Rick Ransom/' Good Guys'

“I’m just an old rocker fighting time and tide playin’ the chords and singin’ the words 'cause I still enjoy the ride” - Rick Ransom

— Title Song from "It's Just Me"

On this page below you will find and lyrics for the songs l wrote and have posted here. There are other completed songs but the posting is a work in progress. All of my written songs are downlaodable (free) for you to enjoy in any list or collection you prefer. My band songs are not downloadable but can be enjoyed here anytime. My solo work gives me a chance to write and perform easy-listening tunes, most of which we wouldn't play in the band. My writing tells stories or makes statements, without emphasis on 'hooks' or repeated phrases.

Many thanks to Rachel Alexander for her virtuoso work on three songs. She is a world-class violinist and a
public school teacher. All other musical parts and singing are me using my microphone, my keyboards, and
my digital recorder.

'Hard Cold Rain' is dedicated to the parents and families of the children and teachers gunned down in Uvalde, TX.
'It's Just Me' explains itself and separates my solo work from my band involvement.
'Honor Overdue' is about the many veterans who served in Vietnam and, I believe, never got the respect they
earned (Korea too, and still today).
'That's What Marriage Is About' was written and performed at the wedding of friends Mike and Carla.
'Inside You' takes on the concept of being bullied and how that can lead to negative self-images.
'Lost and Found' is about a young girl who was encouraged to leave home because she didn't fit her parents
expectations for her sexual identity. It is dedicated to those in the LGBTQA+ community who lost love when they
needed it most.
'You Were There' was written in response to the outpouring of love I received after my motorcycle accident.
It is directed to my wife Barbara and to all who have 'been there' along the way.

A Hard, Cold Rain (in honor of the parents)

It’s a hard, cold rain/ A never-ending rain

Bringing dark despair/ so sudden and unfair

Tragedy has arrived/ And snatched away young lives

Happiness it stole/ Leaving sadness in our souls

There are not words to say/ To make the hurt go away

And we we wonder just like you/ How can such a thing be true?

So many we don’t say all their names/ So the shooter gathers all the fame

But the anger of our ways fuels our current disarray

There is talk of rights and rules but what about our schools?

Instrumental break

Now I see we’ve made a start/ But we still must do our part

To find a resolution/ To this public gun pollution

If we carry on insane/ Then they will have died in vain

And we will not stop the rain/ There ‘ll be nothing left but pain

It’s a hard cold rain/ Will our violent ways remain?

Let us consecrate the scene/ By making Love supreme

It’s Just Me
by Richard D. Ransom (All rights reserved)

I’m just an old rocker/ fighting time and tide
playin’ the chords and singin’ the words/ I still enjoy the ride
I’ve played in many bands/ even as I’ve gotten old
I still can punch those black and whites/ And sing that rock-n-roll
But I also do some solos/ where I can take off on my own
recording songs I’ve written/ and others I’m tryin’ to clone

Chorus: So if you hear a distant sound/ An old tune you might know
Don’t be so quick to judge/ Just let the music flow
It’s just me soundin’ out a melody/ And singin’ a refrain
Bringing back some long ago/ Memories again

I play a double keyboard/ and sing lead or harmony
with ‘Good Guys’ who are friends/ we play for charity
We get together weekly/ makin’ music is our goal
learning classic songs/ country, rock and soul

Chorus:

It’s just me….

Honor Overdue
by Richard D. Ransom (All rights reserved

rrstudio16g.com (video)

They were never quite sure how it led into war
they were trained to serve without asking why
and they fought a good fight for what "we" thought was right
amid horrors that could make a man cry

Through the bullets and flames where silhouettes have no names
in the struggle where it’s kill or be killed
as each day became night they fought without light
and survived on the strength of sheer will.
When the battle was done they stood one-by-one
their eyes met in silent refrain.
For nothing seemed gained there was no win to claim
it’s the losses that somehow remain

It was an ugly time we couldn’t make up our mind
we sent fresh troops while others came home.
And upon their return they were dismayed to learn
that they still had to struggle alone.
For in spite of their grief there was scorn, not relief
a nation that acted so rude.
We honored those who had died but not the ones that survived.
There was no parade and scarce gratitude.

[Trumpet Bridge]

So although long ago it’s not too late to show
that we recognize the service they gave.
With respect for the dead there were words left unsaid.
Our living vets were equally brave.

Part II

There was Joe and George and John and Steve
Ed, Wayne, Jimmy & Anthony.
.....[Written for you to substitute the names dear to you].....
We honor you but the words have been few.
It’s hard to know what to say.
there is no debate we can all appreciate
the price that you had to pay

Here’s to Mickey & Ira and Randy and Mike
and so many on the wall as just names
you lost so many friends for which we can’t make amends
Their dignity is all that remains
with your personal glory you salvaged the story
of a country you sought to defend

so I for one stand...and raise my right hand
to give the honor long overdue
I offer my praise...with this two-word phrase

Thank You .... (3x)

That’s What Marriage Is About
by Richard D. Ransom copyright: (All rights reserved)

Put your hand in mine
not just once but every time.
Take away all doubt.
That’s what marriage is about.

Give each other rings.
Do some more “together” things.
Smooth the wrinkles out.
That’s what marriage is about.

And if the clouds should block the sun.
Try again to find the sun.
Don’t lose sight in all you do...
to keep the love between you two.

BRIDGE --------- >

Don’t ever say good-bye.
try not to make each other cry.
Don’t leave each other out.
That’s what marriage is about.

Smooth the wrinkles out
Take away the doubt
Don’t leave each other out
That’s what marriage is about

When others start to criticize
The voice of doubt begins to rise
You just can’t put away.. the ugly words they say
You start believing you’re a fool
But don’t accept the things they say
‘cause they don’t matter anyway
They’re just a simple few.. who must belittle you
The best they’ve got is ridicule

It’s hard enough to struggle in this thing called “life”
It’s like searching for the light in murkiness
You’re fighting everyday…. to make a better way
trying to control the mounting stress
Inside you is the doubt // that keeps crying out
telling you that you’re not good enough
when people put you down…. negativity abounds
That voice inside you really does its stuff

You keep hearing… you’re so stupid

Taunting, sneering, … look what you did

You try to make an answer // to each cruel punch line
But eventually you join in casting blame
What you once denied… you quietly abide
Now you call yourself those obscene names
Don’t surrender // don’t accept insults
Keep your dignity and self-respect
Focus on the good // not the “should”
stop and take a moment to reflect

Your good works prove …You’re not dumb

Look at what you’ve …. overcome

Don’t believe… Don’t be deceived … The image that you’ve weaved…

Is so completely wrong

Don’t be mislead… by the critic in your head… recognize instead

That you’re capable and strong!!!

When errors start to make you mad
remember the success you’ve had
‘cause in reality.. its no mystery
The wonder that’s inside of you
All the good things you can do

She can’t remember when she started to doubt
She just said ‘No’ when boys would ask her out
She didn’t wear her hair in shiny curls
but she liked the way they looked on other girls
Her parents liked the next door neighbor’s son
encouraged him to ask her to the prom
she told him ‘Thanks” but it’s not in my heart”
when school was done her folks made her depart

Chorus: And she cried..... And she cried .... tears like rain

She caught a bus that took her from her home
in dark of night she traveled quite alone
a wounded bird she was looking for a perch
She came upon a nearby open church
She saw a woman crying in a pew
she joined her ‘cause it seemed the thing to do
The woman said her daughter’s name was Kay
but cancer had stolen her away

Chorus: And she cried..... And she cried .... tears of pain

BRIDGE --------- >

The woman caught her breath and gave a sigh
She turned and looked the young girl in the eye
She said “There’s an empty room for you to stay.”
“And we can help each other find our way.”

And they cried .... Tears of joy

Lost just by being you
Found by a heart that was broken too
Two lives that were so sad
were suddenly made glad
a daughter who was cast aside
was a grieving mother’s prize

In my life, I’ve had a lot of sunshine
to share with friends and family
and nights when we’ve had such a good time
those times too are in my memory
but when blue skies have turned to gray
and dark clouds were in the air
the rain was falling everywhere
I looked around and you were there

When I was hurt and feeling all alone
It was you who came to make me strong
and if my thanks I haven’t shown
I hope you know you’re in this song

It’s a gift we give to one another
compassion... when life can bring despair
from a parent, a sister or a brother
to help with what we cannot bear
but when it’s offered by a friend
a helping heart with love to share
It makes me feel so very grateful
to know that you were there.

I was down, in need of loving care
I looked around and you were there