Music - Peter George Hanson

Angel Eyes

featuring Leigh Vance

Leigh Demarche Vance’s dynamic voice has taken her across the country, and across musical styles from jazz and country to R&B and pop. A naturally gifted vocalist, Leigh sang her first professional gig at age 6, and hasn’t looked back. She has performed in commercials, professional theater, and along with her two siblings (The Demarche Sisters), sung 1940’s big band standards in Las Vegas. Her sultry style and wide vocal range makes her an in-demand performer for concerts, club and recording dates. She has thrilled audiences from Nashville to southern California.

COMING SOON ON

From the songwriter: Angel Eyes

“This song came to me as a soft evening breeze moved the tall trees behind our home. The words and music came all at once. My wife heard me playing from the floor below, so she sat on the stairs to listen. Intrigued, she set about helping to shape and edit the words and music. After hearing it a few times, Lisa picked up her viola, and wrote a beautiful and haunting introduction before the full orchestration came in.”

– P.G.H.

New Release: “The Only Fool”

Still Standing

featuring Lois Mahalia

Lois Mahalia is a soulful singer and songwriter known for her powerful, emotive voice and for her versatility. A native of Guyana, South America, she currently lives in Santa Barbara, California. Lois has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Joe Walsh, Kenny Loggins, and Michael McDonald. Her performances blend elements of jazz, pop, and soul, captivating audiences with her heartfelt delivery and deep musicality. Lois recently released her album Chasing the Sun, showcasing her original music. Over the years, she has become a sought-after vocalist, bringing passion and grace to every performance.

AVAILABLE NOW ON

From the songwriter: Still Standing

“This song tells of survival, hope, and optimism. The title was inspired by a patient who had been navigating some very hard times. The rest of the words just wrote themselves. Lois Mahalia takes this song to the next level, giving an emotional and powerful lift to inspire us all.”

– P.G.H.

AVAILABLE NOW ON

Lyrics:

Singles

Still Standing

Words, music and published by Peter George Hanson

I have won and lost at love
I have laughed and I’ve cried tears
But when all around has fallen to the ground
I’m still standing after all these years

I’ve seen babies born, and grandpa die
I’ve seen good friends fade away
I’ve been kept awake by both dreams and nightmares
But i’m still standing at the break of day

I’m still standing
I’m still standing

Still standing on my own, not following the crowd
Still standing like a redwood tree
I may have made some big mistakes and often paid the price
But the gods are smiling and I’m still standing free

I’ve been rich, and I’ve been poor
I’ve been brave and I’ve shown fears
I’ve lived nine lives like the cat of ages
But i’m still standing after all these years

Still standing knock on wood
So far so good
Still standing with all I hold dear

I’ve had the strength to walk away
And known when to run
But when all is said and done
I’m still standing here

I’m still standing

The Only Fool

Words, music and published by Peter George Hanson, Song editor: Lisa Marie

I have been in love, so many times before
And nearly settled down for sure
But I’ve been fooling ‘round for way too long it seems
That the only fool I’m fooling now is me

Time and time again love takes me for a ride
And makes me want to change my ways
But then my need for wandering leaves me afraid to stay
Guess I’m the only fool I’m fooling now, I’d say

Fool me once, and we’ll find paradise
But don’t you be surprised when I don’t call
’cause I just keep on moving, when I’m skatin’ on thin ice
Wouldn’t it be so nice if this fool would fall

I believe one day true love will find a way
But while I’m waiting, a few little lies will do
But if I’m too afraid of heartbreak to settle down with you
Then I’m the only fool I’m fooling, it’s true

Fool me once, and we’ll find paradise
But don’t you be surprised when I don’t call, at all
’cause I just keep on moving, when I’m skating on thin ice

Wouldn’t it be so nice
If this fool would fall
‘cause I’m the only fool I’m fooling
…after all

Angel Eyes

Lyrics coming soon…

Albums

Words and Music

Cajun Queen

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

Got a little stash, made a little cash in the coal fields of Kentucky

Did time in the mine, and it’s mine to keep

Thumbed a ride to Louisiana

To see my Cajun queen

I’ve got a double-wide, just the other side of the bayou, near by

An hour South and West of New Orleans

She’s the pride of Louisiana

She’s my Cajun queen

Other guys’ll stray every other day, when they leave town

But my heart’s true, and it’s always been

‘cause i’ve got my bride in Louisiana

She’s my Cajun queen she’s my Cajun queen

Are You Missing Me

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

Sometimes words can express emotion,
And sometimes words can fail
When you are near, I seem speechless
So the song must tell my tale.

In the morning, before sunrise
Just when my dreams are through
I squeeze you in my memory
And wonder are you missing me too?

Whenever we are together,
Whenever time will allow
The world revolves in slow motion
To prolong the here and now

When the breeze rustles in your hair
And softly clouds my view
I hold your face in front of me
And wonder are you missing me?

In the sunshine and in pouring rain
Whenever we are apart
I touch my lips and feel your kiss
Please be still my aching heart

And as the evening sun sets
Behind the mountains blue
I turn my gaze up to the hills
And ask them are you missing me too?

And ask them are you missing me too?
Are you missing me?
Are you missing me?
Are you missing me?
Are you missing me?

Twelve Bar Blues

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

There’s a place I go to forget my sorrows
And feel the Austin music beat
There’s six bars on the west side
Facing six more across the street

Every now and then, when I’m lonely
I have one drink and move to the next saloon along
I’ve got the twelve bar blues
The twelve bar blues

I can’t sit still at a single bar
In case an old friend brings me news
She’s done well and she’s gone far
While I’m still paying dues

Every now and then
I’m glad of memories I never can lose
And I raise this glass to you
I’ve got the twelve bar blues

I do just fine nearly all the time
Except when I’m thinking of you
The first bar did not make me smile
But there’s eleven more to choose

Every now and then
A dozen bartenders have told me their views
Guess I’ve got to face the truth
I’ve got the twelve bar blues
The twelve bar blues

There ain’t no pill for lonely, the doctor tells me so
There ain’t no operation to transplant your soul

Every now and then
I drink two, four, six, eight, ten and twelve
Liquid doses of booze
I’ve got the twelve bar blues
The twelve bar blues

Being a Boy

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

When I was just a boy, sitting upon his knee
I asked my daddy to explain several things to me

And he said, son, here’s what you need to learn
And what I wish I had known
When I was just a boy like you and ever since I’ve grown

It’s not just the price of the toys
That separates the men from the boys
It’s having the freedom to be a child

It’s chasing a butterfly, giggling with girls,
And thinking about the wonders of the world
It’s drying your tears when you fall
Being a boy is loving it all

When I was old enough to leave
And move to my own four walls
I quickly sank into adult ways
I thought I knew it all
I thought I knew it all

I spent too fast and worked for more
No time to stop and see
What my daddy was trying to tell me
Was that happiness is free

It’s not just the price of the toys
That separates the men from the boys

It’s waking up rarin’ to face the day
It’s flying a paper kite, catching a frog,
Running home after school and walking the dog

Sports cars and heroes on your bedroom wall
Being a boy, is loving it all

Now that I’m a man, my son sits on my knee
He says, daddy, would you mind explaining
Several things to me
(Oh, won’t you please tell me?)

And I said, son, here’s what you need to learn
And what I’ve come to know
When I was just a boy like you, and ever since I’ve grown

It’s not just the price of the toys
That separates the men from the boys
It’s a hunger for questions that will not die

What makes the rain come down? How do birds fly?
Don’t say it’s just because, please tell me why
Looking for answers that men don’t recall

Being a boy, is loving it all
Being a boy, is loving it all

Just One Kiss

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

One look, one touch
Two hearts beating fast
As we both felt love so much

Magic moments, feet lighter than air
We could dance over water anywhere
Just one kiss, made the rockets flair
It rocked us, that’s for sure

Just one kiss, and our lips begged for more
Just like this, we made history
And made people stare
Just one kiss, has never done this before
Just one kiss, has never done this before

Magic romance
Comes without warning and dares you to take a chance
Midnight passion
The crowd has gone home, as we embrace for just one more magic dance

Just one kiss, made the rockets flair
It rocked us, that’s for sure
Just one kiss, and our lips begged for more
Just like this, we made history
And made people stare

Just one kiss, has never done this before
Just one kiss, has never done this before

Number One

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

You broke your promises, you told me lies
So don’t even try to act so surprised
When I’ve got truth to tell, you ought to listen well
I hope you get wise

You said you’ll be leaving him, you’d be here by my side
You said you’d think of me, all the time
You’d shown love can’t buy money, but cash can buy you
I just hope you get wise

We should have had the power
We should have had the fun
We should have had the stars
We should have had the sun

But instead of looking forward
What we could have done
You looked after number one

But instead of looking forward
What we could have done
You looked after number one

You run with the rich crowd and their high society
You say it’s a woman’s world, and it’s no place for me
Well, I may be fool for love
But I won’t be a fool for long
I just hope you get wise

We should have had the power
We should have had the fun
We should have had the stars
We should have had the sun

But instead of looking forward
What we could have done
You looked after number one

Already Taken

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

The treasures of love, are a promise to live for
It’s written on the wind

But the treasure of time, is not hers to give
Because it’s already taken by him

It’s funny how in true love, timing is all
If we met sooner, our love would win
Now the treasure of two hearts falling
Is already taken by him

Now a treasure can be more than silver and gold
Like passion, come what may
The fires of love can melt any cold
Unless she’s already taken away

Unless she’s already taken away

It takes a measure of fate at the pleasure of fortune
To tell you when love begins
But the treasure of true love everlasting
Is already taken by him

Is already taken by him

Island Time

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

No hassle, no worries
No traffic, no street crime
No hustle, no bustle, no hurry
This beach runs on island time

Real, real slow
Just like in Kokomo
Just like in Kokomo

No neckties, no dress shoes
No rushing to work at nine
Taking all day, every day, just to wake up
This beach runs on island time

Real, real, slow, slow
Just like in Kokomo
Just like in Kokomo

No headlines, no deadlines
Only ebb and the flow on the shore
You eat when you’re hungry
You sleep when you’re tired
This beach runs on island time

Real, real, slow, slow
Just like in Kokomo
Just like in Kokomo

Just like in Kokomo
Just like in Kokomo

I Can Tell That You Lied

Words and music, published by Peter George Hanson

You tell me you love me and you need me
and your love for him has died

You say you’re so sorry like there’s been some mistake
To tell you the truth, I can tell that you lied

You tell me you think of me when you’re in his arms
While he sleeps, you claim you cried
You tell me to wait forever
Like it ever will come
To tell the truth, I can tell that you lied

Honest truth makes a tie that binds
Like a groom to his soon to be bride
I wanted proof that your love was not just in my mind
To tell the truth, I can tell that you lied

You say you’re sorry, you missed our rendezvous
And it’s not like you’ve never tried
You tell me, any day now, our dreams will come true
To tell the truth, I can tell that you lied

Honest truth makes a tie that binds
Like a groom to his soon to be bride
I wanted proof that your love was not just in my mind
To tell the truth, I can tell that you lied

I wanted proof that your love was not just in my mind
To tell the truth, I can tell that you lied

Still Standing

Words, music and published by Peter George Hanson

I have won and lost at love
I have laughed and I’ve cried tears
But when all around has fallen to the ground
I’m still standing after all these years

I’ve seen babies born, and grandpa die
I’ve seen good friends fade away
I’ve been kept awake by both dreams and nightmares
But i’m still standing at the break of day

I’m still standing
I’m still standing

Still standing on my own, not following the crowd
Still standing like a redwood tree
I may have made some big mistakes and often paid the price
But the gods are smiling and I’m still standing free

I’ve been rich, and I’ve been poor
I’ve been brave and I’ve shown fears
I’ve lived nine lives like the cat of ages
But i’m still standing after all these years

Still standing knock on wood
So far so good
Still standing with all I hold dear

I’ve had the strength to walk away
And known when to run
But when all is said and done
I’m still standing here

I’m still standing

The Greatest: Ali

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

Wings of a butterfly, sting of a bee
This dreamer from Louisville was to be the great Ali
He’s the greatest Ali

He showed in his childhood, the competition was cool
He’d wait for his bus to come, then he’d race the kids to school
He’s the greatest Ali

He climbed Mount Olympus, when he went to Rome to fight
He held gold in his left hand, and thunder in his right
He’s the greatest Ali

He wrote poetry that taunted
The press said he would fall
But from Liston to Frasier
Ali would conquer all
He’s the greatest Ali
He’s the greatest Ali

When he turned his back on soldiering
His country called him names
But they cheered him in Atlanta
When he opened up the Games

He’s the greatest Ali
He’s the greatest Ali
He’s the greatest Ali
He’s the greatest Ali

Trip to Heaven

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

She sits beside me on our way home
We only had a day
The bubble burst when we come to Earth
My only hope is delayed

So tell the captain please don’t descend
Don’t make this airplane fall
Our journey’s starting its just begun
But when we land, it might come undone

The trip to heaven should have no end at all
A trip to heaven, a trip to heaven
Should have no end at all

A trip to heaven
Should be my final call
A trip to heaven

One look between us
And time stands still
Our feet above the sky

I should see heaven
But something’s wrong
Water fills my eye

When your lips touch mine
A fire ignites
Old passion left for stone

You’ve shown me heaven in a tingling touch
I feel you breathing and it chills so much
You’ve shown me heaven
So don’t please send me home

You’ve shown me heaven
Now please don’t send me home
You’ve shown me heaven
Please don’t send me home

You’ve shown me heaven
Don’t leave me on my own
A trip to heaven
I promise you, this is God’s own truth
Cross my heart and hope to die
My love’s forever, it will not fade
My love’s eternal, it will always wait

My love’s forever, just never ever say goodbye
My love’s forever, just never say goodbye
My love’s forever, please don’t make me cry

Oh, a trip to heaven
A trip to heaven
Wouldn’t it be nice
A trip to heaven

Some Body You Love

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

If these were his hands, they could hold you
And brush the hair from your face
If these were his arms, they’d enfold you
In love’s passionate embrace

But because it’s only me, you push away
You stop me with a gentle shove
I’ve got the right heart in the wrong body
I wish I was somebody you love

Somebody you love
I wish I was somebody that you love too
I wish I was somebody you love
Not just someone who loves you

If these were his lips, you’d reach and kiss them
And promise to tell no lies
If these were his eyes, you’d look inside them
And never say goodbye

But because it’s only me, you back away
You won’t even whisper your love
I got the right heart in the wrong body
I wish I was somebody you love

Somebody you love
I wish I was somebody you love too
I wish I was somebody you love
Not just someone who loves you

Let’s Do It Again

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

You said you want me to hold you closer
I said, “I want to try.”
You said turn up the music louder
I said, “My, oh my.”

You said I can try anything
As long as my heart beats
You said you’d lead and I could follow with my two left feet

Let’s do it again (just like before)
Let’s do it again (just one more time)
We’ll get it right, it takes all night
Let’s do it again

You said I have a voice of angels
Deep inside my soul
You gave the key to unlock the treasure
And come in from the cold

You told me to look in the mirror
To see what I could see
If I can dream it then I can do it
But it sure won’t be easy

Let’s do it again (just like before)
Let’s do it again (just one more time)
We’ll get it right, it takes all night
Let’s do it again

Love Letter

Words and music by Peter George Hanson

I wish you’d write me a love letter
And send it from the heart
Then I could read it over and over
Whenever we’re apart

And you could say, “Dear darling, are you as wide awake as I?
Each star up in the sky shines for you only.”
When you’re sleepless, if you miss me
Just turn on your light
Reread my words of love on your pillow
And kiss this letter good night

You’ve never wanted to put feelings on paper
You’re not the writing kind
Your words can touch me as much as you do
So get a stamp and drop a line

So you can say, “Dear darling, I miss you more than I can say.
I wish that I could stay beside you always.”
But until then please remember my body longs for you
And all my love comes through when you read these pages
And kiss this letter good night

Words last forever in a love letter
All your joys and fears will be revisited like sacred treasure
Through my remaining years

So you can say, “Dear darling, though I’m taken
You still stand the chance.
So please don’t leave the dance ‘til the party’s over.”
Complication’s not withstanding
Our dream can come true

The proof I send to you lies in your fingers
So kiss this letter good night
Kiss this letter now
Kiss this letter now

Behind-The-Songs

Get a sneak peek into the stories behind every song.

Singles

Still Standing

This song tells of survival, hope, and optimism. The title was inspired by a patient who was navigating very challenging times. The rest of the words just wrote themselves. The style is reminiscent of the Judd’s “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days” hit tune. Lois Mahalia’s soulful voice makes this song resonate with all of us.

Credits:
Lois Mahalia – lead vocal, background vocals
Tariqh Akoni – guitars
Randy Tico – bass
Austin Beede – drums
Brian Mann – piano
Smith Curry – pedal steel
John McEuen – mandolin
Nathan McEuen – banjo, background vocals
Lois Mahalia – background vocals
Lisa Jablonowski – viola
Luis Conte – tom tom drums, percussion

The Only Fool

Inspired by listening to heart-breaking classics of Merle Travis, Willie Nelson, and Elvis, this song came to me as we were getting ready to record at Beagle Studio near Santa Barbara. A confirmed bachelor faces his fear of success in love, realising he has been fooling nobody but himself. Beau Sheets performed the vocals to give the feel of Elvis and his Jordanaires. Val McCallum and Tariqh Akoni added the acoustic and electric guitars. Val later added dobro and baritone guitar licks. Randy Tico played bass, with Austin Beede on drums. The result is a great new song that sounds like an old classic.

Angel Eyes

Coming soon…

Albums

Words and Music

Cajun Queen

I had dinner in Denver with a man from New Orleans, who was something of an expert on the Cajun history and culture in Louisiana. He pointed out that they live about an hour south and west of New Orleans. As I walked away from the dinner, this song came to me as a surprise, with the music and words all intact. Recorded in Carpenteria California, we had great musicians including an authentic Zydeco accordion.

Credits:
Randy Tico – bass
Austin Beede – drums
Brian Mann – accordian
John McEuen – banjo
Phil Salazar – violin
Luis Conte – shakere, cowbell

Are You Missing Me

This song was influenced by several country music tunes, as well as George Harrison’s version of Bob Dylan’s “If Not For You”.

Twelve Bar Blues

This song was a challenge suggested by John McEuen, good friend and one of the founding members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. We were sitting in Nashville, and he said I should write a blues song about 12 bars, the kind you drink in. A short time later, after a recording trip to Austin Texas, I had my inspiration after visiting its famous music scene on 6th Street. Sure enough, there were six bars on one side, “facing six more across the street”. Add a forlorn guy to the story, and here was the framework for the 12 bar blues.

Credits:
Jeff Pevar – guitars
Randy Tico – bass
Austin Beede – drums
Brian Mann – piano
Luis Conte – shaker, cowbell

Being a Boy

This song was written first for my father, then, a few years later, was completed for my son. The circle of life, with lessons learned. The studio was in Toronto, and the musicians were veterans of Alanis Morrisette’s band.

Just One Kiss

The first time this was played in the studio, Jim Ratts told the musicians the song was a lost ballad from Roy Orbison. They liked it, and were then surprised to learn it was written by me. I wrote it thinking of the stylings of Nora Jones, and had Mary Huckins do a great version.

Number One

This song tells a story of the lure of power over love. Jonathan McEuen and Jesse Seibenberg laid this down in Ojai, with a really good groove.

Already Taken

In the style of country “hurtin’” tunes from Hank Williams to George Jones, this song tells a story of heartbreak.

Island Time

Island Time was written in the dead of winter, with images of the warmth and simplicity of life in the tropics. It served as a reminder to change gears, using the beat of Reggae music to soothe our nerves and calm our stresses.

I Can Tell That You Lied

This song was recorded in Denver, in Jim Ratts studio. Inspired by tunes such as Ricky van Shelton’s “Somebody Lied”, this one paints a picture of abandoned love.

Still Standing

This song tells of survival, hope, and optimism. The title was inspired by a patient who was navigating very challenging times. The rest of the words just wrote themselves. The style is reminiscent of the Judd’s “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days” hit tune.

Credits:
Lois Mahalia – lead vocal, background vocals
Tariqh Akoni – guitars
Randy Tico – bass
Austin Beede – drums
Brian Mann – piano
Smith Curry – pedal steel
John McEuen – mandolin
Nathan McEuen – banjo, background vocals
Lois Mahalia – background vocals
Lisa Marie – viola
Luis Conte – tom tom drums, percussion

The Greatest: Ali

This song came to me a few days after a trip to Louisville Kentucky. My taxi driver told me the little-known story of one of his classmates, the young Cassius Clay. As a schoolboy, he would hand his books to his fellow students at his bus stop, then race the bus to school. The kids were all waving at him as they passed him, only to see him waving back as he passed them at the next stop. That image inspired the song, which I recorded in Denver. It was then sent to Muhammad Ali by a mutual friend. Muhammad kept it in his car, and asked his driver to play it every time he drove. Ali’s letter of thanks to me is one of my most valued treasures.

Trip to Heaven

I wrote this song for Tommy Ambrose, one of Canada’s great singers. Tommy has perfect pitch, and has nailed all types of music from gospel to jingles, from jazz to Sinatra. This one features great piano and flute parts, along with Tommy’s incredible voice.

Some Body You Love

This song came to me as a lonely narrative with an upbeat tempo. Recorded in Jim Ratt’s studio, using the musicians from Runaway Express.

Let’s Do It Again

This song was inspired by Lynne Morris, the choreography genius behind the success of Up With People. Tasked with teaching song and dance routines to several hundred rookie international students, she had the patience of a saint. When the first take was not good, or sometimes terrible, Lynne never showed any frustration. Instead, she took a deep breath, then, with a smile would say “Let’s do it again”. No matter how many retakes were needed, nobody took offense at those words!

Love Letter

This one tells a story of a one-sided love. A classic style of sad tunes, with a tinge of optimism.

FAQs

Explore the inspiring world of Peter George Hanson’s music and career.

What genre of music does Hanson specialize in?

He writes in multiple styles; Country, Blues, Rock, Pop and Reggae.

How long has he been a Songwriter?

Hanson has been playing guitar since childhood, and writing songs for over five decades. His songwriting has been prolific, especially in the last few years. And they’re still coming!

What sets his music apart?

Hanson’s music is compelling, with moving melodies and words you want to listen to. His songs make the listener feel something, from goose-bumps to toe-tapping!

Where can I listen to his music?

Listen on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Search under Peter George Hanson.

Hanson singing at Bryan Adam’s Warehouse Studio, Vancouver B.C.

Angel Eyes

Still Standing

Lyrics:

Behind-The-Songs

FAQs

What genre of music does Hanson specialize in?

How long has he been a Songwriter?

What sets his music apart?

Where can I listen to his music?

Connect with Peter George Hanson