5/27/26

Bob Halligan, Jr. Songs

 

Thanks” is a gorgeous, uplifting song about gratitude — the kind that comes from being lifted up by someone who sees the best in you. It’s tender, universal, and sync‑friendly, with a sweet, slightly shady electric‑guitar solo that gives it emotional lift.

A key line: “Can’t thank you enough, I’m high from you lifting me up.”

It’s a natural fit for scenes of reconciliation, reflection, family moments, personal triumph, or any storyline where gratitude is the emotional payoff.

About Bob Halligan Jr.

Bob is one of those rare songwriters whose work spans folk, Christian, pop, Celtic‑rock, and hard rock — and somehow he’s equally authentic in all of them. His kindness‑centered writing shows up in his solo work and in his long‑running Irish‑pop‑folk band Ceili Rain, but his catalog also includes cuts by some of the biggest names in rock and pop.

A few highlights:

  • Judas Priest — “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll”
  • KIX — “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

Plus songs covered by Cher, Jennifer Rush, KISS, Michael Bolton, Joan Jett, Rik Emmett (Triumph), Bob Carlisle….. has had over 140 songs recorded, published over 975 songs, and his catalog has sold more than 30 million units.

I learned recently that May Pang was his song plugger during the era when Priest, KIX, Cher, and KISS were cutting his material — a fun surprise, since May and I bonded at The Cutting Room over our shared love of discovering new artists.

Bob also taught songwriting as an adjunct professor at Syracuse University from 2003–2019, and Kathy Mattea recently posted a photo with him after a show in Homer, NY — she’s covered several of his songs, including “Love Travels,” “Give It Away,” and “Junkyard.”

It was a joy working with Bob since 2023 in support Ceili Rain’s album Crash This Gate.

“It’s You I Love About It” — Ceili Rain Mid‑to‑uptempo, Irish instrumentation blended with commercial rock. Male vocals. Think The Strawbs meets The Proclaimers. A nostalgic look at movie memories — but the real hook is that you made the memories meaningful.   

 

 


“Love Corporation” — Ceili Rain A kindness‑forward anthem about starting with your own heart and paying it forward — perfect for scenes about community, generosity, or personal growth.



 


Recognizable Covers   

 Kathy Mattea — “Love Travels.”  Kathy also covered: “Give It Away,” “Junkyard” 
 

 "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll"  by Judas Priest 


"Peace Has Broken Out" by Moya Brennan 


 "Don’t Close Your Eyes" co=written with Crack the Sky's John Palumbo, and recorded by KIX



5/21/26

"Love Corporation" by Ceili Rain

 One of the songs I'm plugging this week: the soulful "Love Corporation" about paying it forward and backward.


"Gonna start with my own heart

And pray for dividends"

Bob Halligan Jr. is the band's frontman and main songwriter.

5/7/26

Michael Veitch Songs

Drive Beach Boys harmonies with jazz chords, tenor vocals, summertime pop, guitar, harmonies. the hook is "Drive my baby driving." It's about togetherness and summer nights. Towards the end of the song it lifts the tempo of "California Girls."  



Michael's Walk Away Renee cover is an acoustic cover of the Left Banke hit. His thoughtful interpretation is dedicated to Renee Good. The lyrics fit the pain of what we've been going through with ICE's attacks on both immigrants and those born in this country.  



April Fools isan upbeat folk-rocker with electric guitar about being fooled by leadership. This song deals with delusional thinking. The song can be applied to any topic, from romance, personal dilemmas and battles, and world situations—anything that can be prevented.


Close to the Flame slow-mid tempo, harmonies, flying too close to the flames "I have to confess, we all tried our best"  





One Wish is a male & female duet and wishes peace for Christmas.




Above The Rain is a live performance from the PBS documentary, “We Remember: Songs of Survivors,” which showed Woodstock area songwriters collaborating with Holocaust Survivors.  "Above The Rain," which is available for covers and airplay was co-written by Michael and survivor Rita Schwartz. Live performance. Acoustic guitar, accordion, cello, gentle male vocals,  Remembering what life was like before how they were “changed forever.” They’re praying and waiting for the rain to end.  Has an optimistic tilt as “the sun still shines above the rain.”




5/1/26

Poet Cornelius Eady on The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show


 https://youtu.be/X0nbGhjeGrU?si=tKyrXswM4vyI6ygi  It was a pleasure interviewing my friend and fellow poet/songwriter Cornelius Eady. He wrote and read "Proof" for the Inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.  "Proof" is his upcoming chapbook, which will be out this September on Tupelo Press.