I been balling a shiny black steel jackhammer
Been chippin' up rocks for the great highway
I live five years if I take my time
Ballin' that jack and drinkin' my wine
I been chippin' them rocks from dawn till doom
While my rider hide my bottle in the other room
Doctor say better stop ballin' that jack
If I live five years I gonna bust my back, yes I will
Easy wind 'cross the bayou today
'Cause there's a whole lotta women, mama
Out in red on the streets today
And the river keeps a talkin'
But you never heard a word it said
Gotta find a woman be good to me
Won't hide my liquor try to serve me tea
'Cause I'm a stone jack baller and my heart is true
And I'll give everything that I got to you, yes I will
Easy wind going 'cross the bayou today
There's a whole lotta women
Out on the streets in red today
And the river keep a talkin'
Awoke today, felt your side of the bed;
The covers were still warm where you been layin'.
You were gone, oh gone, my heart was filled with dread;
You might not be sleeping here again.
But it's all right cause I love you, and that's not going to change.
Run me around and make me hurt again and again.
But I'll still sing you love songs, written in the letters of your name.
The rain is gonna come, oh it surely looks like rain
Did you ever waken to the sound of street cats making love?
You guess from the cries you were listening to a fight.
Well you know, oh know, haste is the last thing they're thinking of.
You know they're only tryin' to make it thru the night.
I only want to hold you, I don't want to tie you down
Or fit you in the lines I might've drawn.
It's just that I, oh I, have gotten used to havin' you around.
The landscape would be empty, if you were gone;
But it's all right cause I love you, and that's not going to change.
Run me around and make me hurt again and again.
But I'll still sing you love songs, written in the letter of your name.
The rain is gonna come, oh it surely looks like rain.
All of my friends come to see me last night,
I was laying in my bed and dying.
Annie Bonneau from St. Angel say the weather down there so fine.
Just then the wind came squalling through the dark,
But who can the weather command?
Just want to have a little peace to die,
And a friend or two I love at hand.
Fever roll up to a hundred and five.
Roll on up, gonna roll back down.
One more day I find myself alive,
Tomorrow maybe go beneath the ground.
See here how everything led up to this day,
And it's just like any other day that's ever been.
Sun going up and then the sun going down.
Come around, come around.
The people might know, but the people don't care,
That a man can be as poor as me.
Take a look at poor Peter, he's lying in pain,
Now let's come run and see, run and see,
Run and see, run, run and see, and see.
Winter rain, now tell me why, Summers fade, and roses die.
The answer came; the wind and rain.
Golden hills, now veiled in gray, Summer leaves have blown away
Now what remains? The wind and rain.
And like a desert spring, my lover comes and spreads her wings, Knowing,
Like a song that's born to soar the sky, Flowing,
Flowing 'til the waters all are dry, Growing, the loving in her eyes.
Circle songs and sands of time, and seasons will end in tumbled rhyme,
and little change, the wind and rain.
And like a desert spring, my lover comes and spreads her wings,
Knowing, Like a song that's born to soar the sky,
Flowing, Flowing 'til the rivers all are dry, Growing, the loving in her eyes.
Winter gray and falling rain, we'll see summer come again,
Darkness falls and seasons change (gonna happen every time).
Same old friends the wind and rain, Summers fade and roses die,
You'll see summer come again, Like a song that's born to soar the sky.
Julie catch a rabbit by his hair
Come back steppin' like to walk on air
Get back home where you belong
And don't you run off no more.
Don't hang your head, let the two time roll
Grass shack nailed to a pine wood floor
Ask the time baby I don't know
Come back later, gonna let it show.
I say row Jimmy row, gonna get there, I don't know,
Seems a common way to go, get out and row, row, row, row, row.
Here's a half dollar if you dare
Double twist when you hit the air,
Look at Julie down below,
The levee doin' the do-pas-o.
I say row Jimmy row, gonna get there, I don't know
Seems a common way to go, get out and row, row, row, row, row.
Broken heart don't feel so bad,
You ain't got half of what you thought you had.
Rock you baby to and fro
Not too fast and not too slow.
I say row Jimmy row, gonna get there, I don't know,
Seems a common way to go, get out and row, row, row, row, row.
That's the way it's been in town,
Ever since they tore the jukebox down.
Two bit piece don't buy no more,
Not so much as it done before.
I say row Jimmy row, gonna get there I don't know
Seems a common way to go, get out and row, row, row, row, row.
All the years combine, they melt into a dream,
A broken angel sings from a guitar.
In the end there's just a song comes cryin' up the night
Thru all the broken dreams and vanished years.
Stella blue. Stella blue.
When all the cards are down, there's nothing left to see,
There's just the pavement left and broken dreams.
In the end there's still that song comes cryin' like the wind.
Down every lonely street that's ever been
Stella blue. Stella blue.
I've stayed in every blue-light cheap hotel, can't win for trying.
Dust off those rusty strings just one more time,
Gonna make them shine, shine
It all rolls into one and nothing comes for free,
There's nothing you can hold, for very long.
And when you hear that song come crying like the wind,
It seems like all this life was just a dream.
Stella blue. Stella blue.
Morning comes, she follows the path to the river shore,
Lightly sung, her song is the latch on the morning's door.
See the sun sparkle in the reeds, silver beads, pass into the sea.
She comes from a town where they call her the woodcutter's daughter,
She's brown as the bank where she kneels down to gather her water, and
She bears it away with a love that the river has taught her.
Let it flow, greatly grow, wide and clear.
Round and round, the cut of the plow in the furrowed field,
Seasons round, the bushels of corn and the barley meal,
Broken ground, open and beckoning to the spring,
Black dirt live again!
The plowman is broad as the back of the land he is sowing,
As he dances the circular track of the plow ever knowing
That the work of his day measures more than the planting and growing
Let it grow, Let it grow, Greatly yield.
What shall we say, shall we call it by a name,
As well to count the angels dancing on a pin.
Water bright as the sky from which it came,
And the name is on the earth that takes it in.
We will not speak but stand inside the rain,
And listen to the thunder shouting ";I am! I am! I am! I am.";
Nothin' more, the love of the women, work of men.
Seasons round, creatures great and small, up and down as we rise and fall.
Mississippi River so big and wide, blond haired woman on the other side.
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry 'cause I'm sitting on top of the world.
I worked all summer, spring and fall, blond haired woman the cause of it all.
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry 'cause I'm sitting on top of the world.
I saw her in Dallas and El Paso. Said come back baby, I need you so.
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry 'cause I'm sitting on top of the world.
Mississippi River so big and wide, blond haired woman on the other side.
Now she's gone, gone, gone and I don't worry 'cause I'm sitting on top of the world.
Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you?
Tell your mama and your papa I'm a little schoolboy too.
Come on now pretty baby I just can't help myself
You're so young and pretty I don't need nobody else.
Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you?
Don't you hear me crying?
I'm gonna leave you baby about the break of day
On account of the way you treat me, I got to stay away.
Come on now pretty baby darling come on home
You know I love you baby, I got to get you all alone.
Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you?
Don't you hear me crying?
I'm gonna buy me an airplane and fly all over your town
Tell everybody baby, lord knows you're fine
Come on pretty baby now, I just can't help myself
You're so young and pretty I don't need nobody else.
Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you?
Don't you hear me crying?
Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you?
Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you?
Tell your mama and your papa I'm a little schoolboy too.
I'm a schoolboy, too. Hey, I'm a schoolboy, too.
I want to be your chauffeur, I want to ride your little machine
I want to be your chauffeur, I want to ride your little machine
I want to put a tiger, baby I want to put a tiger, baby.
I want to put a tiger, baby, hey in your sweet little tank.
Hey baby now yes I do ha, yes I do
Hey I got to hey, I got to come on home with you
Tell your mama, tell your papa, tell your mama and your papa
Hey, I'm a schoolboy, too, hey, hey, I'm a schoolboy, too.
Ha oww, I'm a schoolboy, too, ow, I wanna keep your company
Hey I wanna keep your company.
No, no! She can't take your mind and leave
I know it's just another trick shes got up her sleeve
I can't believe that she really wants you to die
After all it's more than enough to pay for your lie
Wait a minute, watch what you're doin' with your time
All the endless ruins of the past must stay behind, yeah
Wait a minute, watch what you're doin' with your time
All the endless ruins of the past must stay behind, yeah
Well, can't you see that you're killing each others soul
Well, you're both out in the streets and you got no place to go
Your constant bates are getting to be a bore
Terrapin Station - Lady With a Fan
Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm,
That will not forsake you, till my tale is told and done.
While the firelight's aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow,
Till things we've never seen will seem familiar.
Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm.
Down in Carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago.
Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him,
Who came through many fights, but lost at love.
While the story teller speaks, a door within the fire creaks;
Suddenly flies open, and a girl is standing there.
Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair,
She takes her fan and throws it, in the lion's den.
Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?
I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance.
The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise,
Strategy was his strength, and not disaster.
The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him.
That's how it stands today. You decide if he was wise.
The story teller makes no choice. Soon you will not hear his voice.
His job is to shed light, and not to master.
Since the end is never told, we pay the teller off in gold,
In hopes he will return, but he cannot be bought or sold.
Terrapin Station
Inspiration, move me brightly. Light the song with sense and color;
Hold away despair, more than this I will not ask.
Faced with mysteries dark and vast, statements just seem vain at last.
Some rise, some fall, some climb, to get to Terrapin.
Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright;
The spiral light of Venus, rising first and shining best,
On, from the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon,
While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune,
Terrapin Station.
In the shadow of the moon, Terrapin Station.
And I know we'll get there soon, Terrapin Station.
I can't figure out, Terrapin, if it's the end or beginning, Terrapin,
But the train's put it's brakes on, Terrapin,
And the whistle is screaming, TERRAPIN.
Terrapin Station - At the Siding
While you were gone, these faces filled with darkness.
The obvious was hidden. With nothing to believe in,
Sullen wings of fortune beat like rain.
You're back in Terrapin for good or ill again, for good or ill again.
Firefly, can you see me?
Shine on, glowing, brief and brightly
Could you imagine? One summer day
That same night be on your way
Do you remember? Hearts were too cold
Seasons have frozen us into our souls
People were sayin' the whole world is burning
Ashes have scattered too hard to turn
Upside out or inside down
False alarm, the only game in town
No man's land, the only game in town
Terrible, the only game in town
Passenger, don't you hear me?
Destination seen unclearly
What is a man deep down inside
What a raging beast with nothing to hide
Upside out or inside down
False alarm, the only game in town
No man's land, the only game in town
I left my home in Norfolk Virginia, California on my mind.
Straddled that Greyhound, it rode me past Raleigh, and on across Caroline.
Stopped in Charlotte and bypassed Rock Hill, and we never was a minute late.
We was ninety miles out of Atlanta by sundown, rollin' 'cross the Georgia state.
Had motor trouble it turned into a struggle, half way 'cross Alabam,
the 'hound broke down left us all stranded in downtown Birmingham.
Straight off bought me a through train ticket, right across Mississippi clean
And I was on the midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smoking into New Orleans.
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just help me get to Houston town.
People are there who care a little 'bout me
And they won't let the poor boy down.
Sure as she bore me, she bought me a silk suit, put luggage in my hands,
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised land.
Workin' on a T-bone steak a la carte,
Flying over to the Golden State;
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
We'd be headin' in the terminal gate.
Swing low sweet chariot, come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone;
Cut your engines, cool your wings,
And let me make it to the telephone.
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia,
Tidewater four ten on nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land callin'
And the poor boy's on the line.
On the day when I was born Daddy sat down and cried.
I had the mark just as plain as day; which could not be denied.
They say that Cain caught Abel rollin' loaded dice;
Ace of Spades behind his ear and him not thinkin' twice.
Halfstep, Mississippi uptown toodeloo Hello, baby, I'm gone, good-bye
Half a cup of Rock and Rye. Farewell to you old Southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way.
If all you got to live for is what you left behind,
Get yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine.
Lost my boots in transit, baby, pile of smokin' leather.
I nailed a retread to my feet and prayed for better weather.
Halfstep, Mississippi uptown toodeloo Hello, baby, I'm gone, good-bye
Half a cup of Rock and Rye. Farewell to you old Southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way.
They say that when your ship comes in, the first man takes the sails;
What's the point of callin' shots; this cue ain't straight in line.
Cue ball's made of Styrofoam and no one's got the time.
Halfstep, Mississippi uptown toodeloo Hello, baby, I'm gone, good-bye
Half a cup of Rock and Rye. Farewell to you old Southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way.
Across the Rio Grandeeo, Across the lazy river.
Well I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life
Run me out in the cold rain and snow
Rain and snow, run me out in the cold rain and snow
Well she's coming down the stairs, combin' back her yellow hair
And I ain't goin be treated this ol' way
Well she went up to her room where she sang her faithful tune
Well I'm goin where those chilly winds don't blow
You're bringing me down, I'm running aground,
Blind in the lights of the interstate cars,
Passing me by, the busses and the semis,
Plugging like stones from a slingshot from mars.
But I'm here on the road, bound to the load,
That I picked up in ten thousand cafes and bars.
Alone with the rush of the drivers that won't pick me up,
The highway, the moon, and clouds and the stars.
Black throated wind, keeps on pourin' in,
With it's words of a life where nothing is new,
Ah, mother American night, I pass from the light,
Ah, I'm drownin' in you.
I left St. Louie, city of blues,
In the midst of a storm I'd rather forget.
I tried to pretend it came to an end,
Cause you weren't the women I once thought I'd met.
But I can't deny, times have gone by,
Well I never had doubts or thoughts of regret,
And I was a man when all this began,
Who wouldn't think twice about being there yet.
Black throated wind, whisper in sin,
And speaking on life that passes like dew.
It's forced me to see you've done better by me,
Better by me that I've done by you.
Now what's to be found by racing around,
you carry your pain wherever you go,
Full of blues, and tryin' to lose,
You ain't gonna learn what you don't wanna know.
So I give you my eyes and all of their lies,
Please help them to learn as well as to see.
Capture a glance, and make it dance,
But looking at you is looking at me.
Black throated wind, keeps on pourin' in,
With it's words of a life that could almost be true,
Ah, mother American night, here comes a light.
I'm turning around, that's what I'm gonna do.
Going back home that's what I'm gonna do.
I'm turning around, that's what I'm gonna do.
Going back home that's what I'm gonna do.
Cause you've done better by me than I've done by you,
I'm drowning in you.
Well this job I've got is just a little too hard,
Running out of money, Lord, I need more pay.
Gonna wake up in the morning Lord, gonna pack my bags,
I'm gonna beat it on down the line.
I'm goin' down the line, goin down the line,
Goin' down the line, goin down the line,
Goin' down the line, goin down the line,
Beat it on down the line.
Yes I'll be waiting at the station Lord, when that train pulls on by,
I'm going back where I belong.
I'm going back to that same old used-to-be,
Down in Joe Brown's coal mine.
Coal mine, coal mine, coal mine, coal mine.
Coal mine, coal mine, coal mine, coal mine.
Coal mine, coal mine, coal mine, coal mine.
Down in Joe Brown's coal mine.
Yeah, I'm goin' back to that shack way across that railroad track,
Uh huh, that's where I think I belong.
And that's where I'm gonna make my happy home.
Happy home, happy home, happy home, happy home.
Happy home, happy home, happy home, happy home.
Happy home, happy home, happy home, happy home.
That's where I'm gonna make my happy home.
Well the first days are the hardest days, don't you worry any more,
'Cause when life looks like Easy Street, there is danger at your door.
Think this through with me, let me know your mind,
Wo, oh, what I want to know, is are you kind?
It's a buck dancer's choice my friend; better take my advice.
You know all the rules by now and the fire from the ice.
Will you come with me? Won't you come with me?
Wo, oh, what I want to know, will you come with me?
Goddamn, well I declare, have you seen the like?
Their wall are built of cannonballs, their motto is ";Don't tread on me";.
Come hear Uncle John's Band playing to the tide,
Come with me, or go alone, he's come to take his children home.
It's the same story the crow told me; it's the only one he knows.
Like the morning sun you come and like the wind you go.
Ain't no time to hate, barely time to wait,
Wo, oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?
I live in a silver mine and I call it Beggar's Tomb;
I got me a violin and I beg you call the tune,
anybody's choice, I can hear your voice.
Wo, oh, what I want to know, how does the song go?
Come hear Uncle John's Band by the riverside,
Got some things to talk about, here beside the rising tide.
Come hear Uncle John's Band playing to the tide,
Come on along, or go alone, he's come to take his children home.
Wo, oh, what I want to know, how does the song go.
Driving that train, high on cocaine,
Casey Jones is ready, watch your speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
This old engine makes it on time,
Leaves Central Station 'bout a quarter to nine,
Hits River Junction at seventeen to,
At a quarter to ten you know it's travlin' again.
Driving that train, high on cocaine,
Casey Jones is ready, watch your speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
Trouble ahead, Lady in red,
Take my advice you'd be better off dead.
Switchman's sleeping, train hundred and two is
On the wrong track and headed for you.
Driving that train, high on cocaine,
Casey Jones is ready, watch your speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
Trouble with you is the trouble with me,
Got two good eyes but you still don't see.
Come round the bend, you know it's the end,
The fireman screams and the engine just gleams...
Way down in the south of France
All the ladies love to dance
Kick their heels up in the air
Snap their fingers for romance
While the gentlemen compare
Blonde or black or auburn hair
Check the motion and the style
Oh, you know they take their while
Hey to make the motion more complete
Yeah, to make it more a treat
Club Du jour is where to go
Come on down and see the show
When the rhythm's really right
You can burn it down tonight
When the singing's really fine
Sweet as Spanish Sherry Wine
When the club can't contain the beat
It just rolls out in the street
Spills on down the avenue
Bringing dancers to their feet
When it's good as it can be
It gets better, wait and see
Oh, these folks don't never sleep
'Til their passed out in the street, Ha!
Way down in the south of France
All the ladies love to dance
Clap their hands and walk on air
Yeah the feeling's really there
Won't you take a little taste
Raise it to your charming face?
When the rhythm's really right, you can burn it down tonight
When the singing's really fine, sweet as Spanish Sherry Wine
Go on take a chance
To lay me down, once more
to lay me down with my head in sparklin' clover
to lay me down, one last time, to lay me down
To be with you, once more, to be with you.
With our bodies close together
let the world go by, like the clouds a'streamin'
to lay me down, one last time, to lay me down
to lay me down, to lay me down, to lay me down, one last time,
to lay me down
to lie with you, once more, to lie with you
with our dreams entwined together
to wake beside you, my love still sleepin'
to tell sweet lies, one last time and say good night
to lay me down, to lay me down, to lay me down, one last time,
to lay me down, one last time, to lay me down
to lay me down, to lay me down, to lay me down, to lay me down
to lay me down
There was a wealthy merchant, in London he did dwell
He had a Beautiful daughter, the truth to you we'll tell
Oh the truth to you we'll tell
She had sweethearts a plenty, and men of high degree
But none but Jack the sailor, her true love ever be
Oh her true love ever be
Jackie's gone a sailing, with trouble on his mind
He's left his native country and his darling girl behind
Oh his darling girl behind
She went down to a tailor shop and dressed in man's array
She climbed on board a vessel to convey herself away
Oh convey herself away
Before you get on board sir, your name we'd like to know
She smiled on her countenance, they called me Jack-A-Roe
Oh they called me Jack-A-Roe
I see your waist is slender, your fingers they are small
Your cheeks too red and rosy to face the cannonball
Oh to face the cannonball
I know my waist's to slender, my fingers they are small
but it would not make me tremble to see ten thousand fall
Oh to see ten thousand fall
The war soon being over she went and looked around
among the dead and wounded her darling boy she found
Oh her darling boy she found
She picked him up on in her arms and carried him to the town
she sent for a physician to quickly heal his wounds
Oh to quickly heal his wounds
This couple they got married so well they did agree
This couple they got married so why not you and me?
Oh why not you and me?
Oh why not you and me?
Annie laid her head down in the roses.
She had ribbons, ribbons, ribbons, in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.
I don't know, it must have been the roses,
The roses or the ribbons in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.
Ten years the waves roll the ships home from the sea,
Thinkin' well how it may blow in all good company,
If I tell another what your own lips told to me,
Let me lay 'neath the roses, till my eyes no longer see.
I don't know, it must have been the roses,
The roses or the ribbons in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.
One pane of glass in the window,
No one is complaining, no, come in and shut the door,
Faded is the crimson from the ribbons that she wore,
And it's strange how no one comes round any more.
I don't know, it must have been the roses,
The roses or the ribbons in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.
Annie laid her head down in the roses.
She had ribbons, ribbons, ribbons, in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.
All I know is something like a bird within her sang
All I know she sang a little while and then flew on
Tell me all that you know, I'll show you snow and rain
If you hear that same sweet song again, will you know why?
Anyone who sings a tune so sweet is passin' by
Laugh in the sunshine, sing, cry in the dark, fly through the night
Don't cry now, don't you cry, don't you cry anymore
Sleep in the stars, don't you cry, dry your eyes on the wind
All I know is something like a bird within her sang
All I know she sang a little while and then flew off
Y' Know Death Don't Have No Mercy In This Land
Death Don't Have No Mercy In This Land, In This Land
Come To Your House, You Know He Don't Take Long
Look In Bed This Morning, Children Find Your Mother Gone.
I Said Death Don't Have No Mercy In This Land.
Death Will Leave You Standing And Crying In This Land,
Death Will Leave You Standing And Crying In This Land, In This Land, Yeah!
Whoa! Come To Your House, Y' Know He Don't Stay Long,
Y' Look In Bed This Morning,
Children You Find That Your Brothers And Sisters Are Gone.
I Said Death Don't Have No Mercy In This Land.
Death Will Go In Any Family In This Land.
Death Will Go In Any Family In This Land.
Come To Your House, you know he don't take long.
Look in the bed on the morning, Children Find That Your Family's Gone.
I Said Death Don't Have No Mercy In This Land.
Death Will Leave You Standing And Crying In This Land,
In This Land. Whoa! Come To Your House,
Y' Know It Don't Stay Long, Y' Look In Bed This Morning,
Children Find That Your Brothers And Sisters Are Gone.
I Said Death Don't, Death Don't Have No Mercy In This Land.
Must be getting early
Clocks are running late
Paint-by-number morning sky
Looks so phony
Dawn is breaking everywhere
Light a candle, curse the glare
Draw the curtains I don't care 'cause
It's all right
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
I see you've got your list out
Say your piece and get out
Yes, I get the gist of it
But it's all right
Sorry that you feel that way
The only thing there is to say
Every silver lining's got a
Touch of grey
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
It's a lesson to me
The Ables and the Bakers and the C's
The ABC's, we all must face
And try to keep a little grace
It's a lesson to me
The Deltas and the East and the Freeze
The ABC's, we all think of
Try to give a little love
I know the rent is in arrears
The dog has not been fed in years
It's even worse than it appears
But it's all right
The cow is giving kerosene
Kid can't read at seventeen
The words he knows are all obscene
But it's all right
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
The shoe is on the hand it fits
There's really nothing much to it
Whistle through your teeth and spit
'Cause it's all right
Oh well, a touch of grey
Kind of suits you anyway
That was all I had to say
It's all right
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
We will get by
We will get by
We will get by
We will survive
We will get by
We will get by
We will get by
Well I was drinkin' last night with a biker
And I showed him a picture of you
I said, "Pal get to know her, you'll like her"
Seemed like the least I could do
'Cause when he's chargin' his chopper
Up and down your carpeted halls
You will think I am dressed up quite proper
Never mind how I stumble and fall
Never mind how I stumble and fall
You imagine me sipping champagne from your boot
For taste of your elegant pride
I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe
But at least I'm enjoying the ride, at least I'm enjoy the ride, yeah
At least I'm enjoy the ride, yeah
Miss sweet little softcore pretender
Somehow, babe, it got as hot as it gets
With her black leather and gold spike suspenders
And your chain, your black whip and pets
Well we know you're the reincarnation
Of the Revenius Catherine the Great
And we know how you love the ovation
And the scene that it seems to create, yeah
And the scene that it seems to create
You imagine me sipping champagne from your boot
For taste of your elegant pride
I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe
But at least I'm enjoying the ride, at least Im enjoy the ride, yeah
At least I'm enjoy the ride
You analyze me, tend to despise me
You laugh when I stumble and fall
There may come a day, I will dance on your grave
Even unable to dance I'll crawl across it
Unable to dance, I'll crawl
Unable to dance, I'll crawl, yeah
You must really consider the circus
It just might be your kind of zoo
I can't think of a place that's more perfect
For a person as perfect as you
And it's not like I'm leaving you lonely
'Cause I wouldn't know where to begin
Well I know that you wake me only
When the snakes come marching in, yeah
When the snakes come marching in
You imagine me sipping champagne from your boot
For taste of your elegant pride
I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe
But at least I'm enjoying the ride, at least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride, ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
At least I'm enjoy the ride
Ride, ride
When the last rose of summer pricks my finger,
And the hot sun chills me to the bone,
When I can't hear the song for the singer,
And I can't tell my pillow from a stone,
I will walk alone by the black muddy river,
And sing me a song of my own,
I will walk alone by the black muddy river,
And sing me a song of my own.
When the last bolt of sunshine hits the mountain,
And the stars start to splatter in the sky,
When the moon hits the southwest horizon,
With the scream of an eagle on the fly,
I will walk alone by the black muddy river,
And listen to the ripples as they moan,
I will walk alone by the black muddy river,
And sing me a song of my own.
Black muddy river, roll on forever,
I don't care how deep or wide, if you've got another side,
Roll muddy river, roll muddy river, black muddy river, roll.
When it seems like the night will last forever,
And there's nothing left to do but count the years,
When the strings of my heart begin to sever,
And stones fall from my eyes instead of tears,
I will walk alone, by the black muddy river,
And dream me a dream of my own,
I will walk alone, by the black muddy river,
And sing me a song of my own, sing me a song of my own.
Me and my uncle went ridin' down,
South Colorado, West Texas bound.
We stopped over in Santa Fe,
That bein' the point just about half way,
And you know it was the hottest part of the day.
I took the horses up to the stall,
Went to the barroom, ordered drinks for all.
Three days in the saddle, you know my body hurt,
It bein' summer, I took off my shirt,
And I tried to wash off some of that dusty dirt.
When Texas cowboys, they's all around,
With liquor and money, they loaded down.
So soon after payday, know it seemed a shame;
You know my uncle, he starts a friendly game,
High-low jack and the winner take the hand.
My uncle starts winnin'; cowboys got sore.
One of them called him, and then two more,
Accused him of cheatin'; Oh no, it couldn't be.
I know my uncle, he's as honest as me,
And I'm as honest as a gamblin' man can be.
One of them cowboys, he starts to draw,
And I shot him down, Lord he never saw.
Well I grabbed a bottle, cracked him in the jaw,
Shot me another, oh damn he won't grow old.
In the confusion, my uncle grabbed the gold,
And we high-tailed it down to Mexico.
I love those cowboys, I love their gold,
I loved my uncle, God rest his soul,
Taught me good, Lord, Taught me all I know
Taught me so well, I grabbed that gold
And I left his dead ass there by the side of the road.
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans,
Way back in the woods among the evergreens
There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode.
He never learned to read or write so well,
But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell.
Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go;
go Johnny go, go; Go Johnny go, go; Go Johnny B. Goode.
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack,
Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track.
The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made.
People passin' by would stop and say
";My my, but that little country boy can play!";
His mamma told him ";Someday you will be a man.";
You will be the leader of a big old band
Many people comin' from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down.
Maybe someday your name will be in lights.
32 teeth in a jawbone, Alabama trying for none
Before I have to hit him, I hope he's got the sense to run
Reason the poor girls love him, promise them everything
Why they all believe him? He wears a big diamond ring
Alabama getaway, getaway, Alabama getaway, getaway
Only way to please me, just gotta leave and walk away
Major Domo Billy Bo jangles, sat down and had a drink with me
What's this about Alabama? It keeps a coming back to me
I heard your plea in the courthouse, witness box began to rock and rise
49 sister states all had Alabama in there eyes
Alabama getaway, getaway, Alabama getaway, getaway
Only way to please me, just gotta leave and walk away
Major said, ?Why don't we give him rope enough to hang himself??
No need to worry the jury, they probably take care of themselves
23rd psalm Major Domo, reserve me a table for three
Down in the valley of the shadow, just you, Alabama, and me
Alabama getaway, getaway, Alabama getaway, getaway
Only way to please me, just gotta leave and walk away
Alabama getaway, getaway, Alabama getaway, getaway
Only way to please me, just gotta leave and walk away
Alabama getaway, getaway, Alabama getaway, getaway
Only way to please me, just gotta leave and walk away
Alabama getaway, getaway, Alabama getaway, getaway
Only way to please me, just gotta leave and walk away
The news is out, all over town that you've been seen, out runnin' 'round.
I know that I should leave her there,
But then I just can't go, you win again.
This heart of mine, could never see what everybody knows but me.
Just trustin' you was my great sin, I just can't go, Lord
You win again. What can I do, Lord, You win again.
I went down to the mountain, I was drinking some wine,
Looked up in the heavens Lord I saw a mighty sign,
Writt'n fire across the heaven, plain as black and white;
Get prepared, there's gonna be a party tonight.
Uhuh, Hey! Saturday Night!
Yeh, uhuh one more Saturday night,
Hey Saturday night!
Everybody's dancin' down the local armory
With a basement full of dynamite and live artillery.
The temperature keeps risin', everybody gittin' high;
Come the rockin' stroke of midnite, the whole place gonna fly.
Uhuh, Hey! Saturday Night!
Yeh, uhuh one more Saturday night,
Hey Saturday night!
Turn on channel six, the President comes on the news,
Says, ";I get no satisfaction, that's why I sing the blues.";
His wife say ";Don't get crazy, Lord, you know just what to do,
Crank up that old Victrola, put on them rockin' shoes.";
Uhuh, Hey! Saturday Night!
Yeh, uhuh one more Saturday night,
Hey Saturday night!
Then God way up in heaven, for whatever it was worth,
Thought He'd have a big old party, thought He'd call it planet Earth.
Don't worry about tomorrow, Lord, you'll know it when it comes,
When the rock and roll music meets the risin' sun.
Walk me out in the morning dew my honey,
Walk me out in the morning dew today.
I can't walk you out in the morning dew my honey,
I can't walk you out in the morning dew today.
I thought I heard a baby cry this morning,
I thought I heard a baby cry this today.
You didn't hear no baby cry this morning,
You didn't hear no baby cry today.
Where have all the people gone my honey,
Where have all the people gone today.
There's no need for you to be worrying about all those people,
You never see those people anyway.
I thought I heard a young man morn this morning,
I thought I heard a young man morn today.
I thought I heard a young man morn this morning,
I can't walk you out in the morning dew today.
Walk me out in the morning dew my honey,
Walk me out in the morning dew today.
I'll walk you out in the morning dew my honey,
I guess it doesn't really matter anyway,
I guess it doesn't matter anyway,
I guess it doesn't matter anyway,
Guess it doesn't matter anyway.
If I had my way, I would tear this old building down.
Well Delilah was a woman, she was fine and fair,
She had good looks, God knows, and coal black hair,
Delilah she gained old Samson's mind.
When first he saw this woman, you know he couldn't believe his mind.
Delilah she climbed up on Samson's knee,
Said tell me where your strength lies if you please.
She spoke so kind and she talked so fair,
Well Samson said, Delilah cut off my hair.
You can shave my head, clean as my hand
And my strength will become as natural as any old man.
If I had my way, if I had my way, if I had my way,
I would tear this old building down.
You read about Samson, all from his works,
He was the strongest man that ever had lived on earth.
One day when Samson was walking along,
Looked down on the ground, he saw an old jawbone.
He stretched out his arm, God knows, chains broke like thread,
When he got to moving, ten thousand was dead.
If I had my way, if I had my way, if I had my way,
I would tear this old building down.
Now Samson and the lion, they got in a tack,
Samson he crawled up on the lion's back.
You read about this lion, he killed a man with his paws,
But Samson got his hands around that lion's jaws.
He ripped the beast till he killed him dead.
The bees made honey in the lion's head.
If I had my way, if I had my way, if I had my way,
I would tear this old building down.
Well, there ain't nobody safer than someone who doesn't care.
And it isn't even lonely when no one's ever there.
I had a lot of dreams once, but some of them came true...
The honey's sometimes bitter when fortune falls on you.
So you know I've been a soldier in the armies of the night.
And I'll find the fatal error in what's otherwise all right.
But here you're trembling like a sparrow, I will try with all my might
To give you just a little sweetness...
Just a little sweetness...
Just a little light.
I have always heard that virtue ought be its own reward,
But it never comes so easy when you're living by the sword.
It's even harder to be heartless when you look at me that way.
You're as mighty as the flower that will grow the stones away.
Even though I been a stranger, full of irony and spite
Holding little but contempt for all things beautiful and bright,
Something shines around you and it seems, to my delight
To give me just a little sweetness...
Just a little sweetness...
Just a little sweetness...
Just a little light.
This could be just another highway, coiled up in the night.
You could be just another white-tail, baby, stranded on my brights,
There's a tingling recognition
Like the sound of distant thunder
And I begin to wonder
If the love I've driven under
Won't ignite.
So you know I've been a soldier in the armies of the night.
And I'll find the fatal error in what's otherwise all right.
Something shines around you that seems, to my delight
To give me just a little sweetness...
Just a little sweetness...
Just a little sweetness...
Just a little light.
There's mosquitoes on the river Fish are rising up like birds
It's been hot for seven weeks now,
Too hot to even speak now, Did you hear what I just heard?
Say it might have been a fiddle or it could have been the wind
But there seems to be a beat now I can feel it my feet now
Listen here it comes again!
There's a band out on the highway, They're high steppin' into town
It's a rainbow full of sound, It's fireworks, calliopes and clowns
Everybody dancin' C'mon children, C'mon children, Come on clap your hands.
Sun went down in honey and the moon came up in wine,
You know stars were spinnin' dizzy, Lord
The band kept us too busy we forgot about the time.
They're a band beyond description, Like Jehovah's favorite choir
People joining hand in hand While the music played the band, Lord
They're setting us on fire.
Crazy rooster crowin' midnight, Balls of lightin' roll along
Old men sing about their dreams, Women laugh and children scream
And the band keeps playin' on.
Keep on dancin' thru the daylight, Greet the mornin' air with song
No ones's noticed, but the band's all pack and gone. Was it ever there at all?
But they keep on dancin' C'mon children, C'mon children, Come on clap your hands
Well the cool breeze came on Tuesday, And the corn's a bumper crop
And the fields are full of dancin' Full of singin' and romancin'
The music never stopped.
When I was just a little young boy,
Papa said son, you'll never get far,
Tell you the reason, if you wanna know,
Cause child of mine, there isn't really far to go.
Well, baby baby wants a gold diamond ring,
Wants it more than any old thing,
Well when I get those jelly-roll blues,
Why I go and get anything in this world for you.
Down to the jewelry store packin' a gun,
Says, ";Wrap it up I think I'll take this one.";
";A thousand dollars please,"; the jewelry man said,
Dupree said, ";I'll pay this one off to you in lead.";
Well you know son, you just can't figure,
First thing you know you're gonna to pull that trigger,
And it's no wonder, your reason goes bad,
Jelly-roll will drive you so mad.
Judge said, ";Son, it's gonna cost you some time.";
Dupree said, ";Judge you know that crossed my mind.";
Judge said, ";Fact it's gonna cost you your life.";
Dupree said, ";Judge you know that seems to me to be about right.";
Baby baby you gonna lose her sweet man,
Dupree come out with a losin' hand,
Baby's gonna weep it up for a while,
Then go out and find another sweet man's gonna treat her with style.
Judge said, ";Son, I know your baby well,
But that's a secret I can never tell.";
Dupree said, ";Judge well it's well understood,
But you got to admit that sweet Jelly's so good.";
Well you know son, you just can't figure,
First thing you know you're gonna to pull that trigger,
And it's no wonder, your reason goes bad,
Same old story and I know it's been told,
Some like Jelly Jelly, some like gold,
Many a man's done a terrible thing
Just to get, baby a shinin' diamond ring.
Truckin' got my chips cashed in. Keep truckin', like the do-dah man
Together, more or less in line, just keep truckin' on.
Arrows of neon and flashing marquees out on Main Street.
Chicago, New York, Detroit and it's all on the same street.
Your typical city involved in a typical daydream
Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.
Dallas, got a soft machine; Houston, too close to New Orleans;
New York's got the ways and means; but just won't let you be, oh no.
Most of the cast that you meet on the streets speak of true love,
Most of the time they're sittin' and cryin' at home.
One of these days they know they better get goin'
Out of the door and down on the streets all alone.
Truckin', like the do-dah man. Once told me ";You've got to play your hand";
Sometimes your cards ain't worth a dime, if you don't lay'em down,
Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me;
Other times I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it's been.
What in the world ever became of sweet Jane?
She lost her sparkle, you know she isn't the same
Livin' on reds, vitamin C, and cocaine,
All a friend can say is ";Ain't it a shame?";
Truckin', up to Buffalo. Been thinkin', you got to mellow slow
Takes time, you pick a place to go, and just keep truckin' on.
Sittin' and starin' out of the hotel window.
Got a tip they're gonna kick the door in again
I'd like to get some sleep before I travel,
But if you got a warrant, I guess you're gonna come in.
Busted, down on Bourbon Street, Set up, like a bowlin' pin.
Knocked down, it get's to wearin' thin. They just won't let you be, oh no.
You're sick of hangin' around and you'd like to travel;
Get tired of travelin' and you want to settle down.
I guess they can't revoke your soul for tryin',
Get out of the door and light out and look all around.
Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me;
Other times I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it's been.
Truckin', I'm a goin' home. Whoa whoa baby, back where I belong,
Back home, sit down and patch my bones, and get back truckin' on.
Hey now get back truckin' home.
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.
La dee da da da, La da da da da, Da da da, Da da, Da da da da da
La da da da, La da da, Da da, La da da da, La da, Da da.
Operator, can you help me?
Help me if you please
Give me the right area code
And the number that I need
My rider left upon the Midnight Flyer
Singing like a summer breeze
I think she's somewhere down south
Down about Baton Rouge
But I just can't remember no number
A number I can use, directory don't have it
Central done forgot it
Got to find a number to use
Trying to check out her number
Trying to run down her line
Operator said that's priviledged information
And it ain't no business of mine
It's flooding down in Texas, the poles are down in Utah
Got to find a private line
She could be hanging round a steel mill
Working in a house of blue light
Riding a getaway bus out of Portland
Talking to the night
I don't know where she's going
I don't care where she's been
Long as she's been doin' it right
I lit out from Reno, I was trailed by twenty hounds
Didn't get to sleep last night 'till the morning came around.
Set out runnin' but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight.
Ran into the devil, babe, he loaned me twenty bills
I spent the night in Utah in a cave up in the hills.
Set out runnin' but I take my time, a friend of the devil is a friend of mine,
If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight.
I ran down to the levee but the devil caught me there
He took my twenty dollar bill and vanished in the air.
Set out runnin' but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight.
Got two reasons why I cry away each lonely night,
The first one's named Sweet Anne Marie, and she's my hearts delight.
The second one is prison, babe, the sheriff's on my trail,
And if he catches up with me, I'll spend my life in jail.
Got a wife in Chino, babe, and one in Cherokee
The first one says she's got my child, but it don't look like me.
Set out runnin' but I take my time,
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine,
If I get home before daylight, I just might get some sleep tonight.
You say you want a revolution, well you know, we all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, well you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be alright, alright, alright.
You say you got a real solution, well you know, we'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution, well you know, we are doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you brother is you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be alright, alright, alright.
You say you'll change the constitution, well you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution, well you know
You better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow
Cherise was brushing her long hair gently down
It was the afternoon of carnival as she brushes it gently down
Rubin was strumming his painted mandolin
It was inlaid with a pretty face in jade played in the carnival parade
Cherise was dressing as Pirouette in white
When a fatal vision gripped her tight Cherise beware tonight
Rubin, Rubin tell me truly true
I feel afraid and I don't know why I do, Is there another girl for you?
If you could see my heart you would know it's true
There's none Cherise, except for you, except for you
I'd swear to it on my very soul, If I lie, say I fall down cold
When Rubin played on his painted mandolin
The breeze would pause to listen in before going on its way again
Masquerade began when nightfall finally woke
Like waves against the bandstand, dancers broke to the painted mandolin
Looking out to the crowd who is standing there
Sweet Ruby Claire at Rubin stared, at Rubin stared
She was dressed as Pirouette in red
And her hair hung gently down
The crowd pressed round, Ruby stood as though alone
Rubin's song took on a different tone and he played it just for her
The song he played was the carnival parade
Each note cut a thread of Cherise's fate it cut through like a blade
Rubin was playing his painted mandolin
When Ruby froze and turned to stone for the strings played all alone
The voice of Cherise from the face of the mandolin
Singing Rubin, Rubin tell me true for I have no one but you
If you could see my heart you would know it true
There's none Cherise, except for you, except for you
I'd swear to it on my very soul, If I lie, say I fall down cold
The truth of love an unsung song must tell
The course of love must follow blind without a look behind
Rubin walked the streets of New Orleans till dawn
Here I am, on the lam ready to go
Brighter days have hurried me along, nobody's wrong
Love stays the same a heart's not to blame nothing is over
Now it don't worry me at all there's just got to be
Some kind of overflow nobody falls
People, we cry, when wells go dry it threatens tomorrow
Try and find some ways to ease the fright burn into the night
But maybe a little rain would soothe the pain and drown our sorrows
And looking straight at all that lives again
Until we get our fill of overflows, nobody knows
In search of love, the seasons above have taken to wander
Unlike the ones we used to know, where did they go?
Well, here I am, on the lam, low overflow
Brighter days have hurried me along
To see the rain come shinning through, nobody's blue
Oh seagull, tis an hour of plight
Energy from your wing helps bring the rain
Call on your brotherhood of flight and let it rain all nights
Oh sky lookin clear and bright, Moon, with your own true light
Everybody's building
The big ships and the boats
Some are building monuments
Others jotting down notes
Everybody's in despair, every girl and boy
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here
Everybody's gonna jump for joy
Come all without, come all within
You'll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn
Now I like to do just like the rest
I like my sugar sweet
But guarding fumes and making haste
It ain't my cup of meat
Everybody's just standing around
'Neath the trees feeding pigeons on a limb
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here
All the pigeons gonna run to him
Come all without, come all within
You'll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn
A cat's meow and a cow's moo
I can't recite 'em all
Just tell me where it hurts
And I'll tell you who to call
Nobody can get any sleep
There's someone on everybody's toes
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here
Everybody's gonna wanna doze
Come all without, come all within
You'll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn
Come all without, come all within
Now when your mother sends back all your invitations
And your father to your sister, he explains
That you're tired of yourself and all of your creations
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Now the flower lady wants back what she has, have lent you
And the smell of her roses does not remain
When all your children start to resent you
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Now when all the clowns that you have commissioned
Have all died in battle or in vain
And you find yourself sick of all this repetition
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Now when all of your advisers heave their plastic
At your feet to convince you of your pain
Trying to prove that your conclusions should be more drastic
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Now when all the bandits that you turned your other cheek to
All throw down their bandannas and complain
Maybe you want somebody you don't have to speak to
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?
Out on the edge of an empty highway
Howling at the blood on the moon
Big diesel Mack truck rolling down my way
I can't hit that border too soon
Running hard out of Muskrat Flats
It was sixty days or double life
Hail on my back like a shotgun blast
High wind chimes in the night
Oh oh, the pride of Cucamonga
Oh oh, bitter olives in the sun
Oh oh, I had me some lovin'
And I done some time
Since I came down from Oregon
There's a lesson or two I've learned
By standing in the road alone
Standing watching the fires burn
The northern sky it stinks with greed
You could smell it for miles around
The good ole boys in the Greystone Hotel
Sitting doing that git on down
Oh oh, the pride of Cucamonga
Oh oh, silver apples in the sun
Oh oh, I had me some lovin'
And I done some time
I see your silver shining town
But I know I can't go there
Your streets run deep with poisoned wine
Your doorways crawl with fear
So I think I'll drift for ol' where it's at
Where the weed grows green and fine
And wrap myself around a bush of that bright
Whoa, on Oaxaca vine
Yes, it's me, I'm the pride of Cucamonga
I can see golden forests in the sun
Oh oh, I had me some lovin'
And I done some time
And I done some time
I wanna jump, but I'm afraid I'll fall. I wanna holler, but the joint's too small.
Young Man Rhythym got a hold on me too,
I got the Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu.
I wanna get in trouble, but that ain't all.
I wanna kiss her, but the gal's too tall.
I wanna scream, but that ain't all. I wanna kiss her, but the gal's too small.
If my words did glow
With the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played
On the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice
Come through the music?
Would you hold it near
As it were your own?
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
It's a hand-me-down
The thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall, you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
Out of all the reindeer you know you're the mastermind
Run, run Rudolph, Randalph's not too far behind
Run, run Rudolph, Santa's got to make it to town
Randalph he can hurry, he can take the freeway down
And away went Rudolph a whizzing like a merry-go-round
Said Santa to a boy child "What have you been longing for?"
"All I want for Christmas is a Rock and Roll electric guitar"
And away went Rudolph a whizzing like a shooting star
Run, run Rudolph, Santa's got to make it to town
Can't you make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down
And away went Rudolph a whizzing like a merry-go-round
Said Santa to a girl child "What would you like most to get?"
"I want a little baby doll that can cry, scream and wet"
And away went Rudolph a whizzing like a Saber jet
Out on the lonely hillside in a cabin low and small
Lived the sweetest rose of color my Rosie McFall
Her eyes were bright and shining and her voice was sweet to me
Knew that I would always love her and I hoped that she loved me
My eyes turned to me, my darling and this is what she said
You know that I would always love you when you and I are wed
Then God way up in heaven one day for her did call
I lost my bride, oh how I loved her, my Rosie McFall
I searched this wide world over through cities great and small
Wake of the flood, laughing water, forty-nine,
Get out the pans, don't just stand there dreamin'
Get out of the way, get out of the way,
Here comes sunshine, here comes sunshine.
Line up a long shot maybe try it two times, maybe more,
Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor,
Why hold out for more?
Here comes sunshine, here comes sunshine.
Askin' you nice, now, keep the mother rollin'
One more time, been down before,
You just don't have to go no more, no more.
Here comes sunshine, here comes sunshine.
Shaking in the forest, what have you to fear?
Here there may be tigers, to punch you in the ear.
With gloves of stainless steel, bats carved out of bricks
Knock you down and beat you up and give your ass a kick.
When push comes to shove, you're afraid of love.
Shaking in the desert, now wherefore do you cry?
Here there may be rattlesnakes, to punch you in the eye.
With Shotgun's full of silver and bullet's made of glass
String barbed wire at your feet, that will not let you pass.
When push comes to shove, you're afraid of love.
When push comes to shove, when push comes to shove,
You're afraid of love, when push comes to shove.
Shaking in the bedroom, covers on your head,
Are you still in fear of the hand beneath the bed?
Grabbing at the handle, scratching at the door,
Maybe it's mystery killer you saw on channel four.
When push comes to shove, you're afraid of love.
Shaking in the garden, the fear within you grows,
Here there may be roses, to punch you in the nose.
Put my arms around you, love you til you cry,
Wrap you in your sweet perfume and squeeze you 'til you die.
When push comes to shove, you're afraid of love.
When push comes to shove, when push comes to shove,
You're afraid of love, when push comes to shove.
Old man down, way down down, down by the docks of the city.
Blind and dirty, asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee.
I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story.
My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine.
More than my wine - more than my maker, though he's no friend of mine.
Everyone said, I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them.
Half of my life, I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime,
The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine.
But I'll get back on my feet again someday,
The good Lord willin', if He says I may.
I know that the life I'm livin's no good,
I'll get a new start, live the life I should.
I'll get up and fly away, I'll get up and fly away, fly away.
Pearly's been true, true to me, true to my dyin' day he said,
I said to him, I said to him, ";I'm sure she's been.";
I said to him, ";I'm sure she's been true to you.";
Got up and wandered, wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around.
I've got a girl, named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me.
I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me.
Waves of violet go crashing and laughing
The rainbow winged singing birds fly 'round the sun
Sun bells rain down in a liquid profusion
Mermaids on porpoises draw up the dawn
What's become of the baby this cold December morning?
Songbirds frozen in their flight
Drifting to the earth, remnants of forgotten dreaming
Dawning answer comes there none.
Go to sleep you child, dream of never-ending always
Panes of crystal ice sparkle like waterfalls
Lighting the polished ice caverns of the dawn,
But where in the looking-glass fields of illusion
Wandered the child who was perfect as the dawn?
What's become of the baby this cold December morning?
What's become of the baby this cold December morning?
Racing in rhythm of the sun
All the world revolves captured in the eye of woman
Allah, where are you now?
All eyes are blinded by the sparkling waters
Scheherazade gathering stories to tell
But where is the child who played with the sunshines?
And chased the cloud shape to the regions of mind?
Standing stream cries the south wind
Lost in the regions of
Shadow-like chains of illusion, delusions of living and dead.
Patience runs out on the junkie
the dark side hires another soul
did he steal his fate or earn it?
was he force fed , did he learn it?
whatever happened to his precious self control?
Like him , i'm tired of try'n' to heal
this tomcat heart with which i'm blessed
is destruction lovings twin?
may i chose to lose or win?
maybe when my turn comes i will have guessed.
These are the horns of the dilemma
what truth this proof against all lies?
when sacred fails before profane
the wisest man is deemed insane
even the purest of romantics compromise.
What fixation feeds this fever?
as the full moon pales and climbs
am i living truth or rank deceiver?
am i the victim or the crime?
am i the victim or the crime?
am i the victim or the crime , or the crime?
And so i wrestle with the angel
to see who'll reap the seeds i sow
am i the driver or the driven?
will i be damned to be forgiven?
is there anybody here but me who needs to know?
What it is that feeds this fever
as the full moon pales and climbs
am i living truth or rank deceiver?
am i the victim or the crime?
am i the victim or the crime?
am i the victim or the crime , or the crime?
Woke up this morning, felt around for my shoes
That's when I knew I had them old walking blues
I woke up this morning, felt around, felt around for my shoes
That's when I knew I had them old, mean old walking blues
Leaving in the morning if I have to, robbed blind
I've been mistreated and I don't mind dying
I'm leaving in the morning if I have to, robbed blind
I've been mistreated and I just don't mind dying
She got a Belgium movement from her head down to her toes
Breaking on a dollar 'most anywhere she goes
Well I got a good woman coming my way
Tried to try, some electric pantin', some electric chillin' cryin'
But, ooh, mistook, misgiven
Got me up and walking Baby, but I'm walking blue, walking blue
Well some people say boy, the walking blues ain't bad
It's the worst old feelin' I 'most ever had
The judge decreed it, the clerk he wrote it.
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-e
Judge decreed it, clerk he wrote it down
Give you this jail sentence you'll be Nashville bound
Some got six month some got one solid.
Some got one solid year indeed-e
Some got six month some got one solid.
But me and my buddies all got lifetime here
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air, Mailed it on the air indeed-e
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air.
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere
We don't own this place, though we act as if we did,
It's a loan from the children of our children's kids.
The actual owners haven't even been born yet.
Bur we never tend the garden and rarely we pay the rent,
Some of it is broken and the rest of it is bent
Put it all on plastic and I wonder where we'll be when the bills hit.
We can run,
But we can't hide from it.
Of all possible worlds,
We only got one:
We gotta ride on it.
Whatever we've done,
We'll never get far from what we leave behind,
Baby, we can run, run, run, but we can't hide.
Oh no, we can't hide.
I'm dumpin' my trash in your back yard
Makin' certain you don't notice really isn't so hard
You're so busy with your guns and all of your excuses to use them.
Well, it's oil for the rich and babies for the poor,
We got everyone believin' that more is more,
If a reckoning comes, maybe we will know what to do then.
All these complications seem to leave no choice,
I heard the tongues of billion speak with just one voice,
Saying, ";Just leave all the rest to me,
I need it worse than you, you see.";
And then I heard....
The sound of one child crying.
Today I went walking in the amber wind,
There's a hole in the sky where the light pours in
I remembered the days when I wasn't afraid of the sunshine.
But now it beats down on the asphalt land
Like a hammering blow from God's left hand
What little still grows cringes in the shade like a bad vine.
Wake up little Susie, wake up. Wake up little Susie, wake up.
The movie wasn't so hot, it didn't have much of a plot
We fell asleep, out goose is cooked, our reputation is shot
Wake up little Susie, wake up little Susie
What are you gonna tell your mama, what you gonna tell your pa
What are you gonna tell your friend when they say ooo la la
Wake up little Susie, wake up little Susie
Well I told your mama that you'd be back by ten
Now Susie, baby looks like we goofed again
Wake up little Susie, wake up little Susie, we gotta go home
Wake up little Susie, wake up. Wake up little Susie, wake up.
The bullfrog's sound asleep, wake up little Susie and weep
It's four o'clock and we're in trouble deep
Wake up little Susie, wake up little Susie
Blue light rain
Whoa, unbroken chain
Looking for familiar faces
In an empty window pane
Listening for the secret
Searching for the sound
But I could only hear the preacher
And the baying of his hounds
Willow sky
Whoa, I walk and wonder why
They say love your brother
But you will catch it when you try
Roll you down the line boy
Drop you for a loss
Ride you out on a cold railroad
And nail you to a cross
November and more
As I wait for the score
They're telling me forgiveness
Is the key to every door
A slow winder day
A night like forever
Sink like a stone
Float like a feather
Lilac rain, unbroken chain
Song of the saw-whet owl
Out on the mountain, it'll drive you insane
Listening to the winds howl
Unbroken chain of sorrow and pearls
Unbroken chain of sky and sea
Unbroken chain of the western wind
Without a warning you broke my heart, takin' it baby, tore it apart
And you left me standin' in the dark, said your love for me was dyin'.
Come on baby, baby please come on baby, cause I'm on my knees.
Turn on your lights let it shine on me shine on your love light
Let it shine on me let shine, let it shine, let it shine.
When I get lonely in the middle of the night
And I need you darlin' to make things all right
So come on baby, baby please and I'm beggin' you baby cause I'm on my knees,
Turn on your lights let it shine on me
Turn on your love light let it shine on me
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Without a warning you broke my heart, takin' it baby, tore it apart
And you left me standin' in the dark, shine your love for me was dark.
Come on baby, baby please come on baby, cause I'm on my knees.
Turn on your lights let it shine on me shine on your love light
Let it shine on me let shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Red and white, blue suede shoes, I'm Uncle Sam, how do you do?
Gimme five, I'm still alive, ain't no luck, I learned to duck.
Check my pulse, it don't change. Stay seventy-two come shine or rain.
Wave the flag, pop the bag, rock the boat, skin the goat.
Wave that flag, wave it wide and high.
Summertime done, come and gone, my, oh, my.
I'm Uncle Sam, that's who I am; Been hidin' out in a rock and roll band.
Shake the hand that shook the hand of P.T. Barnum and Charlie Chan.
Shine your shoes, light your fuse. Can you use them ol' U.S. Blues?
I'll drink your health, share your wealth, run your life, steal your wife.
Wave that flag, wave it wide and high.
Summertime done, come and gone, my, oh, my.
Back to back chicken shack. Son of a gun, better change your act.
We're all confused, what's to lose?
Wave that flag, wave it wide and high.
Summertime done, come and gone, my, oh, my.
Picture a bright blue ball just spinning, spinning free
Dizzy with eternity
Paint it with a skin of sky, brush in some clouds and sea
Call it home for you and me
A peaceful place or so it looks from space
A closer look reveals the human race
Full of hope, full of grace is the human face
But afraid, we may lay our home to waste
There's a fear down here we can't forget, hasn't got a name just yet
Always awake, always around, singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Now watch as the ball revolves and the nightime calls
And again the hunt begins and again the bloodwind calls
By and by again, the morning sun will rise
The darkness never goes from some men's eyes
Well you know it strolls the sidewalks and it rolls the streets
Stalking turf, dividing up meat
Nightmare spook, piece of heat, it's you and me, you and me
Click, flashblade in ghetto night, Rudie's looking for a fight
Rat cat alley roll them bones, need that cash to feed that Jones
And the politicians throwing stones
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Commissars and pin-striped bosses role the dice
Any way they fall guess who gets to pay the price?
Money green or proletarian gray
Selling guns instead of food today
So the kids they dance, they shake their bones
While the politicians throwing stones
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Heartless powers try to tell us what to think
If the spirit's sleeping then the flesh is ink, yea
History's page, it is thusly carved in stone
The future's here, we are it, we are on our own
On our own, on our own, on our own
If the game is lost then we're all the same
No one left to place or take the blame
We will leave this place an empty stone
For that shinning ball we can call our home
So the kids they dance, they shake their bones
And the politicians, throwing stones
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Shipping powders back and forth
Singing, black goes South while white comes North
And the whole world full of petty wars
Singing I got mine and you got yours
And the current fashions set the pace
Lose your step, fall out of grace
And the radical he rant and rage
Singing someone got to turn the page
And the rich man in his summer home
Singing, just leave well enough alone
But his pants are down, his cover's blown
And the politicians are throwing stones
So the kids they dance and shake their bones
'Cause its all too clear we're on our own
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Picture a bright blue ball just spinning, spinning free
It's dizzying, the possibilities
Ashes, ashes all fall down
Ashes, ashes all fall down
Ashes, ashes all fall down
Ashes, ashes all fall down
All fall down, all fall down
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
All fall down, all fall down
Singing ashes, ashes all fall down
Ashes, ashes all fall down
I feel tears welling up from down deep inside,
Like my heart's got a big break
And a stab of loneliness sharp and painful that I may never shake.
You might think that I'm taking it hard since you broke me off with a call,
You might wager that I'll hide in sorrow and I might lay right down and bawl.
Now the race is on and here comes pride up the back stretch,
Heartaches a goin' to the inside, my tears are holding back, tryin' not to fall.
My heart's our of the running, true love scratched for another's sake,
The race is on and it looks like heartaches, and the winner loses all.
One day I ventured in love never once suspecting
What the final result would be.
Now I live in fear of waking up each morning,
And finding that you're gone from me.
There's an aching pain in my heart for the name of the one that I hated to face,
Someone else came out to win her, and I came out in second place.
Till the morning comes, it'll do you fine.
Till the morning comes, like a highway sign,
Showing you the way, leaving no doubt,
Of the way on in or the way back out.
Tell you what I'll do, I'll watch out for you
You're my woman now, make yourself easy, make yourself easy
Make yourself eeeeeeasy
Till we all fall down, it'll do you fine,
Don't think about what you left behind
The way you came or the way you go
Let your tracks be lost in the dark and snow
Tell you what I'll do, I'll watch out for you
You're my woman now, make yourself easy, make yourself easy
Make yourself eeeeeeasy
When the shadows grow, it'll do you fine
When the cold winds blow, it'll ease your mind
The shape it takes could be yours to choose,
What you may win, what you may lose
Tell you what I'll do, I'll watch out for you
You're my woman now, make yourself easy, make yourself easy
Make yourself eeeeeeeasy
You're my woman now, make yourself easy.
You're my woman now, make yourself easy.
You're my woman now, make yourself easy.
You're my woman now, make yourself easy.
(To Unlimited Devotion)
See that girl, barefootin' along,
Whistlin' and singin', she's a carryin' on.
There's laughing in her eyes, dancing in her feet,
She's a neon-light diamond and she can live on the street.
Hey hey, hey, come right away
Come and join the party every day.
Well everybody's dancin' in a ring around the sun
Nobody's finished, we ain't even begun.
So take off your shoes, child, and take off your hat.
Try on your wings and find our where it's at.
Hey hey, hey, come right away
Come and join the party every day.
Take a vacation, fall out for a while,
Summer's comin' in, and it's goin' outta style
Cause your mother's down in Memphis, won't be back 'till the fall.
Hey hey, hey, come right away
Come and join the party every day.
The other day they waited, the sky was dark and faded,
Solemnly they stated, ";He has to die, you know he has to die.";
All the children learnin', from books that they were burnin',
Every leaf was turnin'; to watch him die, you know he had to die.
The summer sun looked down on him, his mother could but frown on him,
And all the others sound on him, but it doesn't seem to matter.
And when the day had ended, with rainbow colors blended,
His mind remained unbended, he had to die, you know he had to die.
Spanish lady comes to me, she lays on me this roes.
It rainbow spirals round and round it trembles and explodes.
It left a smoking crater of my mind I like to blow away.
But the heat came 'round and busted me for smiling on a cloudy day.
Comin', comin', comin' around, comin', around,
comin', around, in a circle
Comin', comin', comin' around, comin' around, in a circle,
Comin', comin', comin' around, comin' in a circle.
Skippin' through the lily fields I came across an empty space,
It trembled and exploded, left a bus stop in it's place.
The bus came by and I got on, that's when it all began,
There was cowboy Neal at the wheel of the bus to never ever land.
Comin', comin', comin' around, comin', around,
comin', around, in a circle
Comin', comin', comin' around, comin' around, in a circle,
Comin', comin', comin' around, comin' in a circle.
And when the day had ended, with rainbow colors blended,
Their minds remained unbended,
He had to die, Oh, you know he had to die.
Cold iron shackles
And ball and chain
Listen to the whistle
Of the evenin' train
You know you
Bound to wind up dead
If you don't head back
To Tennessee Jed
Rich man step on
My poor head
When you get back
You better butter my bread
You know you
Well, it's like I said
You better head back
To Tennessee Jed
Tennessee, Tennessee
There ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby, won't you carry me
Back to Tennessee
I woke up
But feelin' mean
Went down to play
The slot machine
The wheels turned around
Baby, the letters read
You better head back
To Tennessee Jed
I dropped four flights
And cracked my spine
Honey, come quick
With the iodine
Catch a few winks
Down, under the bed
And then we head back
To Tennessee Jed
Tennessee, Tennessee
There ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby, won't you carry me
Back to Tennessee
I run into
Charlie Fog
Blacked my eye
And he kicked my dog
My doggie turned to me
And he said
"Let's head back
To Tennessee Jed"
Drink all day
Baby, rock all night
The law come to get you
If you don't walk right
Catch a few winks
Down, under the bed
Then we head back
To Tennessee Jed
Tennessee, Tennessee
There ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby, won't you carry me
Back to Tennessee
Tennessee, Tennessee
There ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby, won't you carry me
Gazing at the fire, burning by the water
Before he speaks the world around us quiets
With eyes as sharp as arrows and turning to the fire
He clears the air and cuts it with a feather
Many in a circle slowly 'round the fire
When he is gone I want to know him better
No one is forsaken, no one is a liar
He plants the tree of life on our foreheads with water
He hums, there are drums, four winds, rising suns
We are singing and playing, I her him saying
I remember breezes from winds inside your body
Sugar magnolia, blossoms blooming, heads all empty and I don't care,
Saw my baby down by the river, knew she'd have to come up soon for air.
Sweet blossom come on, under the willow, we can have high times if you'll abide
We can discover the wonders of nature, rolling in the rushes down by the riverside.
She's got everything delightful, she's got everything I need,
Takes the wheel when I'm seeing double, pays my ticket when I speed
She comes skimmin' through rays of violet, she can wade in a drop of dew,
She don't come and I don't follow, waits backstage while I sing to you.
Well, she can dance a Cajun rhythm, jump like a willys in four wheel drive.
She's a summer love for spring, fall and winter. She can make happy any man alive.
Sugar magnolia, ringing that bluebell, caught up in sunlight, come on out singing
I'll walk you in the sunshine, come on honey, come along with me.
She's got everything delightful, she's got everything I need,
A breeze in the pines and the sun and bright moonlight, lazing in the sunshine yes
indeed.
Sometimes when the cuckoo's crying, when the moon is half way down,
Sometimes when the night is dying, I take me out and I wander around, I wander
'round.
Sunshine, daydream, walking in the tall trees, going where the wind goes
Blooming like a red rose, breathing more freely,
Ride our singin', I'll walk you in the morning sunshine
Sunshine, daydream. Sunshine, daydream. Walking in the sunshine.
Beautiful lie
You can pray
You can pay
Till you're buried alive
Blackmailer blues
Everyone in the room
Owns a part of the noose
Slipknot gig
Slipknot gig
Slipknot gig
Did someone say
Help on the way
Well, I know
Yeah, I do
Went to see the captain, strangest I could find
Laid my proposition down, laid it on the line
I won't slave for beggar's pay, likewise gold and jewels
But I would slave to learn the way to sink your ship of fools
Ship of fools on a cruel sea
Ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought when I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools
Saw your first ship sink and drown, from rockin' of the boat
And all that could not sink or swim was just left there to float
I won't leave you drifting down, but woh it makes me wild
With thirty years upon my head to have you call me child
Ship of fools on a cruel sea
Ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought when I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools
The bottles stand as empty, as they were filled before
Time there was and plenty, but from that cup no more
Though I could not caution all, I still might warn a few
Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools
Ship of fools on a cruel sea
Ship of fools sail away from me
It was later than I thought, when I first believed you
Now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools
It was later than I thought when I first believed you
There are no lyrics... it's a percussion instrumental
Oh, smokestack lightnin', shinin' just like gold
Why can't you hear me cryin'? Ooooo
Oh, stop your train, let a hobo ride
Why can't you hear me cryin'? Ooooo
Oh, fare you well, I never see you no more
Why can't you hear me cryin'? Ooooo
Oh, stop your train, let a poor boy ride, callin' yes I do
Let a poor boy ride, let his foot step on
Oh, who've been you baby, since I've been gone
As I was walking round Grosvenor Square
Not a chill to the winter but a nip to the air
From the other direction she was calling my eye
It could be an illusion, but I might as well try
Might as well try
She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes
And I knew without asking she was into the blues
She wore scarlet begonias, tucked into her curls
I knew right away she was not like other girls
Other girls
In the thick of the evening when the dealing got rough
She was too pat to open and too cool to bluff
As I picked up my matches and was closing the door
I had one of those flashes I had been there before
Been there before
Well I ain't often right but I've never been wrong
It seldom turns out the way it does in the song
Once in a while you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right
Well there ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves
Scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues
And there's nothing wrong with the look that's in her eyes
I had to learn the hard way to let her pass by
Let her pass by
The wind in the willows playing Tea for Two
The sky was yellow and the sun was blue
Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand
Everybody is playing in the heart of gold band
This must be heaven, tonight I cross the line
You must be the angel, I though I might never find
Was it you I heard singing, oh, while I was chasin' dreams
Driven by the wind, like the dust that blows around
And the rain fallin' down but I never know
Got to be heaven 'cause here's where the rainbow ends
If this ain't the real thing, then it's close enough to pretend
When that wind blows when the night's about to fall
You can hear the silence call, it's a certain sort of sound
Like the rain fallin' down
Hole's in what's left of my reason, hole's in the knees of my blues
Odds against me been increasin' but I'll pull through
I never could read no road map, I don't know what the weather might do
But when that rich wind whines and I see the dark star shine
I got a feeling there's no time to lose, no time to lose
Never know now, just don't never know, no
Well it's been heaven but even the rainbows will end
Now my sails are fillin' and the wind is willin'
And I'm as good as gone again
I'm still walkin', so I'm sure that I can dance
Just a Saint of Circumstance, just a tiger in a trance
And the rain fallin' down, well, you never know, just don't know
Just instrumental, no lyrics.
Saint Stephen with a rose, in and out of the garden he goes,
Country garden in the wind and the rain,
Wherever he goes the people all complain.
Stephen prospered in his time, well he may and he may decline.
Did it matter, does it now? Stephen would answer if he only knew how.
Wishing well with a golden bell, bucket hanging clear to hell,
Hell halfway twixt now and then,
Stephen fill it up and lower down and lower down again.
Lady finger, dipped in moonlight, writing ";What for?"; across the morning sky.
Sunlight splatters, dawn with answer, darkness shrugs and bids the day good-bye.
Speeding arrow, sharp and narrow,
What a lot of fleeting matters you have spurned.
Several seasons with their treasons,
Wrap the babe in scarlet colors, call it your own.
Did he doubt or did he try? Answers aplenty in the bye and bye,
Talk about your plenty, talk about your ills,
One man gathers what another man spills.
Saint Stephen will remain, all he's lost he shall regain,
Seashore washed by the suds and foam,
Been here so long, he's got to calling it home.
Fortune comes a crawlin', calliope woman, spinnin' that curious sense of your own.
Can you answer? Yes I can. But what would be the answer to the answer man?
This song is instrumental -- it has no lyrics
Out on the lonely hillside in a cabin low and small
Lived the sweetest rose of color my Rosie McFall
Her eyes were bright and shining and her voice was sweet to me
Knew that I would always love her and I hoped that she loved me
My eyes turned to me, my darlin' and this is what she said:
You know that I would always love you when you and I are wed.
Then God way up in heaven one day for her did call
I lost my bride, oh how I loved her, my Rosie McFall
I searched this wide world over through cities great and small
But I never found another like my Rosie McFall
Just like Jack the Ripper, just like Mojo Hand,
Just like Billy Sunday, in a shotgun ragtime band,
Just like New York City, just like Jerico,
Pace the halls and climb the walls and get out when they blow.
Did you say your name was Ramblin Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose.
Just like Jack and Jill, Mama told the jailer
One hear up, and one cool down, leave nothin' for the tailor.
Just like Jack and Jill, Papa told the jailer
One go up, and one go down, do yourself a favor.
Did you say your name was Ramblin Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose.
I'm gonna to sing you a hundred verses in ragtime,
I know this song it ain't never gonna end.
I'm gonna march you up and down along the county line,
Take you to the leader of a band.
Just like Crazy Otto, just like Wolfman Jack,
Sittin plush with a royal flush, aces back to back.
Just like Mary Shelly, just like Frankenstein,
Clank your chains and count your change and try to walk the line.
Did you say your name was Ramblin Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose.
I'm gonna to sing you a hundred verses in ragtime,
I know this song it ain't never gonna end.
I'm gonna march you up and down along the county line,
Take you to the leader of a band.
Good-bye Mama and Papa
Good-bye Jack and Jill
The grass ain't greener
The wine ain't sweeter
Either side of the hill.
Did you say your name was Ramblin Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose.
Boots were of leather, a breath of cologne
the mirror was a window she sat by alone.
All around the garden grew scarlet and purple and crimson and blue.
She came dead and she went, and at last went away, the garden was sealed when the
flowers decayed.
On the wall of the garden a legend did say, no one may come here since no one may
stay.
no lyrics... it's an instrumental
Some folks trust to reason others trust to might,
I don't trust to nothin', but I know it comes out right.
Say it once again now, Whoa, I hope you'll understand
When it's done and over, Lord, a man is just a man.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
Some folks look for answers others look for fights,
Some folks up in treetops just a looking for their kites.
Whoa, I can tell your future just look what's in your hand,
But I can't stop for nothin' I'm just playing in the band.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
Standin' on a tower world at my command
You just keep a turnin' while I'm playing in the band.
And if a man among you got no sin upon his hand
Let him cast a stone at me for playing in the band.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
South of Market in the land of ruin
You get all manner of action
Tinsel tigers in The Metal Room
Stalking satisfaction.
They got 'em packaged up for love and money
Tattooed tots and chrome spike bunnies
Check my conscience at the DMZ
And roll on in, gonna roll in it, honey
But I get a feelin' like when big things collide
Like the crack before the thunder, like I really ought to hide
And here comes Metal Angel, she looks ready to ride;
& What's that she's tryin' to show me..?
What's that you're tryin' to show me..?
Picasso Moon, shattered light
Diamond bullets ripping up the night
Picasso Moon, liberate me,
From the middle of eternity,
Something hooks her little finger at me,
An' it's bigger than a drive-in movie, ooooo-eeee.
Bigger than a drive-in movie, ooooo-eeee.
Hangin' ten out on space and time
Redefining distance.
The next skull on your necklace is mine:
Cheap for such assistance
I had a job trading bits for pieces
We'd make wrinkles, advertise them as creases
Please, find my resignation enclosed,
Roll with it, roll with it, we gonna roll in it, honey..,
Dark Angel, What's botherin' you?
So strange, you'll do me all that you do
Dark Angel, you're makin' me blue..,
I guess it doesn't matter..,
I guess it doesn't matter...
Picasso Moon, blinding ball,
Spinning fire, the lightning calls
Picasso Moon, fall into the sky
Rarin' out, I'm gonna testify
And stare a shout into that burning eye,
Bigger than a drive-in movie, oh my.
Bigger than a drive-in movie, oh my.
Strikes morning; the atomic dawn,
Scramble back to cover.
Quick, pop your mirrored sunglasses on,
My little leather-winged lover.
I see your face printed on my money,
Your blazin' ways really move me, honey..!
Heart of darkness, Yea-e-yea-e-e-hoo..,
Why'm I laughing? This ain't funny
Dark Angel, now just don't start..,
You'll break my spirit, wreck my heart
You must have a license for practisin' that art.
I don't presume to imagine.
I don't presume to imagine.
Picasso Moon, fractal flame
Blazing lace filling every frame
Picasso Moon, wheels within wheels
What's true when everything's real?
It's all new, I'm gonna scatter the seals
Bigger than a drive-in movie, for real.
Bigger than a drive-in movie, for real.
Why I married me a bad girl, tell you the reason why
Bad girls will even do things on the sly
Look for your supper to be good and hot
She never even put a stew bone in the pot
She's on the road again, sure as you're born
Natural born easy on the road again
Friend come by, say looking for his hat
Wants to know where your husband's at
I don't know, he's on his way to the pen
Come on pretty mama, let's get on the road again
Went to my house the front door was locked
Went 'round to my window, but my window was locked
Jumped right back, shook my head,
Big old rounder in my folding bed
Jumped into the window, broke the glass
Never seen that little rounder run so fast
Come on pretty mama, let's get on the road again
I wanna tell you how it's gonna be, you're gonna give your love to me,
I wanna love you night and day, you know my love not fade away.
You know my love not fade away, not fade away!
My love is bigger than a Cadillac, I try to show you but you drive me back,
Your love for me has got to be real, your gonna know just how I feel.
Our love is real, not fade away, not fade away!
I was born in a desert, Raised in a lion's den
And my number one occupation is stealing women from their men
If you're down in Memphis, you best stop down minglewood
When I take a walk down there, all the women sure look good
If you can't believe me, it'll make it hard to believe in you
Cause we all need each other, well you know it's true
Cold mountain water, the jade merchant's daughter,
Mountains of the moon, electra bow and bend to me.
Hi ho the carrion crow fol de rol de riddle
Hi ho the carrion crow bow and bend to me.
Hey, Tom Banjo hey a laurel, more than laurel you say sow.
More than laurel you may sow.
Hey, the laurel, hey the city in the rain,
Hey, hey, hey the wild wheat waving in the wind.
Twenty degrees of solitude, twenty degrees in all,
All the dancing kings and wives assembled in the hall.
Lost is the long and loneliest town fairly sybil flying.
All along the, all along the mountains of the moon.
Hey, Tom Banjo it's time to matter,
The earth will see you on through this time,
The earth will see you on through this time.
Down by the water, the Marsh King's daughter, did you know?
Clothed in totters always will be. Tom, where did you go?
Mountains of the moon, Electra, mountains of the moon,
All along the, all along the mountains of the moon.
Hi ho the carrion crow fol de rol de riddle
Hi ho the carrion crow bow and bend to me.
Bend to me. Na da da da da da da da da da da da.
Last leaf fallen bare earth where green was born,
Black Madonna two eagles hang against a cloud,
Sun comes up blood red wind yells among the stone,
All graceful instruments are known.
When the windows all are broken and your love's become a toothless crone,
When the voices of the storm sound like a crowd,
Winter morning breaks, you're all alone.
The eyes are blind, blue visions, all a seer can own,
And touching makes the flesh to cry out loud
This ground on which the seed of love is sown,
All graceful instruments are known.
This is an instrumental piece actually titled "King Solomon's Marbles" on the Blues For Allah album
Laid back in an old saloon, with a peso in my hand,
Watchin' flies and children on the street,
And I catch a glimpse of black-eyed girls who giggle when I smile,
There's a little boy who wants to shine my feet.
And it's three days ride from Bakersfield and I don't know why I came.
I guess I came to keep from payin' dues.
So instead I've got a bottle and a girl who's just fourteen,
And a damn good case of the Mexicali Blues. Yeh!
Is there anything a man don't stand to lose,
When the devil wants to take it all away?
Cherish well your thoughts, and keep a tight grip on your booze,
Cause thinkin' and drinkin' are all I have today.
She said her name was Billy Jean and she was fresh in town.
I didn't know a stage line ran from Hell.
She had raven hair, a ruffled dress, a necklace made of gold,
All the French perfume you'd care to smell.
She took me up into her room and whispered in my ear,
";Go on, my friend, do anything you choose.";
Now I'm payin' for those happy hours I spent there in her arms,
With a lifetime's worth of the Mexicali Blues.
Is there anything a man don't stand to lose,
When the devil wants to take it all away?
Cherish well your thoughts, and keep a tight grip on your booze
Cause thinkin' and drinkin' are all I have today.
And then a man rode into town, some thought he was the law.
Billy Jean was waitin' when he came.
She told me he would take her, if I didn't use my gun,
I'd have no one but myself to blame.
I went down to those dusty streets, blood was on my mind.
I guess that stranger hadn't heard the news
Cause I shot first and killed him, Lord, he didn't even draw
And he made me trade the gallows for the Mexicali Blues.
Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
When he lets a woman hold him in her hands?
He just might find himself out there on horseback in the dark
Just ridin' and runnin' across those desert sands.
If I had the world to give, I'd give it to you
Long as you live, would you let it fall, or hold it all in your arms?
If I had a song to sing, I'd sing it to you
as long as you live, lullaby or maybe a plain serenade
wouldn't you laugh, dance, and cry or be afraid at the change you made
I may not have the world to give to you
But maybe I have a tune or two
Only if you let me be your world
Could I ever give this world to you
But I will give what love I have to give,
I will give what love I have to give,
I will give what love I have to give, long as I live.
If I had a star to give, I'd give it to you
long as you live, would you have the time
to watch it shine, watch it shine
or ask for the moon and heaven too? I'd give it to you.
Well maybe I've got no star to spare, or anything fine or even rare,
only if you let me be your world, could I ever give this world to you.
could I ever give this world to you.
I take a little powder, take a little salt, put it in my shotgun, I go walkin'
Jubba jubba, wolly bully, looking high, looking low,
Gonna scare you up and shoot ya, Mister Charlie told me so.
I won't even take your life, won't even take a limb,
Just unload my shotgun, take a little skin.
Jubba jubba, wolly bully, looking high, looking low,
Gonna scare you up and shoot ya, Mister Charlie told me so.
Well you take my silver dollar, take those silver dimes,
Fix it up together in some alligator wine.
I can hear the drums, voodoo all night long,
Mister Charlie tells me I can't do nothing wrong.
Jubba jubba, wolly bully, looking high, looking low,
Gonna scare you up and shoot ya, Mister Charlie told me so.
Now Mister Charlie told me, won't you like to know,
Give you little warning before I let you go.
Jubba jubba, wolly bully, looking high, looking low,
Gonna scare you up and shoot ya, Mister Charlie told me so.
Gonna scare you up and shoot ya, Mister Charlie, Mister Charlie told me so.
If I had a gun for every ace I have drawn
I could arm a town the size of Abilene
Don't you push me baby, because I'm moaning low
And you know I'm only in it for the gold
All that I am asking for is ten gold dollars
And I could pay you back with one good hand
You can look around about the wide world over
And you'll never find another honest man
Last fair deal in the country, sweet Suzie
Last fair deal in the town
Put your gold money where your love is baby
Before you let my deal go down
Don't you push me baby, cause I'm moaning low
Well I know a little something you won't ever know
Don't you touch hard liquor, just a cup of cold coffee
Gotta get up in the morning and go
Everybody's breaking and drinking that wine
I can tell the queen of diamonds by the way she shines
Come to daddy on the inside straight
Well I've got no chance of losing this time
But I've got no chance of losing this time
I've got no chance of losing this time
Last fair deal in the country
Last fair deal in the town
Put your gold money where your love is baby
Before you let my deal go down, go down
Everybody's breaking and drinking that wine
I can tell the queen of diamonds by the way she shines
Come to daddy on the inside straight
Well, I've got no chance of losing this time
But I've got no chance of losing this time
Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waitin' for a train,
Feeling nearly faded as my jeans,
Bobby flagged a diesel down, just before it rained,
Took us all the way to New Orleans.
I took my harp on out of my dirty red bandanna,
I was blowin' sad while Bobby sang the blues,
With them windshield wipers slappin' time, Bobby clappin' hands,
We sang every song that driver knew.
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to do.
Nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free.
Feelin' good was easy Lord, when Bobby sang the blues.
Feelin' good was good enough for me, good enough for me and Bobby McGee.
From the coal mines of Kentucky to the California sun,
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul,
Standing right beside me, Lord, in everything I done,
Bobby's body kept me from the cold.
Then somewhere near Salinas, Lord, I let her slip away,
Lookin' for that home, I hope she finds,
And I'd trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday
Holding Bobby's body close to mine.
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.
Nothin' was all she left for me.
Feelin' good was easy Lord, when Bobby sang the blues.
Feelin' good was good enough for me, good enough for me and Bobby McGee.
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to do.
Nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free.
Feelin' good was easy Lord, when Bobby sang the blues.
Feelin' good was good enough for me, good enough for me and Bobby McGee.
The first I remember knowin' was that lonesome whistle blowin'
And a youngin's dream of growin' up to ride.
On a freight train leavin' town, not knowin' where I was bound
No one could steer me right, but mama tried.
Was the only rebel child from a family meek and mild
Mama seemed to know what lay in store
In spite of all my Sunday learnin'
For the bad I kept on turnin' and mama couldn't hold me anymore.
And I turned 21 in prison, doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin' I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame cause mama tried.
Dear old daddy rest his soul, left my mom a heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Workin' hours without rest, wanted me to have the best
Oh she tried to raise me right, but I refused.
And I turned 21 in prison, doin' life without parole
No one could steer me right, but mama tried, mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleadin' I denied
That leaves no one but me to blame cause mama tried.
Please don't dominate the rap, jack, if you've got nothing new to say.
If you please, don't back up the track this train's got to run today.
I spent a little time on the mountain, I spent a little time on the hill
I heard someone say ";Better run away";, others say ";better stand still";.
Now I don't know, but I been told it's hard to run with the weight of gold,
Other hand I have heard it said, it's just as hard with the weight of lead.
Who can deny, who can deny, it's not just a change in style?
One step down and another begun and I wonder how many miles.
I spent a little time on the mountain, I spent a little time on the hill
Things went down we don't understand, but I think in time we will.
Now, I don't know but I was told in the heat of the sun a man died of cold.
Keep on coming or stand and wait, with the sun so dark and the hour so late.
You can't overlook the lack, jack, of any other highway to ride.
It's got no signs or dividing lines and very few rule to guide.
I saw things getting out of hand, I guess they always will.
Now I don't know but I been told
If the horse don't pull you got to carry the load.
I don't know whose back's that strong, maybe find out before too long.
One way or another, one way or another,
One way or another, this darkness got to give.
