Well, Rosie's like a lot of folks She's just trying to stay afloat But she's got a broken boat She's a going down And Rosie's got her problems, friends She just tries to do her best Who's gonna do the rest She's a going down If god had longer arms, you know He'd reach on down to Rosie Reach on down to Rosie Reach on down (2) Etc...

This came out of a story in the Star Telegram about a guy that lived under one of the bridges near Trinity Park. I was angry at a reporter who did a story about him and it got him removed.

Talking about listening to "criticism:" A producer who lives down toward Houston called me one evening after he listened to , MY NEW SHORTS and he gave me advise on how I could and should "go ahead and finish," those songs. He had detailed suggestions for every one of them. I listened and thanked him for taking the time to listen and respond. Everything he said was sound advice about how to expand each of the short clips...one thing though, he missed the point of what I was doing. One GETS IT or one DOESN'T GET IT.

Another citizen of Lancaster street?

This is amazing. The vocals and instrumentation serve the song perfectly.

This Jack Hardy song is about one of Kerrvill's favorites. Gone now. Had a weekly song circle and spigetti feast at his apartment in New York for years. I nail his voice at a place or two. I also step a bit across the worshipful attitude line everyone had for him. He and I had an immediate connection. One night I was singing in some east Texas town and he was there, so, he got to hear my song before we lost him. Maybe the fact I was older than him allowed me a certain playfulness.

I kneel down on a calloused knee Hold my children close to me And I pray The Rich Man's Prayer It's not one that Jesus spoke That one turned into a joke So I pray The Rich Man's Prayer Not the prayer that Jesus said Not, "This day our daily bread." No, no, I pray The Rich Man's Prayer God only answers The Rich Man's Prayer I kneel down on a calloused knee Hold my children close to me And I pray The Rich Man's Prayer (C) 2011 Royal T Music

I had to go look up Jack Hardy, he's one I've missed somehow.

Okay, I need words and chords for this one, I like it. It sounds like something I've heard before, but I know I haven't, which is a good thing.

What's the twanging in the background? Upbeat song about pretty depressing topic.

The Great Depression is such fertile ground for songs, such great imagery that never seems to go out of style.

Such a great classic

Nola Lloyd Griffiths Wolley A story in a song - loved this ❤️

My next JMT song to learn. Then Ghost Town

Great to hear Barbara's voice again. I'm playing this for some colleagues.

Roland Brown That is beautifully done, Jim! Seriously vivid storytelling it with genuine pathos. ❤️ I’m sharing.

Linda Linder I really enjoyed this song. A story song. They are the best. You played and sang it Very nicely. Thank you.

Marion Flowering-Sun Great old couch tribute…old years of memories

Ken McIntyre Love this

Naad Kaur Khalsa OMG...you are way to cute! That was just so adorable and real....laughter and tears all at once

I hear ya, Buddy... but that guitar has incredible presence. (pyropool@earthlink.net)

"Plays out like a movie for me. Nice storytelling 👌" Vicki Me...Yes, but does the autism show? Vicki...Not necessarily. But the talent for music and creative expression coupled with the line voice of the narrator yearning to connect with others is pretty tell-tale imho It’s a recurrent theme. Even your social justice stance of anti-war. The outsider. The outlier. High intelligence and love of literature… Enter Vicki-Lee Peaceful nature Enter Vicki-Lee Vicki-Lee Cayrouse Not many other aspies have a handle on this too good. It would come down to sensory issues really. But if it’s not autism (Asperger’s syndrome) it’s probably something neurodivergent. And that could be ADHD (not always hyperactive presentation but more a neurology and the way you think) or bipolar (creatives) or something like sound synesthesia or dyslexia etc

If you don’t have Asperger’s syndrome or what is now known in the US as Autism Level 1 — I’ll eat my hat. It’s not to alarm or upset you, I just think we’re so like minded and you show so many traits. Your musical gift would then make you what’s called ‘twice exceptional.’ Look into it and see if it ‘vibes.’ Melbourne Vicki

Touching song...beautifully done. Thank you for listening to my songs.

Rafi Arkin said, "Great story and song. I didn’t listen to it all as I’m trying to get through more songs on the list, but what I did hear I liked and enjoyed reading the rest of the lyrics too. Thought some of the verse melody notes were a little obvious and I could see them being stretched slightly but that shows I was into it. Wish I could write song stories like that!"

Rosemarie Kempton said, "This is a song I could happily listen to over and over again. Great music and lyrics!"

"Powerful song." Rose Kempton

What an interesting combining of such desperate genres...

Love what happens @ 1:17.

You really capture late 60s here. Especially the keys...

ROCK & ROLL!!! Sooo clean!

Sparce and beautiful.

Some beautiful "awkward tinkering..."

Great track...and, you know it's true.

"This is wonderful. You are a chanteur." Alicia Gradson

Tony Cherry How did you get that voicing on this track? Keyboard?

Susannah Garza "Lovely"

"Beautiful song..." Bruce Balmer

Jeremy Menson - Guitar addicts "...brother I love this!"

Five songs in.... I remember listening to Food In My Belly already. So far I'm loving the harmonies. Fireflies. Cracked up listening to Dishes. Sure can relate. Nuno