Liz Zelvin
OUTRAGEOUS OLDER WOMAN
The Songs
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Liz wrote the songs on this album over a thirty-year period. Longtime fans of Liz's music may miss the wry love songs of her earlier years, but this collection includes more mature songwriting and topics appropriate to an outrageous older woman: her own history, a personal manifesto, role models, enduring love, perennial protest, stories of abuse and healing, alcoholism and recovery, and creativity and ambition, the romances of her kids, Jewish humor, aging, the grim conflicts of these tumultuous times, and the hope that peace will triumph. Outrageous Older Woman The T-shirt came first, then the aspiration to grow into this role. My outrageousness is still evolving, and I do try to throw a little wisdom into the mix now and then. Online Loving This song was inspired by my stepdaughter, whose virtual romance ended happily in a wedding in Las Vegas and a permanent move from New York to London. All She Ever Wanted This story came out of a simple songwriting exercise: to write a song to go with the title. All I ever wanted as a performer is on this album: fabulous backup instrumentals and vocals. The Rain Came Down This story about two people arriving at a crossroads in their lives came out of nowhere when it suddenly started to rain during a songwriting session in a field of wildflowers. Wedding Song I wrote this song for my son and his fiancée as a surprise engagement present. I got to sing it at their wedding in Manila and again at their other wedding in New Jersey. The Still A fellow songwriter, told that I had worked with homeless alcoholics on the Bowery, said, "You must have a thousand stories." I have indeed. This is one of them. God of Music This song is about a woman's journey from being silenced to finding her voice and from rage to healing. I dedicate it to all survivors of abuse, especially those who sing. The Mayor of Central Park The legendary Alberto Arroyo was a beloved New York character who inspired and encouraged generations of runners. To Alberto, every day, rain or shine, in Central Park was "a beautiful day." Creeping Age This song was originally titled "Middle Age." Some things get funnier between 45 and 65, others not so much. Dedicated to my friends from both high school and junior high. Mary, Mary Another song for survivors, written in one hour on a beautiful day in the country. The assignment was to create a song in the allotted time without paper, pen, instrument, or recording equipment. I tried to talk my way out of it, and I'm glad it didn't work. The House That I Called Home A tribute to my extraordinary parents. The happy childhood they gave me--priceless. Hell, No, We Won't Go My protest song, written in 1981 and perennially relevant. Ideally, at least 100,000 people would sing along on the chorus. In a perfect world, they wouldn't need to. We've Come A Long Way No album is complete without a love song. This one, written more than thirty years ago, is for my husband Brian. Still going strong beyond 1984, 2001, 911, and anything else life may throw at us. Sheldon, Please Come Home Aficionados of Ashkenazic Jewish humor will recognize this as a somewhat embellished retelling of a classic shaggy dog story. Prayer (Next Year in Jerusalem) An inclusive version of the words that end the traditional Jewish Seder each Passover. Please feel free to incorporate it into your own Seder and share it with others. Two Tall Towers I was at home in New York on September 11, 2001 and wrote this song over the next two days as a way of coming to terms with the tragedy. Recorded live in Woodstock. |
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