CD: A Scurvy Rickets Songbook

By Carlos Velez

A collection of song lyrics by Carlos Velez, known as Scurvy Rickets, and written primarly from 2020 to 2023, With some songs published, others in production, more to come, and some to be left behind, CD: A Scurvy Rickets Songbook provides a far-ranging snapshot of a unique, challenging, and transformative time in the life of the artist, wrestling with issues of grief, masculinity, love, and growth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Top City Records
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223618782

Carlos Velez

A writer, musician, poet, composer, and producer, Carlos Velez lives in his hometown of Topeka, Kansas with his partner Elaine and her three kids. As the music artist Scurvy Rickets, he creates music of all kinds including instrumental piano and chamber music, folk and rock songs, hip-hop and anything else that strikes his fancy. As the founder of Top City Records, he is actively engaged in the local arts community of Topeka, Kansas, supporting poetry and author groups and producing music with local songwriters and musicians.  A hobbit by nature, he loves a quiet life of hot coffee, moody music, the best of friends, cozy books, and good love.

Book preview

It’s A Bounty

The men have shared their tales

Their laughter, joy, and ale

The memories they’ve earned

The women share their dreams

Their coffee poured with cream

And what they’ve yet to learn

The children sing

And play their games

Eager for their turn

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It’s a moment

It’s a bounty

It’s enough

What will it take

To make these days linger on?

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The men have gathered round

To share what made them proud

Their worries and concerns

The women drink their tea

And share their expertise

And get to work

The children see

That in their grief

Joy still returns

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It’s a moment

It’s a bounty

It’s enough

What will it take

To make these days linger on?

Emperor Card

You probably missed my note

Or probably at least you missed its meaning

I’m making my way back East

A promising place with new beginnings

and I’m fine, I’m doing fine...

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I’m leaving here just in time

Finding my way to something special

I’m making my way back East

Digging my roots down deep and spreading

and I’m fine, I’m doing fine...

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I haven’t thought much of home

History’s dust makes fertile soil

Stirred by the Western wind

Where everything left is golden memories fine

It must be fine...

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I thought I’d go back someday

Imagined the man they’d see returning

Stripped by the Western wind

I always come back with bare beginnings

and I’m fine, I’m always fine...

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The novelty of new beginnings

Shelter wrapped around old bones

Suddenly left cold and shivering

An emperor who has no clothes

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Far away it feels so easy

To turn myself into a king

But journeys home have different meaning

That strips away the royalty

and I'm