. I had no clue what I wanted from McDonald’s one day so Casey told me to drink an iced coffee. He created a monster! Now coffee is my favorite beverage.
18. I didn’t have my first kiss until the age of 17.
19. My first car was a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, green.
20. The first record I ever played while driving it was Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits.
21. Vince Tropea once said that he hears Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded” in his head whenever I enter a room.
22. I’ve been on the front page of the Chillicothe Gazette at least three times, and have been within the pages many a time.
23. I accepted Jesus Christ on December 13th, 2004.
24. I’m a charter member of Lighthouse Baptist Church.
25. I played a year of football at Wilmington College, but I barely played.
26. We played against current Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon, and I was a teammate of LeRoy Kelly Jr.
27. I bought an X-Box on 8/8/08.
28. I met my first love on Halo 3.
29. I used to be a mainstay on the Top 100 Wheelman list on HaloCharts.
30. I’ve wasted the most time playing Halo 3, Age of Empires II, SimCity 3000, and the Madden Football series in my life.
31. I believe I can do anything I want to in this life, I just need opportunity and money to get my dreams kickstarted.
32. As a kid, every payday I ‘d ask my mom to buy me a toy. She told me I didn’t need any more toys. I saw a loophole and I would say, “Mommy, can I have a book then?” That helped boost my love for reading.
33. My favorite fast food restaurant is Taco Bell.
34. My favorite sit-down restaurant is California Pizza Kitchen.
35. I have a constant fear of dying young and/or being forgotten, even though I have no fear whatsoever of the actual afterlife.
36. I don’t think I discovered who I was until after high school, and matured much later than many people my age.
37. I was a mailman for three months.
38. My favorite record is Marillion’s Misplaced Childhood.
39. My favorite color is teal.
40. I want to travel the world.
41. My first concert was Journey/Def Leppard in Cincinnati, Summer of 2006. I went with Derek Kuhner and Scott Miller.
42. On the way there we drag-raced a convertible filled with hot women down the highway as Van Halen’s “Panama” (that song is everywhere in my life) blared through my speakers. Kuhner proclaimed “We’re living in an damn music video!!”
43. One of my clearest memories is the entire Chillicothe Cavaliers Basketball 2008 State Championship Game.
44. Inspired by Ren and Stimpy, as a young child I kept a “magic nose goblin” collection.
45. My favorite TV show is The Simpsons.
46. My favorite movie changes constantly but if I had to pick, it would be Jurassic Park or The Land Before Time for sentimental reasons.
47. I take my iPod with me everywhere.
48. I think my best talents are creative and journalistic writing, traditional lyric writing, organizing events, and playing Texas hold ‘em poker.
49. I used to be addicted to gambling. I’ve got that under control now.
50. I’ll never ever forget holding my two baby sisters for the first time.
51. My sister Hayley was born premature and needed extra medical attention. That scared me so much. She ended up being okay.
52. I’m sad that my sisters and I are a generation apart in age, that keeps us from being closer.
53. I wore the numbers 53, 70, 76, 79, and 84 in football. My favorite was 53, I wore it all four years of high school. I consider it my lucky number.
54. I’m interested in medieval culture, politics, history, and warfare.
55. I also want to learn as much as possible about Native Americans, World War II, and The Civil War.
56. I bought my first guitar from Pete Sabatini. The first song I learned, er segment rather, was the intro to Bob Seger’s “Mainstreet.”
57. When I bought my bass the first songs I tried to learn were by Rush. Big mistake for a beginner.
58. I want to learn how to play piano.
59. I love birdwatching, stargazing, hiking, and fishing.. but I don’t get to do these very much.
60. I have an obsession with Italian sub sandwiches.
61. I want to learn how to paint and draw cartoons/comics.
62. I used to be into powerlifting.
63. I believe in extraterrestrial life.
64. I vote not by party line, but by the situation.
65. I think the death of Officer Larry Cox was the worst thing to happen in Chillicothe in my lifetime.
66. My favorite sports team is the Cincinnati Bengals.
67. I want to become a high school teacher, then work my way to becoming a professor. The whole way I want to pursue side projects in novel writing and music making, and perhaps one day start my own studio or restaurant.
68. I decided to make a 16 hour round trip to go to a NASCAR race last year with Danny Russell, with only 36 hours notice.
69. I admit to enjoying the music of Lady GaGa.
70. My first celebrity crush was Shania Twain.
71. I’m a firm believer in The Golden Rule.
72. My favorite beer is Guinness; Extra Stout.
73. I want to own a motorcycle someday.
74. Why stop there? I want to own a NASCAR team.
75. I intend on being responsible with my money if I ever start making enough to save.. so that one day I could do the above, haha.
76. The best concert I ever attended was Porcupine Tree in Cleveland, 2007.
77. Most of my closest friends I didn’t get close to until late in high school, or after graduation.
78. I love epic science-fiction/fantasy sagas.
79. I’d love to be a pilot but my vision is absolutely horrible.
80. So is my sense of smell.
81. I won two Power of the Pen Regional competitions in middle school.
82. I want to take up photography.
83. My grandparents are awesome, I love them.
84. I’d love to be on Survivor, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Jeopardy, and The Amazing Race.
85. I’m a beast at Scrabble.
86. The physical feature I’m proudest of is my teeth.
87. I love roller coasters.
88. My favorite songs are “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, “Shine” by Collective Soul, and “Africa” by Toto.
89. I’d love to own every DVD of The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, The Office, Scrubs, and several other series… because I never really watch TV.
90. I’d also love to watch more English Premier League Soccer.
91. I love clean guitar tones and meaty distorted riffs just the same.
92. If I ever become wealthy I intend on giving back. I believe all humans deserve the same opportunities, if they’ve worked hard for them and been good to others.
93. I don’t think I’ll ever get a tattoo.
94. I want children of my own, but only when I’m financially stable and mature.
95. I’m afraid of hospitals even though I know they’re there to help.
96. I’ve never flown other than a 30 minute small-plane tour of Ross County.
97. I want to drive in an auto race someday.
98. There’s going to be another 100 random facts and memories one day, don’t worry.
99. I’ll always take time out of my day to talk to anyone who wants to have a good conversation, no matter who they are.
100. I really, really like my last name and have a slight obsession with it.
(via postsecret)
Read between the lines
You’ll be sure to see your reflection
Listen to the silence in my song
That’s the sound of your rejection
Try to block out your memories
I’ll just keep coming back through
Even in an abstract dimension
I’ll find my way back to you
We’ve been apart for awhile now
Barely seen you nor heard your voice
I’ve been missing you more than youth
We all know feeling is not a choice
I can’t explain my love for you
How it grew, or how it was shown
However dark you may be at times
You were that bright sun that shone
Call me tonight on the phone my dear
I’d love to hear you say my name
Comfort me with your courtesy
Strike me down with your blame
Even if in anger or in sadness
Hold nothing back, I insist
I just want to know you’re there
I want to know that you exist
Fall into my arms, let yourself go
We’ll summon another day and age
Your words are the key to my essence
Help me break this rusty cage
You’ve woven yourself into my life
Both the knitter and the thread
Sustained me with your love
Both the water and the bread
I cannot help but feel
That if we give this one more go
Every minute of our life
Will feel like that kiss in the snow
Time may erase some wounds
But time chips away at health
Come together with me soon
The heart’s where to find the wealth
And the warmth to keep us well
The shelter to keep us from harm
I’ll provide all for you, my dear
So long as you provide the charm
Now twirl like you know you want to
Dance as if you lack the care
You know I know the girl within
Life’s short; do as you dare
Free will makes us human
Humans are a wink and a shimmer
You’re here, I’m here, we’re alive
Let’s let this love glimmer.
-Tyler Woodbridge
01/20/10