Rick Dieffenbach Songwriter and Musician

All Songs written or co-written by Rick Dieffenbach except 1 cover.

Read About Rick's (Richard) Dieffenbach's Music

The Greatest Celebration in American History (2026)

I wanted to write a song of hope. I wanted the choruses to be big, bold and joyous. With the help of some outstanding backing vocals from Elenaravelli81, I am happy with the result. I do dip down briefly in the bridge, but immediately return. The sleeper has awakened. Drums: Esteban (FiveRR). All else me along with Elenaravelli81. Fun fact: The chorus words 'When the Sun Comes Out' came from one very cold, still dark morning. My doggies grunted they wanted to go outside. It was so cold I responded 'when the sun comes out we'll go outside'. The phrase 'when the sun comes out' instantly hit me as a song. I actually wrote 2 songs based on that phrase. This one, and one titled 'when the sun comes out', a song about loss (non-political). Thank you Osito and Sallie!

What the Hell??!!!!! (The Devil Laughs): They're Wearing Red Hats! (2026)

In this song, I love how the devil reacts to the crowds of Donald Chump worshippers... 'What the hell!!!??? (The devil laughs...) I never thought I'd have such a big come back!!!... What the hell??!! Those frantic crowds! They're weaing red hats for crying out loud!!!!'. The brief voices of a lady and a child are still me using an ai voice chord changer. Enjoy.

Sarcastic Lady-in-Waiting (2025)

Ever met a sarcastic person? :) I wrote this because I had a drum loop in 5/4 time and wanted to see if I could write a song using that. Vocals: Tim Patterson (FiveRR), Drums: Esteban (FiveRR), Lead git: Vanga J. (FiveRR), Lyric Consultant: Steve O. All else me.

Dear God can you help the Billionaires? (Christmas Song) (2025)

This song started life a week before Christmas 2025. I wanted cheerful. Although the music came easily, the lyrics did not. I just could not write cheerful. I tossed "cheerful" away instead writing what was on my heart and mind this year. Here it is. Hope you like. Drums: Esteban, all else me. I sing all the parts including the children using an AI vocal chord changer.

Like Dominoes (2025)

My beliefs... life is a series of events that determine our destiny. Some events are fantastic and bring great joy. And some sneak up behind you and strike without warning. When that happens it can start a chain reaction. Like dominoes falling.

I Got the Beep Beep Blues (Lyrics co-written by Essa Ahmed & Rick Dieffenbach. Music Rick Dieffenbach. 2025)

A fun song, idea conceived by Essa, about auto driving in the future. When we're all driving our sky cars with advanced technologies but we still have to deal with drivers who are assholes. A fun song I had a blast co-creating with Essa. The 'Horn Solo' at 1:37 was created by my favorite pianist Luca Longoni of FiveRR using a synth. Go Luca go! I sing but used an AI vocal chord changer. Note: "The Curse of Young Memories " was also a collaboration with Essa and is a very meaningful song. Find it listed below. "Horn solo" created by Luca Longoni (FiverRR).

She's Beautiful My Love(updated 2025)

So you are with someone wonderful? This is a song about her. Cello solo Daniel González of FiveRR. All else me.

Avery (2023)

If you've watched your adult child fade away - not because of illness or death, but because they felt they were better off if they discarded you, this song is about that. Father and son. Fiddle: Shimna. Vocals: Tim Patterson, Elenaravelli81. Drums: Esteban. All else me.

The Journey (Music Rick Dieffenbach. Lyrics Donna Divine/Rick Dieffenbach 2025)

Rebirth after a failed relationship. Co-written with Donna Divine. Vocals: elenaravelli81 (fiverRR), Piano: Luca Longoni (fiverRR), Drums: Esteban (fiverRR). A

One Truth (Rick Dieffenbach/Tom Tognaci 2025)

Co-written and co-sung with Tom Tognaci. The song is a conversation between two friends who have different views. I've admired Tom's musicality since 2010 and was thrilled to create this song together with him. BTW, he and I have two different views! Piano: Luca Longoni, Drums: Esteban both of FiverRR.

Wayback in High School, We Wuz Cool, Me and You(2025)

Did you have any good times in high school? Any wild times? And now, years later you still are in touch with that friend? THis song is about that. Drums: Esteban (FiverRR). I sing, but my vocal chords were altered by AI.

Beatles Tribute (2025)

The Beatles catalog consists of 214 songs. I wrote and recorded this song. It uses their song titles as lyrics. Not all of them, but quite a few Beatles songs. The Beatles were a shiny beacon of joy in my life. Through the happy times and the tough times. They were always there. I play all instruments and sing all vocals, including female vocals. I used an AI vocal chord changer. Really cool stuff. The drums however were performed by Esteban of FiveRR. A pro drummer whom I highly recommend. Note one song title I used, "1 plus 1 is 2" isn't technically a Beatles song. It was however written by Paul McCartney and given to another performer in 1964. So close enough!

Happy Birthday, To Me(2025)

A simple song of a man reminiscing about his past. He's wishing himself a happy birthday because... unfortunately... there is no one in his life anymore to do that. Call it self-medication.

The Curse of Young Memories (2025 - Lyrics Linda & Essa Ahmed, Music R. Dieffenbach )

Vocals: Gary Murphy.. BG vocals Elenaravelli81. Drums: Esteban. Potent lyrics by Linda & Essa Ahmed. The song reminds us "Young memories they haunt and bind... traces left in hearts and minds". Meaning, memories when we are young have life long influences on our feelings and behaiviors - most without us realizing it. And they sure do. Hats off to Gary Murphy for impactful lead vocals that transmit the emotion of this song so well. Top that off with the dreamly, angelic background vocals and harmonies by Elenaravelli81. (and of course the brilliant music of me. :)) This song impacts me. Give it a listen.

I'd Give Up the Starlight To Love You For One Night(updated 2025, written 2013)

The story follows a passionate man who's heart, and probably loins, are burning for a particular woman. But the inside scoup is that the chorus came first, "I'd Give Up the Starlight to Love You for One Night". This was saying I'd trade my life to be with my late wife just one more night. But for the purpose of the song I decided to turn it into a regular romancer. Drums: Esteban. Uses vocalAI to replace my vocal chords.

The Last Goodbye (2018)

Ever been in a toxic relationship? When it was over did you get down on your hands and knees and thank God for that Last Goodbye?

Children One Time (2024 - recorded)

You love your children. Being a part of their lives is the greatest high any parent can have. Watching them grow is a close second. Elenaravelli81 of FiveRR provides incredible vocals. All else me.

What Love Would Say (Music: Rick Dieffenbach. Poem, production Michael Zuercher 2025)

I wrote the music for this poem based clip. The actual poem and production of the video was by Michael Zuercher, who engaged me to write the supporting music. Piano was performed by Luca Longoni (FiveRR).

Memories of Christmastime (2024)

A Joyful Song - even when children are grown and time moved on.... there still are memories. Vocals: Tim Patterson, Elenaravelli81 and me. Piano: Luca Longini, percussion brushes Estaban.

Am I Woke? (2025)

Well, am I? All voices me via vocal chord changer. And all else me.

Holiday for One(2025)

'I haven't gone on holiday, a real holiday, in years. That's probably not in the cards. This is a song about me having a holiday in my head. Uses vocalAI to replace my vocal chords.

Lines in a Song (2025)

I remember hearing the Beatles song "All You Need is Love". They were wrong. Singers: Tim Patterson and Elenaravelli81. Singers Tim Patterson and Elenaravelli81.

Old & Gray (Full version) (2025)

Piano solo: Luca Longini. Drums: Esteban. An upbeat song by the end...

Helps Me Survive Stay'n Alive (FULL instrumentation version) (2025)

I started writing songs at age 13. After high school, that fizzled out. I enjoyed the whole middle part of my life with my late wife Kathie. But from when she got sick on, I started writing songs and playing guitar as a way to "process" the world around me, as well as take my mind off of stressful. "Help's Me Survive Staying Alive" means my guitar and my music have helped me get though the rough times. Lead vocal: Tim Patterson, lead guitar (in Coda of song) Vanga J. Drums Esteban. All else me.

I Love Guns (2023)

Think 'Mel Brooks'. Female vocals Elenaravelli81, sax manueltrabucco, piano Luca Longoni all of FiveRR.com. PS: DON'T ASSUME YOU KNOW WHAT THE MESSAGE IS IN THIS SONG BY THE TITLE.

My Best Friends (2025)

About my doggies Sallie and Osito. Vocals: Tim Patterson. Drums: Esteban. (Both of FiveRR). All else me.

Reels of Worn Out Movies (2022 - written 2014)

beautiful vocals by Elenaravelli81. Piano Longoni. "Reels of worn out Movies, turning slowly in my head" refers to fading memories of people and times past, and how we rerun those memories over the years to hold onto those we've lost. Note: In the local music scene I used to go by "Parker".

The Ballad of January 6 (aka Just Another Day) (2023)

Nick R. sings and is backed by the beautiful harmonies by Elenaravelli81 and a sax solo by manueltrabucco both of Fivrr. Piano Luca Longoni also of Fivrr.com. Song is about the sadness and tragedy of January 6, 2021. At one level it's about the brutality towards police, especially the death of Brian Sicknick. But it's also about the sadness and grieving I and so many others felt because our nation was attacked from within.

Ida Jean (2025)

The first time I drove from Kentucky to New York to visit with Kathie whom I would eventually marry, it was a beautiful sunny day. My spirits were off the charts high with excitement to see Kathie. This song is about that trip and experience. Why is it called "Ida Jean"? I wrote the song originally in 2013 under the name "Kathie D". But I wasn't happy with the production as well as wanting to change some orchestration. So early this year in 2025 I tried to update the song. Only issue was, every time I'd sing it I'd either fly into tears or feel like I should. I just could not break the sadness because of its relationship with my dear Kathie.So instead of keeping it as "Kathie D", the original title, I changed it to Ida Jean. This allowed me to make changes on it. I was able to sing it without breaking down in tears,Tim Patterson and Elenaravelli81 sing. all else me.

Just a Wet Dream (2025)

As a youth, I saw the promise of a better America and a better world. We weren't there yet but it felt like we were heading in the right direction. Acceptance, equality, understanding.... cleaning up the environment, and more. But... it was all just a wet dream. . Note: My song begins, as did the Beatle's song "All you need is love", with La Marseillaise, a portion of the French national anthem (played from my keyboard). (No disrespect intended to France). Drums: Esteban. bridge harmonies by Tim Patterson. All else me.

Time Falls(2025)

Featuring the deep rich vocal of Tim Patterson and the magic piano fingers of Luca Longini.

Christmas Time and We're Fine (2025)

Featuring the deep rich vocal of Tim Patterson and the angelic vocals of Elenaravelli81. This tune was the 2nd christmas song written this year 2025, a "cousin" to the "Back to Christmastime" song. Also features drums by Esteban and a Vibraphone by Reinaldo. All else me. This song was inspired by the sights and aromas of Christmas when I was growing up and an amalgam of the Christmases with my lovely wife Kathie and our children. I name uncle Johnny in the song, who was a real and very beautiful person. And it was my dad who actually played spoons a little.

Silent Running (2025)

Piano: (parts) Luca Longini - especially a kick butt piano solo. All else me. Ever have someone in your orbit that flies off cutting all ties?

Decide: Fight or Die (2025)

Vocals: Tim Patterson & Elenaravelli81. BG vocals: me. Drums Esteban. All else me. This is a story song about a young woman named Sarah who "saved the day" at a local cafe. It's taken 12 years and several versions to transform my original "Sarah Jones" song into this. Just love Tim's and Elena's vocals.

My Daddy Could Fly (2024)

Vocals: Rick. BG vocals Tim Patterson. Fiddle: Shimna. This is a straight away tribute to my father, Henry Dieffenbach. When I consider everything my father did to keep the home together dispite challenges like health, financial, etc, he was a super hero. Love him. He loved me. And I him.

You're Married (2024)

Vocals: Tim Patterson and Elenaravelli81. What if the woman you loved was now loving someone else?

Goodnight My Love (2025)

Beautiful piano by Luca Longini drives the song. All else me.

Something I Did (2025)

Drums - Esteban, all else me. Sometimes I look in a mirror and I find it hard to believe it's me. It's not just about looks.... it's about the changes that occur throughout one's life. Changes in people, places and things. And I guess... looks. :)

Loving that Special Someone

Ferris Wheel (2021)

Vocals: Tim Patterson, Lead Guitar Alinilie . Love is like a ferris wheel... going round and round... it can bring you extacy, it can wear you down..."

Love of My Life (written 2011, recorded 2022)

Vocals Tim Patterson and Elenaravelli81, both of Fivrr. Also: guitar StudioAmando.

Fine Fine Day (2022)

When I first met my future wife, we were both 13 years old. She was the most beautful soul I had ever met. It was a joyful day. So joyful. This song is how I felt. Then and for all time. I am saddened she is gone, but the joy of her presense in my life lives on. Clarinet: Fishsaw, Lead vocals: Tim Patterson.

Forevermore (2024)

Elenaravelli81 provides her amazing vocals and Luca Longini adds his amazing piano. It's a song about being connected to your closest love now and forever.

You and I (written 2011, recorded 2023)

Vocals: Tim Patterson, female vocals, Elena, pianp Luca Longini. Duet. I wrote this around 2011.

Understanding(2024)

Need some understanding in a relationship.

Abandoned(Written 2014, updated 2025)

I recently volunteered to assist in a no-kill dog shelter. As a doggy daddy myself, it rips my heart in pieces when a dog is abused or neglected. In many cases abandoned, like they were disposable trash. They are highly intelligent sentient beings. Anyone who does these things to a dog is cruel and would probably do the same thing to you if they could get away with it.

Silly Songs (Written 2014, updated 2025)

"All I want to do is sing a sing a silly song for you"

Chump Shit Show (2025)

OK, this is my last protest song.... promise. There's one constant in both Trump administrations, practically each day is a shit show. Drums: Esteban. Lead Guitar Vanji G. All else me, including vocals. Female vocals, too via "vocal chord changeout".

Old and Gray(2025)

Peace in one's older years.

Always Love You (2024)

Love for one's life partner. Vocal: Nick R, BG vocs during bridge: Elenaravelli81, piano/organ Luca Longini

Happiness Engineer (2023)

Female background vocals Elenaravelli81, sax manueltrabucco. "I'm a happiness engineer and it's my job to hold her near..."

You're Married (2024)

Vocals: Tim Patterson and Elenaravelli81. What if the woman you loved was now loving someone else?

Friends (1981-2016)

Written in 1981, but has undergone many versions since then. This is the latest. About my soulmate, Kathie.

Oh So Lovely (2021 - written 2011)

Piano Luca Longoni; Vocals by Tim Patterson. The story of my life with Kathie, who I met at 13, again at 16, married at 33 and had a wonderful 25 year marriage before loosing her. I never wanted to forget our story, so I committed it to song.

Political Related

Propaganda News (2024)

Lead vocals: Tom Savage, piano Luca Longini both of FiveRR. There's so many political pundits out there. Some of them make anywhere from large to insane sums of money by telling people what they want to hear, even if lies.

Guns, Guns, Guns (2011)

I 'carry'. But the things some people say about guns... yikes...

Children/Parents

Abandoned Parent (2021)

My song about the *millions* of parents in the US who are abandoned by their adult children... cutting aging parents off from affection and communication. Tossing them in the trash. There are many parents who deserve this, but there are many more that don't. It's like a knife in one's heart. The pain never ends. And there is nothing one can do about it.

Dream a Happy Dream (Lullaby) (2022 - written 2011)

Vocals: elenaravelli81, Piano Luca Longoni available on FiveRR.com. A lullaby for my boys.

Ordinary Man (Spring 2013)

Life has unexpected twists and turns. And sometimes, life sneaks up behind you and unexpectively gives you a swift kick with size 15 boots up your butt. "I'm an ordinary man... doing the best I can.... but it wasn't good enough..."

Three (a Family) (2024)

A song about what happens to a couple when they have their first child. Lead voc: Tim Patterson with Elenaravelli81. Clarinet Manueltrabucco. All of FiveRR. Everything else me.

Music's a Part of You (Philosophie's song) (2022)

Beautiful granddaughter

Santa Rocks (2021 - written 2011)

Vocals: Tim Patterson, Lead Guitar Alinilie

The Narcissist (2018)

Those who have had a relationship with a narcissist will understand just about every word in this song. I needed no research to write this song, I lived it for a time.

The Narcissist Needs (2018)

"The narcissist needs, you down on your knees, filling the void, inside of them. No matter what you do, the narcissist is cruel, getting off by hurting you"

The Narcissist (She's the Victim You Know) (2018)

"The narcissist doesn't care anyone else. She'll promise you heaven then chain you in hell. If you think you can talk it out, you'll fool'n yourself. She's the victim you know, in every story she tells... and in the end she left me on a summer's day... I cried for an hour... then I said hurrah!"

Watching for Rain [DEMO - TO BE REDONE] (2019)

NOTE. "My life's an open book, I just can't seem to write..."

MUSINGS ABOUT MY LIFE:

As It Turns Out (2022)

Background singer elenaravelli81. The older I get, the more I back and see my life as chapters and actors. Chapters have a start, middle and end. Actors come and go, some are in multile chapters, some only brief guest appearances. The chapter I am in now is both a happy one and a bit of a lonely one. But I am living a day at a time and appreciating each day more than I did when I was younger. As it turns out...

Grey Skies (2021 - written 2012)

Fighting back against sadness and loss. Vocals: Tim Patterson

Livin' on the Run (2022)

"Livin on the run... feel'n old and done...."

I Believe (2021)

Vocals: Gabrielcafa

'STORY IN A SONG'

Tra La La (2023 - written 2010 and it was '73, not 03...)

The Beatles have Ob La Dee Ob La Da, and my song is Tra La La. Both paint a picture of a version of life. Female vocals Elenaravelli81, sax manueltrabucco. All else me.

Great Apple Pie (2021 - written 2012)

A story about a waitress. Vocals: Tim Patterson

Liza Jayne (2014)

Mary's younger sister... my double entendre song.

MISC:

Won't Let You Down (2015)

Letting a friend know...

Lies and Alibis (2011)

'You and me' written by me but brilliantly performed vocally and musically by "Stickboy".

You (2015)

A story about a friend who helps you when you need help.

One at a Time (2022)

Vocals: elenaravelli81

Sallie (2022)

Vocals: Tim Patterson. Git pick'n: Bartdietvorst from FiveRR

Christmas 1964 (2021 - written 2012, about Christmas 1964. The best Christmas ever!)

If there is one Christmas in my life that stands out, it is 1964. I was 9 years old. My family was all alive, and we had the most memorable Christmas. So much joy. A lot went downhill after that, but that Christmas day stand out in my mind. Vocals: Tim Patterson

Camping Holiday (2011)

Love camping? I do....

Hope in this Hopeless Night (2013)

Lyrics inspired by a poem written by J.F.

Lovely Face (2021 - written 2010)

My attempt at an old-timely country song. Vocals: Tim Patterson, Lead Guitar Alinilie

Rocken (2021 - written 2014)

About a musically talented Georgia girl. Lead guitar Alinilie

2025 (2022)

Trumpet: FrankTrumpet (Fivrr), synth trumpets: Rick

I Love Birds (2010)

Co-written by Kathie Dieffenbach - much of the lyrics

Old Fashioned Songs (2021)

Multi-decade (1940s-1980s) parody of music styles. Vocals: Tim Patterson, Lead Guitar Alinilie, Piano Luca Longoni;

Fiddle in the Sky [COVER SONG] (2022)

This song was written by my good friend Wayne when we were in high school. A fun tune that always put a smile on my face. I asked permission to record a cover of it. Wayne's "intro" and "do do do do" 'solo' are from the original 1972 home recording. Yeah we were just kids... Love ya Wayne.

Alabama (2014)

co-written by Lee

My Old Guitar (2024)

Music has been a part of my life since a young age. Until it wasn't. Two decades later, it was again. And now it remains. Lead guitar: Vanja G of FiveRR.

High School (2013)

Puff! One minute you are in high school, and in the next, you are drawing social security. This song was written and recorded in 2013, and it is about four of my high school friends and I who formed a little band so many years ago. I'm still in touch with two of them, one passed away and the last (David!) I wish I could find. Life goes on Ob-la-Dee Ob-la-da and each moment with each person is precious. Love ya Wayne, Manny, Jimmy and Dave. Note: the talking in the song are from old high school recordings. Love hearing their voices again.

Please note:

You & Me - written by me, but this version covered by Stickboy. A very talented young man!
I Love to Count Birds - children's song co-written with Kathleen Dieffenbach
Visit my website about Huntsville, Alabama Original Music