Poetry by Carolyn Cantrell Snowden

verse 1
Some people prefer the cool mountains,
Crisp air, winding roads, and red clay.
Other people like living out west,
Cowboy hats, desert heat, dreams of fame.

verse 2
Some folks like places in the middle,
Farm land, quiet towns, and simplicity.
Plenty of people like an urban life,
Skyscrapers, busy sidewalks, and lots to see.

Chorus
But, I love living in Florida……
Wearing flip flops, and short sleeve tops,
nearly every day of the year……
I adore living in Florida……
Where it’s a “vaca” and postcards say,
“Wishing you were here.”

verse 3
There are beaches on Florida’s east coast,
and Florida beaches that span the west.
We have rivers and lakes in the middle,
Many occasions to need a life vest.

verse 4
If there is water, assume there are gators,
Sometimes, seasons go back and forth.
It’s a state that the further south you drive,
The more accents you’ll hear from the north.

Chorus
I love living in Florida……
Wearing flip flops, and short sleeve tops,
nearly every day of the year……
Thank goodness my home is in Florida……
Where it’s a “vaca” and postcards say,
“Wishing you were here.”

bridge
Our heat is rough,
The humidity’s tough,
whatever you wear,
you’re gonna sweat through.
But we stay sun tanned,
Hurricane parties are planned,
You’ll bleed Garnet and Gold
or bleed Orange and Blue.

Chorus
I love living in Florida……
Wearing flip flops, and short sleeve tops,
nearly every day of the year……
My home will always be in Florida……
Where it’s “vaca” and postcards say,
“Wishing you were here.”

outro
You can have a blast,
or watch a blast off…..
in Florida!
You can ride Space Mountain,
and spend a mountain of money…..
in Florida!
You can watch race cars,
or see racey bikinis…..
in Florida!
You can swim with dolphins,
or go to a Dolphin’s game…….
in Florida!
Wishing you were here…..
in Florida!

“Today”

verse 1
I got…..One or Two,
Three, maybe four….
hours of good sleep,
so, I’ll struggle for sure.
Today is only Tuesday….
not yet even almost there,
to the weekend …
and as I’m thinking ….
into my coffee cup, I stare.

verse 2
And I’m scrolling, scrolling, scrolling,
and wasting precious time.
I can tell the dogs
are getting antsy,
and on cue, they start to whine.
“Please, please, please walk us…”
(they both negotiate with me.)
I try to find the motivation,
and the missing energy.

chorus
Today is nothing special,
it’s the same thing,
on repeat.
I’m not complaining,
just explaining,
it’s like leftovers you reheat.
But, I’m still thankful,
for every blessing,
and that list is very long.
I have an attitude,
of pure gratitude,
there’s more going right,
than going wrong.

verse 3
I try to stay away
from politics,
because it’s just a vicious trap.
no heated argument,
or friendly debate,
will help to bridge
this country’s gap.

verse 4
I’d rather be outside
in nature.
I’d rather help my friend
in need.
We all harvest what we’ve planted,
so I choose wisely
every seed.

chorus
Today is nothing special,
it’s the same thing,
on repeat.
I’m not complaining,
just explaining,
it’s like leftovers you reheat.
But, I’m still thankful,
for every blessing,
and that list is very long.
I have an attitude,
of pure gratitude,
there’s more going right,
than going wrong.

bridge
Yesterday has already passed.
Tomorrow hasn’t happened yet.
All we have is right now, and so
we’ve got to live without regret.

chorus
Today is nothing special,
it’s the same thing,
on repeat.
I’m not complaining,
just explaining,
it’s like leftovers you reheat.
But, I’m still thankful,
for every blessing,
and that list is very long.
I have an attitude,
of pure gratitude,
there’s more going right,
than going wrong.

chorus
Today is nothing special,
it’s the same thing,
on repeat.
I’m not complaining,
just explaining,
it’s like leftovers you reheat.
But, I’m still thankful,
for every blessing,
and that list is very long.
I have an attitude,
of pure gratitude,
there’s more going right
than going wrong.

“Time Machine”

verse 1
If it’s a song by The Cure…
we’re four friends rebelling for sure,
smelling of cigarettes…
mixed in with some sunscreen.
We’re “Blistering in the Sun”
Covering up what we have done,
That was the summer that I turned 16.

verse 2
If it’s a song by Sublime,
I was having a college-life good time,
living carefree in the sorority house,
We’d be out on the strip,
with Yellowhammers to sip,
then on the sleeping porch
as quiet as a mouse.

chorus
Like a big time machine,
That’s what music is to me.
I might be here…..
But really I am gone.
Every single melody,
is a great memory,
documenting my life…..
with all my favorite songs.

verse 3
If it’s Earth, Wind and Fire,
I’m with my one heart’s desire.
married to him for 19 solid years.
But if it’s “Crash” or “Watch Tower”,
like one big superpower,
back in time, my old crushes appear.

verse 4
It feels like 1990 something,
when the Beastie Boys are thumping,
in my car, just driving down the street.
Then instantly I’m age 10,
dancing with my childhood best friend,
to Ah-Ha’s song “Take on Me.”

chorus
Like a big time machine,
that’s what music is to me.
I might be here,
but really I am gone.
Every single melody,
is also a great memory,
documenting my life…..
with all my favorite songs.

bridge
Give me some “License to ill”
And some”Margaritaville”
Give me “The Gambler”
Then “Electric Avenue”
Then put on “Kerosene”
follow that up with “Jolene”
and then put on “Pictures of You.”

chorus
Like a big time machine,
that’s what music is to me.
I might be here,
but really I am gone.
Every single melody,
is also a great memory,
documenting my life….
with all my favorite songs.

chorus
Like a big time machine,
that’s what music is to me.
I might be here,
but really I am gone.
Every single melody,
is also a great memory,
documenting my life…..
with all my favorite good songs.

outro
It is the music of my life.
They are the songs that made me, me.
Music is healing for the soul,
Music can make everyone feel free.

D-O-L-L-Y

Lyrics by cc Snowden (me)

verse 1
With her long, painted nails,
she strums a harpsichord’s strings.
But the magic starts to happen,
when this brilliant woman sings.

verse 2
From the Smokey mountain foothills,
to Country Music’s hall of fame,
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone,
who doesn’t know her name.

chorus
To the world she is D-o-l-l-y,
Nobody does it better,
Even though some may try.
The Lord outdid himself,
and truly blessed us one and all,
with this GIANT standing 5 feet tall.

verse 3
Wearing her big, blonde wigs,
to compliment her gorgeous face,
She entertains audiences for hours,
always appreciating her fan base.

verse 4
But, if someone should call her “tacky,”
She’ll give a zinger they can keep,
And says, “Well, it’s expensive
just to look this cheap.”

chorus
To the world she is D-o-l-l-y,
Nobody does it better,
Even though some try.
The Lord outdid himself,
and truly blessed us one and all,
with this GIANT standing 5 feet tall.

bridge
She gave us “Coat of Many Colors”
“Nine to Five” and “Jolene”
“I will Always Love You”
and “Islands in the Stream”
Many timeless tunes and lyrics,
tattoo our hearts and minds
There is ONLY ONE D-o-l-l-y.

outro
Not every legend makes the books,
Not every hero wears a cape,
It might be a big-busted woman,
That helps your life-long dream take shape.

chorus
On this earth she is D-o-l-l-y,
Nobody does it better,
Even though some try.
The Lord outdid himself,
and truly blessed us all,
with this GIANT standing 5 feet tall.

chorus
Thank God for Ms. D-o-l-l-y,
Nobody does it better,
Even though some try.
The Lord outdid himself,
and truly blessed us all,
with this GIANT standing 5 feet tall.

The 904

verse 1
Let me tell you a little story,
about my 904…..
You may think you already know it,
or have heard it all before.

verse 2
But …this is my own perspective,
cause it’s where I was born and raised,
I have decades of great memories,
That I’m still here makes some amazed.

chorus
In my 904 ….there’s a river flowing north,
And seven bridges to get across.
We have a downtown that’s SLOWLY changing,
And old oak trees with Spanish moss.
It’s a big, small town, on the Georgia line,
and I’m so proud to call it mine.
I like to travel, visit and to explore,
but I love calling home the 904.

verse 3
We have beaches, parks and art museums,
We have concerts, sports and bars,
We’ve got places to ride some horses,
And even places to race some cars.

verse 4
There are free dog parks and cat cafes,
We’ve got a zoo that wins awards.
We’re proudly home to Lynyrd Skynyrd,
and other bands that topped the billboards.

chorus
In my 904 ….there’s a river flowing north,
And seven bridges to get across.
We have a downtown that’s SLOWLY changing,
And old oak trees with Spanish moss.
It’s a big, small town, on the Georgia line,
and I’m so proud to call it mine.
I like to travel, visit and to explore,
but home will always be the 904.

bridge
I hear the critics and opinions,
and I have friends that left for good.
Other grasses might be greener,
But sometimes this place is misunderstood

chorus
In my 904 ….there’s a river flowing north,
And seven bridges to get across.
We have a downtown that’s SLOWLY changing,
And old oak trees with Spanish moss.
It’s a big, small town, on the Georgia line,
and I’m so proud to call it mine.
I like to travel, visit and to explore,
but home will always be the 904.

outro
It’s a big, small town, on the Georgia line,
and I’m so proud to call it mine.
I like to travel, visit and to explore,
but home will always be the 904.

Michele with one L

verse 1
She pours the cold beers,
and she cracks all the jokes.
She can repair the deck rails,
and she can tie up the boats.

verse 2
She is quick with her wit,
and she keeps the night going.
Everyone that has met her,
thinks she is worth knowing.

chorus
She is Michele with one L,
And she’s eager to please.
She can do all of the jobs….
of five gentlemen with ease.
So, be sure that you tip her,
and please tip her well….
She’s the heart of the Dockhouse
She’s Michele with one L.

verse 3
If it’s a story you’re wanting,
she’s got lots of good ones.
She’s been there and done that,
Experiences she sure has tons.

verse 4
Don’t be alarmed by the big dog,
that follows her footsteps.
That’s Drifter, her bar dog,
Hoping it’s your food that he gets.
(but don’t feed him!)

chorus
She is Michele with one L,
And she’s eager to please.
She can do all of the jobs….
of five gentlemen with ease.
So, be sure that you tip her,
and please tip her well….
She’s the heart of the Dockhouse
She’s Michele, with one L.

bridge
When the weather is calling
the boater come crawling….
Michele is ready and happy
to serve them without stalling
If it’s cold beer or some wine
or a cold glass of sider
You’ll want to drink it
on a barstool beside her…..

chorus
She is Michele with one L,
And she’s eager to please.
She can do all of the jobs….
of five gentlemen with ease.
So, be sure that you tip her,
and please tip her well….
She’s the heart of the Dockhouse
She’s Michele with one L.

The Man that Sketches the Bands

verse 1
Seated in a patio chair,
Facing the band that’s playing there,
A man with a long, white beard,
Begins to sketch, while I stare.

verse 2
First some lines up and down,
Then some more curving ’round.
and soon I recognize,
the charcoal guitarist strumming sound.

chorus
He sketches while listening,
To all the bands as they sing,
they’re unaware of the artwork,
on the paper that he brings.
It’s always different and unplanned,
and he does it all freehand.
Just a man with a long, white beard,
That sketches all the bands.

verse 3
Sometimes he quietly sings along,
To a familiar cover song.
He’ll pause to sip his drink,
with the band still going strong.

verse 4
After the last call and encore,
Everybody heads towards the door.
The man packs up his art,
Knowing he’ll be back for more…

chorus
He sketches while listening,
To all the bands as they sing,
they’re unaware of the artwork
on the paper that he brings.
It’s always different and unplanned,
and he does it all freehand.
Just a man with a long, white beard,
That sketches all the bands.

chorus
He sketches while listening,
To all the bands as they sing,
they’re unaware of the artwork
on the paper that he brings.
It’s always different and unplanned,
and he does it all freehand.
Just a man with a long, white beard,
That sketches all the bands.

“It Is Finished”

verse 1
Up on a hill and on display…
your body hung there,
so broken,
a rescue mission on its way

verse 2
As hours passed, and your lungs gasped,
Believers just watched and wept.
A blameless man, who came to die,
A plan their hearts could not accept.

Chorus
But, Jesus, YOU!!!!….
Saw it through!!!!
The king of kings,
on earth diminished.
The gift of grace,
of YOU in OUR place,
And with your words,
that “It is FINISHED.”

verse 3
In a tomb, secured by a stone,
your body laid there in rest.
The world was changed,
Not just when you died,
But for what would happen next!

verse 4
A risen man, as was the plan,
From the tomb you walked away.
On that third day, Mary heard you say,
“Rejoice! Do not be afraid”

Chorus
Because Jesus, YOU!!!!….
Saw it through!!!!
The king of kings,
on earth diminished.
The gift of grace,
of YOU in OUR place,
And with your words,
that “It is FINISHED.”

bridge
We don’t deserve this gift….
We cannot repay our debt….
You conquered sin and death,
So eternal life we’d get!!!!

last chorus
Lord, Jesus, YOU!!!!….
Saw it through!!!!
The king of kings,
on earth diminished.
The gift of grace,
of YOU in OUR place,
And with your words,
that “It is FINISHED.”

Comfortable in my Skin

I’m ok with me, you see……
I’m not trying to fit in.
And it’s ok if I’m not your type,
I’ll still be comfortable in my skin.

verse 1
There once was a time,
when I cared too much,
Approval really mattered,
I craved acceptance and such.
But wisdom and truth,
finally came with age,
I realized…..”I am who I am”….
and I could just turn the page…..

Chorus
I’m ok with me, you see……
I’m not trying to just fit in.
it’s quite alright if I’m not your type,
I’ll still be comfortable in my skin.

verse 2
I have plenty of days…..
when I’m feeling high,
There still are days…..
That I might feel real low.
There are times that I
need some friends,
Other times, I like being alone.

Chorus
I’m ok with me, you see……
I’m not trying to fit in.
it’s quite alright if I’m not your type,
I’ll still be comfortable in my skin.

verse 3
The birds don’t worry,
if they’re singing too loud,
And squirrels don’t ask
if I think they’re getting fat.
Nothing in nature,
second guesses themselves,
So I’m choosing to be like that!

chorus
I’m ok with me, you see……
I’m not trying to fit in.
it’s quite alright if I’m not your type,
I’ll still be comfortable in my skin.

bridge
I’ll be a happier me,
and I’ll be more carefree,
when I trust that God,
designed me as-is….
Giving me talents and quirks
And yet all of it works,
to be part of the plan that is HIS.

chorus
I’m ok with me, you see……
I’m not trying to fit in.
it’s quite alright if I’m not your type,
I’ll still be comfortable in my skin.

outro …
I embrace who I am….
because there is a master plan.
I’m as unique
as a falling snowflake.
Though, perfect I’m not,
I’ll celebrate what I’ve got,
because even with flaws,
I’m not here by mistake!

last chorus
I’m ok with me, you see……
I’m not trying to fit in.
it’s quite alright if I’m not your type,
I’ll still be comfortable in my skin.

Today Will Be a Good Day

Wishing You Were Here