Turn The Radio Up

Chop the onion fine and slow

Put the heavy kettle on

Hear the swing band start to play

All the morning worries gone

Everything is coming right today

Soup is bubbling on the stove

Dancing with a wooden spoon

In the kitchen that I love

Simmer down the garlic now

Watch the steam begin to rise

Toss a pinch of salt inside

Right before your very eyes

Everything is coming right today

Steam is fogging up the glass

Tap your toes upon the floor

Watch the lazy hours pass

Clarinet is blowing sweet

Brass is ringing clear and bright

Give the pot another stir

Getting every detail right

Everything is coming right today

Taste the broth upon the spoon

Shadows stretching on the wall

In the quiet afternoon

Turn the dial one more time

Keep the rhythm swinging free

Set the spoon upon the tile

That's the way it ought to be

Open up the kitchen door

Let the sunshine flood the floor

Grab the broom beside the sink

Quicker than a person thinks

It feels good to move around

Sweeping flour off the board

Dusty corners shine again

Count the blessing, count the hoard

Across the yellow floor today

Push the crumbs into a line

Hear the trumpets play along

Everything is doing fine

It feels good to move around

Shake the rug out in the yard

Catch the breeze across the porch

Living easy isn't hard

Round and round the table leg

Tidy up the front hall rug

Put the dustpan in its place

Pour a coffee in a mug

It feels good to move around

Clear the doorway to the street

Sun is shining on the sill

Making every corner neat

Hang the broom back on the hook

Take a moment just to stand

Look at how the sunlight falls

On a clean and steady land

Wring the cotton wet and cold

Basket resting on my hip

Walk out to the green grass yard

Watch the morning water drip

We are making room to breathe

Snap the bedsheet in the air

Wooden pegs hold fast and strong

Drying in the sunny air

Line is stretched from tree to post

Smell the soap upon the thread

Wind comes blowing from the south

Tossing white above my head

We are making room to breathe

Pillowcases swing along

Rhythm of the wooden pegs

Matching with a radio song

Brass horn hums a cheerful tune

Shadows dancing on the grass

Warm sun pulling out the damp

Watching empty clouds pass

We are making room to breathe

Fold the corners straight and true

Basket lighter than before

Sky is looking bright and blue

Leave them swinging in the sun

Smell the linen sweet and clean

Step back inside through the door

Nicest sight I've ever seen

Run the warm tap till it sings

Soapy bubbles fill the sink

Plates are stacked up in a row

Faster than a clock can go

Nothing stays dirty for long

Rinse the teacup under foam

Scrub the skillet black and deep

Making order in the home

Squeaky handle turns around

Water splash upon the tile

Wipe the counter clean and dry

Doing dishes with a smile

Nothing stays dirty for long

Glassware shining like a star

Drying rack is full of gold

Knowing just where things are

Listen to the swing band groove

Drums are tapping soft and steady

Pass the drying towel over

Get the dinner table ready

Nothing stays dirty for long

Stack the bowls upon the shelf

Wipe the faucet till it shines

House is looking like itself

Drain the basin with a swirl

Hang the dish towel on the ring

Listen to the faucet stop

Hear the quiet kitchen sing

Lift the latch and push it high

Let the garden smell come in

Curtain lifts a gentle wing

That is where the day begins

Fresh air fixes everything

Cool breeze coming off the street

Blow the cobwebs out the hall

Make the morning feel complete

Dust motes floating in the sun

Potted mint upon the ledge

Neighbour walking down the lane

Trimming up the privet hedge

Fresh air fixes everything

Smell the cut grass down below

Curtain dancing to the beat

Watch the heavy traffic slow

Trumpet solos soft and sweet

Clarinet replies so clear

Take a deep breath at the frame

Glad to be right standing here

Fresh air fixes everything

Sunlight streaming through the glass

Hear the birds outside the door

Watching busy people pass

Leave the glass up wide and high

Let the cool wind sweep the floor

Kitchen filled with light and space

Don't need nothing any more

Flour dusting on my hands

Pressing down into the bowl

Yeast is rising soft and warm

Good for keeping mind and soul

Good things take a little while

Fold the dough and stretch it wide

Leave it underneath the cloth

Resting on the sunny side

Shape the loaf into the tin

Score the top with three small lines

Oven humming near the wall

Everything is working fine

Good things take a little while

Crust is turning golden brown

Smell of baking fills the room

Warmest scent in all the town

Radio is playing soft

Swing beat tapping like my shoe

Patience brings the golden crust

Just like simple people do

Good things take a little while

Set the loaf upon the rack

Hear the crispy crust crackle

Never need to look on back

Slice it thick while it is hot

Butter melting on the bread

Sit down at the scrubbed oak board

Peaceful thoughts inside my head

Yellow feathers in my hand

Reaching for the top shelf high

Flick the dust off storybooks

As the radio plays by

Every little corner shines

Feathers tickle framed art

Sprucing up the sitting room

Gives a tidy house a start

Wipe the lamp shade smooth and clean

Dust the clock upon the wall

Tick and tock and swing along

Steps echoing down the hall

Every little corner shines

Clear the sideboard made of pine

Polishing the mirror glass

Making all the dark wood shine

Fiddle plays a lively jig

Horns are joining in the fun

Swish the feathers to the left

Before the middle section's done

Every little corner shines

Shake the feathers out the screen

Not a speck of grey remains

Cutest place you've ever seen

Put the duster in the drawer

Take a glance around the room

Everything is in its place

Gone is any hint of gloom

Fill the copper pot with water

Set it on the iron ring

Flame is blue and burning bright

Waiting for the pot to sing

A cup of tea will set you right

Pour the water hot and steep

Leaves are swirling in the pot

Promises you ought to keep

Open up the tin of black

Smell the bergamot and spice

Spoon two measures in the pot

Nothing ever felt so nice

A cup of tea will set you right

Whistle blowing soft and clear

Steam rises toward the beam

Glad that everybody's here

Clarinet is swinging fast

Drums are keeping steady time

Add a splash of creaming milk

Matching with the kitchen chime

A cup of tea will set you right

Warm ceramic in your hand

Sit beside the window pane

Finest feeling in the land

Sip it slow and let it rest

Steam fading in the air

Kitchen warm and full of grace

Comfort found right in this chair

Rag is damp with beeswax paste

Rubbing circles on the wood

Smell of honey fills the air

Doing what a body should

Grain is coming back to light

Buffing out the water ring

Heavy oak is looking grand

While the radio trumpets sing

Work the polish deep inside

Knots and lines begin to glow

Years of meals and quiet talks

Lined up in a handsome row

Grain is coming back to light

Smooth as silk beneath the palm

Reflecting back the yellow lamp

Bringing in a steady calm

Bass line bouncing on the beat

Brass is shining like the board

Rubbing rhythmic, keeping time

Simple joy is its reward

Grain is coming back to light

Set the fruit bowl in the middle

Table ready for the feast

Dancing to the kitchen fiddle

Fold the cloth and put it down

Run a thumb across the edge

Shining smooth and standing firm

Solid as a garden hedge

Lay the checkered cloth out wide

Smooth the wrinkles with my hand

Bring four plates out from the drawer

Best dishware in all the land

Welcome home and take a seat

Forks go on the left hand side

Knives and spoons line up so neat

Doors are open wide and high

Fold the napkins into squares

Set the glasses in a row

Water pitcher full of ice

Watch the dinner hour grow

Welcome home and take a seat

Salt and pepper in the center

Ready for the hungry guest

Happy for the one to enter

Horn section plays a friendly tune

Piano keys are light and sweet

Match the cutlery just right

Making every place complete

Welcome home and take a seat

Plates are waiting for the food

Light the candle in the jar

Puts us in a happy mood

Pull a chair up to the board

Everything is set to go

Listen for the front latch turn

In the evening's golden glow

Dice the carrots into squares

Celery stems go in the pot

Toss the bay leaves in the broth

Keep the burner medium hot

Good smells filling up the hall

Bubbles rising to the top

Peel potatoes one by one

Rhythm that won't ever stop

Scrape the board into the soup

Listen to the sizzle sound

Thyme and parsley chopped up fine

Best ingredients around

Good smells filling up the hall

Steam is rising off the lid

Ladle ready in my hand

Just like when I was a kid

Clarinet plays a bouncy line

Snare drum tapping crisp and dry

Give the pot another turn

As the afternoon goes by

Good smells filling up the hall

Broth is getting rich and deep

Taste a drop off of the spoon

Promises the heart will keep

Turn the gas flame down to low

Let it simmer nice and slow

Put the pot lid back in place

Warmth in every single space

Line the jars upon the shelf

Rice and beans in heavy glass

Labels written clear and bold

Watching busy moments pass

A place for everything tonight

Canned tomatoes on the rack

Spices lined by their name

Never looking, looking back

Sugar in ceramic crocks

Flour in the wooden bin

Close the pantry door up tight

Let the evening quiet in

A place for everything tonight

Tidy corners bring a smile

Floor is swept and counters clear

Rest your feet a little while

Trumpet muffles sweet and low

Brushes on the hi-hat ring

Order makes a peaceful home

Hear the pantry cabinet sing

A place for everything tonight

Turn the pantry light switch off

Cupboard doors are shut so square

Gentle as a velvet cloth

Step back into the glowing room

Pantry organized and neat

Every jar is in its spot

Makes the busy day complete

Bucket full of soapy suds

Stiff brush working on the pine

Scrubbing dirt off step by step

Making wooden planks look fine

Out here in the open air

Suds are foaming on the floor

Rinse it with a bucket splash

Right outside the kitchen door

Sun is warm upon my back

Birds are singing in the tree

Brush goes back and brush goes forth

Happy as a person can be

Out here in the open air

Steps are drying clean and white

Smell of pine soap in the breeze

Everything is shining bright

Swing band playing from the hall

Radio turns up real loud

Working hard with steady hands

Makes a body feeling proud

Out here in the open air

Splash the water one last time

Watch the grey dirt wash away

Matching with the radio chime

Set the stiff brush by the wall

Watch the porch dry in the sun

Sit upon the wooden step

Another simple duty done

Dip the mop into the foam

Wring it out and twist it tight

Glide across the kitchen floor

Underneath the midday light

Clean floors make a happy home

Wet tile shining like a lake

Push the mop from side to side

Every simple step we take

Around the fridge and round the stove

Lemon scent is in the air

Leave no smudges on the ground

Working without any care

Clean floors make a happy home

Tiles are drying nice and neat

Reflecting back the yellow walls

Cool and fresh beneath my feet

Clarinet swings sweet and high

Drums go double on the beat

Dance the mop around the rug

Moving with two nimble feet

Clean floors make a happy home

Spotless squares of white and blue

Step around the drying parts

Like a dancer ought to do

Pour the dirty water out

Rinse the mop and stand it high

Floor is dry and gleaming bright

As the quiet sun goes by

Zinc can filled up to the brim

Carry it with steady care

Rosemary and basil plants

Sitting in the sunny air

Give the green things what they need

Water trickles through the soil

Smell of fresh mint in the room

Sweet reward for gentle toil

Thyme is growing wild and tall

Parsley leaves are green and bright

Pour a little on the roots

Catching all the morning light

Give the green things what they need

Drops are sparkling on the leaf

Life is quiet, life is good

Simple joy beyond belief

Brass horn plays a gentle phrase

Piano chiming light and clear

Nurture every little pot

Glad to have these plants right here

Give the green things what they need

Terracotta pots are full

Greenery beside the glass

Giving heart a gentle pull

Set the zinc can by the sink

Touch a leaf of basil sweet

Window garden thriving well

Makes the kitchen feel complete

Kitchen floor is swept and dry

Dishes stacked upon the shelf

Sun is dipping in the west

House is feeling like itself

Time to rest the moving feet

Work is done and order reigns

Twilight coming through the glass

Softening the windowpanes

Wipe the counter one last time

Hang the apron on the peg

Cat is stretching on the rug

Curled around the table leg

Time to rest the moving feet

Quiet settles on the floor

Everything in its right place

Don't need nothing any more

Clarinet plays one last swing

Horns fade out into the night

Rhythm slowing nice and easy

Underneath the golden light

Time to rest the moving feet

Sit down in the wooden chair

Peace is holding every room

Comfort floating in the air

Turn the radio knob to off

Hear the small click in the quiet

House is peaceful, still and warm

Wishing everyone goodnight