A song by Mark David Blum, Esq.

(with thanks for the motivation to Kathy Kellish)

I’ve opened up my heart and poured out my soul
Writing this anthem; like birthing a foal
From January to June, I plucked and I strummed
I scribbled and dibbled I sang and I drummed

The big night has come and the spot is on me
Walking up the mic. The chord is it B
On stage in the lights, a quick run through the coda
I open my mouth. Nothing comes out but “la la la la”.

(chorus)
Cheat Sheets. I cant live without them
Cheat Sheets. My music is bare
Cheat Sheets. I need them in front
Without them all I can do is just strum

I wind up the audience with promises of tunes
Be it the Blues or old Folk; something dragged from the ruins
I fumble with frets. Remembering every note
The melody and harmony I remember by rote

But my brain seizes tight when I reach for the words
Evaporated completely. Flown away with the birds
I feel so very naked, mouth open agape.
No lyrics come forth. Where’s my Superman’s cape?

(chorus)
Cheat Sheets. I cant live without them
Cheat Sheets. My music is bare
Cheat Sheets. I need them in front
Without them all I can do is just strum

I feel so much safer with my white page in front
In big bold letters, my tale in bold font
It’s the rope to my rescue. My harness to the ground
How else can I put the meaning to my sound

There’s so much to remember. It comes from my heart
To pour out my feelings. How love tore me apart
My emotions to share; from happy to glum
But I need my white paper so I don’t stand here and hum

(chorus)
Cheat Sheets. I cant live without them
Cheat Sheets. My music is bare
Cheat Sheets. I need them in front
Without them all I can do is just strum

Cheat Sheets. I cant live without them
Cheat Sheets. My music is bare
Cheat Sheets. I need them in front
Without them all I can do is just strum