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Folk / Country / Pop lyrics that I have written in hopes of collaborating with musicians. 

All works copyright 2021 - Gary Bares

Room with a View    (G-D-C for verses)

 

Had to follow my dreams, & I left without saying goodbye, 

Wasn't quite what it seemed, turns out I was chasing a lie  

 

I found all the things I was hoping to find, in the world, yeah

But I just didn’t know what I was leaving behind, with you girl

 

Got a mountain of cash, & a room that looks out on the ocean

But my heart doesn’t care, it has a mind of its own

 

What's a room with a view

In a world without you

I was foolish

What's my heart supposed to do

What good's love without you

Why’d I do this

Had the stars in my sights & I even brushed shoulders with fame

But at the end of the day, the stars, they all look the same

Don't know why I believed, I had to go off on my own

Another night in the lights, but it's the shadows that follow me home

What is fame by itself

Just a name, nothing else

I let it tempt me

What's my heart supposed to do

What is love without you

It’s just empty

(Opt.)

Bridge - do something with

"Fools gold down dirt roads"

 

alt verse

The other side of goodbye, (is) not what I thought it would be

I was the only one there, when I finally caught up with my dreams

 

 

The Desert

 I wasn’t there the day I lost control

 Heard about it from some  friends I've known

] Helpless crowd, they just watched me go

Now I’m

Wandering the desert tonight

Why do the gifted and the good die young

& hope just seems like a setting sun

If you don’t know could you find someone

I'll be 

Here in the desert tonight

Chorus/

I'm down on my knees

But I'm all out of prayers

& I don't think a bottle's gonna get me there

End//

I have a feeling that the deck is stacked

A slight of hand, and a vanishing act

All I heard, is he was dressed in black

I bet he's,

Out in the desert tonight

Can you tell me where the innocence goes

(The) things we lose are what we need the most

I’d ask my priest, but I don’t think he knows

I just,

Saw him in the desert tonight

Chorus/Again

(maybe skip this 1st stanza?)

No one's leaving this world alive

Kinda looks like the perfect crime

Take the stand & blame the other guy

Now he's

wandering the desert tonight

I wish I knew where nirvana was

I'd get some friends and a big old bus

But the road is hidden from most of us.

So we're

Still in the desert tonight

Chorus & then finish of

(Could just do Em-C-G?)

[Em] Tried calling out to you

[C] Calling out to you

[G] Searched for you everywhere..)

(slowing, quieter...)

(Now) I'm all out of prayers....

Is/If there(s) anyone there..........

Leave It Alone

My faith & my doubt

Roll around on the floor

They’re still fighting it out

But I don’t know what for

... Just can't leave it alone

It’s a dubious prize

For whichever one wins

Truth is hard on the eyes

End up trading it in….

... Then they'll do this again

Chorus//

Leave it alone,

Yeah leave it alone

Don't search for the answers

You don't have to know

Don't take it so seriously,

Roll around in the mud

Live for the moment

Find someone to love

Yeah, leave it alone

End//

It's a delicate balance

The Yin and the yang

A dungeon, a palace

The pleasure and pain

(So) we live in the middle

Guess God prefers grey

An unanswerable riddle

Holds the whole thing in place

.... So we leave it alone

Chorus Again / Bridge

Bout the only thing that I need to know

Is it don't go that well when I run the show

Climbed a holy mountain,

Found a message for me

Don't take it all so damn seriously

So Much More

 

There’s a playful child

And a woman scorned

A dream that’s died

And a faith reborn

 

(there's) a distant look

From novels read

(And) A stormy sea

Of things unsaid

 

A room where nothing’s

As it seems

With off-white lies

And red-hot dreams

 

Chorus

There’s a quiet harbor of deep blue-green

The safest place that I’ve ever seen

You draw me in as you’re searching me

You turn away and I’m lost at sea

Now your eyes are like the distant shore

You’re my paradise but (you're) so much more

 

There’s a Ferris wheel

And faded jeans

(The) November blues

(And) no in between

There's New York style

With a simple taste

A Devilish smile

With a hint of grace

 

(You're) The painted tears

On a smiling clown 

A chapel wine

That’s been watered down

 

There’s a quiet harbor of deep blue-green

The safest place that I’ve ever seen

You draw me in As you’re searching me

You turn away and I’m lost at sea

Now your eyes are like the distant shore

You’re my paradise but so much more

opt /

There's a lonely walk with everyone

A pardoned girl, still on the run

I Know Who You Are  [C-F-C-G]

In sadness, in silence

I know who you are

Try to run from the past

But you never get far

And I’ve met all your demons

I’ve seen where they hide

I know that you feed them

And I understand why

 

[Trans? But I know that's there's more]

[Chorus]

I know what you've been through

I don't want to lose you

The sun's gonna rise up again

I'll walk right beside you

No one knows you like I do

Just hold on, hold on, my friend

[End]

In satin and shadows

I know where you’ve been

Always diving for covers

As the night crashes in

& I heard the confessions

From your small crowd of sins

I was there at the temple

As you ushered them in

[Chorus Again]

And the dark-hooded thief

That ran off with your smiles

Well, I know where he lives

(&) why he’s living in style

 

Yes, I stood by the gallows

With your future in doubt

And I heard all the screams

That could never get out

Begging for Change

The lame and the wicked

Are left minding the store

With the old hound of heaven

Asleep by the door

& The artists, the poets   

The sultans of strange

Are handing out treasure    

While (they're) begging for change

Chorus/

What hope is there for (the) morning

If we’re enchanted by the night

Who will lead us from the darkness

if we chase away the light

Chorus //

(they're) The terminally gifted

The tragically blessed

No crime's been committed

But still they confess

The flower in the desert

The yin to our yang

Just fill the blank/empty canvass

With a dark bloody stain

Guess we've done it again

Something I’ve Lost

 

I feel like I’m looking for something I’ve lost

It’s vague and its shy but the scent fills the air

Yet there’s always a void that I can’t get across

Seems like some part of me, is already there

It feels like I’m losing, even if I win

Like the game that we’re playing, (it) just isn’t mine

The curtain goes up and its showtime again

But I can’t act the part, no one gave me the lines

 

Chorus//

It feels like I'm lost though I've traveled so far

Wandering & wondering where the hell we are

Looking for clues, of how it might've gone down

But I don't think that I'll find them on this side of town

End//

Not sure why I search for meaning at all

Never comes into focus, it never gets clear

When you wait by the phone, seems like nobody calls

And the louder I question, the less I can hear

I feel like a pilgrim, can’t find my way home

& the dark lonely streets, (they) no longer have names

Some look familiar, some are unknown

But they never lead back, not the way that I came

Chorus//

It feels like I'm lost though I've traveled so far

Wandering & wondering where the hell we are

Looking for clues, of how it might've gone down

But I don't think that I'll find them on this side of town

End//

Crucify Dreams

(or just do 2 stanzas then chorus)

(I’ve) been out walking in the rain

In conversation with the pain

Wounded pride, grief and fear

Uninvited, but they're all here

 

[Yeah, they know about you

They’ve all heard your name

They know you’re the reason

(that) I’m just not the same]

 

So they say their peace

And me, well I've said mine

We’ve come to agree

Someday we'll all be fine

But tonight we will scream

And tonight we will curse

A twice broken heart

There’s nothing that’s worse

 

CHORUS

It’s not cupid that loses when he misses the mark

I can still see the bruises out here in the dark

And yes there are tears, and of course there are screams

That crowd always gathers when you crucify dreams

[But there’s no empty tomb, when I finally look in   

Though there’s plenty of room, (cause) my dreams were quite thin]

END CHORUS

And, your ghosts love the dark, I can still hear them call

Though the heart rushes in, on the way out it crawls

And god only knows, why I kept holding on

Like a flame in the wind, but the candle was gone

CHORUS

It’s not cupid that loses when he misses the mark

I can still see the bruises out here in the dark

Etc Etc..

I AM  (the creative spirit)

 

I am a secret that I couldn’t keep

The dreams of the dreamer who talks in his sleep

 

Safe but unseen in the depths of the night

I am the shadow that longs for the light

 

Chorus/

I am the darkness, I am the light

I am the voice that you hear in the night //

 

I am the answer, still trying to learn

The reason that fire can never be burned

 

Born into riches, like the prodigal son

I wander the earth as if I have none

/Chorus Again/

 

Naked and hungry, I cover the land

In search of a beggar with a bowl in his hand

He'll know who I am

/Chorus Again & Add

I am the shelter, I am the storm

I am the flames that are keeping you warm

Gone Country  

Gonna find myself where the pavement ends

Need to raise some dust so I can breathe again

In the country -  It's like heaven to me

Got the open road and a tank of gas

When you got nowhere to be, well, you get there fast

Gone country, It's the place to be

Chorus/

[Yeah, the town don't hold that much for me

Cause I've got somewhere else to be

Where I'm home

& my soul is free

End//

Sometimes I feel like I’ve lost my self

Didn’t see me go, but I sure can tell

I need some country…… most Desperately

Got the windows down, turn up the radio                     

Those old classic songs, are like friends I’ve known

In the country  -  It’s all country to me

[Chorus]

Alternates

Had to ditch the city, cause it stole my smile

(It’s) in my rear view mirror (now), that’s more my style

I’m going country  -  It’s where I’ve got to be

No traffic lights, no blaring horns

I’ve never been religious but I feel reborn

Out in the country  -  Nowhere I’d rather be

No fancy clubs, no suit and tie

If it was a crime to leave, I’ve got an alibi

I was in the country

That’s good enough for me

Blue

 

There’s tissues lying scattered

Like bodies in a war

Though nothing’s really died here

Just the love we had before

 

Screams now join the teardrops

Fleeing from the pain

But hope, the faithful shepherd

Leads them back again

 

CHORUS

No happy ever after, no saviors gonna come

Just thoughts/memories of you,

(pause)….. and Blue

No last minute pardon, no clever grand escape

Just the ghost of you,

(pause) and Blue

 

Daydreams are forbidden

The curtains have been drawn

Shadows keep me company

Now that you’re gone

 

Hope was overrated

And bottles didn’t last

Prayers lie exhausted

Around the empty glass

Chorus Again

Sacred Fire  

 

Holy ghosts creeping in

(your) kicking up the

The past again

 

Sacred fire

Consuming me

Burning down

What I used to be

 

But I never made it out

Couldn’t find the shrinking door

Guess now I'll finally know

What the night is really for

Chorus

 

What are you supposed to do

When the ashes and the residue

Were once the biggest part of you

[?Had been the biggest part of you?]

 

Just dance to the deathly rattle

Slide across the blackened floor

Try being light for once

See what all the death was for

End Chorus

 

What’s there within the ashes

The piles are now so small   (what once stood so tall/ how the lofty fall)

Guess flames can only climb

(The) high and stubborn walls

 

They tried going over

Cause they never could get through

Guess the fire needs its fuel

Like the past needed you    (like the past depends on you)

 

(&) its best to (just) stay/remain silent

In the temple of the beast

You wouldn’t know who to call (for)

[You wouldn’t know who was who]

The demons or the priest

 

Falling through the flames

There's noting to cling to

(you) Better let go of sanity

Before it lets go of you

 

Chorus

 

What are you supposed to do

When the ashes and the residue

Were once the biggest part of you

[Had been the biggest part of you]

 

Just dance to the deathly rattle

Slide across the blackened floor

Try being light for once

See what all the death was for

 

Dark Night 

 

Approaching clouds

And dark footprints

The nights speak loud

They don’t drop hints

{[The shades are pulled

But the night sees in

With senses dulled

The feast begins]] Use?

 

(the) Broken shadows

Unleash the rain

While (the) men in robes

Are all insane

 

Chorus

Even the past has a past

If you know what I mean

It just gets recast

And we.re caught/trapped between

 

Every night has a night

Where it’s already been

Think you’ve seen the light

Better think again

[End Chorus]

 

Wounded doves

And twisted steel

(and) God knows what

Is still concealed

 

The crowded halls

Feed empty rooms

Where darkness breeds

What it consumes

 

(Alt verses) 

 

The armchair prophets

Saw a distant star

There was no messiah/manger

Just the corner bar

 

Not Waiting on Destiny

No, I don't believe in fate

Not waiting on destiny

It might just be running late

(But) I've got somewhere else to be

& I'm not wishing on a star

(it) Doesn't seem all that wise 

To be looking so damn far

For the things I have inside

Chorus//

I aint gonna fall for that

Aint gonna fall for that

What I need

It's all in me

So I aint gonna fall for that

End//

& no rabbits foot for me

Didn't bring much luck to him

Not sitting by the wisdom tree

I'd rather be out on a limb

No genie at my command

(I) Don't have a golden flute

There's magic in who I am

Just depends on what I do

[Chorus]

 

I’m no Angel

 

I once was lost

Now I’m just running late

It’s not the speed so much

As the path you take

And yes I learned

About the early bird

(but) They don’t tell you

About the early worm

[Chorus]

& I’m no angel

Thought you’d be surprised

Guess that’s the trouble

With such a thin disguise

If I was an angel

I would’ve pawned my wings

Traded in my halo

For some other things

……and the rush they bring

…… What a rush they bring

[End Chorus]

If there’s a heaven

Doubt they’d let me stay

I’d be like graffiti

With nothing much to say

So, I won’t hurry

Toward the pearly gates

(but) Don’t get worried

They know I’m running late   (space out?)

(chorus again)

I'm no angel 

(But) you don't look surprised

Guess that's the trouble

With such a thin disguise

(etc...)

Hymn of the Pearl – Gnostic Tale

 

Yeah, I’ve got a secret

cause I’ve seen the truth

But I’m not meant to keep it

So I’m sharing it with you

 

See, I lived in the fast lane

Asleep at the wheel

Weighed down by the gold chains

Guess my fate had been sealed

 

Had a thirst deep inside me

But I drank/chose the wrong wine

I grew weak, I grew weary

But It was all by design

 

[Chorus – children’s voices]

I’m gonna live forever, I’m gonna find the sea

The question is now whether, you can all find me

(or - you will follow me) //

 

I awoke in a castle

So far from the world

& the song that they sang there

Was about a lost pearl

 

Said it waits by a dragon

& it waits in the night

But if you can claim it

It can fill you with light

 

& The words and the music

(they) Just sounded so true

So I knew in that moment

Just what I’d have to do

 

Chorus Again

 

So I fought with the dragon

And I fought with myself

& The pearl, it was waiting

In the place where they fell

 

When at last I could hold it

It was well worth the fight

Cause it filled me with music

And it filled me with light

 

It’s then that I remembered

All the words to the song

And the music was perfect

So I just sang along

 

Chorus Again

Feels Like Home   (Twin Flame)

 

There’s a light in your eyes

It reminds me of home

Like I’m finally through wandering

(I’m) no longer alone

 

I can’t picture the place

But I know it by heart

Not sure how to get there

But I’m ready to start

 

I think we get there together

I think we know the way

I think I was the gatesman

That turned me away

 

/ Chorus

I tried to get back there

To the place I had known

But the gates didn't open

When I was traveling alone

Yeah, I searched for the kingdom

But I just couldn’t see

That we get there together

& you were holding the key

(Or - That the best part of heaven

Was down here with me)  //End

 

Not sure where I’ve been

Or how I got lost

Why I fed the river

That you helped me cross

 

Yeah, there’s mystery in one

But there’s magic in two

Think I sent me away

So I ‘d come back with you

Helpless

 

Girl, I built a fortune  

Then I tore it down

Found something new

Before it hit the ground

 

When I lost at love

Might have cursed the stars

But I got back up

(I) Didn’t hide the scars

Chorus /

When the troubles came

I (just) pushed right through

But girl I’m helpless (pause)

In    love    with     you  //

& I danced with sinners

Broke bread with saints

(Got) cast from Eden

& I didn’t (never) complain

 

I’ve fought more wars

Than hell has sins

When my ghosts came calling

Let  em’ walk right in

 

Repeat Chorus

My Smiles Back Again

 

My smiles back again

Think you know where it’s been

Why it had to leave town

before the tears brought it down

 

I’m sure you were just fine

The damage all mine

Bet you didn’t miss a beat

With your scorecard complete

 

[Chorus]

I hear you’re back in town

(&) I hear you’re looking for me

Probably thought I’d wait around

How wrong could you be

 

Cause I’ve found my smile

Though you’re too cold to tell

I guess ice is now a/in style

And girl you wear it well

[End Chorus]

I'm sure your smiled remained

Immune to the pain

Teeth bared with a grin

Your heart hungry again

 

Pick on someone your size

Who’s immune to your eyes

Stone cold to your touch

Who won’t love you that much

 

Cause my smile’s returned

This bridge has been burned

The tears have all dried

And your ghost, well, you ghost finally died

{chorus}

Longshot

(slightly inappropriate content)

(3 pauses to end each sentence / maybe going down / put dashes in 1st two as example)

 

Can I buy you something smooth - to - drink

(it’s) not the kind of line that you – might - think

 

It’s just your eyes are like the deep – blue - sea

Thought I better sit before they cap-size - me

 

Is that the best you’ve got

That’s the look I get

But I don’t think it is

 

Chorus /

It’s a longshot

She’s so damn hot

But here goes nothing again

Guys I’m going (back) in //

 

I’m sure you’re tired of all these come on lines

(But) how ‘bout giving me just one more try

 

I won’t claim to know your destiny

But I could see you coming home with me

 

Is that the best you’ve got

Still the look I get

So I guess it is

 

Chorus /

It’s a longshot

She’s so damn hot

But here goes nothing again //

 

I Know That You Love Me

(G) I could swim the length of the amazon

(C) Stare right into the midday sun

(D) Easy to do

(C) Now that i'm here with you

(G) And I know that you love me

I could climb to the moon, & paint it pink

Lead a horse to water & make him drink

Just doesn't seem

(all) that hard to me

Cause I know that you love me

(C)Well I (G)love you

(C)And now I know you love (G) me to

(C)Feels like there is (F) nothing 

I (D) couldn't do

I could walk to hell, & come back again

Maybe stay for lunch, count all the sins

Wouldn't think twice

With you in my life

Cause I know that you love me

I could please all the people, all the time

Break the speed of light & not pay the fine

Doesn't sound hard

When your in my arms

And I know that you love me

[Chorus YTD will go here]

(Optional verse)

I feel like I really could win 'em all

Might even go down & fight city hall

I could please all the people all the time

Steal the stars from the jealous sky

Lopsided Love

 

Got a hundred pair of shoes

Says she’s got nowhere to go

Has tattoos of the moon

On the bottoms of her toes

She’s the only one who knows (use?)

 

Got a cotton candy mouth

And even when she lies

It makes the sweet sound

Like a devious lullaby

 

Leaves me guessing every time

 

Chorus/

Is there room for me  

in that heart of yours

Thought I saw the signs

Now I’m just not sure

 

Am I more than (just) a friend to you

Is this a lopsided love

That I’m falling in to

End/

(She's) got a bunch of pretty friends

Trade rumors like they’re stocks

Has a past that holds its tongue

But her dreams sure love to talk

There’s a promise in her smile

And a question in her eyes

Like mystery’s now in/a style

(&) she’s trying it on for size

 

Leave’s me guessing every time

 

Chorus Again

Coming Up Roses  (dark humor)

 

My wife is gone & the dog is packed

Don’t think either one is coming back

 

& the blinds have not been up in weeks

Got cobwebs here, so old they squeak

 

Trans/

I don’t have ‘a’ shrink, I have a team

It doesn’t do much for my self esteem

But hey, a guy can always dream

 

Chorus

Cause soon it will be

Coming up roses

Though nobody knows it

It’s coming up roses

 

It looks dark I suppose

But soon it will be

Coming up roses

Though nobody know it

It’s coming up roses

End//

 

 

My mom says I’m a hopeless case

But I tell her I’ve just found my pace

 

I got a halo of dust around my head

The pigeons now throw me the bread

Trans/

& my cat cashed in his other lives

But said he stay ‘til mine arrives

But hey I’m still a lucky guy

 

[Chorus Again]

 

End/

The phone has been unplugged for days
but I know the message used to say

(‘beep’)

I’m jaded and alone

So I can’t make it to the phone

But you can leave a message here

Stop by if you got some beer

But let me make it clear

 Soon it will be………

End//

One Fire   (Twin Flame Mythology)

The jury’s still out

Behind the closed door

Even the judge has his doubts

As he paces the floor

 

But me, I have faith

Cause it’s there in your eyes

The truth will win out

Over the stories and lies

 

Chorus/

You and I can’t say goodbye

One fire feeds our flame

Two halves of a soul

Went out for a stroll

Got lost in cupids game

End//

 

When running in fear

you can't go too far

when you know why we're here

(And) you know who we are

And so I will wait

Take shelter in trust 

& When nothing adds up

I’ll be counting on us

  

Chorus /

End//

Two souls join as one

I’m walking there now 

I trust that you'll come

You’ll find me somehow

Chorus Again //

Other chorus option/

You and I can’t say goodbye

One fire feeds our flame

Two parts of a soul

That lost control

Got caught in cupids game

Just To Be Near You

 

I tried giving more

And I tried giving in

I tried letting go

Hoped you'd come back again

I waited, I wondered

To make sense of it all

I damned you, I cursed you

Then I'd wait for your call

 

Chorus

Just to be near you

And my heart was at home

Like the paint on a canvass

Like the words in a poem

And once I was with you

I tried so hard to stay

(girl) I'll always be sorry

If that pushed you away

End//

I tried to surrender

And I fought for control

I built you an altar

And I brought you my soul

Wrote so many love songs

But the ink has run dry

All the prayers have been said

All the tears have been cried

But now it's too late

& it's time to move on

(I) don't have anything left

But I'll leave you this song

Chorus Again

Doing Just Fine

 

It’s Saturday, 8’oclock, sitting in the restaurant

I got paid, I’m with my friends, what else could I want

 

& There you are, (a) new guy, (&) now I know how you’ve been

I just smile, and then I lie, it’s good to see you again              

 

[I’m not staying

I’m just saying/ Use?]

 

[Chorus]

My heart isn’t breaking

These aren’t tears that you see

Isn’t love we’re not making

At least not for me

I can tell you that I’m…….                                          ….Doing just fine……..

 

Don’t know how, I could’ve missed it, thought we had the future planned

I’m holding on, you’re holding him, love is slipping through my hands

 

Guess things change, and now I know, exactly how you’ve been  

I just smile and then I lie, it was good to see you again

Trans?

 

[Chorus]

My heart isn’t breaking

These aren’t tears that you see

Isn’t love we’re not making

Never meant much to me

I can tell you that I’m…….                                             

Doing just fine……..

You always know when I'm lying

Christmas Time

 

It’s Christmas time & I’m coming home

(the) Greatest peace I’ve ever known

 

Snow is falling and I’m on my way

(it’s) Already feeling like Christmas day

 

[Add short line here with multiple voices, repeating a couple times as break?]

 

[Opt - Heading back from where we scattered to

& I can’t wait to see all of you]

 

Turn the corner it’s a blessed sight

Old neighborhood all dressed in lights

 

Chorus//

In my life, I’ve been truly blessed

Seen it all & I’ve had the best

But right now,  I can truly say

There’s nothing else like Christmas day

Coming home to you

All my roads lead though

XYZXYX (2 syllable word/phrase YTBD)

End //

 

Christmas morning, in my old bed

Can’t get this dream out of my head

 

(I) was making angels out in the snow

I’m way to old for such things I know

 

[Break line again?]

 

But I can’t help it & it wasn’t planned

If you know Christmas then you’ll understand

 

Doesn’t matter how far I’ve been

At Christmas time I’m just a child again

 

/Chorus Again/

End/

 

[Opt -But Christmas come & Christmas goes

Fades away like December snow]

 

But I still hear my fathers words

(the) Wisest thing I’ve ever heard

 

[Break line?]

 

Said the greatest gifts aren’t by the tree

That there all right here inside of me

 

Said I’d never lose the Christmas cheer

If I gave like this throughout the year

 

[Chorus Again]

'White and Turbid Wake' 

(Line form Moby Dick / @ Archetypal Journey of Soul)

[A-D-A-E Chord Progression]

[A] "I leave a white and turbid wake"

[D] Cast my fate upon the stars

[A] Not sure why I’ve given chase

[E] Or just what the dangers are

 

Might be a white whale or a ghost

Might roam the forest or the sea

Might raise a dagger or a toast

To the deepest parts of me

 

It’s the night that leads me on

As it cloaks the mystery

Is it the moon now or the dawn

That’s the greater friend to me

 

[Chorus Goes Here or after 2nd set of vs.]

 

It’s been months now since I sailed

But it feels like years to me

Guess time crawls when you’re jailed

(Or) when you’re not who you want to be

Is that a shadow in the night

Yeah, perhaps the time is here

I could tell if I had more light

I could see without the tears

I leave a white and turbid wake

Heading for a vast unknown

It’s a call I can’t forsake

I can feel it in my bones

Chorus Options/

The soul, knows, just where where to go

(or slower - The soul, it knows,,,,,, how to find it's way back home)

(to) Find its way back home

Sailing 'cross the sea

Into the mystery

or

The sea is rough, its rising up

Might just swallow me whole

But still I have to go

(1 more line? The journey of the soul, The call within my soul, heading towards my home etc or repeat ''Still i have to go')

Wishing Well

 

Tonight I need to drift away  

Come back around another day

Another day ….. (trailing off…)

 

I trust my secret to the moon                    

It knows the pain of distance too

Far from you

(So) far from you

 

[Chorus]

It might just be a shot in the dark

But if my words could reach your heart

You'd know

I just can't

let go  //

Sometimes the pain’s too much to bare  

I’d turn it away, (but) I don’t dare                

You’re already there

(You’re) already there

& Don’t point me to the wishing well

For tired dreams, that’s worse than hell

(It’s) Worse than hell                      

[Chorus Again]

So, just cut  the ropes & let me fall

I need to rise (up) above it all

Above it all

I think the moon might share my pain         

‘Cause every night it’s back again

To hear your name

To hear your name

Red, White & Blue

 

Red, white, and blue

Is that really you

So clearly defined

By (the) edges and lines                  

 

& the cash and the cars

Do they take you that far

The things that you own 

And all that you know

Is that who you are      

 

[Chorus Will Go Here]

 

& the world that we see               

Through the mental debris

The battles and scars

Is that all we are

 

(&) The flesh and the skin

That are holding us in           

Can I ask you, my friend                  

If that’s where we end                                          

Where do we begin                                          

 

[Chorus Again]

 

The prize that we chase  

While running in place

(What’s) this hunger we feed

This insatiable need

Is it a memory we taste?

Bridge/Chorus ??

Angels Aren’t Stopping By

 

My thoughts are wandering

But my minds in jail

(&) I got darkness

Make the nights look pale

 

Guess I got jaded

when she didn’t come back 

(all) My hopes were fading

Now they’re dressed in black

 

Chorus//

My angels aren’t stopping by

Probably too drunk to fly

And I’d never get to the door

 

My demons are here instead

They’re gathering inside my head

Sometimes they just offer me more

//

 

& yeah I faced my shadow

But it didn’t say much

Heard its been to places

Make the devil wanna blush

 

It’s all a bunch of bullsh*%&

Just follow your dreams

I got charged with stalking

Still can hear them scream

 

/Chorus Again/

Drowning in Grey

 

It’s been twenty days

You’ve had nothing to say

(musical break / repeating vocals – chant of 1-2 words)

Your fading away

& I’m drowning in grey

Wondering what I’m supposed to do

 

The line has gone dead

Was it something I said

(Musical break)

I should leave but instead

I just hang by a thread

And I already fell once for you

 

Chorus /

Is it wrong, is its right

Girl, I need black or white

Cause grey is my curse

(And) (there’s) nothing that’s worse

Than a heart that’s caught in between

 

[Opt?]Will you be coming back

Or just fading to black  (fade into black)

Cause my heart just can’t stand 

The/that cold empty land  

                               (In) between  //End

 

 

Am I wasting my time

Are we words that don’t rhyme

(Musical break)

Cause it feels like a crime

That your hearts done to mine

 

Girl I never sold you

Those dreams that I told you

(Musical break)

(And) though they consoled you 

They just couldn’t hold you

 

Is it more that goodbye

That’s been catching your eye

(Musical break)

Have you found bluer skies

(or just) Is there some other guy

 

 

Is the love lost between us

Cause you’re distant like Venus

(music break)

Can the stars still redeem us

Or has the end seen us

 

Chorus /

Is it wrong, is its right

Girl, I need black or white

Cause grey is my curse

(And) (there’s) nothing that’s worse

Than a heart that’s (get) caught in between

 

Will you be coming back

Or just fading to black  (fade into black)

Cause my heart just can’t stand 

The that cold empty land  

                               (In) between  //End

Dream House   (Work in progress)

Dream catcher, I’ll betcha, never quite liked what you got

White rabbit, old hat, lets give this trick one last shot

(Where did we think this would lead
Grabbing for more than we need) - optional

Chorus //

It didn’t turn out like we planned

Now the walls are growing thin

Better find somewhere else to stand

Cause the roof is caving in

[use? Dream home

Should have known

It would all come crashing down

The news was all over town] //

Fast talking, faith auction, had other hungers to feed

Messiah, nice try (but), this time we’ve all gotta bleed

Didn’t know what else to do

Guess we never thought it through

Chorus //

It didn’t turn out like we planned

Now the walls are growing thin

Better find somewhere else to stand

Cause the whole things crashing in

(or - cause the roof is caving in)

[Opt - Dream home

Should have known

It would all come crashing down

The news was all over town] //

Soothsayers, truth slayers, just not sure who to trust

High/top/old leaders, bottom feeders, I think its all up to us

Water into Wine

 

Thought I’d try & part the sea

A nice little test of faith

But when I got up past my knees

Guess I saw it a different way

 

So I figured I’d start smaller

Maybe turn water into wine

Brought a glass into the shower

Get my money’s worth this time

Three tries & I quit trying

 

(spoken word chorus //)

Seems like I’m always confusing God’s role & mine

Biting off too much, chewing too little

Feeling low, trying to get high

But there’s just no edge

 when you’re living in the middle

//

 

So I had to try again

This time the fishes & the loaves

Turned a fat guy into twins

(That's) Not really how it goes

 

Still I gave it one last try

Raise some fella from the dead

At the funeral they did have wine

So I raised a glass instead

 

(Spoken word chorus)

But I finally learned my lesson

Just play my part & keep it small

A leap of faith, but no more ledges

Just don’t have as far to fall

Looks a lot like You

 

(it’s) 2am, let the moonlight in

(I’ve) Got some thinking to do

Damn woman just crashed my dreams again

Looked an awful lot like you

 

Came storming in

From where we’ve been

Her smile left me confused

Bittersweet, but then again

Tastes an awful lot like you

 

(Chorus YTBD but theme & possible rhymes are)

Does it mean you still want me

Are you (just) hear just to haunt me

Wish you’d make up your mind

So I could leave this all behind

 

Half past 3, (&) I’m counting sheep

(But) the last one hangs his head

(cause) After him, I’m off to sleep

And he knows what happens then

 

A promising start, a broken heart

& I’m left feeling like a fool

The gal that comes to play the other part

Looks an awful lot like you

Castle Walls

 

Castle walls, I stumble & fall

When I come up on my dreams

Forty feet high, shiny and bright

They don’t look much like me

 

Spoken word chorus/

Sometimes dreams are friendlier when they’re farther away

When I get up close, I realize why I made them so big to begin with //

 

So I back away, find somewhere to stay

Make a house in the fallen trees

And most nights

That’s where you’ll find me

 

[Break]

 

Wounded dove, collided with love

Fell right from the sky

Now it wanders around, makes friends on the ground

(&) forgets that it can fly

 

(spoken word chorus)/

There’s a fine line between not being able to do something

And being afraid to try.

And the lines gets even more blurry at night

Cause that’s the same color as my worst bruises //

 

So it looks away, finds somewhere to stay

Makes a nest in the fallen trees

And most nights

That’s where you’ll find me

Running in Circles

I've been screaming at shadows

Throwing punches at ghosts

But they're always behind me 

So I never get close

I went chasing a rainbow

Found a big pot of gold

But it's sure hard to carry

When you're out there alone

Didn't bring that much home

[Chorus will go here]

I sought the ocean of love

Found my other half first

But there's never enough

When you're dying of thirst

So I looked to the preachers

Had such fine things to say

Thought words were like windows

To some brighter place

But they just got in the way

Crumbs

All the things I want

Seems they don't want me

So the cage is open

But I'm still not free

Yeah, yeah, just how it goes

I'm too weak to fly

I'm too tired to sing

(I'm) Just getting by

On the crumbs they bring

Yeah, Yeah, thought you should know

[Chorus will go here]

Someone stole the sky

But they forgot to run

Now they spend their time

(Just) blocking out the sun

Yeah, yeah, what can I say

So the night grows heavy

On these dusty wings

I forgot my song

I can't hear a thing

... Just getting by

On the crumbs they bring

Yeah, yeah, That's my life today

Have a Little Faith in Me

Had a little visit with my Father today

A bit one-sided, he had nothing to say

Got so many questions running round in my head

I try praying louder but the line has gone dead

(Trans)

Been awhile since we talked

I forget what he said

Something about...

Chorus//

Have a little faith in me

Can't you just wait and see

Things are gonna turn around

Never gonna let you down

End//

The world is getting louder & the devil chimes in

He's so damn clever, I don't know that its him

I get lost in my darkness, can't find my way out

Playing blind man's bluff with the shadows & doubt

(trans)

It's a still, small voice

But I wish it would shout

Instead of,

Chorus//

How 'bout Having a little faith in me

Can't you maybe, just wait and see

Things are gonna be turning around

You know I'll never let you down

......

I'm never gonna let you down

A Different Drummer

 

I never fell in love

But I slipped on lust

As far as I can tell

It just don't hurt as much

 

And I never really cared

To have the world on a string

Not like some friends of mine

What would I do

With such sad little thing

Maybe twirl it around just to kill some time

 

Chorus//

 

I march to the beat of a different drummer

& I dance to the music of the spheres

See a shooting star, stick out my thumb (for it)

Can I get a lift, I never liked - it - here

(last 3 words stretched out)

End//

 

& (just) who are  the jones’

why should I keep up

Bet they’re going pretty slow

Carrying all that stuff

 

And I’ve never felt

I had to keep the faith

Where would I put it

My pockets are full

Get some later, saw it on Ebay

Get it just in time to save my soul

(or – have it delivered when I’m getting old)

Already Gone

You’re letting go

I’m holding on

But deep down I know

That you’re already gone

It's there in your eyes

Whenever we kiss

The 'no vacancy' sign

Is sure hard to miss

Chorus (Theme)

I think the love is gone

I think you’re moving on

I’m just the last to know

That you’re letting us go

I just wish I knew

What happened to you

 End//

The writing's on the wall

& the message is clear

Your heart's gone away

Left the rest of you here

Is there some other guy

Did the flame just burn out

Cause something had died

(here) In our little house

Tried to Tell You (W.I.P - lots of alternates throughout here, chorus etc. May skip 2nd section & just use 3rd instead)

I tried to tell you, but

You know me well

I'm too careful with my words

Tried to show you, but

When I'd hold you, I 

I remembered (just) where it hurt

Wasn't what you deserved

Chorus - slow spaced out/

Fallen leaves

Faded memories

(but) This one's all on me

End//

So, I backed away, I 

Played it safe

Guess I listened to the scars

But, it wasn't you, it's

(just) what I've been through

You were always in my heart

You're beautiful as you are

Chorus//

Fallen leave, & memories

The chill of the winter air

Probably thought I never cared

End//

Yeah, I backed away, I 

Played it safe

Tried to love you from afar

But, the night is cold, I 

Should've known

There's no warmth from a distant star

But you're always in my heart

alt chorus- fallen leaves, & memories - a love that didn't bloom

But I'll always remember you

(I hope you know it wasn't you)

alt chorus

Chorus

Fallen leaves & memories are swirling in my heart

the blank of a blank-blank heart

Left wondering where you are

Don’t Have to Run Away

 

The past, I just let it be

One way track, only goes back

& there aint nothing there for me

 

& Dreams, yeah, I’ve got some dreams

But I don’t spend (my) time, wishing I could fly

If it aint in the cards/clouds for me

 

Chorus/

Run Johnny, run Johnny, run Johnny, run

But you don’t have to run away

Run Johnny, run Johnny, run Johnny run

Cause they aint after you today

End//

Love, left me an empty cup,

(It'd) Just make it worse, thinking 'bout her

It aint gonna fill it up

Hope, is (just) a tired old hat

Might fit on you, for getting you through

But I’m fine being where I’m at

 

Chorus/

Run Johnny, run Johnny, run Johnny, run

But you don’t have to run away

Run Johnny, run Johnny, run Johnny run

Cause they aint after you today

End//

 

(optional)

Life, its just one big mirror

What I see, looks a lot like me

Aren’t too many strangers here

Lady Blue

[Em] I don't blame you for your doom & gloom

Cause I [Am] know where your heart has been

[Em] But how about leaving just a little room

For [Am] something else to sneak in

& I won't deprive you of your righteousness 

You know, I'll let you keep that too

But you wear it like it's your favorite dress

& it don't look good on you

[Chorus Em-Am-Em-Am-D-Em]

Blue, blue

My little lady blue

Blue, Blue

Ya know I worry 'bout you

[End]

We all have to deal with our ghosts sometimes

They're gonna stop by now and then

But you treat 'em like they're family

& you let 'em walk right in

& You suffer for your own little cause

Have a cross you got on sale

But you're really not a martyr, girl

If it's you that pounds the nails

Chorus Again/ End/]

You're so deep into your troubled soul

Are you finding much down there

You just might see, you're not that unique

If you'd ever come up for air

So how about going out with us

Maybe have a drink or two

See some friends, & reminisce 

You can wear anything but blue
 

[Chorus]

Long Gone

He laid down his laws

In matter & physics

He couldn't stay long

but I 

Hear he still visits...

(that's how it went down)

I bet he stops by

On Christmas and Easter

Maybe one other time

If we're

Having a leap year

(that's the word around town)

(alt - but I don't think he sleeps here

Doubt he likes what he sees here)

Chorus//

Long gone, I guess he's long gone

(I) Heard he rarely comes back

Long gone, I bet he's long gone

Really don't blame him for that

End//

He lit a bush for old Moses

& left the plans for the ark

Said hey. what do you know

I should be

Home before dark

(that's the word around town)

But I bet he's looking down

& thinking what have I done

Looks like a circus and clowns

But they're not

Having much fun

(that's how it went down)

/Chorus Again/

The Time Has Come

Time… I think the time has come

The past…. I think its just begun

This winding road, it doesn’t take us far

It just leads back to wherever we are       

Time….. I think the time has come

 

Our way…. I think we lost our way

The path..... You know, in time it fades

Got turned around, & upside down

Got the outside in, and the inside out

Our way… I think we lost our way

/Chorus/

The night sets in

Though its dark again

Still a candle burns

There's a fire within

End//

Pain….. I’m seeing so much pain

It goes…. but the it’s back again  

The medicine seemed to work so well

But in the end, (it) makes us sick as hell

Pain…. I’m seeing so much pain

 

Home….. I think its calling us home

Deep down….. I think we’ve always known

Turned our back went we walked away

(But) I get the feeling that a part of us stayed

Home, I think its calling us home

/Chorus - 1 option/

The night sets in

Though its dark again

Still a candle burns

There's a fire within

Half asleep

That's how we used to be

But now we're waking up

To the mystery

Such a sight to see

End//

Dragons Den  -   Shout out to Dylan.. [last line (5th) is slow spoken word summation of the stanza. - more like conversation]

[First lines are fast and a bit frenzied so 5th is like pause & regroup)

Friday night about half past ten

Walked into the Dragons Den 

Just a little place, but friendly folks

Light on dragons, heavy on smoke   

[Figured I’d stick around, I'd heard good things]

Guy in the corner with a snakeskin pipe

Waved me over, he needed a light

Said hey there friend, (have) you tried this stuff

Said, once or twice, But it didn’t do much

[He said you haven't had this particular brand, & offered me some]

So I grabbed the pipe & I thanked the guy

Took a hit and then I closed my eyes

Heard a sound like an avalanche

& reality didn't stand a chance                       

[You know, the guy wasn't kidding about this stuff]

Cause the roof & the walls just disappeared

Found myself in a house of mirrors      

All alone, but there were 20 of me

Got to pick who I wanted to be

[Third guy from the left & I went walking]

There was a wooden arch by a magic shop

‘For madmen only’ written across the top

I’d been called alot worse before

So I went right in where there wasn’t a door

[And they were waiting for me]

There was a slightly manic coat check girl

By the 7 wonders of the underworld 

Pointed at the map, while holding a beer     

This dot on top, well ‘you are here’

[& it’s all downhill after this, I’ll show you around, so we walked]

Saw a purple pigeon in a pickup truck

(He) pulled on over to pick us up

Said howdy folks, where you headed

I’ll get you there, for a loaf of bread    

[You know the pigeons do like their bakery products, even down here]

​​(She) said we’re going to Poseidon’s place

Got a little trailer with a private lake

Guess all the gods downsized a bit                

You know, the market crashed, they took a hit

[But, when we got there, turned out he wasn’t home, so we just kept going]

Saw a hideous creature with a dozen mouths

Had been the meanest monster in town

But now he's working at the lumber mill

Trying to make a dent in his dental bills

[That's the side of monster-hood you don't hear about - maintenance costs]

So she took me to a museum of sorts

See a bunch of stuff that happened before

Main exhibit was the Holy Land

Not a whole lot of peace, (just) a whole lot of sand   

[… saw a little scene happening with Moses] 

He was arm wrestling an octopus

Didn’t turn out like I thought it would

Moses was tough, but he was just a man

& The other dude kept changing hands

[If your gonna part this sea, you have to go through me]

& the Jews & the Christians were at it again

About the empty tomb, & the guy that went in

The Jews said it was all just a magic act    

Like pulling a Rabbi from a hat

[Said, that’s a bit much, so we were heading out, but we saw a little skirmish off to the west.]

It was God & the devil playing basketball

Devil had a shot to win it all

Would have made it, I have no doubt

But he tripped on his tail & time ran out

[Never read about that in the bible.. Then I said how about somewhere less biblical…]

So, she took me to a tiny little town

Hookah pipes being passed around

The dormouse looked at me and smiled

Said reality's just a stubborn child

[Deep little dormouse or) or (Certainly food for thought). Filed that away & we cut down a side road.]

Saw Buddha sitting by a burned out tree  

Said the best things in life really are free

But hey, can you spare a buck or two

Got child support & the rent is due

[Guess he didn’t think that one all the way through… but we were flat broke so we moved on]

Saw a kangaroo riding an elephant

Swerving all over, think they both were drunk

Went in the ditch after hitting a deer

Trunk flew open.....peanuts & beer

[Didn't see that coming.. That was fun but I figured we should be getting back..........

 

.......It was getting late & the stuff it was starting to wear off,

but I’m glad I tried it

& I sure am glad that I went in

To a little place called the Dragon’s Den

END

USA - USA

[V = G-C-Em-Am / Chrs= C-G-Dm-Am]

So much pain in the world today

I hope we can find us another way

(But) the darkness tells me it's getting late

USA – USA

Battle lines on a lonely street

The angry mob needs an enemy

I pray to god that it isn’t me

USA – USA

Broken windows and a shopping cart

A blue light special by a police car

Can someone tell me who the bad guys are

USA – USA

Chorus/

& I (just) don't know how we ended up here

The un-united states

Started out with good intentions

(or - ...towards the promised land)

Got lost along the way

(&) Sure is getting late //

We make an altar out of dollar bills

Sacrifice truth to relieve our guilt

Pray that it works but I doubt it will

USA – USA

(hey) Come on over and join our side

You know, truth alone can still survive

But it takes a village to raise a lie

USA – USA

Chorus Again //

Who needs god when you’ve got scientists

Feeling down, how about trying this

We treat our souls like our appliances

USA – USA

We raped the land but we left our prints

& now the law is finally closing in

Guess who's back on the run again

USA - USA

(poss Bridge)

And you say that, - you have, - someone to save us

Right along party lines

But I aint, gonna wait, for some (new) messiah

Cause I don't think we have time

Think the job is yours & mine

Chorus Again //

Almost Out The Door

I’m almost out the door

Locked up and left the key

I know it’s time to go

But man it’s hard to leave

 

The neighbors smile and wave

But my hands are filled

Seems I’m always packing up

All the dreams that we’ve killed

 

(Transition)

Outside the traffic flows

And the crowds are moving too

But they have never known

The part of me, that’s you

 

Chorus

There’s nothing worse than moving on

Even if the love is gone

Now what’s my heart supposed to do

And who am I, girl, without you

 

Alternate – Our paths crossed & turned to one

Just like the morning knows the sun

Now what am I supposed to do

And who am I, girl, without you

{End Chorus}

 

Yeah, the heart tries to steer

But the pain still calls the shots

And it’s easy to hear

When it’s all that you’ve got

So I know it’s time to leave

What else could we do

At times I still believe

(but) My tears say we’re through

[Chorus Again  here]

You said I was the one

It just never worked as two

I guess loves (just) a setting sun

And now our day is through

(trans)

Outside the traffic flows

And the crowds are moving too

But they have never known

The part of me that’s you

[Chorus Again]

There’s nothing worse than moving on - even if the love is gone

Now what’s my heart supposed to do

And who am I, girl, without you

Passing Sails

(Chorus after 2 or 3 sets of verse?)

I stood beside the lonely sea

Saw (the) passing sails of destiny

Your not here with me

 

(thought I) found a place where I belonged

Seemed so right, (but) it went so wrong

All that’s left is a song

 

Looked across at the distant shore

(of) all that we had known before

And my heart went to war

 

Chorus

Girl, I never told you - my dreams  

I held 'em inside - like screams

I couldn’t open my heart

But I think I’m ready to start

If I could hold you I’d say

I should’ve told you that day

It was you all along

Guess it just starts with a song

[End]

 

The stars now join the pale moonlight

To lead me back to you tonight

But there are storms to fight

 

The winds are strong, can’t believe the force

I question them and find the source

It’s my pride of course

 

It feels like years since I’ve been gone

It’s your memory now that leads me on

I’ll be home by dawn

 

[Chorus Again]

Lonely Heart

(C-Em-Am chord progression verse G-C-Em-Am Chorus - first part of line is drawn out.. Could just do one line instead of 2 & then chorus? 

 

[C] Late-[E]ly, [Am]feels like we’re losing our minds

(But) maybe, there’s something else we will find

(?3rd line – Something that got left behind)

 

We focus, on all our fears and our dreams

Have you noticed, that we're living our life in between

(never quite as it seems)

 

[Chorus]

& my lonely heart, it keeps saying to me

You’re so busy running around

Is it turning out like you thought it would

And over you ever coming down

Are you ever coming down

//

 

We turn from, The voice that we fear the most

Haven’t learned yet, its just god disguised as a ghost

(dressed in an old tattered robe/clothes)

 

Whispers, from an ocean that lies beyond words

To get there, forget everything that you’ve heard

So much we have to unlearn)

 

[Chorus again]

Reckoning Day

A battle was raging

& My soul was unwell

It was reckoning day

Between heaven & hell

 

So, I called up my demons

And I summoned the gods

But I just couldn’t see that

They weren't really at odds

 

They came to my temple

To be formally wed

But I preached about purity

And divorced them instead

Chorus//

In the shadows, the shadows

Found myself

In the shadows

End//

 

They went off in silence

Estranged from each other

& with night setting in

They had to take cover

They wait in the shadows

Until I come to see

That my demons & gods

Are just fragments of me

 

When I’m done casting stones

They’ll come out of hiding

They’ll join hands together

& become one inside me

[Chorus again]

Take It Slow

You know I’m such a lucky guy

I cast my prayers up to the sky

Rarely have to ask him twice

I’m truly blessed, just me I guess

 

I gave my cares up to the wind

You know I haven’t seen ‘em since

I doubt they’re coming back again

Such a lucky guy, hardly have to try

 

Think I’ll climb a mountain top

Come so far, why should I stop

You say that's brave (well) thanks alot

That's just me, got more to see

[Chorus]

(You know)

If you didn’t fly so high,

(Well) you wouldn’t sink so low

Learn to take your time

Enjoy the winding road

(Take it slow)

See where it goes

End//

I guess I thought I had it made

I thought that peace was here to stay

You know I didn’t see it wave

But I know it left, probably while I slept

Cause now the storms are rolling in

The rain is falling once again

Guess I should probably start to swim

Cause its getting deep, & it’s coming for me

[Alt stanza]

Seems like I’m always tossed around

I’m either up or else I’m down

Need to find some stable ground

But not today, not with these waves

[End//]

 

[Chorus]

If you didn’t fly so high,

(Well) you wouldn’t sink so low

Learn to take your time

Enjoy the winding road

(Take it slow)

See where it goes

End//

 

You know it feels like judgment day

Can’t keep my head above the waves

(My) hands are too damn busy/tired to pray

& I’m going down, without a sound

Next thing you know I feel some sand

Washed up on some foreign land

Then somebody takes my hand

Then I know, & then I know

[Chorus]

He says,

If you didn’t fly so high,

(Well) you wouldn’t sink so low

Learn to take your time

Enjoy the winding road

(Take it slow)

See where it goes

End//

Painting the Town (A&D progression)

Said she'd call me by nine tonight

It's about quarter to eleven right now

But she doesn't worry 'bout time,

Says, the hands always come back around

She's the kind of girl, who walks on a wire

tell you there ain't nothing to it

Wild & free, light as a bird

And she's got the scars to prove it

Chorus/

Said she'd love me forever

Her forever just isn't that long

More like June to December

& I'm just trying to hold on

November is already/almost gone

End//

Was a starry night, when she caught my eye

(She) was there by the carnival booth

Said you gotta be this tall to go on this ride

But the rest is all up to you 

Didn't take long & I fell for the girl

Spent our nights out painting the town'

But it ain't no paint by numbers with her

(it's) Like Van Gogh ran into a clown

Colors flying all around

Chorus/

Said she'd love me forever

Her forever just isn't that long

(it's) More like June to December

& I'm just trying to hold on

November is already/almost gone

End/

Like fireworks in the summer sky

Some things just don't last that long

That's how it feels when she lights up my night

But I'm just trying to hang on

Simple As Can Be

(G-C-A-D)

 

[Start with one of the choruses]
 

 

I went searching for God

Thought I'd find where he hides

(But) when I finally slowed down

He snuck up from behind

Now I'm learning some things

They didn't teach me in school

(like) The mind's a great servant

It's just not fit to rule

It's a beautiful ride

If you don't hold on too tight

& possessions are prisons 

If you pile them too high

Chorus//

Hey, Hey look at me

I’m hanging out like a leaf on a tree

Hey, Hey,

Simple as can be

I always wondered what it was like to be free

End//

& Desire is a bandit

And thoughts can be thieves

Will they leave empty handed

That’s all up to me

& I saw how the vine

Both gives and receives

(ou know) from water to wine

There's a lesson for me

& Time’s just a thread

But it's tight as a noose 

'Til the moment arrives

Ends up cutting me loose

Chorus//

Hey, Hey, look at me

I’m hanging out like a wave on the sea

Hey, Hey,

Simple as can be

I always wondered what it was like to be free

End//

(repeat chorus w/ different nature analogies)

In The Middle

Turned on the evening news

Whole world is black & blue

What the hell’s happening here

Drawing our battle lines

Jails of our own design

& light aint making it in

….. Where do we even begin

/Chorus/

I’ll come over your way a little

If you move my way too

Maybe we’ll find some peace in the middle

God knows there’s plenty of room

…. Gotta do something soon    /End

Blocking the sunlight out

Scared of our shadows now

Screaming at everyone else

& Nobody hears a thing

If no one is listening

End up repeating ourselves

I know that story too well

Chorus Again / End

Certain where truth resides?

There’s a little in every lie

Careful ‘bout holding too tight

Chorus Again / End

& Their views are heresy

Just fueling polarity

 Maybe try looking again

….. Just what am i pushing against

Chorus Again / End

(Optional verses)

Loving your enemies

That’s really not meant for me

Just isn't practical now

Really don’t need a mirror

The problem is very clear

At least I have someone to blame

…… (but) reflections are sure hard to change

Lonely Road 

Dm-Am (Am alt with A-sus) / for 1st 3 lines of each section

Then Dm-Am-Em-Am for last line of each

[Dm] I’m just a stranger [Am/sus ]in the strangest land

[Dm] They say it just depends on [Am] where you stand

[Dm] But I’ve seen everything there [Am] is to see

[Dm] & it still [Am] looks [Em] strange [Am] to me

I’ve met some people (who) feel the way I do

Usually turns out there just passing through

Kindred souls are few and far between

(It's) hard to see them leave

Chorus/ (Chords YTD, Am base though)

But, I'll just keep on hop-ing

Walking with my heart wide op-en

(If) (I'm) on my own, (that's) how it goes.... (hold 4 bars then land on last line)

It's a lonely road  /  End

I’ve wandered so far off the beaten path

I wondered if I'd ever make it back  

Still it seems, no matter where I go

It just don’t feel much like home

Can't shake this feeling that there’s something more

Some other place that we have known

I have a longing for it deep inside

It's just so damn hard to find

Chorus/

Still, I'll just keep on hop-ing

Walking with my heart wide op-en

(If) (I'm) on my own, (that's) how it goes.... (hold 4 bars)

It's a lonely road    /end

Weight of the World

Neighbor of mine died the other day

Was all alone when he passed away

I heard

Saw him last week, told me he was fine

Whiskey on his breath said he might be lying

About that

Got our picket fences & well kept lawns

But don't always tell you what's going on

Inside

Chorus/

(Seems) we all got something we’re carrying around

Not time yet for laying it down

(so) We just smile

& try to carry on

End//

(the) Prayers that went out, never came home

Promises (that) left us waiting........ by the phone

Faded love & unmarked tombs

Of the hopes & dreams that died too soon

I got,

Some of those myself

Chorus/

(seems) We all got something we’re carrying around

Not time yet for laying it down

So we just smile,

& try to carry on

End//

Another hand is dealt, & our bets are in

Still not sure who really wins

In the end

Wear poker face, & hope it hides

What's really going on deep down inside

but I think

We're all the same

Chorus/

(seems) We all got something we’re carrying around

Not time yet for laying/putting it down

We just smile,

& try to carry on

(optional)

The tears have dried but the pain's still there

A heavy heart is the cross we bear

In this world

Chorus again

If You're Selling Your Soul [W.I.P - C-F-C-G ?]

(whimsical i.e. John Prine)

Sold my soul to the devil last Saturday night

For eternal youth & a case of Bud Light

Woke up on Sunday, I was still old & gray

What the hell happened, not the deal that we made

As I looked in the mirror, I was kicking myself

Think I mighta sold my soul to somebody else

I Don’t think that fella was the devil at all

Just some guy with a pitchfork, wearing overalls

Chorus/

You can’t trust the devil, guess it's true what they say

And there are so many devils out in the world today

So, you gotta be careful about the company you keep

And if you’re selling your soul make sure you get a receipt

Maybe ask for ID

End//

​What can you do, I guess you live and you learn Some dude got my soul, I didn't get much in return

​I bet he hangs out down on Broadway at night

Selling second-hand souls by a neon light

Think I’ll go down there & see about getting mine back

It's probably in a pile out on the discount rack

​Chorus/

You can't trust the devil, guess it's true what they say

And there are so many devils out in the world today

​So, You gotta be careful about the company you keep

And if you’re selling your soul make sure you get a receipt

Maybe ask for ID

End//

Afraid To Go In

Gonna climb up the mountain

And find Noah’s ark

With no one around

He picked a strange place to park

Got a new submarine

It'll seat 20 of us

Has a sign on the back

Says 'Atlantis or Bust'

At a pawnshop in Cleveland

Someone spotted the grail

There was a unicorn too

But it was missing its tail

We dredged up the Nile

Looking for Moses' raft

Got a hundred foot pile

Full of crocodile crap

Chorus//

We’re searching for God

All over the place

Now I even hear

That we're digging in space

I think he’s hiding out,

Where he’s always been

We’ve had him surrounded,

We’re just afraid to go in ///

We camp out at Cavalry

With our shovels and pails

Quick, stop the presses

Found a rusty old nail​

We've cleared out the temples

Deciphered the old texts

Got our television shows

About where to dig next

Lets go back to Peru

Or maybe even Tibet

Think we just haven't looked

High enough yet

Chorus //

We’re searching for God

All over the place

Now I even hear

That we're digging in space

I think he’s hiding out,

where he’s always been

We’ve had him surrounded,

We’re just afraid to go in. ///

Emily

Because I could not stop for death

He, 

Had/kindly to stop for me

It wasn't quite my time just yet

But he

Left with Emily

I still feel his hands, & know his plans

Haven't

Changed much to this day

And I'm pretty sure, there is no cure

For the

ones that get away

CHorus/  (parts stretched out)

Ohhhhhhh, sweettttt, soul

I'm glad you're finally free

Hooooope, that you know

That you're always here with me

(How much you've meant to me)

On the carriage ride, once you're inside

The journey

Isn't all that long

Where you're going to, depends on you

(you) won't

Hear that in a song

But I think you'll find, the night is kind

And much

Lighter that the day

As the carriage fades, they pull the shades

I bet they're

Laughing to this day

That you

Haven't lived in vain

Here Comes The Rain

(W.I.P.)

Found the letter that you wrote to me

When we were first going out

All the love that you were feeling 

That you're not feeling now

It was hidden in the corner 

Of our old, oak dresser drawer

And now all the feelings that I hid/tucked away

Aren't hiding any more

So much promise in the words you wrote 

It was just such a happy time

I guess something has to give way

When the present and past collide

(pre)

I didn't realize my world had turned, 

So dark and grey

It's been cold & cloudy for months (now, but)

Here comes the rain

(Chorus continuing w/)

Here comes the rain, a falling

Here comes the rain

Lightning from the past & now 

Here comes the rain

Here comes the rain

Thought this one was gonna last, but now

Here comes the rain   //

You said that we meant for each other

That you, found your other half

Time has a way of changing things

I don't  -  have to tell you that

I've been going through the motions 

Saying that I've been doing OK   (just fine)

But the feelings that I'm fighting back

Have something else to say    Tell me I mighta been lyin) see it another way

I didn't realize my world/sky was

So (damn) dark and gray

It's been cold & cloudy for months now

But here comes the rain

[Chorus continuing]

Here comes the rain a falling

Here comes the rain

Lightning from the past & now

Here comes the rain

Thought it was gonna last & now

or

Tonight your ghost came calling, now

Here comes the rain

(repeating)

Note: stanza in [ ] is W.I.P in place of 'promise' stanza that i moved up above to make 3 stanzas at start of song. Could do either way

1000 Little Deaths

 

I was leaving my home back in ‘94

Strangest thing, I couldn’t find the door

Something gave & I fell through the floor

….. Just like a dream

 

Found myself out on a wooded path

My demons were there, about to attack

Turned around but I couldn’t go back

….. Only one way

 

Been awhile since these guys were fed 

If I stayed around I was gonna end up dead

Stood my ground, & they became my friends

….. Its not as it seems     

 

Chorus/

Through the darkest nights

Kinda…. had to lose my mind

All I could do was feel my way through &

Look to the sky   //

 

Found myself out on an endless sea

Loneliest time, no one around but me

Can’t believe its so hard to get free

Guess everything goes

 

Tried hanging on to who I’d been

Like a snake afraid of shedding its skin

But the one I had was wearing thin

…. Time to let go

 

Had to die a thousand of those little deaths

Float between on a sea of breath

Find myself in the life that’s left

….. Finally come home

 

Chorus/

Through the darkest nights

Kinda…. had to lose my mind

All I could do was feel my way through &

Look to the sky   //

Time For Sleep   (work in progress)

 

It’s time for sleep, she said

Come & rest your weary head

The hour is late

& They’ve closed the gates

The kingdom's gone to bed 

 

I pretend I'm falling asleep

Then she softly kisses me

You curious child

Just rest for awhile

She Leaves and takes the key

 

But something just isn’t right

I look out and it’s still light

But there's a growing haze

The world's in a daze

In a night that isn’t night

 

[Chorus YTD]

I know what must be done

Break the door down & I run

Find a hidden hall

Rarely used at all

And I don't see anyone

Make it onto the lawn

The shades have all been drawn

The people that are there

Have an empty stare

& they're mumbling about the dawn

Now it's sleep that rules the day

In a frenzied, wandering way

People moving around

Eyelids half(way) down

& they can’t hear what I say

/Chorus //

Their hearts have grown so hard

As they push their shopping carts

Like they're under a spell

They don't look well

And they’re tearing up the yard

It’s the loneliest time I’ve known

Lights are on but no one's home

If I disturb their sleep

They start cursing me

I’ve learned to leave them alone

Instead, I just sing my song

It’s a different path they’re on

I hope someday

They’ll all awake

Maybe come and sing along

Into The Mystery   (W.I.P - & C/D right now)

(G) I was walking by myself one day

Thinking, (C) life had let me down

(G) When I came up to the forest edge

& I, (C) heard the sweetest sound

It was like the angels were singing to me

& Music filled the air

& I swore I heard the song before

But I, can't remember where

Then I saw a vision wave to me, up

Where the trees begin

When I got up close, she raised her hand &

Wouldn't let me in

(pre-chorus)

Said you're carrying too much

What'll you give up

I said, how about half

& She just laughed, ...said

(chorus)

If you wanna be my partner, if you're gonna

Come and drink my wine

To walk with me in the mystery

You gotta leave it all behind

.... but the things that you will find...  /End//

So I emptied out me pockets and I

Gave her every cent

I appreciate the gesture, she said

But that wasn't what I meant

If you're gonna come into my world

There can't be any doubt

If i'm gonna fill you with music. first

You must be emptied out

Gotta, offer up your hopes and dreams,

All the, precious things you've learned

Build a sacrificial fire &

Prepare to watch them burn

(pre)

Do I have to do that

I (just) gave you my cash

(She just laughed, & said ) ?

(chorus)

If you wanna be my partner, if you're gonna

Come and drink my wine

To walk with me in the mystery

You gotta leave it all behind

.... but the things that you will find...  /End//

I tried to find my place in this world, & I'd

Knocked on every/all the doors

Was tired of wandering the lonely streets

My hands were getting sore

I'd always felt like a stranger here

Traveling all alone

But when I heard that voice of hers

It finally felt like home

(it felt like i'd come home)

She had me convinced

So, I said i'm all in

She just grinned

& said

[Chorus again

New Age Girl  (ADAE progression) [3 rhyming lines then closing line ytd)

Saw a gal that I hadn't seen in awhile

Purple hair now but I knew that smile

Known in town as the full-moon child

(closing statement for each section here ba-ba-ba-ba)

Got some shiny crystals (&) a brand new name

Far as I could tell, she was still the same

A lot of stuff just gets rearranged

(                                               )

 

Third time now that she's been reborn

Traded in Jesus for a unicorn

Tried to tell her it's been done before

Chorus/

She's a new age girl

Running all around the world

Still trying to find

What's she's got inside 

But, she sure has a good time   //

Says she's been out looking for Noah's ark

Had a dream about where it might be parked

Checked it twice with her Tarot cards

Bought a timeshare (up) on top of the moon

Sea of tranquility, with a pink pontoon

Said she's going sometime in June

But first she's sailing down to Belize

See the Yucatan, & sleep on the beach

Find some hieroglyphs & a Mayan squeeze

Chorus/

She's a new age girl

Running all around the world

Still trying to find

What she's got inside 

But, she sure has a good time   //

Was hitchhiking out by tortilla flats

UFO stopped but she had to pass

Said, no way (that) I'm chipping in for gas

Said she's going to Sedona soon

Maybe try digging up some ancient ruins

Got a tuning fork & her lucky spoon

Chorus/

She's a new age girl

Running all around the world

Still trying to find

What's got inside 

But, she sure... has a good time   //

[Optional verses

Had tattoo's done on both eyelids

Pretty cool, if you look real quick

She blinks there's a sphinx and a pyramid

Got a pickup truck full of meteor dust

Sign on the back says Uranus or bust

Don't think there's room for the rest of us

Just Watched You Go 

(Country'ish)

 

Got a bottle in my hands

It's been swallowing my plans

But i'm getting even tonight

 

Got the music up loud

Gonna silence the crowd

That's been stomping around in my mind

Still running from the sound of goodbye

 

Chorus/

Kept it all inside

Just my stubborn pride

Wouldn't tell you how I really felt

 

Couldn't let you know

So I just watched you go

Now you're with somebody else

& I'm sitting here by myself

End//

 

Trying to drown out the pain

Like the biblical rains

& It's pouring whiskey tonight

 

I'm past black & blue

I'm like purple and chartreuse

& nobody's winning this fight

Aint no ending in sight

 

Chorus/

Kept it all inside

Just my stubborn pride

Wouldn't tell you how I really felt

 

Couldn't let you know

So I just watched you go

Now you're with somebody else

& I'm sitting here by myself

End//

Stumbling Along

(G-C-Am-C)

Went down to see my shrink today

Find out what is wrong with me

Wouldn't you know, the sign said closed

Heard he's back in therapy

So, I'd tried to find a professor of mine

Was the wisest guy around

But he traded his diplomas for Oklahoma

& he's now a rodeo clown

Chorus //

I don't know whether

Anyone's got it together

Think we're all just stumbling along

So maybe I'm......

Doing just fine

End //

Had a heart to heart at the local park

With all my feathered friends

It was nice to have someone listening 

At least, 'til I ran out of bread

 

So, I went to see and old ex-priest

Who gives sermons at the bar

I caught him doing some un-holy communing

In the backseat of his car

Chorus //

I don't know whether

Anyone's got it together

Think we're all just stumbling along

So maybe I'm......

Doing just fine

End //

Been walking around, my head hanging down

Thought it was time that I looked up

That's when I tripped over a four-leaf clover

I couldn't believe my luck

Laying there I yelled up a prayer

Tell me, what's it all about

He just laughed, said I can't tell you that

We're all just trying to figure it out

Chorus //

I don't know whether

Anyone's got it together

Think we're all just stumbling along

So maybe I'm......

Doing just fine

End //

(Alternate verse)

So, I went to church & that's when I heard

That they busted Father Joe

Was in a nuns outfit, made a habit of it

So they had to let him go

Sea of Love

A/D/A/  D/G/A (DGA in last line of each section)

Twelve years old it was the neighbor girl

I said honey you know I love you so much

When I grow up i'm gonna give you the world

She said, I'll settle for half of your stuff

College days, I'm by the wishing well

Pretty gal was walking by

Looking smooth 'til I slipped and fell

Ended up wishing I was still dry

[Chorus YTD will go here]

I got a job, & i'm at my desk

Office gal was flirting with me

Said you still single, your quite the catch

More like catch and release

She said well that wouldn't happen with me

I think you just might be my other half

Had a boyfriend said I should divide by three

(You know) I never could work out the math

[Chorus YTD will go here]

Years go past & I'm turning grey

Thought I'd give it just one more try

Sea of love was down to a lake

But still I dropped in a line

That's the day I met my Marry Lou

I fell for her like an April shower

She said someday I'm gonna marry you

But life kind of stepped on that flower

[Chorus YTD will go here]

Wishing on the Stars

​(humming, mood song.)

 

Looking up at the sky tonight

(And) wondering where I'm from

All those stars seem small and shy

So different from the sun

They look so peaceful as they float

On a dark and silent sea

I wonder if there's anyone home 

Maybe someone just like me

[Chorus - Humming]

All those stars just hanging around

Yet none look out of place

So many miles between us now

And so much empty space

All those lights left on, it seems

There must be someone home

I might be wishing on the stars, 

(but) It makes me feel less alone 

Rockabye

(W.I.P. - main verses rock back and forth between C & F. May add brief pre-chorus)

(C) Rock-a-bye, (F) little child

(C) Close your eyes,  (F) For a while

(C) Sail away, (F) on the sea

Leave your cares all here with me

Chorus

(Am) Though I'm so much older now

(F) I gotta find that peace somehow

(?) Casue the is world is getting heavier all the time   //

(C/F Aagin)

There are fields, That i've known

Where dreams and flowers grow

And like clouds, up in the sky

All my worries passed me by

Chorus /

(Am) Though I'm so much older now

(F) I gotta find that place somehow

(?) Casue the is world is getting heavier all the time   //

(Bridge W.I.P length of lyrics depends on music. C/Em feel)

Theme is -

I'm not sure if the place still exists

I just know there's something more than this

Somehow, some way, some day

I'll make it there

/End//

Chorus Again

I believe, that it's real

I don't see it, I just feel

I just pray that, I can find

The place (that) I left behind

Though I'm so much older now

I gotta find my way somehow

Cause the is world is getting heavier  every day   //

[Alt for last verse]

(C/F again)

I believe, that its real

I don't see (it), I just feel

Like its hiding, deep within

Inviting me back again

Another Way?

(work in progress. Need chorus?)​

There’s a young man reading Dante in the night

Feels the heavenly words more than the hellish sights

Hasn't seen enough of the darkness yet in his life

Got a shiny love right now but it’s bound to rust

Ashes turn to ashes and dust to dust

He'll try his best to sweep ‘em under the rug

// (Pre chorus or chorus?)

And I know what my preachers gonna say

The soul has to get lost before it gets saved

(Just) seems there could have been another way  ///

Newborn baby cries at it takes a breath

Let me tell you child you aint seen nothing yet

Have they told you how the whole things gonna end

Yet the bluebirds sing & it sounds like a symphony

They lift us up just high enough to see

(that) Truth walks hand in hand with absurdity

// (Pre chorus or chorus)

And I know what the artists are gonna say

Need black and white or else it all turns to grey

(Just) seems there could have been another way  ///

Poets hold the dark and turn it just a bit

So maybe we can see another side of it

Better still if the light would’ve just stayed lit

But the morning sun comes up like a ray of hope

And maybe the gods are finally gonna drop us a rope

Or be kind enough at least, to let us in on the joke

 

// (Pre chorus or chorus)

And I know what my Eastern friends will say

Light & dark are dancing in a cosmic play

(Just) seems there could have been another way  ///

Alt 1st verses??

There's a young man reading Dante in  his room

Beautiful words lead him past skull & tombs

Might've picked this one up a bit to soon

-or-

A crow is picking at flesh out on the street

Always waiting on death for something to eat

The whole thing looks a little strange to me

Keep Travelling On

(CAmCG )​

40 days and 40 nights?

I've been in the desert my whole damn life

My stomache empty, satan tempting me

Thought by now I would've seen the light

Most of the time i've felt like Job

Watching my dreams go up in smoke

If the holy fire, got any higher

It'd be burning the moon I suppose

Chorus/ C/G

But i'll just keep traveling on

I'll just keep traveling on

.... it takes so long //

& I've fallen under the siren's spell

Tumbled down an old wishing well

Clothes got soaked, but now I know

I can't always be trusting myself

I've spent some time in the belly of the whale

& Couple a nights on a bed of nails

Yeah it hurt, but what makes it worse

Is I'm stumbling along like a drunken snail

Chorus/

But i'll just keep traveling on

I'll just keep traveling on

.... it takes so long //

They say that you gotta die to be reborn

But I thought I died a couple of times before

Now they tell me, I'd just been sleeping

Probably didn't help that I'd been snoring

Chorus/ 

But i'll just keep traveling on

I'll just keep traveling on

.... it takes so long //

Tiger, Tiger

(William Blake Tribute)

(Am-Dm-Am-Em)​

Tiger, Tiger burning bright

In the forest of your life

I've felt your hunger/anguish

And I heard all your cries

You thought you were alone

In the quiet of your room

But I was hanging out that night

With the soft August moon

Chorus - YTD

The vast, empty canvass

And the blank, virgin page

They listened to you endlessly

But never had much to say

And the crowd of familiar strangers

That talked of seeing the light

But they'd never really known

All the colors of the night

Chorus YTD

You spoke of timeless beauty

To those who (just) didn't know

That the solitary moon, it

Has no light of its own

Yet you held the cosmos

In a single grain of sand

And with the night setting in

You let it fall from your hand

Crossroads

(Am-Dm-Am-Em)

Saw a fork up in the road

So I asked the lonely moon

Tell me which way should I go

He said that's all up to you

But don't take it lightly

& don't trust the man in black

Every choice can change your life

& there aint no going back

See, you're always at a crossroads

But there's someone else there too

The devil will be waiting

And he'll be whispering to you

Chorus /

He still remembers

The choice before he fell

So you better choose well / (pause)

heaven or hell //

Your life aint set in stone

It's not written in the stars

Just a million little decisions

That happen right where you are

Yes or no, stay or go

And your whole world splits in two

You try to avoid making a choice

& it'll be made for you

See, you're always at a crossroads

But there's someone else there too

The devil will be waiting

And he'll be whispering to you

Chorus /

He still remembers

The choice before he fell

So you better choose well / (pause)

heaven or hell //

Dancing in the Graveyard

Late one night I'm out just tiptoeing

My way through the wilted tulips

My shirt's ripped, I'm spilling scotch,

don't know where the hell my other shoe is

​​

& I'm looking around thinking of all the death

That's happened in this place

Like the garden of Eden is one big grave

Don't think the devil carries a pitchfork, think he's got a big ol' spade

(Pre)​

The whole thing don't make sense sometimes

Like we're on some twisted carnival ride

And you can't get off, nowhere to hide

​​

Chorus/

Stranded, empty handed

So I'm living lightly and i'm playing hard

Dancing round the graveyard

(Repeating ?) //

​​

The cosmos seems like one big, cold machine

Most of the time its stuck between gears

Once in a while it throws off a spark

And we get a Mozart, or a Shakespeare

​​

But usually it's misfiring like my dad's old Buick

Spitting out smoke and leaking gas

And the only quantum mechanic in town

Is off at a conference in St Louis

Chorus/

Stranded, empty handed

So I'm living lightly and i'm playing hard

Dancing round the graveyard

//

​​

I passed a guy, he was whistling Dixie

on his way to the North Pole

Try and catch a glimpse of heaven or

Squeeze some prayers through the ozone hole

​​

He said the universe really is lawful

I guess, but a part of me is not convinced

So I'm gonna keep stealing the night away

& try not to leave any prints

​​

Chorus/​

Stranded, empty handed

So I'm living lightly and i'm playing hard

Dancing round the graveyard

(Repeating ?)  //

Strangest Dream  (WIP)

G/C

(G) Waking up from the (C) strangest dream

(G) Grass was blue and the (C) sky, the sky was green

A wolf was howling at the silent dawn

Scarecrow asked me 'what side you on today',

'If you had to say'

Came up to a burning house

Woman in black came walking out, & said

Are you ready now

Chorus (WIP)

Dreamin my life away

But now I'm awake

da da da da da

End//

She led me back to a darkened room

Music playing, some old forgotten tune

She changed herself right before my eyes

(Into) all the souls that (ever) lived, & never died

Had 'em all inside

Then the room was turning, the record skipped

I held on tight but I lost my grip, lost my grip

(                          )

Chorus again / End/

I was staring out into eternity

Thought this is strange, no one here but me

Floating along like a lost balloon

But you can't be lost when you know

The whole thing's you

Saw myself in that darkened room

Saw myself like the selfless do

Gotta say,

I kind liked the view.

Chorus again / End//

The veil that I tried to look behind

The Grail I wanted so much to find

('was mine' - to make this shorter verse)

I knew

It was always mine

Heard a voice from somewhere say

Looks like you got a choice to make

Stay out here and enjoy the view

Or take/breathe it in, bring it all, back with you

What are you gonna do

NOTES:

The Grail I always wanted to find

or

I was/am the mystery I'd tried to know

i forgot the story that I had/once wrote

 I knew/said that once but it was long ago

Times are Changing

Seems like nothing ever stays the same

Can't believe how much has changed

The man in the moon, I guess he transitioned

& the fork and the spoon are changing position

Up is down, and down is up

I heard gravity left town in a pickup truck

{Chorus will go here]

Something about -

I kinda miss the good old days

They weren't always good and we made mistakes

But we could still shake hands at the end of the day

End //

We lost the rhyme, (just) got more reason

Guess forbidden fruit is now in season

The Wise Old Man's at a retirement home

Babe and the bathwater both got thrown

Elbows are flying at the banquet table

Think we'd all be Cain if we were able

Chorus

Song About Absolutely Nothing

Imagine a world that is stranger than this

The only way that it's real is if it doesn't exist

I think I'm a thought, that ran off with itself

But if that's really the case, who would I tell

So, am I living a lie, or just lying to live

Guess the whole world depends on the answer I give

[Chorus will go here Y-T-D]

I wandered the earth, & I searched for the truth

I was getting the feeling, it's an empty pursuit

In the end I found nothing, or was it that found me

I thought, isn't that something, & so I had to leave.

[Chorus will go here Y-T-D]

WIP - Notes

I had wandered in vain

As I searched for the truth

But one this side of town

It's about all you can do

[or - what else can you do]

then could end with

In the end I found nothing

Or was it that found me

Thought isn't this something

so I had to leave

Guess the joke was on me

[or - & the joke was on me]

Song About Everything.  -  Work in progress.

Saw a figure out in the woods

& the thing kept changing shape

It flashed a thousand forms

As I asked it for its name

It said I'm all that's ever been

And all that's yet to come

I'm everything that's possible

All wrapped up in one

& I'm fed by a fire

That heals just as it burns

But your mind don't work like that

& so we're taking turns

]Chorus here - YTD]

I asked a few more questions

As it shifted all around

And it answered every one (of em')

Yet it never made a sound

Said you asked me for my name

I guess I've never needed one

Like the light of the moon

Or the shadow of the sun

And when you see that death

Is alive within me too

It's then you'll finally know

What's lying there in you

[Chorus]

[Optional]

Then it said it was time to go

Guess it had somewhere to be

But said when you know yourself

You won't be needing me

Far From Home   -  Work in progress.

Just writing today (Oct 2022) so very crude. Start with chorus..

​​

Chorus

We've wandered so far from

and the land we had had know

(It's) like we've forgotten everything

& No one reminds us that we're kings //

​​

Saw Fred today at the corner of 3rd and main

Didn't know the guy, but hey, he was wearing his name

​​

Had it pinned right there on his fancy little argyle vest

This guy, even his shadow was nicely dressed.

​​

But something was missing you could see it in his eyes

Whatever he was thinking of, it was probably super-sized.

​​

But his poor little dreams, well they were all dressed in rags

Following behind, bottle of wine, stuffed in a paper bag

​​

Dreams are out of style in this plastic town

Usually end up in the recycling or the lost and found

​​

Chorus

We've wandered so far from home

and the land we had had known

(It's) like we've forgotten everything

& No one reminds us that we're kings //

 //

​​

There's a heaviness that hangs in the air these days

People looking up but damn sure not to pray

​​

Bookies setting odds, on when the whole thing's gonna crash

At the House of Gifts for the Apocalypse, heard they're only taking cash

​​​

& The roads these days roads are lit with neon signs

People are lost but lost damn they're making good time.

​​

Once in a while they look up, see the stars

Have this feeling they're not who they think they are.

​​

Chorus

We've wandered so far from home

and the land we had had know

(It's) Like we've forgotten everything

& No one reminds us that we're kings //

 //

​​

or add - wandered far from there home

The land/paradise that they had known

land of riches etc

End

Spoken Word

I was in a lucid dream

I heard Lucifer scream

Saw the angels weeping

And this old man keeping watch - on a hidden cave

As I got up close he raised his hands

Said save yourself, don't go in that cave yourself

But it was too late

I had to know what it was that they saw

I had to feel what they felt

Had to kneel where they knelt

So I went in

and I never came out

(break)

And Icarus, he was warning us 

about flying where the angels fly

But this isn't a spark - leaving the flame behind

It's about burning,

It isn't escaping, & its not vanity

Its fully embracing the beauty and horrors of humanity

(including those in me?)

And with that fire

In that light

The demons and angels, will all draw close

And we will know

What means is to die

And be fully alive

Gone So Long  (work in progress - raw)

(G) I've always been searching for something more

God knows, (C) I looked everywhere.

I knew there was some kind of higher truth

I just (C) couldn't find the stairs

I'd read my share of Vonnegut, watched some Ridley Scott.

When the final credits rolled, I still

hadn't found Didley squat.

So I went to see my favorite M.D.

Said I got this hole to fill

Told me he had just the thing, so

We shoveled in some pills

Chorus/

(G) Been gone so (C) long

(g) Traveling on my (C) own

(G) Made a few wrong turns

(Had some (C) things to learn

But now (Am) I'm finally coming (C) home //

Met some new age cosmonauts who'd

found some sacred ground

But I got so High I shot right by

& We all came crashing down

Fell back to the earth in a world of hurt

When this wise old soul appeared

He didn't say a single word

He was just holding up a mirror

'Bout the only place I hadn't looked was

Deep within myself

So went on down through the emptiness

& I found something else

Chorus/

(G) Been gone so (C) long

(g) Traveling on my (C) own

(G) Made a few wrong turns

(Had some (C) things to learn

But now (Am) I'm finally coming (C) home //

Death

I had never been afraid of death before

He was rather shy and awfully short

He'd come to visit from the neighboring town

You'd hardly know when he was around.

But the years went by and he grew a bit

Learned his ABC's and arithmetic

& he'd come to visit more often then

Knew he was coming just not sure when

Then I didn't see him for quite some time

Heard he tried to be a poet, just couldn't rhyme

But I guess he found his calling in life

Cause he works a lot, no time for a wife

Then last week he moved down the block

I got a little nervous, kept the doors all locked

& The other night he walked by my place

Dressed in black, something covering his face

Well I might have stopped and prayed before

But this time I called up a realtor

Being honest, I probably cost myself

Just couldn't lie when you asked ... why I was selling

I understand, well thanks for calling mam

Santa Song

As a kid I thought Santa loved all of us the same

So I sent off my list, but the gifts never came

Thought there might be a reason I didn't get a  bike

Maybe Santa got drunk or the elves were on strike.

But then I saw Jimmy, this rich kid at school

Got so many gifts, I think the devil would drool

Chorus

I.e. I think Santa just hates poor kids

End//

So the next year I figured I go down to the mall

Because of the miscommunication and all

Well, I sat on his lap, and read him my list

Said I've been good, or (at least) as good as I get.

When I asked for a pony, he just gave me this look

Maybe a refurbished slinky or a coloring book

/Chorus again/

So I followed old Santa as he went out the door

I said why do the rich kids always get more

& wait just a second, where is your sleigh

What's with the U-haul & (the) old Chevrolet

He said life isn't fair, you'll figure that out

And me, I'm retiring, moving down south

.... Now beat it...

/ Working Notes: /

I shortened middle section to 3 verses , took out the lines about Jimmy & just had the "gave me that look' & 'refurbished slinky" lines while he was on Santa's lap..

originally it was:

Well, I sat on his lap and read him my list

Said I've been good, or at least as good as I get

Felt optimistic as I got up to leave

Then I saw Jimmy, he was next after me

Said I'm getting a pony, He just gave me this look

Maybe a refurbished slinky and a coloring book

--

Other ideas for closing line

or

"The world can be cold, You'll figure that out

That's why I'm retiring moving down south"

or

Let me tell you son, this world can be cruel

Hey, you got any cash, kinda low on fuel..

---

4th verse could be

So Next year I figured I'd go down to the mall

Try and get to the bottom of it all

9th

As for Me, I'm retiring, moving down south

(ie. rather than 'That's why I'm retiring'

Like Everybody Else