Close
Close

ryan mintz's music page!

  • home
  • music
  • songology
  • inspiration
  • community
  • tour
  • bio
  • blog
  • pics
  • guestbook
  • mailinglist
  • credits
  • contact

musicmusic

"I let the music take me where my heart wants to go" - Madonna


This is where" you can hear my official releases. If you look closely, there are a couple free downloads available... Woo hoo!

 

Monkeys & Ice Cream
$15.00
Buy from CDBaby
iTunes
Monkeys & Ice Cream
Produced, Engineered, and Mixed by Erik Eldénius

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
Credits
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)
Lyrics
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
Info
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?
Lyrics
Arapahoe Road
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Background vocals: Anna Maria Tocci
Pedal steel guitar: Doug Livingston
Info
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
Lyrics
Open Relationship
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Cello: Stevie Blacke
Percussion: Erik Eldénius
Piano: Erik Eldénius
Viola: Stevie Blacke
Info
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
Lyrics
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
Info
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
Lyrics
The Ice Cream Song
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Cello: Stevie Blacke
Piano: Erik Eldénius
Violin: Stevie Blacke
Info
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
Lyrics
Drunk & High
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Wurlitzer: Erik Eldénius
Percussion: Erik Eldénius
Info
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
Lyrics
Fantasy
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Bass: Jörgen Carlsson
Electric guitar: Toshi Yanagi
Percussion: Erik Eldénius
Info
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)
Lyrics
So Lovely
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Cello: Stevie Blacke
Info
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
Lyrics
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
Info
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
Lyrics
Your Next Step
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Pedal steel guitar: Doug Livingston
Percussion: Erik Eldénius
Info
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
Lyrics
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
Info
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
Lyrics
King & Queen
Credits
Music and lyrics: Ryan Mintz
Poetic ideas by: Thomas Jay Ameloot
Acoustic guitar: Ryan Mintz
Info

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!

(the first one)
$5.00
Buy from CDBaby
Buy Now
(the first one)
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)
Gephilte Pholk Productions, Longmont, CO
aaron@peaktopeakpromotions.com

Rob Kelley (1, additional tracks on 2, 3, 4)
Cheap Mix Studios, Billerica, MA
www.cheapmixstudios.com

Mixed by:

Aaron Friedman (5)
Gephilte Pholk Productions, Longmont, CO

Rob Kelley and Glenn Selmi (1, 2)
Rocket Dog Studios, Newton, MA

James Tuttle (3, 4)
Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO

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

 

Credits
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)

Lyrics
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
Lyrics
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

Lyrics
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
Lyrics
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 :)
Lyrics

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!

“I'm just me, I'm enough
With myself, I'm in love” - Kina
Hear Ry's Debut CD!
Monkeys & Ice Cream
$15.00
Buy from CDBaby
iTunes
Join Ry's List!

Click here
to stay in the know about
Ry's upcoming shows and releases!

Visit Ry's MySpace!

© 2006-2008 Ryan Mintz
Website by Rock-n-Roll Design
Powered by KarmaCMS