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The current free song download is "At Grandma's House", a bonus song not on the CD. Enjoy! |
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Music
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Girl Inside the Woman All songs written by Paula McCulla *Written by Paula McCulla and Joyce Goodwin © 2006 Paula McCulla Songs “In a weak moment I have written a book,” - Margaret Mitchell 11/19/1935.
I’ve never attempted to write a book, but in a weak moment I have written a song. In another weak moment, I recorded and produced a CD of those songs, (Oh Lord help me, I had no idea what I was getting into.) Well, for better or worse, here it is. I’ve heard it said, “You never really finish a recording, you just finally give up;” so true.
God’s best always! Love Paula |
| Boy Crazy |
| This is an interesting example on how music has a lot to do with the magic of the moment. I tried to demo this song a number of years ago and I wasn’t happy with the results. During the recording session for this CD it was getting late. We had several more songs to do, but they were slower songs and the musicians were getting tired. On a whim I pulled this song out, not really planning to, but it was just what the guys needed to get the creative energy going again. In fact, after we finished recording it, they said “Thanks for that song!” To me that was the greatest compliment. |
I was raised in the age of Nixon
Watergate and all that stuff But politics couldn’t hold my attention Me and my friends had our minds on love We dreamed of bein’ Marsha Brady Set our hair on orange juice cans On Saturdays we watched the Monkeys I was Mickey Dolenz’ number one fan Chorus:
We were Boy Crazy
A little lazy like most kids are
We laid around dreamed up lovers
Underneath the summer stars
Our lives were set to Beatles’ music “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” On Friday nights we went out cruisin’ “Boy I want to hold your hand” We were Boy Crazy
A little lazy like most kids are We laid around dreamed up lovers Underneath the summer stars We wore bell bottoms, beads, and turquoise Just like the kids these days Life seems to run in circles Some things never do change We were Boy Crazy A little lazy like most kids are We laid around dreamed up lovers Underneath the summer stars |
| Like Thelma and Louise |
| If you’ve ever had a best friend, then there’s no explanation needed for this song. How I came to write it was rather spontaneous. I was home alone and the movie Thelma and Louise was on TV, and I thought “that is so much like my best friend Gina and I.” Although we didn’t shoot anyone or drive off the Grand Canyon we were involved in our share of mischief. Interestingly enough, people often tell me I look like Geena Davis and my friend Gina’s a brunette like Susan Sarandon. |
We met in kindergarten way back when
I’m fortunate to know you My best childhood friend Although we live in different states We still stay in touch So, when I go down to Florida I always look you up Chorus Like Thelma and Louise We were joined at the hip Two peas in a pod That hasn’t changed a bit I guess I was the crazy one You were the tease But we were young and wild and free Like Thelma and Louise You know I hated high school Half the time I didn’t go Remember you got mad When you had to go alone One day you got the nerve And we both skipped Wouldn’t ya know your mama caught us And man did you get whipped Chorus (We) weren’t very popular, but we didn’t care We had each other yeah you were always there To make me laugh like a hyena… (Girl) I miss you Gina Like Thelma and Louise We were joined at the hip There’s no one out there like you girl You’re such a trip I thought I was the crazy one, but I think you’re worse then me We still feel young and wild and free Like Thelma and Louis I wish I could go back in time And somehow it would freeze To when we were young, and wild, and free Like Thelma and Louise |
| The Ride of My Life |
| Being married to a “serial entrepreneur” this song is a no-brainer! |
One sunny day in the middle of June
I was your bride, you were my handsome groom We cut the cake – I threw the bouquet In a shower of rice we drove away Somehow that car became a roller coaster And that ride still ain’t over Chorus You’ve taken me on The Ride of My Life For better or worse – side by side We’ve seen the world from upside down Twisted and turned then came back around You’ve taken me on the Ride of My Life We slowly climbed our way to the top And found out it was a straight down drop All we could do is take a big deep breath Then raise our hands scared to death Oh, we’ve had some near disasters There’s been bumps, but there’s been lotsa laughter You’ve taken me on The Ride of My Life For better or worse – side by side We’ve seen the world from upside down Twisted and turned then came back around You’ve taken me on the Ride of My Life We’ve had a couple of kids along for the ride We’ve come so far, had some real good times Now, it’s back down to me and you We’re doing the things we always wanted to And, I guess there’ll be some grandkids comin’ Oh baby, won’t that be something You’ve taken me on The Ride of My Life For better or worse – side by side We’ve seen the world from upside down Twisted and turned then came back around You’ve taken me on the Ride of My Life |
| You Just Do |
| This song is pretty typical of how I write. I have a title and I sit down at the piano to begin to find a melody that works. This is pretty much a process of evolution. I might play the song “fifty” times until I find exactly what feels right. It’s interesting to listen to my work tapes and see how the song started and where it ends up. My daughter Megan, got married this year which makes this song even more special to me. |
Yes, I guess I am a bit surprised
By the question you have on your mind You wanna know, how to know When love is real Sweet girl, I wish it was a simple thing Like in the movies when they hear bells ring But birds don’t sing – if anything – it’s how you feel Chorus You Just Do what’s in your heart Take a breath, then you start You hope, you pray, feel your way Into each others arms Somehow you know this love is true You Just Do Love’s a mystery that’s for sure You give it all away and then there’s more Your heart is full and it’s beautiful To watch it grow And when he looks at you, you know he sees Exactly who you are, so you believe He’s the one, the only one And you can’t let go You Just Do what’s in your heart Take a breath, then you start You hope, you pray, feel your way Into each others arms Somehow you know this love is true You Just Do |
| Love, Love, Love |
| Being a romantic at heart and reminiscing about how young love feels, the chorus of this song just came to me one day on my daily walk to Starbucks. I’ve written a lot of songs while walking. |
You got that funny feelin’, the one that’s so surreal and
You’re like a feather in the wind You just keep gettin’ higher, fueled by this strange desire And wonder what you’re caught up in Don’t even try to tame it, you might as well just name it Chorus Love Love Love What a wonderful thing You’re kinda actin’ crazy, then you start thinkin’ maybe You need to stop this thing right here Don’t fight it or over think it, just soak it in and drink it up Till you’re so drunk, that you don’t care It’s so intoxicating, fall in, and stop debating Love Love Love What a Wonderful Thing Love Love Love What a Wonderful Thing When you feel this exaltation, there’s just one explanation Love Love Love What a Wonderful Thing Love Love Love What a Wonderful Thing |
| What's A Girl To Do |
| This one is really a blur! It’s just a fun song and I guess it’s my token train song for the album. My dad worked on the Railroad for over forty years. It’s really cool having Johnny Hiland featured on this track. He’s one of the best “chicken-pickers” ever. |
I never saw that fast train comin’
You got no chance when love starts gunnin’ No where to run when it’s headed straight for you Lord have mercy – What’s a Girl To Do It knocked me silly – I’m not myself Think I’m in trouble and I need some help Head over heals, think I dropped the other shoe Somebody tell me – What’s a Girl To Do Chorus I used to wave when the love train passed I never dreamed it would jump the track I just saw my whole life flash Oh Lord that train just crashed Into you know who Somebody tell me – What’s a Girl To Do I used to wave when the love train passed I never dreamed it would jump the track I just saw my whole life flash Oh Lord that train just crashed Into you know who It’s just a temporary broken heart Don’t seem to be no missin’ part When it heals I’ll feel as good as new But if that train should ever come back through Won’t you tell me – What’s a Girl To Do |
| Waffle House Blues |
| Believe it or not, I was sitting at the Brentwood Waffle house and inspiration hit! The original lyrics are written on a Waffle House napkin. |
I turned off route 40, like I do every night
To our favorite diner to get a bite Sally at the counter asked me about you She wonders where you’ve been I said “I wish I knew” I Stay Down Got the Way Down Waffle House Blues They even take my phone calls My friends know I’ll be here Sometimes they even drop in and pull up a chair I cry on their shoulders, they don’t mind if I do There’s always lotsa napkins to dry a tear or two I Stay Down Got the Way Down Waffle House Blues I’ll take Cream in my Coffee Eggs Over Light My hashbrowns – Smoothered, Covered, Chunked and Doublediced Just to kill some time I eat four meals a day If you don’t come home soon No tellin’ what I’ll weigh I Stay Down Got the Way Down Waffle House Blues Hank stays on the Jukebox along with Patsy Cline I’ve spent so many dollars Those records should be mine At the booth back in the corner I’m just a nervous wreck I’ve had too much caffeine But what the heck…. I’ll take Cream in my Coffee Eggs Over Light Just like I do Every single night I stay down Got the Way Down Waffle House Blues |
| That Had To Hurt |
| I think most of us have over-heard conversations while at a restaurant or café where the tables are close. This song is based on just such an experience; with a little imagination thrown in. |
I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your conversation
But my table is just right here I saw him leave and I could join you if you’re needing A sympathetic ear I’ve been where you are not long ago When he says “I don’t love you,” that’s the final blow Chorus I know that had to hurt Those cold and bitter words They cut right through into your very soul And make you feel such pain You think you’ll go insane That’s what a broken heart will do I know that had to hurt you What’s your name, mine’s the same I can’t believe it Small world you know It’s a shame, the circumstances of our meeting But I hope a friendship grows. I still remember how it felt the day he left I had trouble breathing; it’s the closest thing to death (That’s why) I know that had to hurt Cause love ain’t just a word It’s a feeling that goes deep into your soul And you can’t stop the pain It takes time to mend again After all that you’ve been through You’ll be surprised what you can do, you’ll become a better you And discover that you’re stronger than you knew I know cause I’ve been hurt too. |
| I Ain't Wrong About This |
| It only takes one right move to fix a whole bunch of bad ones. I’m very fortunate that I met Paul and have the family that I have. |
I’ve been mistaken, God knows I’ve been takin’,
by people I thought were my friends I’ve had some heart breaks, sometimes it still aches, when I think of what might have been When I looked into your eyes baby, there was no question, not even a maybe Chorus I Ain’t Wrong About This From the very first moment And the very first kiss Ooh I could feel it, everything that love is I Ain’t Wrong About This I’m not much for bettin’, not big on lettin’ my future ride on a chance Cause I’ve made some good plans, and I’ve played some good hands Right down to the worst circumstance But I’ll stake it all on you honey, this time I’m right, right on the money I ain’t wrong about this From the very first moment And the very first kiss Ooh I could feel it, everything that love is I Ain’t Wrong About This When I looked into your eyes baby There was no doubt, your love would save me I Ain’t Wrong About This From the very first moment, and the very first kiss I can feel it, everything that love is I Ain’t Wrong, Love is Strong, I Ain’t Wrong About This |
| Take Your Sweet Time |
| While listening to the track of another song I had demoed, I was inspired to write a completely different lyric and melody which became this song. I think most couples struggle to find time for each other. |
Look at me baby Turn that TV off
I’ve noticed lately We hardly talk You go your way I go mine And that ain’t good Hold me honey if you would Chorus I need to know you love me I need to know you want me too It might take all night But that’s alright Kiss me baby And Take Your Sweet Sweet Time The babies are sleepin The night is ours Time for dreamin’ beneath the stars Put those oldie records on the stereo Dance with me darlin’ Nice and slow I need to know you love me I need to know you want me too It might take all night But that’s alright Kiss me baby And Take Your Sweet Sweet Time |
| He Keeps Me In Love * |
| Song writing has brought me a lot of my best friends. I met Joyce about a year after I moved to Nashville. We originally wrote this song for a male singer back in the late 80’s. I’ve always liked this song, particularly the opening line, so we re-worked the lyrics for this CD. |
Some men keep their ladies in diamonds
While others keep their women in doubt I got a man more designin’ He gives me what I can’t live without Chorus He Keeps Me in Love And he keeps it comin’ Straight to my heart Till I’m all filled up He Keeps Me in Love Ain’t he something? He gives me more than enough My baby keeps me in love Now he ain’t rollin’ in money He don’t do windows or floors And all my friends say “Honey Whatcha keepin’ him for? Chorus He Keeps Me in Love And he keeps it comin’ Straight to my heart Till I’m all filled up He Keeps Me in Love Ain’t he something? He gives me more than enough My baby keeps me in love |
| I Know That |
| This is all about free will. Love should give us wings not chains. |
Your leavin’, I can feel it coming
Baby you don’t need to say nothin’ Your bag is packed I Know That Like the wind you have a restless spirit When it begins even I can hear it tap Yeah, I Know That I know there‘s things you can’t promise’ But, you’ve always been honest Chorus You need to feel the freedom of the road To know how far it goes How it winds and curves All its twists and turns To see where you end up at I Know That All my friends think I’m crazy Do all they can to try and save me (And) they’ll keep on givin’ me flack I Know That ‘Cause they don’t see the things you guard All the gold there in your heart That goes untapped only I Know That Right now there are things you can’t promise I understand, and to be quite honest... You need to feel the freedom of the road To know how far it goes How it winds and curves All its twists and turns To see where you end up at I Know That (Baby), I’m a patient woman You can go now, But I see what’s comin’ Some day you’ll see the road’s your jail You’ll call me to post your bail And You’ll be free to come on back Only then you won’t feel trapped I Know That |
| This Is Not Goodbye |
| I wrote this song in one night, which is very unusual for me. I knew I was going into the studio the next day, so I guess I work well under pressure. As a Christian, I have the hope that I ‘ll meet my loved ones even after this life is over. |
Momma and her little guy
Barefoot on the driveway in the morning light Daddy says “I’ll see ya, son” “We’ll be together when summer comes” Chorus This is Not Goodbye I’ll be back in a little while Lift up your head, look me in the eye It’s ok if you need to cry But This is Not Goodbye It’s hard to start a brand new life He misses daddy and she’s no one’s wife First day of school, she drives him there He clings to momma ‘cause he’s so scared And she says: This is Not Goodbye I’ll be back in a little while Lift up your head, look me in the eye It’s ok if you need to cry But This is Not Goodbye Days turn to years, he’s now eighteen Wants to see the world, spread his wings She loves him, so she lets him go Before he boards that plane, he lets her know This is Not Goodbye I’ll be back in a little while Lift up your head, look me in the eye It’s ok if you need to cry But This is Not Goodbye Momma’s fading, it won’t be long now He sits beside her, his head is bowed She says “I’m proud of you, you’re a good man” “I’ll always love you so take my hand and remember, This is Not Goodbye |
| She's Just That Way |
| I had to include a song about my beloved Coco. She’s a lot like me; ornery and long in the tooth! |
My little weiner dog
Thinks she’s a Saint Bernard She likes to terrorize Anyone who passes by our yard She’s gettin’ on in years Her snout is turnin’ gray She’s a little ornery these days She’s Just that Way Chorus I confess I can get a little crazy And maybe too hog wild But that dog is like my baby And I treat her like a child She can roll over, play dead Shut the door, and even fold her paws to pray But don’t mess with her bone, she’ll bite She’s Just That Way Friends and family know my flaws That I don’t try to hide Sometimes they point them out I don’t usually mind ‘Cause I know they love me They just shake their heads and say “You know how she is She’s Just That Way” I confess I can get a little crazy And go a little wild Throw fits just like a baby Act like a child But I always ask forgiveness And I believe the good Lord says “I’ll give her grace” ‘Cause He’s just that way I scratch through a hundred lines To find the perfect rhyme I sit at my piano and lose all track of time When the angels call me home They’ll have to tell heaven to wait “God hold the gate, she’s runnin’ late” “But you know her She’s Just That Way” |
| Girl Inside the Woman |
| I’m not really sure if this song is about me or my daughter. The truth is I think it relates to all women. The girls we were still live inside the women that we have become. |
She wears a ribbon in her hair and holds on to her teddy bear
Look in her eyes, you’ll see that there’s… A Girl Inside the Woman She’s in the family photographs, on home video you’ll hear her laugh She still loves a bubble bath…. There’s a Girl Inside the Woman Chorus She’s a lady so refined, but somewhere there’s a little child Who’ll always be her Daddy’s girl, the center of her Mama’s world They say she was a lovely bride, the day she moved her Mama cried Dad told the groom to treat her right “Cause son; There’s a Girl Inside the Woman” She stays in touch by telephone, today she called her parents home “I have some news I wanna share, oh Mom and Dad, wish you were here” Beneath a blanket made of down, she dreams a girl is twirling round The same one in her ultrasound….. There’s a Girl Inside the Woman |
| The Time That's Left |
| I’m really bad to look back and regret the time that I’ve wasted. I wrote this song to remind myself to appreciate the present and make the most of the time that’s left. |
I can’t repeat the things I’ve done
Run a race already run But I can sit and watch the sun Just before it sets I’ll count my blessings one by one Believe the best is yet to come Enjoy this life and have some fun In The Time That’s Left Chorus Time’s like water in your hand It flows right through your fingers and You’ll never get it back again It’s gone, gone, gone Like sand inside the hour glass Falls grain by grain until at last A minute goes, an hour’s past It’s gone, gone, gone So if there’s mountains left to climb Lord, don’t let’em break my stride I’ll bow my head – check my pride ‘Cause you ain’t finished yet Jesus won’t you let me see What I should give priority Walk the path you choose for me In The Time That’s Left Time’s like water in your hand It flows right through your fingers and You’ll never get it back again It’s gone, gone, gone Like sand inside the hour glass Falls grain by grain until at last A minute goes, an hour’s past It’s gone, gone, gone When I cross over Jordan’s shore I’ll praise the Lord forever more For all the wondrous things in store In The Time That’s Left |
| Gotta Get Ready |
| Anyone who knows me knows that I’m an avid bible student. I particularly love studying prophecy. I also enjoy the old spirituals, so this was a natural for me. |
The Earth is tremblin’
I hear it groanin’ children Armageddon is a comin’ down I’m on my knees praying to Jesus Just a listenin’ for that trumpet sound Chorus Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready for the Judgment Day Run to the mountains mothers and babies Wait there for the New Jerusalem Wash in the fountain for your salvation You must be covered by the cleansing blood Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready for the Judgment Day Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready for the Judgment Day The Bride of Christ will soon be wed The sea will then give up its dead The Book of life will be read For the Son has bruised the Serpent’s head Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready for the Judgment Day Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready for the Judgment Day The Bride of Christ will soon be Wed The sea will then give up its dead The Book of life will be read For the Son has bruised the Serpent’s head Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready Gotta Get Ready for the Judgment Day |
| Fly Baby Fly |
| This is my “empty nest” song. I wrote this when my son Tyler left home. He’s my baby! |
The time has come and we both know it
For you to say goodbye I can’t help it if it’s showin’ I got teardrops in my eyes Chorus Fly Baby Fly There’s an open sky just waiting With a strong and steady wind So try baby try To remember I’ll be prayin’ ‘till you come back home again I hope the good seeds that you’re sowin’ Fall on fertile ground You gotta keep the weeds from growin’ A little rain gotta come on down Hope you find a true companion Always keep good company Then you’ll never feel abandoned If life brings you to your knees Fly Baby Fly There’s an open sky just waiting With a strong and steady wind So try baby try To remember I’ll be prayin’ ‘till you come back home again So keep your faith in the good Lord Thank him for his grace He’s gonna to take us home to Heaven When it’s time to leave this place Fly Baby Fly There’s an open sky just waiting With a strong and steady wind So try baby try To remember I’ll be prayin’ ‘till you come back home again |
