Bang 'Em Down
By Donald D. Dienst

Sittin' by the ocean, sun settin' low,
Cool breeze blowin', got nowhere to go.
Friends all around, guitars in hand,
We're livin' life, playin' in a sand band.

You've got to bang 'em down, just bang 'em down,
Raise those bottles high, let the good times abound.
I wanna bang it down, oh, I wanna bang it down,
Hangin' with my friends, in this seaside town.

Laughin' 'til we're cryin', stories old and new,
Talkin' 'bout the wild times, and the crazy things we do.
Fishin' in the mornin', dancin' in the night,
Life's a celebration, everything's all right.

You've got to bang 'em down, just bang 'em down,
Raise those bottles high, let the good times abound.
I wanna bang it down, oh, I wanna bang it down,
Hangin' with my friends, in this seaside town.

When the waves crash in, and the stars shine bright,
We'll toast to the memories, and the laughter tonight.
In this paradise, where we all belong,
We'll sing it loud, our beachside song.

You've got to bang 'em down, just bang 'em down,
Raise those bottles high, let the good times abound.
I wanna bang it down, oh, I wanna bang it down,
Hangin' with my friends, in this seaside town.

Yeah, we'll bang 'em down, oh, we'll bang 'em down,
Livin' for the moment, never turnin' 'round.
I wanna bang it down, oh, I wanna bang it down,
With a drink in hand, in this carefree town.

Hang 'em down, oh, hang 'em down,
Cheers to the memories, never feelin' down.
I wanna bang it down, oh, I wanna bang it down,
Hangin' with my friends, in this seaside town.

Hoist The Sails and Ride the Tide
By Donald D. Dienst

Out where the wild winds blow,
Ho! Hoist the sails high!
Home on the waves we go,
Ho! On the tide, we fly!

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

Out where the wild winds blow
Ho! Hoist the sails high
Home on the waves we go
Ho! On the tide, we fly
We fly

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

Storms come to test our soul
Ho! Hold fast, hold tight
Rockin' from pole to pole
Ho! On the tide we fight
We fight

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

Oh, hoist the sails
Oh, hoist the sails
Oh, hoist the sails
and ride the tide

The sun breaks the morning cold
Ho! Warm our bones
Golden paths on blue unfold
Ho! Over sea we roam
Over sea we roam

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

So we sing to the sea, both friend and foe
In our hearts, wild waters flow
With the wind as our companion, wide and free
We're the souls of the endless sea

Oh, hoist the sails and ride the tide
A sailor’s life is a wild, wild ride
Salt on your skin and wind in your hair
Sing it loud, ‘cause we haven’t a care

Prairie Summer Nights
By Donald D. Dienst



Under the vault of the prairie night sky,
The stars scatter bright, and the moon hangs high.
The breeze whispers secrets from the grasses below,
As we sway gently, letting the world go.

Prairie summer nights, under lantern light,
Hand in hand, where everything’s just so.
Just the two of us, in this wide open space,
Finding our rhythm, in this perfect place.

Wildflowers whisper on this warm summer breeze,
Their sweet scented stories mingle with ease.
By the old cottonwood, with your hand in mine,
We lose ourselves where the stars align.

Prairie summer nights, under lantern light,
Hand in hand, where everything’s just so.
Just the two of us, in this wide open space,
Finding our rhythm, in this perfect place.

Horses graze quietly by the river’s bend,
In this magical evening, I wish would never end.
Fireflies spark in the midnight air,
In your arms, I haven’t a single care.

Let’s waltz to the whisper of the rolling plains,
Where the horizon meets, and our love remains.
Our shadows merge under the starry dome,
On these prairie nights, this prairie our home.

Prairie summer nights, under lantern light,
Hand in hand, where everything’s just so.
Just the two of us, in this wide open space,
Finding our rhythm, in this perfect place.

Let’s dance till the morning paints the sky,
On prairie summer nights, just you and I.
Forever in this dance, where our love’s song thrives,
On prairie summer nights, where we come alive.

Summer Ridin'
By Donald D. Dienst

Sunrise glowin', the day feels grand
Pedalin' down with you to the sea
Coastal breezes, sweeping the land
On this summer ride, we feel free

Golden meadows, stretching wide
Riding through valleys, cool and sweet
Mountains towering, by our side
Every moment cherished, can't be beat

Pedalin steady, feelin the breeze
In this summer's gentle glow
Down the trails, through the trees
until Sunsets whispers, and cool winds flow

Summer ridin', we're gliding high
Through the trees, along the shore
Underneath the sky so wide
Summer's here, no need for more

Golden meadows, stretching wide
Riding through valleys, cool and sweet
Mountains towering, by our side
Every moment cherished, can't be beat

Pedalin steady, feelin the breeze
In this summer's gentle glow
Down the trails, through the trees
until Sunsets whispers, and cool winds flow

Boardwalk lights, where laughter roams
Beach parties blaze, music so true
Boats in the marina, gentle as they come
In the summer's glow, dreams come through

Pedalin steady, feelin the breeze
In this summer's gentle glow
Down the trails, through the trees
until Sunsets whispers, and cool winds flow

Twilight colors, painting the skies
Pedaling on, with stories to share
Each mile we ride, our spirits rise
On this summer quest, without a care

On this day, feelin the breeze
In this summer's gentle glow
Down the trails, through the trees
until Sunsets whispers, and cool winds flow

Moonlit paths, along a sandy way
Riding with my friends old and new
From city lights to stars at play
In this summer air, where dreams come true

On this timeless road, hearts entwined
In the summer’s warmth, feelin alive
Every mile we ride, freedom we find
On this endless journey, truly truly we thrive.

Summer ride, we're gliding high,
Through the forests, by the shore,
Underneath the sky so wide,
Summer's calling, no need more.

Turmoil and Tranquility
By Donald D. Dienst


You know, owning a sailboat isn't all fun and games
There are days it feels like I'm locked up in chains
Cleaning, polishing, and then a sanding spree
And when the engine groans, I know it's callin for me

Oh, the boat's just a hole I throw my money in
Scraping and painting, where do I begin
Docking fees take a bite outta my pay
But when the waves start calling, I can't stay away

My wife says it's time to give it away
"That boat's a burden," I've heard her say
But Sailing away it's the life for me
For there's no greater joy than the wide open sea

Then the weather changes, It's such a surprise
One moment it's calm, then storm clouds arise
Seasickness strikes, it knocks me down
With the horizon swaying, I feel like I'll drown

Balancing work with the call of the sea
My boss thinks I'm crazy, but it's just gotta be
Limited internet, communication's rough
But the sound of the waves, well, guess that's enough

My wife says it's time to give it away
"That boat's a burden," I've heard her say
But Sailing away it's the life for me
For there's no greater joy than the wide open sea

I've had collisions and run aground, what a scare
But nothing beats the wind in my hair
Winterizing's a chore, and the cold's no fun
But I'll dream of summer when the sailing's done

Its the trials and challenges I've learned to endure
Every storm and setback makes my heart pure
The strength it takes to navigate the sea
Builds character and resilience deep within me

Every challenge faced, every hardship survived
Teaches lessons of life, where true values thrive
For it's not just the sailing, but the journey that's grand
In the heart of the ocean, I find where I stand
My wife says it's time to give it away
But she doesn't feel the thrill when I'm underway
"That boat's a burden," I hear her say
But she doesn't understand, it's where I find my way

Oh She'll never know the peace it brings
Or the strength I find when it sings
Sailing away, it's the life for me
For there's no greater joy than the wide open sea

What Do I See
By Donald D. Dienst

When I look at you, I see the years gone by,
I see the fearless girl with the gleam in her eye.
Life took its toll, we went separate ways,
But now we're here, through life's endless maze.

You were brave and bold, wild and free,
Now you ask, Just "What do you see?"
Through the battles fought and the tears we've shed,
I see the strength in you that's yet to be bred.

She wants to know just what I see,
But I know, who she was and who she will be.
What I see is not just who shes now,
But the woman she'll become, as our love avows.

We used to camp and explore the land,
Had dreams to see the world, hand in hand.
Now you're weary and the spark's a bit dim,
But I see the fire that burns from within.

She wants to know just what I see,
But I know, who she was and who she will be.
What I see is not just who shes now,
But the woman she'll become, as our love avows.

In your final form, healed and strong,
Where you belong, where you've belonged all along.
I loved you then, and I love you now,
And I'll love you through, this I vow.

Through all life's storms, you stood so tall,
Even when the world made you feel small.
You're my pal, my lover, my adventure friend,
In our hearts, our dreams never end.

She wants to know just what I see,
But I know, who she was and who she will be.
What I see is not just who shes now,
But the woman she'll become, as our love avows.

So let's us reclaim the dreams we once knew,
Together, my love, I know we'll see them through.
For I see you, in your final form,
Wild and free, weathering the storm.

Beachless Blues
By Donald D. Dienst


Verse 1:
I sit at home with a weary sigh
No sandy beach, no clear blue sky
Too poor to travel, can't afford the fare
So I strum my tunes in an old wicker chair

Chorus:
Beachless blues, I'm feelin' fine
Strummin' my guitar, keepin' time
No ocean waves, no seaside fun
But I've got my music, and the day's just begun

Verse 2:
The sun is shining, but I’m stuck inside
No boardwalk stroll, no carnival ride
While others splash in the ocean's roar
I pen my songs on the kitchen floor

Chorus:
Beachless blues, I'm feelin' fine
Strummin' my guitar, keepin' time
No ocean waves, no seaside fun
But I've got my music, and the day's just begun

Bridge:
I dream of seagulls and salty air
But my little room is my musical lair
With every note and every rhyme
I escape to paradise in my mind

Verse 3:
No ice cream cone or beach ball play
Just a melody to chase my blues away
I tap my feet, make my spirits rise
In my own beachless paradise

Chorus:
Beachless blues, I'm feelin' fine
Strummin' my guitar, keepin' time
No ocean waves, no seaside fun
But I've got my music, and the day's just begun

Verse 4:
My friends might laugh and call me mad
But this old guitar ain't half bad
While they suntan, I find my beat
In a humble room on a quiet street

Chorus:
Beachless blues, I'm feelin' fine
Strummin' my guitar, keepin' time
No ocean waves, no seaside fun
But I've got my music, and the day's just begun

Verse 5:
No ocean breeze, no sunburnt skin
Just chords and notes where my dreams begin
I make my own waves with every strum
A sea of sound where my heart can hum

Chorus:
Beachless blues, I'm feelin' fine
Strummin' my guitar, keepin' time
No ocean waves, no seaside fun
But I've got my music, and the day's just begun

Verse 7:
No lifeguard's whistle, no sandy feet
Just a rhythm in my heart, so sweet
With every tune, I find my shore
In melodies , I soar

Verse 8:
So let them have their beach and sun
I've got my joy in what I've begun
In every chord, in every line
I find my beach, and I feel just fine

Chorus:
Beachless blues, I'm feelin' fine
Strummin' my guitar, keepin' time
No ocean waves, no seaside fun
But I've got my music, and the day's just begun

Outro:
So here's to songs and simple days
To finding joy in different ways
No beach for me, but that's okay
I've got my ragtime tunes to play

Summertime Days in the Sun
By Donald D. Dienst



Down by the river, where the water runs clear,
We found a secret spot, no one else is near,
With a rope swing hanging from an old oak tree,
And a cliff to jump from, this is summer to me.

Summertime days in the sun,
Laughing and playing, having fun,
Picnics on the bank, under skies so true,
Camping by the fire with friends, old and new.

We pack up the car with blankets and food,
Head to the lake in a carefree mood,
Swimming in the sunshine, floating on our backs,
Life’s an adventure with hiking packs.

Summertime days in the sun,
Laughing and playing, having fun,
Picnics on the bank, under skies so true,
Camping by the fire with friends, old and new.

As night falls, the stars light up above,
We share our tales, warmed by the fire's glow,
Planning new adventures, moments we love,
In this place where cherished memories grow.

Summertime days in the sun,
Laughing and playing, having fun,
Picnics on the bank, under skies so true,
Camping by the fire with friends, old and new.

As the days go by, we cherish each one,
From morning hikes to the setting sun,
Building our memories, laughter fills the air,
Knowing we'll return, without a care

Summertime days in the sun,
Laughing and playing, having fun,
Picnics on the bank, under skies so true,
Camping by the fire with friends, old and new.

The sun has set on our summer retreat,
Memories made, bittersweet.
Packing up but not for long,
We’ll return again, where we belong.
Down by the river, where laughter flows,
In our favorite spot, where friendship grows.
We’ll return again, when the week is done,
Looking forward to more days in the sun.

Sails of Freedom
By Donald D. Dienst


Out on the blue, where the ocean speaks,
A home on waves, where the horizon peaks.
With sails unfurled, we chase the sun,
Learning the ropes, each task begun.
Here where the sea meets endless sky,
Life simplifies, and spirits fly.

Raise the sails, feel the breeze,
Sail through oceans with the greatest ease.
Hearts unbound, as we roam,
Every starry night, the sea's our home.
Sails of freedom, they never fade,
In winds of joy, our lives are made.

Every new dawn, a canvas grand,
Colors spill at nature’s hand.
Dolphins dance on crystal waves,
Under the sun’s warm, golden rays.
We share this journey, friends so dear,
In our floating home, with nothing to fear.

Raise the sails, feel the breeze,
Sail through oceans with the greatest ease.
Hearts unbound, as we roam,
Every starry night, the sea's our home.
Sails of freedom, they never fade,
In winds of joy, our lives are made.

Yet not all days bring peaceful skies,
Storms do rage, and fears may rise.
But amongst the gales, we find our might,
With hands on deck, we face the night.
For every trial that tests our soul,
Makes us stronger, makes us whole.

Oh, the lessons learned at sea,
Of nature’s might, and beauty free.
With every port a new story,
We sail forth, in quest of glory.
The bonds we forge, the seas we chart,
Craft the tale of the sailor’s heart.

Raise the sails, feel the breeze,
Sail through oceans with the greatest ease.
Hearts unbound, as we roam,
Every starry night, the sea's our home.
Sails of freedom, they never fade,
In winds of joy, our lives are made.

In the quiet of a starlit night,
The moon’s soft glow, our guiding light.
We reflect on paths we choose to weave,
The tides we ride, the dreams we believe.
For in this life where we drift and sway,
It’s love and freedom that shapes our way.

So here’s to the waves, to the salt, to the wind,
To the sailor’s life, with its vast, boundless grin.
Through storms and calm, our spirits soar,
Onwards we sail, forevermore.

Raise the sails, feel the breeze,
Sail through oceans with the greatest ease.
Hearts unbound, as we roam,
Every starry night, the sea's our home.
Sails of freedom, they never fade,
In winds of joy, our lives are made.

In the quiet of a starlit night,
The moon’s soft glow, our guiding light.
We reflect on paths we choose to weave,
The tides we ride, the dreams we believe.
For in this life where we drift and sway,
It’s love and freedom that shapes our way.

So here’s to the waves, to the salt, to the wind,
To the sailor’s life, with its vast, boundless grin.
Through storms and calm, our spirits soar,
Onwards we sail, forevermore.

Raise the sails, feel the breeze,
Sail through oceans with the greatest ease.
Hearts unbound, as we roam,
Every starry night, the sea's our home.
Sails of freedom, they never fade,
In winds of joy, our lives are made.