Mark Bishop
Singing News Article
September 2006
"Rain, rain... go away... come again another day..." That is the
song I've been singing all day today. I would much rather have
been outside working on some outdoor project than cooped up in the
office today, but alas, it isn't meant to be. It is coming down in
buckets and we are all stranded inside.
I've been working on a deck in the backyard for a few days now and
was looking forward to getting some more work done today. I'm not
an expert carpenter but I can handle things like decks, tool sheds
and swing sets. There is something relaxing to me about building
something from the ground up, with my own two hands. I guess in a
way, it's no different than building a song. There are certain
fundamentals that must be adhered too and if each step is
correctly addressed, then in the end you should have yourself
either a serviceable swing to swing from or a song to sing from.
Either way, when the job is done, you can stand back with your
arms folded and say to yourself "Good job Mark!" Just don't let
anyone hear you talking to yourself...especially if your name
isn't Mark.
Even when I work on songs, I tend to do better work sitting on the
front porch swing than in the chair in the office. Someone once
asked me in an interview what is needed to be a good songwriter
and I remember telling them something about cows grazing in in the
neighbors fields. That is something that all the songwriting books
and seminars tend to leave out. I don't know why but to me, that
is some crucial information to just casually and conveniently
"forget".
I also enjoy mowing the yard. It is a great activity that allows
you to get outside and experience nature firsthand. The sun... the
breeze... the smell of cut grass... it is a wonderful exercise
that allows your mind to wander. It can be a de-stresser too. I
suppose I shouldn't admit that I enjoy mowing the yard. I could
perpetuate the thought that I would hire some kid to come and do
my mowing and trimming. "My goodness Mark! That's such menial
work!" Why, yes... yes it is. And I love it.
I guess I have a hard time imagining Bill Gaither or Eddie Crook
or a host of others, mowing their own yards. They are such
influential people in our industry. They wouldn't have time for
such a thing. But for me, it helps me work other things out. The
same way as when I'm nailing and cutting and digging holes for
posts. It's cathartic.
When I finish this article, I need to get started on second
quarter tax stuff. That should be lots of fun. Man I wish that
rain would let up. I need to go count product and call Susanne up
with an order. Suzanne works at Sonlite/Crossroads (my record
company). She has a southern voice that sounds like sunshine. She
is a joy to talk to, although she had to chastise me for telling
her that the "Tower Of Terror" was an easy-going ride at Disney
World. She took my word for it on vacation and was unpleasantly
surprised. I thought it was funny but that's just me.
So I'm still singing "Rain, rain... go away". It is still coming
down in buckets. I guess I won't be singing to any cows in the
pasture today.
- Back
-
