Born to Do
This was one of the first three songs recorded for the album back in 2008. It was actually cut from the track listing in 2009 and then re-added last minute. My friends Pollo and Ernesto down in Mexico really like this song. I’ve had some ups and downs with it. It’s amazing how making these songs is like raising children into maturity. It’s a strange relationship between creator and created.
I love the shifting energy on this track. It’s a really fun tune to perform. The songs intended message was of owning our gifts, talents, and voices—and choosing to use them to serve the greater good and the future of humanity. We thought it was a worthy message to carry.
lyrics
“Born To Do” by Matthew Santos
Break / a new holiday / a no dollar day / with peace in turn.
Wake / maybe one fine day / we will all awake / to our dreams awaiting.
Make / something meaningful / for the world to weep / help us feel more deeply.
Take / only what we need / many empty bowls / many mouths to feed.
If I were you / in your shoes / don’t know that I’d / know what to do.
But if I were me / and I chose to choose / I’d live my life / as I was born to do!
Round / round the rosy goes / their merry toes / before finding foes.
Child / that’s our child a-learning / to walk sands burning / the storms are coming.
If I were you / in your shoes / don’t know that I’d / know what to do.
But if I were me / and I chose to choose / I’d live my life / as I was born to do!
Born to do!
If I were you / in your shoes / don’t know that I’d / know what to do.
But if I were me / and I chose to choose / I’d live my life / as I was born to do!
Born to do!
credits
from This Burning Ship of Fools,
released May 28, 2010
vocals, guitars: Matthew Santos
drums: Robert Tucker
bass: Graham Burris
piano: Matt Nelson
lead guitar: Chris Gelbuda
backup vocals: Aviva Jaye
recorded at The I.V. Lab, The Attic, and Rax Trax
recorded by Manny Sanchez, Greg Majors, and Kendall Stevens
mixed by Manny Sanchez and Greg Majors
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