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A Flash Of Brilliance

by Lord Baldwin

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1.
Conspiracy Theory It has been said that there is an undisclosed collusion that can neither be confirmed nor denied, between extra-terrestrial creatures from space and certain governments worldwide. Meanwhile ET is trading their science technologies in exchange for our overpopulated human race of whom will be taken in their flying saucers to slave on some off-world place. Conspiracy theory; what happened to them coming in peace? Conspiracy theory; where are the intergalactic police? Some people say that nine eleven was really carried out by our own CIA all for the sake of mind control to be used on the masses for some other day. Meanwhile the government is already useing the media to remote control you through your TV empowering political leaders, the world's wealthiest and of course the corporate elite, Conspiracy theory; a story the Bush administration never told. Conspiracy theory; Oh, and what happened to the billions in gold? There’s been a lot of talk about central banking dominating nations with their monetary gears said to have funded and even caused most of the major wars of the last 200 years. Carrying out false flag attacks to manipulate populations and who’ll be the king of the hill, controlling the world economy; deliberately causing inflation and depressions at will. Conspiracy theory; they caused the Financial Crisis of 2008. Conspiracy theory; and they’re gonna do it again on some future date. Rumor has it that there is a clandestine movement happening in the shadows worldwide orchestrated by the powerful and influential, monitored by the men in the 12th tide; this is all with an intent to effect total control over the entire human race to create a one-world government, and put the New World Order in place. Conspiracy theory; hard to believe this could ever come true. Conspiracy theory; are they coming for me and you? Conspiracy theory; and you ask yourself, so what is the deal? Conspiracy theory; so strange that it could almost be real.
2.
Thanatophobia (An End To It All) Sure, everyone's afraid of dying to some extent and the older I get, the more I’m made aware. It’s bad enough to have to worry about my personal health than to include all those other hazards out there. A nuclear holocaust? A terrible earthquake? A speeding asteroid to suddenly fall? There can be thousands of potential perils and pitfalls, to happen to me, to somehow bring about, an end to it all. So I’ve seemed to dodge that twenty twelve bullet but over time, it was like pulling off an eleventh hour theft. And many have gone so far as to relax their awareness ignoring any and all the signs that have never really left. Problems don’t go away just because they’re ignored, they’ll come back, and eventually they’re gonna call; so it’s fix it now or later, or lose it, but either way, it’s courting danger, of bringing about, an end to it all. Apprehension and feelings that I’m here trapped and there’s no way to get out of this mess. It’s the anxiety that I’m dealing with; the end of the world, that “Game Over” sense of hopelessness. There’s a mindset – whatever happens is gonna happen but I’m overwhelmed, my defenses slowed down to a crawl, and there is nothing so much to be feared as fear itself when you’re helpless, without hope, worried about, an end to it all. Don’t I have enough problems to deal with right now without indoctrination by some sly psychological force? Manipulative minds out there, keen to distort the truth producing feelings of fear, guilt and remorse. Then there’s Armageddon rolling over the middle east, and when forces are breaking through the city wall I’m on my knees in prayer for the Second Coming as Gog and Magog, work to bring about, an end to it all.
3.
Replaced By A Robot All signs point to humans in the workforce becoming out-of-date, as computers gear up to secure that fate. I’m the one on the front line being pushed to the outer aisle all in the name of progress; twenty first century style. I had me civil rights; considerations for my concerns and pains but that robot’s got no union, got no time-clock, won’t complain. How do I tell my family that I’m now obsolete; been replaced by a robot and pushed out to the street. This is nothing like science fiction; more like a horror show as it comes in here to supersede everything I do and know. It walks, it talks, it rolls on wheels and does my work like it's all free no chip to feel remorse for what it’s doing to me. Little LEDs where it’s eyes might be, no emotion as it stands, ready and waiting for input prepared for its next commands. In disbelief I stare back at its mechanical hands and feet been replaced by a robot and pushed out to the street. I can’t compete with this contraption, it's just so cunningly cold; it’s parts can easily be replaced, and me? I just grow old. While that robot’s polished metal, plastic and glass just seems to shine my skin and bones, flesh and blood; no match for mechanical mine. How long before A.I. catches up to exceed human intellectual capacity to reach singularity? Doesn’t matter for me, I’m already out; already obsolete I been replaced by a robot and pushed out to the street.
4.
And All For What? Some say they are enlightened and have the right to overpower another's livelihood to the shadows or to the light. They act as judge to strike or stay their hand to people that they do not know or care to understand. Fearing lost identity and to be swallowed up they force their ideology as they strut, and all for what? Some always get what they want; take what they see they don't care what they do to others, as long as they get what they need. They must have the best that their money can buy never mind anyone getting in their way to to cause them to be denied. They fear being less than what they think they've become so they revel in taking advantage of, and all for what? Some rise to a seat of power in too short a span, get over drunk with pre-eminence and lost touch with the their fellow man. They take any opportunity that comes in play disregarding and destroying all that's in their way. Amassing things and favors without love and the more they have the more it's not enough, and all for what?
5.
Secret Societies Excerpts from the John F. Kennedy - The President and the Press: Address before the American Newspaper Publishers Association, April 27, 1961 Ladies and gentlemen: The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; And there is very grave danger For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily On infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, Its preparations are concealed, not published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined. Its dissenters are silenced, not praised. It is a system which has conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific and political operations. And we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings.
6.
Aggression 05:54
Aggression It’s all a matter of physics; action and reaction wise; when someone is odious or repressive to respond with equal force or size. Anger can lead to more anger, intensifying what you assert till things get out of control and you or someone else gets hurt. The tendency to strike back after being pushed so long, you’re through; as you choose the dark side over reason and let aggression take over you. When push comes to shove, things have a sad way of getting out of hand, until the outcome becomes uncertain all sides fraught to take command. If adrenalin levels come down and you pick yourself up off the floor; you find you have to ask yourself is this a hill worth dying for. There’s a window, a defining moment where you decide what you will do; either run away or move down that road to let aggression rule over you. It can be a mistake, a selfish moment or a simple word misunderstood, or someone cut’s you off on the freeway or someone is treading on your livelihood. You can defy the forces of nature, not be subject to anger’s flow to recognize another’s faults, like yours and with empathy and just let things go. But to allow your anger to intensify; an eye single to the plan you’ll pursue as you act and react with malice intent, and let aggression take over you.
7.
Spinning Plates Push the button on the alarm to give me just another five and to muster up enough ambition to get out of bed this time. Standing up, taking on the mantle of provider and then I feel the weight of the world being placed on my shoulders once again. All the commitments and obligations; well, they are what they are, and the money for any number of other things will only go so far. So everything is up in the air, balanced centrifugally while it waits, as I shift from one to another making adjustments, spinning plates. Hurry here, hurry there, and I hate to cut in that line but I do what I can do to cut corners only to save a little time. Running from place to place, a little late wherever I go, always a little out of it, and with answers that I don’t know. Another day brings new obligations hard to keep up with demand especially when I never tell em no or that I’m bluffing with an empty hand. But I keep on going with unviable goals and unrealistic dates as things teeter oh-so precariously; spinning plates. So many promises and pledges vowed to friends and family ties; assurances made with hollow words can be very much like lies, and as I obligate myself, giving guarantees that I can hardly keep love has a way of justifying me keep getting myself in way too deep. So many irons in the fire, doing everything under the sun Little piece here, little work there, hard to get any one thing done. But I keep on going; circling the room, balanced on roller skates rolling from here to there, juggled balls, spinning plates.
8.
What In The World What in the world is holding me back from planting the good seeds? How can I help when I'm so hung up thinking about my own needs? What in the world keeps pulling me back down to the earth doubting my own worth? What in the world am I doing with my talents to share? Who can I be if not the one to step up and be there? What in the world am I doing without compassion in mind for me to be kind? What in the world is distracting me from what I should do? Slowing me down, blocking my vision from my eternal point of view. What in the world stands between me and doing what’s right to shine my light?
9.
Back To The Grind Not everybody loves their job; not everybody’s got it made. Some people just go to work each day cause their bills got to be paid. Things might be a little bit different if I wasn’t in such a bind, but as it is, every morning’s the same; it’s back to the grind. Every day’s filled with monotony; there’s no sense of purpose for me. I do my job, I come and go; just a cog in their machinery. It all seems so predestined; why should I be resigned, To this menial life of uselessness it’s always, back to the grind. And it’s work, work, work, all my time – every day. And it’s work, work, work, as I’m wasting my life away. Hey, we all got dreams of doing that thing that calls from deep within that we’d love to do for the rest of our lives and get out of the hole we’re in. But without the right connections I’m pretty much resigned to chase my dreams as time allows, and then it’s back to the grind.
10.
Keep Trying 04:25
Keep Trying It’s so sad for me to say, that again, I fell by the way; putting myself into more spiritual debt. And, it’s really all on me; poor use of agency that I have now come to regret. A part of me wants to hide, to keep it all inside; But that’ll just keep me running from the light. The Lord has a different plan – for us to do the best we can and to keep trying, keep trying; and working on getting it right. I’ve spent a lot of time, stepping just a little over the line pushing the limits and never looking back. And although I am inclined to repent, to be redefined sometimes it’s difficult to get back on the path. I know from right and wrong, when I see things come along but at times the rational me falls out of sight. Still, the Lord knows where we been and reminds us time and time again to keep trying, keep trying; and working on getting it right. And oh, how it hurts when I fall each and every time as I say to myself okay, now that will be the last time. You’d think for goodness sake, I’d learn from my mistakes but I seem to fall victim to my own deceit. And as more time goes along that I don’t resolve the wrong the more I feel there’s no hope left for me. there’s a not-so quiet part of sensibility in my heart that tells me not to give up the fight and then the Lord whispers to me to be the best that I can be and to keep trying, keep trying; and working on getting it right.
11.
Take The Time To Be Kind If we all followed the Golden Rule and everything was evenly weighed, if we found out about someone in need wouldn't we all step up to their aid. In a perfect world we wouldn't hesitate to give to another's peace of mind, but things as they are, we think we’re on our own; finding it hard - to take the time to be kind. To be kind. We all have so much to do and we never give ourselves enough time so we scramble off to every here and there hopes of getting something in the line. Our motivation if money or power comes with a cost of leaving behind charity, compassion, altruism; qualities needed - to take the time to be kind. To be kind. Simple things like vanity and pride, can desensitize us and leave us sort of blind; making it hard to think beyond ourselves; how could we even take the time to be kind? They stop you exuding their need and you think, “Tomorrow I’ll get to it somehow,” but, is there ever a better place or time to give than right here and now? It’s not a perfect world so we stall to give of ourselves and our time, but things as they are, we’re all in this together so move in a little closer - to take the time to be kind. To be kind.
12.
John Bear, John Bows He was born of good parents, raised in loving hands. He never sought to do evil or take the life of another man. Even when a mob burned down his home and took all his family had, John stood behind the wisdom and strength of his humble dad. John Bear, John Bows. John never wished to run from what the just arm of the law said, but in a dream he was warned that there was danger just ahead. So he packed what he could carry and he lit out in the dark, leaving all his life behind him with a bounty unjustly marked. It was early in the morning, they came to take him in. the crime would be for something that he never really did. With shotguns they busted down the doors to take him dead or alive but though they moved in quickly, nobody could ever find John Bear, John Bows. Many men tried to bring him in for a profit or a name, but john was quick and fox-like leaving them all on a wild chase. Just when the thought they had him penned up just beyond the bend, John would cover his tracks, leaving them again down some dead end. From the ridges of Kentucky to the hills of Tennessee, all through this endless hunting, nobody could ever reach John Bear, John Bows. A story came from Wyoming where winter had set in. A plot was schemed by four bad and desperate men. While one challenged John in the streets three hid behind some doors but after shots rang out and the smoke cleared, all but John lay dead on the floor. Some thought he died thereafter from the damage the bad had done still others thought they seen him on his way to Oregon. John Bear, John Bows. Now many say old John is dead but most, well just don’t know. Some seen him in Alaska, others swear he’s in New Mexico. One thing they all agree on, that he was a goodly man, only out to keep himself alive in a country with other plans. Some people knew him as John Bear, others as John Bows, fact is, his name and whereabouts, most folks will never know. John Bear, John Bows.
13.
A Moment To Talk With God When I was a younger, conscientious man, I said prayers with heart-felt concern. I believed the Lord was by my side Helping me as my times would turn. There was never a question of maybe, only companionship to gently prod me with inspirations and confirmations, as I would take a moment to talk with God. Over time as I got older and maybe distant, and with indifference, I went my own way. Relying less on Him and more on myself, as my communiqués grew less each day. My prayers of thankfulness and words of hope went from detailed to an occasional nod. And it wasn’t disbelief; I was just too lazy to just stop for a moment to talk with God. So busy doing life, getting through tribulations that saying a prayer can seem to be such a chore, I rationalize; He doesn’t want to hear from me, when He’s has all them that need Him more. But there are times I want to turn myself around not just ask forgiveness at the firing squad; instead, I would offer up my heartfelt prayer and stop to take a moment to talk with God. And I know he’s waiting for me to come back again above and beyond my own silly façade, He wants me to speak to Him as I would my best friend; and to take a moment to talk with God.
14.
Honey, I Got To Go I’ve done everything within my power to keep our love from turned sour yet all in vain, you’ve got another man. But let’s not just sit and stir the stew, there’s things I’d like to see and do. I’ve got to get out there while I still can. I’m restless like a rolling stone, and I feel the call of the open road, that freeway fever’s calling me to roll. Hey Babe, you know I’m not alive, till I got that Chevy in overdrive and heading out, Honey, I got to go. Got to go with the flow of the highways and the roads, hook my tow rope on some distant southern star. Got to believe in my dreams as my troubles and my grief’s, disappear through the rear view of my car. I never thought with our first kiss it would finally come to this I was kind of hoping that our love might grow. Still, things sometimes just don’t work out, I’m not about to sit and pout, I got plans to keep, Honey, I got to go. Got to go down the road to heaven only knows, to places I’ve never seen and never been. I’m all set, got to get, and for dang sure you can bet that I won’t be coming back round here again. Heading out for parts unknown, ain’t calling anywhere my home. Like to say where I’ll be, but I don’t really know. Maybe some other place and time, but you’ve got your life and I got mine, I need to run, Honey, I got to go.
15.
Down The Temporal Road Okay, so you messed up again and you’re still trying to do damage control. You breathe out a heavy sigh and wonder how you’ll ever climb out of this hole. Worried about what others think, you envision how you’re perceived by your peers. You’re afraid as you just keep failing, things will come about to justify your fears. It’s so hard when your soul is hurting to make sense of what’s going on so far, as you’re looking through your mortal eyes instead of seeing yourself for what and who you really are. Not as a disappointment or failure, but one of God’s children, looking to know who you are, why you’re here and where you’re going going down the temporal road. At times we all feel out of step from what we see is happening to others out there. You want your turn; your chance to shine but to have to compromise does not seem fair. So you find your own way but it’s so much harder going through the motions alone. That road that you see before you doesn’t look or feel like it’ll ever take you back home. Yeah, it’s so hard when your soul is hurting to make sense of what’s been going on so far, as you look through your mortal eyes instead of seeing yourself for what and who you really are. Not as a disappointment or failure, but one of God’s children, trying to carry their load finding themselves on their mortal journey, going, going down the temporal road.
16.
She’s Already There Gotta fix the washing machine; water’s leaking out under the door. I’m trying to figure what to do as clothes pile up on the garage floor. wondering what we did last time, I look over at her with a blank stare, but she smiles knowingly as she grabs the toolbox and I know, she’s already there. She’s already there. Wintertime is coming quick; as every put-off project calls and we gotta be ready for the next go round before the upcoming winter snow falls. As I’m trying to take on everything, she sees me running everywhere and motions with a discerning nod to slow down and I can see, hey, she’s already there. She’s already there. And intuitively, she kind a looks at me, kindhearted with empathetic eyes ready and willing to lend a hand, most times, one step in front of mine. One of the kids are in trouble; with problems not easily solved, and you know that somewhere in it all that money's got to be involved. Meanwhile I'm there calculating how to get them out of that snare I'm still in the planning stages, And no surprise; she’s already there. She’s already there. Laying in bed, worried, stressed out, trying find some peace of mind, as the alarm goes off; it's a new morning and then it’s,… back to the grind. Driving home, worrying about the lost time she and I never seem to share and as I get home with designs to move in that direction I find, she’s already there. She’s already there.
17.
Dream Your Troubles To Sleep Dream your troubles to sleep, little one. You can dream of all the things you need. When the sun decides to break, that’s the time for you to wake, until then you must sleep. Close your eyes. Slowdown time, slumber is forming and we need rest in life, and you’ll feel fine in the morning. Please, no more whys, all your sighs are lost in the yawning. Sleep, close your eyes, let the night take you to the dawning. Dream your troubles to sleep, little one. You can dream of all the things that you seek. When the sun decides to break, that’s the time for you to wake, until then you should sleep. Close your eyes. Slowdown time, slumber is forming and we need rest in life, and you’ll feel fine in the morning. Please, no more whys, all your sighs are lost in the yawning. Sleep, close your eyes, let the night take you to the dawning, and sleep.
18.
Here In Town 06:40
Here In Town It started with an evil deed. A pact was made to secure the deal. And as years went by, the story faded till people started questioning if it was real. But sadly, it was real. And so it began and continues to this day, in cities from shore to shore. But their game is more than anything before and we'd just be fools to ignore. There's the Red-Yellow Group, the Council on Gray & Gold, the Black Commission, all of which are mostly unknown, they were founded to supposedly foster valuable, substantive political and economic dialogue across the globe. But surreptitiously it was an effort to seize control and consolidate the four centers of power: political, monetary, intellectual, ecclesiastical and they are working towards the end of hours. A hidden hand, advancing unseen, making all the plays, pulling all the strings. From the Gadianton Robbers to the Illuminated Green, the Free Brown Clerics, hey, you give em your own name. But from the time of Adam to this Microchip generation their intentions have always been the same. From out of the skies there came this shining light and people wondered maybe it was the time. A simple but opposing force on a true and straight course Opening eyes to what it's all about. And reality is that the heavenly kid doesn't miss and he's here in town to straighten things out.

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A Critique by Eloise_98512 - "The Lioness in Exile"

lionessinexile.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-flash-of-brilliance.html

A Flash Of Brilliance
Lord Baldwin, my favorite bard in these parts, has done it again. His new double music album bristles with wisdom, talent and warmth, the songs are a treat for the heart and mind. It never fails, every time I become a bit too cynical about life in the US these days, a visit to Chester Baldwin's music sets me straight. There is no better or more pleasant tonic for the blues. A musician skilled in the best American tradition of folk music, Chester not only writes all his songs but also performs all the music on a number of instruments, my favorites being his piano and harmonica, and then cleverly puts everything together in a seamless presentation that is always impressive for its array of colour in both the lyrics and music. It seems to me that Lord Baldwin's music is just getting better with time. "A Flash Of Brilliance " exudes warmth, wisdom, deep emotion and an insight into both himself and life. So far I have only listened to Part One of the double album.
The opening song of Part One, "Back to the Grind", has great energy and great instrumentals. It leaves you with a positive vibe, in spite of the song being a lament on the drudgery of daily work. The songs always impress me with how varied the moods are of each of them. There is an element of dignity, beauty and poetry given to life's daily challenges.
"Dream Your Troubles ( To Sleep)", is a gorgeous lullaby, deeply moving and melancholic, saturated with the wisdom of a loving grandfather singing a grandchild to sleep.
I like the hint of Caribbean flavour in the unusual sketch of " I'm Flying Over Your Head".
With time, Chester's voice is gaining more depth, more warmth and nuance. His songs are soul therapy for a hardened world.
I truly enjoyed the fine tuned balance between introspective songs in Part One, and the energetic, extroverted ballads, like "John Bear,.... John Bows". Great, great harmonica in that song!
The song " No One's Coming After All ", is a touching tribute to his late father, who was a stage actor, and it is also a candid reflection on the challenges and heartbreak of being a talented artist struggling for recognition, a plight I can sympathize with as a struggling writer and poet.
The song " Honey , I Got to Go", is a Baldwin classic, a perfect balance between story line, energy in the instrumentation and voice, brimming with youthful energy.
There are 19 songs in this first part of this well worthwhile double album. I am so looking forward to listening and reviewing Part Two. I could do so today, but Lord Baldwin's music is a rich meal for the senses and the soul. I will enjoy the lingering warmth and good feeling of the first part and treat myself and you, to Part Two tomorrow. Don't miss it! "A Flash Of Brilliance " will leave you feeling like you went around on a rocket to a very fun, uplifting, hopeful place : the heart and mind of songwriter, musician and poet Lord Baldwin.

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released December 25, 2015

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Lord Baldwin Olympia, Washington

Lord Baldwin has created 44 ALBUMS
between 1991 and 2001

Between 2011 and 2023, created, 23 ALBUMS

Published a 4-book series called, “Stepping Between The Ants”

A 4-book series called, “From The Lost Letters Sent” chronicling the first 44 albums' songs created between 1968 to 2001

As playwright, wrote a musical play (book) called;
““RESILIENT the Musical” A Web-Based Episodic Play & Story”
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