M. A. Lang Creative

I haven't posted on this page, a curated selection of my creative work, in a while, but now seems a good time for a new post! So, here it is, folks! The song you didn't ask for, but are getting anyway! This is my newest original, "The Animal Train." It is my first children's song, and I wrote it for my niece. She provided almost all of the animals, although a shout-out goes to Betsy Cashing, who suggested that the platypus make the cut. It does! The sneaky octopi try to enter the song a little early, but in the end, they need to wait their turn just like everyone else! I hope you enjoy it!

Chorus
Animal train, animal train, all aboard the animal train, the conductor has your name, so you can ride the animal train. The animal train is coming through, and there is a spot for you; make sure you get to the station stop, or else you might lose your spot on the animal train! Hey, let's go for a ride!
Verse 1
All you dogs with the wagging tails, and cats with your sharp, shiny nails, you fish that swim in the ocean blue, and in big, old fish tanks, too, welcome aboard the animal train! Hey, let's go for a ride!
Verse 2
Stripy tigers and zebras, too – hey – we are waiting for you! Hogs and dogs and frogs on logs, that share a pond with a turtle or two, well, we have a ride for you! Welcome aboard the animal train! Hey, let’s go for a ride!
Verse 3
All you lions with your wooly manes, and rainbow parrots that say your name, monkeys that swing in the trees so high, and giraffes that strut with their necks to the sky – welcome aboard the animal train! Hey, let’s go for a ride!
Chorus
Verse 4
Octopi of many limbs, and sharks with their warning fins, weedy sea dragons with wavy wings, and seahorses riding with a swim – welcome aboard the animal train! Hey, let’s go for a ride!
Verse 5
Kangaroos that hop across the grassy plain, and penguins that slide across the ice, and what – they came upon a mermaid (what’s her name?) Welcome aboard the animal train! Hey, let’s go for a ride!
Verse 6
We can make room for you bears napping in your dens, and the otters gliding down the river in pairs – whoa – was that a unicorn running down the road? Wait ‘till my buddy gets a load of our crazy animal train! Hey, let’s go for a ride!
Verse 7
Now we’re getting’ pretty full, but we probably have some room, so we can pick up, pretty soon, our friend the platypus, all those spare parts, and an axolotl, he’s sure to win some hearts…on the animal train! Hey, Let’s go for a ride!
Chorus

Hey there! This is the first of a trio of recordings of original songs I hope to get out. So, some story behind this song, "Song of the Waterloo Soldier." This is the third and final version of this song - the words have remained the same, but the melody (and key) have changed. Such is how the process rolls. The origins of this song spring from an article I read in "Archaeology" magazine about the remains of a young soldier found on the field of the battle of Waterloo. His identity was unknown (although I believe he was later identified.) Regardless, it was a moving and poignant story, and a reminder that war comes with heavy, heavy costs, which is why we should, maybe, not try to have them. Anyway, enjoy my re-vamped version of this tune!