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Backstage

by Chet Nichols

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1.
Backstage (Solo) 05:01
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“Backstage” Lyrics and Music by Chet Nichols * Copyright 1978/1996/2002/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Please contact: Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065 magicgaragemusic@protonmail.com chetnichols@me.com : www.chetnichols.net ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VERSE 1 There goes a traveling man Loving L.A. like a one night stand It's hard to get there then have to leave the thrills So he's freezing his heart out With hundred dollar bills There's an open microphone At a club down the street His old guitar's wearing new strings The traveler sits and he waits to be seen Adrift in the clouds Aloft in his dreams CHORUS And taking his love Taking it backstage Finding his love Finding it backstage Making his love Making it backstage VERSE 2 City stories, highways and farms Every other song Is a “leaving song” With broken teeth and a golden heart And twenty years of songs taped to his guitar He wears his songs like a uniform And visits the cities like they are his children Asleep in his van Aloft in his dreams He's dreaming of love CHORUS Dreaming of love Dreaming it backstage Taking his love Taking it backstage Making his love Making it backstage
2.
Who Stole The Ivy (Solo) 05:15
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“Who Stole The Ivy” Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 1969/1971/2015/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music: Publisher (ASCAP) URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Verse 1 Shaking heads and shaking hands Seem to describe your kind Why have you come here Is it just to toy with my finds The sounds they are so fine The sounds are so flowing It’s July here, my dear And somehow its begun snowing I can see down the street both ways From where I sit And neither way do I see anything coming That’ll tell me Chorus Who stole the ivy Who stole the valley Who stole the timothy and clover That used to grow all over Verse 2 Eyes closed and laid back Let it happen to you With open heart and hands Yours do not shake or stammer But I can’t truly say That I can see her Coming back to you But you can be well assured I’d inform you if her train arrived The separation is cut and clear What has been said could have been left unsaid But you felt it was your duty to speak up So now tell me….. Music Interlude Repeat Chorus Verse 3 Eyes alone engulfed in our own mainstream I’m looking deeper than I’ve ever looked And to see our basis is all very well and good And it’s good to know that us laying here Is not a challenge to your womanhood Rocking and tapping and looking up for a sign But the streets are full of them One for this and one for that Will they tell me… Repeat Chorus. Copyright © 1969/1971/2015/2023 ® by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP) All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Or addressed to: "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065” http://www.chetnichols.net. More information at: http://www.chetnichols.net http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com
3.
The Canadian People (Solo) 04:17
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“The Canadian People” Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 2005/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com 1. He rode the ferry from Victoria Island His city dreams would be suddenly real Under a spotlight his voice and his hands Were telling the crowd how love feels CHORUS: The women fell in love with his and motions Lost in his words and a bartender’s potions The applause at the end was an audible omen The people had fallen for the Canadian man 2. Detroit, Boston and south California Held in the gripes of the Angels’ arms She moved cross the states as her poems bore songs Hoping her dues would not last too long CHORUS: The world fell in love with her voice and emotions Lost in her words and a bartender’s potions The heartbeat at the end was an audible omen The people were in love with the Canadian woman 3. Then came the squeeze play, fame or a family Lovers were replaced by the sand and the sea At night they would wonder what was to follow Loves that had grown to be empty and hollow They pulled at the paper and sharpened their pencils To describe a world of attack and retreat For they vowed to abstain from the perfume and tinsel Then the world arrived to lay at their feet CHORUS: The world fell in love with their voice and their notions Lost in the words and a bartender’s potions The heartbeat at the end was an audible omen The world was in love with the Canadian people The world was in love with the Canadian people ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Copyright © 2005/2023 ® by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music: Publisher (ASCAP) All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Or addressed to: "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065” http://www.chetnichols.net. More information at: http://www.chetnichols.net http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com Email: Chet@chetnichols.net
4.
Time For Leaving (Solo) 04:09
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"Time For Leaving" :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 1966/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music Division: Publisher (ASCAP) URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ORIGINAL VERSION: VERSE 1 The first time that I heard you sing, we are alone I was laying on the bed and you were on the headphones With songs of lovers who had taken you home For you’d grown tired of waking Sunday’s morning’s alone LIFT The lovers filled the pages They describe all the stages you’ve seen The followers dream and lift their lift their eyes Wishing they could cause the tears Singing…. CHORUS It’s time for leaving I hate to say goodbye But I gave it my best try It’s time for leaving I hate to see you go But there are things we must know for ourselves VERSE 2 Now, I’ve heard that you’re more beautiful Than any of your photographs For the pictures do not capture you Your loving or your raps LIFT The lovers filled the pages They describe all the stages you’ve seen The followers dream and lift their lift their eyes Wishing they could cause the tears Singing…. CHORUS Singing, it’s time for leaving I hate to say goodbye But I gave my best try It’s time for leaving I hate to see you go But, there are things we must know for ourselves :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Copyright © 1966/2023 ® by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP) All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at: MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com Or addressed to: "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065” http://www.chetnichols.net. More information at: http://www.chetnichols.net http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com
5.
You Ran Away (Solo) 03:41
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“You Ran Away” Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 1976/2022 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music : Publisher (ASCAP) URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Verse 1 I SAW YOU WITH SOMEONE ELSE TONIGHT AND SOMETHING INSIDE BROUGHT ME BACK TO THE PAIN OF LOSING YOU AND KNOWING THAT WE WERE THROUGH/ I SUPPORTED YOU AND I CHEERED YOU ON ONLY TO HAVE YOU WALK AWAY IF THIS IS SOME KIND OF MYSTERY WHAT PART DO I PLAY? CHORUS: ‘CAUSE, YOU RAN AWAY YOU RAN AWAY YOU JUST COULDN’T SEE STAYING WITH ME SO, HONEY, YOU RAN AWAY/ Verse 2 WHEN YOUR LOVING TURNS TO A LOSING GAME SOMETIMES YOU HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE BUT, WHEN LOVE IS GONE, IT’S GONE WHAT’S DONE IS DONE/ I HAVE FACED REALITY THAT LOVE SCARES YOU AND ME BUT AFRAID OF LOSING AGAIN IT’S SO MUCH EASIER JUST BEING FREE/ CHORUS: SO, YOU RAN AWAY YOU RAN AWAY YOU JUST COULDN’T SEE STAYING WITH ME SO, HONEY, YOU RAN AWAY/ Bridge: WHEN YOU SAID YOU DIDN’T LOVE ME ANYMORE IT WAS SAYING THAT I COULDN’T COME HOME TO YOU WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS LOVE WHO TURNED AROUND AND LEFT ME ALONE/ Chorus: WHEN, YOU RAN AWAY YOU RAN AWAY YOU JUST COULDN’T SEE STAYING WITH ME SO, HONEY, YOU RAN AWAY/ Baby, you ran away ___________________________________________________ Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 1979/2022 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music: (ASCAP) URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
6.
Old Friends (Solo) 04:52
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“Old Friends” Lyrics and Music by Chet Nichols * Copyright 1978/2002/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Please contact: Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065 magicgaragemusic@protonmail.com chetnichols@me.com : www.chetnichols.net ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VERSE 1. I saw you in a dream Your were waiting for a train You woke me up and you made me cry The disguise you wore it did you well For you almost past me by But, we embraced and we held the time We didn’t have to try We didn’t have to try CHORUS Because old friends will stay old friends Through distances and time Old friends will mellow with the years Like children and old wine VERSE 2. I lost you on the river You were rowing with your gun And when the bottom was filled with holes Your rowing was all done Now, I sleep on half the bed I leave a place for you ‘Cause even though you’re gone from me I’m still in love (with you) ‘Cause we embraced and we held the time We didn’t have to try We didn’t have to try VERSE 3. I know you don’t feel the same Because I’ve been gone so long I look in your eyes and I see the pain Neither of us is that strong Maybe we should have taken the time To share more of our lives Maybe it was something that we owed to love Since we raised it from a child ‘Cause we embraced and we held the time We didn’t have to try We didn’t have to try CHORUS Because old friends can stay old friends Through distances and time Old friends can mellow through the years Like children and old wine
7.
Goodbye Doesn't Mean Goodbye (Solo) 04:25
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“Goodbye Doesn’t Mean Goodbye” Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 1998/2011/2019 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music: Publisher (ASCAP) URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Verse 1 The ice was falling on the High Plains A winter storm had closed the roads again My only choice was to ignore the warnings ‘Cause you called and left a message you were giving back my ring .... now.... Chorus Goodbye, usually means goodbye When lovers don’t talk it through and give love one more try What could be worse than losing a lover and best friend? Goodbye seems so final When your love is a downhill climb And goodbye really means goodbye Verse 2 I know I can see you anytime On the hall of pictures framed inside my mind I can smell the roses in those photos But they only fuel the questions burning deep inside my soul....why does.... Chorus Goodbye, usually means goodbye When lovers don’t talk it through and give love one more try? What could be worse than losing a lover and best friend? Goodbye seems so final When your love is a downhill climb And goodbye really means goodbye Bridge I pulled into a Texaco to place another call It only took a moment for your “hello” to say it all In an instant, my heart was sailing down the road Through your tears you told me, all I needed to know ..... that..... Chorus. Goodbye, doesn’t have to mean goodbye When lovers talk it through and give love one more try What could be worse than losing a lover and best friend? Goodbye seems so final When your love is a downhill climb But, goodbye, doesn’t mean goodbye Oh, I knew we could I do it If we only talked through it Because goodbye doesn’t mean goodbye Doesn’t mean goodbye Doesn’t mean goodbye :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Copyright © 1998/2011/2019 ® by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music: Publisher (ASCAP) All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Or addressed to: "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065” http://www.chetnichols.net. More information at: http://www.chetnichols.net http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com
8.
Two Hearts Of Gold (Solo) 03:55
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“Two Hearts Of Gold” Lyrics and Music by Chet Nichols * Copyright 1978/2002/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Please contact: Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065 magicgaragemusic@protonmail.com chetnichols@me.com : www.chetnichols.net ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VERSE 1. I know two people can love each other And still not be in love Time can change a lover’s feelings I’m glad it never happened to us If we give all we can And take what is given Love can grow on its own And underneath the tarnish Of our time together There beat two hearts of gold CHORUS: Two hearts, two heart of gold There is nothing better in the whole wide world No, no, no, no … than … Two hearts, two hearts of gold There is nothing brighter in the whole wide world … than …. Two hearts of gold VERSE 2. I know you still love me And I’m dedicated to your love Our passion lives on and our tenderness is strong The gentle joys are still enough There’s a fine line that defines the feelings Of lovers as they grow old And underneath the tarnish of our time together There beat two hearts of gold BRIDGE: All of the memories of our moments of passion Are moving pictures in my mind And while the seasons color your chestnut hair I thank God that you’re still mine VERSE 3. Our love stands amidst the vows we made Promises etched in steel A simple smile and a simple touch Can be fleeting, but still be so real There’s a fine line that defines the feelings Of lovers as they grow old And underneath the tarnish of our time together There beat two hearts of gold Repeat CHORUS: There is nothing brighter in the whole wide world I know there’s nothing better in the whole wide world There is nothing better in the whole wide world … than …. Two hearts of gold, two hearts of gold, two hearts of gold
9.
Electric Circle (Solo) 03:38
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“Electric Circle” Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Copyright 1970/2023 by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music Publisher (ASCAP) URL: http://www.chetnichols.net Email: chet@chetnichols.net Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Email: ChetNichols@me.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Musical Intro: Guitar Sunset Moonrise Moonsets Sunrise The 7:10 to Topeka sings of the rise As the town takes time to light The rays are strong They will find you Alone, cold, stoned at sunrise Silhouettes fall from east-to west Birds spring fly From nest to nest Today has started The early rays yellow by pale skin Living’s a state that I’m in But, so is Kansas The sun rises everywhere Even at night Tell the children that they must sleep So that other children can play The sun’s just come up It’s a new day The sun’s just come up It’s a new day :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Copyright © 1970/2023 ® by Chester Nichols, Jr (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music: Publisher (ASCAP) All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com Or addressed to: "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065” http://www.chetnichols.net. More information at: http://www.chetnichols.net http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com Email: MagicGarageMusic@protonmail.com
10.
The Love I Want To Show (Solo) 03:51
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“The Love I Want To Show ” Lyrics & Music by Chet Nichols Copyright 2011/2023 by Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) chet@chetnichols.net :: http://www.chetnichols.net ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VERSE 1 Its taken time to sort things out But, now it’s clear what my life is about What’s been missing for me is the love I want to show I vow to give all that I can To make a difference and take a stand Against old habits that hide the love I want to show LIFT I swear from this moment to love a different way Because if I don’t, how will I rise above the mistakes I have made? CHORUS I have learned to open my heart Tear down the walls that keep my love from getting out I’ll swing open the door for the love I want to show Musical Bridge VERSE 2 The world outside loves to pretend That I’ll be hurt if I change my direction But I’ll put a fight for the love I want to show Lift How strong can my love be if I’m too afraid? To make the changes I need to and keep the new promises I’ve made Chorus I have learned to love myself So I’ll be ready to love somebody else I’ll swing open the door for the love I want to show I’ll swing open the door for the love I want to show
11.
Backstage (Full band) 05:41
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“Backstage” Words and Music by Chet Nichols Copyright 1996/2014/2022 by Chester (Chet) Nichols, Jr (ASCAP)/Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Please contact: Chet Nichols, 1225 Anthony Ct, Antioch, IL 60002 Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065 http://www.chetnichols.net chet@chetnichols.net :: chetnichols@me.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VERSE 1 There goes another traveling man Out in LA, to play another one-night stand It's hard to leave all the stars in the hills Who are freezing their hearts out with hundred dollar bills There's an open microphone At a club down the street With his old guitar wearing new strings He sits and waits to be seen Adrift in the clouds, aloft in his dreams CHORUS Dreaming of love, dreaming it backstage Looking for love, seeking it backstage Singing of love, singing it backstage VERSE 2 City stories, highways and farms And visions of a family with children wrapped up in his arms He’s got broken teeth and a golden heart And twenty years of songs taped to his guitar He wears his songs like a uniform And travels the 2-lane highways thru the sun and the storms Asleep in his van, aloft in his dreams CHORUS He’s dreaming of love, dreaming it backstage Looking for love, seeking it backstage Singing of love, singing it backstage BRIDGE Then one night out in Kansas City He heard an angel’s silhouette She was singing of magical moments When two hearts share a sweet duet CHORUS Now, they’re singing of love, out on the big stage They found their true love, out on the big stage They’re sharing their love, out on the big stage

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This is a very special collection of early cuts from Kansas Music Hall Of Fame singer-songwriter, Chet Nichols, that have been curated from songs for the 1960's to 2022. All cuts except for one, are solo-vocal-guitar-piano tracks. This is a thoughtful album about life and love. Great record to chill to and befriend.

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released September 19, 2023

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Chet Nichols

Chet Nichols is a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, producer and recordist. His poetic lyrics, & variety of singer- songwriter & instrumental tracks are inspired by the ever-changing world around us.

Chet is an inductee in The Kansas Music Hall Of Fame. He joins artists like Pat Matheny, Melissa Ethridge, and Martina McBride. His touring bio includes the "Who's Who" in the music industry. ... more

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