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LIFE OF RILEY MUSIC
Singer / Songwriter, Artist and Author
Thomas Riley Smith ... but you can just call him Riley!
Singer / Songwriter,
Artist and Author
Thomas Riley Smith
... but you can just
call him Riley!
Riley is a wordsmith, unearthing bare words, ultimately, the raw material for sculpting
pieces of poetry that are then folded into chords and melodies to craft his finished songs.
But, no song is ever really “finished,” as it is always open to new interpretations, arrangements
and additions that can be contributed by other members of this sacred craft we call songwriting.
Riley is a wordsmith, unearthing bare words,
ultimately, the raw material for sculpting
pieces of poetry that are then folded into
chords and melodies to craft his finished songs.
But, no song is ever really “finished,” as it is
always open to new interpretations,
arrangements and additions that can be
contributed by other members of this
sacred craft we call songwriting.
for the love of Songwriting
for the love
of Songwriting
Riley’s lyrics can be crafted to fit into almost any musical genre.
Within the parameters of mutual agreements, both the lyrics and
musical arrangements may be used as is, added to or reworked
by the producer or artist, or Riley can tailor the song to their needs.
Riley also may be contracted to write for specific projects
and welcomes collaborations with other songwriters. Subject to
availability, Riley can help newer songwriters take their lyrics
to the next level with one-on-one songwriting sessions.
Life of Riley Music invites you to browse through the available songs
that are posted throughout this site. We also encourage you to reach out
to us directly with any questions that you may have, or to discuss
procedures, rates and compensations. Until then … enjoy the songs!
Riley’s lyrics can be crafted to fit into
almost any musical genre. Within the
parameters of mutual agreements, both
the lyrics and musical arrangements may
be used as is, added to or reworked by
the producer or artist, or Riley can tailor
the song to their needs.
Riley also may be contracted to write for
specific projects and welcomes
collaborations with other songwriters.
Subject to availability, Riley can help
newer songwriters take their lyrics to
the next songwriting sessions.
Life of Riley Music invites you to browse
through the available songs that are posted
throughout this site. We also encourage
you to reach out to us directly with any
questions that you may have, or to discuss
procedures, rates and compensations.
Until then … enjoy the songs!
Life of Riley Music invites you to browse
through the available songs that are posted
throughout this site. We also encourage
you to reach out to us directly with any
questions that you may have, or to discuss
procedures, rates and compensations.
Until then … enjoy the songs!
Faith is the opposite of fear
I tell you this with confidence,
that comes from vast experience
in the art of being me.
I would never embellish this life.
I have no need to shine my miracles.
They reflect the light I need
for the art of being me.
Coney Island was all rides and sand.
Manhattan was just one big rock band.
I was twelve till I was thirty-three,
begged, borrowed and stole
till I found it for free.
Then I layed me down to sleep,
I asked the Lord my soul to keep.
He must have known the beds I'd make,
'cause this request He did not forsake.
Walk me down Mermaid Avenue at night.
Walk me down Mermaid Avenue at night.
From Faith ... Thomas Riley Smith - C. 2010 -2022
Riley wrote Faith in 2010. It speaks of how his faith carried him through the tougher times
as well as the better times. It is also a nod to his hometown of Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
as well as to dear friends lost and found again.
Faith is the
opposite of fear
I tell you this
with confidence,
that comes from
vast experience
in the art of being me.
I would never
embellish this life.
I have no need to
shine my miracles.
They reflect
the light I need
for the
art of being me.
Coney Island was
all rides and sand.
Manhattan was just
one big rock band.
I was twelve till
I was thirty-three,
begged, borrowed
and stole till I
found it for free.
Then I layed me
down to sleep,
I asked the Lord
my soul to keep.
He must have known
the beds I'd make,
'cause this request
He did not forsake.
Walk me down
Mermaid Avenue
at night.
Walk me down
Mermaid Avenue
at night.
From, Faith ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2010
Riley wrote Faith in 2010. It speaks of
how his faith carried him through the
tougher times as well as the better times.
It is also a nod to his hometown of
Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
as well as to dear friends
lost and found again.
I will always be your lover
and I will stand up for you
like a brother I will listen
without interruption like
a lifelong friend,
I will celebrate all your
beginnings, and mourn
all your endings,
I am your man.
I am your man.
I Am Your Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2001
they're better for me and
they're better for you,
break an angels heart
if she only knew,
so go down to the corner
and sing amazing grace and
think about that midnight when
you almost lost the race
and be amazed that
these are better days.
Better Days. ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2009
I will always be your lover
and I will stand up for you
like a brother I will listen
without interruption like
a lifelong friend,
I will celebrate all your
beginnings, and mourn
all your endings,
I am your man.
I am your man.
I Am Your Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2001
they're better for me and
they're better for you,
break an angels heart
if she only knew,
so go down to the corner
and sing amazing grace
and think about that midnight when you almost
lost the race
and be amazed that
these are better days.
Better Days. ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2009
Thomas Riley Smith ... but you can just call him Riley!
Thomas Riley Smith
... but you can just
call him Riley!
Growing up in his hometown of Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, Riley
began his appreciation of the well crafted song listening intently to the
selections being spun by iconic AM radio DJs like Cousin Bruce Morrow
and Dan Ingram. He also never missed a Saturday morning broadcast
of Casey Kassem’s American Top 40.
In his teenage years, he was fortunate to be around a number of skilled
songwriters who’s early mentoring began to mold him into the
passionate and skilled wordsmith that he is today.
Riley continued his musical journey in the days of new wave and punk,
at clubs such as Manhattan's Max's Kansas City, CBGB’s and
The Mudd Club, becoming known by his stage name Thomas Anonymous.
Through the years, Riley has actively broadened his musical horizons,
and to this day enjoys listening to and working in multiple musical
genres, including Pop ... Rock ... Punk ... EDM ... Jazz ... Blues ...
Contemporary Christian ... Country ... Americana ... Roots Rock ... and Folk.
His signature sound is by his own branding, “Good, Clean Rock & Roll!”
Growing up in his hometown of Coney Island
in Brooklyn, New York, Riley began his
appreciation of the well crafted song
listening intently to the selections being spun by
iconic AM radio DJs like Cousin Bruce Morrow
and Dan Ingram. He also never missed a
Saturday morning broadcast of
Casey Kassem’s American Top 40.
In his teenage years, he was fortunate to be
around a number of skilled songwriters who’s
early mentoring began to mold him into
the passionate and skilled
wordsmith that he is today.
Riley continued his musical journey in the days
of new wave and punk, at legendary clubs
such as Manhattan's Max's Kansas City,
CBGB’s and The Mudd Club becoming known
by his stage name, Thomas Anonymous.
Through the years, Riley has actively broadened
his musical horizons, and to this day enjoys
listening to and working in multiple musical
genres, including Pop ... Rock ... Punk ...
EDM ... Country ... Americana ...
Roots Rock ... and Folk.
His signature sound is by his own branding,
“Good, Clean Rock & Roll!”
Roots Rock ... and Folk.
His signature sound is by his own branding,
“Good, Clean Rock & Roll!”
Run my reds and cross my yellow lines.
It's a good day to breathe, it's a good day
for the sun to rise.
Maybe I'm blacktop and maybe I'm paved with gold.
What am I, a road?
What am I, A Road? ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2010
Riley wrote Rain Baby Rain in 2008, about some the tougher times that he had while living in
Manhattan. It mentions the iconic Gem Spa, the egg cream capitol of the Lower East Side.
Click here to view the lyrics in their entirety.
Run my reds and cross my
yellow lines. It's a good
day to breathe, it's a good
day
for the sun to rise.
Maybe I'm blacktop and maybe I'm paved with gold.
What am I, a road?
What am I, A Road? ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2010
Riley wrote Rain Baby Rain in 2008, about some
the tougher times that he had while living in
Manhattan. It mentions the iconic Gem Spa,
the egg cream capitol of the Lower East Side.
Click here to view the lyrics in their entirety.
Thomas Riley Smith ... but you can just call him Riley!
Thomas Riley Smith
... but you can just
call him Riley!
And if I need a few more bucks,
I could always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for change,
or sell umbrellas ,
at Penn Station,
but I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008<
Beloved I say to you
there is no doubt that
there will be
adversities,
And knowing the absurdities
of the world we’ve
inherited,
not every day will be easy.
But I will remain
in love with you,
and you will remain
in love with me,
and we will be happy.
That’s a prophecy.
Prophecy. ... Thomas Riley Smith - 1996
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Beloved I say to you
there is no doubt that
there will be
adversities,
And knowing the absurdities
of the world we’ve
inherited,
not every day will be easy.
But I will remain
in love with you,
and you will remain
in love with me,
and we will be happy.
That’s a prophecy.
Prophecy ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2009
In a perfect world the poet
gets the girl
and the poet is just the
honest man and the girl she is
just the good girl,
never been more than fifty miles
outside of her hometown.
Now he's her hometown.
Hometown ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2007
In a perfect world
the poet gets the girl
and the poet is just
the honest man and
the girl she is
just the good girl,
never been more
than fifty miles
outside of her hometown.
Now he's her hometown.
Hometown ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2007
Time takes a break from the job,
sits down on the hood
of his car,
tosses his fedora on the sidewalk,
starts
making love to his guitar.
On a Friday afternoon for all
his public to see, he’s not
ashamed
with all his style, tell me,
why should he be?
Millennium Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 1999
Time will tell on you and I.
New paint fades, bouquets dry.
Structures crumble and
nobody asks why.
isn't it time to start
thinking about forever?
One love was meant to last.
It doesn't rust, and it doesn't crack.
It doesn't run and it won't grow cold.
It won't be bought, and it can't be sold.
Isn't it time to start thinking about forever?
About Forever ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Time takes a break
from the job,
sits down on the hood
of his car,
tosses his fedora
on the sidewalk,
starts
making love
to his guitar.
On a Friday afternoon
for all his public
to see, he’s not
ashamed
with all his style, tell me,
why should he be?
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Run my reds and cross my yellow lines.
It's a good day to breathe, it's a good day
for the sun to rise.
Maybe I'm blacktop and maybe I'm paved with gold.
What am I, a road?
Run my reds and cross my yellow lines.
It's a good day to breathe, it's a good day
for the sun to rise.
Maybe I'm blacktop and maybe I'm paved with gold.
What am I, a road?
What am I, A Road? ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2010
Riley wrote Rain Baby Rain in 2008, about some the tougher times that he had while living in
Manhattan. It mentions the iconic Gem Spa, the egg cream capitol of the Lower East Side.
Click here to view the lyrics in their entirety.
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
I will always be your lover
and I will stand up for you
like a brother I will listen
without interruption like
a lifelong friend,
I will celebrate all your
beginnings, and mourn
all your endings,
I am your man.
I am your man.
I Am Your Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2001
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Bartender's Love Song
They are not my friends, They don’t even know my name.
They just call me bartender, and ask me to fill
them up again.
And the jukebox lies for dollars,
Everything is gonna be alright,
And tomorrow will be different, but they’re drinking
tonight.
The merry-go-round keeps turning. But it’s no
carousel, and isn’t it ironic that a poet holds the keys
to hell?
And the jukebox lies for dollars, Everything is gonna
be alright.
And in the morning I’ll be with you, but
they’re drinking tonight.
Riley wrote Bartenders Love Song from his experience of working hundreds of last calls
and serving hundreds of bar patrons through the years, all while still trying to maintain some sort of a "normal" life.
From Bartenders Love Song ... Thomas Riley Smith - 1996
Bartender's Love Song
They are not
my friends,
They don’t even
know my name.
They just call
me bartender,
and ask me to fill
them up again.
And the jukebox
lies for dollars,
Everything is
gonna be alright,
And tomorrow will be different, but they’re drinking
tonight.
The merry-go-round
keeps turning.
But it’s no
carousel,
and isn’t it ironic
that a poet holds
the keys
to hell?
And the jukebox
lies for dollars,
Everything is
gonna
be alright.
And in the morning
I’ll be with you, but
they’re drinking tonight.
Bartenders Love Song ... Thomas Riley Smith - 1996
Riley wrote Bartenders Love Song from his
experience of working hundreds of last calls
and serving hundreds of bar patrons through
the years, all while still trying to maintain some
Thomas Riley Smith ... but you can just call him Riley!
Thomas Riley Smith ...
but you can just
call him Riley!
Riley is a wordsmith, unearthing bare words, ultimately, the raw material for sculpting
pieces of poetry that are then folded into chords and melodies to craft his finished songs.
But, no song is ever really “finished,” as it is always open to new interpretations, arrangements
and additions contributed by other members of this sacred craft we call songwriting.
Riley is a wordsmith, unearthing bare words, ultimately, the raw material for sculpting
pieces of poetry that are then folded into chords and melodies to craft his finished songs.
But, no song is ever really “finished,” as it is always open to new interpretations, arrangements
and additions contributed by other members of this sacred craft we call songwriting.
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
I will always be your lover
and I will stand up for you
like a brother
I will listen without interruption
like a lifelong friend,
I will celebrate all your beginnings,
and mourn all your endings,
I am your man.
I Am Your Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2001
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Run my reds and cross my yellow lines.
It's a good day to breathe, it's a good day
for the sun to rise.
Maybe I'm blacktop and maybe I'm paved with gold.
What am I, a road?
What am I, A Road? ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2010
Riley wrote Rain Baby Rain in 2008, about some the tougher times that he had while living in
Manhattan. It mentions the iconic Gem Spa, the egg cream capitol of the Lower East Side.
Click here to view the lyrics in their entirety.
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
I will always be your lover
and I will stand up for you
like a brother
I will listen without interruption
like a lifelong friend,
I will celebrate all your beginnings,
and mourn all your endings,
I am your man.
I Am Your Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2001
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Run my reds and cross my yellow lines.
It's a good day to breathe, it's a good day
for the sun to rise.
Maybe I'm blacktop and maybe I'm paved with gold.
What am I, a road?
What am I, A Road? ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2010
Riley wrote Rain Baby Rain in 2008, about some the tougher times that he had while living in
Manhattan. It mentions the iconic Gem Spa, the egg cream capitol of the Lower East Side.
Click here to view the lyrics in their entirety.
LIfe of riley music ... poetic lyrics & lyrical poetry
Riley is a wordsmith, unearthing bare words, ultimately, the raw material for sculpting
pieces of poetry that are then folded into chords and melodies to craft his finished songs.
But, no song is ever really “finished,” as it is always open to new interpretations, arrangements
and additions contributed by other members of this sacred craft we call songwriting.
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
I will always be your lover
and I will stand up for you
like a brother
I will listen without interruption
like a lifelong friend,
I will celebrate all your beginnings,
and mourn all your endings,
I am your man.
I Am Your Man ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2001
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
And if I need a few
more bucks, I could
always go back to 1983
and stand in front of the
Gem Spa and play for
change, or sell umbrellas
at Penn Station, but
I'd still need the rain.
Rain Baby Rain
Rain on my Parade,
I really dont feel like
marching today.
Rain Baby Rain ... Thomas Riley Smith - 2008
Thank you for visiting Life of Riley Music!
Feel free to reach out to us at 1-855-RILEY-55
Thank you for visiting
Life of Riley Music!
Feel free to reach out to us
at 1-855-RILEY-55
Navigation
- Overview
- Song Catalog
- Collaborate with Riley
- Obtain Rights to Record or Perform
Navigation
- Overview
- Song Catalog
- Collaborate with Riley
- Obtain Rights to Record or Perform