In school, I was terrible in shop class. We had to make a wooden paper towel hanger, but I always wasted wood, screwing it all up. The machines scared me, the teacher yelled at me, but looking back, I think I was scared of being "found out" that I wasn't a "real man."
But I love making things. A friend once told me how he loved going into his shed, closing off the world, picking up a tool, carving wood and making something beautiful. I realize how privileged I am to be able to go into a room, close the door, pick up an instrument and lose myself in that same hypnotic act of creation, much like the carpenter in this week’s song who "ignores (his) buzzing phone as distant headlines break."
"In My Hands," is the first song of the year! What better way to start the year than to shut off the noise and confusion of yesterday, clear your mind and reboot, tracing "the lines of grain" until "the world outside disappears." (Except I am keeping an eye on the horrible fires in LA. We lived there for at least 10 years, and I’m finding myself scouring every Facebook page to see how they’re doing. Even with that weighing on my mind, creating music offers a kind of refuge.)
Also on my mind: Don't Tell Mama on March 7th at 7. It's going to be a transformative night because I’m getting out there on the New York stages for the first time in years. And to be honest, it’s scary! Like shop class all over again! My courage comes from the fact that we did this show in December and blew the roof off Urban Stages so all I really have to do is show up and sing.
Tickets: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/8788-steve-schachlin-friends-3-7-25
I don’t have a press agent or manager, so I’m just sending out the press releases myself. A real Do-It-Yourself operation. I’ve already gotten a few bites from last week’s.
Today’s release announces jazz/soul sensation Natalie Douglas is joining us on stage, as well as the reliably hilarious Sidney Myer. Natalie is one of the best singers in New York City, and she has an international following. Now to find the perfect song for her.
I’m excited to be rebooting my career after so long and at the merry old age of 71. (That'll bring in the kids, right?)
Here are the links and lyrics to "In My Hands" and happy new year!
Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-my-hands-feat-bonus-round-band-single/1789966673
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/0O496lkvIi6zZvx0GvZkD4?si=bb32c797116a4209
Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0DSLV3NLB?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_P2i9ecAg75rcpBa4tXi3uTXTh&trackAsin=B0DSLV7QF1
YouTube
https://youtu.be/UpBc51SnWnc?si=8GMcPNxEeDcAVR9a
In My Hands
©2025 by Steve Schalchlin
My fingers trace these walnut boards
I've saved for twenty-odd years,
Following the lines of grain
The world outside disappears
I ignore my buzzing phone
As distant headlines break
I start a brand new cabinet
I control what I can make
In my hand
Treasured plans
I control what’s
In my hands
My father’s tools worn smooth with time
Carve fine lines in this wood
A older craft than I am
Through time his work has stood
Trending topics fall away
And die outside this place
This cabinet will hold cherished things
More precious as they age
In my hands
Are my plans
I control what’s
In my hands
Kids will hide behind these doors
They won’t know my name
Blankets, keepsakes, cubbyholes
Inside this crafted frame
The world outside moves faster
With each day, new stress and more
I count my time by shavings
From my workbench to the floor
SOLO
At night, I put it all away
And focus on us two
I put myself where I feel safe
The last place that feels true
In your hands
No more plans
I am safe here
In your hands
--
You are free to stream the songs but purchasing them is the best way to support independent artists such as myself. Or if you have the means, you can make a small donation through PayPal or Venmo using my email address: steveshack@gmail.com.
And please share this with friends!
[This is the hand-crafted newsletter of Steve Schalchlin. If you wish to be removed from the list, send me an email. If someone sent you this and you want to be added, write me at steveshack@gmail.com]--
Steve Schalchlin
Living in the Bonus Round
Spotify Links
2024 Songs https://tinyurl.com/3su9t85m
Love Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevelovesongs
Personal Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevepersonal
Comic/Humor Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevehumor
Inspirational Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/steveinspire
Meditation Music by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevemeditate
Political Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevepolitics
Rebel Nerd Songs - lyrics by Steve Schalchlin
https://tinyurl.com/steverebelnerd
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