Liner Notes for the Nancy Cook CD "Focus"

THE “FOCUS” RECORDING PROJECT

Lyrics, musicians, acknowledgements, and studio credits

If you are reading these liner notes, chances are you have already purchased my CD. Thank you so much for supporting my music. Just a few words about this recent project…I am calling this my “hybrid” CD.

First off, it’s a mix of my newest original music, and the best of my last few releases. I have completely sold out of my four earlier albums, and I still get requests for songs from them. But I wasn’t comfortable pressing reprints of the earlier releases simply because at some point, CD’s will go the way of 8 tracks and cassettes, and I don’t want to wind up with a closet full of really expensive Frisbees. I am hoping that this compilation/new release mix works for everyone—though I realize some of you have all my releases (bless you!) and will wind up with a few “repeats.”

I am also calling the CD a “hybrid” in terms of the enviro-slang impact of the word. With regard to the environmental impact of my music product, I wanted to have as small a carbon footprint as possible. I had considered going with 100% digital download format with this new release. (Yes, you can download this entire CD directly from Picklehead, BTW). But after quizzing friends and fans, I realized that many of us are still not computer wizards, and lots of folks wanted something tangible to take home from a live performance, which is where most of my CD’s get sold. So my compromise solution this time around is minimal packaging and maximum number of songs. With a little finagling, I was able to use absolutely zero hard plastic on the package and about 75-80% LESS paper product. I opted for no shrink wrap for the same reason. Plus, the CD weighs less than half of its conventional counterpart, so energy costs are saved in shipping. Are you feeling good about this? I am!

So right here’s where you will find all the information that would normally take up great deal of paper in the CD package. Scrolling down, you will find all the song lyrics, and information about the songs themselves. I have listed the wonderful musicians who shared their talent on each song, too.

I especially want to thank Ed Billeaud at Snowflake in Breckenridge and Dick Orleans at Giant Track in Estes Park for their enormous help with producing these songs. They brought so much insight and creativity to all of the songs you are listening to right now.

Dennis Rogers once again made magic with art for the CD package. All the musicians who played on these songs went well above and beyond—especially my pal Sam Broussard out there in Louisiana—thank you Sam! May your karma account flood like a levee in a hurricane.

Thanks to my co-write cohorts Larry Keen, Dan DeMars and Susan Bianco. I hope these arrangements will make you proud.

So...Here’s the info on each song: Who wrote it, what inspired it, who played on it, where it got recorded, and what the heck is she really singing?

Enjoy. And again, thank you.

OLD MEXICO

Words and Music: Nancy Cook and Larry Keen

Larry and I wrote this song when he was really in need of a tropical vacation.

...and yes, he had actually managed to trash his cell phone in his coffee cup…

I insisted we get that in the song—listen for it!

Nancy Cook: steel string acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: mandolins, nylon string guitar

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO 2009

Another day stuck in the city

Another night workin’ overtime

Till all I want to see in front of me

Is a shot of tequila and a lime

But we never seem to get it together

No we never seem to get away

Now I’m bankin on a change in the weather

Lookin for a sunny day in…

CHORUS

Baja California, I hear a mission bell

Isla Mujeres, or maybe San Miguel (just get me)

Over the border, and out to sea

Goodbye cruel world

Let the wind and the water carry me…

To Old Mexico

We could use a little change in location

I could use a little change of pace

You can send me on a long vacation

All we gotta do is pick the place

Because every single thing’s gone wrong today

But I’m gonna get two of them right

Toss my cell phone in my cup of stale coffee

Once I book us a midnight flight to

REPEAT CHORUS

BRIDGE

Just close your eyes, and imagine the view

And the feel of a tropical breeze

A paradise, with nothing to do

No one here but you and me

With dolphins playin’ and palm trees swayin’

Gentle waves caress the shore

Who could ask for anything more than:

REPEAT CHORUS

One fine mornin’ I’ll fly away

Over the border, to a sunny day…(repeat and fade)

MILE AFTER MILE

Words and Music: Nancy Cook and Larry Keen

Another favorite collaborative effort with Larry…

I truly believe a great “relationship test” is a really long road trip in a really small car, really full of stuff!

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Sam Broussard: acoustic guitar

Nancy MacDowell: cello

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

Way up on a hillside, far from city lights

we watch the day fade away, gently into night

the mountains glow with the setting sun, hypnotizing me

I see an acre of time for those who find a place to let love be

And there is heaven in the sunset

a love song on the breeze

for all their beauty they still can’t carry me

the way that you do with your good morning sunrise smile

my dear companion

mile after mile

Way out on the desert, just you and me alone

prairie land gives way to sand and Arizona stone

a cool wind sweeps the canyon, with tumbleweeds dancing in line

coyote croons to a rising moon and pulls us out of time

there is heaven in the moonlight

a love song on the breeze

for all their beauty they still can’t carry me

the way that you do with your good morning sunrise smile

my dear companion

mile after mile

Now I know that I could go a thousand miles away

and never find the peace of mind I have right here today

California coastline where I thought the road would end

bonfire blazing on the beach as darkness descends

your skin still warm from the sunshine, and the fire we have made

I see the road of love goes on far beyond today

there is heaven in the firelight

a love song on the breeze

for all their beauty they still can’t carry me

the way that you do with your good morning sunrise smile

my dear companion

mile after mile

WHAT SHALL I DO

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

What if Jesus, the Buddha (or insert your biggest inspiration here) had a cell phone and an 800 number—

what would YOU ask?

Nancy Cook: all acoustic guitars, vocals

Sam Broussard: lap steel, orchestral strings

Gail Smith: synthesizer and piano

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

What shall I do while I'm waiting for you

What shall I do while I'm waiting….for you

My dear child so beloved to me

my dear child, oh why can't you see

for all this time, for two thousand years

while you’ve been waiting, I've been here:

In all of your brothers, and your sisters too

the lowest of creatures, so whatever you do

whatever you choose to do, to the least of these

whatever you do...you do to Me.

What shall I do while I'm waiting for you

What shall I do while I'm waiting….for you

My dear child so beloved to me

my dear child, oh why can't you see

for all this time, I've been right here

but while you're waiting:

won't you feed the hungry in your midst, clothe the naked against the cold

give the stranger a welcoming kiss, and comfort to the old

I am all of your brothers, and your sisters too

the lowest of creatures, so whatever you do

whatever you choose to do, to the least of these

whatever you do...you do to Me.

when you feed the hungry in your midst--I am here

when you give the stranger a welcoming kiss--I am here

when you clothe the naked against the cold—I am here

When you’re giving comfort to the old--I am here

I am here

I am here.

I’LL NEVER FORGET TO REMEMBER YOU

Lyrics: Susan Bianco and Nancy Cook, Music: Nancy Cook

For Sgt. Peter C. Neesley (born 1-11-79, died in Iraq 12-25-07)

Thank you Susan, for sharing your heart in such a lovely way for this song.

Nancy Cook: all acoustic guitars, vocals

Nancy MacDowell: cello

Gail Smith: piano

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

We were only six years old when I first saw your face

But I remember….like it was yesterday

….And time flew…seems like overnight you grew

Into a handsome man who took my breath away

Looking in your eyes gave me butterflies

And your sweet words…your kisses on my skin

In your uniform, you were called away

From so many dreams that should have been

We never said goodbye You didn’t want me to cry

Now I have to let you go My companion, my hero, I miss you so

You’ll stay in my heart my whole life through

I’ll never forget to remember you

(INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE)

We never said goodbye You didn’t want me to cry

Now I need to let you know My companion, my hero, I still miss you so

You’ll stay in my heart my whole life through

I’ll never forget to remember you

Love is patient, love is kind

But love is cruel in war time

You’ll stay in my heart my whole life through

I’ll never forget to remember you

to remember you

POSTCARD IN THE SAND

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

Often requested as “the personal space song” I found out the hard way be careful what you wish for!

Lucky for me, my partner has a sense of humor and a whole lot of faith in our "thang."

Nancy Cook: all acoustic guitars, vocals

Gail Smith: synthesizer and piano

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

There was nothing I could say to explain my getaway

From telephones, traffic jams and you

So I just disappeared in search of blue sky and Mexican beer

I was amazed by what I found to be true

I wish you were here Now don’t that beat all?

I wish you were here The farther I run, the harder I fall

I wish you were here I know you’ll understand

When I write you a postcard in the sand

A flock of hungry birds watches as I write

My message at the edge of the sea

I will trust the tide guided by the moon

To get this to you from me

I wish you were here Now don’t that beat all?

I wish you were here The farther I run, the harder I fall

I wish you were here I know you’ll understand

When I write you a postcard in the sand

Like a message in a bottle

Like a prayer released on the wind

It takes a grain of faith to just let go

And believe you’ll know

I wish you were here Now don’t that beat all?

I wish you were here The farther I run, the harder I fall

I wish you were here I know you’ll understand

When I write you a postcard in the sand

SHUTTERS ON MY SOUL

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

This one’s a long time favorite.

I was attempting to express how the mystery we call “Divine” is impossible for me to understand,

it refuses to be in anybody’s box, but yet won’t let me run away.

…Lucky me.

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic and slide guitars

Chris Engleman: bass

Nancy Cook and Dick Orleans: atmospheric and percussion design

Recorded at Giant Track, Estes Park CO

Used to be I held no credence for things I could not hear or see

but there were questions without answers tugging like a beggar at my sleeve

so I stumbled through this lifetime pretending I was in control

still that nagging voice would whisper

through a crack in the shutters on my soul:

You are proud, cynical and fearful

you are rooted in the dark

but freedom comes with surrender

to the love already living in your heart

In a cage of logical perception

in the shadows of a tightly closed mind

I would claim no confidence in angels

or in miracles that happened all the time

and with a deepening sense of isolation

tighter to possessions I would hold

still that nagging voice would whisper

through a crack in the shutters on my soul

You are proud, cynical and fearful

you are rooted in the dark…

Bridge:

I cannot pinpoint some magical awakening

some days it’s back to how I used to feel

then the light of your Spirit

in a stranger’s eyes reminds me: You are real

And like a patient lover waiting

with gentle arms ready to enfold

Your still small voice will whisper:

Open up the shutters on your soul

You are proud, cynical and fearful

you are rooted in the dark

but freedom comes with surrender

to the love already living in your heart

THIS GIFT OF TODAY

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

A thank you note to the Universe…

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: mandolin

Chris Engleman: bass

Bonnie Carol: marimba, congas

Nancy Cook and Dick Orleans: additional percussion design

Recorded at Giant Track, Estes Park CO

I feel like I’m sailing on a warm summer breeze.

without a care in the world.

I cannot name this thing that triggers release.

why waste precious time to even try.

And I know it won’t last,

it never has in the past.

why let it bother me?

I’ve grown tired of digging for answers,

in cold hard rocky ground.

I feel the rhythm of my life and I’m still a clumsy dancer.

now I’m learning from my friends and the open sky:

It’s not some future treasure to be found,

it’s here it’s now,

this gift of today.

Bridge:

There’s no need to cross my fingers,

no need to knock on wood.

It’s not about the outcome

it’s beyond what’s bad or good…

Good days…bad days come and they go.

all I can count on is it all will change.

and most of these changes are far beyond my control.

when I push my plans too hard they never go my way.

Still I know it won’t last,

it never has in the past.

why let it bother me?

And I’ve grown tired of digging for answers,

in cold hard rocky ground.

I feel the rhythm of my life, I’m still a clumsy dancer.

now I’m learning from my friends and the open sky:

It’s not some future treasure to be found,

it’s here it’s now, this gift of today

this gift of today

this gift of today…

ASHES

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

I will never forget a young fan telling me that this song made her sweat.

That made my day. Enough said.

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic and electric guitars

Chris Engleman: bass

Birgit: backing vocals

Nancy Cook and Dick Orleans: percussion design

Recorded at Giant Track, Estes Park CO

The curve of your chest

Silhouette of your shoulder

Rhythm of our breath

Sweet smell of skin

And I touch you

And I taste you

Primal fire leaves nothing to say

Ashes for the wind to blow away

The ticking of the clock

Traffic on the street

Evidence of the outside world

Far beyond our candle’s reach

And I touch you

And I taste you

Primal fire leaves nothing to say

Ashes for the wind to blow away

This is the very best part of my day

When we conjure the power of two

We speak without words the language of love

It’s just between me and you

The curve of your chest

Silhouette of your shoulder

Rhythm of our breath

Sweet smell of skin

And I touch you

And I taste you

Primal fire leaves nothing to say

Ashes for the wind to blow away

away

blow away

HOW DO I TELL YOU

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

Right after 9/11, I hear a report on NPR about the confusion and fear enveloping Afghanistan when we began military strikes there. Through an interpreter, a journalist was interviewing fleeing villagers who had no real idea what was going on globally.

They just knew to run. But where?

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic lead guitar

Chris Engleman: bass

Ed Billeaud: drums

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

I read in a newspaper story

you cannot understand

why the bombs are falling again

why a landmine destroyed your son’s hands

till now you’ve never heard of New York City

and the terror they’ve been through

you’ve been told that many people died there

now somebody’s after you

…and your children

I’ve gotten used to sending love in postcards

through phone lines, on computer screens

tell me how do I get this to you now

past explosions and terrified screams

how do I tell you I ache for your children

afraid to look up in the sky

how do I tell you these things from far away

with these words from my heart, I will try

here in my safe little haven

I try to picture your face

and send out this message

to a distant hopeless place

praying compassion

can bridge the chasm of war

with only love, no easy answers

to what the fighting’s for

I read in a newspaper story

you cannot understand

why the bombs are falling again

why a landmine destroyed your son’s hands

how do I tell you I ache for your children

afraid to look up in the sky

how do I tell you these things from far away

with these words from my heart, I will try

to tell you to tell you to tell you

YOU’RE NOT MINE

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

A group of Tibetan monks visited our community in Colorado, and shared their wonderful sacred art of sand painting, creating lovely Mandalas which were then reverently destroyed, demonstrating the reality of relentless change.

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic guitars

Chris Engleman: bass

Bonnie Carol: marimba

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

I will walk with you through the mountains

I will walk with you through time

I will never lose you

as long as I never own you

I’m not yours and you’re not mine

I have painted countless pictures of the future

My brushes dripping with vivid desire

A canvas collection of petty dreams and disappointments

consumed with a purifying fire

I will walk with you through the mountains

I will walk with you through time

I will never lose you

as long as I never own you

I’m not yours and you’re not mine

I’m still painting pictures of the future

These days I only paint them with sand

Every night the wind blows

and that’s all it takes

To remind me of where I stand

I will walk with you through the mountains

I will walk with you through time

I will never lose you

as long as I never own you

I’m not yours and you’re not mine

BE STILL

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

The original version of this song was inspired by my friend and spiritual mentor Mary Johnson.

When she died in 2002, I altered the lyrics to specifically honor her memory.

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic guitar

Chris Engleman: bass

Bonnie Carol: hammered dulcimer

Gail Smith: synthesizer strings, backing vocals

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO 2005

She’s had a good life and plenty

in this beautiful place and time

but she still feels a longing

deep down inside

so she’s paying attention

with her heart and mind

Recognition is stirring

it will not be denied

she’s moved out on the threshold

where the old world falls away

to reveal a sacred place

where she might hear You say

Be…

Be still

Be still and know…..

Be still and know I am

Be still and know that I am God

A lifetime of changes, a lifetime of grace

And a wide open heart to match the smile

on her beautiful face

Teacher, mother, lover and friend

Sowing compassion

like seeds on the wind

She’s moved out on the threshold

where the old world falls away

to reveal a sacred place

where she can hear You say

Be still

Be still and know…..

Be still and know I am

Be still and know that I am God

and everybody has a story,

with a quest for protection

embedded in the page

but she knows it’s an illusion

for as cozy as we make it

it's still just a cage

Now guide us to the threshold

where the old world falls away

to reveal a sacred place

where we might hear You say

Be still

Be still and know…..

Be still and know I am

Be still and know that I am God

Abba,

Ruah

Sophia

Maitreya

Om Mani Padme Hum

IT’S MORE

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

A happy blues song for my husband.

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic guitar

Chris Engleman: bass

Karen Petereson: piano

Ed Billeaud: drums

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

It’s more than just the touch of your hand

it’s more than how you love me like nobody can

these things that tie me to you

I still don’t understand

you know how to take me

past distractions of the day

you smile and you breathe

and blow them away

till there’s nothing left between us

not a single word we need to say

like the songs we hear in silence

the things we see in the dark

the way you know without asking

secrets tucked inside my heart

And it’s more than just the touch of your hand

it’s more than how you love me like nobody can

these things that tie me to you

I still don’t understand

these things that tie me to you

I still don’t understand

BRISTLECONE PINE

Words and Music: Hugh Prestwood

The best way I know to describe the beauty of my Colorado mountain home.

Thank you Mr. Prestwood. (Recorded with permission.)

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Chris Engleman: bass

Gail Smith: synthesizer strings, piano

Recorded at Snowflake, Breckenridge CO

ROAD BY ROAD

Words and Music: Nancy Cook

For years I struggled with the “ siren call” of the Road. There is something really intoxicating about setting out alone with your guitar, a map, and a string of gigs in brand new places. On the other hand, there’s only so many times you can feel okay about coming home with $35 and a day old bagel to show for it.

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Randy Kelley: acoustic guitar

Chris Engleman: bass

Bonnie Carol: congas

Nancy Cook and Dick Orleans: atmospheric and percussion design

Recorded at Giant Track, Estes Park CO

Ooh I feel your face and hands

in a lonely motel dream

soothe this reckless rider, and keep me

from coming apart at the seams

And it’s road by road, town to town

stage by stage, setting up, tearing down

road by road, by road by road

town to town

Common sense says call a halt

to this fast and furious pace

my train’s about to jump the track

and I’ve lost all sense of place

So it’s road by road, town to town

stage by stage, setting up, tearing down

road by road, by road by road

town to town

Rolling through the darkness, familiar forms fade

night reveals a different world to carry me away

And it’s road by road, town to town

stage by stage, setting up, tearing down

road by road, by road by road

town to town

SKIING THE BLUES (the bonus track)

Words and Music: Nancy Cook and Dan DeMars

Dan came up with the idea for this one snowy night in Breckenridge.

That’s how we became friends, and this song has brought countless smiles to so many folks over the years.

Hooray!

Nancy Cook: acoustic guitars, vocals

Dick Orleans: lead guitar

Recorded at Giant Track, Estes Park CO

Well I’m off to Colorado, away from the daily grind

to a Rocky Mountain vacation, I got skiin on my mind

I’ll trade in my shoes for some toe jammin boots

you can keep your double back diamonds—I’ll be skiin the blues

I don’t wanna keep skiin them green trails I’ve been stuck there too many years

I just got to make some progress, it’s reducing me to tears

this ain’t no news—I wanna be skiin the blues

then you could call me intermediate (I’d be proud) to be skiin the blues

Bridge

Well they say no guts, no glory—I believe it’s true

and if you’re right behind me those are my guts you’re skiin through

why do I come back here each season, I could easily wind up dead

smacked against a pine tree with a ski pole through my head

I fantasize ‘bout black diamonds, poppin moguls would make me feel cool

I could look like king of the mountain,

mostly likely just a fool

till then we’ll cruise—we’ll be skiin the blues

I’m comin back here next year—

I’ll be skiin the blues

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