Perspectives
Perspectives is the name of The Network Man’s newest album. It’s about history, technology, leadership and behaviors. Sometimes we all need a little perspective. We hope that it leaves you with some new perspectives.
Pushing Too Far
Pushing Too Far is a song which encourages us to gain perspective on the hustle and bustle that is our lives.
Lyrics
Pushing things too far makes things difficult
We all do it from time to time
But maybe it would be much better
If we didn’t
Everybody’s running down
Everybody’s coming round
Everybody’s lost and found
Oh, oh, oh, I wouldn’t push it too far
It’s always just a frantic time
Out of rhythm, out of rhyme
Spend a dollar for a dime
Oh, oh, oh, I wouldn’t push it too far
People trying to win the crown
They’re running all around the town
Their lives are just so up and down
Oh, oh, oh, I wouldn’t push it too far
Calm down, that’s a better way
Leave some space in every day
Slow and steady, so they say
Oh, oh, oh, you shouldn’t push it too far
There’s no point running at such speed
And undone by relentless greed
Perspective, well that’s what we need
Oh, oh, oh, we shouldn’t push it to far
Long Term View
Big picture things like empires come and go. So if that can happen, we shouldn’t worry too much about the small things. Better to do our best with each and every day – and take a long-term view of our actions, when we can.
Lyrics
I take a long-term view now, that’s what I do
A long term view
That’s what I do, that’s what I do
Spain went global, a massive overseas rule
It knew no bounds, nobody’s fool
But success creates success – and then it just does not
Their empire was undone, a little, then a lot
The Qing Dynasty, China, well for 300 years
Ruled 1/3 of the world, their hopes and their fears
But 20th century change, made it fade away
It’s just a distant memory of what was yesterday
I take a long-term view now, that’s what I do
A long term view
I take a long-term view now, that’s what I do
A long term view
That’s what I do, that’s what I do
Bridge
Britain ruled the seas, and she ruled the land too
The sun never set on the empire of many, not a few
Global wars, depression, just wore it all down
Victoria’s world empire, it finally unwound
America holds the promise, a place for one’s dreams
Innovation still flows forward, since the age of steam
But sometimes I wonder what-the-future-will-hold
Can it endure, land of the free and bold
I take a long-term view now, that’s what I do
A long term view
I take a long-term view
That’s what I do
© 2021 Copyright Network Man Productions
Born in '62
Born in ’62 by The Network Man : A journey from 1962 through the rest of the decade.
Even from distant and faded memories of the time, it was a decade like no other.
Lyrics
Well I missed John Glenn’s first ride to the stars;
Though I do remember the fins on old cars;
When Kennedy was shot I didn’t hear the cry;
I guess I never had a chance to say good bye.
Johnson went to Vietnam; Pearson found a flag;
Hair got longer every year; teens in the bag;
The Beatles in America; on Ed Sullivan too;
Too young to see it happen ’cause I was born in ’62.
Born in ’62, yeah, born in ’62;
A decade ahead, everything would be new;
Born in ’62, yeah, 1962;
So much excitement if you only knew;
Memories of those years are but a few.
Lived for hockey – the original six;
Played all winter long – rusty skates and broken sticks;
The first Prime Minister I really know;
A man called Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
But the flame seemed to flicker when the 60’s were gone;
John, Paul, George and Ringo they made their last song;
Everything around me took a quieter tune;
I guess it slowed down after Neil walked on the moon.
I was Born in ’62, yeah, born in ’62;
A decade ahead, everything would be new;
Born in ’62, yeah, 1962;
Childhood memories I have shared with you;
It seemed so exciting, it was always new;
That’s what it’s like if you were born in ’62;
© 2022 Copyright Network Man Productions
50th Anniversary Tribute to Apollo 11: Thirty Two Minutes Past the Hour
The Network Man has created a commemorative video, including music and poetry, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Our message at the end of the video links this effort to the challenges of the present day and is as follows: The incredible success of Apollo 11 in 1969 reminds us that even the most daring and difficult missions can be accomplished. With a similar blend of vision, courage, imagination, focus and determination, we can take on the challenges of today and tomorrow. We can find solutions, whether they be small steps or giant leaps, to make planet Earth a better place for all of human kind.
Lyrics
We had lift-off at 32 minutes past the hour;
The plume was blinding, a full rocket shower;
Saturn V crept above the pad, then cleared the tower;
And Apollo headed for orbit at incredible power.
Houston tells 11 that all systems are go;
They’re going to the moon – didn’t you know;
It’s a real spectacle, a 40 billion dollar show;
With envy, Moscow watches it’s mighty space foe.
After earth orbit, it’s a go for TLI;
Point to the moon, far from Earth’s blue sky;
There’s always that risk – and no time to say good-bye;
But excitement overpowers as the moon draws nigh.
The lunar orbit at last, two climb into the LEM;
Collins is all alone, perhaps wishing to be with them;
Michael, Neil and Buzz are the crème de la crème;
Apollo 11 must succeed – a true engineering gem.
The engine kicks up moon dust, Armstrong’s heart begins to pound;
The lander’s near the surface, Tranquility must be found;
Thirty seconds of fuel, Neil has to put it on the ground;
“Houston… the Eagle has landed” – a distant, empowering sound.
We came from planet Earth, we came in peace, for all of human kind.
The technical jargon flows, soon they’ll step out the door;
The world waits nervously, they’ve never seen this before;
Hearts echo excitement and the emotions want to pour;
Once Neil steps off the ladder, he’ll be famous for evermore.
From the ladder to the surface, a cold powder gray;
July twenty, nineteen sixty nine, Oh, what a day;
Armstrong’s distant voice, perhaps not sure what to say;
Has to capture the moment – there are feelings to convey.
It wasn’t just the energy of the space race grind;
It wasn’t to exploit or make some profitable find;
It was a fulfilled dream for which the brave longed and pined;
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Yes, we had lift-off at 32 minutes past the hour.
Copyright © 2018 – Network Man Productions
Gotta Find A Way
Gotta Find A Way evokes the importance of resolving the critical problems faced by humanity in a most expeditions manner.
Lyrics
Gotta find a way
Gotta find a way
Gotta find a way
That’s what they say
Yeah we need a new plan
Need to work it every single
Day day day, day day day
Oh we need some answers
Yes yes no time for a delay
Lay lay lay, lay lay lay
Oh we got to move it faster don’t you know
If we move too slow don’t know which way to go
Gotta speed it up, no time to go with the flow
Answer’s got to be yes, ’cause we don’t have time for no
Bridge
Hey hey hey
Yeah we need a new plan
Hey hey hey
We need to take a strong stand
Hey hey hey
We need to work it every single
Day day day, day-d-day-d-day-d-day
Day day day, day-d-day-d-day
Yeah, yeah, hey, hey, oh, oh
That’s what they’re gonna say
Say say say, say say say
Yeah, yeah, hey, hey, oh, oh
We’ll find a better way
Way way way, way way way
Yeah, yeah, hey, hey, oh, oh
We’ll work it every day
Day day day, day-d-day-d-day-d-day, day
© Copyright 2022 Network Man Productions
Canada 150
The Network Man was pleased to share our video: “Canada 150: The Video”, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the country in 2017. We captured a century and a half of Canadian history in a fast-moving sesquicentennial anthem, carefully illustrated with 150 images that bring out the richness of the nation. The response was awesome and we thank all our viewers.
Lyrics
O Canada, Canada One Five O
O Canada, Canada Cent Cinquante
True North, strong and free
From sea to sea to sea
True North strong and free
So much to see and be
Charlottetown, Confederation, old John A
Macdonald, Cartier, the CP Railway
Alexander Graham Bell, phone today
Manitoba, O Canada, Calixa Lavallée
Last spike made at Eagle Pass
Banff Park created to make it last
Wilfrid Laurier he carries the weight
Klondike Gold back in 1898
Marconi radio, Signal Hill, St-John’s
Add Alberta and Saskatchewan
Anne of Green Gables, oh it reads so well
A brand new navy, and ocean swells
Vimy Ridge, Halifax, a long long war
Peace and order are finally in store
Insulin, Banting and Charlie Best
Famous Five, The Group of Seven’s quest
Dionne quints and Emily Carr
Country prepares for a Second World War
Big manufacturing across this land
And on Juno beach, we took a stand
O Canada, Canada One Five O
O Canada, Canada Cent Cinquante
NATO and the little big country that could
Newfoundland in 49, Joey Smallwood
Howe, Richard and the Arrow’s fate
The St Lawrence seaway opens the lakes
First Nations vote, Medicare, CPP
Canadian Flag, Maple Leaf so free
Subway, Centennial and Expo
Stompin’ Tom, PM meets John and Yoko
Henderson’s goal and Anik 1
Montreal’s big Olympic run
Lesage, Trudeau, Levesque and Clark
Wayne and Shuster just for a lark
The Charter, Gretzky and Terry Fox
Canadarm and the space shuttle rocks
The Hip Celine-Dion and Bailey gold
National-Aboriginal-Day, stories are told
Nunavut-NWT, a land so vast
Vancouver Crosby victory-goal at last
A new PM has the country’s keys
The future to unfold, a sight to be seen
Message from The Network Man:
From the richness of Canada’s past, we can celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes.
Through the strength of the present, we can use our talents, diversity and resources to move the nation forward.
With the promise of our future, our passions, and our determination, we can build an even stronger Canada for all Canadians, and for the World.
Pictures not mentioned in the lyrics include:
Peggy’s Cove; Halifax Citadel; Confederation Bridge; Grand Pré National Historic Site; Hartland Covered Bridge; Château Frontenac; Mont Tremblant; Parliament Hill; Toronto; Winnipeg; Polar Bear; Churchill Manitoba; Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan; Moraine Lake; Calgary Stampede; Whistler Blackcomb; Butchart Gardens; Victoria Empress Hotel; Tofino Beach; Normal Wells Northwest Territories; Dawson City Yukon; Baffin Island; Gaspé Quebec; Centennial Flame Ottawa; Hudson’s Bay; Snow Birds; Canadian National War Memorial; Lester B. Pearson; Niagara Falls; Tommy Douglas, among other photos.
Run With What's Left
Run with What’s Left is about dealing with all the things that happen in life, accepting them – and running with what you have left in you. Perhaps this has less meaning for a 20 something year old; but it starts to mean more as the years add up. The first verse is about a kid from the wrong side of the tracks who struggles to make his way, in spite of the negative odds. The second verse is about privilege, followed by the school of hard knocks. The third verse is about the pursuit of power, and its inevitable misuse. The subtitle for the song is “Shit Happens”. It does; and then people need to consolidate their energies, maintain perspective and move forward. That’s what RWWL is all about.
Lyrics
Jimmy got served a very rough hand
No aces to play – had to take a stand
Learned to take some knocks and [then] give them back
Good thing to know from the wrong side of the tracks
No time for school, he had things to do
Making his way, opportunities too few
Scraping on by, hoping for the best
Roller coaster ride, so hard to rest
But you know life can he a rough and tumble fit
Run with what’s left, you can count on it
The glass is half full if you want it to he
And regard what’s left, something to see.
Run with what’s left (x3), you can count on it.
Run with what’s left (x3)
Tanya was bom with a silver spoon
Her parents gave her everything, the earth and the moon
It was [just] so easy, a smooth smooth ride
Sailed into her future with a swan-like glide
[But] her world became so far from perfection
Tanya soon found the need for reflection
A lot of curve balls seemed to come her way
[It was] hard to find a single easy day
But you know life can be full of ups and downs
Run with what’s left among all the clowns
There’s something out there, oh it may work out
Look at what’s left and overcome the doubt
Run with what’s left (x3), you can count on it.
Run with what’s left (x3)
Bridge
Alex climbed the ladder, king of everything
Tough and so proud, with a disconnected sting
He was at the center and no one else mattered
Those in his way had their work world shattered
When people got the chance, they really spoke their minds
And nobody bothered to support or be kind
They sent Alex packing with no questions asked
He finally got a glimpse of the universe he lacked
Well life may give you new direction
Run with what’s left despite tough correction
Move around the pieces so the picture still works
Ignore the downsides, forget the perks
Run with what’s left (x3), it’s what you gotta do
Run with what’s left (x3)
Run with what’s left (x3), it’s what you gotta do
Run with what’s left (x3)
Out of Control (Higgledy Piggledy)
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Higgledy Piggledy as “In Confusion or Disorder”. The term was first used in 1598, and remains quite relevant, even today.
Lyrics
The President says it’s all ya ya ya
And his helpers, they are always ga ga ga
The followers simply go bah bah bah
But those in the know say nah nah nah nah (repeat)
Kings and Queens say it’s all for you
Those at the top, they say it’s all true
Turn on the news, and there’s nothing new
But those in the know say we’re all through (repeat)
Higgledy Piggledy, it’s out of control
Higgedly Piggedly, it’s out of control
Higgledy Piggledy, it’s out of control
Out of control, out of control…..
A sportsman says a bunch of wrong things
Fans are asking what good this brings?
Sports is a tune that everyone can sing
So what’s all this? There’s no game bell ring (repeat)
Spin doctors spinning a million r-p-m
Folks can’t begin to keep up with them
And it turns into some kind of wild anthem
Oh it’s just before we see total mayhem (repeat)
Refrain
Mr. Ordinary Guy, he puts up with it all
And the woman next door, and the kids in the hall
The people really fear that it’s not their call
And the whole damn system just waits for the fall (repeat)
Refrain
Whining Karaoke
Shining okeedokee
Sipping western gin
Flipping wild grin
Candied cauliflower
Dandied macro tower
Speedy Packard Eight
Greedy will not wait
Wired techno dome
Fired garden gnome
Signal light turquoise
Fingernail board noise
Generation hyper dance
Renovation super stance
Sonic green dinosaur
Tonic lean troubadour
Pitted stucco firewall
Fitted chromium modern stall
Heated up Martian lake
Pleated cup for arctic bake
Leaping turtle pumpkin lamp
Creeping Loch Ness monster ramp
Runway tungsten shifting sand
It’s a Monday morning wilting fan
The Group of Seven: True North Canvas
We are pleased to present our tribute poetry, music and video for The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson. This project has been of great interest as it provided new insight into the powerful impact of these great Canadian artists.
Lyrics
Tom Thomson most elegantly captured our land;
With a compelling passion and a magical hand;
Lost – a forlorn canoe , an Algonquin lake;
But inspiration came from the work so great.
Seven people seeing things differently;
Creating a rich artistic identity;
Showing Canadians who we could be;
O Canada, the true north strong and free.
A.Y. Jackson, Arthur, and Franklin;
Frank, Frederick, and Lawren;
And MacDonald – the Group of Seven;
With them, a new expression began;
The artistic embrace of the Canadian land;
A bold endeavour and a creative stand.
Jackson – spectacular Red Maple treat;
Harris – a majestic Baffin Island peak;
Lismer – Olympic returns with the bold;
Carmichael – that brilliant October Gold.
Varley and Stormy Weather on the bay;
Johnston Moose Pond on an autumn day;
MacDonald with a Nova Scotia Seashore;
Casson, Carr and others; they all added more.
A.Y. Jackson, Arthur, and Franklin;
Frank, Frederick, and Lawren;
And MacDonald – the Group of Seven;
All inspired by Tom Thomson.
The Algonquin School, far more than fashion;
Canada on the canvass, achieved with great passion.
Jack Pine and the Canadian line;
Northern River and an autumn shiver;
Spring Ice and a thaw that’s nice;
Hot Summer Moonlight…… always seems right.
© Copyright 2021 Network Man Productions
Got to Be There
This video is really about the realization of large scale changes ahead and the need for them. While the implementation is clearly critical, we can’t get there if the requirement for social, economic and environmental change isn’t endorsed and embraced at all levels of society, particularly at the most senior levels. There is still a long way to go. A call to action is not the same as action, but it’s an essential first step.
The characters in the video are all strong:
Janey is a straight-shooting objective manager who gets things done. Very sensible. She looks at things very critically.
Tommy is a somewhat artistic, yet practical guy who embraces change. Ethics and best practices are a preoccupation for him.
Bobby is a well-connected captain of industry who is rethinking the way things should work. He wants to make a paradigm shift.
Suzie is a determined person, tied in to the community, who pushes social agendas, does pottery and works hard to bring people together.
Lyrics
Janey Janey Jane, she’s quite sane
Janey Janey Jane, no disdain
Janey Janey Jane, sees the rain
Janey Janey Jane, makes the claim
But oh she has to work it out
You know she has to be there
Oh she’s got to work it out
You know she’s got to be there
Jane sees it clearly, oh she knows the score
But she doesn’t believe them anymore
Everything’s warming up – not like before
There’s real trouble ahead, she simply can’t ignore
Tommy Tommy Tom, he’s not wrong
Tommy Tommy Tom, quite switched on
Tommy Tommy Tom, sings this song
Tommy Tommy Tom, the road is long
But oh he has to work it out
You know he has to be there
Oh he’s got to work it out
You know he’s got to be there
Tom’s always on track, a good sense of what’s real
He’s got his own ideas, no need to borrow [or] steal
He sees trouble brewing, he’s got a real bad feel
He knows he has to change it, that’s just the deal
Bobby Bobby Bob, he’s a heart throb
Bobby Bobby Bob, he’s got the big job
Bobby Bobby Bob, just call him Bob
Bobby Bobby Bob, [gotta] give not rob
But oh he has to work it out
You know he has to be there
Oh he’s got to work it out
You know he’s got to be there
Bob’s a hyper captain on the ship of industry
He knows he’s must change course, there is no mystery
There’s nothing simple about it, nothing is for free
But he’s going to try to do it, a big picture to see
Suzie Suzie Sue, answers too few
Suzie Suzie Sue, see the world a new
Suzie Suzie Sue, helping me and you
Suzie Suzie Sue, she knows what to do
But oh she has to work it out
You know she has to be there
Oh she’s got to work it out
You know she’s got to be there
Suzie really gets it, a very long term view
She makes a rallying cry, time to think a new
Push it to the limit, keep the ideal true
This is for everyone, the many and the few
You be you be you, the future is the clue
You be you be you, what are you ‘gonna do
You be you be you, you can break through
You be you be you, it’s up to you
But oh you have to work it out
You know you have to be there
Oh you’ve got to work it out
You know you’ve got to be there
© 2021 Copyright Network Man Productions
I've Got American Blues
The political situation in the United States has proven to be of great interest to many people and evokes numerous perspectives. We hope you find this song entertaining. Be sure to check out the pictures in the musical bridge which bring out the vast expanse of America.
Lyrics
Well I got up this morning
What did I see?
A Twitter storm of fake news
Catastrophically lying to me
Refrain:
I’ve got the DT blues
I’ve got the US blues
I’ve got American blues, baby
I’ve gotta get out of here.
Well I got to work this morning
What did I get?
Another gigantic wall design
Just a comin’ across my desk
Refrain
Bridge
Well I got home tonight
I finally got home tonight
Immigration was waiting for a fight
They’ll put me out on the next flight
So Donny please, deliver me
Oh Michael P and Hillary C and Oprah Winfrey,
I’ve had enough, I’ve had enough, I’ve had enough
Oh Michael P and Hillary C and Oprah Winfrey,
I wanna be free, I wanna be free, in 2020
So Donny please, deliver me
Knox Nation
The Knox Presbyterian church on Elgin Street in Ottawa celebrated its 175th anniverary in 2019. From a Rap styled poem originally penned by Scott there came a Hiphop/Trap styled song. Certainly not your typical church music. We hope you enjoy it!
Lyrics
Let me tell you a story
About a little place we call Knox Nation
It’s about reflection, it’s about connection
Encouragement, not rejection
We’re a funky little group down on Elgin Street
Got a stone cathedral where some cool people meet
We’re trying to help folks in the neighbourhood
‘cause we really get stoked when we’re doing good
Knox Nation, see what’s up
Knox Nation, shake it up
Knox Nation, Knox Nation…
The Pastor serves it up on a Sunday morn
But there ain’t no anger and there ain’t no scorn
Give a hand to those in need or play the fool
Knox nation ain’t a court, it’s always been a school
Knox Nation, let it rock
Knox Nation, round the clock
Knox Nation, Knox Nation…
[Musical Bridge]
You got your staff, your Session and Temporal B
Knox Nation is all about being free
Drop on in and just say hello
Knox Nation welcomes you, not far to go
Knox Nation, spin it round
Knox Nation, hear the sound
Knox Nation, Knox Nation…
Knox Nation, wisdom through prayer
Knox Nation, kind and fair
Knox Nation, Knox Nation…
© Copyright 2019 Network Man Productions
So Much More To Her
This love song is dedicated to Lorraine Gibeault and Marie Lefebvre.
Lyrics
She always said I’d have to find my way;
And she knew that I could;
She always said that I’d be here today;
And she knew that I would;
She always told me there was more to life;
And yes there is – and it’s her; there’s so much to her, so much more to her.
I know that she’s always there – always there;
I know that she’s always fair – oh so fair;
I know that she’s by my side – yes I’m by her side;
And I know there’s so much to her, oh so much more to her.
I always knew that I could make the grade;
Though sometimes I fell;
I always knew that I’d get up again;
And in time to tell;
I always knew that she’d be there for me;
And there she is – and yes it’s her; there’s so much to her, so much more to her.
I know that she’s always there – always there;
I know that she’s always fair – oh so fair;
I know that she’s by my side – yes I’m by her side;
I And I know there’s so much to her, oh so much more to her.
There’s so much to her, so much more to her.
© 2022 Copyright Network Man Productions
Out of Control (Reprise)
This work is the Reprise to our Out of Control (Higgledy Piggledy) song. It is a slower and more pensive version and was written at the same time.
Lyrics
The President says it’s all ya ya ya
And his helpers, they are always ga ga ga
The followers simply go bah bah bah
But those in the know say nah nah nah nah (repeat)
Kings and Queens say it’s all for you
Those at the top, they say it’s all true
Turn on the news, and there’s nothing new
But those in the know say we’re all through (repeat)
Higgledy Piggledy, it’s out of control
Higgedly Piggedly, it’s out of control
Higgledy Piggledy, it’s out of control
Out of control, out of control…..
A sportsman says a bunch of wrong things
Fans are asking what good this brings?
Sports is a tune that everyone can sing
So what’s all this? There’s no game bell ring (repeat)
Spin doctors spinning a million r-p-m
Folks can’t begin to keep up with them
And it turns into some kind of wild anthem
Oh it’s just before we see total mayhem (repeat)
Mr. Ordinary Guy, he puts up with it all
And the woman next door, and the kids in the hall
The people really fear that it’s not their call
And the whole damn system just waits for the fall (repeat)
Higgledy Piggledy, it’s out of control
Higgedly Piggedly, it’s out of control
Higgledy Piggledy, it’s out of control
Out of control, out of control…..
© 2022 Copyright Network Man Productions
Sixties
Sixties celebrates the decade of the 60s by exploring themed constructed from 53 of the most popular song titles of the time (and perhaps of all time?)
Lyrics
I want to tell you a story, It’s Now or Never.
Don’t wanna Runaway or Return to Sender.
In a Sugar Shack near the House of the Rising Sun
I Wanted to Hold Your Hand; Da Doo Ron Ron.
My Guy, Louis Louis, He’s So Fine
We’re Dancing in the Street, We’ll Sing in the Sunshine.
Even though I Get Around, there’s No Satisfaction.
Tho Under the Boardwalk I get a Light My Fire reaction.
It’ a story of the sixties, of musical gold
The story never ends, it continues to unfold
So let’s go back to that time, more than a Twist and Shout
And ask ourselves, really, what was it all about?
Walked Along the Watchtower heard the Tambourine Man
Had to Turn Turn Turn, waiting for Barbara Ann
A Daydream Believer, God Only Knows
We all need Respect, even Like a Rolling Stone
Winchester Cathedral, Windy, Up and Away
Off to San Francisco, Don’t Sleep On The Subway
Hey Jude, Feeling Groovy with Good Vibrations.
I Heard it Through the Grapevine, it’s about My Generation.
It’ a story of the sixties, of musical gold
The story never ends, it continues to unfold
So let’s go back to that time, more than a Purple Haze
And try to understand what’s so special about those days
No need to Paint It Black, There’s A Whole Lotta Love
For What it’s Worth, you know You Can’t Hurry Love.
No Space Oddity, The Sound of Silence on the moon
Aquarius – Let The Sunshine In; Here Comes the Sun so soon.
Born To Be Wild, see The Games People Play
Dizzy, Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Well, Crimson and Clover, Suspicious Minds for me
Find a Bridge Over Troubled Water and just Let It be.
© 2022 Copyright Network Man Productions