We make decisions. Some important, some not. This album is the result of a choice I made almost 50 years ago. It echoes in each song, singing the choice back to me years later, growing old. That young man's choice. Maybe that's why I love these songs. I hope you will, too.

The choice, by the way, was simple: a choice not to try to make a living making music. Instead, I did other jobs. I didn't turn my back on music. I just decided to separate music from money. Not to sell it. And that decision freed the songs on this album. I love them even if they are full grown now and no longer little. Please, don't ever say anything bad about them. Give them a chance. A chance to do what songs do. -- Tom Atwood

(In memory of Don Willi and Eric Berry)

Thanks to those who contributed to this album over the years, living and dead.