Words and Music by Alan O'Day
Well you are such an easy evil
Such a sensuous sin
Sometimes I don't know where I'm going
'Till I've been taken in
Such an easy evil
Such a promise of fun
Sometimes I don't know what I'm doing
Till I'm done, you're a sneaky one
Here she comes now touching me, calling my name again
Here I go now, like a moth to a flame
I'm a sucker for you baby
Such an easy evil
Such a sensuous sin
Sometimes I don't know where I'm going
"Till I've been taken in
I've been taken in
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Palmer, Steven Palmer
You've had your fun, you've had your fun
You've had your fun, you've had your fun
Now I know that you've had your fun it's no surprise
Yeah I know that you've had your fun it's in your eyes
Layin' back smiling like a reptile, I can tell
Baby you've been living on your own
You're number one, you're number one
You're number one, you're number one
Now I know that you're number one you showed me why
Yeah I know that you're number one you satisfy
Layin' back thinkin' 'bout another way to love you
Makin' it feel like it should
© Rambunctious Music
The news is out all over town
That you've been seen out runnin' 'round
I know that I should leave 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
(Ya gotta trust in me, baby)
What can I do? You win again
This heart of mine, oh, I could never see
What everybody knows but me
Just trustin' you was my great sin
(Just trustin' you, that was my great sin)
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
Right here, right now, I want it
I just got to get my share of the pie
I've been watching from the sidelines
I've been waitin' in the wings
Now it's my turn and I will not be denied
No more livin' like a rock & roll refugee
If you see me streakin' by, watch out for me
I'm a man on a mission darlin'
I'm about to turn the tide
I'm a man on a mission, baby
And I will not be denied
No more, no way I've had it
This has got to be the end of the line
I'm done payin' for my freedom
I'm done payin' all my dues
Now I'm burnin' down the track
In my face against time
And it's stand and deliver by hook or crook
So it you see me come into view
Look out I'm comin' through
I'm a man on a mission darlin'
I'm about to turn the tide
I'm a man on a mission, baby
And I will not be denied
No matter what, ain't gonna stop 'til I get satisfied
© 1996 Rambunctious Music (ASCAP),
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Wilk and Rocket Ritchotte
A ring on every finger, a girl on every arm
He drove his brand new Jaguar while talking on the telephone
He hung it up and said to me as he lit a cigarette
"Man, I've been up for seven days to get this deal all set
But now we're off to Vegas to lay our money down"
I asked him why he ran so hard, he laughed as he turned around
We like it, we love it, we want more of it, yeah we're having a ball
We want it, we need it, we live and breathe it, for the thrill of it all
We like it, we love it, we want more of it, it's never enough
We like it, we love it, we got to have it, gimmie gimmie all you got
Well now, the Dodgers were at the ball park and we were there to see
We had one game on the radio, another on TV
We raced 'cross town to catch the Kings and watch that hockey star
Then right back home to see the Lakers on the VCR
There's football on the satellite and soccer from Peru
I asked them: "Guys, you had enough?" They said: "Naw, this will not do"
We like it, we love itâ¦
Now I got no strange addictions, I'm just a normal guy
I've lived a clean and healthy lifeâ¦some don't believe me, why?
I don't know, but when it's magic and the crowd yells out for more
The boys and I, we start to laugh, we know what we're doin' this for
We like it, we love itâ¦
(by Robert Johnson)
Woke up this morning, feel 'round for my shoes,
You know 'bout that babe, had them old walkin' blues.
Woke up this morning, I feel 'round for my shoes,
You know 'bout that babe, Lord, I had them old walkin' blues.
Leavin' this morning, I had to go ride the blinds.
I've been mistreated, don't mind dying.
This morning, I had to go ride the blinds,
I've been mistreated, Lord, I don't mind dying.
People tell me walkin' blues ain't bad;
Worst old feeling I most ever had.
People tell me the old walkin' blues ain't bad.
Words and music by John Kay
I don't know why you moan and pout
All the world lies at your feet
Like a child you sit and wonder, who's to blame for your defeat
I have tried to give you comfort
I have lent you a patient ear
Had I known why you're complaining, I'd have shown you trouble and fear
Gonna take you to the cliff side on a mountain so high
That when you look down, lord you'll shake and tremble
Afraid to die, afraid to die
Gonna send you the devil when your nightmares arrive
Then when you wake up, lord you'll feel glad to be alive, to be alive
I don't know why you moan and pout
All the world lies at your feet
Like a child you sit and wonder, who's to blame for your defeat
I have tried to give you comfort
I have lent you a patient ear
Had I known why you're complaining, I'd have shown you trouble and fear
*****************NEED ADDITIONAL LYRICS HERE************************
Gonna show you the playground of misery and despair
That you might touch a helpless hand with some compassion
And learn to care, yes learn to care
Words and music by John Kay, Rocket Ritchotte and Michael Wilk
Up early in the morning, 'bout the break of day
Still huggin' that empty pillow where your baby used to lay
No time to think about the past, good god, it's time for you to run
Wake up your dreams will have to wait, no time for fun
And so it's always wait until tomorrow, always someday
Yeah, it's always sooner or later, never today
Why don't you take time out, why don't you take it slow
The race you run is never done, why don't you let it go
Why don't you take time out, why don't you make the time
When day is done, go have some fun or you'll loose your mind
Rough times in the heart of paradise, another crazy day
Trapped like a rat, you feel the heat while running thru the maze
No time to take a look around, jump into it, push until you drop
Watch out, the walls are closing in but you just can't stop
And so it's always wait until tomorrow, always someday
Yeah, it's always sooner or later, never today
Why don't you take time out, why don't you take it slow
The race you run is never done, why don't you let it go
You're playin' fast and loose, you play with loaded dice
But what you loose to win the golden goose, may be your life
Words and music by John Kay, Rocket Ritchotte and Michael Wilk
Hey baby, you and I should get together
Hey, baby, come on girl, let's get away
Just maybe, we'll get lucky with the weather
Just maybe, sun will shine like this all day
Oh baby, got the need to leave the city
Oh baby, I got the need to feel the breeze
Go crazy, let's go somewhere we can really
Go crazy, and take our share of liberties
Runnin' away just for today, we're running away
Got nothin' to lose just my old shoes and the daily blues
Hey baby, ain't nobody gonna stop us
Hey baby, nothin's gonna waste our time
Just maybe, we'll go ridin' in the country
Just maybe, we'll be hidin' from the grind
Oh baby, soon we'll be alone together
Oh baby, let's get wild and have some fun
Go crazy, 'til we feel a whole lot better
Go crazy, we'll take our pleasure on the run
Runnin' away just for today, we're running away
Got nothin' to lose just my old shoes and the daily blues
Words and music by John Kay
I often lie awake at night
And gaze into the sky
I watch the stars move in their flight
And every time I wonder
At the beauty of the view
And when it's magic touches me
That's when I think of you
At times I lie down by the sea
And dream away the day
I hear the laughter of the free
That stroll along the bay
Their arms around each other
Their faces all aglow
Ah, when I see that kind of love
That's when I think of you
Lately I've been wondering about my fellow man
Seems he only want's to know me for his gain
And though I know it's human to take all that you can
Were it not for all your giving, I might never love again
I've tried to find the words
To write my feelings into song
At times I almost got it right
But most just turned out wrong
And this one, it's no different
The words just won't come through
But every time I sing this song
That's when I think of you
Words and Music by John Kay
When you say that you want me forever
And you don't want me just while I stay
Do you mean that it's always or never
Can we not share the joys of today
There's a chance that tomorrow I'm leaving
There's a chance of a lonely goodbye
But I've learned long go it ain't easy
And it hurts so much more not to cry
So I'll build my tomorrows on sweet memories
Of the times we chased away the sorrow
Than to live a lifetime of long emptiness
And to bear the dreams I had to borrow
Well if you don't believe me girl, you'll try in vain
To get things guaranteed in life, except heartaches and pain
And though you try to bind your joy with loving chains
Happiness will come and go like sunshine and rain
Repeat Chorus
I remember the times full of pleasure
That I shared with the women I knew
There are moments that I'll always treasure
They were special, each one, just like you
So let's not play games with each other
For the time may come soon when we'll part
And though we're no longer together
I will carry you here in my heart
Words and music by John Kay
Come and tell me, who stole your smile?
I wanna help you girl, to laugh a while
'Cause everybody feels the power sometimes
To heal with kind affection
Everybody's heart is troubled at times
In need of some protection
If I could only touch you
I know you'd like it
But every time I try to reach you
You run away frightened
Somebody wants you
Somebody needs you
Somebody loves you
Just the way you are
Nobody knows just how long
Nobody knows just how strong
I've cared for you through all these years
You know I love you darlin'
But you don't wanna hear
'Cause everything I try to tell you
Goes in one ear and out the other
I can't quite put my finger on it
It seems you just don't bother
Words and Music by Ron Davies
I got something hard on my mind
I got something hard against my mind
I got a gold mine down in my pocket
And you can have all that you can find
I've got some crazy business on my mind
I need something a little more just to raise my stake
I need something more to raise my stake 'cause she's more than
Any man can ever hope to take
Something more to keep it straight
Goin' down to the corner and find myself a bar
I'm goin' down to the corner I'm gonna lean up against a bar
Gonna sing with the children 'bout the way things really are
Goin' down to the river down to the water wide
Goin' down to the river I'm gonna lay down with my guitar
Gonna sing with the children 'bout the way things really are
So many toys, so little time
You got your share, now I want mine
I'd love a trip to Paradise
Ain't got the cash to pay the price
But everytime I turn around someone's at my door
Who says he's got the answer I've been looking for
Sign on the line, buy now pay later, sonny
Sign on the line, don't worry 'bout a thing
Sign on the line, well hey, it's only money
Sign on the line, go have your fling
I want the high life on TV
Just like they do on Dynasty
To live a life fit for a king
And have the best of everything
But everytime I save a buck someone's on my case
Waivin' pen and paper, they stick it in your face
Sign on the lineâ¦
Been spending like a millionaire
On women, cars, house in Bel Air
And all the things I can't resist
Now I got handcuffs on my wrist
I said: "Judge, a man like me can't make a dime in jail"
He said: "son, use your credit card, so you can make your bail"
Sign on the line, just buy your freedom, sonny
Sign on the line and walk on out of here
Sign on the line, well hey, it's only money
Sign on the line but don't you disappear, hear?
Words and music by John Kay
Oh darlin' what is wrong with you
Oh baby it must be somethin' that I do
'Cause ev'rytime that we get down
I wind up feelin' like a clown with you
Eh sweet mama you just got to tell me true
Oh babe what'll do the trick for you
'Cause if I don't know what you need
We just never will succeed
So tell me what you want
And show me how you'd like it done
Tell me what to do
Will you show me what you know
Oh tell me what you need
Will you teach me how you'd like your fun
It's the only way to get it done
And if it takes all night
We're gonna do this till it's right
Oh darlin' tell me how you're feein' now
Eh babe looks like your smile
Returned somehow
But if there's something else you'd like
To be truly satisfied
© 1978 Rambunctious Music
Words and music by John Kay
Say you will, say you might
Say you'll stay for the night
It feels so right and we're alone
Take my love, take it all
Take it now, and let us fall into the night
From the moment I first saw you
I could tell you were the one
Who could change my way of living
Who could lead me to the sun
All the names, all the faces
That were lurking in my past
Were erased the day I held you
And I knew you were the last
From the time I started moving
I've been trav'lin on my own
Though there were many nights of longing
That I could no stand alone
Like and organ grinder's monkey
Picking pennies from the street
I would scrounge for some affection
With the lovers that I'd meet
But none could show me how to fly
So in the end we said good bye
But in my dreams I saw you waiting
In my mind I heard you saying
Take my love, take it all
Take it now, let us fall into the night
Until the dawn
Say you will, say you might
Say you'll stay for the night
It feels so right and we're alone
Say you will, say you might
Say you'll stay for the night
Until the dawn
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Wilk and Rocket Ritchotte
He was barely a man that morning when he got on that plane
In his pocket some music and pictures of home
A few days later he's lying in the jungle, beneath the pouring rain
Listening to songs of freedom, feeling scared and alone
Can anybody tell me why I'm here, where's the rhyme where's the reason
It's all so crazy, it's madness over here, just who are we fighting for
The guys back home, they're feelin' no pain, yeah, they're living and lovin'
While we are flyin', dancin' and dyin' in this rock 'n roll war.
Everything looked the same that morning, when he came home again
In his baggage some medals and memories of war
But he was different, changed forever and out of touch with time
Walking the streets of home, he felt lost and alone
Can anybody tell me where I am, I feel like a stranger
Some call me hero, some have called me names, some don't call anymore
I made it home, but I'm still in pain, I'm not livin' or lovin'
For I'm still flyin', fightin' and dyin' in that Rock n' Roll war
Tell everybody I feelin' better, It's been slow but I'm healing
Through mother earth and father time, I don't hurt like before
I love a good woman, we have a son, he's our joy, our salvation
May he never fly in, fight in or die in some rock 'n roll war
Tell everybody I'm doin' all right, yes, I'm livin' and lovin'
For I'm done flyin', livin' and dyin' in that rock n' roll war.
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Wilk and Rocket Ritchotte
And she walks along by the river
Where you can be alone with your dreams
And she screams at the world "I'm done getting burned
When do I get my chance for a win
Oh and where is my lover when I really need him
To give me peace for an angry heart"
Ah, but then he pulls up beside her with the radio blastin'
And they race down the highway for a brand new start
And the rock n' roll rebels are ridin' tonight
Crusin' till daylight again
Yes they're rockin' this town for the time of their lives
Wishin' this night'd never end
And he locks the door to his secret
That holds the key to his hopes and fears
For tonight he will try to leave his troubles behind
For it has been just one of those years
And he picks up the gang at the usual places
To hear the soundtrack of their lives
Oh yeah, they're rolllin' downtown to hear that rock n' roll music
Well, it may not save the world but it helps them survive
And the rock n' roll rebels are ridin' tonight
Crusin' till daylight again
Yes they're rockin' this town for the time of their lives
Wishin' this night'd never end
© 1986 Rambunctious Music (ASCAP),
Michael John Music (BMI),
Words and music by Alan O'Day
She looks kinda pretty, the music is slow
I walk up to her table and I say "hello"
I ask her to dance, and as we start to move
It's hard to keep from thinkin' that I wish she was you
My friends told me what to do in this case
Replace the faceâ¦. you know I'm tryin' to
Replace the face⦠but I keep seein' you
You're just a memory that I can't erase
Replace the face
We're dancin' and talking', then I take her home
She makes us some coffee and we're all alone
Now she wants to be where only you have been
And I really want to love her but I can't give in
Still thinkin' while I'm in her embrace
Replace the face
Your face makes me face what's true
That I'm with somebody else 'cause I can't have you
Your face used to make me smile
But you're not around, and now it only breaks me down
If you'd only see me, I could work this through
Good bye would be better than just waiting for you
I know I didn't fall in love with you by myself
So won't you help me now honey, let me love someone else
Don't want my heart to be a wasted space
Replace the face
Replace the faceâ¦you know I'm tryin', I'm tryin'
Replace the faceâ¦but my heart's not buyin'
Replace the faceâ¦that's somethin' I can't do
Replace the faceâ¦'cause it's just you, you
Replace the faceâ¦replace it, replace it
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Wilk and Rocket Ritchotte
I been fightin' shadows wrapped in camouflage
Screamin' bloody murder at the daily sabotage
And though it's never over, I give up for today
Now all I really want is to see you smilin' face
You're the only one that ever found the way to my heart
And said to my surprise
Now and forever, I'll stay with you
My love will never turn cold on you
We belong together, like fire and heat
Now and forever, you're all I want, all I need
I been chasin' demons, you been racin' luck
We've been facin' deadines tryin' to beat the clock
Tryin' to get together, tryin' to find the time
And quit this makin' love on the telephone line
You're the only one that ever found the way to my heart
You're one in a million, you're second to none
Baby, you're the one
Oh, come lie here by my side
Let the world and all it's troubles be, just for tonight
I think about the lonely souls I've known along the way
I wish them all the joy and wonder of hearing someone say
Now and forever, I'll stay with you
My love will never turn cold on you
We belong together, like fire and heat
Now and forever, you're all I want, all I need
Words and music by John Kay
I fried in the sun just outside San Bernadino
Flagged me a ride in a rattletrap ford
Rollin' back east to the northern border
I'm back in town to find my favorite folk
But nobody knowsâ¦and nobody cares
'Cause nobody plays here, nobody stays here
Nobody lives here anymore
I drift by the winos near the greyhound station
Searching for shelter like a castaway
But there are lookers and lechers in a pagan bookstore
That once held a home where I could sing and play
Nothing is left but the faded street signs
To tell me that I knew this place before
'Cause nobody plays here, nobody stays here
Nobody lives here anymore
Everyone warned me not to look for memories
Nothing at all ever remains the same
Now I'm turning around, I'm rollin' back home
Leaving no one behind that will remember my name
But nobody knowsâ¦and nobody cares
'Cause nobody plays here, nobody stays here
Nobody lives here anymore
Words and music by John Kay
Though I can't show you the years of my life
That I spend on the road to freedom
Don't let it throw you, I know of your strife
I know what it's like to roam
I sang 'em a glad song, played 'em a sad song
Sang 'em the whole night long
Just for a dollar or what they could offer
To somebody's ramblin' boy
When the fun was done, I would pack my bags and I was gone
Though the women were kind there was nothing to bind me to one
'Til somebody changed my rough and rowdy ways
Somebody changed my ole carousing days
Oh when I was a young boy I learned to survive
'Til somebody came and stayed my sportin' life
I lived in the barrooms the juke joints and gin mills
I worked any dive in town
Never to proud to pass my hat around
In every place I found
I'll sing you a glad song, play you a sad song
Sing 'em the whole night long
Just for a dollar or what you can offer
To somebody's ramblin' boy
There were times when lonely was the only feeling left in me
Or when the cold and the rain made it hard on a man to be free
'Till somebody changed my tough and hungry days
Somebody changed my rough and rowdy ways
Now I don't really care no more 'bout nickels and a dime
The one I love is all I need to help me spend my time
Somebody came and rolled away my stone
Somebody came, and she made me feel at home
Somebody changed my rough and rowdy ways
Somebody changed my ole carousing days
Oh when I was young boy I learned to stay alive
'Til somebody came and stayed my sportin' life
I'll sing you a glad song, play you a sad song
Sing 'em the whole night long
Just for a dollar or what you can offer
To somebody's ramblin' boy
Words and music by John Kay and Rocket Ritchotte
Running like bandits through the blinding dark of night
There's nothing in sight
Suddenly someone shines a guiding light
Things start lookin' all right
Clutching the promise of a bright and better dawn
You wait for the sun
Oh, you can bury a man when all his dreams are gone
So you just keep holding on
And here's to the lost and lonely dreamers
Struggling to survive
Here's to the true and daily heroes
Keeping our dreams alive
Watching the news you took a bruising body blow
Your guts screaming foul
Madness and mayhem got you on the ropes
Somebody throw in the towel
Just when you feel like going down to end the bout
To stop all this pain
Somebody somewhere shows a ray of hope
And you start punching again
And here's to the lost and lonely dreamers
Struggling to survive
Here's to the true and daily heroes
Keeping our dreams alive
Here's to the young and old crusaders
Battling side by side
Here's to the laughing bright-eyed children
Keeping our hopes alive
Words and Music by John Kay
I was raised in the ruins, mama, 'till I was thirteen
Every day I heard the radio
Every night I had the same old dream
To sing a song, oh, baby, to watch my name in lights
If you wanna see your dream come true
Honeychild, you gotta get right down and fight
Well I sailed cross the ocean, girl, I felt so all alone
Many times I thought about goin' right back home
But the Joy I found in song gave me the will to carry on
Live your life the way you want to
Don't let fools lead you astray
Live you dreams so you hold on to
All you need along the way
I was payin' my dues right here in the land of the free
All the time I learned to sing along
I could not speak and I could barely see
Still all the while I knew where I was at
But the people that believed in me
Lord, I could count them all in seconds flat
Well, someday I would be, I knew it all along
A gentleman of leisure, girl, right or wrong
And though my dream has come and gone
There's plenty more where those came from
Repeat Chorus
Words and music by John Kay, Rocket Ritchotte and Michael Wilk
You know what I want and I know what you like
We know when it feels good
We know when it feels right
Just like it did last night
I got you on my mind, can't seem to really get much done
Why don't you come right here, or I'll come over there
You know we'd have some fun
We got spontaneous combustion
We got what everybody dreams about at night
Come on let's do it all tonight
I'm in your private dreams, you're in the public eye
You know that I pass out each time that you pass by
Could make a grown man cry
For I just can't forget, we got that absolutely perfect fit
Now that I've stooped to that and it has come to this
Let's just get on with it
We have that mutual attraction
We got what makes the whole world want to fuss and fight
Come on and let's do it all tonight
Words and Music by John Kay, Mike Palmer, Steve Palmer and Willie Dee
Hurricane Maryann blowin' up a gale
Blew thru' Tampa, Miami Beach
Leveled Fort Lauderdale
What's your game?
What's your plan?
Hurricane Maryann
She came down to my hometown
To sell her bag of fun
Now there's seven is the hospital
And Mary's on the run
You're to blame
So give a damn
Hurricane Maryann
Hurricane Maryann
Blew right into jail
She got popped in Lakeland
No one would go her bail
Hurricane Maryann
Sold cocaine
To the man
All the songs of pain I once knew
It's so hard to sing them with you
For the words no longer ring true
All the things I used to say
Were changed the day I met you
You're all that I want
And your love is all that I need
For my world to feel complete
You gave meaning to my life
And I've no reason to be blue
For I do as I please and I like what I do
Most of all I like pleasin' you
And I write what I feel
And I'm feeling all right
And I hope that this feelin' comes through
Hey, I'm alight for tonight
So don't play me songs full of sadness
Hey, I'm alight, there's no pain here inside
So let us be glad of our madness
I've been told it's easy to see
Why each life must bare misery
But it's hard to prove it by me
All the time I spent with you
The only joy I knew was free
You're all that I want
Words and music by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen
I spent my life twenty years in the basin
My only friend was a man of much more
He lied with power in his weary eyes 'till day came
And all at once I knew his name
Giles of the riverâ¦comin' in to make my precious day
Giles of the riverâ¦comin' in to tell one tale and take
My breath awayâ¦and he's on his way
He took me down through good times late departed
And through the world as it was and will be
By bad self I watched you as you hung your head out my door
But you won't grieve me no more
Give me the beat, boys
Give me the beat, boys
Day after day I'm more confused
But I look for the light through the pouring rain
You know, that's a game that I hate to lose
I'm feeling the strain, ain't it a shame?
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
I'm beginning to think that I'm wasting time
And I don't understand the things I do
Yeah, the world outside looks so unkind
Now it's up to you to carry me through
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
And when my mind is free
You know, the melody can move me
And when I'm feeling blue
The guitar's coming through to soothe me, yeah
Thanks for the joy you've given me
I want you to know that I believe in the song
The rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You help me along, you're making me strong
Give me the beat, boys
Give me the beat, boys, come on
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Words and music by John Kay
Down in New Orleans
The nights are hot and long
Ev'ry day's Saturday night
Down in the quarter
The music's loud and strong
Wish I'd be there tonight
Down in New Orleans
The nights are free and wild
Women will treat you all right
Down from the quarter they're calling me
And I wish I could go tonight
Every time I walk on by
The joints on Bourbon Street
I feel a glow from my head
Right down to my feet
They're places of ev'ry description
Where no one cares who you are
There are people of all persuasions
Carousing in the crowded bars
Down in New Orleans
The nights are free and wild
Women will treat you all right
Down from the quarter they're calling me
And I wish I could go tonight
Walk right on in, sit right down
Drink a hurricane
While everybody gathers 'round
To watch the dancers undulate
The workin' girl in the corner
Is hitting the local bar
And everyone in the quarter
Brace themselves for Mardi Gras
Down in New Orleans?br>
Words and Music by John Kay and Morgan Cavett
Now when you're down and troubled
Like orphan in a storm
And you feel life's weight upon you
Your body's cold and worn
You know that there's no mercy
For a child without a home
For the streets they hold no comfort
For a nameless soul unknown
And your life it lies before you
Like a rainbow 'round the sun
And the promised they made to you
They always seem to get undone
You're fighting waves of vast indifference
On the high and raging sea
You are the captain of your destiny
Nobody else can find the way for you to see
When you can't see the way before you
For the darkness in your head
Remember only you can lead yourself to be misled
I'm standing by the wayside
With all my scars from time
Reading books of long gone heroes
Who died between the lines
I climb their walls of anger
They build with words of stone
Fighting on with tongue and dagger
'Til blood and truth are shown
Words and music by John Kay
I was told I had to grease his palm
To walk from school without the fear of harm
He knocked me down and took my dollar from me
And then he lay these pearls of wisdom on me
He say; Business is business, nothing is free
Business is business, don't you blame me
Business is business, you've got to pay
Business is business, can't get away
Business is business, a man's gotta live
And what I can take is more than you'd give
Nothing has changed since I left school behind
The bullies now just all wear suits and ties
They'll buy you lunch to get that dollar from you
And then they'll lay the mumbo-jumbo on you
Business is business, nothing is free
Business is business, don't you blame me
Business is business, you've got to pay
Business is business. can't get away
Business is business, don't call me a crook
It's perfectly legal, I go by the book
Words and music by John Kay
I recall when they would say
No one lives for just one day
Don't save dreams that can't be sold
Don't chase rainbows, just their gold
Tried in their way, tried it mine
I won my race before my time
But golden trophies, fancy toys
Don't compare to childhood joys
Walk beside me darlin' come listen to the rain
And watch the rollin' water to ease your pain again
When night comes down to free us, and sorrow's finally gone
I long to hear your secret dreams and rock you in my arms
There lived a nation proud and free
It tried to show us harmony
But we stood much too close to see
To read the hand of destiny
I know a child who's only seen
A sunrise on the silver screen
she never watched the birds in flight
Or saw the dew by morning light
Walk beside me darlin', come hear the howlin' wind
He'll be a true companion, he'll listen like a friend
When night comes down to free us, your sorrow finally gone
I long to hear your secret dreams and rock in my arms
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Wilk and Rocket Ritchotte
Crossing the line in the dead of night
Five years old and on the run
This ain't no game, boy, don't make a sound
And watch that man with the gun
Say a prayer for the ones we leave behind, say a prayer for us all
Come take my hand now and hold on tight
Take one last look at that wall
Think of the shattered lives, think of the broken hearts
Think of the battered dreams, of families still torn apart
Wall of bitter tears, wall of crying pain
Wall of chilling fear, you will never keep me here
For I, I shall crawl right down through that wall
I will crawl right on through that wall
That fateful night I was one that got away,
A young and restless renegade
Chasing my dreams, still on the run,
I had some moments in the sun
Years flew by like a speeding bullet train, I sang my songs to one and all
Then came the day when I had a chance to pay
My respects to the names on that wall
I saw the wooden crosses, saw the bloody stains
Saw the gruesome pictures of all the ones that died in vain
Wall of countless victims, wall of endless shame
Had just one thing gone wrong I might have joined that list of names
And I cried for all who died there at the wall
I recall weeping at the wall
"Freedom has many difficulties, and democracy is not perfect,
But we've never had to put a wall up to keep our people inâ¦
While the wall is the most obvious demonstration of the failures of communism,
We take no pride in itâ¦for it is an offense against humanity, separating families,
Dividing husbands and wives, brothers and sisters and
People who wish to be joined togetherâ¦
All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin
And therefore, as a free man I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner".
(Excerpts from John F. Kennedy speech at the Berlin wall June 26, 1963)
Turned on the news in November '89
I could not move, I could not speak
Something was burning up in my eyes,
Something wet ran down my cheek
All those laughing faces, all those tears of joy
All those warm embraces of men and women, girls and boys
Sisters and brothers dancing, all singing freedom's song
God, if only I could be there to shake your hands and sing along
Oh I, I would climb right up on that wall
And join you all dancing on the wall
Standing tall walking on the wall
Tear it down, right down to the ground
Tear it down, right down to the ground
Words and music by John Kay
Once I knew a girl
Lived on the other side of town
Everybody knew her family's name
She had the best of everything
While I just had my fun
I finally ask her out but she explained
The very finest is what I'm used to
The very finest it has to be
And when she saw me counting my quarters
Well, she just never took another look at me
She said the best is barely good enough
And if that's all you got then it won't do
The best is barely good enough
And if that's it then I can't go with you
Just the other night
I played a concert in Atlanta
And there she was, right in the second row
Afterwards she asked me
Would I like to come on over
So I explained to her why I said no
The very finest is what I'm used to
The very finest if nothing more
And then she saw me leave with her sister
That's when I hollered
Through the closing backstage door
For me the best is barely good enough
And I know what you got and it won't do
The best is barely good enough
And that is why I just can't go with you
Spent that night quiet pleasantly
Her sister in my arms
We passed the times in many different ways
She wondered what I thought of her
I said "You're number one
You know that's why I'm asking you to stay
The very finest is what I'm used to
The very finest that's why you're here"
But when I asked her how I was doing
Well, she just kinda smiled
And whispered in my ear
She said your best is barely good enough
But if that's all you got then it must do
The best is barely good enough
But if that's it then it will have to do
Words and Music by John Kay
Every night you are lyin' in a different bed
Every mornin' you don't know where you're wakin'
Everyday you drag yourself from place to place
Tryin' to find the time to keep your body fed
There are times when you'll wonder what your travelin' for
Never reaching a final destination
There are times when you're lonesome and you long for home
And you feel you just can't take it any more
Well there'll be times when you'll fall asleep while standing up
And you can't recall your name or station
Just about the time you think you've had enough
You gotta go, time to do your show
But the sound of the crowd makes you feel all right
When the building is full and they turn down the lights
When the fans starts to roar and there's magic in sight
I would trade places with no one tonight
The sound of the crowd makes it all worth while
When the place starts to shake and they dance in the aisle
When they're up on their feet and the music is right
I would trade places with nobody else alive
Yonder comes the hawkshaw
I wish I knew why he gets paid
To criticize what other people do
Well some are kind in what they write
They're fair in what they say
But he's gone blind in both his ears
Because his head got in the way
After all is said and done
A poison pen will fail
But he who writes with pick in hand
Will finally prevail
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
Money, money, day and night
You got to pay and pay
Well, I tell you honey, it just ain't right
To let them chase you that way
If dog eat dog is what they want then you must leave your mark
If dog eat dog is all they know you got to bite and bark
So if you need me to join the fight, girl
I'll be there right by your side
Oh, lean on me girl, I'm
Rock steady, I'm rough and ready
Nobody will make us run
Rock steady, I'm tough as any
Nobody will take our fun
Groan and moanin', rant and rave
It's 'bout to drive me wild
Well, you just mind your own and stay in your cave
And we won't have to fight
It's "Don't do this and don't say that and don't have too much fun
You can't do this, you can't say that, it simply isn't done".
Well, if we're needed to make a stand girl
We'll be right here side by side
Oh, stay with me girl I'm?br>
Rock steady, I'm rough and ready
Nobody will make us run
Rock steady, I'm tough as any
Nobody will take our fun
Ah baby, I go crazy,
Tryin' to deal with these jokers and clowns
Nobody here will turn us around
There's no more runnin' and no more time
It's here and now, I'm gonna stand my ground
Rock steady, I'm rough and ready
Nobody will make us run
Rock steady, I'm tough as any
Nobody will take our fun
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
It used to be when things weren't right
I do my share and join the fight
And would surely stand and speak my mind
Then I got lost along the way
I spent my time chasing my own tail
But I am here to say: I'm back to stay
For I've been searching for the man I used to be
I found him waiting, alive and well
And he was screaming back at me
"Rise and Shine, show your color
Now's the time, raise your hand
Rise and Shine, join your brother
Draw the line, take a stand"
I told my friend my change of heart
He wished me well with my new start
But then he turned away and slowly said:
"You know this world is such a mess
I'm tired of trying to help, I guess"
I said: "well, what you give is what you'll get
Somewhere inside you, lives the fighter I once knew
The battle's raging, it's never over
It's calling me, it's calling you"
"Rise and Shine, show your color
Now's the time, raise your hand
Rise and Shine, join your brother
Draw the line, take a stand"
Words and music by John Kay, Rocket Ritchotte and Michael Wilk
Runnin' wild, trouble round the corner
The story of your life
You got your bruises livin' in the battle zone
And now you're flyin' blind
Searching for a savior, to help you survive
But empty promises are cold comport
When all your creams are gone
You slowly get the feelin' life's been dealin'
From the bottom of the deck
Your blood is boiling over, fuse is getting short
Here comes trouble on the double, as you explode into a
Rage and rant against the world again
Ain't nobody listening to you
Scream and shout into the wind in vain
Standin' alone, holdin' back your burden
You're slowly turnin' numb
Where are the friends, that you always knew were good as gold
You're on your own, tryin' to stop the hurtin'
Still the worst is yet to come
You swallow hard and you cling to what the dawn may hold
But the light you've been watching at the end of the tunnel
Turns out to be a hoax
It was a freight train comin' at you, to knock you down again
Just for a joke, so you explode into a
Rage and rant against the world again
Ain't nobody listening to you
Scream and shout into the wind in vain
Oh you're not alone, for I've been down that road before
And I understand it you cant take this war no more
Always wishin' hopin' waitin' prayin' for a night to end
I know just what it's like, so let me be your long lost friend
And like crusaders we will
Rage and rant against the world insane
We'll make somebody listen to us
Scream and shout into the wind in again
Like demons on a rampage we will
Rage and rant against the world insane
Does anybody still care out there
Scream and shout into the wind again
Words and Music by John Kay
They say that true paradise lies in the heart of man
That maybe so, but I'm ready once more
To run for the cover of my secret hiding place
Where I can burn all the memories of war
Sometimes it's mountains lakes, high in the Sierras
Sometimes the peaceful shore of Hana Bay
And I'll take you with me to share every moment
If you will just promise to do what I say:
Bring nothing but silence
Show nothing but grace
Seek nothing but shelter
From the great human race
Take nothing but pictures
Kill nothing but time
Leave nothing but footprints
To show you came by
So very few places that man hasn't scarred
Taken for granted or taken in vain
I wonder, my child as we lie here beneath the stars
What will be left for your children to claim
Maybe someday you'll be walking on Venus
Maybe some day you may live in the sea
Remember I taught you to love Mother Nature
For it was she who once gave you to me
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
Last night, got no sleep at all
Kept on thinkin' 'bout your letter, yeah, yeah
Don't you know it was so good, just to know that our song
Made you feel a little better, yes it did
Had you singing along, that's why this song is just for you
For all the times you stood and cheered when we passed thru
And you were yellin':
Keep rockin' 'til the early mornin'
Keep rollin' 'til the break of day
Keep playin' like there's no tomorrow
Keep sayin' what you got to say
Keep bringin' it all back home, boys
Keep singin', don't you ever stop
Keep rollin' 'til we say it's over
Keep rockin' 'til you drop
Sometimes I get down and blue
Oh, the road goes on forever, you know it does
Got me crazy again, somehow nothin's goin' right
And I wonder will it ever get any better
When I'm startin' to feel as though our song was never heard
I see you there, singin' along with every word
And you are singin':
Keep rockin' 'til the early mornin'
Keep rollin' 'til the break of day
Keep playin' like there's no tomorrow
Keep sayin' what you got to say
Keep bringin' it all back home, boys
Keep singin', don't you ever stop
Keep rollin' 'til we say it's over
Keep rockin' 'til you drop
For the words that keep me goin'
For time you shook my hand
When you seemed to understand
Got nothin' here that I can give you
Got nothin' new to save your soul
Got nothin' more, just rock n' roll
Keep rockin' 'til the early mornin'
Keep rollin' 'til the break of day
Keep playin' like there's no tomorrow
Keep sayin' what you got to say
Keep bringin' it all back home, boys
Keep singin', don't you ever stop
Keep rollin' 'til we say it's over
Keep rockin' 'til you drop
Words and music by John Kay, Michael Wilk and Rockett Ritchotte
If the heart is a lonely hunter
Then the mind is a loaded gun
Sometimes it begins to wonder
If the love you seek is on the run
All day you've been thinkin' 'bout the coming night
It's the only time you really fear
It holds no tenderness
For you're alone in this wilderness
Hold on, never give up, never give in
Stay young and believe in your chance to win
Hold on, never give up, never give in
Stay young and don't ever betray your dreams
A rough night in the daily jungle
And it's tough times on the nightly news
Somehow you ignore the rumble
Of the heart that's shakin' in your shoes
"Someday", you just keep on sayin'
"Someday, I will find a way to live my dream"
But there's no guarantee
Still, you got hope and your fantasy
Hold on, never give up, never give in
Stay young and believe in your chance to win
Hold on, never give up, never give in
Stay young and don't ever betray your dreams
Keep on dreaming, keep on scheming
Stay fast and young, your time will come
Keep on hoping, keep on coping
Stay fast and young, your time will come
Keep on believing, keep on achieving
Stay fast and young, your time will come
© 1986 Rambunctious Music (ASCAP),
Michael John Music (BMI),
and music by John Kay
All the songs of pain I once knew
It's so hard to sing them with you
For the words no longer ring true
All the things I used to say
Were changed the day I met you
You're all that I want
And your love is all that I need
For my world to feel complete
You gave meaning to my life
And I've no reason to be blue
For I do as I please and I like what I do
Most of all I like pleasin' you
And I write what I feel
And I'm feeling all right
And I hope that this feelin' comes through
Hey, I'm all right for tonight
So don't play me songs full of sadness
Hey, I'm all right
There's no pain here inside
So let us be glad of our madness
I've been told it's easy to see
Why each life must bare misery
But it's hard to prove it by me
All the time I spent with you
The only joy I knew was free
You're all that I want
And you love is all that I need?br>
Words and music by R. Armand and K. Chater
Just another song about leaving
Another story 'bout the road
And if my going is grieving you
I never said that I was good
Heroes and devils on the highway
Thinking 'bout you is getting in my way
Heroes and devils ain't supposed to have a soul
Just another way I was goin'
Another try at being kind
And if my purpose was knowing you
I guess it kinda slipped my mind
Heroes and devils on the highway
Thinking 'bout you is getting in my way
Heroes and devils ain't supposed to have a soul
Just another face I was seeing
Another game that I could try
And if my lovin' was freeing you
I was good at telling lies
Heroes and devils on the highway
Thinking 'bout you is getting in my way
Heroes and devils ain't supposed to have a soulâ¦
But I don't know
Words and music by John Kay
Good evening one and all, this is channel 24
Bringing you the latest news around the world
Down in Florida today, someone tried to get away
When he commandeered the train at Disney World
Until noon it was a standoff, but then he lost his luck
When someone shot him down, dressed up like Donald Duck
It was a midget G-man
And we're sorry that we could not show it live
But we'll have film of the shooting here at five
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
From Washington today, called a senator to say
That our future has been cancelled 'cause we're broke
We called the white house without end finally reached the President
Says he don't know if it's real or just a joke
And last night at the playoffs, things got pretty grim
They crucified the referee and tore him limb from limb
Ah, you should have been there
And in the weather, there's a hurricane in sight
And that's the way it is with us tonight
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
Seems like every single day another mind gets blown away
And the world goes just a little more insane
I got problems of my own, tryin' to keep my house and home
And I sure could stand some cheerful news again
My agent called to tell me my record's on the chart
It's number 90 with an anchor, I never said that it was art
I gotta eat too, ya know
And my buddy who still owes me for his bail
He says, "don't worry, your check is in the mail"
Give me some news I can use, let me smile for a while
For the madness has taken it's toll
Give me some news I can use, just a break for the sake
Of my mind which is losing control
© 1977 Rambunctious Music
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
You're off to see the land of dreams
Be careful, things are seldom what they seem
Cling to your hopes and follow your heart
Don't lose that sparkle in your eyes
To some empty consolation prize
Stay on your course, follow the chart
And if at times you lose the light
Then let your passion be your guide
Strike a spark, fan the flame, feel it burn deep within
Let it rise and let it shine
Keep it burning day and night, guard it with your very life
Feed the fire, never let it die
You'll fly alone to reach your mark
Don't fear the silence or the dark
They'll be good friends you'll learn to love
Solitude's no sacrifice
To catch a glimpse of paradise
May you find peace and fly with the dove
And when you finally reach your star
Always remember who you are
Strike a spark, fan the flame, feel it burn deep within
Let it rise and let it shine
Keep it burning day and night, guard it with your very life
Feed the fire, never let it die
Feed the fire, never let it die
© 1996 Rambunctious Music (ASCAP),
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
Ah, it's you again, you're back for more
Let me tell you right now, you just keep walkin' past my door
You got nothin' I want, just a pack of lies
That you're down here scrounging, well it's no surprise
For your lies came back to haunt you
Now they're bound to dog your heels
In your eyes I see the panic
Now you know just how it feels
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everybody knows you, everybody knows just what you are
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everybody knows you, everybody knows you tried to screw the world
Say what you will, do what you like
Ain't gonna change a thing with your sleazy alibis
You got nowhere to hide, no place to go
Everybody 'round here's just waitin' for the show
For it's time to pay the piper
Yeah, to pay him what you owe
You can't buy your absolution
No, you got to eat some crow
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everybody knows you, everybody knows just what you are
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everybody knows you, everybody knows you tried to screw the world
Everybody knows you, everybody saw
Everybody knows you, everybody knows just what you are
Everybody knows you, everybody heard
Everybody knows you, everybody knows you broke your word
Everybody knows you, yes everyone can read
Everybody knows you, and everybody knows you did the dirty deed
Words and music by John Kay
Down in New Orleans
The nights are hot and long
Ev'ry day's Saturday night
Down in the quarter
The music's loud and strong
Wish I'd be there tonight
Down in New Orleans
The nights are free and wild
Women will treat you all right
Down from the quarter they're calling me
And I wish I could go tonight
Every time I walk on by
The joints on Bourbon Street
I feel a glow from my head
Right down to my feet
They're places of ev'ry description
Where no one cares who you are
There are people of all persuasions
Carousing in the crowded bars
Down in New Orleans
The nights are free and wild
Women will treat you all right
Down from the quarter they're calling me
And I wish I could go tonight
Walk right on in, sit right down
Drink a hurricane
While everybody gathers 'round
To watch the dancers undulate
The workin' girl in the corner
Is hitting the local bar
And everyone in the quarter
Brace themselves for Mardi Gras
Down in New Orleansâ¦
Words and music by John Kay and Michael Wilk
Got nothin' more to show ya, there ain't no more to say
You know the mess we made, it just will not go away
It's what we get for acting like a herd of sheep and swine
It's time to pay the piper and we're running out of time
We got to change the way we do the things we do
And we need everyone aboard to make it through
It's do or die, we got to turn the ship around
It ain't no lie, we're 'bout to burn, we're about to drown
It's do or die, we got to learn or we'll go down together
There ain't no captain here to teach us how to steer
There's just the crew, that's me and you
There ain't no easy answer, there ain't no magic tricks
It can't wait until tomorrow, you can't fix it in the mix
Come join the rainbow warriors, help us fight this dirty war
The enemy is everywhere, he's waitin' right behind your door
We got to hold the line or go down in defeat
Do what you can to help, take only what you need
It's do or die, we got to turn the ship around
It ain't no lie, we're 'bout to burn, we're 'bout to drown
It's do or die, we got to learn or we'll go down together
There'll be no Calvary to come and set us free
There's just the sea and you and me
Words and music by John Kay
And we carried him down the hollow
Where we laid his kind soul down to rest
Then we sang until the dawn just to him memory
And found these words to be his last requestâ¦
When my time draws nigh stay near me
And when I die will you dance to my song
When I'm gone won't you come and cheer me
On my journey back home where I belong
Now how could he know
Just where he would go
And what did he see that made him run so free
And why do I feel, that's he's far away and right beside me still
In the night somebody touched me
And the sea rolled out his name
While I thought of all our times together
His echo keeps callin' back againâ¦
When my time draws nigh stay near me
And when I die will you dance to my song
When I'm gone won't you come and cheer me
On my journey back home where I belong
And we carried him down the hollow
Where we laid his kind soul down to rest
Then we sang until the dawn just to him memory
And found these words to be his last requestâ¦
When my time draws nigh stay near me
And when I die will you dance to my song
When I'm gone won't you come and cheer me
On my journey back home where I belong
Now how could he know
Just where he would go
And what did he see that made him run so free
And why do I feel, that's he's far away and right beside me still
In the night somebody touched me
And the sea rolled out his name
While I thought of all our times together
His echo keeps callin' back againâ¦
When my time draws nigh stay near me
And when I die will you dance to my song
When I'm gone won't you come and cheer me
On my journey back home where I belong
