ryan mintz - let me be your monkey

songology

“Beneath my surface, a song is rising” - Indigo Girls

Here, I have posted the lyrics to every song I’ve ever written (60+ and counting!)

Enjoy!

2001 Songs

1.	It's Over	It's Over © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: We gave it a try; now it’s time for goodbye, But it’s hard to believe that it’s over. We knew it was wrong, but we kept right along, So I guess it is best that it’s over. So why do I cry and feel bad inside? I don’t need a man to love me. I know who I am, and I know what I want, And I will not give up ‘til I find it. VERSE 2: At night I can’t sleep, and I’m left here to weep As I miss having you right beside ---- me. Our days hand in hand and the years that we planned Make me wish I still had you beside ---- me. But you and I know it was time to let go. We weren’t made to last forever. Our lives were sublime for a moment in time, But our love could not keep us together. VERSE 3: Now it’s time to be strong and attempt to move on. I won’t let my soul sink to blackness. I’ll take time for me, grasp this feeling of free, And try to make sense of the madness. Though I may cry, I cannot let slide, The strength I have built up inside me. I know I will find with the passing of time That Love will again shine upon me. ENDING: We gave it a try; now it’s time for goodbye, But it’s hard to believe that it’s over. Lyrics
2.	Running Away (Leaving Here)	Running Away (Leaving Here) © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: So you’re leaving here. You’re hardly thinking clear, But you know you won’t be happy here. You say the reason’s me, why your soul must flee, But your heart will still be trapped here; you’re not free. CHORUS: You’re just running, running away. There’s nothing left now to say. As hard as we tried, our dreams have all died. And there’s no reason for you to stay. VERSE 2: So you can’t let go of dreams and future hope, But our differences were plenty, we both know. You say you don’t agree with my decision to be free. Then why you never stopped it, I can’t see. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: It’s only been eight days, but now your mind is made. Do you really have to go so far away? Wasn’t I to be the one with whom you’d flee? So if that’s still how you feel, just ask me… “THE DREAM” CHORUS: And we’ll be running, running away With all of our lives left to say We have decided to let our dreams thrive. And there’s no reason I wouldn’t stay. Just come to my door, ask me to be yours, And make this my happiest day VERSE 4: Awake now from the dream. As real as it may seem, You won’t be comin’ ‘round to play that scene, So I let you go, and hope you always know That you’ll always be loved. You’re not alone Lyrics
3.	Wounded	Wounded © 2001 Ryan Mintz I am wounded. I am fragile. -- I base my happiness in others. I have high expectations. -- I continually get let down. I hold on to the past. -- I feel everything deeply. I always want more. I try too hard. I am resistant to change. I look to others for validation. -- I am self-absorbed. I am open, and I expect openness. I am direct, and I scare people off. I am serious, and I forget to laugh. I am intense, and I forget to relax. I am single-minded, and I lose focus. I am a dreamer. I don’t live in the present. I don’t accept my problems. -- I’m losing hope. I don’t want to change. I’m content with the pain and sadness. -- I’m happy the way I am. Lyrics
4.	Every Day is Someday	Every Day is Someday © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: Someday I’ll figure out my life. Someday the path will be clear. Someday I’ll finally settle down. Someday I’ll have my career. CHORUS: Just when I’m starting to doubt……... That’s when I figure it out That every day is someday…… Every day is someday Yeah, every day is someday…… This could be mine VERSE 2 & 3: Someday I’ll travel ‘round the world. Someday I’ll live someplace new. Someday I’ll overcome the loss. Someday I’ll let go of you. Cuz someday I’ll find that deep connection, a friend who will understand. And someday I’ll even find my true love, a partner to walk hand-in-hand. REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: When I find I don’t know where I’m headed And my head is grasping for a hold I try to focus on the moment Cuz tomorrow is not in my control VERSE 4: Someday I’ll tell you how I feel. Someday I won’t have to hide. Someday I might not feel so lost. Someday I’ll make up my mind. REPEAT CHORUS 2x Lyrics
5.	Running My Life	Running My Life © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: It starts with a pleading, a cry for help, That 2am phone call we know so well. I’m hurt and I’m broken, unable to cope. That’s when you help restore hope. We’ve been there so often, you must think I’m weak, Unable to find all the answers I seek. So you answer for me, to help me be strong, But I’m wondering now if you’re wrong. CHORUS: Don’t you tell me that you know what’s best. I’m too smart to know what happens next. You give me the answers; you tell me what’s right. Then suddenly you’re running my life. VERSE 2: I’ve been down for months now, defeated and weak. Is it me who is talking? Or your words I speak? You’ve rescued me countless times, I can’t even tell If you’re the sole reason I’m well. For all of your input, I’m greatly in debt. You’ve helped me move past this, and given me strength. But now that I’m better, I’m asking from you: Let me be my own person too. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: We’re getting too close now, you’re crossing the line. I don’t need a mommy to make me feel fine. Support me or lose me. I won’t change for you. That’s the worst thing I could do. I know you can’t see it, but I’ll really be fine. The lessons you’ve taught me will always be mine. … Lyrics
6.	River of Dreams	River of Dreams © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: My life is going somewhere; I just don’t know where. I wish I new the answer, so I could try to meet it there. The possibilities endless; so many dreams rush through my heart. I’m trying hard to choose one, but I don’t know where to start. CHORUS: The answers will soon find their way to my life, Upsetting my best laid out plans. And when I let thoughts flow through me like water through sand, My river of dreams will carry me away. VERSE 2: I feel my motivation seeping out of me. I’m so used to this freedom, I don’t know how else to be. I came here seeking clarity, now things are more unclear. Perhaps that was the purpose; now it’s time to face my fear. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: I see the daylight breaking, I hear the distant call. It’s time to make my move now, there’s no more time to stall. The light is shining closer, the music’s playing near. The dreams that once eluded me are now becoming clear. REPEAT CHORUS (Substitute: “The answers are finding their way to my life…”) Lyrics
7.	With You	With You © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I used to lay awake at night, And wonder if I could find it. Can I find it? Well I’ve found it with you. I used to fear the best was gone, And I’d be alone forever. Now forever… Is happening with you. CHORUS: Cuz I want to be with you, run free with you. I want to share with you, be there for you. I want to live my life’s adventure with you. Cuz I’d run away with you, spend each day with you, No matter where life takes us. Just promise me… That I’ll always be with you. VERSE 2: I never knew a partner who Could make me feel secure, Self-assured, But I feel that with you. I never dreamed that love could seem So perfect and inviting. Now I’m writing This love song for you. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: I tried for years, faced all my fears To find my own way, But today That path lies with you. I’ve tried concealing the way I feel For fear of getting hurt, But you’re worth This chance I’m taking on you. REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: Just promise me that you’ll always… And I’ll, promise me that I’ll always… Promise me that you’ll always be with me. Lyrics
8.	I'd Wait for You	I'd Wait for You © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: We’ve both been in love before, But now we’re feeling it even more. We’ve got potential to thrive And keep our dreams alive. But now you question what we share. You say the distance too much to bear. But don’t give up on me now. We’ll make it somehow. CHORUS: I’d wait a hundred years for you. I’d dream until my dreams fell through. I’d sing at your door ‘til you can’t take it no more. Just to get the chance, I’d wait for you. VERSE 2: I know I left you far behind, And though you think I’ve been unkind, I thought you saw what I see. I thought you felt just like me. Because we stared at the road ahead, And we weren’t scared to take the step. If you believe that was true, I’ll prove it to you. REPEAT CHORUS TRANSITION: I’d wait for you. Lyrics
10.	Lovers Can Deceive	Lovers Can Deceive © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I look the other way, believing all you say But now I’m finding proof, that your words aren’t the truth. BRIDGE 1: And I’m hesitant to believe that lovers can deceive. The stranger’s words seem pure, but my heart can’t be sure. CHORUS 1: I am caught in between. Things aren’t always what they seem. And I’m gonna have to choose who I’ll believe, and who I’ll lose. VERSE 2: The strangest thing of all was I trusted you so long. Your honor truth and integrity…was it all a fucking game with me? BRIDGE 2: I’m needing now to know, was all that just for show? Tell me that he’s wrong, and you were honest all along. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: Now we’re face to face, and you’re denying your disgrace. But if ditching me is your cure… well babe, your actions speak louder than words. BRIDGE 3: And now I’m tempted to believe that lovers can deceive. The stranger’s words seem pure, but my heart will never be sure. REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: But you helped me make that choice, so thanks for your “honest” voice. Lyrics
11.	I Only Have Eyes for You	I Only Have Eyes for You © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: You stepped into my life, and suddenly all felt right. Your beauty stole my heart; now I don’t wanna be apart. When I walk into a room, I only think of you. There’s others all around, but you’re the one I’ve found. CHORUS: I only have eyes for you, and nobody else will do What you’ve done for me, and how you’ve cared for me. You give me power to make it through. Though I’m far away it seems, we can’t let that come between, For if you look above and see the shooting star, We can fol------low our dream. VERSE 2: When I look into your eyes, I feel a natural high. The passion in your gaze continues to amaze me. When we lay beneath the moon, there’s no one else but you. The feeling from those nights is what I want for life. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: Now you’re here inside my life. How could it feel so right To have you in my heart, even though we’re far apart. If we’re courageous and we’re strong, and we hold on to our song, Then faith will set us free until you’re here with me. And just remember that… REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: … our dream… follow our dream… follow our dream. Lyrics
12.	One Perfect Night	One Perfect Night © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I remember the night you walked into that bar. I could see at once how beautiful you are. You tried to play cool; I tried to play coy. It wasn’t long before I wanted you boy. BRIDGE 1: And I knew… that it was hit or miss. When I did… ask you for that kiss. VERSE 2: We went for a walk, we laid in the park, We held each other in the late night dark. We went to the mountains, walked beneath the moon. Though it lasted all night, it ended much too soon. BRIDGE 2: And I knew… it even then. That I would… see you again. VERSE 3: We had one perfect night, and then it was two. Soon I realized just by being with you That all of our moments could be as sublime. So lets be together, baby just be mine. Yeah come on baby now, and just be mine. ENDING: We’re two of the lucky ones, caught up in dream land. So come on baby now, and take my hand. Lyrics
13.	City of Lights	City of Lights © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I got in the car this morning with a simple destination. I’ll be there tonight, in the city of lights, to see my girl. The journey is a long one, but I know that it is worth it. Followin’ dreams usually seems the best way to go. CHORUS: And I … see … the light. And I … know … I’m right. Though I change my plan, I understand my choices are the right ones. Cuz I’m free to live my life. Yes I’m free to live my life. VERSE 2: I saw my girl, and I drowned in her world of beautiful song. She played her guitar, and she sang like a star. I nearly cried. Then I stayed up ‘til dawn sharing secrets and song with a new companion. Though I’m s’posed to leave tomorrow, I think I’ll stay. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: I saw the sunset in Utah. I saw the moon rise in Arizona. I saw the city of lights before me. I felt so free. And home is far away now, but this is where I belong now, Letting each day tell me where to go next. REPEAT CHORUS ENDING: I’ve got more to learn here. I’ve got reasons to stay here. I have made a friend here. And I see the light. Lyrics
14.	Prayers Around the World	Prayers Around the World © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: That Tuesday in September is a day we’ll all remember. The horror on the screen was like we’d never seen. We all watched in fear. How could this be happening here? And we sent our prayers around the world. VERSE 2: I can’t imagine why the innocent must die, And why we turn to war to settle up the score. Can’t we see that if we play their game, we’ll only cause more pain? It’s time we sent our prayers around the world. CHORUS: Why’d we have to have this senseless tragedy To make our nation’s bond increase? Now our leaders race to retaliate in haste, Forgetting that all we want is peace. VERSE 3: They may have taken our friends, but they can’t make freedom end. They tried to make us break, but they didn’t know our strength, Cuz now we’re here as one, recov’ring from the damages done, And together we send our prayers around the world. REPEAT CHORUS Together we send our prayers around the world ENDING: (sung over the chorus) We’re praying for peace, that the madness will all cease. We’re praying for health, that our neighbors will be well. It starts with you and me to rebuild our community. So join me, and send our prayers around the world. Yeah together, let’s send our prayers around the world. All we can do now is send our prayers around the world. Lyrics
15.	Tears of Love	Tears of Love © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1/2: I sat on my bed when you left missing your warm presence And the emptiness of not having you near flooded my eyes with tears… (tears of love) I sat on my bed when you left listening to songs you sent me And the message of each lyric moved me to tears… tears of love CHORUS: I clung the page and read each part I felt the longing of my heart I cried so hard my sight was blurred I screamed for help yet no one heard VERSE 3/4: I sat on my bed when you left imagining the weekend we shared And the memories we continued to write ignited these tears of love I sat on my bed when you left feeling the intensity of emotion And the bond we grew even deeper intensified these tears of love REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 5: And now I sit here writing to you reflecting on my emotional interlude And I knowing that the tears I shed only show how much I love you ENDING: Ohh… Mmm… I love you Lyrics
16.	Time for a Change	Time for a Change © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I’m sick to death of the same ol’ place. I’m sick to death of running in place. I try to get somewhere, but I end up nowhere. I’m sick to death of losing this race. CHORUS: It’s time for a change, time for a change. Gotta reinvent myself all over again. It’s time for a change, leave all this pain. Don’t wanna keep runnin’, but that is my game. VERSE 2: I’m tired of money ruling my life. Paycheck to paycheck is no way to survive. I need to go someplace where I’m happy in all ways. I’m tired of struggling through this 9-to-5. REPEAT CHORUS VERSE 3: I’m done with crying day after day. I’m done with lying to save my face. I need to be happy, break free from things that entrap me. I’m done pretending that my life is OK. REPEAT CHORUS (2x) ENDING: Don’t wanna keep running; Maybe this time I’ll stay. Lyrics
17.	Happy Song	Happy Song © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: I…… am falling apart, and I…… need a new start Sometimes I don’t know where I’m going, and I don’t know where I’ve been Sometimes I feel so lost hopeless, like I wanna just give in… CHORUS: Then I breathe…… I’m happy with me VERSE 2: I…… have suffered for so long, and I…… know that suffering was wrong Because I have a loving family, and I have supportive friends So when I start to feel all lonely, like my world is gonna end… REPEAT CHORUS: I just breathe…… I’m happy with me BRIDGE: Now I see the painful struggle in so many foreign lands And I feel the need to help them, cuz I finally understand And I realize what this life is, all the many gifts we share And I feel the spirit in me, and I’m feeling self-aware… REPEAT CHORUS: Yeah, I breathe…… I’m happy with me VERSE 3: I……’m beginning now to heal, and I…… am changing how I feel Because I’m living in the moment, and enjoying what’s for me And now I have the power in me to not take things personally ENDING Yeah, I just breathe…… I’m happy with me I’m happy with me…… happy with me…… happy with me Lyrics
18.	Here Alone	Here Alone © 2001 Ryan Mintz VERSE 1: If you say you love me, then why do you leave? And why do you need some other? If you say you want me, then was it a lie? And why did you write those letters? I guess I’m better… here alone VERSE 2: If you’re dreamin’ of me, why can’t you just tell me? And why in the hell are we playin’ these games? If you keep me dangling from your little string, Well who do you think you’ve hurt? You won’t be the first to leave me… here alone. BRIDGE: If you’re thinking of my lips, well was it worth it? If it’s me you always miss, honey we’re old news. If you’re lonely, and tired of only, Well it’s hell, the choices we choose. VERSE 3: If you need me so much, then why deny it? And why oh why are you pushing me away? If you care so much, then why fight it? You don’t have the right to keep treating me this way. ENDING: Maybe I can handle life… Maybe I don’t need you in my life… I’m much better in my life… here alone …here alone …here alone …I’ll do much better on my own Lyrics

Apparently, 2001 was my most prolific year. The excitement about writing songs fueled me to express about so many topics: breakups, new crushes, depression, future hopes, boundary-setting, family relationships, world peace, and longing for change.

It's Over and Running Away are breakup songs. Wounded was adapted from a delicate journal entry during my depression of 2000. Everyday Is Someday and River of Dreams represent hopes for the future during those post-college years of uncertainty. Running My Life asks for boundaries to my closest friends when their advice turned too controlling. With You, I’d Wait for You, and I Only Have Eyes for You are love songs I was very proud of at the time. Lovers Can Deceive was my first foray into anger, towards a lying ex-boyfriend, and Jaime said it was my best song when she heard it. One Perfect Night is an upbeat ditty about the night I met a cute boy :) City of Lights was written about a spontaneous road trip to Las Vegas to see Madonna, and I was proud that it came out sounding James Taylor-esque!

Prayers Around the World marked my start of peace activism, and I played the hopeful tune at several peace rallies and gatherings right after 9/11; Danielle still talks about this song, and it always makes her cry! Tears of Love is a gentle song adapted from an email to a boyfriend. Time for a Change came from a place of frustration, features a cool guitar part, and hints at the coming changes that would lead me to move to California. Happy Song was written to capture my happy emotions, since I often was writing from a place of sadness or longing. Here Alone was a mish-mash of verses from different friends to complete a breakup song I had started.

“Please be careful with me

I'm sensitive and I'd like to stay that way” - Jewel

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songology