Laughing Bird - Have Tunes, Will Travel - Performing songwriters and recording artist entertainers, Tupelo and Janey Kenyon are a contemporary folk-rock duo. These singer songwriters are both acoustic based multi-instrumentalist and excel at upbeat, positive, original songs by Tupelo Kenyon. Their music spans many genres including progressive folk, light rock, new country, Christian, instrumental, fingerpicking acoustic guitar, new age, meditative, novelty, ballads, duets, and love songs.

Description: One of the best things about traveling is the opportunity to build bridges where once there were only canyons . . . bridges between cultures as well as bridges between people.

Description: Anyone who lives in Alaska for any period of time is affected by it for a lifetime. There are so many things about the Alaskan lifestyle to be inspired by; the breath-taking scenery, the wildlife, the sheer vastness of it all . . . but the thing that has inspired us the most through the years is the wonderful people who call Alaska home. They are rugged individualists, I-think-I-canners, and good neighbors.

We're busy in Alaska, we gotta be, but that's the way we choose,
We learn to be a winner here, cause it's too cold to lose.
The people make it special here, they think: "I think I can",
And if you can't, you can find some help, cause your neighbor gives a damn.
There's time to learn what you wanna learn, all you gotta do is ask,
Cause the people here are as good as gold, and that's what I like about Alas . . . ka!

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: Life in Alaska, or any wilderness area, has its own unique set of challenges. For many years, we chopped our firewood from the forest, carried water from the stream, and made regular trips to the little house out back. I wouldn't trade any of it, but now that we have finally joined the ranks of those with indoor plumbing, I don't miss those midnight jaunts down the trail at 30 below. (Although I do miss being able to watch a mama moose raise her twin calves all summer from the "comfort" of our double holer "throne" out back. True story.)

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: Although few Americans are aware of it, many Europeans we have met have heard this true story about an unusual Christmas celebration right in the middle of battle in World War I. It gives the act of killing for country a more personal perspective by asking the question, "Before squeezng the trigger, whose sons and fathers do I have within my sights?"

Description: This musical cartoon paints a slapstick picture of a fellow who got up on the wrong side of the bed. He's trying to lower a barrel full of building bricks on a rope from the top of a tall building. His project started off badly, and just went downhill from there.

So I went down to cut the rope, and the barrel fell like lead
And clinging tightly to the rope, I started up instead
I shot up like a rocket, and to my surprise I found
That half way up, I met the bloody barrell coming down

Well the barrell struck my shoulder as to the ground it sped
And when I reached the top, I hit the pulley with my head
I spun around all stunned and shocked from this almighty blow
While the barrell spilled out half its bricks, fourteen floors below

6. "Once Upon a Time" written by Michael Martin Murphy & David Hoffner - 5:59

Description: The art of storytelling is on the endangered list in this age of video games, TVs, VCRs, DVDs, MTV, and all the other marvelous electronic acronyms. Still, there's something magical about friends and family gathering around to hear someone spin a good yarn. What a shame if everyone forgot how to do this.

Description: A vivid childhood memory of the first time I saw people singing and playing music and making people laugh from the stage. At the time, I didn't know any better and thought, "Hey, that looks like a good job. I wanna do that when I grow up." Well, I never did grow up, just older, and I still don't know any better. And yes, it is a great job!

Once upon a time when I was 4 or 5, we went to a chuckwagon show,
Where the cowboys played and sang, they could play most anything,
And they even cooked the beans, or so we're told.

Well all that chuckwagon grub, and that bass washtub,
and that harmony singin' went just fine,
But when ol' Slim would cock his head, and he'd start yodelin' instead,
It sounded better than that cowboy dinner chime.

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: The one thing we all have in common, and have in common with everyone who has come before us, is the certainty of our mortality. It's just a matter of time, and time has a way of passing by quickly. This song is a good reminder to do what you love now, and enjoy the company of those close to you today, because the only certainty is the principle of uncertainty which never allows us to know which day is our last.

Description: A light tongue-in-cheek look at some of the stupidity that passes for normal, or at least average, these days. Still, beneath the mayhem, maybe it's best to believe there's a method behind it all . . . if only, "What goes around, comes around."
I said, "I shoulda done better, I coulda done better, if I'da known this place is so neat."
An' Pete said," Shoulda-coulda-woulda won't get it up here, but just lookin ain't no sin."

Well, late last night, I heard the doorbell ring, it was a long lost friend of mine,
You know, I hadn't seen him in a month 'a Sundays, it's been a long, long time,
He asked me if I was makin' all the money that I wanted, then he settled into his pitch,
An' he "shared" with me about the Amway plan, oh yeah, but there was one little hitch,
He asked if he could borrow a hundred dollars, since he was my friend(!?)
I said, "I'd love to help you out . . . which way'd you come in?"
I'd really love to help you out . . . which way'd you come in?

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: We're all just seeds, and it's up to each one of us what we grow into.

Description: This is a tongue-in-cheek look at the popular American tradition of the backyard barbeque.

It's a beautiful day for a barbeque, honey, you got the night off,
But first, would you bring me the charcoal briquettes and maybe a tablecloth
And ya might wanna set the picnic table so we can eat out here
I'll light the coals and watch 'em burn . . . oh, and would you bring me a beer?

Well, first, I'll need to go to the store to buy a hunk 'a meat
And we're all out of charcoal, but I could saw up some misquite
And you drank the last beer this morning, so I'll go get some more
Cause I'd hate for you to miss the game . . . I'll go find out the score

It's Bubba on the barbie, to give the wife a break
It's Bubba on the barbie, how do you like your staek?
It's Bubba on the barbie, a backyard barbeque
It's the only kind of cooking a real man would do

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: On the prairie, under the stars, during those long campfire evenings, there's plenty of times to wax philosophically, even if you are a cowboy . . . and even if you do have your tongue planted firmly in your cheek. This particular understanding of reincarnation makes perfect sense to me . . . and we've all known people like the star of the story, good ol' Slim.

Description: Ah, the chills and spills of horseback riding . . . by the hour. You'd think that you'd ride away from the barn for 30 minutes, then turn around and ride back toward the barn for 30 minutes. But, Nooooo, your horse, "ol' Homesick" has his own idea. Hang on!

Description: As usual, there's no shortage of bad news in the media these days. And, as usual, we keep lapping it up. Why is that? Why is it that bad news sells? Curious. But in the midst of the media's murder and mayhem, I for one, "sure could use a little good news today!"

Description: My grandpa used to take me fishin' and used to tease me that, one of these days, I was going to have to grow up and "go 'a wifin'. This advice on what to look for in a wife, (and a husband), should definitely be taken with a rather large grain of salt. This isn't really war between the sexes . . . but the never-ending give and take between man and woman just seems like war sometimes.

And even if you think you've found someone like we've described,
There's one more thing to look for, but the hardest to describe,
You're gonna wanna laugh out loud, groan and giggle too,
But even though kissin' muscles don't last, your funny bone do.

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: "Love is a rose" is a very accurate metaphor. The imagery and passion of this song paint a fragrant picture of the delicate yet powerful nature of love.

Description: A surprising look at what can happen to a Scotsman clad in a kilt who gets a little too overserved at the pub before venturing homeward. When two young lassies notice him "napping" in the gutter, they decide to settle the question once and for all, "Exactly what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?"

Description: What if a mountain girl never bothered to learn to talk because she was content to yodel. Her Dadio didn't know what to do with her until he noticed her "lighting up" when she heard an auctioneer. So, Sally O was sent to school to be an auctioneer - a yodeling auctioneer. This light-hearted tongue-twister is always well-received at our live shows.

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

Description: The studio version of this song is on our "Close as a Heartbeat" CD. This live version was especially fun for us because we are joined by our good friends, David Ruthstrom and Jeannie Robertson. This live radio performance was recorded before an audience of about 500 and broadcast to millions. This song is a look at the ageless question, "What is love, anyway?" Is it something you give or get, have or make? Or could it be, down deep, simply who we are?

With whatever you can get, you make your living,
With whatever you can give, you make your life,
It's more than what you give or get . . . it's neither near nor afar,
Cause love is who you are.
Love is who you . . . love is who you . . . love is who you are.

Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection.
Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection.

"Have Tunes, Will Travel": Makes me want to pack my bag and hit the road again while it brings back fond memories of my time in Alaska and the Caribbean listening to Tupe and Janey live and enjoying a some great diving. - Becky Dayhuff, TN

***********************************

Dear Tupe and Janey,
What a pleasure it was to get the album announcement in the mail. Good memories just flowed up and over me. Thanks so much for providing them. We enjoyed the diving at CoCoView, but the company and your music made the trip very special! We hope you two are happy, healthy, and being given back the joy and goodwill you give so freely to those you meet. - Yours, Robin & John Schmitt. CA

***********************************

hey guy's really enjoyed your music. sometime's just a big glass of ice tea and a lounge chair and you in the back ground make's for a perfect day.
We "caught" you at "coco view" in roatan, last christmas and new's year's.
hey, you guy's take care and we will be listening for you. Hugs - lindy and marty roberts, CA

***********************************

Your studio albums are great, but I also like hearing you perform live, and how the crowd reacts. Wow, you really have a big full sound for just two people! - Fred Snyder, NY

***********************************

Hi Janey
I really enjoyed the new age music, "Celestial Sounds" . I will be ordering more copies of it. Although I don't enjoy country music much, I really liked the lyrics of your songs on your other CDs. Sounds like you have had an interesting and enjoyable life traveling all around doing what you like to do. I'm happy for you. - Kathy Meehan, CA

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			Description Page for: "Have Tunes, Will Travel" by Laughing Bird 18 Songs 72 minutes, 17 seconds Riversong Studio Arctic Rose Records Tupelo's songs: © MM Tupelo Kenyon Published MM Arctic Wingsong BMI Available in CD
				Bubba on the Barbie Reincarnation Homesick A Little Good News Kissin' Don't Last The Rose The Scotsman Sally O, the Yodeling Auctioneer Love is Who You Are
		Bridges / Traveling Shoes That's What I Like About the North Outhouse Blues Christmas in the Trenches Dear Boss Once Upon a Time Clean Plate Yodel Time Passes By Love to Help You Out Seeds
	Order Now - Click Here for our Secure Order Page
1. "Bridges / Traveling Shoes" written by Bill Staines - 6:35 Style: Contemporary Folk Description: One of the best things about traveling is the opportunity to build bridges where once there were only canyons . . . bridges between cultures as well as bridges between people. 2. "That's What I Like About the North" written by Tupelo Kenyon - 2:42 Style: Country Swing Description: Anyone who lives in Alaska for any period of time is affected by it for a lifetime. There are so many things about the Alaskan lifestyle to be inspired by; the breath-taking scenery, the wildlife, the sheer vastness of it all . . . but the thing that has inspired us the most through the years is the wonderful people who call Alaska home. They are rugged individualists, I-think-I-canners, and good neighbors. Lyric Excerpt: We're busy in Alaska, we gotta be, but that's the way we choose, We learn to be a winner here, cause it's too cold to lose. The people make it special here, they think: "I think I can", And if you can't, you can find some help, cause your neighbor gives a damn. There's time to learn what you wanna learn, all you gotta do is ask, Cause the people here are as good as gold, and that's what I like about Alas . . . ka! Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. View Lyrics on Screen \| Download Lyrics and Chord Chart (.pdf) 3. "Outhouse Blues" written by JoAnn Molloy / Monte Davis - 3:22 Style: Contemporary Folk Description: Life in Alaska, or any wilderness area, has its own unique set of challenges. For many years, we chopped our firewood from the forest, carried water from the stream, and made regular trips to the little house out back. I wouldn't trade any of it, but now that we have finally joined the ranks of those with indoor plumbing, I don't miss those midnight jaunts down the trail at 30 below. (Although I do miss being able to watch a mama moose raise her twin calves all summer from the "comfort" of our double holer "throne" out back. True story.) Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. 4. "Christmas in the Trenches" written by John McCutcheon - 5:42 Style: Contemporary Folk Description: Although few Americans are aware of it, many Europeans we have met have heard this true story about an unusual Christmas celebration right in the middle of battle in World War I. It gives the act of killing for country a more personal perspective by asking the question, "Before squeezng the trigger, whose sons and fathers do I have within my sights?" 5. "Dear Boss" ... public domain, arranged by Laughing Bird - 2:25 Style: Novelty / Comedy / Accapella Description: This musical cartoon paints a slapstick picture of a fellow who got up on the wrong side of the bed. He's trying to lower a barrel full of building bricks on a rope from the top of a tall building. His project started off badly, and just went downhill from there. Lyric Excerpt: So I went down to cut the rope, and the barrel fell like lead And clinging tightly to the rope, I started up instead I shot up like a rocket, and to my surprise I found That half way up, I met the bloody barrell coming down Well the barrell struck my shoulder as to the ground it sped And when I reached the top, I hit the pulley with my head I spun around all stunned and shocked from this almighty blow While the barrell spilled out half its bricks, fourteen floors below View Lyrics on Screen \| Download Lyrics (.pdf) 6. "Once Upon a Time" written by Michael Martin Murphy & David Hoffner - 5:59 Style: Contemporary Folk / New Country Description: The art of storytelling is on the endangered list in this age of video games, TVs, VCRs, DVDs, MTV, and all the other marvelous electronic acronyms. Still, there's something magical about friends and family gathering around to hear someone spin a good yarn. What a shame if everyone forgot how to do this. 7. "Clean Plate Yodel" written by Tupelo Kenyon - 4:22 Style: Contemporary Folk / Cowboy Description: A vivid childhood memory of the first time I saw people singing and playing music and making people laugh from the stage. At the time, I didn't know any better and thought, "Hey, that looks like a good job. I wanna do that when I grow up." Well, I never did grow up, just older, and I still don't know any better. And yes, it is a great job! Lyric Excerpt: Once upon a time when I was 4 or 5, we went to a chuckwagon show, Where the cowboys played and sang, they could play most anything, And they even cooked the beans, or so we're told. Well all that chuckwagon grub, and that bass washtub, and that harmony singin' went just fine, But when ol' Slim would cock his head, and he'd start yodelin' instead, It sounded better than that cowboy dinner chime. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. View Lyrics on Screen \| Download Lyrics and Chord Chart (.pdf) 8. "Time Passes By" written by John Vezner & Susan Longacre - 3:50 Style: Contemporary Folk / New Country Description: The one thing we all have in common, and have in common with everyone who has come before us, is the certainty of our mortality. It's just a matter of time, and time has a way of passing by quickly. This song is a good reminder to do what you love now, and enjoy the company of those close to you today, because the only certainty is the principle of uncertainty which never allows us to know which day is our last. 9. "Love to Help You Out" written by Tupelo Kenyon - 3:34 Style: Contemporary Folk / Novelty / Talking Blues / Comedy Description: A light tongue-in-cheek look at some of the stupidity that passes for normal, or at least average, these days. Still, beneath the mayhem, maybe it's best to believe there's a method behind it all . . . if only, "What goes around, comes around." I said, "I shoulda done better, I coulda done better, if I'da known this place is so neat." An' Pete said," Shoulda-coulda-woulda won't get it up here, but just lookin ain't no sin." Lyric Excerpt: Well, late last night, I heard the doorbell ring, it was a long lost friend of mine, You know, I hadn't seen him in a month 'a Sundays, it's been a long, long time, He asked me if I was makin' all the money that I wanted, then he settled into his pitch, An' he "shared" with me about the Amway plan, oh yeah, but there was one little hitch, He asked if he could borrow a hundred dollars, since he was my friend(!?) I said, "I'd love to help you out . . . which way'd you come in?" I'd really love to help you out . . . which way'd you come in? Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. View Lyrics on Screen \| Download Lyrics and Chord Chart (.pdf) 10. "Seeds" written by Pat Alger & Ralph Murphy - 3:17 Style: Contemporary Folk / New Country Description: We're all just seeds, and it's up to each one of us what we grow into. 11. "Bubba on the Barbie" written by Tupelo Kenyon - 4:11 Style: Contemporary Folk / Novelty / Talking Blues / Comedy Description: This is a tongue-in-cheek look at the popular American tradition of the backyard barbeque. Lyric Excerpt: It's a beautiful day for a barbeque, honey, you got the night off, But first, would you bring me the charcoal briquettes and maybe a tablecloth And ya might wanna set the picnic table so we can eat out here I'll light the coals and watch 'em burn . . . oh, and would you bring me a beer? Well, first, I'll need to go to the store to buy a hunk 'a meat And we're all out of charcoal, but I could saw up some misquite And you drank the last beer this morning, so I'll go get some more Cause I'd hate for you to miss the game . . . I'll go find out the score It's Bubba on the barbie, to give the wife a break It's Bubba on the barbie, how do you like your staek? It's Bubba on the barbie, a backyard barbeque It's the only kind of cooking a real man would do Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. 12. "Reincarnation" written by Wallace McRae - 2:24 Style: Cowboy Poetry Description: On the prairie, under the stars, during those long campfire evenings, there's plenty of times to wax philosophically, even if you are a cowboy . . . and even if you do have your tongue planted firmly in your cheek. This particular understanding of reincarnation makes perfect sense to me . . . and we've all known people like the star of the story, good ol' Slim. 13. "Homesick" written by Tom Chapin - 3:03 Style: Cowboy / Contemporary Folk / Comedy Description: Ah, the chills and spills of horseback riding . . . by the hour. You'd think that you'd ride away from the barn for 30 minutes, then turn around and ride back toward the barn for 30 minutes. But, Nooooo, your horse, "ol' Homesick" has his own idea. Hang on! 14. "A Little Good News" written by Black / Bourke / Rocco - 4:00 Style: Contemporary Folk / New Country Description: As usual, there's no shortage of bad news in the media these days. And, as usual, we keep lapping it up. Why is that? Why is it that bad news sells? Curious. But in the midst of the media's murder and mayhem, I for one, "sure could use a little good news today!" 15. "Kissin' Don't Last" written by Tupelo Kenyon - 6:10 Style: Novelty / Comedy / Contemporary Folk Description: My grandpa used to take me fishin' and used to tease me that, one of these days, I was going to have to grow up and "go 'a wifin'. This advice on what to look for in a wife, (and a husband), should definitely be taken with a rather large grain of salt. This isn't really war between the sexes . . . but the never-ending give and take between man and woman just seems like war sometimes. Lyric Excerpt: And even if you think you've found someone like we've described, There's one more thing to look for, but the hardest to describe, You're gonna wanna laugh out loud, groan and giggle too, But even though kissin' muscles don't last, your funny bone do. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. View Lyrics on Screen \| Download Lyrics and Chord Chart (.pdf) 16. "The Rose" written by Amanda McBroom - 3:25 Style: Contemporary Folk / New Country Description: "Love is a rose" is a very accurate metaphor. The imagery and passion of this song paint a fragrant picture of the delicate yet powerful nature of love. 17. "The Scotsman" written by Mike Cross - 2:00 Style: Novelty / Comedy / Accapella Description: A surprising look at what can happen to a Scotsman clad in a kilt who gets a little too overserved at the pub before venturing homeward. When two young lassies notice him "napping" in the gutter, they decide to settle the question once and for all, "Exactly what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?" *18. "Sally O, the Yodeling Auctioneer"* written by Tupelo Kenyon - 5:30 Style: Contempory Folk, New Country, Comedy, Novelty Description: What if a mountain girl never bothered to learn to talk because she was content to yodel. Her Dadio didn't know what to do with her until he noticed her "lighting up" when she heard an auctioneer. So, Sally O was sent to school to be an auctioneer - a yodeling auctioneer. This light-hearted tongue-twister is always well-received at our live shows. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. 19. "Love is Who You Are" written by Tupelo Kenyon - 3:52 Style: Contemporary Folk Description: The studio version of this song is on our "Close as a Heartbeat" CD. This live version was especially fun for us because we are joined by our good friends, David Ruthstrom and Jeannie Robertson. This live radio performance was recorded before an audience of about 500 and broadcast to millions. This song is a look at the ageless question, "What is love, anyway?" Is it something you give or get, have or make? Or could it be, down deep, simply who we are? Lyric Excerpt: With whatever you can get, you make your living, With whatever you can give, you make your life, It's more than what you give or get . . . it's neither near nor afar, Cause love is who you are. Love is who you . . . love is who you . . . love is who you are. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a broadband (fast) connection. Listen to mp3 - Click here if you have a modem (slow) connection. View Lyrics on Screen \| Download Lyrics and Chord Chart (.pdf) Listener Comments "Have Tunes, Will Travel": Makes me want to pack my bag and hit the road again while it brings back fond memories of my time in Alaska and the Caribbean listening to Tupe and Janey live and enjoying a some great diving. - Becky Dayhuff, TN ********************************* Dear Tupe and Janey, What a pleasure it was to get the album announcement in the mail. Good memories just flowed up and over me. Thanks so much for providing them. We enjoyed the diving at CoCoView, but the company and your music made the trip very special! We hope you two are happy, healthy, and being given back the joy and goodwill you give so freely to those you meet. - Yours, Robin & John Schmitt. CA ******************************* hey guy's really enjoyed your music. sometime's just a big glass of ice tea and a lounge chair and you in the back ground make's for a perfect day. We "caught" you at "coco view" in roatan, last christmas and new's year's. hey, you guy's take care and we will be listening for you. Hugs - lindy and marty roberts, CA ******************************* Your studio albums are great, but I also like hearing you perform live, and how the crowd reacts. Wow, you really have a big full sound for just two people! - Fred Snyder, NY ********************************* Hi Janey I really enjoyed the new age music, "Celestial Sounds" . I will be ordering more copies of it. Although I don't enjoy country music much, I really liked the lyrics of your songs on your other CDs. Sounds like you have had an interesting and enjoyable life traveling all around doing what you like to do. I'm happy for you. - Kathy Meehan, CA Order Now Click Here for our Secure Order Page Click Here to Return to Home Page Click Here to download the free software for opening .pdf files, Acrobat Acrobat Reader.