Pen Jen's Inkwell: 2024

Sunday, December 15, 2024

"A Bleeding Rose," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

So many empty promises.

So many meaningless words.

It was like I never heard you.

I thought that you were certain.

Now there's a trail of broken pieces,

And I don't know where it's leading.

CHORUS:

My heart is a bleeding rose,

Pouring out it in anguish,

Pain that nobody knows.

My heart is a bleeding rose.

For all the times you loved me,

Now you left me in the cold.

Trampled beneath your sole.

My heart is a bleeding rose.

VERSE:

The blood runs down the alley,

And drips into the nearby stream.

The water became so bitter.

So many things you didn’t consider.

Now the blue hue is running red,

Wanted love but got heartbreak instead.

CHORUS:

My heart is a bleeding rose,

Pouring out it in anguish,

Pain that nobody knows.

My heart is a bleeding rose.

For all the times you loved me,

Now you left me in the cold.

Trampled beneath your sole.

My heart is a bleeding rose.

BRIDGE:

At least you’re in the past,

And the lies are gone at last.

Unless a rose falls to the ground,

How can new life ever be found?

CHORUS:

My heart is a bleeding rose,

Pouring out it in anguish,

Pain that nobody knows.

My heart is a bleeding rose.

For all the times you loved me,

Now you left me in the cold.

Trampled beneath your sole.

My heart is a bleeding rose.

VAMP:

My heart is a bleeding rose.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

"Nowhere to Go But Up," A GOSPEL SONG

VERSE:

I’ve been down for so long,

That I’ve tasted the dirt.

I’ve been low for so long,

That it’s starting to hurt.

Oh, oh, oh, oh.

CHORUS:

There’s nowhere to go but up.

Nowhere to go but higher.

There’s nowhere to go but up,

Whatever the downward spiral.

Keep looking up to heaven.

There’s nowhere to go but up.

VERSE:

Now I’m looking at things,

From a different approach,

And I’m thinking of things,

Like what matters the most.

Oh, oh, oh, oh.

CHORUS:

There’s nowhere to go but up.

Nowhere to go but higher.

There’s nowhere to go but up,

Whatever the downward spiral.

Keep looking up to heaven.

There’s nowhere to go but up.

BRIDGE:

Up where the bluebirds are flying,

Up where the airplanes are gliding,

And clouds appear in a swirl.

Up where the angels are singing,

Up where the starlight is bringing,

A light to the dark in the world.

CHORUS:

There’s nowhere to go but up.

Nowhere to go but higher.

There’s nowhere to go but up,

Whatever the downward spiral.

Keep looking up to heaven.

There’s nowhere to go but up.

TAG:

Sometimes you need reminding,

There’s nowhere to go but up.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

"Table for Two," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

I sit at a table for two,

With an empty chair beside me.

Couples chat in other corners,

The waiter tries to take my order.

I tell him you’re not here yet.

I look out the café window,

And count the passing minutes.

The rain begins to fall.

CHORUS:

Sometimes I think you’ll never come,

And my heart will never know love.

Please come soon, I’m saving room,

At my table for two.

VERSE:

Now it’s late in the day,

And others want your seat.

I explain it’s already taken.

They look at me like I’m crazy.

I tell them you’re not here yet.

My stomach starts to rumble,

With growing pain and hunger.

The sun starts to set.

CHORUS:

Sometimes I think you’ll never come,

And my heart will never know love.

Please come soon, I’m saving room,

At my table for two.

BRIDGE:

I wonder if I should leave.

Maybe you forgot me,

Or you just got lost along the way.

CHORUS:

Sometimes I think you’ll never come,

And my heart will never know love.

Please come soon, I’m saving room,

At my table for two, at my table for two,

At my table for two.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

"Wrapped in Roses and Dreams," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Some say we were the lost roses.

We weren't anywhere to be found.

A winding trail of bleeding hearts,

Was all the lay across the ground.

But nothing could be further from the truth,

You stole my heart, and you can see the proof.

CHORUS:

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

I’m ten feet off the ground, and I can’t feel anything.

You’ve got me wrapped in roses in dreams.

I’m happy as can be, like it’s the first day of Spring.

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

VERSE:

I've once heard a wiseman say:

"Listen to the whisper of the roses.

Everyone else will turn away,

But a rose is a rose is a rose is.

And if your tears are the heartache of today,

And your pain is the tragedy of yesterday,

Your sorrows are the roses of tomorrow."

CHORUS:

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

I’m ten feet off the ground, and I can’t feel anything.

You’ve got me wrapped in roses in dreams.

I’m happy as can be, like it’s the first day of Spring.

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

BRIDGE:

I’m no longer someone who’s disheartened,

Because you’re the rose in my garden.

CHORUS:

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

I’m ten feet off the ground, and I can’t feel anything.

You’ve got me wrapped in roses in dreams.

I’m happy as can be, like it’s the first day of Spring.

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

VAMP:

You’ve got me wrapped in roses and dreams.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

"Rose Gold Girl," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

I’m a rose gold girl.

I’ve got the whole wide world,

On the tip of my finger.

I’m a dreamer and a thinker,

A mezzo-soprano singer.

Like an oyster with a pearl,

I’m a rose gold girl.

CHORUS:

Ask me any question.

I’m sure I know the answer.

If I just can’t remember,

I’ll think of something grander.

I’m a rose gold girl.

VERSE:

I’m a rose gold girl.

No need for silver with a swirl,

Or copper on my body.

I’ve never been at all gaudy.

Don’t wanna be snobby,

But I’m my own kind of whirl.

I’m a rose gold girl.

CHORUS:

Ask me any question.

I’m sure I know the answer.

If I just can’t remember,

I’ll think of something grander.

I’m a rose gold girl.

BRIDGE:

All that glitters is rose gold.

It never ever grows old.

CHORUS:

Ask me any question.

I’m sure I know the answer.

If I just can’t remember,

I’ll think of something grander.

I’m a rose gold girl.

VAMP:

I’m a rose gold girl.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

"Under Moonlight and Roses," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

The sun shines in the day.

I feel it’s rays upon my skin,

But when the sun goes down,

No one knows where I’ve been.

Yeah, I like to paint the town red.

Oh, I prefer nighttime instead.

CHORUS:

Dance with me under moonlight and roses,

Beneath the midnight sky and the shooting stars.

Just you and I, under moonlight and roses,

And there will be love between us near and far.

Under moonlight and roses.

VERSE:

Roses growing on the vine.

The two of us are now entwined.

Their shadows fall across your face,

Saying that your heart is mine.

The moon beams bright as the sun,

And the stars are making us one.

CHORUS:

Dance with me under moonlight and roses,

Beneath the midnight sky and the shooting stars.

Just you and I, under moonlight and roses,

And there will be love between us near and far.

Under moonlight and roses.

BRIDGE:

Can you see the moon’s face?

Telling us we’re wrapped in magic.

Don’t ever lose my embrace.

CHORUS:

Dance with me under moonlight and roses,

Beneath the midnight sky and the shooting stars.

Just you and I, under moonlight and roses,

And there will be love between us near and far.

Under moonlight and roses.

VAMP:

Dance with me under moonlight and roses.

"Rose at the Rainbow's End," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

It blooms for the brokenhearted.

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

It stands for those torn apart.

Nothing can make its petals wither.

It’s found at the end of a raging river.

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

CHORUS:

The colors merge into one flower,

And it holds the power of light and love.

If you breathe in its beautiful scent,

It’s been said your life will be well-spent.

VERSE:

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

You’ll find it when you least expect it.

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

Sometimes the clouds above protect it.

It’s the rarest bud you could come across.

Once you find it, you’ll never be lost.

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

CHORUS:

The colors merge into one flower,

And it holds the power of light and love.

If you breathe in its beautiful scent,

It’s been said your life will be well-spent.

BRIDGE:

If you haven’t found it yet,

Keep going through the forest.

Your journey will be worth it.

Hear the birds sing a chorus.

CHORUS:

The colors merge into one flower,

And it holds the power of light and love.

If you breathe in its beautiful scent,

It’s been said your life will be well-spent.

VAMP:

There is a rose at the rainbow’s end.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

"Ruby, Ruby Rose," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Ruby, Ruby Rose,

You’re full of love,

From head to toe.

Ruby, Ruby Rose,

Songs in the morning,

The melodies flow.

Just poetry and prose.

Ruby, Ruby Rose.

CHORUS:

Oh, sing a song for me,

One of romance and diamonds,

Of all the dreams inside your head.

Forget everything that frightens you.

There are so many good things ahead,

Across the vast horizon.

Ruby, Ruby Rose.

VERSE:

Ruby, Ruby Rose,

You’re just a child,

Growing up so fast.

Ruby, Ruby Rose,

I hope your heart,

And free spirit last.

Dance, if you’re asked.

Ruby, Ruby Rose.

CHORUS:

Oh, sing a song for me,

One of romance and diamonds,

Of all the dreams inside your head.

Forget everything that frightens you.

There are so many good things ahead,

Across the vast horizon.

Ruby, Ruby Rose.

BRIDGE:

As precious as a sparkling gem,

Forget the world, and all its mayhem.

CHORUS:

Oh, sing a song for me,

One of romance and diamonds,

Of all the dreams inside your head.

Forget everything that frightens you.

There are so many good things ahead,

Across the vast horizon.

Ruby, Ruby Rose.

VAMP:

Ruby, Ruby Rose.

"Old Garden Rose," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Dressed in your overalls,

You have a shovel in your jeans.

Gloves up to your elbows,

You have simple dreams,

Of sunshine and flowers.

You get lost for hours.

CHORUS:

You’re an old garden rose,

Who’s tried and true.

You’re an old garden rose,

Whose never blue.

You’ve stood through the rain.

You’re more beautiful every day.

You’re an old garden rose.

VERSE:

When everyone else withers,

In the thunder and the storm.

You’re in bloom by the river.

You’re always in rare form.

Your sunhat’s a crown.

Life is good all-around.

CHORUS:

You’re an old garden rose,

Who’s tried and true.

You’re an old garden rose,

Whose never blue.

You’ve stood through the rain.

You’re more beautiful every day.

You’re an old garden rose.

BRIDGE:

Certain things get better with time.

One of them is your smile.

CHORUS:

You’re an old garden rose,

Who’s tried and true.

You’re an old garden rose,

Whose never blue.

You’ve stood through the rain.

You’re more beautiful every day.

You’re an old garden rose.

VAMP:

You’re an old garden rose,

Young as the sunrise.

You’re an old garden rose,

With childlike eyes.

You’re an old, old, old, old garden rose.

Dedicated to my mother, Darlene Waters, who likes to garden.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

"No One Can Take Away Your Dreams" in THE HORSE GATE Broadway musical

Priscilla Trumble and Princess Nia Naneka sing “No One Can Take Away Your Dreams” in THE HORSE GATE original musical, the second story of THE WHIRLWIND CHRONICLES, novel/musical series.

VERSE:

No one can take away your dreams.

They will mock you and knock you,

But they will never stop you,

From arriving and receiving,

If you only keep believing.

So, hold your head high.

Keep reaching for the sky.

Dreaming has a splendor,

That you cannot surrender.

REFRAIN:

No one can take away your dreams.

CHORUS:

No one can take away your dreams.

They will fight you and spite you,

But they want to be like you,

For your courage and your boldness,

Cause they’re used to bitter coldness.

So, sing out your song.

Good music makes you strong.

Singing has a brilliance,

That brings utter resilience.

REFRAIN:

No one can take away your dreams.

BRIDGE:

They might try to tell you lies,

But child please ignore them.

All naysayers are left behind.

Adventures always bore them.

VERSE:

No one can take away our dreams.

They will hate you and bait you,

But they more often take you

So for granted, but be gracious,

And you must be so tenacious.

Oh, don’t you look back.

You’ve got to stay on track.

Living has occasion,

That brings perfect persuasion.

TAG:

No one can take away your dreams.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

"Thorns," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

The roses fearfully on thorns did stand.

Beauty and pain grow on the same hand.

Some of the roses fell among the thorns,

Which grew up and choked them in scorn.

How sad it is to see the petals fall.

Like tears from heaven after all.

REFRAIN:

Still rejoice because thorns have roses,

Growing on the same tree.

Still rejoice because thorns have roses.

One of them is you and me.

VERSE:

Thorns steal beauty from the beloved.

Their crimson shade runs like blood.

It’s enough to make your soul drown,

Until the thorns become a brilliant crown.

What joy to see the dead come to life,

Rising above in the darkest night.

REFRAIN:

Still rejoice because thorns have roses,

Growing on the same tree.

Still rejoice because thorns have roses.

One of them is you and me.

BRIDGE:

Smell the scent of roses like perfume.

It abides in the air with flowers in full bloom.

REFRAIN:

Still rejoice because thorns have roses,

Growing on the same tree.

Still rejoice because thorns have roses.

One of them is you and me.

VAMP:

Let the roses grow until the thorns are no more.

Shakespeare’s Sonnet XCIX (99)

Matthew 13:7

Sunday, June 2, 2024

"Come Dance With Me," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

You’re standing in the corner,

Looking lonely and blue,

While the band is playing,

A marvelous tune.

I can’t bear to see the frown

Anymore on your face.

Please give me a chance,

To make the heartache go away.

CHORUS:

Come dance with me.

Come dance, come dance with me.

VERSE:

Nothing is as bad

As it seems at the time.

When the rhythm moves your heart,

You’ll forget why you cried.

I’ll hold you so close,

You’ll feel me breathe,

And before you know it,

You’ll be light on your feet.

CHORUS:

Come dance with me.

Come dance, come dance with me.

BRIDGE:

When the song ends,

You’ll want to dance again.

You’ll say, “Come dance with me.”

CHORUS:

Come dance with me.

Come dance, come dance with me.

CHORUS:

Come dance with me.

Come dance, come dance with me.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

"Vanity" in KISSES

Fanny Hershey sings about her reaction to Milton Hershey, her son, marrying Catherine "Kitty" Hershey.

VERSE:

Vanity is two-faced,

It’s pointless indeed.

Listen, my child,

A warning to heed.

Flowers and feathers,

Are distractions and vices.

Better to be thrifty,

And display social nices.

Think about humanity,

Instead of vanity.

VERSE:

Vanity is prideful,

It’s blacker than sin.

I am convinced that,

It’s awful as gin.

Why not stop joking,

Say something providential,

Times are getting harder,

You must be reverential.

Don’t think about profanity.

Who needs vanity?

BRIDGE:

If you look at yourself in the mirror all day,

Do you really think that your judgment is clearer in any way?

VERSE:

Vanity is foolish,

A waste of your time.

Heaven’s awaitin’.

Don’t mess up your prime.

Candies and kisses,

Are a blessing to cherish.

Chocolate is a wonder,

But don’t let virtue perish.

Most people love insanity.

It comes from vanity.

VERSE:

Vanity is fleeting.

It withers like grass.

Tongues need a tamin’.

Who wants to have sass?

Sermons and worship,

Are the wisest selections.

Piety and penance,

Bring about reflections.

Think about Christianity,

Instead of vanity. vanity, vanity.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

"The Reckoning," A GOSPEL SONG

VERSE:

The rich man better enjoy his riches now.
A day will come when they're gone.
The goods he gathered during earthly life,
Will vanish in flames of blazing fire.

CHORUS:

The first will be last.

The last will be first.

The tables will all be turned,

At the Reckoning.

VERSE:

The scales of justice will find a balance,

When widows and orphans are crowned.

Men will be judged by their measure,

And merciful ones inherit heaven.

CHORUS:

The first will be last.

The last will be first.

The tables will all be turned,

At the Reckoning.

VERSE:

Angels will kneel down before the throne,

As sheep are separated from goats.

The prophets will receive their rewards.

The Son of Man will reign in glory.

CHORUS:

The first will be last.

The last will be first.

The tables will all be turned,

At the Reckoning.

BRIDGE:

Let the trumpet sound.
Let the trumpet sound.
Blessed are those,
Who wash their robes,
In the blood of the lamb.
Blessed are those,
Who wash their robes,
In the blood of the lamb.
Let the trumpet sound.

Let the trumpet sound.

VERSE:

The old order of things will pass away.

There will be no more pain or tears.

The Lord will be the everlasting light.

In Christ, every soul made alive.

CHORUS:

The first will be last.

The last will be first.

The tables will all be turned,

At the Reckoning.

TAG:

The tables will all be turned,

At the Reckoning.