“Eye of the Hurricane” is a standout track from the Chopped Wood Band that captures the quiet intensity of holding steady through life’s chaos. With its weathered lyricism and soulful jazz-blues groove, the song paints a vivid picture of a narrator caught in the calm at the center of emotional upheaval. “I stand in the eye of a hurricane” becomes both a declaration and a mantra, as the singer navigates moments of clarity surrounded by the churn of memory, pressure, and doubt.

Both grounded and raw, the track speaks to the resilience it takes to stay centered when everything else is spinning. The plea to “throw me a rope if I’m leav’n the ground” is less about rescue and more about connection—a desire to remain tethered to something true. “Eye of the Hurricane” is a powerful reflection on survival, vulnerability, and the fleeting peace that gets us through the storm, one grounded verse at a time.

“Suspicious Minds” was written by American songwriter Mark James in 1968, originally recorded by James himself with producer Chips Moman at American Sound Studio in Memphis. Despite James’s compelling composition—a soulful lament on mistrust and emotional entrapment—his own version failed to gain commercial traction. The song's heartfelt lyrics, built around the tension of suspicion destroying love, resonated deeply with Moman, who believed the song had great potential if given the right voice. That opportunity came when Elvis Presley, seeking material that could refresh his sound and re-establish his credibility as a serious recording artist, began sessions at American Sound Studio in early 1969. Moman presented “Suspicious Minds” to Presley, who immediately connected with its theme of love undermined by doubt.

Elvis’s recording of “Suspicious Minds” would become one of the defining moments of his late career. Tracked in January 1969 with the house band known as the “Memphis Boys,” the song was layered with dynamic arrangements, emotional vocal delivery, and a now-famous fade-out/fade-in ending that heightened its dramatic tension. Released as a single in August 1969, it soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—the last time Presley would top the U.S. charts in his lifetime. The song helped spearhead what became known as the "Elvis comeback," marking a return to critical and commercial success after years of formulaic movie soundtracks. Over time, “Suspicious Minds” has remained a staple of Presley’s legacy, covered by numerous artists and continuing to symbolize the complexities of trust and heartache in relationships.

I heard a version of this song while on vacation in Aruba. I'm not sure who did that version but it started my pursuing a version of my own.
-Mike

"Monday Lisa", an original by Chopped Wood Band, is a playful yet relatable anthem for anyone who’s ever struggled through the start of a new week. With vivid storytelling and a bluesy, folk-infused vibe, the song humorously reimagines Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa as a weary soul trudging through the Monday grind.

The lyrics paint a picture of a woman whose weekend has left her drained—her once-iconic smile faded, her energy sapped, and her coffee the only thing keeping her going. The melancholic yet uplifting chorus acknowledges the universal struggle of shaking off the Monday blues, making "Monday Lisa" a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the weight of the workweek ahead.

With rich instrumentation and a laid-back groove, Chopped Wood Band delivers a clever, soulful tribute to resilience, routine, and the art of simply getting through the day.

"Stand By Me" is a classic soul song originally recorded by Ben E. King in 1961. The song was written by King along with the famous songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Inspired by a 1905 gospel hymn called "Stand by Me Father" by Charles Albert Tindley, King’s version features a rich orchestral arrangement and a steady bassline, which became iconic. The song was first recorded in 1960 and released as a single in 1961 on the Atco Records label. It quickly became a hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts. Lyrically, "Stand By Me" conveys a message of unwavering support and love, with the narrator expressing a deep need for companionship and reassurance through life's challenges.

Over the years, "Stand By Me" has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. One of the most famous renditions was by John Lennon in 1975, which reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1986, Ben E. King's original version saw a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the hit film Stand by Me, leading to a re-entry on the charts and peaking at No. 9. The song has also been recorded by artists such as Otis Redding, Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay), and Tracy Chapman. In 2018, a moving rendition by gospel singer Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir was performed at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. With its timeless melody and universal message of devotion, "Stand By Me" remains one of the most enduring and beloved songs in popular music history.

With that, I present the Chopped Wood Band version for your listening pleasure.

A collection of 6 songs that tell a story of a man up on his age and down on his luck. Having had the best of family comfort in the past, he finds himself alone and living in a late 19th century poorhouse. Helplessness, frustration and a little bitterness blended with fond thoughts of past experiences creates an edgy, yet soulful feel to the music and lyrics. The 7th and last song in the set is an uplifting, finger-picking acoustic guitar and percussion musical passage that leaves the listener upbeat.

CWB covers this Steve Earle song off of his Jerusalem album released in 2002. The original has Emmylou Harris singing this duet with Steve and has always been a recurring song in my head. Replacing Emmylou on this version (and doing a fantastic job!) is Jackie Flanagan. Many thanks to Jackie, Carl Johnson, Jim Kelly and Zach Dresser for putting in the time and patience on this tune. Hope you like it and Steve approves.

-Mike