John believed in learning the skills of songcrafting. One foundational skill he often repeated to me was to "know what you are writing about to the point where you feel it emotionally." He would craft melodies in his heart and mind and then soon after bits and pieces of a lyric would begin to unfold. Though writing lyrics was not his favorite focus, because he found itty bitty word crafting was tedious, he often found the lyrics in conversations he had or things he experienced.
"Where You Are" is an example of John knowing his subject and sharing the emotions through his musical creativity.
What amazed me is that, although he might have one specific person or topic on his mind during the creation, his song had the ability to touch many on a personal level.
Where You Are
John Bonner
All rights reserved
Copyright 2003
When I'm alone I let my mind just wander
I picture you and where you will be
and my emotions take me over
like a dream
Time can be still as long as we're together
And the words we share just show how we feel
Baby wish that I could hold you
Make this real
Chorus:
I don't want to spend the day without you
“Cause these feelings are hard to resist
But if I ever had the chance....Girl I'd leave here without a trace.
Two hearts together and our minds embracing
Your words touch me so deep from afar
And if you give me a sign
Girl, I'll come running to where you are
Bridge:
Where you are………….where you are
Baby, Can I send a message to your heart?
Lost in my dreams, it's there I can be with you
Take in all the love that we give
I feel you touch me as you whisper
Make me live
Floating so high, nothing to be scared of
You control the way that you feel
I can't believe that I'm here with you
Make this real.
Chorus and bridge:
Please tell me if I'm wrong and it's not the way you want it to be
But baby I'll be strong hoping some day you'll feel the same
Hope I haven't been a fool
and let my feelings show me the way
did the messages you send say all you wanted was a friend?
Chorus/bridge/final ending:
Where you are where you are......
Baby, can I send a message to your heart?
Repeat line (2)