A REFUGE FOR POETS WHO WRITE IN THE LYRIC TRADITION,
WITH RHYME AND METER, WITH OR WITHOUT MUSIC
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I’M NOT ON THE RADIO
I’m not on the radio,
Or MTV, or cable.
I don’t have a booking agent
Or a major record label.
But I have my independence,
And I am in control.
I still own my copyrights,
And no one owns my soul.
I am the antithesis
Of what the business peddles.
I don’t do country/western,
Or rap, or heavy metal.
My tone of voice is gentle,
And my lyrics are not hateful.
To some this is a culture shock.
A precious few are grateful.
My concerts are unamplified,
With no pulsating beat.
I do not shake the walls,
Or the floor beneath your feet.
My voice and guitar carry
Well enough for you to hear.
You don’t have to shout,
And you don’t have to plug your ears.
I rarely play in cities.
I prefer the country towns,
The places overlooked
By the bands of great renown.
If I am well received,
Then I will want to come again.
If I had more exposure,
I’d be famous, but till then,
I’m not on the radio,
Or MTV, or cable.
I don’t have a booking agent
Or a major record label.
I will not give up my freedom
Or relinquish my control.
My copyrights are not for sale,
And neither is my soul.
Elmira, New York, 2003
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