The Kitchen Musician ~ March 2023
Hello friends,
I have a new song that asks “What is it Worth?”. Of course, the answer depends on whom you ask. Join me in the kitchen and I will share it with you.
Index
NEWS:
THIS MONTH’S MUSIC: “What is it Worth?”
UPCOMING SHOWS
FEATURED NON-PROFIT: Tunefoolery
Tom at Javawocky Coffeehouse, Brockton, MA.
with Kim and Reggie Harris (2016)
Photo: Joanne Corsano
News:
I have two live shows coming up this month – one for my Boston north shore friends, and the following week for my Boston south shore friends.
On Saturday March 18th at 7:30 pm, I am excited to join my talented friends Chris Lavancher and Kim Moberg in a songwriter-in-the-round show at the venerable Linden Tree Coffeehouse in Wakefield, MA. Tickets available at the door, or reserve the best seats ahead of time by calling 781-246-2836. This show was changed from last week due to the ice and snow storm.
For my Boston south shore friends, on Saturday, March 25th, I return to the Javawocky Coffeehouse, joined this time by one of my favorite New England based songwriters, Rob Siegel. This takes place at the UU Church of Brockton. Show starts at 7:30 pm.
Last week I advertised an April show in Newbury, NH. Unfortunately, that show has been cancelled.
More details for these shows at upcoming shows.
This Month’s Music:
“What is it Worth?”
“What is it Worth?”
© 2023 Tom Smith (ASCAP)
Lyrics in comment below.
I love our local Public Broadcasting System TV station, but there is one thing on it that kind of rubs me the wrong way. Some of the shows I watch are sponsored by Viking Cruises. Their slogan is “Exploring the world in comfort.” In a frequently aired commercial, the Viking chairman, Torstein Hagen says “… there is only one thing you don’t have enough of, and that’s time.” Of course, the message is to spend your valuable time wisely by exploring the world in comfort.
How many people reading this would disagree with the chairman’s statement that “the only thing you don’t have enough of is time?” Whenever I see that commercial, I think about all of the people in this world who don’t have enough food to eat, or clean water to drink, or non-polluted air to breathe – or so many of the other things that some of us take for granted. Clearly, answering the question “what is my time worth?” depends on whether you are using it to explore the world in comfort, or to find a way to survive.
“To a man who’s blind to privilege and the lottery of birth
What is it worth?”
As always, thank you for listening.
Steady on!
Tom
(If so inclined, I invite you to leave a comment by scrolling to the end of this page.)
Featured Non-profit: Tunefoolery
“Tunefoolery Music is a non-profit organization for musicians in mental health recovery. For over 25 years, we have been a community where musicians find purpose and identities as creative performing artists. Our musicians have performed for over 200,000 people (as solo acts or ensembles) at mental health centers, shelters, hospitals, conferences, nursing homes, etc., as well as for the general public. We emphasize our musicians’ strengths and the endless possibilities of healing and recovery.
The healing process for people in mental health recovery can be a very painful journey where one’s traumatic experiences and shortcomings often become the focus of the process. In Tunefoolery, we use music, creativity, education, paid work, and a loving community as a way to transform people’s lives and create a foundation to become productive, skilled musicians who can share the gift of music and hope with others.”
Please join me in supporting Tunefoolery.
Tom
March 13, 2023What is it Worth?
© 2023 Tom Smith (ASCAP)
What is it worth? … this loaf of bread
I bought more than I can use myself
Half of it went wasted while sitting on my shelf
But I am one of those who is well fed
It’s just bread
What is it worth? … this drink
I don’t even give a second thought
When I turn on the faucet to rinse and fill my cup
Most of it goes down the kitchen sink
(But) It’s just a drink
What is it worth? … this breath
I take twenty thousand of them every day
Air is free. No one has to pay
The act of breathing does not pose a threat
When it won’t contribute to your early death
(Then) It’s just a breath
To a man who’s blind to privilege and the lottery of birth
What is it worth?
What is it worth?
What is it worth?
Elaine
March 13, 2023❤️
Thank you,
Elaine
PS It’s interesting to read your thoughts. We may be related ?!?
On hearing the words of that certain ad, I have been heard , a bit loudly, exclaiming that “Time is not the only thing that I don’t have enough of”….
Tom
March 13, 2023Ha! I can hear you all the way from Kansas!
Sadiemarie Mayes
March 14, 2023Another beautiful song with an important message.
Thank you
Tom
March 14, 2023Thank you Sadie! Thanks for listening.
Sarah
March 14, 2023Beautiful song & profound thoughts. I loved the backstory, because cruise lines are among the most environmentally exploitative and polluting industries today. By destroying the reefs and ocean ecosystem we depend upon to breathe, they are taking away the privilege we think about the least.
Tom
March 14, 2023Hello Sarah,
Wonderful to reconnect with you after so long. Thanks for the reminder of something that is very easy to overlook. And thanks for listening!