Falling In/ Falling Down is a song that I wrote for Christy. (There is a LIVE version of it on my MYSPACE...the studio version will be on my next record)
I wrote this song on piano because I wanted it to be different from all of my other music; I wanted it to be unique like the love I feel for Christy.
The song is about how we, having both been destroyed by love in the past, feel about being together. I wanted to write down exactly how it feels to be with each other now, armed with the comfort of knowing that we are through with heartache - we are both finished falling in and then out of love; falling down and being hurt.
MEET THE GROOMSMEN I have the honor and privilege of introducing the men that will stand by my side on the most important day of my life. Meet THE GROOMSMEN…
THE BEST MAN:Marco Secchi Marco has been my friend since we were kids playing little league together, growing up in San Jose, California. Our friendship grew in high school but I can honestly say that we have grown much closer in recent years, keeping in touch by phone, email, and occasional visits, regardless of the 2,500 miles we live from each other. He has been a friend, an adviser, and source of strength throughout my life. I always know that Marco can bring me up with a joke (He’s a funny man) or bring me back to reality if I need it. I couldn’t be prouder of him and all that he has accomplished in his life. I feel honored to have such a great man stand next to me at my wedding; he truly is the Best Man for the job.
THE BROTHER:Scott Burns There is a handful of people in this world I would give my life for and one of them is my brother. Though we were never close in age the bond you have with a brother can never be broken. Like Marco, my brother lives thousands of miles away in Las Vegas, but this always gives Christy and I an excellent excuse to go visit. I am so proud of my brother. He has been through tough times in his life but has always come out on the other side, holding his head up; the epitome of strength. I have always looked up to my brother and I love him with all my heart. It means the world to me that he will be at my side when my beautiful bride comes down the aisle.
THE PILOT:Chad Johnson Chad, Christy’s brother, has become more than just “my future brother in law”; he’s become my friend. Had it not been for Chad dragging Christy to Underground Bluz “that night”, Christy and I would have never met. Since that time I have formed a respect and close friendship with Chad and he has also been an inspiration. Watching him as he graduated from college and eventually working hard to become a pilot. Accompanied by a great heart he is, hands down, one the funniest people I know. (Perfect Uncle Material) I think it’s only fitting that he now gets to watch his only sister walk down the aisle while standing beside the man that has become his friend and will become her husband.
THE MUSICIAN:Alex Eastman One of the first friends I made here in Orlando has become one of my best. I have a special connection with Alex, not only because we are both musicians, but because he has played Bass Guitar on all of my music. That may not seem important to some people but the bond you create with someone through making music is unlike anything else, and I cherish it. Music aside, he’s also a great human being, with a heart of gold and extreme sense of loyalty towards his friends. I’m proud to have a man like Alex, that helps me do what I love to do, stand up for me on my wedding day.
THE PRODUCER:Jason Gloria Last, but certainly not least, is a man that I have grown to respect immensely. Jason was my producer first, helping to make every song of mine sound the best it possibly could. When you hear anything I record you are also hearing Jason. His skill at his craft and his love for music is unparalleled. You can’t help but form a deep friendship with someone that helps you create, and it wasn’t long before I began introducing Jason as one of my best friends instead of “my producer”. There are only a small group of people that can make me laugh out loud days after having said something funny; Jason is one of those people. Jason has made me a better songwriter and musician and I am forever grateful. I can’t imagine myself recording music with anyone else, and when you feel that close with someone, you want them to be by your side on the most important day of your life.
If you have ever worked a job that you didn't like, or hated with every fiber of your being, it was mostly due to the fact you were not paid enough to deal with your boss. You know the type: Someone that you are far more qualified than yet they are somehow in charge of you...they call you names, belittle you, and abuse their power. A few years ago I wrote a bluegrass song titled, "Dirty Jim" to help convey the frustration that most of us feel in this situation. The song has been welcomed with open arms by most. The only gripe some have with the lyrics is that there are a few cuss words. This is tough for me because although I feel for the sensitivity of those with "little ears" and tender sensibilities, the frustration I felt towards this particular boss evoked, artistically, certain emotions and therefore the cuss words I used in the song were born. Why am I even explaining this? Because I love the song and I love to play it live but I am also a person that does not like to offend anyone. (Particularly people that like my music) Of course if I spot a child in the audience I quickly turn on the PG rated version, which is not nearly as fun. I hope that people can see why I used the words I used and realize that all language can be used to express emotions. I also feel strongly that had you worked for this man you would see nothing wrong with the cussing, and in fact, you would suggest that there should be more. Below is a video of me playing this song LIVE @ The Social. If you would like to hear the studio version go to my MYSPACE PAGE and have a listen. This song will be available on CD sometime later this year.
"Dirty Jim"by Chris Burns
Now gather round' my friends And I'll tell you all again The story of how we killed Dirty Jim Dirty Jim was our boss Everyday he would get sauced And then wold get quite cross You don't talk back to him... Oh, how we hated Dirty Jim
He was cold and he was mean The blackest eyes you ever seen Every word from his mouth was a threat And there's a story that's been spread That will fill your heart with dread When you're alone in your bed He set his own Ma' on fire... Just to light a cigarette
I can't work any faster I wish I was dead I really hate this bastard I think I'll bury him instead
We came up with a plan To dispose of the man Ideas were filling to the brim There shouldn't be a fuss There's one of him and four of us And if he starts to spit and cuss We'll tear him limb from limb... and end the reign of Dirty Jim
I can't work any faster I wish I was dead I really hate this bastard I think I'll bury him instead
Well, the time had come at last And it all happened so fast Dirty Jim was tied upon the ground And I know it seems absurd But I never even heard him Him say his last words But maybe that's because the only sound... Was that concrete pouring down
I can't work any faster I wish I was dead I really hate that fucking bastard I think I'll bury him instead
One year to the day An investigator made his way From the new police department down the street The evidence was slim In the case if Dirty Jim With no hide nor' hair of him All he could do was walk the beat... The answers right below his feet The answers right below his feet The answers right below his feet
I wanted to get this thought out before New Years for a couple of reasons. 1) In case I may offend anyone we can simply say that it was something that I had written last year and it is now far behind us. 2) Because I can already feel the onslaught of anxious text messages preparing to launch, filled with good tidings and well wishes.
Here is the deal:
I know you’re excited about the holidays and you want to share your excitement with all of your friends, particularly the ones stored in your phone. The problem is that everyone else is doing this too. So now, like clockwork, every holiday is filled with a slew of good cheer in the form of the IBTM or, Impersonal Blanket Text Message. You can almost hear the sigh of weary phone batteries being drained, absorbing the brunt of an unending stream of ones and zeros, beaming through the night like the Starship Enterprise. You may even have your message pre-written and saved as a draft just for New Years! This way you can watch the ball drop and all you have to do is hit send. (No one wants to deal with a nervous finger, shaking and sweating with anticipation, awaiting the exact moment to crush the send button, connecting all of your friends to your excitement simultaneously.) Look, I am guilty of this too…we all are. That is why I feel it necessary to take this moment, just before the New Year to ask, plead, and beg you…stop, for all of us.
First, admit that you have a problem. “My name is Chris and I…I, uh, well uh……I IBTM!!!” Second, challenge yourself to write and individual text message this year to a few select friends…make it personal. Trust me, no one is “feeling the love” when they receive these messages…in fact most people feel obligated to respond or worse, they feel like they should be doing the same thing! They begin flying through their phone, “selecting all recipients” or worse, they take the time to go through their phone, feverishly clicking everyone’s name just before they hit “send”. STOP!!!
Need a New Year’s Resolution??? Don’t be an IBTMer this year…take a moment and really connect with someone.
One of the biggest influences on my songwriting over the years has been Paul Simon. The Only Living Boy In NY is by far my favorite from his Simon and Garfunkle collection. (This song became popular again when it appeared in "Garden State".) I've posted the video here for you to watch. You can also find it on YouTube or on Paul Simon's MYSPACE PAGE.
