http://www.davidmbailey.com/
Feb. 26, 1966 - … Read Full Bio ↴David M. Bailey
http://www.davidmbailey.com/
Feb. 26, 1966 - Oct. 2, 2010
Bailey was the son of Presbyterian missionairies and was raised in Beirut, Lebanon. He spent some of his youth in Germany where he learned to play the guitar, played in some bands, and began writing songs. Upon returning to the United States he attended Grove City College; he then got married and entered corporate America. He soon was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and he was told he did not have long to live. He quit his job and decided to tour and write songs as long as he could. In 2003, he was one of half a dozen winners at the Kerrville New Folk Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival.
David released 17 albums and performed in 21 countries and 44 states. David's music continues to challenge us all to live passionately and treasure the beauty of each new day.
His music has been compared to that of James Taylor, Jim Croce and Cat Stevens.
david m. bailey official web site bio
Rome
David M. Bailey Lyrics
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I saw her on a curb in New York City She said 'david, there must be a better way' I said 'come on, let's go buy you a notebook 'Cause Rome wasn't built in a day
Stuart wanted to become a doctor Change the world by making people well When he learned he could not fix his broken heart he slowly sank into his private hell
He showed up at my door one Sunday morning He said 'david' I need somewhere safe to stay' I said 'come on in and have a cup of coffee' 'Cause Rome wasn't built in a day
William wanted to become a singer Change the world one song at a time But the world did not pay attention to his words, melodies, or rhyme
I saw him in a bar one night last summer He said 'david, I don't know where I belong.' I said 'you better write that down on your napkin 'Cause It sounds like a great line for a song...'
...I suppose I should practice what I preach But patience has never been my way It's not the same thing as an empire But your dreams should be rebuilt every day
The above lyrics are from David M. Bailey's song "Rome." The song is about the struggles and setbacks that people face while trying to achieve their lifelong dreams. The first verse tells the story of Lisa, who wants to become a writer, but after 10 years, she still hasn't been published. The second verse is about Stuart, who wants to become a doctor but can't fix his broken heart. Finally, the third verse is about William, who wants to become a singer but the world doesn't seem to pay attention to his art.
In the chorus, David tells all three of them that Rome wasn't built in a day, and that they need to be patient and keep working towards their goals. The song is about resilience and the need to keep pushing through adversity, even when it seems like success is out of reach.
The lyrics are full of metaphors and imagery. For example, Rome is used as a metaphor for success, and the idea of slowly building something, like a city or an empire, is used to illustrate the need for patience and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
Lisa wanted to become a writer
Lisa had a dream to become a writer and create a meaningful impact on the world through her writing.
Change the world with each stroke of her pen
She believed that she could change the world by expressing her thoughts through the words that she wrote.
After 10 years she still had not been published
Despite her hard work and perseverance, Lisa had not been able to achieve her dream of getting her work published after 10 years.
It took everything she had to start again
Starting over from scratch took a mental and emotional toll on Lisa, and she had to gather all her strength to begin again.
I saw her on a curb in New York City
David saw Lisa sitting on a curb in New York City, possibly feeling defeated and lost.
She said 'david, there must be a better way'
Lisa expressed her doubts and uncertainties about her ability to achieve her goals to David.
I said 'come on, let's go buy you a notebook
David tried to uplift Lisa's mood by suggesting that they buy her a notebook to help her write and fulfil her dream.
'Cause Rome wasn't built in a day
David used the proverb 'Rome wasn't built in a day' to tell Lisa that achieving her dream might take time, but it is possible with patience and perseverance.
Stuart wanted to become a doctor
Stuart had a dream to become a doctor and cure people of their illnesses.
Change the world by making people well
Stuart believed that by healing people, he could make a positive impact on the world.
When he learned he could not fix his broken heart he slowly sank into his private hell
Stuart struggled with his own emotions and mental health when he realised that he could not fix his own heart, leading to a downward spiral of negativity.
He showed up at my door one Sunday morning
Stuart reached out to David for help and support when he had nowhere else to turn to.
He said 'david' I need somewhere safe to stay'
Stuart confided in David and asked for a safe haven to stay in during his tough times.
I said 'come on in and have a cup of coffee'
David offered Stuart some comfort and warmth by inviting him in for a cup of coffee.
'Cause Rome wasn't built in a day
David reminded Stuart that his dream of becoming a doctor was still achievable with time and effort.
William wanted to become a singer
William had a dream to become a singer and create an impact on the world through his music.
Change the world one song at a time
William believed that he could change the world a little by little with each song he sung.
But the world did not pay attention to his words, melodies, or rhyme
William faced difficulties in getting his music heard and appreciated by the masses, leading to a sense of discouragement and hopelessness.
I saw him in a bar one night last summer
David encountered William in a bar on a summer night, where William might have been feeling despondent about his lack of success.
He said 'david, I don't know where I belong.'
William expressed his confusion and disorientation to David, unable to find his place in the world and succeed in his dreams.
I said 'you better write that down on your napkin
David advised William to hold on to his struggles and emotions and channel them into his music by writing them down.
'Cause it sounds like a great line for a song...'
David encouraged William to use his struggles to create something beautiful like a song, that can speak to the world.
'Cause your dreams should be rebuilt every day'
David used this line to encourage all aspiring dreamers to keep rebuilding their dreams every day, one step at a time, and not to lose hope in the face of adversity.
Contributed by Natalie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.