The Kitchen Musician ~ January 2019

Hello friends,

As we begin a new year, I announce the official release of “I’m Gonna Use My Hands”. I had so much fun recording this with Seth Connelly and ten wonderful children. These kids have convinced me that they are ready and able to make the world a better place, and they want you and me to join them. Let’s make this our new year’s resolution!


Index

  News: Returned from France and Switzerland
  This Month’s Music: “I’m Gonna Use My Hands”
  Upcoming Shows
  Featured Non-Profit: Musicians on Call


At the library in Boxborough, MA. Photo: Dan Tappan


News: Returned from France and Switzerland

I took some time off in December to spend it with Margo and our three children and their families. We all converged in Paris for several days where we filled up on cheese, chocolate and baguettes. While we were there, we stumbled upon one of the “yellow jacket” labor demonstrations. Based upon media accounts and warnings from the US embassy, we were a little worried about demonstrations. Although very enthusiastic, the demonstrators were orderly and sang with gusto. After Paris, we took a train to Zurich, Switzerland where our son and family now live. We of course, continued to fill up on cheese, chocolate and baguettes.


This Month’s Music
I’m Gonna Use My Hands

Ten wonderful kids ranging in age from seven to thirteen years joined my good friend Seth Connelly and me to record and film I’m Gonna Use My Hands. I am delighted to release it to the world.

As I reflect upon the year we just finished and the new year ahead, I am going to concentrate on ways that I can make the world a better place – regardless of how small and insignificant they may seem at first. Each of us can only affect those people and things within our circles of influence, but together we amplify our collective contributions. Let’s make progress toward a world where we lead with kindness, respect each other, embrace our differences, acknowledge our privileges, seek justice and work together to solve our common problems.


SEE THE OFFICIAL RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT PAGE

Please view the official release announcement for all of the extras, including a lyric video, sheet music, audio download, CD, teaching materials and more!


Please help me share this song with friends, educational organizations, teachers, religious organizations (all faiths), social justice groups, and those working to make the world a better place. I believe in the positive power of music, but it will take a lot of help to get results!

TO SHARE THIS SONG WITH OTHERS

Copy and paste this link:
TomSmithMusic.com/hands

Let’s take our best selves into 2019. We CAN make the world a better place!

Tom

(If so inclined, I invite you to leave a comment by scrolling to the end of this page.)


Featured Non-profit: Musicians on Call

I am proud to be a Musicians on Call volunteer.

Musicians on Call “brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. By delivering live, in-room performances to patients undergoing treatment or unable to leave their beds, we add a dose of joy to life in a healthcare facility. Since 1999, Musicians On Call volunteer musicians have performed for over 600,000 patients and their families.”

“There are 35 million hospital beds in the United States. Each occupied by a loved one or friend. We seek to change the cold, sterile environment in hospital rooms. Musicians On Call believes that all patients, families and caregivers should have access to and benefit from the healing power of live music.”

Please join me in supporting Musicians on Call.

What do you think?

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5 Comments
  • Tom
    January 4, 2019

    I’m Gonna Use My Hands
    by Tom Smith (ASCAP)
    © 2018 Peabody Hill Publishing (ASCAP)

    I’m gonna use my hands.
    I’ll find a broken thing to mend
    I’m gonna use my hands
    I’m gonna use my hands

    I’m gonna use my hands
    I’ll build a bridge and make a friend
    I’m gonna use my hands
    I’m gonna use my hands

              I’m gonna make the world a better place
              Gonna use my hands
    —–

    I’m gonna use my brain
    Turn every loss into a gain
    I’m gonna use my brain
    I’m gonna use my brain

    I’m gonna use my brain
    And if I fail I’ll try again
    I’m gonna use my brain
    I’m gonna use my brain

              I’m gonna make the world a better place
              I’m gonna use my brain
    —–

    I’m gonna use my voice
    If something’s wrong I’m makin’ noise!
    I’m gonna use my voice
    I’m gonna use my voice

    I’m gonna use my voice
    ‘Cause everybody has a choice
    I’m gonna use my voice
    I’m gonna use my voice

              I’m gonna make the world a better place
              I’m gonna use my voice
    —–

    I’m gonna use my heart
    This is the hardest part
    I’m gonna use my heart
    I’m gonna use my heart

    I’m gonna use my heart
    Let’s find a common place and start
    I’m gonna use my heart
    I’m gonna use my heart

              I’m gonna make the world a better place
              I’m gonna use my heart
    —–

    We’re gonna use our hands
    We’re gonna use our brains
    We’re gonna use our voice
    We’re gonna use our hearts

    We’re gonna use our hands
    We’re gonna use our brains
    We’re gonna use our voice
    We’re gonna use our hearts

              We’re gonna make the world a better place
              We’re gonna use our hands

  • John Ferullo
    January 4, 2019

    HI Tom:
    I love the video. I hope that song travels the world. Keep the newsletters coming, I look forward to them

    • Tom
      January 4, 2019

      Thank you John! “Many drops can turn a mill!”

  • Elaine
    January 4, 2019

    Inspiring!
    Seems to me that it’s all about the children!
    Awesome that our Speaker Nancy Pelosi surrounded herself with the children yesterday. And said she is there for them . Yes!
    Thank you…and a Happy New Year to you all!

    • Tom
      January 4, 2019

      Thanks for the comment, Elaine. Wishing you a hopeful and healthy new year!