"Sending The Message"

I wrote this one at the parking garage at Tremont on the Common, where I was working at the time. I had recently returned to school, and then just as quickly revived my music career. The two songs most responsible for this revival were “The Same Today” and “Sending The Message.” The third song to appear at about the same time was “I’ve Been Eating Giblets." Some of my lyrics which I thought were brilliant when I wrote them don't hold up under scrutiny years later. I still like all three of these songs.

Sending The Message

© 1987 Brian Hutzell

I have wrote you this song, not because I want to

I have sent it along, not because I love you

But because there are certain things I have to say to someone

Someone who'll understand when I falter and I stumble

I have called you today, not because I'm lonely

But I've got things to say, and I know you're listening

Tell me why shouldn't I be sending the message over

Does there have to be a reason, and a good one at that?

Tell me not to stop sending the message over

Cause I probably won't obey you

I'll keep sending the message on

I don't need tender arms holding me each night

Don't need luck, don't need charms

I don't want advice

So why do I keep coming to your house and to your table

What am I looking for? Will I find it, am I able?

Yes I am, and I have, and it's you, and I like you

So I give you my hand and I walk beside you

Tell me why shouldn't I be sending the message over

Does there have to be a reason, and a good one at that?

Tell me not to stop sending the message over

Cause I probably won't obey you

I'll keep sending the message on

And the message is

This inconsequential stuff has a meaning too

There's a lot of it in love

Trivia can stay in our memory longer

Because it's so much stronger

Than a lot of seemingly vital facts that don't last

So I ask for your time, hoping you'll lend me your ear

But if you don't, I won't mind

It's not crucial that you hear what I am saying

But possibly the moment might make some impression

You'll recall in the future

Though that's not my intention

It's enough that you're here and you're happy being with me

If you want a souvenir, I won't mind if you kiss me

Tell me why shouldn't I be sending the message over

Does there have to be a reason, and a good one at that?

Tell me not to stop sending the message over

Cause I probably won't obey you

I'll keep sending the message on

“Vexed by your text”

Brian Hutzell

from Sticks and Stones