bedroomCLASSICS
bedroomCLASSICS: That Sheep and Those Sheep
Welcome to the third installment of bedroomCLASSICS. This is a brand new song that is going to be on my upcoming album—I am right in the middle of recording it as I speak.
The lyrics are based off of an old Aesop Fable, amongst other things.
I find fables fascinating because of their elegant moral and practical message summed in a concise story often using animal protagonists. The relevance of their message has managed to traverse thousands of years and many languages, and has even found its place in popular religious texts such as the Bible. For example, the Gospel of Matthew (7:15-16), Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.”
Wise words… and if I may add, I worry about far more than just false prophets.
That Sheep and Those Sheep
Words and Music by Mike Vitale
a wolf in a meadow
came across a body
a lamb who had perished
wandering from its herd
the wolf had a notion
disguised is woolen shoddy
to infiltrate their ranks
with an appetite so naughty, singing
that sheep and those sheep will be all mine
sure enough a few followed behind
then the few became the whole herd
a flock of sheep that hung on every word
supper time
the shepherd went home
he left his herd alone
the wolf would conceal
his snarl and bloody grin
and preach of forgiveness
amongst his new brethren
the fruit of his words
a labor towards fruition
to feed his hungry urge
and shady disposition, singing
that sheep and those sheep will be all mine
sure enough a few followed behind
then the few became the whole herd
a flock of sheep that hung on every word
supper time
the shepherd went home
he left his herd alone
supper time
the shepherd went home
he left his herd alone
bedroomCLASSICS: Roxanne
Here is my second installment of bedroomCLASSICS. I spent a lot of time fooling around with this today and learned quite a bit about improving the quality of my videos, so hopefully this will reflect in some of the future performances I post. This is “Roxanne” by The Police. For anyone who has ever seen me play live solo acoustic, I do a lot of looping stuff like this utilizing a bunch of digital toys at my feet. If you like this video, please share it with your friends.
bedroomCLASSICS: Latchkey Kid
Welcome to my first installment of bedroomCLASSICS: This is a brand new song called “Latchkey Kid” and it is going to be on my next album which I am currently in the process of writing. I debuted it at The 2010 Orange County Music Awards Showcase a week or so ago—I wish I could adequately describe the pleasure, gratification, and magic of having 200 people sing along to a song. Perhaps we all have a bit of Latchkey Kid inside of us—or perhaps not. Either way, I hope you like it: I’ve included the words below the video.
Latchkey Kid
Words and Music: Mike Vitale
Coloring books when I was nine
Anything that I could do to pass the time
Finished up my homework after I go home from school
Built a blanket fort in my living room
Set the oven to 400 degrees myself
Perched up on the countertop to reach a kitchen shelf
It’s dinner time, and my parents are nowhere to be seen
So corn dogs and fish sticks are my routine
I’m a Latchkey Kid, and nobody cares about the trouble that I’m gettin’ in
Waiting by the phone for my parents to call
Staring at our family portrait hanging on the wall
My daddy says no T.V. if stay up too late
Too bad he aint here to regulate
I’m a Latchkey Kid, and nobody cares about the trouble that I’m gettin’ in
I’m a Latchkey Kid, and nobody cares about the trouble that I’m gettin’ in
Sometimes my father would come home late
And my mother would be drunk by then, smell perfume, and throw a dinner plate
No one to read me story when I tuck myself into bed
So I dream of love
I dream of love
and then start my day again
I’m a latchkey kid, and nobody cares about the trouble that I’m gettin’ in
I’m a latchkey kid, and nobody cares about the trouble that I’m gettin’ in
I’m a latchkey kid
I’m a latchkey kid
I’m a latchkey kid






Yet another amazing song. You have this ability to paint such a vivid picture. Each word is another decisive stroke that creates this work of art that’s not only beautiful but also relatable and relevant. You did a great job at the gypsy den and I hope you can see your talent mirrored in the eyes of the people that are touched by your music.
Thank you so much Jessica! That’s very kind of you.
You at know what would be super awesome? You should have a tee shirt Mike. Aaaaand you should have a contest to design it!
Great job, another great song. I can’t wait for the new album. I really enjoyed the Gypsy Den, the crowd signing along made it perfect. You really must have moved a lot of people. I wish there was a bootleg
The depth and honesty of your writing are matched only by the talent evident in your vocals and guitar. Can’t wait for the rest of the new album!
Thanks James! That means a lot to me, brother! I’m excited too. I would really love to get an acoustic rendition of this song out soon… maybe as a single that I can put up for sale here on my website.
Thanks Josh! I think I want to try and get an acoustic recording of this song up shortly. I’m curious to see how well that will work out.
Mike,
Loved the live version last week at Max’s. Sharon’s daughters enjoyed the show and kept singing Latchkey Kid on the ride home. Looking forward to having a recording of it buddy. Keep up the good writing and catch you on the 24th more than likely.
MC
You could sign anything, no matter how ridiculous, and make it sound wonderful! You have THAT voice… just takes me awayyyyyy! But this rocks …. reminds me of younger years! Well done! Bravo!
LOVED the song.. and liked it even better live. You were quite good live last night. Really glad to have seen you play this live.. and the other songs were amazing as well. (and I knew virtually all of them so that was all good).
come down to the area again.. it’s definitely a great place.. and you are too
Stevie
Hey Stevie,
Thank you for the kind words! It was great seeing you last night.
Hi Mike . Stumbled across you on youtube, whilst looking for some police covers. Must say i was impressed! Then i listened to some of your own and was hooked in seconds. You definately got (in my opinion) what it takes. Loved Latch Key Kid and id love to hear an acoustic version . I play for my own personal enjoyment and am already having much fun playing LKK. I shall be looking forward to hearing more of you.
Peace and Love
Match
Thanks Matthew! You have my gratitude for your ears and for being so cool as to learn Latchkey Kid! I think that might be one of the coolest compliments I have ever received!
Hehe, your welcome .. I speak from the soul man . Its a good sound u got going there.
Thanks
Match