“Don’t you think it’s time?”
Written by hootenannie on July 26th, 2010Last night, I was working it at the gym with my iPod on shuffle, when this song came on.
Lazy Summer Love by annieparsons
Honest to goodness, I had all but forgotten that I ever wrote it.
This old demo made me remember what it felt like to write songs before anyone ever told me I was doing it wrong. When I had an idea, I just wrote. Unreserved. I didn’t “know” enough to “know” what was wrong with my writing – which is what made it ME.
I miss that me.
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve written anything, music-wise. I don’t even want to say how long, for fear of no longer being able to call myself a songwriter.
But I’ve been getting inspired again (why does it take senseless, underwhelming man-drama to stir it up? And yes, that is all I’m saying). I have ideas. I even think they’re good ideas.
And I want to write them.
These ideas have been bothering me for awhile now – like a stray hair that gets stuck to your shirt somewhere between the armpit and the elbow, brushing against the back of your arm, out of sight and out of reach. Phantom pains. Rogue apparitions.
It’s time for them to materialize.
So I’m telling you. I’m going to write them. I’m going to finish them.
Hold me to it.
Just don’t tell me how to do it. This is going to happen my way.
26
AM
Yes, I do think it’s time.
Can I be honest here? There was a certain fresh, personal quality in those demo songs, a quality that sadly got “produced” out in the EP.
I am looking forward to hearing whatever it is that is tickling the back of your arm, man-caused or not.
26
PM
I finally got my husband to listen to your EP (he’s one of those people who can’t be told he’ll enjoy something – he has to come around on his own time). And now, whenever he comes into the kitchen while I’m doing dishes he starts singing – YOU guess which song :)
Anyway he was having a hard time believing that you don’t do music all the time – he says you write 10 times better than most of the drivel he has to listen to. He’s very opinionated – so it must be true!
26
PM
I like The Bug’s husband’s opinion of your music. He’s spot on, and I appreciate so much that it’s not just your mom who loves your songs.
Write away, dear one! It’s a gift!
26
PM
So good to read this. Makes me feel like I should try dusting off my guitar, coaxing my callouses back, and try for a new one too.
Love you friend– happy song-writing.
26
PM
I have a hair that always gets stuck in a place like that! If your blog posts are any indication of your songwriting talent, I say BRING IT ON!
26
PM
A) I love your new FB pic
B) Why is it that *wanting* to write is so different from *writing*? I have this same problem with my fiction pursuits. I feel full of ideas, and yet so rarely take the time to put them to paper. At least now you’ve blogged your desires and have a bunch of people holding you accountable! hah
26
PM
Yes, go with your gut. Cookie cutter songs are over-rated.
I mean, Frank Sinatra “Did It My Way”… and I think it worked out for him okay.
Love you.
26
PM
ps… I put together a “Cooking” mix… and almost all of your songs are in there somewhere. ;o)
26
PM
I hate those seemingly phatom hairs…you know they’re there…but gosh if you can find the darn thing to pick it off. I haven’t heard any of your music, but I’ve written a few songs, and its a wonderful experience, so GO FOR IT!
26
PM
I love this post! I have been feeling the exact same way about writing. It’s scary and I am having to wipe the dust off but I’m so excited. I’ll hold you to it if you hold me to it :) I can’t wait to see/hear what comes out of this. Write away! PS Your profile pic makes me so happy gorgeous girl! I am in Michigan and have decided I need a fun hairband like yours for when I go kyaking.
27
AM
This makes me so happy! Get out there and have fun! I can’t wait to see the beautiful things that are bound to happen.
27
AM
Yes – write more songs! I love this one. And your EP is still in heavy rotation over here. More Annie-music in the world is a Good Thing.
3
PM
I think this was one of the first songs of yours I ever heard you sing and I was sorely disappointed this track didn’t make it to the EP. Thanks for sharing it again. I’ve still got the EP on my MP3 player and am listening to it all the time. Can’t wait to hear what you’ve been writing.