I seldom have a specific goal, idea or agenda when writing a song. The entire process is pretty spontaneous and organic. I usually begin by strumming the guitar until a mood, attitude or attractive energy emerges. I then continue to play those chords over and over until a vocal line arises and slowly I find words which match mood and meter.

So I'm going to share with you my songwriting process line by line.

The chords to the first section created a jazzy reflective mood. So, when I got into the trance state I felt light and refreshed.

A cool breeze is blowing right into my heart

Yet, what I was struck with is how I recall this open warm feeling occurring more frequently in my childhood.

It seems these moments are getting harder to find

Life seemed so much vivid, clean and passionate back in the day.

I remember clear skies, fresher water and lustier smiles

Yet, I wonder if my waning sense of urgency is born more out of wisdom or disappointment

I don’t know if I’m being patient or just falling in line
Powerful emotions used to stir my heart, excite my mind

The fond remembrance of past activism stirred me up, and gave birth to the chord progression and mood of the next section. No matter how much we want to have a positive impact on the world, we must respect each persons sense of self-determination.

I don’t want to tell you how to live your life
What’s the best decision, how to make things right

Yet, any good intention we have needs to be based on the real needs and desires of others and not on ours.

But looking at your brother with loving eyes
Listening to his story, to all his joys and pain,
Talking about yesterday

The reflective nostalgia of the last line, which became the song's title, motivated me to return to the mood of the first section. The gentle joy of the chords had me once again appreciate how precious our lives are, and especially the beauty of intimate relationship.

There’s so much in life for us to savor
A lover’s laugh, their smile, their bodies flavor

As quiet joy fills one's heart, it is only natural for that joy to want to be shared with and echoed in others.

I’ll sing out loud and be a motivator
Join with me now and be a celebrator

As anticipation and excitement build we prepare ourselves for the next section of music by identifying our life affirming community.

Separate ourselves from the worldly haters

Yet, how does a loving community win over and not end up endlessly battling those who lives are dominated by fear and hate. We need to ask questions, hear their story, and understand why they feel the way they do.

It’s not so complicated if you evade the bait
Question their intentions before it’s too late
They’ll tell you they’re fighting for democracy
While they destroy worker’s unions kill aid workers and priests

While fear is based on the reality of scarcity and the fight for survival, joy is based in abundance and the lush paradise we are fortunate to call home.

We’ve been given a garden of eden
A bountiful planet to do our bidding

Yet, fear causes us to take actions which could endanger our paradise.

Instead of sharing the abundance we’re hoarding
Instead of rejoicing we’re forever mourning
Spewing out poisons just to make a killing, a hefty living

The surest way to dispel fear is by remembering good times and appreciating and celebrating what we have.

Talking about yesterday, blue skies, refreshing water
Talking about yesterday, blue skies life giving water