Hi, all:

Here's my latest collaboration with John Vaughan, who wrote these lyrics following the passing of a close friend. I'm determined to get better at mixing, so have sworn off taking on any new song projects until I YouTube myself to death on tutorials (lol), so be patient with me on this one. . . . but I think (and hope) it's well enough along to share. Thanks for the listen!

Here's the song:

Raise a Glass

Here are the lyrics:

Don’t want no flowers on my grave;
my life down on paper—the words will only fade.
Why not say those things to me when I’m still alive?
We’ve shared so many things, pal, now don’t be shy.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find a place to pass some time away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

Poor preacher one day has to eulogize me
though I’ve been a stranger in his church most of my life;
see, when my time comes to go . . .
just say my friend wasn't perfect—he told me so.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find some place and drink the night away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

I don’t want you going all down hill.
Go find yourself a new best friend.
But I’ll tell you straight right now
it will never be the same somehow.
Damn, my eyes are watering again.

Let’s raise a glass to us today . . .
two old friends who go back a long way.
With a bond sealed with memories,
old friend, you mean a lot to me—
Who knows who will go and who will stay?
Let’s find a place and laugh the time away,
and raise a glass to both of us today.

And here's the Band:

Drums: Shaker Even 8ths
Bass: Real 2488, Acoustic, Bowed Held
Guitar: Real 2936, Fingerpicking Folk Waltz Fintan
Guitar: Real 2533, Acoustic, Held Chords
Accordion: Real 1752, Rhythm Pop 8ths
Harp: Real 2775, Rhythm Celtic Waltz
Viola: Real 2336, Background Pop
Mandolin: Real 1875, Soloist County

(c)2019 John Vaughan/DJ Lekich