Burton Sirota was a lyricist with a keen observational eye, a poetic flair, and a boldly vulnerable streak. Yet, only a few knew of his literary gifts. Most remember Burton’s Ferris Bueller-like charisma in befriending any and everybody, having the most quick acerbic wit as well as enjoying his warm and generous spirit. When diagnosed with cancer in 2016, Burton began to share his lyrical ideas.

 

At 61 years young, Burton passed away on December 20, 2020, yet his spirit is now immortalized in song. Professional musicians George Pinckney, Jim Sampson, and Steve Thompson—Burton’s lifelong friends —wanted to ensure his legacy by finishing and recording Burton’s song, “Give More Than You Take.” It is a poignant, Beatles-esque track that captures a man as he’s facing death with dignity and grace; it expresses love and gratitude for his time and the deep friendships he made in his lifetime. It urges listeners to disregard what’s non-essential in life and instead, value the essence of what is truly important. Credited to the new band and songwriting team that George, Jim and Steve formed, The Dandelion Dream, the release’s proceeds will be donated to select organizations that Burton supported.

 

“Burton knew he was dying when he wrote these lyrics, but he was committed to examining his life through the creative process. He seemed to be searching for the ‘meaning of life’ or at least, what was important to him,” Jim shares. “I think one of Burton’s lasting legacies, as expressed in this song’s lyric, are the friendships that he valued and invested in with all of his heart and soul,” Steve says. George adds: “He touched a lot of people’s lives.”

 

Jim, George and Steve grew up with Burton in Costa Mesa, California and make up a formidable team of music all-stars. Jim performs and records as critically acclaimed, San Diego-based singer/songwriter Oliver James. Guitarist, jazz trombonist, and singer/songwriter Steve Thompson is best known for his 1980s mod-punk revival band, The Jetz, and continues today as a performer and recording artist. Keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer George Pinckney runs the popular YouTube channel, Newport George, where he shares imaginative versions of his favorite songs, spanning decades. Prior to this project, this trio had never worked together.

 

Facebook provided Burton the inroads to get his lyrics and musical ideas for inspiration out to the universe and to individual musician friends—including George, Jim, and Steve. “After the diagnosis, he realized he hadn’t shared a big part of his life, and, with the time he had left, he wanted to get that out,” Steve says. At the time, George, Steve and Jim weren’t aware Burton had casted a wide net to others with his lyrical ideas until after he passed. “It was like he was blowing on dandelions and just seeing where the seeds would scatter,” Jim says. After Burton’s death and what would have been his 62^nd birthday, Jim decided to work on one of Burton’s lyrics. Knowing about the Facebook community forming around Burton and reading both George and Steve’s commentaries on Burton’s page, Jim contacted the pair to see if they would be interested in collaborating.

 

Together, Jim, George, and Steve joined creative forces to finish Burton’s lyrics, “Give More Than You Take.” Burton’s initial idea was the opening lyric: I’m by myself, but not alone/I’ve got the love of my family/And the friends that I know. Based on Burton’s story and his musical tastes, George, Jim and Steve co-wrote the music and completed the song around these powerful words. Artistically empathic to the life messaging of the lyric, the trio poignantly captured Burton’s essence and time as his life dimmed. “Burton was always upbeat, yet also quite sardonic until the very end,” Jim says.

 

Reflecting on the song, George says: “Burton would be smiling right now—he would love to be associated with this.”

Buy the CD—all sales proceeds will be donated to charity.