What To Do With Me

4 Comments

Tags:
  • Loss
    • ,
  • Emotional
    • ,
  • Love

    Poem Commentary

    OK..  This is a little lesson in collaboration.  I sent "My Hands" to Laydbak1 (who also has an account here on originalpoetry.com) because I know him to be an accomplished songwriter.

    I asked him if there was a country western song in there somewhere.  I guess he saw it as well, because he not only helped whip it into shape, but put it to music!  It's my favorite song now!

    So compare, if you will, "My Hands" with this Laydbak version of the same poem...

    gmcookie

    What To Do With Me

    You can download an mp3 of Original Poetry's own Laydbak1 singing this song here:  http://www.glennmeisenheimer.com/what_to_do.htm  Just right click on the link to the mp3 and select "save as" and you can save the mp3 to your machine.

     

     

    Well, I don't know what to do with my hands,

    I keep hidden in my pockets here all day.

    Well, they’re callused and they’re hard

    All my struggles left them scarred

    But they held a few fine things along the way.

     

    And, I don't know what to do with these tears.

    I keep tryin' to hold em’ back the best I can.

    But, every time I speak

    They go rollin’ down my cheeks.

    Sometimes it’s just hard to be a man.

     

    Chorus

    I wish I knew what to do with me today.

    Well, I try but nothin‘s workin‘ out okay.

    And I don’t know where I’m bound,

    If I’m lost or just not found.

    I wish I knew what to do with me today.

     

    And, I don't know what to do with my heart.

    I’ve fought it half to death far too long.

    The more I hold it back,

    Well, the wider that it cracks.

    And, it’s harder by the minute holdin’ on.

     

    And, I don't know what to do with my love

    I swore to you that it would never fail

    And it haunts me every night,

    That I didn’t treat you right.

    Now every day’s a walk through livin’ hell.

     

    Chorus

    I wish I knew what to do with me today.

    Well, I try but nothin‘s workin‘ out okay.

    And I don’t know where I’m bound,

    If I’m lost or just not found.

    I wish I knew what to do, with me today.

     

    Thoughts of you run through my mind,

    Memories of a better time.

    It’s just too bad it all had to end.

    Or I’d know what to do with me, again

     

    Chorus

    I wish I knew what to do with me today.

    And I try but nothin‘s workin‘ out okay.

    Well I don’t know where I’m bound,

    If I’m lost or just not found.

    I wish I knew what to do, with me today.

    Yes, I wish I knew what to do with me today.

    Poem Comments

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    rsalassi commented on What To Do With Me

    08-27-2010

    I just listened to Doug Jackson's rendition and am most impressed with both the lyrics and his plaintive voice. His gravelly voice and style, his music, and your lyrics all make this a helluva song, Glenn. I'm saving it for certain moods, knowing I'm gonna make it through the night.
    Reply to Comment

    gmcookie

    08/27/2010

    Richard, Doug is a regular on this site and writes under the pen name laydbak1. As for the gravelly voice? He assures me that he had a cold. But I like it like that.. hehe

    rsalassi

    08/28/2010

    I kept trying to think of whom he reminded me...and it's Waylon Jennings. He should keep that cold if he can. It's a very distinctive sound.

    Paolo commented on What To Do With Me

    06-23-2009

    Here is a work I want to read over and over and tickle out the music that is wisely placed in this work. I know now this work has been placed to music and for me that is a must hear and a must read. I will read this work again.
    Reply to Comment

    laydbak1 commented on What To Do With Me

    06-15-2009

    I think you edited in some nice changes... I suggest you singing it acapella about two dozen times, often that helps me with phrasing in each line, so eventually you'll hear the - best fit - in the lyrics to meter into the musical melodies... You did a great job on bringing this idea into the light.. Just wished I'd thought of it first... lol... Great job my friend...
    Reply to Comment

    gmcookie

    06/16/2009

    In all due respect, Laydbak, this wouldn't have happened without your help, my friend.

    The true philosopher and the true poet are one, and a beauty, which is truth, and a truth, which is beauty, is the aim of both.

    Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Poet (1803-1882)

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