The second album by Gwendolines Mussion has been out a few weeks and the third, continuing their story, is nearing completion. Both will get VPX tables. I’ll post details as they arrive. Travelling Still can be downloaded from mega via links on the Wordpress and is up in full on TikTok . For now, here is the text including lyrics from the travelling still page at lunarhowlmusic.Wordpress.com:
Gwendolines Mission 2 Travelling Still
Travelling still is out now on the Lunar Howl mega, follow links from the homepage.
The second GM album is written.
This album has been recorded. Refer to Sakuras update for details. It will be released to mega and TikTok soon.
This has been achieved through great difficulty and ongoing hearing loss. Using modified workflows and utilising brief windows of reduced impairment this album has now been completed.
This is where the journey continues.
Track list:
1. The Home Road
2. Getting Back
3. Kyoto Flight 233
4. When Old Men Fall
5. Blue Mountains Birthday
6. The World Doesnt Stop
7. Muddling Through
8. On Top Of It
9. Breaking Out Of The Vic
10. Bare Cupboards
11. My Big Family
12. Travelling Still
13. Growing Road
Lyrics:
Track 1 The Home Road
[Verse 1]
Highways blur night into day
The same when travelling either way
Yumis asleep on my shoulder,
Dee is watching the trees pass by
The clouds above feel strangely older
In that sprawling sky
Steph grabs a rattling case, tries to keep it still
But the way the old van bounces we know she never will
[Chorus]
I see home getting closer
As I feel it far behind
It seems it stretches wider
As it lingers in my mind
Soon well be back where we sleep
But its not one small domain
Its not one flat or house we keep
Home is where our hearts remain
[Verse 2]
It was a different land for Yumi,
And the mountains high for Dee,
A city south once carried Steph
But now they are home with me.
My home has welcomed all of them
And all our homes have spread
Through love and welcome and our way,
Its where the home road leads.
[Chorus]
I see home getting closer
As I feel it far behind
It seems it stretches wider
As it lingers in my mind
Soon well be back where we sleep
But its not one small domain
Its not one flat or house we keep
Home is where our hearts remain
[Verse 3]
I see the sign for Sydney
Driving by Macquarie Pass
I feel this is the life for me
No need to go too fast
Before too long well all be back
Together and at rest
These three are new family
And this life is the best.
[Bridge]
Lights on the horizon,
As Yumi stirs by me.
I suggest we stop for dinner,
And its a yes from Dee.
[Chorus]
I see home getting closer
As I feel it far behind
It seems it stretches wider
As it lingers in my mind
Soon well be back where we sleep
But its not one small domain
Its not one flat or house we keep
Home is where our hearts remain
Track 2 Getting Back
[Verse 1]
The security light
Flickers in my face
As I put my key in the door
We stagger inside
I look down to find
Somebody put mail under the door.
The air seems thin
As we all pile in,
Theres old dishes in the sink
I leave them there
Theyll keep for now
Until Im able to think.
[Chorus]
It was such a long day
I just want to say
Im really glad its done.
And getting back
Is wonderful
Though going home was fun.
[Verse 2]
We sleep till noon
Then stagger out
To face the burning sun
Old Mrs Jones
From number three
Waves gladly at everyone
I blink into the day
As I check the mail
Finding more has come today
Another bill,
and a letter for Dee
With nothing much to say
[Chorus]
It was such a long day
I just want to say
Im really glad its done.
And getting back
Is wonderful
Though going home was fun.
Track 3 Kyoto Flight 233
[Verse 1]
Yumi looked up at me when a text came from her mum.
It said meet me at the airport I land at 10am.
Her face was drained of colour and a tear formed in her eye
I took her in my arms as she began to cry.
[Chorus]
Kyoto flight two-three-three
Brings Yumis mum to see
All the things weve said and built
Finally see her daughter free
I hope its not trouble for
This girl I hold so close
Hopefully her mother sees
Shes safer here than most.
[Verse 2]
She said I shared a picture with your mums
And she got really mad
I tried but couldnt make her see,
The great mums that you had
I held her tight and soothed her as the others crowded round
I told her wed just show her mum this family we found.
[Chorus]
Kyoto flight two-three-three
Brings Yumis mum to see
All the things weve said and built
Finally see her daughter free
I hope its not trouble for
This girl I hold so close
Hopefully her mother sees
Shes safer here than most.
[Verse 3]
The wheels touched down and we all were there
To wait for Yumis mum
Dee was scared shed screw it up by saying something dumb.
We welcomed her as she scowled at us and said, Where are the wolves?
I told her my mums were on the farm making music in the trees.
[Bridge]
I held Yumis hand as her mum looked from her to me
She softened as she saw the love in our little family.
She smiled and looked in Yumis eyes, said I just want my baby safe
Ive heard about a pink one like them back home. They say shes Yakuza.
[Chorus]
Kyoto flight two-three-three
Brings Yumis mum to see
All the things weve said and built
Finally see her daughter free
I hope its not trouble for
This girl I hold so close
Hopefully her mother sees
Shes safer here than most.
Track 4 When Old Men Fall
[Verse 1]
Stephs phone rang at four am
It woke everybody up
She sat in tears by the coffee pot
As I poured us each a cup.
I tell her were all going,
Steph and Dee both nod
We cant let her face this without support
While her mothers plate is full.
[Chorus]
When old men fall
It shakes their world
And shocks families to their core
But we are here to hold them up
Till their tears fall no more.
[Verse 2]
She asked a thousand questions so the story wasnt wrong
Then we all got in the van and drove
down to Wollongong.
We met her mother in emergency
Whose tears were flowing fast.
She said they wouldnt say how long,
His induced coma would last.
[Chorus]
When old men fall
It shakes their world
And shocks families to their core
But we are here to hold them up
Till their tears fall no more.
[Verse 3]
He went to calm a crying dog
At three in the morning air
Tripped on a rug he didnt see
And fell right down the stairs.
The ambulance was hectic,
Emergency just the same
We spoke for Steph and her mum,
To give the nurse his name.
[Bridge]
Tomorrow isnt certain
Who knows how long this road
But Steph wont have to walk it
With her mother on her own
We stand with them as family
And hold their shaking world
None of us are leaving them,
Were here for Steph, our girl
[Chorus]
When old men fall
It shakes their world
And shocks families to their core
But we are here to hold them up
Till their tears fall no more.
Track 5 Blue Mountains Birthday
[Verse 1]
We parked the van in Blackheath,
Right near the bakery
Grabbed some pies before closing time
While a woman spoke to Dee
Then we drove a little further,
And turned off when the road curved right
We could see Dees birthday bonfire
Lighting up the night.
[Chorus]
Blue Mountains Birthday
At last we can relax
Were in this moment for our Dee
Who has always had our backs
Big night tonight for everyone
Dees twenty one at last
Its strange to think its already here
The time has gone so fast.
[Verse 2]
The fire roars as music plays
And I watch Dee as she shines
We eat and drink as her parents open
A box of fancy wines
Her story here is as long as mine,
As she turns to the next page
I watch and know well all be fine
As our youngest comes of age.
[Chorus]
Blue Mountains Birthday
At last we can relax
Were in this moment for our Dee
Who has always had our backs
Big night tonight for everyone
Dees twenty one at last
Its strange to think its already here
The time has gone so fast.
[Verse 3]
As the evening carries on
And the gifts are given free
Dees excited for a keyboard
That she rushes to show me
There is love and generosity
And freedom just to be
This place has given my dear friend
What wolf haven gave to me.
[Bridge]
The sun shine bright in misty air
As I wander round the yard
The fires embers smoulder there
And the frost has landed hard
I smile to think how wonderful
This home has been to see
They seem to understand that home
Has spread out there for Dee.
Her uncle asks about the wolves
Says hes their biggest fan
Shows me Shadow on his shirt
And hes such a gentle man.
[Chorus]
Blue Mountains Birthday
At last we can relax
Were in this moment for our Dee
Who has always had our backs
Big night tonight for everyone
Dees twenty one at last
Its strange to think its already here
The time has gone so fast.
Track 6 The World Doesnt Stop
[Verse 1]
We wander in to the flat
After our long day
The letter underneath the door
Seems to have something to say.
I put it up on the fridge door
So we dont forget
The electric company wants to know
Why we didnt pay up yet
[Chorus]
With steady forward thudding steps
The world just doesnt stop
It drags us on along with it
Even if we drop
We scramble to hold each other up
We push ourselves to move
But everything will be ok
When push comes to shove.
[Verse 2]
We scrimp and save, check the couch
For every bit of change,
Take it to the post office and pay the bill next day
Coming back another one
Arrived for the internet
Says they sent a bill last week
And we havent paid it yet.
[Chorus]
With steady forward thudding steps
The world just doesnt stop
It drags us on along with it
Even if we drop
We scramble to hold each other up
We push ourselves to move
But everything will be ok
When push comes to shove.
[Verse 3]
Registration for the Van
Is running out next week
Better get it sorted out
To keep the gigs we seek.
Hope the tyres arent too bald
And that smoke thats out the back
Isnt too big a repair
Because thats money that we lack.
[Bridge]
This is our life
The world is ours
Even if it hurts
The world is ours
Well make it work
This world of ours
Though I only wish
Itd back off a bit.
[Chorus]
With steady forward thudding steps
The world just doesnt stop
It drags us on along with it
Even if we drop
We scramble to hold each other up
We push ourselves to move
But everything will be ok
When push comes to shove.
Track 7 Muddling Through
[Verse 1]
Tinned spaghetti in a bowl
In the microwave
Toast is popping, Im on a roll.
The cheapest bread that we could save
From the supermarket bins
Its not the good toast that I know
But we take the smallest wins
To keep the budget low.
[Chorus]
Its not a five star restaurant
Or a hotel by the sea
But I have everything I want
With Yumi, Steph and Dee.
It might look like were struggling
With all these things we do
But life is better lived with love
While we muddle through.
[Verse 2]
My last ten dollars in the van
To get us to The Vic
We play the gig for cash in hand
Though the money doesnt stick
We pay deposit on a studio
Recording slot next week
We know things now arent permanent
The future is ours to seek.
[Chorus]
Its not a five star restaurant
Or a hotel by the sea
But I have everything I want
With Yumi, Steph and Dee.
It might look like were struggling
With all these things we do
But life is better lived with love
While we muddle through.
[Verse 3]
All these things that happen
Just give us things to do
Everything is temporary
And none of this is new.
As long as were together
And walking on with love
Well handle any weather
With each other, thats enough.
[Chorus]
Its not a five star restaurant
Or a hotel by the sea
But I have everything I want
With Yumi, Steph and Dee.
It might look like were struggling
With all these things we do
But life is better lived with love
While we muddle through.
Track 8 On Top Of It
[Verse 1]
Were running out of money
Before we bring in more
But were all working together
To get a bigger score
Paying all the bills
And fixing up the van
In time for the next trouble
That takes money from the can
[Chorus]
Were getting on top of it
Were finally in the black (I think)
Everything is under control
Well really be on top of it
Were getting back on track
We are making it in this stubborn world
[Verse 2]
My bank account is empty
At least we paid some bills!
Fumes are in the vans fuel tank
And the refrigerator smells
Sick of ramen noodles
Id really love a steak
Were spending every penny
We manage to make!
[Chorus]
Were getting on top of it
Were finally in the black (I think)
Everything is under control
Well really be on top of it
Were getting back on track
We are making it in this stubborn world
[Verse 3]
Just snapped my top e string
And I dont have a spare
Were running round to Donnys
To see if theres one there.
The van is out of petrol and were at the Vic tonight
I really hope we get there
Though logistically its tight
[Bridge]
The van ran out of fuel
One block from The Vic
We all got out and gathered up
Then carried all our gear
We made it just in time
For Jennys second beer
Well get the van tomorrow
And bring back all the gear
[Chorus]
Were getting on top of it
Were finally in the black (I think)
Everything is under control
Well really be on top of it
Were getting back on track
We are making it in this stubborn world
Track 9 breaking out of the vic
[verse 1]
We finished our usual Friday set
Last night at The Vic.
A couple of thugs in three-piece suits
One introduced himself as Nick.
They had a guy hiding behind,
His hoodie over his head
He lowered it down and blow me down
It was Nigel from Faking Dead!
[Chorus]
We were working hard
Waiting for
Whatever our next break
An offer comes
Thatll make us known
If its one we choose to take.
[verse 2]
Theyre a huge-name band
In the indie scene
Here to offer us a hand
Take us where weve never been
Theyre launching a tour
Its nationwide
They need an opening act
And were along for the ride
[Chorus]
We were working hard
Waiting for
Whatever our next break
An offer comes
Thatll make us known
If its one we choose to take.
[Verse 3]
We sat there in the van
Trying to take it in
How do we tell our mothers
About the mess we might be in
Weve got a thousand questions
And answers we dont know
But somewhere down this road
Were finally ready to go.
[Bridge]
Yumis mum said
Youre doing WHAT?
Dees Uncle asked how long?
Stephs Dad asked
You got enough cash?
Then Shadow joined the zoom
Dees uncle nearly lost his mind
To see her in the room.
Define enough? She slowly said
We did it just on coins.
I said goodbye to close the zoom
Before another mum joined.
[Chorus]
We were working hard
Waiting for
Whatever our next break
An offer comes
Thatll make us known
This is one well choose to take.
Track 10 Bare Cupboards
[Verse 1]
Spirit sent a text and said shes coming to town,
Visiting her lawyers at Tyler and Brown
Sorting out a contract for her greatest hits
Wants to stop by and see where her daughter fits.
What will she think what will she say?
Will she be upset to see us living this way?
I know she comes with love and wants me to live well.
I hope she isnt hurt I didnt call her for help.
[Chorus]
Im standing in the kitchen, running hands through my hair
Im looking in the pantry and theres nothing there
Mum is coming soon, how can I hide this from her?
Will I feel the disappointment in her soft silver fur?
[Verse 2]
I rush into her arms when she knocks on the door
With everything Ive learned I couldnt want any more
She holds me gently while she looks around with a smile
Says Im sorry but Gwen but I can only stay for a while.
I lead her inside and all the girls get a hug
The she sit down on the floor in the middle of the rug.
Then she glances through the doorway to the kitchen, there.
The doors are open theres no hiding, the cupboards are bare.
[Chorus]
Im standing in the kitchen, running hands through my hair
Im looking in the pantry and theres nothing there
Mum is coming soon, how can I hide this from her?
Will I feel the disappointment in her soft silver fur?
[Verse 3]
She stood and walked in and looked at me with tears
Says I remember what its like to have money fears.
When we were starting out we lived out of the bus.
I hadnt even thought they used to be like us.
She pulled me in her arms and started brushing my hair.
My mummy isnt angry That The cupboards are bare.
We stood there in the kitchen as the girls turned to see.
Yumi put the kettle on to start to make tea.
[Bridge]
Spirit took us all to lunch
I asked did she know
She said she had a hunch
But decided to let it go
She apologised and I said no
I chose it this way
But Im still happy that she came to visit today.
[PreChorus]
And I reminded her next week
is presentation day.
[Chorus]
Im standing in the kitchen, running hands through my hair
Im looking in the pantry and theres nothing there
Mum is coming soon, i cant hide this from her.
Theres never disappointment in her soft silver fur.
Track 11 My Big Family
[Verse 1]
We meet up in the car park,
With all our families.
Yumis mum flew in last night
And the wolves are all with me.
Dees uncles looking shell shocked
And Stephs dad is looking well.
Im really glad he made it here
Given how he fell.
[Chorus]
Its presentation day
And everyone is here
All the special people
That each of us hold dear
Not four seperate groups
All meeting through the gate
One big tangled family
Even though Im late.
[Verse 2]
Finally were gathered
Shadow holds Dees uncles hand
Spirit chats with Yumis mum
And she seems to understand.
Stephs dad talks to Luna
And Sakura stands by me
We chuckle that Shadow found her fan
His face bright red with glee
[Chorus]
Its presentation day
And everyone is here
All the special people
That each of us hold dear
Not four seperate groups
All meeting through the gate
One big tangled family
Even though I got here late.
[Verse 3]
They all sit there together
In the concert hall.
Yumi Dee and Steph and Me
Stand over by the wall.
Gwendolines Mission is singled out
To receive a special prize
For musical achievement
In the facultys eyes.
[Bridge]
Semester is almost over
The tour starts next month
Were touring with Faking Dead
Instead of going home.
I wish we could do both,
I want to see my mums
But sometimes you need to follow
The beating of lifes drums.
[Chorus]
Its presentation day
And everyone is here
All the special people
That each of us hold dear
Not four seperate groups
All meeting through the gate
One big tangled family
It feels like this was fate.
Track 12 Travelling Still
[Verse 1]
So much has happened since I last went back
for a while the world seemed to be on attack
Its been a wild journey since we got back here
And now we have lived here for nearly a year.
The tour is about to start so were packing up the flat
I never dreamed we would leave this place as suddenly as that
[Chorus]
We never stopped moving
Standing takes a force of will
Nothing changes now were leaving
We were travelling still.
[Verse 2]
My family is bigger now than what it was before
With Yumi Steph and Dee beside me those three friends mean more
Than anything Ive ever known, because they fit my world
My mums I love with all my heart and now I love my girls.
[Chorus]
We never stopped moving
Standing takes a force of will
Nothing changes now were leaving
We were travelling still.
[Verse 3]
I pick up keys to the storage locker
Just out Pyrmont way
Its taking so much back and forth
with the van today
our life is being packed away
One box at a time
Before we head out on the road
For the experience of our lives.
[Bridge]
Weve been still
While weve been travelling
Weve been travelling
while weve been still
In life and in emotion
The movement never ends
Now were travelling around the nation
Playing music for new friends.
[Chorus]
We never stopped moving
Standing takes a force of will
Nothing changes now were leaving
We were travelling still.
Track 13 -Growing Road
[Verse 1]
I locked the door for the last time
I really though this flat would stay mine
But now we move out on the track
We made that call, theres no going back
I climb in the front with Yumi and Dee
I look in the back and Steph smiles back at me
Turn the key and the engine sings
I turn on the growing road as the gearbox rings.
[Chorus]
We follow the band bus of Faking Dead
Their entourage swallows us like a wave on the sand
I smile to think about what Spirit said
Its our turn to live out of the bus as a band.
[Verse 2]
The support crew join the line one car at a time
We cross over the bridge and the harbour is sublime
We head towards the freeway and the road is getting wide
Six lanes of traffic with nowhere left to hide
Turn north along the M 1 motorway
Weve got Newcastle in our sights for a concert today
Our first one of the tour and our biggest crowd yet
These are the moments we will never forget
[Chorus]
We follow the band bus of Faking Dead
Their entourage swallows us like a wave on the sand
I smile to think about what Spirit said
Its our turn to live out of the bus as a band.
[Verse 3]
The blinding lights and screaming crowd
Ive never heard a room that loud
The lights go down and they scream and roar
Yumi grabs my hand as we walk out on the floor
I hear a thousand voices and one shouts out our name
Donnys out there with us and well never be the same.
[Chorus]
We follow the band bus of Faking Dead
Their entourage swallows us like a wave on the sand
I smile to think about what Spirit said
Its our turn to live out of the bus as a band.
That concludes Gwendolines Mission for now.
Thank you for following this journey. I will make an announcement if its recorded. If GM3 comes it will be a live album as originally planned.
Edited by anthias, 16 September 2026 - 08:29 AM.
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