Get Flash to see this player.
Description
This song is based on the idea that we need to decide what is important in our lives, and that sometimes simple things are as important as complex things. As someone once said, if you're too busy to do the things you believe are important, then you're too busy. When my wife listened to the song, she thought I was being harsh towards the doctor and the lawyer. I have to admit if I were carted off to a doctor's surgery with a broken arm and was told the doctor was running late because he was fixing a broken swing, I wouldn't be happy and would think he had his priorities wrong. But at some stage, simple things should get to be number one on our list. The last verse (and maybe a few of the others) is dragging out a few clichés, but there you go...
• All the vocals and the instruments are mine, although one of the drum parts is from Groove Monkee.
• All the guitar parts are played on the Maton - the slide is using the pickup rather than a mike.
• The picture is from Microsoft's clipart collection.
I hope you enjoy the song!
• All the vocals and the instruments are mine, although one of the drum parts is from Groove Monkee.
• All the guitar parts are played on the Maton - the slide is using the pickup rather than a mike.
• The picture is from Microsoft's clipart collection.
I hope you enjoy the song!
Leave a Comment
You must be registered and logged-in to comment.
Lyrics
The Broken Swing
(Words and Music by Philip Gardner)
Who will mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Who can find the time to stop for others?
Who will mend the broken swing and see the children play?
There’s some who never can and never will.
A doctor checked his diary and he said “It can’t be me
I have lives that I must save and people I must see
I’m sure there’s someone coming soon who’ll help you all today
But time is pressing on me and I must be on my way”
Who will mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Who can find the time to stop for others?
Who will mend the broken swing and see the children play?
There’s some who never can and never will
“I’m sorry I can’t help you,” said the lawyer passing by
“Today I will defend a man who otherwise could die
I’m sure there’s someone coming soon, I wish it could be me
But his case is in the courts today and that’s where I must be.”
Who will mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Who can find the time to stop for others?
Who will mend the broken swing and see the children play?
There’s some who never can and never will
A politician saw the swing and said that he would help
When next the budget was discussed he'd tell them how he felt
And so he shook their hands and smiled and went upon his way
Promising that he’d be back on next election day
An old man who and his dog walked past saw the broken swing
He looked at what the trouble was and slowly rubbed his chin
Home he went to get some bolts and soon the job was done
His payment was to see the children all just having fun.
Would you mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Do you find the time to stop for others?
Somewhere in your busy life do you see the children play?
‘Cause there’s some who never can and never will.
(Words and Music by Philip Gardner)
Who will mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Who can find the time to stop for others?
Who will mend the broken swing and see the children play?
There’s some who never can and never will.
A doctor checked his diary and he said “It can’t be me
I have lives that I must save and people I must see
I’m sure there’s someone coming soon who’ll help you all today
But time is pressing on me and I must be on my way”
Who will mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Who can find the time to stop for others?
Who will mend the broken swing and see the children play?
There’s some who never can and never will
“I’m sorry I can’t help you,” said the lawyer passing by
“Today I will defend a man who otherwise could die
I’m sure there’s someone coming soon, I wish it could be me
But his case is in the courts today and that’s where I must be.”
Who will mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Who can find the time to stop for others?
Who will mend the broken swing and see the children play?
There’s some who never can and never will
A politician saw the swing and said that he would help
When next the budget was discussed he'd tell them how he felt
And so he shook their hands and smiled and went upon his way
Promising that he’d be back on next election day
An old man who and his dog walked past saw the broken swing
He looked at what the trouble was and slowly rubbed his chin
Home he went to get some bolts and soon the job was done
His payment was to see the children all just having fun.
Would you mend the broken swing in the playground on the hill?
Do you find the time to stop for others?
Somewhere in your busy life do you see the children play?
‘Cause there’s some who never can and never will.
alackbass
I'm sitting here watching the 2nd round of the U.S. Open. When I saw the title of your new post I wondered if you wrote a song about golf :)
First of all I must comment on what a brave man you are. I never run my songs by the Mrs. It just feels like the musicians equivalent of asking, "Does this dress make my ass look fat?" Rarely does anything contributing to domestic peace come from answering such a question honestly.
With that said I must say I like the verse about the politician the best. I think that's where you really make your strongest point of misplaced values and priorities. The chorus is lovely. You have a knack for nailing down the perfect key and tempo for your tunes which contribute to your effortless vocal delivery and smooth harmonies. Love your picking and clear guitar tone. I like the key change. Excellent mix and production.