Original Song: Hazelnut Grove

Month 83 of original song-a-month project and one that has had the full Magnificent Companeros treatment. My original piece now has the skills of Will Berryman (bass and arrangement), Aaron Cliff (guitar), Tim Newsom (keyboard) and Sil Molnar (drums). When this was first taken to rehearsal the band took to it very quickly, and there’s also some great backup vocals from Sally-Jane Hunt and Tim. This song came from a wonderful weekend my wife and I spent at the property belong to our friends Rob and Katja – there’s something about a getaway that is great inspiration!

HAZELNUT GROVE
©2018 Chuck Smeeton

Thunder calls and the clouds roll in
Sitting tight and waiting for the storm to begin
Take our place on the valley floor
An amphitheatre for your eyes to explore

Been so dry, boots kick up dust
The cracked earth looks like it has begun to rust
From every point there is the view
Reminds you that everything will renew

(Chorus)
Down at Hazelnut Grove
There’s a story to tell
Of hardship and of sacrifice
Now there’s just time to dwell
Down at Hazelnut Grove
There’s a story to tell
Of victories and defeats
Now there’s just time to dwell

Every shed has a tale to tell
Take it in while you sit and take a spell
Tools of trade adorn the wall
Reflect success and each time there was a fall

(Chorus)
Down at Hazelnut Grove
There’s a story to tell
Of hardship and of sacrifice
Now there’s just time to dwell
Down at Hazelnut Grove
There’s a story to tell
Of victories and defeats
Now there’s just time to dwell

Spent your life looking for detail
At the Grove you’ll find life has a different scale
And at the end of the day
Just take it in as there’s nothing left to say

(Chorus)
Down at Hazelnut Grove
There’s a story to tell
Of hardship and of sacrifice
Now there’s just time to dwell
Down at Hazelnut Grove
There’s a story to tell
Of victories and defeats
Now there’s just time to dwell

About the original songs
In January 2012 I commenced a goal of trying to write and record at least one song from scratch each month – sometimes it comes easily, sometimes it’s a real challenge, but I love the discipline it creates. I managed to complete the year, but it was so much fun that I’ve decided to keep it rolling for as long as I can.