As a songwriter, one of my highest goals is to have other people perform and record my songs. Many of my songs are rather personal and seem natural for me to sing, however, they may not necessarily translate for other artists. But there are a number of my songs that deal with universal themes and have anthemic possibilities for singers and other musicians looking for some inspiration to share.
I’ve created videos featuring the lyrics and chord progressions for 24 of my songs so far. These are the songs that I think have the most universal appeal and that share the messages I most want to be spread through the world. I’ve also got relationship songs, political ballads, and an assortment of other musical treasures, but these are my favorites.
I happen to be a white dude from Florida usually performing with an acoustic guitar so when I perform my songs, my background in country, folk, and rock is pretty evident. But I think my songs can transcend genre (as you’ll see when you get to “Feel”), and I imagine there are artists out there who could put their own spin on them entirely so if you feel drawn to creating your own rendition of one of my songs, feel free to play with tone and tempo as you see fit.
The following are the songs I have seeking singers (in alphabetical order). If you know of musical artists looking for songs to perform, please share this link with them.
“Another World Is Out There” is an homage to Joseph Campbell and his teachings on The Hero’s Journey. It’s a song of aspiration and inspiration for a generation in search of a new direction.
“Breathe Easy” is a fun little ditty of encouragement. The essence of the song is that we don’t have to worry as much as we often think we do. We’ve just got to believe that life will provide for us as we provide for it.
“Breathe” is largely a criticism of our culture, both in how our rampant consumption and pollution affects the environment as well as how it sucks our energy to reach its goals. But it is also a call for attention to awareness and an introduction to the power of intentional breathing.
“Broken” is a song of empathy, outrage, and encouragement. Although the world may often seem designed to keep us down so much that we feel completely broken, sometimes where we are broken is where the world needs healing. As we heal, the world heals with us, and what we all need now is healing.
It is no great secret that I am not a huge admirer of the US political system, and it is my highest hope for my country that we may someday see the complete annihilation of both the Democratic and Republican parties. In “Dear Mr. Washington” I used the words from George Washington’s farewell address to write a song that argues that our first president shared my sentiments about the two parties. And, as captivated as so many are by the pageantry of our idiotic competition of corrupt organizations, I think Washington would completely agree that we should at least start thinking about how we’re going to get rid of these vampiric corporations and move into an actual democracy. This is a niche song, but I still love it and want people to hear it.
“Every Little Thing” draws from the storytellers like Ray Stevens and Jim Stafford. It’s a plucky little number of hope, but also a call to personal responsibility. I think it also has the potential to be a really great jam song.
“Feel” is a ballad of support and encouragement. Especially in this day and age of depression and isolation, this song is meant to help people know they’re cared for and not alone. These days, people need to feel some love. This version, performed by Corina Joy Harper and produced by Kyle McAllister, is a bit different in timing and pacing than the original, but you get the idea of it. I happen to think that her version sounds better than mine, but you can check out my version here.
Although I am not religious, I still have an awareness of spirituality and a connection with the Creator of the reality I currently inhabit. “Have Faith” gets to the essence of true faith beyond any religious prescriptions or dogmatic beliefs. It’s about realizing that we are the answers to other people’s prayers and trusting in the Provider of our breaths to keep on providing as we seek out and fulfill our missions here. This song has the potential to really get the spirit moving!
“Heal The World” is ultimately a ballad of personal responsibility. Our culture has plenty of issues to work through as we look back over the collective violence and injustices that have plagued our species, as well as the continued exhibitions of that conditioning. However, because of how our culture has been cultivated, many of us have a lot of tragedy and trauma to heal from on a personal level. As we work through our own issues and find healing for ourselves, we help the world around us find healing as well.
“If Anybody Asks” is a bit tongue in cheek, but it’s ultimately a critique of cancel culture and a call to awareness. It’s about moving beyond our nostalgia for the past and opening up to a less uptight and regretful future.
I wrote “Let It Flow” as a musical expression of what I call ABC Squared Economics. Basically, just as nature has the four elements of water, air, earth, and fire and humans are theoretically comprised of heart, mind, body, and spirit, so are our lives made up of our Artistry, Business, Citizenry, and Community. I wrote a whole book about it, but the song is just about letting the spirit of life flow in your life by cultivating good emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
If we’re going to transcend the things that aren’t working for us, we should consult the Transcendentalists. “Live Deliberately” was composed using quotes and sentiments from the work of Henry David Thoreau. This is for the environmentalists and those into conscious living.
I recognize that “Live, Laugh, and Love” is the popular sentiment, but that only really includes physical, emotional, and spiritual considerations. Considering the state of things today, I happen to think we should have a little mental stimulation into the mix as well. Beyond what this culture tells me that I want, I just want to “Live, Learn, Laugh, and Love”.
“One People” was written after the 2020 election in the hopes of reunification across America. After producing my version of it, I realized it actually sounds better with the capo on the third fret, but I’m sure each artist will find their key. I see this as a pretty strong anthem that will have a whole lot of people swaying together and singing along.
Considering the division that’s manufactured by the two US political parties, some argue that the country is more divided than ever. Nevertheless, I’m a big believer in redemption and think that we are all actually “Reunitable”. This song, for me, has the potential to be a really fun sing along.
“Rise” is an anthem of encouragement and empowerment. It’s about never giving up even in the face of hardship, loss, failure, or defeat. I imagine it would make for a great training montage in a film.
“Song For The People” is about moving beyond our differences and finding common ground while also recognizing just how powerful we can be when we actually work together. It’s a prayer for unification.
“The People That Made Me” is a celebration of the people who share our lives and a song of hope for the lives we create from here. It’s about realizing the value of the connections that we have and harnessing the power of love.
Of the songs I think have universal appeal, “The Road To Lonesome” is probably the most personal, so “universal” appeal might be overstating it. I think there are certain artists who can relate to sacrificing relationships for their art, but this song is probably not for everybody.
“There’s A Way” is as optimistic as it sounds, and its bluesy rhymes of encouragement have a really nice groove.
“Today” is an anthem of reinvention. It’s about letting go of preconceived notions, making the most of the time we’re given, and being the changes we want to see in the world. Plus, it’s got a nice call and response part for engaged audiences.
“We The People” calls for a return to the basics of who we really are. Beyond all of the things that are manufactured for us to argue about, people have an incredible ability to collaborate and organize to do truly wonderful things. For the world to get better, we the people is what we need.
The idea of thoughts and prayers gets a lot of criticism, but for a lot of people, prayer may be the only thing they have to offer sometimes. And there are a lot of people who really do believe in the power of prayer. “Why We Pray” is a defense of those who take to their knees, but also a call to get up on their feet to do what needs to be done.
“Without Love” could be a tragic ballad or a bouncy pop song, but I suppose that could be true about any song if you do it right. Basically, it’s about the power of love, and since our society seems to be going through some pretty hard times, it would be good to remember just how much we need it. (This song was written in the key of D, but I play it with a capo on 3 so feel free to adjust as necessary.)
If you’re interested in developing your own rendition of any of these songs, please let me know by contacting me at stevemc.xyz@gmail.com. It would truly be an honor. And there are more songs on my YouTube channel.
If you know any musical artists looking for songs, please pass this page along. Thank you.