What is a Man / lyrics: Dave van Rijn / music: michael hermiston

michael hermiston
michael hermiston
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0
Published 2024-04-24
inspiration is a rascal! my friend Dave said to me a couple of days ago, on the phone, that he was very busy with work and that i wasn't likely to receive any lyrics from him in a long while...sure enough, the next morning, these arrived at my inbox...and although i haven't been inspired for a while, today this tune emerged.
m.h: vocals, trumpet, one hand piano, faux-bass, choir
lyrics:
(Am) What is a man
Without a (Dm) hammer or a guitar
In his (Em)hand, In his (Am) hand x2

Does he exist without (Dm) accordion, toolbox or(Em) Briefcase?
in his (Am)hand

(C)Who brings home a bushel of (G)Turnips,
(Am) who is it that strokes the forehead of a (G)child,

(Fmaj7)As he passes through the screen door
with a (G )swipe of his own forehead
and (Fmaj7) grabs the ice cold lemonade as (G) if without it he could not move another step.

(C)He knows that certain death is (D)waiting
around every (Dm) corner, around every (G)corner

(C)He knows that she might (G)walk out that screen door
for (F) good if he doesn't play ....(G) the harmonica, 

(Em)or fix the truck or get the taxes (Am)done on Time

Or if he (Dm)doesn't freshen himself before (Em)bed time,
and (Dm) rise up each morning to (G)get at the day,
(C) To bash around  his ghosts and (G)deal with the good people who are (Em) trying to hammer him at every turn in the (Am) road.
(E)
(Am)What is a man
without a bag of (Dm)tricks to make the bogey man go (Em) away
go (Am)away
as long as he has purview over your (Dm)world, (Em)
(Am)What is a man if he cant do (Dm)1 million chores and keep you (Em)safe for  the rest of your (Am)life?
A (Dm)man who will listen to what you need and won't (G)cancel the Order
All Comments (21)
  • @davidvanrijn3645
    Holy crap, you did it again, turned some peons blathering into a precious, solid, beautiful piece! I am so amazed and impressed that you can lift words off the page and make them fly into the channels of our minds, where they can have a life of their own that speaks to the colours and shapes of every mind. Thank you ichael!
  • @elisalouise2678
    So touching and beautiful and human ...... a MASTERPIECE. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .... Dave's lyrics in your hands, in your hands !!!!!!!!!!!! And now we wait for the sequel "What is a woman", if there is ever any difference :)
  • @alfonsdemunter
    Hallo Michael &Dave, this is a lovely original collab song and a great rendition. I like it a lot my dear friends ! 👍👍 BIG like. Fons wishes you all the best.
  • @CrawfishParish
    WoW, what a Song. Your Voice and these Lyrics...amazing. Thanks that you let me start my day with it.
  • That's life sometimes! But life has upsides too!👍👍👍
  • @CristinaS
    The lyrics and music are so beautiful, intense and profound, Michael and Dave. A jewel!
  • @beeetleboy518
    A wonderful melody and performance Michael also wonderful lyrics by Dave. Lovely visuals too. 👍👍🎸😎🎸 BB (👍 )
  • @garyschafer-thepickinpilot9010
    Deep and thought-provoking lyrics... and the trumpet is icing on the cake, Michael. Loved this, my friend 👏👏🎺🎺❤❤
  • @tokmind
    Congratulations, very good performance!!!!
  • I really enjoyed your new sharing and compo.. A pleasant performance.. See you soon.. Have a good day Danielle
  • @kidderminsterbro
    dearest michael and dave. i was completely captivated by every single lyrical utterance. peace, rich
  • @generations8401
    The way you put this together, and the way you deliver it, is simply beautiful Michael. Wonderful performance! Inspiration does come in waves, and sometimes unexpectedly. What a treat!!!
  • @alphadni
    Beautiful and touching song ! Like. Rosa
  • @onewomanandsomesongs
    Such a beautiful and reflective tune for manhood, Michael and Dave. The video is so well put together, and the lyrics and performance is top notch. A guitar and a hammer is a powerful tool. :) Janet