Jerry Simon 2011
“‘stuff’ in first verse is optional – I used to just sing ‘having enough’, but recently decided to add ‘stuff’ to make my meaning as clear as possible.” Alex heard Simon sing it on a virtual sing in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and emailed to learn more. Simon, who lives in Sheffield UK wrote back “I’d love people to sing it! (But when you do, please could you credit me as the songwriter?). I entered Living Momently in a songwriting competition for The John Birmingham Cup, in 2011. The Final was held at Whitby Folk Week. Please note that I have slightly modified the words since then, and would prefer you to use the ones attached below.” Jerry Simon: Jerry Simon “Living Momently” Whitby 2011& https://soundcloud.com/raise-your-banners/living-momently-jerry-simon
Chorus: I am ambling along the path of life I don’t see any need to hurry I don’t want to be weighed down by cares and strife Don’t want to be ruled by worry I’m only a common old working man But my eyes can clearly see If I go through this world all momently This world all belongs to me Mine is the sun that shines on the earth Mine are the streams that flow Mine is my breath that comes in and goes out The sweetest friend that I know I used to be scared of not having enough (stuff) So I’d race like a rat in a wheel But now I’m content to just walk my own path And live by what I think and feel I like playing tunes and I like singing songs And listening to others’ ones too And sometimes I grieve for the world and its wrongs And try to find what’s best to do And mostly I find that just being kind Beats anything clever or grand And that here now today is the best place to stay And it’s better than I could have planned So here is a day that’s not been here before And never will be here again And I don’t have a clue if I’ll see many more Best make the most of it then! Yes, everything ends, so singing with friends Is a bloody good use of our time As we lay aside strife to celebrate life In tune, and in rhythm, and rhyme