I never wrote a song in my life - never really thought about it. Last week, a good friend asked me to write a song based on his 3,000 mile voyage up the Atlantic coast, then up the Hudson River and through the Erie Canal to Lake Erie, finally ending in Tawas Bay, Michigan where the boat will spend the winter. The boat is named Avia, a 37-foot Morgan sloop thay lived upon for the past 6 years. Because of health issues, they will be moving back to dry land in the near future, but before doing so they decided to make one last, long cruise. Roger and his lovely wife Sandy, will winterize the boat, leave it in Michigan, then fly to southwest Florida where they will spend the winter in comfortable temperatures.

Roger wrote the first verse and chorus and asked me to add some verses and put everything together. Here's what I came up with: Avia's Song

The photo below is of Roger and Sandy when they sailed up the C&D Canal on their way north to the Hudson River.

Hope you enjoy the song,

Gary

Gary great effort with a bit of work I think you can make it even better. It's fun creating an original song...
I hope its not your last,...thanx for sharing!

Thanks Donny, for listening and commenting. I don't know how I could make it better, though. I was lucky to get through this one, mainly because I had an adverse reaction to the new medication the doctor gave me yesterday. She said it should be perfect for me, and no cardiac problems. Fortunately, I monitor my heart several times a day, and while the breathing got a lot easier during the night and I was able to sleep, by morning I had a terrible cough, my arms were trebling, and my heart rate had climbed to 110 while sitting down eating breakfast. Tonight, I had to take an extra doze of beta blocker to slow my heart a bit, but at this point, it also reduced my oxygen in my blood as well. Real had to sing and play under these conditions.

Now, I know that I could add some right hand comp with maybe some guitar or strings, and a third layer of strings on the left hand, but that will have to wait for another day when I get the health issues under control, if that day ever comes.

Thanks again, old friend,

Gary

Nicely done. Your friends should be proud...and pleased.
Eddie

Thanks Ed, I appreciate you taking time to listen and comment.

All the best,

Gary

Nice job Gary,
I closed my eyes and imagined sitting back'o'the boat, it's tempo aligns very well with sailing along on a nice breeze.
liked it a lot.

Ray

Thanks Gary. Good job. Now you need to write the next one. We will look forward to it.

Gary considering where you are in life—FANTASTIC. The fact that you did write and record the song it is beyond many. Gary your life and your stories are a blessing – and they are an inspiration to anyone who is moving into the next part of their lives.

I am going to the doctor this week, I can be filled with energy and ready to go but as soon as I eat I get I am unusually tired. If it is because I’m aging and losing I am ready to do battle and turn it around. (smile)

Now do you see what you have taught me, John C.

Gary, Very unique tune and nice job on it. The style really works well for a tune about sailing.

Great effort Gary !! Keyboard players are not generally associated with penning their own material. This song is a tribute to both your friends and to the composer !!!
Wishing you well with your frail health,

John