FAWM: "Ripples"

Ripples

Skirmish: Mad Libs: Everyone's a __... (@dudachris)

Liner Notes

I came upon this #skirmish late but it spoke to me. I think it may be a little trope-ey but that never stopped me before. #acousticonetake #guywithguitar

Lyrics

Ripples (c) Sean McGaughey Feb. 14, 2026 FAWM 09 Skirmish Everyone is a _____ when its _______'

Intro

The smallest of ripples can change the whole pond [En] An acorn can become a mighty oak. A hundred league journey starts with a step A small act of kindness sometimes touches a heart.

Everyone's a poet when their heart breaks. [En] Leaning left when the river tops its banks. A person is self-made when they are on the rise But its someone else's fault for their decline

My heart was hamlet when you can here [En]Together we grew into a village Townsfolk came and went through our life together But you who have always hung around.

Even ducklings know they're strongest flocked together [En]Strangers plus laughter equals friends Nothing ever goes on forever Every song comes to an end.

Comments

@dandelion 1d

I love the vocal tone, feels warm and familiar, I like the easy way you move between speaking and singing.. Lovely, this feels like a Daniel Johnston song

@lcad 2d

Great track, love the imagery and the way you build a new and deep metaphor each verse

@joefahey 3d

This song feels so inspirational, I can’t help but love it for that reason alone. In addition, it’s full of nice little bits of wisdom, like “Everyone's a poet when their heart breaks”, “Strangers plus laughter equals friends” and many more, such a feel-good on this quiet Sunday, thank you Sean!

@frey 3d

Your skirmish line is powerful as heck!! Nice one

@nwhosings 3d

I love when tropes are stacked on top of each other like this. Tropes become because of collective experience, and the reality of that is beautiful humanity. There's such a sweet yearning to your guitar progression here, really lovely.

@musicsongwriter 3d

Beautiful and insightful take on thr prompt. I love your vocals and playing. You might like to slightly amend your lyrics when you sing a variation yo them to synchronise your words with your singing. I enjoyed listening twice.

@misterdemp 3d

Touching and thoughtful images and ideas. Enjoying how you went from the 'acorn' to the 'end' in 1:36...feels like an amazing magic trick how the song speaks of lifetimes in such a brief time.

@catmisgivings 3d

oh, that wry, wise little second verse. this is a moment when it rings so true to me

@dudachris 3d

Ok I'm gushing, but there are so many good lines in here. I could cherry pick them out and use them as amazing Skirmish prompts all month long. On top of the other lines mentioned before "Everyone's a poet when their heart breaks" is hitting hard. I can't wait to hear this one in person. Thanks for jumping in on this skirmish friend 🙏

@dudachris 3d

"Strangers plus laughter equals friends" almost made me cry! What a beautiful song and that line might be one of my favourites of yours ❤️

That line setup for success by vs 3. Knowing you, Nancy and Midland like I do (mostly through your eyes) that verse was also an emotional powerhouse.