This song has been ready to go for a while, but I’ve been waiting for the right moment to share it with you. As they say, there’s no time like the present! “If I Roam (Bury Me in Liverpool)” is an ode in praise of home. Scroll down to have a listen! I’ve already heard it, so I’ll just ramble on here for a bit.

I started writing songs about two years ago. In all my months of marrying words to melodies, I have developed the following philosophy (a.k.a. haphazard collection of observations):

1. Seize inspiration—or rather, let it seize you. You can accomplish more in a motivated minute than in a lackluster hour.
2. Keep the intro brief unless you’re famous. (Notice that my intros are very short.) I’ve heard that people decide within four seconds whether they are going to listen to a song.
3. Plant surprises throughout your song. Unexpected elements keep the listener engaged. A surprise might be a sound effect, a change in tempo, or a new instrument. (Or you could just yell, “Surprise!”)
4. Focus on the emotion evoked. Feelings such as joy, desire, and pride connect people to your song, making it an experience.
5. Think of your song like a guest at a party. Don’t slip out early without saying goodbye, and don’t overstay your welcome. Mingle, tell interesting stories, and leave before the guac turns brown.

Here’s a bonus tip, since you’ve been kind enough to read this far: Always have another project waiting, so you don’t belabor your current effort. You want to feel that pull toward the next song.

“If I Roam (Bury Me in Liverpool)” contains five sound effects from the British Broadcasting Corporation (bbc.co.uk – © 2023 BBC).

If I Roam (Bury Me in Liverpool)

Profile

Title:
“If I Roam (Bury Me in Liverpool)”

Number:
12

Length:
5:13

Vibe/inspiration:
Liverpool, England; traditional Irish instruments

Key:
C major

What I imagine people might say:

• “Shouldn’t you at least visit a place before you write a song about it?”
• “She nailed it! Full disclaimer: I’ve never been to Liverpool either.”
• “Who does she think she is, one of the Beatles?”
• “Soz, but this song is boss.”
• “Nice one.”

Lyrics:

If I fall and need a hand
Of all the places in the land—
Carry me to Liverpool
Where folks live by the Golden Rule

If the world forgets my name
And I could use some local fame—
Ferry me to Liverpool
Where I grew up and went to school

If I roam, roam, roam
My soul will call me home
If I roam, roam, roam
My heart will lead me home
Lead me home

If I’m feeling gray and sad
Or if I’m feeling fine and glad—
Tarry me in Liverpool
To meet me mates and grab a stool

If you wonder where I’m free
To be myself and very me—
Query me in Liverpool
Where kettles warm and breezes cool

If I roam, roam, roam
My soul will call me home
If I roam, roam, roam
My heart will lead me home
Lead me home

If you like the way I look
And if I kiss not by the book—
Marry me in Liverpool
G’wed and wed in Mersey’s jewel

If I die in London Town
Don’t let them put me in the ground—
Bury me in Liverpool
St. Peter’s, welcome back your fool!

If I roam, roam, roam
My soul will call me home
If I roam, roam, roam
My heart will lead me home
Lead me home (oh-oh)

If I roam, roam, roam
(Roam, roam, roam)
My soul will call me home
If I roam, roam, roam
(Roam, roam, roam)
My heart will lead me home
Lead me home
Lead me home