I heard that it was a good idea to explain the meanings behind your songs to help people connect better with both the artist and the song, so I figured I would try it out. Today, i would like to tell you about the inspiration behind my song “How To Change The World”. Also, it gives me a chance to share a sketch about the song which was done by a fantasy football blogger freind of mine, Tom Van Wyhe.

Change The World Sketch by Tom Van Wyhe

Frustration

The theme of this song comes from my frustration with and my desire to reach out to two types of people;

1) People who complain…

…about everything going on around them and not doing anything about it. I know these types of people very well because I was one for a long time and still have to remind myself to this day.

2) People that simply choose to vote for one team…

…or the other as if there are only two – when neither team has done squat for years and years – and then expect things to change. Again, for years I was one of these people.

My Humble Advice

My humble advice (in the chorus) and fictional example of someone making a difference (last verse) both come from personal observation, many years of reading, and advice from people who know. I truly believe that we can all change things for the better but we have to start with ourselves and work outward. Like Ghandi said “You must be the change you wish to see in this world”.

So I guess when it is all said and done, my belief is that the answer to “Change The World” is to start with changing your world.

Listen here

“Change The World”

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Lyrics / Free Download / Buy CD

About a month ago I was at a music conference in Las Vegas and I met some very talented musicians from all over the country. One of the artists i met was MJ Kroll, who – lucky for us – just happens to be from the Twin Cities.

She is extremely down to earth, is a very talented songwriter and, from what she tells me, like to tip a few back from time to time (so she’ll fit in real nice with our crowd).

Anyway, I thought it would be pretty cool to invite her down to Winona to share her music with you and give you a little taste of something different. So on July 17th she will be performing with Doc and I at the Westfield Lounge (show starts a 7:30 pm).

In the meantime, check out her video for her song called “Resonate.” After watching that, stop over and grab a free download at her site, www.MJKroll.com. See you there!

Well I didn’t get it out as early as I had hoped BUT I did get it out on Memorial Day. My first video release was a learning experience and I will definitely allow for more time in the future.

But anyway, enough about that. Here is the video

Lyrics / Download / Buy CD

I am extremely thankful to those of you who submitted your photos and I hope that you are happy with the way the video turned out.

Also, I want to thank my sister Heather for sacrificing her limited time to help out with this. It was great working with you on this. There were a ton of late nights with early mornings involved and it wasn’t easy but you did a great job.

If you have any thoughts about the video, the song or want to share a story of someone close to you that has passed, do so in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!