From the recording The River Flows On
Wood and Steel
© Stanley Bellgard, Felix Guerrero, 2015
Stan had the title and the concept for the song based upon our duo consisting of wooden acoustic and steel resonator guitars. I built the song around that most powerful phrase "Let's just be friends" that so many of us guys have heard when we are chasing the girl of our dreams who is way out of our league. I heard that stinging phrase in 1971 and never forgot the feelings of disappointment and loneliness that follows.
Lyrics
Last night I had another chance to say what's on my mind
I lost my nerve. I wish you could read between the lines.
On the verge, I froze up. My heart remained sealed
So until I find the courage, I'm left with wood and steel
This guitar's heard I love you in brilliant written rhyme
And the notes I chose to sing it, are played perfect every time.
But you might say "Hey, let's just be friends."
My heart would never heal.
That fear always defeats me
And I go back to wood and steel.
I know the words to say, I rehearse them every night.
And I would forfeit any treasure, just to keep you in my life.
I guess my heart is so fragile, that I keep concealed.
All the love I have for you but only share with wood and steel.
This guitar's heard I love you in brilliant written rhyme
And the notes I chose to sing it, are played perfect every time.
But you might say "Hey, let's just be friends."
My heart would never heal.
That fear always defeats me
And I go back to wood and steel.
It's not like me to hesitate from fear and doubt.
Should I say it sweet and fancy
Or just blurt it out?
Oh, this guitar's heard I love you in brilliant written rhyme
And the notes I chose to sing it, are played perfect every time.
But if you said "Hey, let's just be friends."
My heart would never heal.
That fear always defeats me
And I go back to wood and steel.
Tomorrow
I will try again
To move beyond wood and steel