I Still Believe (in Love)

• By Carla Benson featuring Ron Kerber & The New MFSB and L.O.L. (Lots of Liberals)

Author’s notes:

This story begins in November of 2016 the night of the election. I knew that the unexpected (by many) results were going to change the face of American politics, culture and life very badly foe the next 4 years. I was despondent to say the least. I was determined that no matter how bad it was to become I would strive to keep love, hope and faith alive. So, in the next day or two I sat down with my guitar and wrote this song. I knew that if I was do it right, I must try as a producer to find the best way to realize it. I recorded myself on acoustic guitar as I do with everything I write and sent off a PA copyright. But then it was on to how to best record it. I first tried programming it with a student programming wiz after he had completed my class at Rowan University. That effort had its merits, and I was impressed with all that can be done “in the box” with all the digital tools now available to our industry.
However, I came to realize that the way I really wanted it to sound was more like all the great R&B songs I had recorded in the early days of my career at Sigma Sound Studios. And, of course, the best way that this song could end up like that was for it to be recorded with a Sound of Philly rhythm section in a real studio. Sadly, at three consecutive funerals for TSOP greats, Teddy Pendergrass, then Billy Paul and lastly Bunny Sigler I saw and spoke with the core of the very group of musicians that were the pros who played on “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”, “Used to Be My Girl” and who knows how many other hits: Keith (Lead-foot) Benson (drums), Jimmy Williams (bass) and Dennis Harris (guitar). I had asked them on all three occasions if they would be interested in playing for me on one of my songs. All three times they said, “Of course we would, Jim, just say when and where.” So, after the 3rd time I went to Jack Klotz and asked if over the summer break, I could use the studio at Temple where we teach recording classes. He said OK and I started calling people. First, I asked Joe Kraus if he would engineer for me as I hoped to play guitar with them while producing. Two hats were enough, and I had had Joe record tracks for me on previous CDs. He was in and thrilled to hear who we would be working with. Then I called Dennis, Keith, and Jimmy with some dates. We had to work around Jimmy playing on the road with the O’Jays, but we found a date, set it and then I called T. Life (guitar) and “Lambchop” Curry (piano), both writers and producers extraordinaire. They were in. Now I had to work with Carla Benson to be sure that we played it in the best key for her to sing it. She and I met at my home studio, and I gave her a demo to learn the melody and words after we determined the original key worked best.
Then the day came, July 24, 2018, and we gathered at Temple and recorded the tracks for this song and “You Take My Breath Away”. I had produced tracks (and played guitar) with MFSB that I had written! My God I was in heaven. I took the tracks back to my home studio and proceeded to record Carla. She of course was awesome as she always is. Also, on the advice of “Lambchop” I added Carla on tambourine. And she added some background tracks, but I said I had plans to add as many voices as possible including kids. She immediately helped me by providing about a dozen of her vocal students who came on another day and sang their hearts out. I began recording all my relatives, friends, musicians and singers who live near me as well. The final touches were adding Ron Kerber on sax on both songs. He was amazing as always as you can hear. Then “Lambchop” came over and added synth horns to this song and synth strings to the ballad. Listen to the horn parts that he added. He did them in one pass. I was astonished. His piano work on both songs is remarkable as well. I added my friend Liz Bressi-Stoppe on windchimes to the ballad and I was finished recording. So, now I had a record and I started to mix it at home where I am quite capable of finishing any record, however, that was not to be the end of the story.
In the fall of 2018, my wife Pam, and my daughter-in-law Vicki each were each celebrating a birthday with a zero on the end so we four went to London to celebrate. While there I arranged for a tour of Abbey Road Studios as I was in the process of producing an album and was using that as an excuse so my son, a huge fan of the Beatles and Pink Floyd etc. like myself, and our wives would get to see the fabled place. So, we did and as we were getting the tour, I saw the three new rooms that they had added since I last was there back in the 1990’s. Well, the new rooms were very interesting to me, one because it was small and reminded me of my own room at home except of course it had (albeit small) a Neve console and after all it was still an Abbey Road studio, that recently had been used by Nile Rodgers to record his latest CD. I knew I could mix the new songs easily in that room as I knew its capacity and my track requirements. Our trip to London was fantastic and on it my wife decided it was time for a career change that she had been thinking about. After we returned, I investigated what it would cost to use that room (The Gatehouse Studio) for a day and was pleasantly surprised. Pam had announced the decision to her company and her time there was winding down, as we were driving into the city together as we often did, she said. “Let’s do it, it’s our one and only life. Let’s go back to London and mix your song at Abbey Road.” I was shocked and thrilled so I looked at when I could go that did not conflict with my teaching schedule and it was the first weeks of January before classes began. I wrote the studio booked a Friday (1/11/2019) and then flights over on that Wednesday and back the following Monday and returned to teach class that Tuesday. The idea that I would ever work as a producer, be recorded, and mix in Abbey Road was not even on my bucket list. And in a matter of five months, it had become a reality. Not a dream. A reality. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did in making it.

Lyrics:

• Words and music by Jim Gallagher Copyright 2016

I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
The world, it seems, has gone astray. The dream has lost its way.
Everyone must rise and sing and drive the hate away!
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
It’s always hard to turn the tide. It’s not just: lose or win.
What counts is all your love inside. Don’t hold it locked within.
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
It’s not just a song. It’s how your life you live.
So sing with me, yes, sing of all the love we give!
So join with me and set love free. It’s what makes this life so great.
Sing along! We’ll change the world! It never is too late!
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.
I still believe. I still believe. I still believe in love.

CREDITS:

• Written and Produced by Jim Gallagher
• Track Recorded in Temple University’s Studio “G” by Joe Kraus
• Vocals, Sax and Synths Recorded in The Vinyl Room Moorestown, NJ By Jim Gallagher
• Mixed by Jim Gallagher & Paul Prithard In the Gatehouse Studio at Abbey Road Studios London England 1/11/2019
• Mastered by Joe Kraus at The Bunker Mastering Studio, Phila. PA
• Lead Vocals: Carla Benson
• The New MFSB:
• Drums: Keith Benson
• Bass: Jimmy Williams
• Guitar: Dennis Harris
• Guitar: T. Life
• Piano and All Synths: Eugene “Lambchop” Curry
• Sax: Ron Kerber
• Tambourine: Carla Benson
• Guitar: Jim Gallagher
• Background Vocals: Carla Benson, Pam Mammarella, Susan Virginia Mammarella, Mary Mammarella, Frances Mammarella, Jessica Mammarella, Mike Cooper, Chris Pietrafitta, Danielle Campbell, Colleen Jacoby, Francesco Sgrazzutti, Meagan Debrito, Ghazal Lajevardi, Tom Spokas, Kate Shapero, Carolina Maugeri, Carl Johns, Emily Farrell, Neil Arot, Bob Wagner, April Iorio and Dave Fecca (of April Mae and the June Bugs), Jessica Carroll, Dennis DiBlasio, Anne DiBlasio, Ryan Vander Wielon, James Becker, Elizabeth Hahn, Jeff Otto (of Boris Garcia), Chuck McCrory
  & Jim Gallagher.
• Children’s background Vocals: Paloma Sappho Mammarella, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, Laci Jacoby, Leila Jacoby, Cameron Campbell, Christopher Campbell, Aki Mir, Pearl Stokas, Dario Lajevardi Sgrazzutti, Amias Debrito Straub, Gabrielle Loren Watlington, Cameren Jade Morris, Jasmine Cherie Priestly, George Preston Watlington III, Cameron Joel Priestly, Bettyann Howard, Arthur Howard, Leah Howard & Penny Howard.
• Thanks to Jack Klotz Jr., Joe Kraus, Pam Mammarella, Jojo Arvanitis and all the friends and families who contributed their time and voices to this song.
• This song is dedicated to the late great Bassist extraordinaire and friend Jimmy Williams.
• The greatest proportion of any money generated by the sale of this song will be donated to Liberal causes.

“The Game”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

I am a devout Phillies Phanatic as anyone who knows me will tell you. As I was thinking about making this album it occurred to me that I had over my life written about a lot of things in poetry and song lyrics, but I had never written about one of my greatest loves: baseball! So, I did. As opposed to just playing my guitar and/or being inspired by a phrase or an idea, I started by writing the chord changes which I thought were up-beat enough when, as I played them with my then 5-year-old great niece Paloma and she started dancing. Then I started thinking about all the cool things that can really excite us about the game and it sort of fell together rather quickly. I thought I would create 2 versions, one with all the corny SFX possible and one without but instead just a short and a long version with and without Jack’s killer solo. Asking all my friends who love the game and attend with me has been a challenge as there are only so many guitars that work on a record! Thanks to Scott Rouba as always for his great drumming, Rus for his always great bass, Liz (another true Phan) for percussion, Cal for his “Chuck Berry/Boogie-Woogie” style guitar, Jack Klotz for killing those lead and rhythm guitar tracks he cut despite COVID, and everybody else who joined in and made it a group sing. “Oh, how I love that game!”

Lyrics:

• The Game Words by Jim Gallagher and Pam Mammarella and Music by Jim Gallagher © 2023

Baseball! Oh! How I love the game! Baseball! Oh! How I love the game!
Oh, there’s nothing like watching the kids having fun.
Oh, there’s nothing like us all singing the anthem.
Oh, there’s nothing like ump yellin’, “yer out!”
Oh, there’s nothing like us all singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”.
Baseball! Oh! How I love the game! Baseball! Oh! How I love the game!
Oh, there’s nothing like eating that ballpark food.
Oh, there’s nothing like the “Bigs” or your own Little League brood.
Oh, there’s nothing like when an ace is painting the corners tight.
Oh, there’s nothing like a perfect game. Hey, any game just might...
Baseball! Oh! How I love the game! Baseball! Oh! How I love the game!
Oh, I’ve seen a no-hitter, seen my team go deep into the fall,
Known the agony of defeat and the thrill of winning it all!
Baseball! Oh! How I love the game! Baseball! Oh! How I love the game!
Baseball! Oh! How I love the game! Baseball! Oh! How I love the game!
Oh, there’s nothing like the sweet spot taking one deep.
Oh, there’s nothing like that crowd’s moan that makes you (wanna) weep.
Oh, there’s nothing like the sight of the well-turned double play.
Baseball, it’s our national pastime! It’s here to stay!
Baseball! Oh! How I love the game! Baseball! Oh! How I love the game!

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Jim Gallagher, Pat McGrath, Rustin Gallagher, Chris Pietrafitta, Barbara Stoffa, Jeff Stoffa, Greg Stoffa, Mark Robert Jacoby, Paloma Sappho Mammarella, April Iorio and Dave Fecca (of April Mae and the June Bugs) & Bob Wagner
• Background Vocals & Cheers etc.: Pam Mammarella, Sue Mammarella, Jessica Mammarella, Fran Mammarella, Rustin Gallagher, Katie Gallagher, Ryan Gallagher, Vicki Gallagher, Joe Mammarella, Tony Mammarella, Paloma Sappho Mammarella, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, Chris Pietrafitta, Wayne Urffer, Barbara Stoffa, Jeff Stoffa, Bill McCann, Maryann Coppa McCann, Bob Wagner, Jean Becker, Tim Doane, Jennifer Doane, Ethan Doane, Joshua Doane, Mark Edward Jacoby, Colleen Jacoby, Michael Jacoby, Leanna Jacoby, Mark Robert Jacoby, Greg Stoffa, Liz Bressi-Stoppe, April Iorio and Dave Fecca (of April Mae and the June Bugs), Scott Rouba, Donna Mingori-Leaf, Rob Brooks & Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Bass: Rustin Gallagher
• Lead Guitar & Electric Guitar (Boogie-Woogie AKA Keith): Jack Klotz Jr.
• Electric Guitar (Woogie-Boogie AKA Ronnie): Cal Davies
• Electric Guitar: Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta
• Electric Guitar: Jim Becker
• Electric Guitar: Bill Dorman
• Ball Park Organ: Joe Fry
• Trumpet: Bill McCann
• Tambourine: Liz Bressi-Stoppe
• 12 String Acoustic Guitars: Jim Gallagher

“Cash Money (Fool’s Gold)”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

Me, Roycee, Scott and Chuck in the V-Room cut it live…. Smokestack Lightning lives!
That’s Pam helping on background too.

Lyrics:

• words by Jim Gallagher
• Music by Jim Gallagher, Chuck McCrory & Roycee Martin © Copyright 2020

Cash money it’s a bitch! Cash money it’s a bitch! Cash money it’s a bitch!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Oh, let it go, let it go, let it go. It’s just Fool’s Gold! Let it go, let it go, let it go. Go!
Cash money it’s a bitch! Cash money it’s a bitch! Cash money it’s a bitch!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Oh, let it go, let it go, let it go. It’s just Fool’s Gold! Let it go, let it go, let it go. Go!
Cash money it’s a bitch! Cash money it’s a bitch! Cash money it’s a bitch!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Fools thinking “You ain’t nothin’ ‘less you’re rich!
Oh, let it go, let it go, let it go. It’s just Fool’s Gold! Let it go, let it go, let it go. Go!

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Jim Gallagher
• Background Vocals: Rustin Gallagher, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, Pam Mammarella & Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Bass: Roycee Martin
• Lead Electric Guitar: Chuck McCrory
• Electric Guitar: Jim Gallagher

“No More Empty Hours”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

After recording this track, I spoke with my nephew Christian about who might sing it. He had introduced me to a friend from his high school Gisele Englehart whom had come to my studio and recorded some original material which was great, and she had a great voice as well. I asked Christian to ask Gisele if she would be interested in participating in my album. She agreed and played electric piano, sang Background vocals with Christian and me and Lead vocals. Not bad for a high school senior huh? I realized later that the song could be more effective if edited so I cut it down but also include the longer original version as well. I was complimented while recording the track by Bill Dorman who played on it and on a number of other songs on this album that he “always loved my chord changes”. He and my other nephew Jim Becker agreed, and I was very flattered. Thanks guys, that really means a lot to me coming from great musicians like yourselves.

Lyrics:

• Words Jim Gallagher
• Music by Jim Gallagher & Rustin Gallagher Copyright 2017

I thought my days were filled with empty hours because of time away from you,
but like the sunshine on the flowers, you have turned my grey skies blue.
No, no more empty hours
No, no more empty days
It’s not a new or different story. We all know how it comes and goes.
Love frees your world from sadness, ‘cause love lights up our souls.
No, no more empty hours
No, no more empty days
Some say the darkness never leaves them. Some say it chills their very hearts.
If they would only open up their eyes and see that love’s there from the start.
No, no more empty hours
No, no more empty days
It’s never easy to remember how your heart aches when love’s gone
But if to love you just surrender your joy will last a whole life long.
No, no more empty hours
No, no more empty days

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Gisele Englehart
• Background Vocals: Gisele Englehart, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta & Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Electric Piano: Gisele Englehart
• Electric Guitar: Bill Dorman
• Electric Guitar & E-bow Guitar solo: Jim Becker
• Percussion: Liz Bressi-Stoppe
• Bass, 12 String Acoustic Guitar & Electric Guitar: Jim Gallagher

“Hey! Hey! Look at Us Now!”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

Who says old people can’t rock? I call it “Elder Rock”! What started as my ref vocals grew on me and so I kept them… As usual Chuck McCrory on guitar absolutely makes this record. Rock on my friend, rock on!

Lyrics:

• Words by Jim Gallagher and Pam Mammarella and Music by Jim Gallagher © 2023

Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now!
When you’re young you go for it all you can.
Grabbin’ life and throwing it away with both hands.
Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now!
It’s like a thirst and nothing can drench it.
No matter how hard you try to quench it.
Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now!
You never know what might be around the next bend,
Cuz life is just that wild you never know what it might send!
I never thought I’d make it when I get older.
Instead it seems I’ve only gotten bolder.
Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now! Hey! Hey! Look at us now!

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Jim Gallagher
• Background Vocals: Dennis DiBlasio, Rustin Gallagher, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta,
• & Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Bass: Rustin Gallagher
• Lead Electric Guitars: Chuck McCrory
• Percussion: Liz Bressi-Stoppe
• Electric Guitars: Jim Gallagher

“Changing My Life”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

This recording is from way back when I produced this 4-track demo in 1995, that’s why it’s mono and different sounding but I love the song for its positivity and the performances (especially Sue Mammarella’s vocals). Thanks Ted and Angela for always collaborating with me when I asked…

Lyrics:

• Words by Palmina Mammarella & James Gallagher
• Music by Angela Falco © 1995

Sometimes, when day breaks all it takes is one small simple word.
It’s startling how dawn’s light can so clearly make the silent heard.
If I listen, it opens up my heart. That’s how I’ll know I’m
Changing my life, choosing the path before me
Changing my life, forward to face tomorrow,
following light, finding the way..
Often, I’ve wondered how long I’d seek until I’d know,
then clouds shift and sunlight burns the darkness and shows the way to go.
If I listen, it opens up my heart. That’s how I’ll know I’m
Changing my life, choosing the path before me
Changing my life, forward to face tomorrow,
following light, finding the way..
Softly like sunsets, truth will always unfold.
Quietly, in whispers, you will hear your story be told.
If I listen, it opens up my heart. That’s how I’ll know I’m
Changing my life, choosing the path before me
Changing my life, forward to face tomorrow,
following light, finding the way..

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Sue Mammarella
• Keyboards: Angela Falco
• Bass & Drum Programming: Ted Greenberg

“Open Road ”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

Me, Roycee, Scott and Chuck in the V-Room cut it live…. Smokestack Lightning lives! And Scott’s wife Donna added the piano later! Thanks Donna!

Lyrics:

• Words and Music by Jim Gallagher

We gotta get out, we gotta be free, so come on baby take a ride with me.
So, come out tonight, come out and go. Come on baby on the open road.
We’re leaving town and we just gotta go! when we’ll be back heaven only knows
We’re leaving town and we just gotta go! When we’ll be back heaven only knows
Let go of the load, let go of the load, come with me now on that open road.
We can never look back we crossing the tracks come with me now on that open road.
So come on baby, get outta the sack, go right now and don’t ever look back!
So get out tonight! Get out and go! come with me now on the open road
We’re leaving town and we just gotta go! When we’ll be back God only knows
We gotta get out, we gotta be free, so come on baby take a ride with me.
So, come out tonight, come out and go. Come on baby on the open road.
the open road the open road the open road
Going up around the bend when we’re comin’ back I don’t know when
Going up around the bend when we’re comin’ back I don’t know when

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals & Background Vocals: Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Bass: Roycee Martin
• Lead Electric Guitar: Chuck McCrory
• Piano: Donna Mingori-Leaf
• Electric Guitar: Jim Gallagher

“Safety First!”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

My niece Jessie Mammarella needed a project for school when she was 10. I was asked to help. The theme of the project was Safety. I wrote this song with Pam and Jessie, and we recorded it to my 4-track system. I always thought that it was a great song for kids. Here it is all these years later and I have no problem with it even though Jessie was embarrassed then by her vocal, but it gets the song across!

Lyrics:

• Words by James Gallagher, Jessica Mammarella & Palmina Mammarella
• Music by James Gallagher © 1997

Safety First! Safety First! All we need is Safety First!
Safety First! Safety First! We all win with Safety First!
Safety first together. Safety first alone.
Safety first in the workplace. Safety first at home!
Safety First! Safety First! All we need is Safety First!
Safety First! Safety First! We all win with Safety First!
Safety first on the roadways. Safety first at school.
Safety first with play-toys. Safety first with tools!
If you don’t put safety first, you’ll pay for it, beware!
So please put safety first and show everyone you care!
Safety First! Safety First! All we need is Safety First!
Safety First! Safety First! We all win with Safety First!

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Jessica Mammarella (age 10)
• Drum Programming, Bass & Guitars: Jim Gallagher

“Washing Away the Pain”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

This is my first writing collaboration with Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, my nephew. That is my grandson Ryan Allan Gallagher on drums, his dad Rustin on bass. Three generations of Gallaghers on here! Chuck McCrory on killer guitar too.

Lyrics:

• Words by Christian Mammarella-Pietrefetta Music by James P. Gallagher © 2020

You left me black and blue. You turned my love away.
I fell on my sword for you. But you didn’t do the same.
I see in the way you look. That tears my will away.
Now there’s nothing I can do. I’m washing away the pain.
Strung up upon a noose. Wrapped and bound in chains.
Every time I’d lose. All your little games.
I see in the way you look. That tears my will away.
Now there’s nothing I can do. I’m washing away the pain.
The sun it won’t come up. And my skull it can’t contain.
The feeling that I’m stuck. And that I’ll never be the same.
I see in the way you look. That tears my will away.
Now there’s nothing I can do. I’m washing away the pain.
I see in the way you look. That tears my will away.
Now there’s nothing I can do. I’m washing away the pain.
I see in the way you look. That tears my will away.
Now there’s nothing I can do. I’m washing away the pain.

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta
• Background Vocals: Ryan Gallagher, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, Greg Stoffa, Liz Bressi-Stoppe, Paloma Sappho Mammarella & Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Ryan Allan Gallagher
• Bass: Rustin Gallagher
• Lead Electric Guitars: Chuck McCrory
• Electric Guitar: Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta
• Electric Guitar, Cowbell: Jim Gallagher

“Seasons of the Heart”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

This song was a collaboration in writing with Liz Bressi-Stoppe that came out nicely. We each had half a song’s lyrics and when I saw hers I couldn’t believe how much the two complimented each other so I blended the two and she gave input into some chord changes as well. The recording was an in-class production at Rowan University in which the class selected this song over others submitted to be produced and performed by the class. Thanks to all who participated.

Lyrics:

• Words and Music by Elizabeth Bressi-Stoppe and Jim Gallagher

Am I moving through my life, or it moving through me?
Am I grabbing for the ring, or letting it be?
You brought the promise with you. You took it when you left.
And now, oh how I miss you, with each and every breath.
A garden in the springtime, a harvest in the fall.
The weaving of the seasons, the telling of it all.
You brought the promise with you. You took it when you left.
And now, oh how I miss you, with each and every breath.
Hearts can be fragile. Hearts can be strong.
Love can be fleeting, or love can last a whole life long.
Time and time and time again, we watch the seasons turn.
Time and time and time again, we feel the heartaches burn.
You brought the promise with you. You took it when you left.
And now, oh how I miss you, with each and every breath.
The seasons of the heart require love and time.
The seasons of the heart are neither yours nor mine.
You brought the promise with you. You took it when you left.
And now, oh how I miss you, with each and every breath,
with each and every breath, with each and every breath.

CREDITS

• Lead Vocal & Harmonies: Sean McCall
• Electric Guitar: Sal Mazzotta
• Bass: Matt Greger
• Drums: Andrei Fritz
• Organ: Nate Rodriguez
• Percussion: Elizabeth Bressi-Stoppe
• 12 String Acoustic Guitar & Background Vocal: Jim Gallagher

“Be with Me Tonight”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

It’s another writing collaboration with Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, Thanks to Brian Boland for his excellent guitar!

Lyrics:

• Words and Music by Christian Mammarella-Pietrafetta & Jim Gallagher © 2020

The days get longer, the winds get stronger. Be With Me Tonight
The road gets harder, your love gets farther. Be With Me Tonight
Running around, rushing around in my brain.
Driving me down and I’m going insane. I’m so alone tonight
I started weak and getting weaker, Be With Me Tonight
The hole is deep and getting deeper Be With Me Tonight
Pulling around, wrenching around in my heart
Tearing me down bringing me back to the start I’m so alone tonight
Running around, rushing around in my brain.
Driving me down and I’m going insane. I’m so alone tonight
The days get longer, the winds get stronger. Be With Me Tonight
The road gets harder, your love gets farther. Be With Me Tonight
Be With Me Tonight Be With Me Tonight
Be With Me Tonight Be With Me Tonight

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals & Background vocals: Jim Gallagher
• Lead & Electric Guitars: Brian Boland
• Electric Guitar: Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta
• Electric Guitar: Bill Dorman
• Keyboards: Joe Fry
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar & Bass: Jim Gallagher

“50 Years Back”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

Bob Wagner called me up one day and told me about a poem he had written 10 years earlier that some friends of his had lauded and insisted that he “do something with”. I asked to read it and he emailed it to me. Literally, immediately after reading it I picked up my guitar and wrote music to it. Then I called Bob and asked if it would be ok to write music to it and he said that that would be great and I said, “Then come right over, I want you to hear this!” I played it for him, and he loved it. So, we recorded it as you hear simple and respectful of the Vets to whom it is dedicated. I played a mix back once at Temple University after a class and Cal Davis upon hearing the intro said, “That’s a Huey” and then told the make and model number exactly. It surprised me as I had forgotten or not even known that Cal had served in Nam. It also brought home to me, stronger than ever, the lyric, “…making memories that won’t go away…”

Lyrics:

• Words by Bob Wagner
• Music by Jim Gallagher

He leaned on his truck in the sunlight ‘n’ shook out a smoke from his pack,
then his ears caught the sound of a copter and it carried him fifty years back.
An everyday sound to so many but different to thousands who knew
when life and death traveled by chopper and warriors did what they do.
There's old men who live right amongst us gentle and humble and gray
but fifty years back they were soldiers making memories that won't go away.
Making memories that won't go away.
His heart was filled with old shadows, and he knew that his eyes had turned red.
He remembered the fallen, long buried but still so alive in his head.
He struggled to hold it together as the lunch traffic passed him on by
too helpless to try to prevent it, too proud to even try.
There's old men who live right amongst us gentle and humble and gray
but fifty years back they were soldiers making memories that won't go away.
Making memories that won't go away.
He climbed back in his pickup and let the moment pass.
Darkness carried on the wind sunshine on the glass.
There's old men who live right amongst us gentle and humble and gray
but fifty years back they were soldiers making memories that won't go away.
Making memories that won't go away.

CREDITS

• Vocal & Acoustic Guitar: Neil Arot
• Electric Guitar & Electric Bass: Bill Dorman
• Harmonica: Bob Wagner

“This Christmas with You”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

Thirty some years ago, I married into the Mammarella family. They have a tremendous Christmas tradition and unbelievably vast love of the season. I had not always had such a love. It has grown however so great because I have been a part of their Christmas Spirit all these years that I wrote this Christmas song. Of course, I had to get EVERYONE in on it and it has taken a long time to get it all together, but I think it was worth it!

Lyrics:

• Words by Jim Gallagher and Pam Mammarella Music by Jim Gallagher © 2023

Another year has come and gone. Some seem short and some seem long.
I’m so glad to be here again with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you.
Mistletoe, trees, lights and toys, Christmas gives us all so much joy,
I’m so glad to be here again with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you.
Some years race and fly away, and some seem just to stay and stay.
I’m so glad to be here again with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you.
I’m so glad to be here again with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you,
this Christmas, this Christmas, this Christmas with you.
Merry Christmas to you!

CREDITS

• Lead Vocals: Sue Mammarella
• Background Vocals: Pam Mammarella, Sue Mammarella, Mary Mammarella & Jessica Mammarella.
• 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar & Synth: Jim Gallagher
• Lead Electric Guitar: Jim Becker
• Bass & Second Lead Electric Guitar: Rustin Gallagher
• Electric Piano: Sue Mammarella
• Electric Guitar: Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta
• Drums: Tony DiAnnuntis
• Jingle Bells (that have been in the Family for generations): T. J. Jacoby
• Sing-a-long Vocals: Pam Mammarella, Susan Virginia Mammarella, Mary Mammarella, Frances Mammarella, Jessica Mammarella, Mike Cooper, Chris Pietrafitta, Danielle Campbell, Mark Edward Jacoby, Colleen Jacoby, Michael Jacoby, Leanna Jacoby, Mark Robert Jacoby, James Becker, Elizabeth Hahn, Paloma Sappho Mammarella, Christian Mammarella-Pietrafitta, Laci Jacoby, Leila Jacoby, Cameron Campbell, Christopher Campbell, Barbara Stoffa, Jeff Stoffa, Greg Stoffa, Liz Bressi-Stoppe, Joe Mammarella, Rustin Gallagher, Katie Gallagher, Ryan Gallagher, Vicki Gallagher, Jean Becker, Tim Doane, Jennifer Doane, Ethan Doane, Joshua Doane, April Iorio and Dave Fecca (of April Mae and the June Bugs) & Jim Gallagher

“Stay Cool”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

There’s only one rule…

CREDITS

• Lead Vocal: Jim Gallagher
• Whistling: Pat McGrath
• Trumpet: Bill McCann
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Percussion: Liz Bressi-Stoppe
• Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitar & Keyboards: Jim Gallagher

“Happy Today”

• Jim Gallagher

Author’s notes:

Thank you, Scott Rouba, for the arrangement idea to start with the chorus, it really works. Jack Klotz pointed out the intro being a real Beatles rip off that I (believe it or not) did not realize even though Bill played it on his trumpet too! See Jeff, “another happy Jim Gallagher song”.

Lyrics:

• Words and Music by Jim Gallagher © 2019

Hap-hap-hap-hap-hap happy today!
Walking down the street! This feeling can’t be beat
Because you’re so sweet!
(I’m) Hap-hap-hap-hap-hap happy today!
The sky is bright and blue, cuz here I am with you.
Can this really be true?
(I’m) Hap-hap-hap-hap-hap happy today!
Every time I walk downtown, I take a look all around.
I see everybody’s so hap-hap happy today!
Walking down the street! This feeling can’t be beat!
Because you’re so sweet!
(I’m) Hap-hap-hap-hap-hap happy today!
(I’m) Hap-hap-hap-hap-hap happy today!

CREDITS

• Lead vocals: Jim Gallagher
• Drums: Scott Rouba
• Trumpet: Bill McCann
• Electric Guitar: Cal Davies
• Percussion: Liz Bressi-Stoppe
• 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards & Bass: Jim Gallagher