“Things you could do” was the result of a conversation after a gig with a young person facing life.
It is also a theme I have explored a few times in my life, of not being defined by your traumas but rather discover your true essence.

It was driven by the first two chords (thanks Safa), and the lyrical idea which I developed over time.
I’m starting to sound like a wise old man, which I am not…

@shaunjohannes again contributed his bass, drums and keyboards to this song with his amazing talent and professionalism.
You’ll never know how grateful I am for these contributions to my deluded creations!

We all have our crosses to bear
You can hold up front like a mask or a sign
For everyone to stare
You can sling it across your back
You can drag it behind you
Or toss it aside to reclaim some self-respect

And it’s easy to say but it’s harder to do
There’s a promise land just waiting for you
There’s some hope in this song
But you’ll have to be strong
With everything that’s expected of you
Expected of you

All the things you could do…

And it’s doubt and fear
The road isn’t always clear
And there’s hope and strength
To guide you until the end

We all have the scars of life
you can wear them with pride
Or cover them up, get a tattoo as a disguise
You can choose to ignore the signs (and)
Be the manifestation of all of your trauma
just the victim of the design

And it’s easy to say but it’s harder to do
There’s a promise land just waiting for you
There’s some hope in this song
But you’ll have to be strong
With everything that’s expected of you
Expected of you

All the things you could do…

And it’s doubt and fear
The road isn’t always clear
And there’s hope and strength
To guide you until the end