music
This is where" you can hear my official releases. If you look closely, there are a couple free downloads available... Woo hoo!
Acoustic Guitar: Ryan Mintz
2nd Acoustic Guitar: Erik Eldénius
Accordion: Rami Jaffee
Background Vocals: Anna Maria Tocci
Bass: Jörgen Carlsson
Cello/Viola/Violin: Stevie Blacke
Children’s Chorus: Mia Ersher
Melissa Hall
Allison Honet
Annabelle Honet
Daniel Honet
Emily Honet
Carly Stern
Talia Stern
Electric Guitar: Erik Eldénius
Toshi Yanagi
Pedal Steel Guitar: Doug Livingston
Percussion: Erik Eldénius
Ryan Mintz
Piano: Erik Eldénius
Tom Keane
Wurlitzer: Erik Eldénius
Recorded at: L.A. Sound & Picture (Los Angeles, CA)
Rear Window (Studio City, CA)
Mixed at: Rear Window (Studio City, CA)
Mastered by: Evan Frankfort
Would Work Sound (West Hollywood, CA)
Additional Engineering: Jason “Recon” Coons, Jungle Room (Glendale, CA)
Ron Harrity, Idea of North (Portland, ME)
Erik Maluchnik, Tempermill Studios (Ferndale, MI)
Brian Reeves, Jungle Room (Glendale, CA)
CD Artwork by: Steve Kinkaid
Logo Design by: Alex Purnell
Photography by: Derek Gibbs
Ryan Mintz
Vocal Coach: Karen Kochis-Jennings
Guitar Teacher: Diana Linger
Song Consultant: Anna Maria Tocci
Business Advisor: Taworia M. Davis
Environmental Statement
As an environmentalist, it was hard to justify producing CDs. The plastic is derived from oil and doesn’t biodegrade, the jewel cases contain toxic PVC, the printing uses paper and toxic inks, the shipping generates CO2 emissions, and the packaging results in landfill waste. Even with the onset of digital downloading, an artist still needs to sell physical CDs to make a living and gain fans.
I have tried my best to reduce the environmental impact of making this record. Here are some of the steps I’ve taken…
• The jewel cases are reused, and thus rescued from a landfill
• The printing uses 100% recycled paper and vegetable-based inks
• 50 trees were planted to offset the carbon released in travel, manufacturing, and shipping
• 2500 kWh of wind power were purchased to offset the electricity used during recording and manufacturing
Thank You...
To Song School… for inspiring me, expanding me, loving me, encouraging me, and giving me the confidence to make this CD. Words can’t describe the gratitude and emotion I feel towards all of you. I’d never have done this without you.
To my Song School teachers: Willy Porter, Lisa Loeb, Maggie Simpson, Peter Mayer, Joe Craven, Steve Seskin, Beth Nielsen-Chapman, Ben Wisch, Justin Roth, Terri Mazurek, Ellis, Moira Smiley, Rebecca Folsom, Billy Jonas, Julie Portman, and Pat Pattison… you are all in this CD
To Jaime and Andrea… for teaching me the first 4 chords
To Merr… for the million dollar question
To Mr. Snyder and Beth… for teaching me everything I know about music theory
To Steph… for getting me to start a journal
To Barry… for giving me my first guitar and sharing all that music
To Steph, Jaime, Andrea, Jim, and Beth… for being at my first open mic
To Lisa, Mom, and Dad… for encouraging me to be on stage, and coming to all those plays and concerts
To Diana… for the technique, the exercises, and making me play to a metronome
To Annie… for the flute music
To Toby… for being the first to “pay” me for my music
To Anna Maria… for helping choose these 12
To Alex, Tallulah, and Michelle… for input on the logo
To Derek… for the mountain photo session
To BIG… for all the support
To Karen… for working wonders on my voice in such a short time
To Taworia… for housing me, advising me, consoling me, and hearing every rant during production
To Tommy… for the box o’ noise
To Erik… for your creativity, vision, and talents… for the countless hours and sleepless nights… for the veggie sushi and organic fruit… for the ideas, encouragement, and collaboration… for being a patient, listening, open-hearted friend in the studio… and for believing in my music enough to make this record with me
To Alanis, Emily & Amy, Sarah, Jewel, Chantal, Lisa, Jonatha, and Aimee… for moving me with your beautiful music and influencing so much of mine
To Steph, Marcus, Alex, Merr, Neil, Steven, Todd, Jonathan, James, and Tommy Jay… for inspiring this set of songs
To you… for listening to my debut record
Peace, love, and music…
Ry
| 1. | The Monkey Song | Play | The Monkey Song
The Monkey Song
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I saw it in your hotel room on that first night, the one thing that wasn’t quite right There was a mystery novel on your nightstand, snacks from the airport, your laptop and iPod So it kind of stuck out… this stuffed animal sitting on your chair And you said, “That’s my monkey, he keeps me warm at night” (and I say…) CHORUS: Let me be your monkey I’ll keep you warmer than he will He will not cook dinners or write you songs And I… I kiss much better than he does He does not feel for you like I do So let me be your monkey VERSE 2: There’s not many grown-ups who travel from home with a child’s toy Like wearin’ jammies on our second date, it says so much about you But I have to warn you: I’m the jealous type, that’s the way I am Cuz he’s the one who’s travelin’ with you all around while I just hold my pillow (so…) REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: So here we are inside this dreamy place (I feel so happy) But I’m finding that it’s hard to say goodbye (don’t want it to end) And I’m sorry that I’m havin’ trouble just enjoying this moment while we can VERSE 3: I know you’re not the one to share how you feel, but you can with me And I know that you were hurt not long ago, come here and I’ll hold you And I know your parents (just like mine) have a lot to answer for “not much love around just money and you know what they say ‘money cant buy love’” (so…) REPEAT CHORUS (2x) |
The Monkey Song
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Percussion: Ryan Mintz (bongos, congas, guiro, wooden thingy) Erik Eldénius (shaker, sticks) Piano: Erik Eldénius |
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| 2. | Arapahoe Road | Play | Arapahoe Road
Arapahoe Road
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I’m packin’ up all my stuff Won’t need it for a while I’ve got brown boxes, some packing tape And a moving truck out on the drive Cuz it’s goin’ in a storage unit on Arapahoe Road VERSE 2: It’s 8x8 with a metal gate And a lock to which I hold the key So i take my backpack, guitar, and laptop The rest… I won’t need So it's time to hit that road with what I can carry CHORUS: Cuz I don’t have no house now And I don’t have no home But all I need is here with me The rest is in that box out on Arapahoe Road (out on Arapahoe Road) VERSE 3: I’m movin’ round to each new town This is how to be But every season I find a reason To swap a thing or three It’s a mighty long way to my closet, but that's okay REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: And I… don’t want to be defined But what I own or what I buy And I like dreamin’ of the day I’ll settle down But I don’t need to worry bout that now REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: Is it… Select, attain, collect, maintain Have, show, watch, use, wear? Or… Connect, see, reflect, be Explore, grow, create, love, share? |
Arapahoe Road
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Background vocals: Anna Maria Tocci Pedal steel guitar: Doug Livingston |
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| 3. | Open Relationship | Play | Download | Open Relationship
Open Relationship
© 2007 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I thought it was all going well I thought that I knew how you felt I thought I was the one who you thought about I thought there was nobody else Til you told me you’re having fun On the side with someone That’s when I learned about… CHORUS: You and your open relationship Too soon for commitment, and all that shit But there’s love that you hide, and there’s truth in your lies And I don’t want to learn these rules So I guess I’m not open enough For this relationship VERSE 2: I was looking for an artist And there you were, the artist We stayed up talking all night long Me with my music, and you with your photos Til you showed me the photo of You and the one you love That’s when I learned about… REPEAT CHORUS You and your open relationship You’re free and so modern, and all that shit But there’s love that you hide, and there’s truth in your lies And I don’t want to learn these rules So I guess I’m not open enough For this relationship BRIDGE: Why’s it gotta work that way? Why is this the norm today? When all I want is to run away… With one Just one Only one VERSE 3: So now I’m cautious as hell Cuz the truth is you never can tell If you’re liking the one who likes 2 or 3 This game of numbers don’t add up to me It’s a roll of the dice these days But there’s only one number I’ll play And that’s not… REPEAT CHORUS You and your open relationship You’re limitless, hippy-ish, all that shit But there’s love that you hide, and there’s truth in your lies And I don’t want to learn these rules So I guess I’m not open enough For this relationship |
Open Relationship
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Cello: Stevie Blacke Percussion: Erik Eldénius Piano: Erik Eldénius Viola: Stevie Blacke |
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| 4. | New Year's Eve | Play | New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
© 2007 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: 45 minutes ‘til midnight, I Google the bar and drive 15606 Joy Road, but not a bar in sight 14 minutes, I’ll never find another place in time So I park the car, play my music, and take this as a sign CHORUS: Cuz it’s New Year’s Eve, and I believe that I’ve got nowhere else to be Just on the street, a date with me, and I can do most anything And I’ve got so much to offer, if the world would just receive So here we go… Happy New Year’s Eve VERSE 2: There’s always so much pressure to be somewhere cool Something fabulous to tell them when we’re back at work or school But I don’t want to be with strangers or family this time So this is my night, out on the street, by the bar I couldn’t find REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: So I’m dancing in the intersection, and feeling all the world’s affection I spin around, and hit the ground, and start of in a new direction The fireworks, a drum’s connection, the rainy street, a mirror’s reflection And I play my top songs from all year long… this is what I call perfection VERSE 3: 1 more minute ‘til midnight, I look up at the moon Cuz I know you’re somewhere out there looking at it too And the clouds are racing fast as they can run As I'm texting you a kiss at 3, 2, 1… REPEAT CHORUS |
New Year's Eve
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Children’s chorus: Mia Ersher Melissa Hall Allison Honet Annabelle Honet Daniel Honet Emily Honet Carly Stern Talia Stern Bass: Jörgen Carlsson Electric guitar: Erik Eldénius Percussion: Erik Eldénius Piano: Tom Kean |
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| 5. | The Ice Cream Song | Play | The Ice Cream Song
The Ice Cream Song
© 2004 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I walk around each day with this feeling in my chest Don’t know how to explain it, but it’s there because of you And I have to say I like it, it’s like I literally feel for you Cuz you’ve reached in and grabbed my heart, and now it’s screaming for me to tell you No… I can’t say that yet CHORUS: But we’ve… got… all the time in the world All our lives to feel this way We’ve got hours, months, and years Time for me to say… VERSE 2: That night at the ice cream shop when we were standing in line This feeling washed over me and brought tears to my eyes I said “look at me, I’m crying,” and you said “why?” But I couldn’t say what I wanted to, I was scared it wasn’t time And you brushed away my tears Told me I was beautiful And I damn near said it in that ice cream shop REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: It’s like I want to know you as fast as I can, want to know you as fast as I can It’s like there’s so much for us to do together, and so many ways for us to be together And I want it all to happen now, I want to share it all with you right now If I could just spin around and just make you mine (I would) If I could just snap my fingers and know all of you (but I will) If I could just crawl into your bed, your arms, your life, and stay there forever (like I wish) REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: … should I really be saying this? … well, I’m just gonna say… … (doesn’t matter if you don’t say it back (right now)) … but it’s time for me to say… …that I love you |
The Ice Cream Song
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Cello: Stevie Blacke Piano: Erik Eldénius Violin: Stevie Blacke |
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| 6. | Drunk & High | Play | Drunk & High
Drunk & High
© 2004 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I was drunk, you were high And still I can’t figure out why I’m still torn up about it When really it’s not that different Cuz here we are laughing, we both seem so happy In cell phones from miles away CHORUS: I was drunk You were high VERSE 2: I was trashed, you were stoned An as we talked into our phones We were one and the same Both playing a dangerous game Both running from something, afraid to face someone Or tired of being ourselves REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Oh, but honey I’m scared for you And I’ve tried to be there for you But I hate to see you falling And I really wish you’d stop falling So I kinda wish you’d hit bottom So you can start climbing back up VERSE 3: So next time you wanna get high Or maybe you just need to cry I’ll be here day by day Cuz we don’t need that stuff anyway Cuz you’ll still be laughing, and I’ll still be happy I promise you, we’ll be just fine… when… REPEAT CHORUS (2x): I’m not drunk, and You’re not high |
Drunk & High
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Wurlitzer: Erik Eldénius Percussion: Erik Eldénius |
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| 7. | Fantasy | Play | Fantasy
Fantasy
© 2007 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: So maybe I’m projecting, or maybe you’re protecting But all I really want is to have you here tonight Maybe I’m too feeling, or maybe you’re just reeling From all of this attention you’re not used to Maybe we just need a shot CHORUS: So come live in my fantasy You’ll see it’s not that hard To believe in the fantasy You just let down your guard, and there you have it So don’t get scared and please don’t run I may be intense but I’m also fun And I know you also want it This fantasy VERSE 2: They say that I’m a dreamer, and I know that I’m a dreamer Well I wouldn’t want it any other way They say that you’re so smart, but that you don’t think from the heart Well I’ve seen a lot of heart from you lately They say that we look good together REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: You say I’m on your mind, and then you say you need your time Well that’s just another thing I like about you You say your life is full, and that you're always feeling pulled And I hope you know I wouldn’t want to change that But I’d like to just be a part of it REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: It’s really not that hard, if you believe it |
Fantasy
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Bass: Jörgen Carlsson Electric guitar: Toshi Yanagi Percussion: Erik Eldénius |
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| 8. | So Lovely | Play | So Lovely
So Lovely
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I want to lay next to you in the grass by the river And rest my hand on your chest, pull your energy into mine And feel the sandpaper rough of your cheek with the back Of my finger, my finger down your face CHORUS: And though you don’t agree It would be… so lovely VERSE 2: So look in my eyes and tell me your stories And put them next to mine Let’s see how they play together Yeah, let’s play together REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: This has been the year of falling for the wrong kind of guy (Neil) (Roger) (Amin) (Sébastien) And you… the straight guy, and normally I don’t go for straight guys But with you, there was this energy, and it so confused me, and those around me Because even they could see, in your body, when you were next to me, but… REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: We’re standing in the black, black night, in our winter hats, with our leftover beers And our pant-legs are so close… and I almost think you want me Cuz there you go telling stories about all of the girls who you Just couldn’t stay with… but you can stay with me (tonight) REPEAT CHORUS (3x) |
So Lovely
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Cello: Stevie Blacke |
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| 9. | Box of Bitterness | Play | Box of Bitterness
Box of Bitterness
© 2005 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I have a box Hidden up on the top shelf Inside is you And that certificate from city hall CHORUS: I don’t want to throw away this box Even though I try to trash the memories in my mind But you know, sometimes I like some sadness That’s when I look inside this box of bitterness VERSE 2: That spring Sunday we went to brunch And we came back… married We didn’t mean to It seemed a good idea at the time VERSE 3: Cuz when we walked by city hall The crowd cheered each newlywed couple that came out the door We got choked up Hey… it’s the 16th, so why not? PRE-CHORUS 1: So we got in line to wait all afternoon We’ll have our papers soon REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Sometime around midnight, we got back from brunch With matches from the restaurant and a Polaroid of your mom drunk, Last-minute Hallmark cards, a hand-picked daisy, That pamphlet from City Hall on “How to Start Making Babies” I sat down to print some emails, cuz word had traveled fast While you framed our certificate… so it would last PRE-CHORUS 2: The sky was light when you said, “Let’s get to bed” And here’s a box for this stuff of newlyweds REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 4: That fall I drove south for a week When I got back, you and your stuff were all gone The note said “You can have what’s left… I just can’t do the monogamy thing” PRE-CHORUS 3: As I looked around, my heart began to ache There’s one thing you didn’t take… REPEAT CHORUS |
Box of Bitterness
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Bass: Jörgen Carlsson Cello: Stevie Blacke Electric guitar: Erik Eldénius Percussion: Erik Eldénius Viola: Stevie Blacke |
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| 10. | Your Next Step | Play | Your Next Step
Your Next Step
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: Hey, you know me, I write them sad songs And you need a sad song tonight Hey, I know you, you said to write funny songs Just shut up and deal with it, deal with what I write CHORUS: Cuz here I am sad for you But I think that it’s all for the best So tonight show your tears, we’ll look back in a year At how this pushed you… to your next step VERSE 2: You said, “We fight all the time, we had our problems But I thought it was all going fine” Well if that’s not a joke, then I don’t know funny Cuz I think you just gave the punchline REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying It’s your time to be sad, and you know I’d be too All I am saying is you’re strong and beautiful You will get through this as you have helped me to do too VERSE 3: How many times have you told me how busy You are with the house and your man? In the same breath, there’s no room for writing So go now and use it, use the freedom in your hands And follow your dreams as you planned REPEAT CHORUS |
Your Next Step
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz Pedal steel guitar: Doug Livingston Percussion: Erik Eldénius |
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| 11. | La Vie Après Paris | Play | La Vie Après Paris
La Vie Après Paris
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: Paris, I can’t believe That it’s the time for me to leave I came to live like Parisians live, just for a bit So who do I live like after this? CHORUS: La vie après Paris I don’t know who I should be A traveler? Or a songwriter? Or maybe both? We will see… in ma vie après Paris VERSE 2: Paris, you gave to me A feeling of peace Cuz I could do what I wanted to do, no holds barred I learned to listen to my heart REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: Paris, I’m gonna cry Cuz it’s so hard to say goodbye Cafés by noon, and the Seine by the moon gave me this tune And voilà, I don’t know what to do (in ma…) REPEAT CHORUS (2x – 2nd time in French) Notes: La vie après Paris = Life after Paris Ma vie après Paris = My life after Paris |
La Vie Après Paris
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz 2nd acoustic guitar: Erik Eldénius Accordion: Rami Jaffee Bass: Jörgen Carlsson Percussion: Erik Eldénius |
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| 12. | King & Queen | Play | King & Queen
King & Queen
© 2007 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: You’re way up in the sky With the kings and queens So much higher than my arms Can even try to reach They say we build tall things To prove our royalty But I can show you royal times Down here next to me I might not be your heaven But I always tell the truth CHORUS: Let’s be the king and the queen If you know what I mean Let’s build a castle From this 1-room studio We don’t need no riches And I’ll trade you love for horses If you let my alter-ego Love your alter-ego VERSE 2: I wish that you were real I wish that you were here Cuz I can’t hold a telephone When I go to sleep But I could drive my car To over where you are Or you could hop the midnight train It’s really not that far I know it sounds so crazy Cuz we live in different worlds REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: I don’t have a crown to prove my worth And you know that hurts, because I’ve been looking to find someone like me And that’s what you seem I’m no knight in shining But I’ll shine my light on you And court you til you ride away with me REPEAT CHORUS |
King & Queen
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Poetic ideas by: Thomas Jay Ameloot Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz |
Recording this CD was truly a dream-come-true! Monkeys & Ice Cream represents the best songs in my 7 years of writing. I went to LA in the summer of 2007, met up with producer Erik Eldénius, and began an intensive 3 months of music-making. How amazing it was to see the songs come to life by working with a producer and adding instruments such as cello, piano, hand drums, and pedal steel guitar. The songs tackle themes as varied as gay relationships, life as a nomad, addiction, and of course…one cute little stuffed monkey! I picked songs that reflect what people say they enjoy about music… honest, emotional, quirky, and the occasional moment of humour.
I dedicate this album to my Song School family, without whom I’d never have the confidence, support, and drive to record this CD. In fact, it's a little known fact that the title is a subtle tribute to Song School. The 2 songs I performed on stage there in 2005 and 2006 were 2 moments which defined my growth towards this record.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed making it!
| Vocals and Guitars by: | Ryan Mintz |
| Songs Written by: | Ryan Mintz |
| Songs Inspired by: | Neil (1), Steph (2), Marcus (3), Steven (4), Paris (5) |
| Recorded and Engineered by: | Aaron Friedman (2, 3, 4, 5) Rob Kelley (1, additional tracks on 2, 3, 4) |
| Mixed by: | Aaron Friedman (5) Rob Kelley and Glenn Selmi (1, 2) James Tuttle (3, 4) |
| Mastered by: | Jim Wilson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO www.airshowmastering.com |
| Cover Design by: | Alex Purnell www.ARTiniBAR.com |
| Song Consultants: | Joe Craven, Diana Linger, Anna Maria Tocci |
| 1. | The Monkey Song | Play | Download | The Monkey Song
© 2006 Ryan Mintz
VERSE 1: I saw it in your hotel room on that first night, the one thing that wasn’t quite right There was a mystery novel on your nightstand, snacks from the airport, your laptop and iPod So it kind of stuck out… this stuffed animal sitting on your chair And you said, “That’s my monkey, he keeps me warm at night” (and I say…) CHORUS: Let me be your monkey I’ll keep you warmer than he will He will not cook dinners or write you songs And I… I kiss much better than he does He does not feel for you like I do So let me be your monkey VERSE 2: There’s not many grown-ups who travel from home with a child’s toy Like wearin’ jammies on our second date, it says so much about you But I have to warn you: I’m the jealous type, that’s the way I am Cuz he’s the one who’s travelin’ with you all around while I just hold my pillow (so…) REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: So here we are inside this dreamy place (I feel so happy) But I’m finding that it’s hard to say goodbye (don’t want it to end) And I’m sorry that I’m havin’ trouble just enjoying this moment while we can VERSE 3: I know you’re not the one to share how you feel, but you can with me And I know that you were hurt not long ago, come here and I’ll hold you And I know your parents (just like mine) have a lot to answer for “not much love around just money and you know what they say ‘money cant buy love’” (so…) REPEAT CHORUS (2x) |
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| 2. | The Drunk & High Song | Play | The Drunk & High Song
(Alternate Title: Drunk & High)
© 2004 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I was drunk, you were high And still I can’t figure out why I’m still torn up about it When really it’s not that different Cuz here we are laughing, we both seem so happy In cell phones from miles away CHORUS: I was drunk You were high VERSE 2: I was trashed, you were stoned An as we talked into our phones We were one and the same Both playing a dangerous game Both running from something, afraid to face someone Or tired of being ourselves REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Oh, but honey I’m scared for you And I’ve tried to be there for you But I hate to see you falling And I really wish you’d stop falling So I kinda wish you’d hit bottom So you can start climbing back up VERSE 3: So next time you wanna get high Or maybe you just need to cry I’ll be here day by day Cuz we don’t need that stuff anyway Cuz you’ll still be laughing, and I’ll still be happy I promise you, we’ll be just fine… when… REPEAT CHORUS (2x): I’m not drunk, and You’re not high ENDING: I was drunk, you were high And still I can’t figure out why |
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| 3. | The Ice Cream Song | Play | The Ice Cream Song
(Alternate Title: For Marcus)
© 2004 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I walk around each day with this feeling in my chest Don’t know how to explain it, but it’s there because of you And I have to say I like it, it’s like I literally feel for you Cuz you’ve reached in and grabbed my heart, and now it’s screaming for me to tell you No… I can’t say that yet CHORUS: But we’ve… got… all the time in the world All our lives to feel this way We’ve got hours, months, and years Time for me to say… VERSE 2: That night at the ice cream shop when we were standing in line This feeling washed over me and brought tears to my eyes I said “look at me, I’m crying,” and you said “why?” But I couldn’t say what I wanted to, I was scared it wasn’t time And you brushed away my tears Told me I was beautiful And I damn near said it in that ice cream shop REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: It’s like I want to know you as fast as I can, want to know you as fast as I can It’s like there’s so much for us to do together, and so many ways for us to be together And I want it all to happen now, I want to share it all with you right now If I could just spin around and just make you mine (I would) If I could just snap my fingers and know all of you (but I will) If I could just crawl into your bed, your arms, your life, and stay there forever (like I wish) (like I wish) (like I wish) REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: … should I really be saying this? … well, I’m just gonna say… … (doesn’t matter if you don’t say it back (right now)) … but it’s time for me to say… …that I love you |
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| 4. | The Straight Guy Song | Play | The Straight Guy Song
(Alternate Title: So Lovely)
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I want to lay next to you in the grass by the river And rest my hand on your chest, pull your energy into mine And feel the sandpaper rough of your cheek with the back Of my finger, my finger down your face CHORUS: And though you don’t agree It would be… so lovely VERSE 2: So look in my eyes and tell me your stories And put them next to mine Let’s see how they play together Yeah, let’s play together REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: This has been the year of falling for the wrong kind of guy (Neil) (Roger) (Amin) (Sébastien) And you… the straight guy, and normally I don’t go for straight guys But with you, there was this energy, and it so confused me, and those around me Because even they could see, in your body, when you were next to me, but… REPEAT CHORUS (2x) VERSE 3: We’re standing in the black, black night, in our winter hats, with our leftover beers And our pant-legs are so close… and I almost think you want me Cuz there you go telling stories about all of the girls who you Just couldn’t stay with… but you can stay with me (tonight) REPEAT CHORUS (3x) ENDING: …So lovely |
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| 5. | The French Song | Play | The French Song
(Alternate Title: La Vie Après Paris)
© 2006 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: Paris, I can’t believe That it’s the time for me to leave I came to live like Parisians live, just for a bit So who do I live like after this? CHORUS: La vie après Paris I don’t know who I should be A traveler? Or a songwriter? Or maybe both? We will see… in ma vie après Paris VERSE 2: Paris, you gave to me A feeling of peace Cuz I could do what I wanted to do, no holds barred I learned to listen to my heart REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: Paris, I’m gonna cry Cuz it’s so hard to say goodbye Cafés by noon, and the Seine by the moon gave me this tune And voilà, I don’t know what to do (in ma…) REPEAT CHORUS (2x – 2nd time in French) ENDING: Après Paris TRANSLATION NOTES: La vie après Paris = Life after Paris Ma vie après Paris = My life after Paris Voilà = Voilà :) |
Woo hoo! It’s my first release! I recorded demos for 8 songs in the fall of 2006, and chose these 5 to put on the CD. The production is simple… just me on acoustic guitar and vocals, with a dash of harmonies. I decided to do this project to build momentum for the full CD, to practice being in the studio, and to distribute the much-requested The Monkey Song to all who asked for it! I learned so much about the process: working with a click track, experimenting with vocal styling, arranging harmony, patiently working through the mixing process, and even what a professional mastering session can do for a recording. I am mighty proud of this project, and excited to share it!
You can listen to any of the songs right here, download The Monkey Song to your computer for free (yay for free music!), link to CD Baby to buy the whole CD, or load iTunes to purchase individual tracks. So many ways for you to fall in love with me!
With myself, I'm in love” - Kina



























