From the recording Life Stories
This original song emanates from James’ experience on September 11th, 2001 which changed his perspective on what his life meant and what motivations he would eventually have moving forward. He was on an airplane landing in NYC at exactly 8:47 AM that day. This is the exact moment the first tower was struck by a commercial airplane. James’ flight would never land in NYC but would be held in a holding pattern over NYC right before the second tower was hit. Following the second tower being stuck by another commercial airplane, his flight would eventually land in Buffalo where he would make his way back to NYC by car.
Many challenges followed James’ 9/11 experience that would reshape his life. One Step Forward captures the feelings and the difficult process James went through. These ultimately have become the fabric of experiences that have shaped who he is today.
Musicians:
James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Alex Taub (piano), Rob Geisler (bass), James Kylen (drums)
Lyrics
One Step Forward
James Hammel
Verses 1 & 2
I had a dream as a young boy
Life was so simple then
Girls, guitars, the summer heat
Music filled the world
Left it behind to put in my time
In a land of mojo and money
Thirty years growing the bottom line
Isn’t success kind of funny?
Chorus
One step forward, Two steps back
Trying to hear my voice through all the noise
Just trying to stay on track
It doesn’t often go my way
But there’s always a passing chance
A time the stars align
When all the clouds will clear
When all the clouds will clear
Verse
Landing in New York my usual way
A perfect day in September
A sudden dark cloud in the city sky
T’was the last sunny day I remember
Chorus
One step forward, Two steps back
Trying to hear my voice through all the noise
Just trying to stay on track
It doesn’t often go my way
But there’s always a passing chance
A time the stars align
When all the clouds will clear
When all the clouds will clear
Bridge 1
The wind that filled my sails is gone
Every day an uncertain dawn
But every night I close my eyes
That boyhood dream is still alive
Chorus
One step forward, Two steps back
Trying to hear my voice through all the noise
Just trying to stay on track
It doesn’t often go my way
But there’s always a passing chance
A time the stars align
When all the clouds will clear
When all the clouds will clear
Bridge 2
It took me 30 years to see
The things I know I don’t need to be
No pot of gold can compare to the splendor
Of the truth in the sunrise -- That’s why I surrender
Cause I know when all is said and done
My journey’s now a true one
Vocal jam