Although I have been writing and producing music for a very long time, “COVID Slide” is the very first album that I have publicly shared. All of my other music has just been shared with family, colleagues and friends on a personal of invitation basis to my MDASongwriter site. All of my music is based on my own artistic drives opinions and sentiments. Broadway’s Broken inspiration began the current artistic venture and was prompted by my lovely struggling actor and intrepid New Yorker daughter, Mackenzie. 

When COVID-19 hit us all, Mackenzie was living alone at the time and as a concerned and loving parent I felt so powerless to help from our home in Pearland, Texas. Mackenzie is a special individual (no parental bias here of course) she has a heart as big as Texas and true grit to match. She also has the spirit and competitive drive of a true New Yorker that makes her determined and dedicated to her craft as an actor, singer and dancer. Her voice, in particular, is incredible and developed into perfection with years of professional training. She has a voice and emotive presence that is far superior to my own poor attempts to melodically carry and express an engaging tune.

When this COVID-19 pandemic was first taking hold, she had just gotten what the entire family hoped would be her first big show-biz break. After the numerous call backs and disappointments for countless auditions she got the Mistress part and Eva Perone understudy part in “Evita”. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic that has cancelled the hopes and dreams of so many in the performing arts, ripped them from Mackenzie as well. She remains undaunted and dedicated to succeed but what is even more remarkable she did not dwell on her own disappointment and fear but was more concerned about her friends who were experiencing even tougher problems. Those friends and colleagues being dependent on service jobs, theater support positions, technicians, and musicians. At least she has been working online and employed as of now and has moved in with friends.

The lyrics are based on some of our phone, text message and facetime conversations that are an attempt to appeal to anyone who can help support our struggling artists in their time of need

Broadway’s Broken
 
Verse #1
Broadway’s broken dark and chained
Neon flickers, life has drained
Stalwart hearts strain to remain
So many souls in panicked pain
Too soon a viral boundary crossed
Too soon to change at heavy cost
Too soon the bloodless holocaust 
Too soon an industry is lost
 
Chorus:
Broadway’s broken but not down
This Apple’s Big but it’s our town
Pick yourself up off the ground
What’s never lost need not be found
Don’t give up stay ever strong
Don’t give up the cherished song
Don’t give up it won’t be long
Don’t give up where you belong

Verse #2
Our service jobs all disappear 
Survival mode in desperate fear
Strive so hard to make it here
New York New York so very dear
Friends and patrons hear my plea
Great White Way’s in misery
A tenuous thread you cannot see
Snaps behind the scenes you see
 
Chorus:
Broadway’s broken but not down
This Apple’s Big but it’s our town
Pick yourself up off the ground
What’s never lost need not be found
Don’t give up stay ever strong
Don’t give up the cherished song
Don’t give up it won’t be long
Don’t give up where you belong
 
Bridge:
Social distance, Namaste
Shrink and spread the curve today
Isolate us from ourselves
Clear the disinfectant shelves
Wash your hands and sanitize
Don’t touch your nose, mouth, or eyes
Cough into your elbow not your hand
We will all get through this plan
We are all New Yorker’s man
 
Verse #3
Help Gotham’s friends, help to lead
Broadway’s dark in dismal need
Elevate our craft we plead
Art the death knell must not heed
Love for our craft, passions fire
Entertain, enrich, inspire
So much talent to expire
Support is needed, risk so dire
 
Chorus:
Broadway’s broken but not down
This Apple’s Big but it’s our town
Pick yourself up off the ground
What’s never lost need not be found
Don’t give up stay ever strong
Don’t give up the cherished song
Don’t give up it won’t be long
Don’t give up where you belong