The New York Songwriters Circle

2008 Songwriting Contest

Caleb Hawley

My Own Two Feet

More about Caleb

My Own Two Feet

Caleb is an “incredible performer/ virtuoso guitarist, with a Stevie Wonder-like voice..complex, yet accessible melody, and wacky sense of humor” (exterminating angel press) Caleb’s sound reveals a mix of influences; Randy Newman, Keb Mo, Ray Charles, Amos Lee, and The Yellowjackets. Tim Sparks, international guitar award-winner, calls his latest CD a “perfect storm of imagination, ambition, technique, and above all….heart”

Caleb moved to New York City spring 2007 and hit the ground running, quickly turning open mike sets into coffeehouse and club gigs. Touring from the east coast to the west coast and back again, he has left consistently happy crowds and return invitations. His sets, a combination of covers and originals, “are filled with energy and showcase his ability to play to the crowd” (Hudson Star-Observer, Feb. 2008).

Caleb graduated from Berklee College of Music in jazz composition where he was also the guitarist/vocalist in numerous ensembles. His first solo album "Greatest Hits" was released July 2007.

See that man on the corner of the street?
He needs a little money and a bite to eat.
But look at me, I’ve got college loans
and I just went past my limit on my cell phone
He needs a place to stay he needs a place to lay
He needs not to be alone at the end of the day -
he needs love
So I dug down deep into my jeans but then
I realized all I had was a twenty
And that’s just too much money
Too much to risk, the bum probably’d get up
and just use it for a fix

Chorus
So I found myself in the middle of the street
Step by step just marchin’ to the beat
Not thinkin’ bout no one, not ‘bout anybody
Just stepping in the shoes of my own two feet
And they’re tied so tight
And they’re running for my life
Cause they’ve convinced me I’m the only one

People approaching me without hesitation,
asking me for some kind of donation
Give me a break, money don’t grow on trees.
I’ve got kids to feed; I’ve got a wife to please

Chorus

Bridge
I’m the one that matters; I’m the one that counts
I’ve climbed the corporate ladder,
now I’ve got a hefty amount
I’m still gaining ground; I’m still gaining ground
I’m getting more and I ain’t slowin’ down
All for me

And they’re tied so tight
And they’re running for my life
Cause they’ve convinced me I’m the only one

Chorus

And they’re tied so tight
And they’ve ruined my life
Cause they convinced me I was the only one