Cape Canaveral Poet Laureate

This is another tribute to John Prine with a cover of his song "Frying Pan" from the Diamonds in the Rough album, along with some commentary.  In this song, you can see him using specific details to tell the story.  Using details allows the audience to really embed themselves in the story and in the position of the protagonist.  For instance, rather than saying that his wife ran away with "another man", he says she ran away with the "Fuller Brush man".  Rather than saying she left a note for him to find, he says that she specifically left it in the frying pan and directed him to make his own supper.  Towards the end, you see that now he has a specific distaste for all door-to-door salesmen, not just men or any sales representative.  These types of details make the story more real and allow the reader or listener to really connect to the story.  I do not own the rights to this song, but am sharing it with the hopes that you may listen and apply some of this

Another of my favorites written by John Prine.  This one again showcases his humor and connection with the "everyman".  The "everyman" is a literary concept meaning a character who is easy to identify with for a wide swath of humanity.  The everyman can be male or female.  In this case, it is a male.  A male who is at a bar drinking over losing his love interest, even though the relationship had recently been a struggle.  He is drinking to try to make him feel better, and the words show progress of trying to cope or cover up the loss, then remembering the old times (which were better), then trying to forget since she is apparently gone for good.  This is from his album Diamonds in the Rough. I do not own the rights to this song, only sharing this cover to entertain and educate all of you fine folks. Remember to support local businesses and independent artists to the extent you can do so safely.  Happy writing and use this time of semi-quarantine isolation to be

John Prine is one of, if not the, best modern American songwriters of our age.  He wrote many songs that spoke to the heart of the American way of life, skillfully crafting words that were both heartwarming, humorous, and entertaining.  He recently died of COVID-19 complications, and will be sorely missed.  I encourage you to go listen to his songs.  He had a wonderful way of connecting to the listener with very approachable wordsmithing and storytelling.  I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG.  Rest in peace, John Prine.    I am continuing to wear a mask to remind all of you to be safe out there. Remember to support your local businesses and independent artists to the extent you can do so safely. Stay safe, be well, happy writing.  Peace and love.

This builds on the Piano video.  The same progression, but in the key of G because some people have trouble with the F-chord.  Here are the chord diagrams: Just like on the piano, you can play these in any order and play two of them, three, or all four.  It will always sound pretty good to the American ear.  Take some time to learn to play some simple music on an instrument during this time of quarantine.  And then just speak some of your poetry over it.  You can make amazing songs that way! Support local businesses and independent artists to the extent you can do so safely.  Happy writing, peace and love (and Happy Easter)!!!

Why not use your quarantine time to write some poetry?  And if you would like to make your poem into a song, here are some chords to help you.  I chose the key of C because it is fairly simple to play in.  It uses all white keys, so no sharps or flats.  Also, to be clear, I am not a music teacher and do not really know music theory.  All of this is just simple, self-taught easiness.  The major scale is played by playing this pattern:  Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step.  A half step is the next possible note to play, whether it is a white or black key.  So the major scale in the key of C is C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C.  A very common progression in American music is to use some form of the first, fourth, fifth, and minor sixth chords.  In C, the first is C, the fourth is F, the fifth is G, and the sixth minor is A minor.  Here is a picture of how to play the chords: To get the placement, look at the grouping of the black keys.  For instance, C