Hi, all:

So when James and I first started thinking about collaborating, he sent me, along with "I'll Love You, Always" (posted earlier), a mix of instrumentals he had been working on. And then, I think perhaps as an add on, James also sent a few poems he had recently penned. The opening lines of one of those poems struck me, particularly given the environment we all find ourselves in . . . so I picked up my guitar, and from there this song was born. The poem was titled "Hand in Hand with Me," but for hopefully obvious reasons, we've decided to change the title of this song to "Wake Me Up".

In its construction, I ended up using the third verse of James' poem as a chorus, and then to give the song some sense of build as it progressed, worked in three key changes. I had originally planned a Paul Simon "Graceland" (African) type vibe supporting this, but ended up veering in a somewhat different direction, hopefully retaining an intended degree of some rock element.

Anyway, here's the culmination of it all. Hope you enjoy it.

Here's the song:

WAKE ME UP

Here are the lyrics:

Oh, wake me up when these strange times are over;
when foolish things have ceased to be.
We’ll walk around and tarry a while,
while you are here, hand in hand with me.

Oh, wake me up when the madness is gone,
and you are back and here with me.
Come, take my hand—and make life worth living—
and stay, if you can, hand in hand with me.

The days are gone when we walked together
in pastures fresh, with sights to see ...
Oh, take my hand, for love is worth having
And stay, if you can, hand in hand with me.

The night is dark and endless, I fear—
and time’s ahead, where you may not be.
By morning's light, I’ll dream once more
of the only love who is meant for me.

Oh, wake me up when you’re back once more
And call my name so tenderly . . .
I’ll gaze upon the sweet soul you are,
And pray, hand in hand, that you’ll walk with me.

The days are gone when we walked together
in pastures fresh, with sights to see ...
Oh, take my hand, for love is worth having
And stay, if you can, hand in hand with me.

Oh, wake me up when these strange times are over;
when foolish things have ceased to be.
We’ll walk around and tarry a while,
while you are here, hand in hand with me.

And here's the band:

Guitar: RealTracks 900: Acoustic, Strumming FolkRockWaltz
Guitar: RealTracks 898: 12-String Acoustic, Strumming FolkRockWaltz
Guitar: RealTracks 862: Electric, HardRockWaltzSustain Strummed
Guitarron: RealTracks 2823: MariachiWaltz
Mandola: RealTracks 3127: Rhythm AmericanaFolkWaltzAndy
Mandoin: RealTracks1430: Rhythm PopWaltz
Vocals: RealTracks 3064: Vocal Oohs, Rhythm Pop3-part
Drums: PopRockWaltzMarch