STAGES COLLECTION*
A DREAM AND A SONG / IT WAS GREAT WHILE IT LASTED
I’ve just a dream and song, but I must admit I knew it all along –
they were all I’d really have in the end – a dream and a song.
When our love was strong, before the melody and harmony went wrong,
I was sure when you were gone you’d leave with me my dream and my song.
So the joyous tune we sang lingers still, repeating and repeating in my mind.
And the theme of all our days remain to fill the lonely empty places left behind.
Just a dream and a song, but I must admit I knew it all along –
they were all I’d really have in the end – a dream and a song. But it was
Great while it lasted. It was good all the while.
That’s the reason I’m wearin’ this great big endless smile.
If there were moments of sadness – times to regret –
They’re all lost from my mem’ry – I simply forget.
And if you’re ever gonna be this way again, I will be here.
And you can bet you’ll always hear me say that I – I wanna be near you.
It was great – it was good while it lasted!
It was great – it was good while it lasted!
Elizabeth Fowler Sullivan
YOU ARE THE REASON*
You are the reason I sing my song.
You are the why of it all.
Without you list’ning, it would go so wrong.
I’d be in the wings with no curtain call at all.
You take my song and know what I feel.
Somehow you feel the same way.
You join the dance – my head starts to reel –
and your heart sets the beat as we sway this way.
(Repeat with harmonies)
You are the reason I sing my song.
You. You. You are the why of it all.
You. You. You are the why of it all.
*My daughter Kathleen gave me the idea for this song when she told me of having seen one of Frank Sinatra’s last shows. She said that when he came on stage, he looked to his left, “You,” he said. To the center…”You.” And to the right, “You make me feel so young.” His homage to the audience was so to the core honest. Yes, you are the reason we write – sing – our songs.
Elizabeth Fowler Sullivan
August 3, 2022