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    THE STORIES IN MY MIND, recorded live at a New York revue of Dennis Livingston’s songs, reaches back to the American Songbook to offer multi-genre, contemporary-based tales of life, relationships and the unexpected chanciness of existence in our time. Comes in a CD jewel case.

    Includes unlimited streaming of The Stories In My Mind: The Songs of Dennis Livingston [Live at the Metropolitan Room] via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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about

A lyrical, sensuous ballad narrated from the point of view of a shy, bookish individual, finally driven to make a commitment – almost in spite of him or herself - to someone who cannot be lost.

Sheet music available by request from dennis@dennislivingston.com

Watch a performance of this song from the original Stories revue at youtu.be/p-_SfVmXVPs

lyrics

IT’S TIME FOR ROSES

Words & Music by Dennis Livingston

For a long time, I have been content to live my life alone.
In an orderly existence,
the path of least resistance,
has been the path I like to call my own.

Then I saw her/him at the bookstore
standing next to Schopenhauer.
She/He liked Car Talk, I liked Bartok, as I should.
We had tea, we talked till ten,
sharing thoughts from art to zen.
We made plans to meet as often as we could.

But still, it’s not so easy,
in a life that’s quite complete,
to contemplate a change I haven’t sought.
Surrounded by my books,
crowded into cozy nooks,
it’s not yet time for roses, so I thought.

Now I can’t believe what’s happened,
I’ve become a wretched mess,
full of doubts and odd confusions I don’t need.
Though I find it hard to say,
I admit I’ve lost my way,
I can’t fathom where the road I’ve taken leads.

It can’t be time for roses,
I’m not feeling all that sweet.
Instead I hear the bugle,
that old familiar bugle,
the one that keeps on sounding my retreat.

And yet ...

I look forward to her/his presence,
no, it’s more than that, I fear.
I’ve begun to play the classic love-struck fool.
Paltry words cannot express
what she/he says with one caress ...

I wonder what would happen
if I put aside my pose of deprecating ridicule,
and changed my script to make room for a slightly different cast.
I think it’s time for roses.
I know it’s time for roses, at last.

© 1997 Hallmark Music Co.

credits

from The Stories In My Mind: The Songs of Dennis Livingston [Live at the Metropolitan Room], released November 13, 2016
Producer: Dennis Livingston
First performed at the Metropolitan Room, New York, NY
Ensemble vocal arrangements: Scott Coulter & Kenneth Gartman
Recording: Jean-Pierre Perraux
Mixing & mastering: Doug Hammer, Dreamworld Productions, Lynn, MA

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Dennis Livingston - Cabaret & Jazz Songwriter image

Dennis Livingston - Cabaret & Jazz Songwriter Boston, Massachusetts

Stories offers an intriguing group of original songs by Dennis Livingston from a variety of genres, rooted in the sophisticated lyrics and story-telling tradition of American Songbook standards. Performances feature the harmonies and passionate singing of (l to r in the photo) Kenneth Gartman, Julie Reyburn, Alex Goley, Christina Connors & Scott Coulter, plus Matt Scharfglass (bass) & Dennis. ... more

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