Singer-Songwriter | Folk • Americana • Blues
I'm a singer-songwriter inspired by folk, blues, rock, and jazz. Through original songs, I explore the world around me—from personal experiences and relationships to the social issues that shape our lives. I perform at intimate venues, house concerts, and community spaces.
I began writing this song on the 100th day of Trump's second term as I struggled to make sense of the many profound injustices taking place across America: the rollback of environmental protections, cuts to healthcare programs, inhumane conditions affecting thousands of immigrants, millions of Americans struggling to pay their bills, massive federal layoffs affecting USAID, cuts to veterans and critical public services, threats to voting rights, and a growing abuse of power to advance personal and political interests.
Drawing connections between the past and the present, the video incorporates images from pivotal moments in American history, including the civil rights movement, alongside scenes from today. My hope is that it encourages reflection, conversation, and participation in the democratic process.
Sending deep gratitude to the talented artists and collaborators who helped bring this project to life: Sam Baler, Les Sampou, Ed Grenga, Rich Fabrizio, Suzanne Dzialo, and Anaxamander Jelliff.
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THAT’S HOW IT GOES THESE DAYS
Well, these days
Time undone
They’re color-coding everyone
March in line
Hands up high
Well, these days
Are days of lies
Well, that’s how it goes
The wait is long
Frightened faces
Outstretched arms
Abandoned lives
Families torn
All that was right is wrong
All that was right is wrong
Well, these days --
We’re falling back
We’re being watched
they’re keeping track
They’ll take your job
Steal your dime
Well, these days
Are days of Crime
Well, that’s how it goes
Pens are drawn
Censor poets
Kill the song
Hide the books
Cloak the art
When all that was light is dark
When all that was light is dark –
They see no problem here
Guess you’re not a billionaire
They take what’s yours and walk away
That’s how it goes these days
They see no pain or fear
Don’t even pretend to care
They toss a match and fan the flames
That’s how it goes
That’s how it goes these days
Well, these days
In the USA
Social justice stripped away
Civil Rights hauled off to jail
They’re handing us a Handmaid’s Tale
Well, that’s how it goes
This Game of Thrones
Greed and Power
Supreme control
Rob the vets, the poor, the old
While the faithful sell their soul
Well, these days,
The oceans rise
Angry surges, Deadly tides
Glaciers melt
Before our eyes
Well, these days
Will fade in time
Well, that’s how it goes
The river is low
Dusty soil, Quiet flow
No more flowers, No more snow
They say this isn’t real
Just keep drilling everywhere
There’s no such thing as climate change
That’s how it goes these days
They see no problem here
Break the law and then appeal
They turn their backs and walk away
That’s how it goes, that’s how it goes
That’s how it goes, THAT’S how it goes
That’s how it goes
That’s HOW it goes, that’s how it goes
That’s how it goes these days
Lyrics & Music
Ruthann S Baler
© May 2025 All Rights Reserved
Vocals, guitar, harmonica: Ruthann Baler
Lead guitar: Sam Baler
Engineering/production/bass guitar/creative input: Rich Fabrizio
Background vocals and creative input: Les Sampou
Keyboard: Ed Grenga
Anaxamander Jelliff: drums
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2018 Original album Rivers & Trains: Like the rivers and trains that carry us from one place to another, these songs trace the winding paths of memory, love, longing, and hope.
Providence, RI Folk Festival
Upcoming Shows
June 21 — Fight Back With a Song: a concert supporting Democratic candidates in critical battleground races. Sunday, June 21, from 3-5 p.m. (doors open at 2:30). First Church and Parish Dedham, 680 High St., Dedham, MA. Tickets and information: Fightbackwithasong.org.
July 23 — 6-8 PM: Street Beats, Stamford CT, Kiwanis Park, Atlantic Street
Nyak NY Porchfest — Date TBD
Singer-songwriter showcase presented by the NYC Songwriter Collective, 2020