This post is an update for the “Greater Than Gold” song project.
“Greater Than Gold: My co-writer and I felt the chorus in the earlier version wasn’t quite strong enough or hook-worthy, so I re-wrote it, and changed the title/hook to Chain Reaction I also made minor changes to the last two lines of verse 2. The revised lyric is below. Kevin is now composing music for it. Hopefully I’ll be able to share the completed song with you in 7-10 days.
“Chain Reaction”
My little girl saw a homeless man
Said, “Daddy he looks hungry and thin
May I use my allowance
To buy a meal for him?
He was surprised when she reached out
With a burger and some fries
He smiled as he took her gift
With grateful tears in his eyes
(Chorus)
There is greatness in goodness
And when love is in action
Ripples of kindness
Cause a Chain Reaction
(Verse 2)
Years later I was late for lunch
As I headed toward the door
Ran right past an old woman
Who looked half-starved and poor
But when my thoughts flashed back
To what my daughter had done
I saw the look on that hungry face
And bought two meals instead of one
(Chorus)
There is greatness in goodness
And when love is in action
Ripples of kindness
Cause a Chain Reaction
–Russ Towne
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I like this you have such talent
Thank you Joanne. Most of my life until less than 4 years ago I told people that I didn’t have a creative bone in my body. I had been completely convinced of the truth of that message. It took a person who believed that I might have some creative talent and who was willing to work with me to help us both find out. Thank you Denis Loiseau (my first song co-writer). Then another began to believe, and another, until eventually even slow-learner-me began to believe. I’m glad that I didn’t die with all of this stuff inside me.
Russ
Russ I love this! ♥
Thank you, Misifusa! I’m glad it resonated for you.
Russ
It works – I like it better! This is so exciting!
I’m glad you like it better, Diana. A big thank you to both you and your daughter for being the inspiration that led to the poem, lyric, and song.
Russ
Our unexpected and happy pleasure!
:-D!
Russ
I think that chorus is catchy
I’m glad you do, my friend. As you doubtless know, it’s the repeated part of the song and the part people tend to sing along with, so it needs to be catchy/memorable and to hook the listener. I wonder where I got the concept behind lines 3 & 4 of the chorus… ;-D!
Thank you again for your comment about kindness being love in action so many months ago, Bill. It obviously inspired the improved chorus.
Russ
🙂