Johnny Fritz’s music ranges from classic rock to rock-country to easy listening. His formative years were the 1970s and 1980s, with early influences that included The Beatles, Elton John, The Eagles, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp and Blue Rodeo. Drawing on years of personal experience, his songs are most often about typical situations that people encounter as they go about their lives.
7 0 s S U M M E R T I M E
VERSE 1
The decade started on a sour note
As the Beatles called it quits
But the radio kept playing
All their greatest hits
Summertime seemed so endless then
The dreaming never stopped
Running ‘round the neighbourhood
Playing games until we dropped.
CHORUS 1
Summer in the seventies
Was a magic time for me
Growing up and finding out
How great a life could be.
VERSE 2
The Guess Who and ‘ole CCR
Always playing at the rink
As we strapped on beat-up roller skates
And sipped on fountain drinks
Soon enough we got our wheels
And the world was not so small
Cruisin’ with the music cranked
Meeting girls down at the mall.
CHORUS 2
Summer in the seventies
Do you recall the days
Of drive-ins and cassette decks
And the pre-computer ways.
SOLO
BRIDGE
Everyone’s got their stories
And tales that take them back
But the seventies is to music
Like a train is to the track
VERSE 3
Elton, Queen and the Rolling Stones
Kept the rhythm beating strong
Elvis left us way too soon
But the decade motored on.
Once high school was over
Most went their separate ways
But music still remains the link
To thoughts of yesterday.
CHORUS 3
Summer in the seventies
The Eagles, Floyd & Young
Gave us so many memories
That can never be undone.
CHORUS / OUTRO
Summer in the seventies
Was a magic time for me
Growing up and finding out
How great a life could be.
. . . Summer . . . Seventies
. . . Music . . . Memories
B O G E Y S & B E E R S
VERSE 1
Sunday morning’s foggy
Thanks to last night’s heavy drinking
Clubs are on my shoulder
What the hell can I be thinking !
My back’s as stiff as granite
And my eyes are seeing double
Re-loaded off of number one and
I’m in for triple trouble
CHORUS 1
Bogeys and beers, bogeys and beers
There’s one thing I know that’s for sure
The more that I drink, the more that I think
I’ll never make the tour.
VERSE 2
The front nine’s all but finished
The halfway hut’s in reach
Time to get a power cart
And two more “tall boys” each
The tenth tee starts to beckon
With the promise of “new dawn”
But last night’s spicy pizza
Has me runnin’ for the john
CHORUS 2
Bogeys and beers, yah bogeys and beers
Watch out for winter in July
‘Cause unless you reverse, the Snowman’s curse
Your clubs are gonna learn how to fly.
SOLO
BRIDGE
This morning I was dreaming
Of a short game to remember
But the shots I made today
Have me wishin’ for December
VERSE 3
Last leg of the Hollywood
And I . . . rip into a shot
My partner’s lookin’ worried
As he scans the parking lot.
The eighteenth green’s in sight
The round is almost over
I thought it couldn’t get no worse
‘Til I shanked it in the clover.
CHORUS 3
Bogeys and beers, oh bogeys and beers
Duck hooks, tops and slices
If I had any kind of common sense
I’d start lookin’ for new vices.
OUTRO
Bogeys and beers, hey, bogeys and beers
There’s one thing I know that’s for sure
The more that I drink, yah, the more that I think
I’ll never make the tour.
C O N F I D E N C E W A I V E R S
VERSE 1
She was the life of the party
The Belle of the ball
Big on appearances
Though she hid behind her wall
VERSE 2
Top of her classes
The leader of teams
Life isn’t always
The way that it seems
CHORUS 1
Confidence waivers
It’s damn hard to see
How her life is so scripted
Just like you and me
VERSE 3
Everyone liked her
They wanted to love
The person inside her
That couldn’t come out
VERSE 4
Trapped in her prison
She longed for release
The external persona
That kept her from peace
CHORUS 2
Confidence waivers
Why can’t I be me
I’m so tired of acting
It’s time to be free
SOLO / FILL
VERSE 5
One day she left them
And never returned
Some say she lost it
But she knows for sure
VERSE 6
She moved to the country
No “airs” to contend
Finally found what she wanted
Herself as a friend
CHORUS 3
Confidence waivers
It’s time to be free
I’ve finally discovered
The meaning of me
OUTRO
Confidence waivers
It’s time to be free
I’ve finally discovered
The meaning of me
E N D L E S S H I G H W A Y
VERSE 1
Early in the journey, the future looked so bright
Got myself direction, everything felt right
Running on a full tank, wind behind my back
Nothin’s gonna stop me, from staying on this track
Don’t know my destination
But got this feeling that I’m free
The morning sky is friendly
And it’s watching over me.
CHORUS 1
Down this endless highway
Not sure where it ends
Searching for an exit
Think it’s coming round the bend.
VERSE 2
Coming up to mid-day, rest stop up ahead
Time to get some fuel before I’m running in the red
Waitress pours some coffee & serves her homemade stew
Lays the bill before me, to let me know what’s due
The road keeps getting longer
And I’m not getting any stronger
Rain’s dancing on my windshield
Lines are forming on my face
CHORUS 2
Down this endless highway
Not sure where it ends
Searching for an exit
Sure it’s coming round the bend.
SOLO
BRIDGE
Thought I’d be a rich man
And live a life so fine
But after all I’ve seen and done
I want the life that’s mine.
VERSE 3
Drove into the darkness, headlights helped me steer
The signs along the highway starting to get clear
Pulled off on the shoulder to try & clear my head
Thought about the good times and what my folks had said
Life’s about the journey
Do your best and don’t give in
Face the bumps along the way
And in the end you’ll win.
CHORUS 3
Down this endless highway
Not sure where it ends
But I’m not in any hurry
‘Cause the road is now my friend.
OUTRO / SOLO
F R O M A C R O S S T H E R O O M
VERSE 1
I’d had my share of girlfriends
But none my heart could steal
So I carried on my search
For the one I’d know was real
I knew you from my sleep
But never did we meet
I hoped someday I’d see you
Just standing ‘cross the street
CHORUS 1
And when our eyes first met, I knew that it was you
The way you gently smiled at me was like a dream come true
You eyes they shone so bright, just like the harvest moon
I knew you were the one for me - from way across the room
VERSE 2
My friends, they had me all lined up
With girls they thought were right
But none of them could know you
Like I did, in dreams each night
Then, just when hope seemed out of touch
I ventured out again
And there you were across the floor
My search was at an end.
CHORUS 2
When our eyes first met, I knew that it was you
The way you gently smiled at me was like a dream come true
You eyes they shone so bright, just like the harvest moon
Girl, you made my heart stand still - from way across the room
SOLO
VERSE 3
Seconds seemed like hours
As I made my way to you
I couldn`t help but wonder
If you felt the same way too
And when I finally reached you girl
You said hello to me
And I could tell, right there and then
That we were meant to be
CHORUS 3
When our eyes first met, I knew that it was you
The way you gently smiled at me was like a dream come true
You eyes they shone so bright that night, just like the harvest moon
Girl, you made my life complete … from way across the room
OUTRO
Girl, you made my life complete … from way across the room
N A S H V I L L E N A P K I N
VERSE 1
They say that down in Nashville
Is the place you wanna be
So we - loaded up the van
And drove to Tennessee
Hoofed it down to Broadway
To check the local scene
Saw plenty of sweet- lookin’ honeys
Sportin’ skin-tight jeans.
CHORUS 1
Lookin’ for some musical inspiration
At bar after bar in the music nation
Jottin’ down my words and themes
On a napkin holdin’ future dreams
VERSE 2
Took in some tunes at the Honky Tonk
The Stage and BB King’s
Just a few of the swingin’ places
Where the talent likes to sing.
Finished off the nights at Tootsies, watchin’
Beer-induced romances
While the band does their best to fend off
Showboat Blonde advances.
CHORUS 2
Lookin’ for some musical inspiration
At bar after bar in the music nation
Jottin’ down my words and themes
On a napkin holdin’ future dreams
SOLO
BRIDGE
Funny how you grow up thinking
It could never be you
‘Til someone says an encouraging word
And helps your dreams come true,
Yeah, helps your dreams come truuuue
VERSE 3
Just a couple of years ago
I never thought I’d be
Writing my own homemade music
Down in Nashville, Tennessee
So come on down to Dixie
You know you can’t go wrong
Sit back, enjoy the sights & sounds
And maybe - write a song.
CHORUS 3
Lookin’ for some musical inspiration
At bar after bar in the music nation
Jottin’ down my words and themes
On a napkin holdin’ future dreams
OUTRO
Lookin’ for that musical inspiration
At bar after bar in the music nation
Jottin’ down my words and themes
On a napkin holdin’ future dreams
Instrumental. . .
. . . words & themes
. . . my face on Rolling Stone magazine
. . . Dreeeaams ... (Duet backing vocals)
. . . I can’t wait to sing . . . on the stage at BB Kings . . .
R O A D R A G E
VERSE 1
Cruisin’ up the highway, minding my affairs
Traffic starts to slow, and most are unaware
The car behind me passes to get a better spot
Not sure why he bothers, it’s like a parking lot.
Up ahead there’s trouble, some guys just don’t get it
Driving on the shoulder, is a sure way to get hit.
Someone cuts him off and takes one in the fender
Pretty soon all hell breaks loose, with no sign of surrender
CHORUS 1
Road Rage, turn the page
And get on with your day
The other guys’ not worth the price
You’re likely going to pay
VERSE 2
Left the office late and started on my journey
Hoping that my travels will not include a gurney
Halfway through the trip, I saw the fast & furious
Weaving through the traffic and beyond the dumb & curious
Made it to the cutoff and started into town
Thought about my dinner & my feet up off the ground
Then I saw a lady with her toddlers strapped in back
She gunned her minivan & almost knocked me off the track
CHORUS 2
Road Rage, turn the page
And get on with your day
The other guys’ not worth the price
You’re likely going to pay . . . pay, pay, pay …
SOLO
BRIDGE
Jerks on the right, idiots in the rear
Commuting to the office is a journey that I fear
Slowpokes in the left lane, speed freaks on the shoulder
It’s a wonder in this day & age that anyone gets older.
VERSE 3
Relaxing on the weekend, took a country drive
‘Tween the runners & the bikes, barely made it home alive
Flocks of angry racers, spanned five & six across
Lifted up their finger to let me know who’s boss
Turned around the corner and headed off for home
Passed a chatty Kathy, with her head stuck to the phone
Looked at her & wondered where the cops are when you need ‘em
Hell, if it was me, I’d be begging for my freedom.
CHORUS 3
Road Rage, turn the page
And get on with your day
The other guys’ not worth the price
You’re likely going to pay ... I say, say, say, say, say, say, say
OUTRO
Road Rage, turn the page
And get on with your day
You better face the cold hard truth
You’ll never get your way . . . no, no , no, no, no, no …
T H E C O M P A N Y Y O U K E E P
VERSE 1
We come into this world
With no idea who we’ll be.
Life is pretty simple,
When you’re bouncing on a knee.
Our challenges begin,
On the day we go to school.
It’s socially desired
To be hanging with the cool.
CHORUS 1
Be careful what you sew
It ends with what you reap.
Your future may depend
On the company you keep.
VERSE 2
Your image starts to grow
And your confidence depends
On the people who invite you
Into their group of friends.
It’s just at times like this
Your decisions really matter
Do you compromise on loyalty
To climb the social ladder.
CHORUS 2
Be careful what you sew
It ends with what you reap.
Your future may depend
On the company you keep.
SOLO
BRIDGE
And sometimes you may need
To be the different voice
Gain refuge from the ridicule
If you made the better choice
VERSE 3
Even when you’re older
Your decisions will affect
The way that people think of you
And, if you’ll get respect.
It’s not just what you do or say
That people will remember
But that you can be counted on
Through bright and stormy weather.
CHORUS 3
Be careful what you sew
It ends with what you reap.
Your future may depend
On the company you keep.
OUTRO
Be careful what you sew
It ends with what you reap.
Your future may depend
On the company you keep.
W E E D !
VERSE 1
Headed away for a weekend with the boys
Cars loaded up with all our food, booze & toys
Halfway there you know the light came on
Think I left my weed at home in the john
Drove back to the house to pick up my stash
Then back on the road and up north in a flash.
CHORUS 1
Weed! Got a weekend directive.
Weed! Get some brand new perspective.
Weed! Gonna have me a ball
Lookin’ forward to feeling kinda’ small
VERSE 2
Greeted at the camp with a round of applause
The boys think of me the way that kids thinks of Clause
Unloaded the car and set up my digs
While the boys lit the fire with logs and some twigs
Joints and brownies were the food groups that day
Soon after nightfall we were well on our way!
CHORUS 2
Weed! Makes my shoes look so funny
Weed! Makes me spend all my money.
Weed! Got me thinking ‘bout space,
Can only imagine the look on my face.
SOLO
VERSE 3
Later that night we started to jam
The lead singer’s smile was as wide as a clam
The drummer and bassist were one step ahead
They kept lookin’ around ’cause they thought they were dead
A few were still standing at the end of that set
Was a concert I’m sure, they soon won’t forget!
CHORUS 3
Weed! Don’t let it destroy ya’
Weed! Fight the mass paranoia
Weed! Not sure how long I’ll last
One thing’s for certain, we’re all havin’ a blast!
VERSE 4
Sunday-morning arrived, it seemed way too soon
As we rolled out of bed at the crack of noon
The camp looked like a giant twister hit the grounds
And before you could blink there was no one around
The boys hit the road like it was somethin’ important
Pretty sure they’re looking for the nearest Tim Hortons
CHORUS 4
Weed! Got back hold of my senses
Weed! It’s a total consensus
Weed! Will we do it again?
It only a matter of the where and the when!
OUTRO
Did someone ask if we’d do it all again?
It only a matter of the where and the when!
T H E B U L L Y
VERSE 1
The schoolyard was his kingdom
Reigning terror o’er the weak
Surrounds himself with those
Who help him rule the street
He doesn’t have a reason
‘Cept the fear deep, down inside
It makes him feel so powerful
When they shrink away and cry
CHORUS 1
Only you can stop it
The Bully’s evil rule
Stand up and be counted
Or be the master’s fool
Who will break the circle
Are you bold enough to speak?
Or will you sit in silence
And turn the other cheek
VERSE 2
She worked so hard to raise herself
Past the station she came from
Could not afford the fashions
Had no escort to the prom
The privileged girls despised her
Made fun of her and more
Spun lies and evil gossip
Meant to hurt her to the core
CHORUS 2
Only you can stop it
The Bully’s evil rule
Stand up and be counted
Or be the master’s fool
Who will break the circle
Are you bold enough to speak?
Or will you sit in silence
And turn the other cheek
SOLO
BRIDGE
Who knows why they act this way
Are the lessons learned at home?
Maybe fear of not succeeding
Make them miserable to the bone
Make ‘em feel so damn alone
VERSE 3
You’d think that once they grow up
Folks’d know what life’s about
Some still play “King of the Castle”
Guess they’ll never work it out
CHORUS / OUTRO
Only you can stop it
The Bully’s evil rule
Stand up and be counted
Or be the master’s fool
Who will break the circle
Are you bold enough to speak?
Or will you sit in silence
And turn the other cheek
Only you can stop it
The Bully’s evil rule
Stand up and be counted
Or be the master’s fool
Who will break the circle
Are you bold enough to speak?
Or will you sit in silence
And turn the other cheek
. . .
T H E O F F I C E C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y
VERSE 1
The year was winding down
And work seemed secondary
But all around the city
The mood was bright and merry
We gathered in the boardroom
Not a single soul was tardy
The magic time was here ...
The Office Christmas Party!
CHORUS 1
So-ooo, find the nearest mistletoe
And get your favourite cheer
The night is just beginning
Inhibitions disappear
VERSE 2
Your seventeenth martini
Almost puts you on the brink
But, what the hell, it's Christmas
So you have another drink
Then something special happens
You turn and catch her glance
You pray she's watching you
And, not the food stains on your pants.
CHORUS 2
So-ooo, find the nearest mistletoe
And grab another beer
The night is nearly peaking
And Santa's almost here
SOLO
BRIDGE
The accountant's getting frisky
After four more shots of scotch
His secretary winds up
And kicks him in the crotch
The boss is on the table
With a tie around his head
The manager of HR's
In the closet ... giving ... advice
VERSE 3
It's time for secret Santa
You chose your present well
Hope the lady of your dreams
Really thinks you're kinda swell
Suddenly, a devlish smile
Appears behind some lace
You make your move toward her
And fall flat on your face
CHORUS 3
So-ooo, find the nearest mistletoe
Another glass of wine
For Christmas comes but once a year
And it's office party time
BRIDGE 2
Looking up with wonder
You see something rather shocking
She's wearing nothing underneath
But fancy yuletide stockings
And, as she looks upon you
You thought you heard her say
Tonight we're gonna have some fun
The kinky vixen way
CHORUS 4
So-ooo, find the nearest mistletoe
It's no time to be lame
Kiss the girl and take her home
Or do the walk of shame
Now, everyone join in
And sing it loud and hearty
Nothing else compares to
The Office Christmas Party!