Make A Memory (5:26)
(John G Willis)
John G Willis: vocals/bass
Jerry Donato: saxophones
Chuck Curry: trumpet
Jim Pfeifer: guitars
Gary Bruzzese: drums
Dom Moio: congas/shakers
Vocals, bass & trumpet recorded at Flyin' Gecko
Saxophones recorded at Donato's Grotto
Guitars recorded at Crazy Composer (Mesa, AZ)
Drums recorded at Mia - Otto D'Agnolo, engineer
Percussion recorded at Mr. Sauce (Phoenix, AZ)
Robert Martinez vocals originally recorded (in 1997?) at Tempest Recorders - Clarke Rigsby, engineer
Extracted from the original recording by John Herrera - Clamsville Productions (Chandler, AZ)
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(In memory of Robert Paul Martinez*)
Old days makin music in the yard
Chattin up the girls, and tryin too hard
We were young & free searchin for our voice
And playin that same old tune, like we had a choice
But now it seems like forever since I’ve heard you sing that song
And I’ve give anything for one more chance to play along
Just a memory, like a grainy photograph
But if I try I can hear your laugh
Just a memory, of a distant time and place
I close my eyes I can see your face
Some days I think I spot you in a crowd
Catch myself don’t say your name out loud
Cuz wasn’t that yesterday, driving towards the Bay
Makin big plans, we were on our way
And now it seems like forever since I’ve listened to your song
But it just don’t sound the same with all the years that I’ve put on
Just a memory when times felt right
Pull it close and hold on tight
Just a memory, a distant time and place
Close my eyes I can see your face
Just a memory of a life we once knew
Looking back on those dreams of youth
Just a memory
Close your eyes…
Stay a while
It could be just like before
Won’t you stay a while
Why’d you have to go?
Oh Lord, can you hear their prayers
Please give them relief
Oh Lord, can’t you hear our prayers
Won’t you ease our grief
Oh Lord, let them hear this time
Help them see the light
Help them find some peace this time
Just help us get some sleep tonight
These days I try to take things as they come
You might think I'm stoic, but I’m just mostly numb
You promised someday we’d understand the reasons why
I hope someday comes before I die
And now it seems like I’ve missed you for forever and a day
I’ll listen to your songs and let my memories replay
Make a memory turn back time
A heart like yours is hard to find
Make a Memory cuz you never know when
You’ll close your eyes and need your memories again
©2022 Flyin' Gecko Music (BMI)
*Robert Martinez was a fantastic vocalist and one of my best friends from the day we met in Junior High School. I was honored to help him with the production of what, sadly, turned out to be his only full-length album. It has been out of print for years now, but can still be heard in its entirety here: reverbnation.com/robertpaulmartinez