Links to Original Songs

As a songwriter, Steve’s topics run the gamut from humorous songs such as "Chipmunks Love Running in the Rain", sung from the perspective of two dogs, to somber reflections on today's social issues in "Until We Cross the Great Divide".  A sensitive exploration and reflection on what is important when experiencing dimentia of one parents is captured in "Where do we Draw the Line."  Another experience of grief is a beautiful tribute to, and reflection on, a spiritual experience after the departure of his canine friend, Morocco in "Follow Your Nose." All songs below copy Copyright (c) Steven Stahl.

  Songs of the Wydah Pirate Ship and Sailing

• I Lost it All for us Both: Black Sam Bellamy Speaks to Goody Hallett - Black Sam Bellamy of the Wydah speaks from the afterlife to Goody Hallett, the love of his life,  about his ship ship wreck and of his deep regrets. Of note, the Wydah ship was found off the coast of Wellfleet in 1984 and recovery is still underway.  This is a companion piece to Goody Hallett, the Witch of Wellfleet.

• Goody Hallett, the Witch of Wellfleet - Words from the after-life to Black Sam Bellamy of the Wydah pirate ship. This is a companion piece to,  "I Lost it All for Us Both".

• Raise the Black Flag: The Wydah Sea Shanty - The Wydah was a state-of-the-art slave ship that was taken by the pirate Black Sam Bellamy in the early 1700’s. This sea shanty is from the perspective of the crew, but incorporates what is known about Captain Bellamy’s politics. He was known as the Robin Hood of the Sea. Important to know that a “clap of thunder” is a strong shot of alcohol (almost certainly rum) in pirate-speak.

• I Would Set Myself Free (Ballad of a Captured Pirate) - From the perspective of a single captured pirate who hasn't completely given up hope.

• Unstoppable - Sam Bellamy's song of joy and confidence as he prepares to head north to return to Goodie Hallett

• Blue Water Sailing - - A sailing song (unrelated to the Wydah) that captures both the perils and beauty of sailing sailboats across the oceans of the world.

Songs of Remembering and Forgetting

• Where Do We Draw the Line? -  A song which explores issue about when someone close to you loses their memory. Folk and Jazz style.

• Follow Your Nose - A story about the day our dog passed. Unusual things can happen.

• Resting By the River – Remembering friends who have come and gone along the river of time. Accented by some haunting harmonica in Am key. Its about reflecting on those who we still remember, alive and dead.

Songs that Don't Fit Together in a Single Category

• Benevolence Blues (It Makes Me Want to Cry - The blues don't need to be about being down on your luck.  It can be the opposite.  Have you ever wanted to cry from joy?

• Until We Cross the Great Divide - A universal political song that address the divisions and struggles around the globe using immigration as a theme.

• When Can I See You Again? (David and Daphne) - The only way for two people to connect as friends or romantically is if someone takes the initiative to ask the other to get together again.  This song focuses on that topic in a fun light way.  It all started with a sofa purchased on Craigslist.

• Wanted Man – This song that takes the perspective of a man who is stealing from others to get money to impress a woman he loves but is unrequited. I think of this song as part of a musical that was never finished.

• Chipmunks Love Running in the Rain – A light song sung from the perspective of two dogs talking to their humans.  Chorus can be a sing along. Its funny, but this is a song people always remember me for and request to hear it.

• Do What You Can’t Not Like – Recorded with just blues harp and guitar, but it needs a full rock band.  About finding the time and prioritizing what is important to you.

• The Princess and the Wild Boars - This is a 13 minute ballad that tells the story of the Thailand soccer team cave rescue.  It is told from the perspective of some of the folklore and beliefs held by the community where this event happened.  It also is about the way people came together to make this event truly a success.  It is a different story than most people know. It surprised me when I researched it.