Story Behind The Song

On a recent trip to Nashville and Austion I came up with "You gotta take yourself with you" (in Nashville).. then "You gotta leave yourself behind" (in Austin). Not sure what possessed me to write those down on a little scrap of paper, but when I got home, I wrote this song. period.

Song Description

We have a choice to give in to the way we've always been, and to cling to things and ideas that keep us in that place, OR, to make a determination to make a change and progress in our lives and leave our old selves behind. This song is about the latter.

Lyrics

DECLINE - music and lyrics by Richard C. (Kluso) Tollini © 2012

I beg to be excused for it seems I'm in decline but,
I don't want to be refused
Not going to take it lying down

So, I'll take all my regrets and jus't pack 'em all away
Inspiration can't be given
it can only be received

An' I don't need an earthly pardon cuz, I've learned this about life
You gotta take yourself with you but sometimes you should leave yourself behind

So, I'll take a rain check on that, Brother
as you can see I'm in decline
I don't need what you're trying to sell, 'cuz it's gonna drag me down

I can't eat no more of that white bread its just not good for me
Revelation can't be taken
it can only be perceived

An' I don't need your earthly pardon, because I've learned this about life
You gotta take yourself with you but sometimes you should leave yourself behind

Now, wave good-bye
wave good-bye
wave good-bye as you see yourself jus' float on by

I don't want to be reluctant don't wan'chyou to think I'm weak
I don't want to be refused
Not going to take it lying down

So, I'll take all o'my regrets and jus't pack 'em all away
motivation can't be taken
it can only be engaged

An' I don't need an earthly pardon
cuz, I've learned this about life

You gotta take yourself with you but sometimes you should leave yourself behind
You gotta take yourself with you but sometimes you should leave yourself behind