This is the latest from the Brown Road recording studio. I’ve been working on this song the last few days after a conversation Kim and I had recently about how people are always looking for something better, when in reality they have something really great right in front of them.
I’ve always been a “grass is greener” guy. So yeah, this song is pretty much about me. Probably about a lot of you too. In my case, I’m not talking about the basic measurable things in my life. I’m not talking about my relationships or my material possessions or my lifestyle. I just have this tendency to always be looking for some kind of fictional, transcendental level of satisfaction with my life, no matter how good it is. And it really is. I think it’s why a lot of us write or draw or sing or create or do whatever we do to feed that monster that lives inside of us.
So Kim and I were talking about this the other night. A few nights later I picked up my guitar and I had to write a song about it. Having now written a few songs, I find it interesting how overwhelmingly obsessing it can be once you have it in your mind to write about a certain subject. I can only imagine what it must be like to be a professional musician with a constant flow of lyrics and melodies swirling through your head.
So here’s The Grass Ain’t Always Greener. The lyrics are below.
The Grass Ain’t Always Greener
Spending your whole life
Trying to find what’s better
Chasing dreams you can barely see on the other side
Looking for a life
Deep with inspiration
Full of schemes that will always seem to build your pride
Building castles in the air
Impractical ambitions
Planting seeds that may never grow to see the light
Keeping track of time
Your clock is always ticking
You just need to always know you’ll be alright
‘Cause the grass may seem much greener when you look at the other side
If you glanced into a mirror, are you trying to run and hide?
There’s so much good around you, it’s just hidden in plain sight
And the grass ain’t always greener, when you get to the other side
Like brush strokes on a canvas
Vivid imagination
Painted dreams of chasing rainbows in your mind
Pacing through your days
Your mind is always racing
Romantic flights of fancy fill your time
Searching down a road
Forks at every juncture
No signs to guide you safely on your ride
Trying to find your way
Transcendent aspirations
If you could only see you’ve found your perfect life
‘Cause the grass may seem much greener when you look at the other side
If you glanced into a mirror, are you trying to run and hide?
There’s so much good around you, it’s just hidden in plain sight
And the grass ain’t always greener, when you get to the other side
Soooo…. is this song about you? Are you a “grass is greener” type of person?
The Brown Road Chronicles 
For the first time in my life, ever, I have now lived somewhere for five years. That has never happened. I’ve packed and unpacked so many times I could do it my sleep, and sometimes have, dreaming about old houses or schools, lost on roads in the middle of the night, battling icy conditions and missed turns. Yeah, my dreams are sometimes whacked. I like the lyric, “…there’s so much good around you, it’s just hidden in plain sight.” It is really nice to be at a point in my life when I recognize that. Now it’s time to make it better for someone else.
What a cool comment! I used to think that sounded glamorous, to always be somewhere new, living in different towns every few years, meeting new people, doing different stuff. Not a very realistic lifestyle probably. Glad you’re feeling settled. Going back to school probably helps. I love that one line in the song too. Thanks!
It’s not about having what you want, it’s wanting what you have. I’ve had so many miracles in my life that I’m content with where I’m at. Sure, winning the lottery would be great, but for the most part, I’m quite happy with who I am and where I am in my life. I think that contentment comes with age.
Hi Cheryl, you always have such good advice! 🙂
Oh! And I liked the song. 🙂
Love this!
Thanks! I’m kind of proud of it! 🙂
I’m not sure which I like more — the song or the story behind it. Aw, heck, they’re both awesome.
Thanks. The conversation popped up because Kim had heard a song that talked about the same concept of folks always looking for something new and taking for granted what’s right in front of them. She was describing the song to me and I said something to the effect of “well, the guy’s got a point…. sounds like me!”
The song was lovely. When will the CD be available?
Great lyrics and nice melody! I particularly like (and can relate to) the lines: “Pacing through your days
Your mind is always racing
Romantic flights of fancy fill your time”
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Megan!
Great song Bro.
Thanks! RM should record it! 🙂
Love the song. The lyrics remind me to calm the hell down about selling my book. I have a great life right now. Thanks!
Reblogged this on Raising Milk and Honey and commented:
This just brightened my morning.
Damn buddy, you just have all kinds of talent huh? That was great. In the next video though, I need you to do a “Kiss” song….lol
That has a nice n catchy chorus…I found myself humming along as I was trying to think up a post to write. Got…nuthin. Good to see your stuff, as always.
Thanks Spectra. I got nuthin much either lately.