Home Again

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Liner Notes

Listening to Home Again is like finding a lost buried musical treasure. This CD has all the familiarity of arguably the greatest musical era, the late 60s and early 70’s but with fresh new original songs that brings it all to the present.



Home Again

Opened up the daylight found me
Sitting underneath an old tree
Clearing up what once was cloudy
Knowing most of all, I’m happy

All my life, I’ve waited for this day,
I am home again
And oh my life, you helped me find the way
I am home again

Have a new direction facing
Now I’m sought instead of chasing
Time to slow down no more racing
Spend some time at home, embracing

All my life, I’ve waited for this day,
I am home again
And oh my life, you helped me find the way
I am home again

Nothing in the air but singing
Music plays in harmony
everything around is ringing
Happiness at last found me
Happiness at last found me

All my life, I’ve waited for this day,
I am home again
And oh my life, you helped me find the way
I am home again

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf
Walden Music, Inc.
(c/o Warner Chappell Music, Inc.)
©2006 All Rights Reserved

I remember writing this song back in 1972. We had been on tour promoting Off The Shelf and now it was time to write some new stuff. The whole band, Mark, Rick Carlos and John Mauceri, and I all lived in a great old house in Hollywood. I would sit out on that front porch shaded by some really old trees and playing away until a song would work it’s way to the surface. This song was about how euphoric I felt about my career and life at that moment. I really felt at home! I am very happy this one came!

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars and Vocals
Mark Rodney / Acoustic Guitars and Vocals
Bill Batstone / Bass
Scott Breadman / Percussion


One Me and You

Two nights..One dream..Two days..with one awakening
Two minds……. learn something new
There’s just one, Me & You

Two hearts…..One beat..To try…To make someone complete
Two think….One thought is true
There’s just one, Me & You

Never thought that life was adding up to much
Traveling the solitary path
I was so divided ’til I felt your touch
And then I learned love’s new math

Two sing..One song..Two find..One place where they belong
Two see…..One awesome view
Where there’s just one………… Me & You

Some things are forever, some are tried and true
Some things just define how it should be
Some things never change like one and one are two
And there’s just one you and me

Two flowers..One vase.. Two lives..lived as one because
Two souls……know one thing’s true
There’s just one……. Me & You

More than all the stars, in skies above
We can count the ways that we can count upon our love
No one would ever feel down
If they had what we have found

Two words..describe..One heart..that no one can divide
Two words defining love that’s true
Those words………….. Me & You

Two smiles..One laugh
Two feel..they found their other half
Tonight..One love shines through
There’s just one Me & You
Oh there’s just ………One Me & You

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf, BatMac Music / BMI
Michael McLean, Shining Star Music/ASCAP
©2006 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
I had just seen Richie Furay at Universal Amphitheater and he played an old Buffalo Springfield song, Go And Say Goodbye, and I thought to myself, “What a fun tune. I need to write something as fun as this”. The verses and hook came so quickly and I knew it needed some type of cool bridge. Who wrote cooler bridges than the Beatles? That’s where that inspiration came from. When I was done I almost felt guilty that it came so quick. I held off playing it for Michael thinking it was way too simple and maybe I had lost it; but when I finally shared it with him, here was his take………

Michael’s perspective………..
When John and I started writing songs together in the early 90’s the best part was how much fun it was. The process reminded me why I loved being a writer, and why music brought me so much joy. This song was pure joy to write. The lyrics came quickly and naturally and as John started layering the production with those cool background vocal surprises I couldn’t help but cheer. Our great hope is that couples starting out together fall in love with this song, and remind themselves how fun it was in the beginning, and never lose that magic even though life sometimes tries to rob those memories from us when times get tough.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars, Percussion and Vocals
James Lee Stanley / Vocals
Greg Collier / Vocals
Bill Batstone / Bass
Michael Dowdle / Mandolin


I Don’t Always Win

I’d be a liar if I said that I’m alright
There’s no denyin’ that I’m better than I’ve been
But every hour that I’m alone it’s still a fight
That I don’t always win

No need to tell me what will happen if I lose
I know the hell that will await me once again
But it’s a battle that’s the reason for these blues
Cause I don’t always win
No I don’t always win

Such a sweet companion
When I feel abandoned
Keeps poisoning this canyon
Called my life

So where will you be when I go another round
Have you decided yet who’s corner you’ll be in
If it’s a champion you think you might have found
I don’t always win

Still that sweet companion
When I feel abandoned
Keeps poisoning this canyon
Called my life

Every victory
Has a cost
If I think I’m winning
I’ve already lost

I’d be a liar if I said that I’m alright
There’s no denyin’ that I’m better than I’ve been
But every hour that I’m alone it’s still a fight
That I don’t always win
No, I don’t always win

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf, BatMac Music / BMI
Michael McLean, Shining Star Music/ASCAP
©2006 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
I was on tour with James Lee Stanley promoting All Wood And Stones and while I was out there I listened to Paul McCartneys’ newest solo record and Nickel Creeks’ latest. I was so impressed with the songs and production, it inspired me to dig in and really try as hard as I could to be creative and not settle for what came first. I chiseled away and finally got this one the way I wanted it. It was time to play it for McLean……..

Michael’s perspective………..
I’m not sure I’ve heard a more haunting melody than this one. When John first played it for me, it broke my heart and I didn’t know why. Reflecting upon the themes that might match the melody, I was struck by the flooding memories of friends and family who have struggled to overcome various addictions. The trick with the song is to be honest, and yet still offer hope. One of the things I’m most proud of in this song is that those who’ve waged that battle it sings about express appreciation for the song not “sugar coating” their challenge and at the same time recognizing how important it is to actually keep fighting the good fight, and never giving up, just because, in the past you “don’t always win”.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars and Vocals
Mark Rodney / Bridge Guitar Lick
George Merrill / Vocals
Bill Batstone / Bass
Scott Breadman / Percussion
Michael Dowdle / Electric Guitars


Ain’t It Like Home

Walk along the river with my head so down
Looking for a place to call my own
Think I’ll stay here for awhile
Need a moment I can smile.

Ain’t it like home
Ain’t it like home
Ain’t it like home?

Falling into water almost over my head
Reaching for a branch so I can breathe
Need an island to survive
Hoping soon she will arrive

Ain’t it like home
Ain’t it like home
Ain’t it like home?

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf
BatMac Music / BMI
©1975 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
This song is one of my all time B&R favorites. I remember playing it for my dad in our dressing room at a B&R show in Dayton in 1972. We hadn’t recorded it yet and it really blew him away. I have always loved the melancholy chords and melody. The words again were about my eternal quest to find a home. I was so young and knew very little about life and here I was on the road doing what I dreamed I would do someday but I knew there had to be more and there was. This may be my favorite vocal lead on the CD.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars, Bass and Vocals


Solitude

Too many voices callin’
Callin’ out my name
Another weary soul has fallen
Isn’t it a shame
I have begged for the sound of silence
But the noise oh it feels like violence now

Solitude
Is all I need
Find Somewhere
With room enough to breathe
Gimme Solitude
And set me free…Just let me be

Haunted by a voice reminding
Me what might have been
Wounded by not ever finding
Ways to make amends
There’s no room, but they keep on comin’
Every voice with a separate summons now
Here they come

Solitude
For just one day
To find Somewhere
The silence that I crave
Gimme Solitude
And stay away…Just stay away

Well they say it’s me
That broke her heart
And it won’t ever heal at all
Blamed me for the wicked part
That ultimately brought the fall
Some just whisper
But other voices shout it out so loud
Shout out loud
And it echoes
Inside the hollow man who’s too damn proud

Chorus
Solitude ……….With freedom from the pain
Find somewhere ………….That I won’t go insane
Gimme Solitude……….. And let me remain
…I will remain in
Solitude …………… Reminded everyday that
I’m alone………….. Cause I drove you away, and in
Solitude, I am so afraid I’m gonna stay
Here in solitude

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf, BatMac Music / BMI
Michael McLean, Shining Star Music/ASCAP
©2006 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
As I grew up in the late sixties and early seventies, not only was I a huge Beatles fan but I had discovered Stephen Stills who, in my mind, was the most innovative rock acoustic players of our time. He really transformed the “folkie” acoustic guitar into a rock instrument like no one had ever done before. The acoustic solo on “Blue Bird” — my God, I used to listen to that for hours at half speed on my turntable trying to learn that stinkin’ solo. Damn, was that good! Anyhow back to the tune. I think you might hear a little Steve Stills in those guitars. By the way, that is my son Brett singing backgrounds on the chorus with me! This track has the classic “album cut” vibe that I really miss hearing, until now that is. I love the jam after the bridge….remind you of a group from the 70s????

Michael’s perspective………..
Those voices in our hearts telling us what coulda, shoulda, woulda happened if only….don’t we all just hate those. It’s interesting to me that as much as I hate ’em, I love this song about ’em. I find in one of John’s most interesting structures, and the chorus always catches me by surprise, but pays off so nicely.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars and Vocals
Brett Batdorf / Vocals
Bill Batstone / Bass
Michael Dowdle / Electric Guitars
Scott Breadman / Percussion
Henry Newmark / Drums


I Never Wanted

I never wanted to be this open
I never wanted the pain
I never wanted to feel my heart ache again
I never wanted the sacrifices
I never wanted to choose
I never wanted to play a game I might lose

But I need someone To help me feel whole
Oh and I need someone To fill this empty soul
And I need something To give me strength to see
I said I never wanted love
But love is, The only thing I need

I never wanted the aggravation
I never wanted to help
I never wanted to give so much of myself
I never wanted to say I’m sorry
I never wanted to try
I never wanted to hurt when I said goodbye

But I need someone To share my life with
Oh And I need someone To heal me with their kiss
And I need something To help my heart to see
I thought I never wanted love
But love is, Exactly what I need

Never wanted my dreams
To sit upon a shelf
Never wanted to work that hard to please somebody else
Oh no, I don’t know why I ever knew
It’s you

That I need to be someone To tell me the truth
Oh and I need someone Whose love will be the proof
And I need someone Like you to make me see
I said I never wanted love
But love is, The only thing I need …
To love you, is all I really I need

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf, BatMac Music / BMI
Michael McLean, Shining Star Music/ASCAP
©2006 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
I grew up playing the piano and I love writing on the keyboard. It just has a different sound to the chords you play on guitar. Michael told me his son Jeff needed a power ballad for a project he was working on, so I started writing with that in mind. I love the bass pattern going against the chord structure and as I played I sang, “I never wanted”.. do,do,do,do,do….on and on which is how many of our songs start. When the chorus came in I sang “But I need” yada yada yada not really knowing if those were going to be the final lyrics or not. Sometimes Michael plays off my original lyric and sometimes he doesn’t. When I played it for him he stood up and said, “This is brilliant”, and proceeded to fill in the blanks like he always does so well!

Michael’s perspective………..
I love having been a part of this song’s creation. I play it often because it reminds me how careful I want to be about whining and moaning about all the things I DON’T WANT when they turn out, so often, to be the things I TRULY need. When John hits that final, climactic note on the final chorus after the bridge it just kills me every time. That Batdorf kid can sing!!! It’s been a great honor in my life to help put lyrics to his melodies and thus words in his mouth.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars, Bass. Keyboards and Vocals
Michael Dowdle / Electric Guitars


Can’t Be Trusted

Two A.M. and still I’m drivin’
Drivin’ through the pouring rain
Did you know you’d leave me cryin’
And those lies, would drive me so insane

You’ve been messin’ with my life for all these years
(Why can’t I) learn my lesson
You’re the reason for these tears
Love…. is not the answer
Anymore It can’t be trusted

Told me this was worth the waiting
All my dreams were coming true
Fell so hard that I’m still shaking
So I’m through ever trusting you

You’ve been messin’ with my life for far too long
(Why can’t I) learn my lesson’
From the damage that’s been done
Love…. is not the answer
Anymore
It can’t be trusted

How did you know I’d still believe
Couldn’t you tell how crushed I’d become
Listening to you Lying to me
I’d finally found the one

You’ve been messin’ with my life for all these years
(Why can’t I) learn my lesson’
You’re the reason for these tears
Love… is not the answer
Anymore
It can’t be trusted

My heart can’t be trusted
Anymore…
Can’t be trusted

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf, BatMac Music / BMI
Michael McLean, Shining Star Music/ASCAP
©2006 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
This song, like many, came when I changed strings and started playing around. I was tuned to the “Home Again” tuning and realized that because the tuning is such a pain that I needed to write something else in that tuning. I started banging away and came up with this. I wondered how Michael would react to such an aggressive angry feeling tune and he did just fine.

Michael’s perspective………..
The groove of this song demanded a lyric that was angrier than I usually am. I kept asking John if there wasn’t something he could do to really get me going, tick me off, so I could find my way into this song. He couldn’t do it. Way too nice a guy, and way too good a friend. So I just started remembering times when people gave their all for relationships that were doomed…they trusted their hearts and those hearts were broken. Just for the record, I don’t really believe our hearts can’t be trusted. In fact, I think it’s our only real hope. I think what can’t be trusted is infatuation lasting as long as real love.

Performer Credit


Something is Slipping Away

I don’t like what I see
And no one’s listening to me
But this feeling won’t let me be
So I’m gonna say what I feel

Generations before
Said the same things I’m sure
And their sons and daughters ignored
the “When I was your age” ordeal

But something is slipping away
I know things weren’t perfect way back in the day
But something’s slipping away, Try as we must to move on
I only know something is wrong

No one’s taking the blame
for rules that ruined the game
And the winners all want to claim
Their victories truly were real

But something is slipping away
The race to go nowhere is broadcast each day
The price the future will pay
Is what will be lost once it’s gone
I’m telling you something is wrong

And the greatest prize Before our eyes
Is given to those who can take without having to give
Oh it’s how we live

I don’t like what I see
The young ones are laughin’ at me
I’m the old man they’ll never be
They’re like I was when old folks would say

That something is slippin’ away
I know things weren’t perfect way back in the day
But something’s slipping away
When the simple truth is withdrawn
Then the wisdom that wrote it is gone……..I must say
Something is slipping away……. slipping away

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf, BatMac Music / BMI
Michael McLean, Shining Star Music/ASCAP
©2006 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
I wrote this tune really fast one day and got it off to Michael. I remembered a phone conversation I had with Michael about how things were changing and maybe not quite for the good, never thinking we would eventually have a song about it but here it is.

Michael’s perspective………..
I know, I know. This song shows our age. But the cool thing about getting older is you don’t really care all that much if it does. Particularly if it says something you really believe.

And I’m telling you, something IS slipping away and I hope we can find a way to preserve some of those things that really matter before they’re gone forever.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Percussion and Vocals
Bill Batstone / Bass


One Night Stands

I feel my heart beat a little bit faster
It always happens at this time of night
I whisper a prayer that I’m not a disaster
I feel the love steppin’ into the light

It’s like the first time that this love affair got started
It feels so good to me I hope you feel it too
Cause it’s the love of my life baby,
I feel it every time that we touch
And after all these years it’s never old, oh oh oh
Oh these one night stands mean so much.

There have been times when I’ve been forsaken
I can’t stop wond’rin’ if my time has passed.
But singing these songs keep my poor heart from breakin’
Gives me the feeling, the good times can last..and it’s

Just like the first time that this love affair got started
This Feels so good to me and I hope you feel it too
Cause it’s the love of my life baby,
I feel it every time that we touch
And after all these years it’s never old, oh oh oh
Yeah these one night stands mean so much.

I don’t want you thinkin’ I’m not faithful cause I am
And in my heart I’m sure this can’t be wrong
Cause I know with every note I sing
I am honoring the very thing that made this love so strong

Love is a choice and it may choose to leave you
I’ve seen it breakin’ the hearts of my friends
But I can’t lie now and I won’t deceive you
This love of mine is the kind that won’t end

And tonight’s just like the first time that
This love affair got started
This feels so good to me I hope you feel it too

Cause it’s the love of my life baby,
I feel it every time that we touch
And after all these years it’s never old, oh oh oh
Yeah these one night stands mean so much.
This is the love of my life baby,
I feel it every time that we touch
Right here with me and my guitar and you, oh oh oh
Oh these one night stands mean so much

Writing Credit

John’s perspective…………
Again I had just changed my strings and I was rehearsing for a show, singing “She’s The Girl”. I ran through it a couple of times and started playing around in that tuning with the capo on the fifth fret and this tune just started pouring out. I thought the feel was great and had to play it for Michael. We thought it was clever to include the line “Me and my guitar” late in the tune and planned to do that on every song but that idea fizzled away fast!

Michael’s perspective………..
When I heard this tune I thought John stole it from some hit song of yesteryear. I know that sounds awful, because John writes truly memorable tunes, but this one stuck with me so quickly and it was so hard to get out of my head that I wondered, truly, if it was original. When I started working on the lyrics it was easy to imagine this song as the first one sung in the set, and drawing the comparison of falling in love with an audience to falling in love with a person. The song’s totally John. We promise, it will make you smile.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitar, Percussion and Vocals
Bill Batstone / Vocals and Bass
Henry Newmark / Drums


Where Are You Now

Where are you now my love?
Where are you now?
Bring some sunny skies
To my eyes
Where are you now?

guitar solo

Where are you now my love?
Where are you now?
Bring some sunny skies
To my eyes
Where are you now?

Writing Credit
Song By John Batdorf
BatMac Music / BMI
©1975 All Rights Reserved

John’s perspective…………
I also wrote this song in that same house on Norton St. We used to play music in that house all day and night. This one has that late night John and Mark jam feel. We never recorded it in a studio. The only version was on the Live at McCabes CD. Needless to say, this sounds a whole lot better.

Performer Credit
John Batdorf / Acoustic Guitars, Bass and Vocals
Mark Rodney / Acoustic Guitars and Vocals

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