The Trophy

Hey…you can't hang love on your walls... the important things in life aren't the things we accomplish or the awards on our walls... it's the actual Journey we take while we are on our way to everyday things. It's those we meet and the things we learn and say to others.

Often we get caught up and distracted by the brass rings of life, when we should concentrate on the relationships we make and the things we learn...the miracles that happen all around us everyday. Enjoying a breath of fresh air or a beautiful sunset... The simple things often share the most beauty, like the sound of the instruments on a recording, a baby’s cry, or the joy you remember when you see a gorgeous landmark. The feeling you get when you talk with a special friend or the way someone is thoughtful and remembers your birthday... those are the real trophies life has to offer. Take the time to appreciate them and don't miss the miracles happening all around you. Our character in this story, Charlie, had to realize the hard way that he hadn't cherished the journey he had with his ol’ love, that got away. At least time had taught him to appreciate what he had and lost; as he wonders if they could get that special something back one more time.

Recording the song was a beautiful experience. David Mackay heard the vocal and rhythm section and said he would enjoy arranging and orchestrating it. Wow! When Bob and I heard what David sent back from England, we loved it!... he transformed and raised the song to yet another level. We'll always appreciate the love and creativity he poured into this tune. Thanks David. We hope you enjoy his arrangement and our little story...

Song Information

Length:

4:42

Artist:

Klender

Written By:

Bob Huff
Richard Klender
Bob Cusick

Published By:

Bob Huff Music
Klenco Music
2191 Music
(all ASCAP)

Produced By:

Huff & Klender

Arranged By:

David Mackay

Credits:

Drums: Glenn Johnson
Bass: Pat Murphy
Guitars: Bob Huff
Piano: Klender
Vocals: Klender
Orchestration: David Mackay (London)

Licensing Requests:

licensing@songtracker.com

View Lyrics

The Trophy

Another rainy day, lost in Santa Fe
Until I saw those eyes so tender
She said, Charlie how you been, great to see your smile again
The years all melt in sweet surrender

All the words I didn’t say, you’re the one that got way
How I wish I could go back, to yesterday

Life is all in the living, can’t hang love on your walls
Success is unforgiving, believe me I’ve seen it all
Love can slip thru the heart, or get lost in the wine
But when I breathe in the journey, then the Trophy is mine

While fighting back my fear, she brushes back a tear
That awkward pause that time can’t measure
Looking deep into your eyes, I just can’t say goodbye
Baby, can you stay forever

I remember long ago, and I just can’t let you go
And if there’s one thing that I know

Life is all in the living, can’t hang love on your walls
Success is unforgiving, believe me I’ve seen it all
Love can slip thru the heart, or get lost in the wine
But when I breathe in the journey, then the Trophy is mine

music by Bob Huff & Richard Klender
words by Richard Klender & Bob Cusick

Behind the Music

I was talking with my friend and collaborator, Bob Huff, on the phone one day, and I remember him saying, "You know, our songs may never win a bunch of awards, but when I sit back and listen to the recordings we've made, that's the trophy for me!” I thought, Wow, that's an insightful way of seeing things... and I quickly wrote it down. Later I thought to myself, "The Trophy" - yep that might be a strong title and concept for a song. So I developed the chorus lyric and submitted it to Bob and some other writers one day; some of them passed on it, so eventually Bob, myself and Bob Cusick sat down and tackled it as a story. It was a fun story to write. It took a couple sessions to get the lyric hammered out but the melody and arrangement came together fairly quickly. It was an exciting concept as it developed and it helped remind me the way I should always look at life. Since then, I have a reason to concentrate more and more on the Journey my life is taking; these awesome people I meet and get to create with; the ideas that get conveyed and shared with others... these are the important things that mean the most to me now.

How a phone call became the seed for "The Trophy"

Behind the Video

The video shoot was part of a fun and creative week of filming... a 4-camera shoot at Songtracker Studios in Paso Robles. We shot them over the holidays with a new switcher setup and some new 6K cameras. The hardest part was having to remember all the lyrics and phrasing... the rest was easy and a fun challenge. I love doing videos despite looking too old to be in them anymore... oh well, I still enjoy the process. It's quite a creative challenge to get it in one take... or two... or 3... or 4....

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