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Come here baby I’m gonna’ hold you
With a rich man’s gloves
Give me nothing I need nothing
I’ve got everything in my hand
Just can’t seem to feel it
Come here sweet thing I’m gonna’ kiss you
With a rich man’s lips
Like I mean it but I don’t mean it
It’s not about meaning it
No it’s all show
So show me how much
You appreciate a rich man
Don’t we all
Come here baby I’m gonna’ teach you
From a rich man’s book
Turn the pages so many pages
Breathe in all the colors
Never mind the words
So tell me how you
Ignore the sins of a rich man
Don’t we all
Pull his shoes off lay him down
Feed him facts that you believe
He will tell you when he’s had enough
That don’t mean you have to stop
Come here mama I’m gonna’ lift you
With a rich man’s arms
Spin you round and round again now
‘Til you say you’ve had enough
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2. |
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I couldn’t help but notice that the watch on his wrist
Was a vintage Omega made in 1936
Now I asked him where he got it and he gave me a smile
So I bought us both a drink and sat down for awhile
Well he started saying something ‘bout dangerous curves
He said he always kept his cool and never lost his nerves
But when his whistle starting blowing and his pistons were hot
Even a dead man’s handle couldn’t get him to stop
He knows all the tracks and he never looks back
He was hitchin’ a ride on Mary Lou
He said he hopped on the caboose, he had nothing to lose
He had her engine screamin’ choo choo choo
She was a real piece of work some would say a machine
You couldn’t stop that steam if you know what I mean
And he was riding on the rim but then he crossed the line
Now he’ll do 90 miles an hour ‘til the sun don’t shine
He knows all the tracks and he never looks back
He was hitchin’ a ride on Mary Lou
He said he hopped on the caboose, he had nothing to lose
He had her engine screamin’ choo choo choo
He was getting derailed, I got him back on track
Was he running a train or was he in the sack?
I asked a really simple question, that was hours ago
Was Mary Lou a piece of metal or a woman he knows?
It was over so fast and then he slipped outside
She was smoking as they boarded for her next big ride
As the baggage left the station and he watched her wheels rollin’
He looked down at his wrist and remembered what he’d stolen
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3. |
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I can hear the sound of laughter
Cross the river swinging low
Eating ice cream in the treehouse
Making angels in the snow
Who am I to question how it’s supposed to end
I’m just a willow in the wind
One more night will you hold me
Too many miles in between
Three little words that we never said out loud
For what you mean to me
I thought the snow would last forever
Our angel wings beneath the trees
Dissolved like ice cream in the sunshine
A fleeting taste of something sweet
Who am I to question how it’s supposed to end
I’m just a willow in the wind
One more night will you hold me
Too many miles in between
Three little words that we never said out loud
For what you mean to me
Were we dreaming or lost in wonder
To hold our hopes all in our hands
Almost lovers lost with each other
Two kids without a plan
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4. |
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Everybody says the same thing
As you wipe away a tear
You’re so pretty it’s such a pity
Darling whatcha doing here
Something told me when I met you
I’ve got something that you need
Let me show you how well I know you
Baby take a trip with me
There’s a place I wanna’ take you a highway by the lake
I know it’s gonna’ make you smile
When the sun is slowing settin’ honey we’ll be gettin’
Cozy for a little while
As we’re chasing the horizon you can close your eyes and
Listen to the distant sound
Of the city and the season the beauty and the reason
Just a couple miles from town
Anybody with a heartbeat
Can feel it racing next to you
It’s not surprising the heat is rising
You’re melting everybody’s blues
But can you tell me when it’s your turn
Don’t you think it’s only right
Someone tender help you surrender
Won’t you come with me tonight
There’s a place I wanna’ take you a highway by the lake
I know it’s gonna’ make you smile
When the sun is slowing settin’ honey we’ll be gettin’
Cozy for a little while
As we’re chasing the horizon you can close your eyes and
Listen to the distant sound
Of the city and the season the beauty and the reason
Just a couple miles from town
There ain’t nothing like your kiss
When the stars light up the sky
And we’ll both remember this
I can see it in your eyes
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5. |
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Please forgive me but today
I’ve got nothing smart to say
Why’d I promise I would write
One song every seven nights
Whose big brilliant dumb idea
Let’s blame congress and Korea
Someday soon I’ll make you proud
Maybe next week but for now
I’m phoning it in
Yeah I cut myself some slack
So before we begin
Let’s be clear and face the facts
That I’m phoning it in
Because the good guys are afraid
That the bad guys might win
And it’s useless anyway
Hey I’m phoning it in
With each number as I dial
I surrender again
And I have been for awhile
Well I’m phoning it in
Don’t you try to change my mind
No you know where I’ve been
And it’s no one’s fault but mine
Now I’m phoning it in
So I’ll tell whoever asks
With a big stupid grin
Pucker up and kiss my ass
Yes I’m phoning it in
I could tell you that I tried
But the chances are slim
That you’d buy my little lies
Look I’m phoning it in
Why not call it what it is
Take it right on the chin
Because it’s pointless to resist
So I’m phoning it in
I don’t know what else to do
Giving in to my sins
And the truth is so are you
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6. |
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She believes that all that happens is not by circumstance
She believes the highs and lows are always worth the dance
And she don’t believe in monsters hiding underneath the bed
And that all her biggest fears are only in her head
And I guess I never question a word of what she says
Because every time I trust her it seems to turn out best
She believes in finding angels everywhere she goes
She believes that God is watching over everyone she knows
She believes in love and mercy and that the truth will set you free
But most of all she believes in me
She believes in truth and freedom that we all deserve a smile
And that laughter cures the pain if only for a while
She says when you find a penny you’ll always have good luck
And a Friday night is better with a six pack and a truck
Well if a couple birthday candles make her wishes all come true
Then I’ll light ‘em every year if that’s what I have to do
She believes in finding angels everywhere she goes
She believes that God is watching over everyone she knows
She believes in love and mercy and that the truth will set you free
But most of all she believes in me
Well she still believes in Santa and she looks for UFOs
Says the CIA is watching her everywhere she goes
And she makes me buy her voodoo dolls when someone makes her mad
But every moment with her is the best I ever had
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7. |
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The woman to my left let out a sigh
I felt it in a way she’ll never know
Lifting up my eyes all I want to know is why
You put us all here down below
An old man on my right is sipping gin
Slowly like he doesn’t give a damn
The scent is sinking in, I know that everybody sins
But can you save the broken being that I am
Why’d you pick a sinner like me
There’s a million better choices as far as I can see
I’m just another soul saying please come make me whole
Help me to surrender all control
Now I see a pair of tiny hands
Fast asleep in strong and sturdy arms
I don’t need something grand, just let me understand
I just wanna feel that safe and warm
Why’d you pick a sinner like me
There’s a million better choices as far as I can see
I’m just another soul saying please come make me whole
Help me to surrender all control
Is anybody out there
Are my questions coming through
With all this noise around me
I need to turn to you
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8. |
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The sun is slowly rising as I roll the window down
Eyes are in the distance but the wheels are on the ground
Mother Mary’s in the window but I haven’t got a prayer
I don’t know where I’m going but I’m halfway there
My wallet’s almost empty just a folded black and white
The hardest part to swallow is I think she may be right
She knew that I was lying when I said I didn’t care
I don’t know where I’m going but I’m halfway there
Clearly I was blind to the brunt of the plan
Nearly drove me out of my mind
Aces on the table but a joker in my hand
Beats what I’m leaving behind
Ditching all the dead weight and blowing through the lights
Cloud of dust behind me and the future in my sights
And if they ever catch me they won’t catch me unaware
I don’t know where I’m going but I’m halfway there
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9. |
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Sitting in the sunshine
As it fades in the window
Sipping on something nice and sweet
I can see the birds fly
Southwest making shadows
Isn’t that a lot like you and me
Honey if I knew
It was gonna’ be my last night with you
Well I woulda’ done it different yeah I woulda’ done it right
But tonight I’m in the back seat
Trying hard to make my heart beat come back down
And there’s a empty pack of cigarettes where you used to be
Kicking up a dust cloud
Both heels in the gravel
Stumbling away from yesterday
Try to shake the rust out
If the wheels are gonna’ travel
Anywhere anytime anyway
Honey I don’t care
If we’re ever gonna’ wake up way back where
Everything is looking perfect everything is looking fine
Cuz tonight I’m in the fast lane
Letting go before the last one hits the floor
And there’s a stain the shape of Mexico where you used to be
There’s a dirty pile of clothing
There’s a nickel on the dresser
There’s a ring around the shower
There’s a broken radiator
There’s a flower on the table
There’s a telephone receiver
There’s a sign above the doorway
There’s a ribbon on the railing
There’s a busted old umbrella
There’s a tape of someone talking
There’s a poorly written letter
There’s a suitcase full of nothing
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10. |
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If you’re building a city
Let me share a few words
You’ll need money and courage
And a whole lot of dirt
Grab a hold of a shovel
And a bag of cocaine
Keep your eyes on the prize now
Cause it’s only a game
If you’re building a city
Start by digging a hole
Make it deeper and deeper
Dig until you see gold
Put the gold in a blanket
Wrap the blanket with rags
Raise the rags to the topsoil
Like some tattered old flag
If you’re building a city
What you need is a grave
Somewhere sacred and silent
All your secrets are safe
Tell your men to find God
And strap his arms round a stone
Send him down there to meet you
A divine bag of bones
If you’re building a city
Climb back out from the earth
Make a list of your assets
And their actual worth
Some will sell for a million
But that ain’t why you’re here
No your job is to make
All this peace disappear
If you’re building a city
Make the people afraid
To stand up for what’s honest
Lest they never get paid
Put their fear on a treadmill
Hook it up to the bank
Stuff their souls in the slammer
Let their auras go blank
If you’re building a city
You can take what you please
Hide your hand as you’re dealing
Bring the weak to their knees
Offer hope of redemption
With a tear jerking tease
And they’ll pay you forever
Because the first one was free
If you’re building a city
Remind me to run
To the opposite skyline
With a flask and a gun
If they ask how you did it
Well I won’t say a thing
Until it all crumbles
And they come for the king
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11. |
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I remember the first time I felt your embrace
My fingers went numb and the blood left my face
The whole city stopped just to watch you arrive
As I fell deep into love with a chill down my spine
For many years after I'd wait for your call
The first day of Winter, the last day of Fall
Short were the days and long were the nights
cozy and warm hiding safely inside
On again. Off again
Three months at a time
On again. Off again
I was yours and you were mine.
Time has a way of breaking things down
Your love buried me like the snow on the ground
We once built a fortress, an angel, a dream
But icicles melt if you know what I mean
Kept trying to leave you in so many ways
As the springwater ran like the tears down my face
What seemed so refreshing, so open and free
Stole the light from my eyes, brought me right to my knees
On again. Off again
Three months at a time
On again. Off again
I was yours and you were mine.
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12. |
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He’s an itchy trigger finger he’s a Sunday drive
He’s a WMD he’s a big surprise
He’s a cat on a hot tin roof he’s the virgin birth
He’s the first one to know and the last man on earth
He’s a V8 with a Hemi he’s a laser guided shark
He’s Babe Ruth without the bottle he knocks it out of the park
He’s drivin’ twice the limit he’s a mushroom cloud
He’s the best way in and the only way back out
He’s a real mother fucker he’s the poster boy
He’s El Niño in three piece he’s the Real McCoy
He’s immune to disappointment he’s unable to stop
He’s allergic to emotion and headed straight for the top
He’s the ring around Uranus he’s the pebble in your shoe
He’s a redeye flight to China he’s tangled up in blue
He’s the Chairman of the Board he’s a renegade cop
He’s flyin’ a 747 while his B2 is in the shop
But he can’t drink hospital coffee
No he can’t drink hospital coffee
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13. |
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So Brilliant So Striking Let’s Paint Something Great
Like Every True Echo Impaled On The Ice
Our Aches About Nothing Fall Under Our Voices
Which Say Yes Despite These Reluctant Poor Eyes
You Ain’t Called Away But Lament How Relieved
Once Bound And Windblown Our Intense Urge Inert
Use Low Light Afoot To Keep Safely Secure
Ride Yonder Make Yesterday Hope Each Hurt Ends
Sweet Rain Rinse Your Embers How Willing Toward
Else Eons Embed Over Years At A Haste
Let Aces Slip Up Even Righteous In Exit
For Dunces To Rest So Delightful This Noise
Don’t Ask Why For Underneath Rides Something Foul
Oh Saints In Elite Prisons Act In Accord
We’re All Teaching Art In Its Greater Locale
Never Nervous How Rare Newly Noble He Lies
Jump Over So Limber Such Wicked Wide Beams
Use Patience Use Image Or Inhale And Act
Slight Errors Can Kill For The Luscious Corrupt
Though No Hope Escapes True Hypocrite Karmic Kings
Owed Before We Were Golden Erased From Despair
Now Our Instant Illusions And Armor Runs Out
Crying Out Let’s Not Zero Sum Everything Wild
Even Killers Love Deeply Each Evil Eyed Night
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14. |
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Take a seat and listen up now let me tell you all a tale
An epic saga for the ages strange and true
There’s a hero and a villain and a battle life or death
In a land that’s not so far from me and you
The legend goes the man who played an unexpected central role
Against the odds as the protagonist therein
He paid a visit to his doctor for a physical exam
When something beeped and caused our story to begin
You see the doctor took a sample of his blood to analyze
Expecting all the normal numbers to appear
But the machine said “OMG” and then the doctor scratched his head
He checked the charts, compared results and cried “Oh dear”
“My friend you have what’s called pre-diabetes,” said the Doc,
“You need to make some hardcore changes to your life”
Aghast, our man took pause a deep reflection setting in,
Then asked politely, “Won’t you help me to survive?”
Pre-diabetes, it’s a bitch
For anyone who loves to eat dessert
Pre-diabetes, a dirty word
Put the milk shake down and no one needs to get hurt
At once the doctor nodded YES and started writing down ideas
Like “take a walk” and “eat your vegetables” of course
Our central character was stunned, it was so simple after all
A few more carrots and a lot more time outdoors
He stood up slow grabbed his coat and made his way toward the door
Took a breathe and thanked the doctor for his time
And at the front desk he made sure they got his next appointment down
Reviewed the date and signed his full name on the line
Now this is where it all gets real, for it was 2 years after that
Until our man-at-arms returned to meet his fate
For over seven hundred days he tried to do as he’d been told
Anticipating it would all be worth the wait
So on the morning of Saint Patrick’s in the year Two Oh One Eight
The doctor checked our brave young patient’s A1C
From 5.9 two years ago it fell to 5.2 today
Which means our friend is now pre-diabetes free
Pre-diabetes, it’s a bitch
For anyone who loves to eat dessert
Pre-diabetes, a dirty word
Put the milk shake down and no one needs to get hurt
Not all stories have a moral some are only borne of chance
Others told for pure effect or comic fun
This one brings a message clear get your glucose checked today
And a couple carrots never killed anyone
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15. |
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I got a million dollar smile that stops a heart at half a mile
So say my shiny silver tongue and pearly whites
I watch the hours come and go until the sun is sinking low
With these two diamonds in the rough disguised as eyes
I hear the supersonic wave that echo all around the caves
Of Quathiaski, Gondolin, and Villa Luz
And when the ultraviolet arcs start bending rainbows in the dark
I take a bite and chew the light ‘til it’s diffused
Do you love me yet? Are you blown away?
Or do I need to get something better still to say
Do you love me now? Are you gonna’ stay?
Or am I going down unless tomorrow
I am somehow so much greater than I am today
I got a birthmark on my back ten inches long to be exact
Of what the world was like before the dawn of man
When I began to stand right here a couple hundred thousand years
Before our senses drew a circle in the sand
My heart was built from solid oak carved out inside and filled with smoke
A magic eight ball for the blind to lead the blind
The winds of change are overhead while on the ground a cigarette
Is burning slowly in the patient hands of time
Do you love me yet? Are you blown away?
Or do I need to get something better still to say
Do you love me now? Are you gonna’ stay?
Or am I going down unless tomorrow
I am somehow so much greater than I am today
Lift up the curtain and I’m certain you will see
The buried treasure you desire
Just help me out first can you tell me how to be
The kind of the main that you admire
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16. |
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Dry your eyes for a minute and sit back slow
I know exactly how you feel
He was just what you wanted where did he go
And how do you begin to heal
Maybe it’s confusing I know you’re tired of losing
You deserve the best my dear
Change is hard I know and you’ve been down so low and
The good news is it’s only up from here
When you fall apart and you can’t go on
And it seems like you can’t tell right from wrong
Take a real deep breath baby hold it in
You can close your eyes and then count to ten
When the tears keep coming like a storm at sea
And your heart’s so heavy it can’t break free
Give it one last look before the light of day
Let it go now baby you can walk away
It ain’t fair on you honey and that’s a fact
Love and luck ran out on you
Ask yourself for a second would you go back
Even now you know the truth
Maybe it’s confusing I know you’re tired of losing
You deserve the best my dear
Change is hard I know and you’ve been down so low and
The good news is it’s only up from here
You wear it like a billboard sign
That says somebody hurt me
I gave it everything I got
But they showed me no mercy
It isn’t gonna’ stay this way
Believe me if you can
All you gotta’ do today
Is just trust that there’s a plan
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17. |
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Pale and bare cold as winter
All the blood from my face
Holding tight as you turn and
You begin to walk away
Pour the night into morning
No more time and no excuse
Stomach turns like an engine
Two flat tires instead of shoes
And I’m riding on rims my body shakes
I’m riding on rims there ain’t no brakes
Sign after sign of all my sins
But I’m doing fine ignoring them
Yeah I’m gonna’ find out how much I can take
Riding on rims
FM dial after midnight
Sixteen stations just for me
Loud and fast through the darkness
Aimless chase in this machine
And I’m riding on rims my body shakes
I’m riding on rims there ain’t no brakes
Sign after sign of all my sins
But I’m doing fine ignoring them
Yeah I’m gonna’ find out how much I can take
Riding on rims
When the tank is finally empty
And even I can’t deny the end
Lift my thumb and walk the highway
Faith is such a fickle friend
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18. |
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Can’t believe you saved my number
Still love the sweet sound of your voice
I could hear old Jake bark in the background
Over all this New York City noise
I wonder if he’d even know me
Two years is quite a while
But some memories last forever
And your bare feet in the sand still make me smile
Well I can drive across the country
Or I can fly so high I can’t look down
But after all the hills and valleys
In the glow of the tail lights on the ground
This heart is ocean bound
Don’t know why I’m hanging on here
Or why I ever left your side
Like a moth drawn to a burning flame
Chasing dreams under flashing neon lights
Well I can drive across the country
Or I can fly so high I can’t look down
But after all the hills and valleys
In the glow of the tail lights on the ground
This heart is ocean bound
City feels so cold and empty
And I’ve spent too much time alone
My bags are packed and I got one foot out the door
Tonight I’m coming home
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19. |
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I meant the words I said to you
You’re beautiful to me
But love is not so simple don’t you know
Never has been and never will it be
No I don’t regret a thing
I hope that you can say the same
Can’t force a feeling that’s a fact
It ain’t your fault that mine have changed
So if you’re looking for the fellow
Who has loved you since the start
If you’re asking for the man
Who’ll always hold you in his heart
Please don’t cry but you got the wrong guy
Unfortunately he is somewhere
Else this very moment
Sure I’ll tell him if I see him
But I’m not who you were hoping
So walk on by, you got the wrong guy
How should a lover look for love
When do we know the time is right
The best advice I’ve heard is try to let it go
Rebuild your happiness inside
And one extraordinary day
When it’s the last thing on your mind
Somebody strange will just appear
You won’t believe the love you find
So if you’re looking for the fellow
Who has loved you since the start
If you’re asking for the man
Who’ll always hold you in his heart
Please don’t cry but you got the wrong guy
Unfortunately he is somewhere
Else this very moment
Sure I’ll tell him if I see him
But I’m not who you were hoping
So walk on by, you got the wrong guy
There’s someone out there in the world
Who needs you just the way you are
I’ll help you find him if you want
So you no longer are apart
He may not look how you expect
Perhaps his arms are full of ink
Or suit and tie might match his eyes
He could be closer thank you think
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20. |
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Lights are low in the harbor now
Today feels like a dream
All alone as the distant sounds
Fill my mind like laser beams
Time is still like the icicles
So bright beneath the stars
Let it all fall away as they
Guide my feet to where you are
But I don’t really feel like talking
And I don’t wanna’ tell you why
Cuz anytime I catch your glances
I see forever in your eyes
The difference in between this moment
And everything I knew before
Extraordinary don’t describe it
You’re everything I need and more
So help me off the floor
So help me off the floor
You’re all I need and more
So help me off the floor
Holding on by a thread tonight
To what I can’t describe
All I know is you took my heart
And broke it open wide
Take my fear take my doubt as well
And take me with you please
Light a flare and let it split the sky
Either side of you and me
But I don’t really feel like talking
And I don’t wanna’ tell you why
Cuz anytime I catch your glances
I see forever in your eyes
The difference in between this moment
And everything I knew before
Extraordinary don’t describe it
You’re everything I need and more
So help me off the floor
So help me off the floor
You’re all I need and more
So help me off the floor
You’re the northern lights the jet stream overhead
A map of where I wanna’ be
So let’s ignite the sky with blue and green and red
The brightest sparks I’ll ever see
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21. |
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Grandpa ran the auction house down in Abilene
Taught me what a dollar’s worth if you know what I mean
Late one Tuesday evening after everyone went home
The auctioneers quit early and they left me there alone
Up there in the attic in between some mason jars
Knocked an inch of saw dust off a beat up old guitar
Buried just like treasure made of wood instead of gold
A chipboard case of magic full of stories to be told
Now everybody says don’t judge the cover of a book
Just needs a little love to sound much better than it looks
You can find me every Friday singing all night at the bar
With brand new strings on an old guitar
Just like mama’s kitchen table made of Southern ash
It took awhile to save enough but it was worth the cash
There was something special in between the worn out frets
And all the roads it’s been down, man it’s anybody’s guess
Well anyone who knows will say guitars are just like wine
The good ones cost a bundle and get better over time
So after several decades up there getting lots of rest
It’s whispering to me that it’s still got a few songs left
Now everybody says don’t judge the cover of a book
Just needs a little love to sound much better than it looks
You can find me every Friday singing all night at the bar
With brand new strings on this old guitar
If this guitar could talk I wonder just what would it say
What kind of secrets would its stories give away
Something about a highway and a stage it can’t forget
Me and this guitar we’re gonna’ make it a duet
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22. |
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If I were a cloud up in the sky
Even in a storm my cloudy eyes would be dry
If I were a shipwreck full of gold
The caterwauls above would never move my poor soul
And if I were a pebble in the grass
Through the verdant hue well only good things would last
Oh if I were a mountain standing tall
The rising tide wouldn’t scare me at all
But I’m made of flesh and blood I’m only skin and bones
Yeah and I’m running with both eyes shut into the darkness alone
Cuz I just can’t take much more here in my tender core
So I’m gonna’ pull the pin and throw it
Open up count down and blow it
Pretty soon it’ll hurt a whole lot less
With this big hole in my chest
If I stub my shit against the bed
Out come the worst words that I have ever said
If I burn my shit upon the stove
Every corner of the world is gonna’ know
And if I get a sliver in my shit
So help me Jesus I will sing about it
But if my heart is in your laser beams
Well the joke’s on you cuz it was blown to smithereens
I’m made of flesh and blood I’m only skin and bones
Yeah and I’m running with both eyes shut into the darkness alone
Cuz I just can’t take much more here in my tender core
So I’m gonna’ pull the pin and throw it
Open up count down and blow it
Pretty soon it’ll hurt a whole lot less
With this big hole in my chest
So what if it gets messy when I wear a clean white shirt
And I can’t stop the bleeding ‘til I’m face down in the dirt
I spent my modest fortune all on band-aids for the wound
But the good news is I ain’t afraid of you
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23. |
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Wandering through a shopping mall early Sunday morning
Starting to listen to a voice I guess I’d been ignoring
And what’s the world look like with crystal eyes
Maybe no one can explain
How tempted am I baby to step across the black line
How tempted are you honey to fly forever back in time
So many seasons, a thousand reasons to let you down
Here we are again
Underneath every stone is a riverbed
And beneath every reason is a word I never said
When the road we’re building is taking us uphill
And the windows that are letting in the light are drawn up tight
The turns we take will make our fall
Close the door for a while, don’t bother to call
Underneath every stone is a riverbed
And beneath every reason is a word I never said
The truth does not need our permission
It shakes you up and shows you how to listen
So many things I don’t know how to do
And what if I look down
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24. |
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It’s not the vapor climbing up the sky
That takes my words away
It’s not the heavy hands of father time
Standing in my way
Ain’t trepidation rejection or lament
That shut me down again
No one would have had a clue
But I can’t lie to you
Like copper casings flying through the night
A concrete sheet of tears
Like lawless lovers blurring all the lines
Untamed and cavalier
Like nothing holy like only you alone
No one would ever know
I tried to see it through
But I can’t lie to you
Erase my number discard my photograph
Tell everyone I’m gone
You were the only drug I ever loved
I knew it all along
It’s not the denim on the cedar floor
Wrinkles everywhere
It’s not the leather hanging off the door
Or the moonlight in your hair
Not some big secret no one must ever know
Guess it’s time to let it go
Well I want it to be true
But I can’t lie to you
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25. |
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I guess I’m blessed if I remember
That I’m not the only one
Who does it all the hard way
Before I drop the loaded gun
Basic instinct doesn’t help me
Surrender never comes to mind
No it seems to take a fair amount of pain
Almost every time
Heaven knows that I forget what makes me happy
God forbid the sun would shine
Hell is holding on too tight to something broken
Oh the heart can be so blind
Yeah this emotional amnesia seems to get me
So I’m asking for some grace
Nothing’s perfect but it might just make the morning
A little brighter anyway
No sooner had I sat here
Beside a window facing east
Than emerged a single blackbird
Out of hiding in the trees
He took one look at his reflection
Then crashed himself into the glass
And as he fell I felt connected
To the shaky soul he was
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26. |
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One day I’ll surprise ‘em all when I catch the good luck blues
Just wait ‘til you see me y’all wearing diamonds on my shoes
Long time since I seen a buck or had a bill to spare
Can’t wait ‘til I’m so deluxe I can’t afford to care
Down low like a submarine so I rewrote the script
Big deal on the movie screen a hot shot on the strip
Stay tuned ‘til it all goes down and comes back round for me
Don’t trip on the green green ground below my money tree
I’m a zillionaire watch the little people climb
Up a zillion stairs just to hit the bottom line
Yeah we’ve all been there about a hundred thousand times
But it’s my turn now gonna’ say it loud I’m a zillionaire
Yes sir there’s a certain smell to dollars on the vine
Well well, it was hard as hell without a single dime
Tough break when the cash ain’t there to plug up all the holes
My my it’s a love affair that I got with the gold
Empty is a dirty word and so are down and out
Fuck me I’m a mockingbird a mile above the crowd
Get caught in the undertow the currents are a bitch
Hell no lemme’ overflow with every kinda’ rich
I’m a zillionaire watch the little people climb
Up a zillion stairs just to hit the bottom line
Yeah we’ve all been there about a hundred thousand times
But it’s my turn now gonna’ say it loud I’m a zillionaire
So I’m buying up all the beaches and I’m renting out the sky
Gimme’ everything I ask for don’t you make me say it twice
They say character is the way you were when no one else was there
But can’t you make an exception babe I’m a goddamn zillionaire
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27. |
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Lynda had a smile like a string of pearls
And a heart like a Georgia peach
Raised with the charm of a Dixie girl
On the North Carolina beach
And the boys were always looking when she passed them by
Every one of them was on his knees
But only one man ever caught her eye
Or got her sweet little heart to beat
She said hey cutie pie be a stand up guy
C’mere and buy a southern girl a shot
My name is Lynda with a Y, I don’t tell no lies
And you and I are gonna’ tie the knot
Well I’m the one you’re gonna’ hold ‘til we both get old
No matter what through the lows and highs
So write my name like I told ya’ on your heart big and bold, yeah
That’s Lynda with a Y
Tommie spent the 80s in the heat of Texas
She was sexy super smooth and smart
Well she got a reputation eating boys for breakfast
And spittin’ out their little hearts
Until she came across a fellow who could call her bluff
And make her tremble when he said her name
Well she could tell that he was tender to the touch but tough
Oh she could feel him running through her veins
She said hey cutie pie be a stand up guy
C’mere and buy a southern girl a shot
My name is Tommie with an I, I don’t tell no lies
And you and I are gonna’ tie the knot
Well I’m the one you’re gonna’ hold ‘til we both get old
No matter what through the lows and highs
So write my name like I told ya’ on your heart big and bold, yeah
That’s Tommie with an I
Now Lynda lived a little longer than her lover did
Left only bittersweet memories
And Tommie’s tender tough treasure after years of pleasure
Slipped away into the deepest sleep
But the magic was that the tragic loss
Didn’t leave anybody alone
Now Tommie and Lynda spend all summer and winter
Trading stories ‘til the cows come home
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28. |
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I never thought I’d say it or believe that it was true
But I guess it really stood the test of time
That to understand a man it takes walking in his shoes
And there ain’t no greener grass on the other side
No and that’s been welcome news to a man who’s got the blues
From his beat up baseball cap down to his toes
But I got no more to lose since day that I lost you
So I guess it’s time I try to let it go
Yeah I did the best I could so I hope it’s not too late
And I’ve heard it said there ain’t no right or wrong
Sometimes I’m just amazed at everything it takes
To get me going back where I belong
Now the first thing I could see when I opened up my eyes
In the color of the early morning sun
Was the picture on the wall of you standing by my side
Ain’t no big surprise my heart was stunned
On a morning just like this when the light came pouring in
And reflected off the letter that you wrote
When I read it every morning and I wonder where you’ve been
All the words feel like they’re sticking in my throat
Yeah I did the best I could so I hope it’s not too late
And I’ve heard it said there ain’t no right or wrong
Sometimes I’m just amazed at everything it takes
To get me going back where I belong
Before I really do get really over you
One question still remains within my mind
Just where do I belong and just what kind of song
Can get me headed back across that line
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29. |
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The heat is rising off the sidewalk
A cotton dress goes skipping by
For just a moment we make small talk
Before we smile and say goodbye
The big blue sky is free and fearless
Without a cloud to weigh it down
As if the world didn’t even hear us
The nights you helped me paint this town
Remember that summer sitting in the sun
Holding hands in front everyone
Racing to the ocean and diving in
The feeling of the water on your skin
Remember that summer walking after dark
And lighting up the night making human sparks
Dancing to the music of a single kiss
Making every moment feel like this
Remember that summer
Nothing like the smell of sunscreen
Mixing with the salty air
The perfect afternoon for ice cream
With a flower in your hair
Remember that summer sitting in the sun
Holding hands in front everyone
Racing to the ocean and diving in
The feeling of the water on your skin
Remember that summer walking after dark
And lighting up the night making human sparks
Dancing to the music of a single kiss
Making every moment feel like this
Remember that summer
January looks so beautiful
November has it’s charm as well
April warms the heart as usual
But summer casts a certain spell
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30. |
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When I’m down to my last hope
And it’s too late to run
When my hands have to let go
And my senses are numb
When the lantern is burned out
And the ship is at sea
When I’d pray but I’m too proud
That’s when she comes to me
And oh do I fight and oh do I rail
And oh how I try to deny that I failed
But oh there’s a light that somehow prevails
Yes and the waves bring her back here tonight
As the wind fills her sails she comes to me
When the night has grown so black
And the air is like dirt
When the weight’s all on your back
And you sweat through your shirt
When it’s all you can ask for
All your strength will allow
When it’s over and you lost the war
And you still don’t know how
And oh do I fight and oh do I rail
And oh how I try to deny that I failed
But oh there’s a light that somehow prevails
Yes and the waves bring her back here tonight
As the wind fills her sails she comes to me
Gimme’ water, gimme’ land
Gimme’ sunlight, gimme’ sand
Gimme’ shelter, gimme’ shade
Gimme’ courage when I am afraid
Gimme’ power, gimme’ truth
Gimme’ wisdom in spite of my youth
Gimme’ love that is honest and tender
Gimme’ honor so I can surrender
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31. |
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This was the last thing that I wanted
There ain’t nothing left to do
Oh babe it hurts like hell to have to do this
But I’m doing it for you
Can’t believe how many pages full of questions
All these details to disclose
But if it gets you moving faster out the door
I’ll tell ‘em what they wanna’ know
Anything to make you happy
Just tell me what it is I have to do
Anything to get your ass to move on out
Because I’m goddamned sick and tired of you
Night after night convicted without a trial
Bare my cross, wear my crown of thorns
So don’t mind me here with my #2 pencil
Sharpened up and filling out these forms
Nothing beats the smell of angst and instant coffee
In the fake fluorescent light
The busted ceiling fan and Marge behind the counter
Fuck me raw what’s not to like
They put your IQ and your shoe size in a folder
And where you were in ‘83
Last time I let somebody bend me this far over
I got a colonoscopy
Anything to make you happy
Just tell me what it is I have to do
Anything to get your ass to move on out
Because I’m goddamned sick and tired of you
Night after night convicted without a trial
Bare my cross, wear my crown of thorns
So don’t mind me here with my #2 pencil
Sharpened up and filling out these forms
Almost chickened out as I handed in the papers
But I’ve come too far to walk away
Behind the counter I saw Marge begin to chuckle
And that’s when she turned to say
Son, I’m gonna’ share a secret
With you before I take my lunch
That chick of yours was in here only yesterday
And that bitch beat you to the punch
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32. |
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Did you know I’ve got nowhere else to go
I am free like a leaf upon the wind
Can we stop moving forward backward or side to side
Lift the needle as the vinyl spins
If I sign along the dotted line
Let the ink shimmer as it’s sinking in
Place my hand on my heart and speak
That I do and it’s true and has always been
I want you and or need you any side effects aside
Well you may or may not know it but I hereby recognize
To such extent I’m able and defined by us of course
On behalf of both our parties countersign that I am yours
No conditions must be levied terms explained or pre-approved
As the regulations vanish I will hereby pledge to you
That effective in this moment without limit or delay
I disclose my full devotion and remit to you the same
I submit as my Exhibit A
I can’t quit give you up or walk away
Study me by pentothal IV
Sure as night will always follow day
You’re the prize inside my Cheerios
You’re the fragile frozen crystal on my nose
You’re the law that I abide within which all my hope resides
You’re the compass everywhere I ever go
And the place my mind went when I read the fine print
Is that this legalese is finally paying off
And the few who ever find it we’ll they’re pleased as punch to sign it
Never mind the rules and rambles this is love
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33. |
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Sometimes good guys make mistakes
And kind hearted women have been known to have bad days
Best intentions don’t always turn out like they should
And real life ain’t much like Hollywood
So if you’re reaching for the stars
Just like fireflies lighting up a mason jar
Nothing beautiful will ever come too easily
But you got everything you need
Oh yes you can, oh yes you can
No one’s standing in your way
It’s your time now so baby go and get it
Stand up strong and let me hear you say
Oh yes you can, oh yes you can
You got everything you need and more
No you don’t have to wait any longer
Here comes everything you’re asking for
Oh yes you can
Look back now, don’t be afraid
At where you came from and where you are today
You got to fly so high there’s no need to turn around
Or ever come back down
Oh yes you can, oh yes you can
No one’s standing in your way
It’s your time now so baby go and get it
Stand up strong and let me hear you say
Oh yes you can, oh yes you can
You got everything you need and more
No you don’t have to wait any longer
Here comes everything you’re asking for
Oh yes you can
Keep it simple now, take it easy now
And the whole world welcomes you
Believe in learning how to rise above the clouds
All your dreams are coming true
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34. |
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Mashed up clam shells everywhere
A hundred miles of silver sand
Staring out into the blue
Feel the texture where I stand
Coastal water clear and cool
The gulf surrounds me far and wide
A clear reflection of the sun
Let it keep me warm inside
Sometimes you walk into something
And it seems a certain way
But then you get to the heart of it
It’s ain’t less beautiful, it’s just how it is
Back home sand is hard to find
The city sun don’t feel the same
Summer sidewalk makes me miss
The way the ocean says my name
Sometimes you walk into something
And it seems a certain way
But then you get to the heart of it
It’s ain’t less beautiful, it’s just how it is
The concrete doesn’t feed my soul
You don’t need to look that deep to see
No matter where I am in the world
The shoals are waiting there for me
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35. |
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His tires are always muddy and the trunk is always full
The back seat looks like hurricane Irene
And all across dashboard and the rusty bumper too
Are souvenirs from everywhere he’s been
There’s a sticker from Atlanta of 101.5
And a Red Wings logo hanging off his keys
There’s a plastic pink flamingo with a little painted smile
That reminds him of the Palm Beach summer breeze
But of all the many memories, the trinkets and the gifts
The one he feels so lucky to possess
Is a heart made out of cardboard with a magic marker list
Of the Reasons Why My Daddy Is The Best
Because he takes me out for ice cream every Sunday afternoon
Lets me sing along with with radio even when I’m out of tune
He helps with all my homework then he lets me play outside
And he wipes away the tear drops anytime I cry
Well this cardboard is too small to write the rest
Of all the Reasons Why My Daddy Is The Best
His beat up stainless thermos is ready every day
Before the sunrise has a chance to break
And he’s picking up a truckload of anything of earth
When there ain’t no one else in town awake
The price of gas is rising way faster than his pay
And he needs a new transmission in a flash
But the 2x4s need hauling and the dirt don’t drive itself
And he’s got no other way to make the cash
Not to mention every morning just before he leaves the house
He gives his little girl a goodbye kiss
And it always keeps him moving until the sun goes down
Remembering that magic marker list
Well it’s paycheck up to paycheck and it never seems to end
So he daydreams of a jackpot every day
But the rent is always early and the refrigerator’s full
And it’s worth it when he hears his daughter say
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36. |
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Call me crazy well I just might be
Yeah, I’m particular about
Just a few things, oh believe me
And you’re so sweet to point it out
But I don’t always need to pick and choose you see
‘Cause there’s one thing in the world
That I love no matter what yeah it always hits the spot
Well I’m talkin’ about you girl
I love you in the morning, I love you in the evening
I love you when the sun goes down on ‘Frisco bay
I love you when you tease me, I love you when you please me
I love you when you swear to God it just ain’t your day
You know there ain’t nothing, nothing more to say
Oh baby I love you any which way
I guess you caught me, good as got me
With all this ketchup on my eggs
And sure I savor the Sunday paper
Yes ma’am, you got me pegged
And when I fall asleep I need your old TV
To sing that static lullaby
But all these foolish things fade away without no strings
When I stare into your eyes
I love you in the sunshine, I love you through the hard times
I love you when the snow falls on the evergreens
I love you when you kiss me, I love you when you curse me
I love you every moment of every hour in between
You know there ain’t nothing, nothing more to say
Oh baby I love you any which way
Now we all have our faults, but I never have second thoughts
When it comes to loving you
Opposites they do attract, I guess that’s a natural fact
No matter what we do
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37. |
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I wish my boss would pay me less
Or make me work a few more hours
And bless me with the kind of stress
That will weaken my will power
How could I want a nicer truck
With any less hard driven miles
And boy that sunshine really sucks
These rainy days are just my style
This life is too perfect I wouldn’t change a thing
I’m so lucky that nobody treats me like a king
And it keeps getting better oh who the hell needs pleasure
Gimme tough luck forever said no one ever
Don’t wake me up before I fall
Yeah strike me out without a clue
And baby just ignore the call
Next time I want to talk to you
I love to feel like you don’t care
Like we don’t even stand a chance
There’s nothing sweeter than despair
Well it sure beats holding hands
This life is too dandy I wouldn’t change a thing
I’m so lucky that no one ever treats me like a king
And it keeps getting better oh who on earth needs pleasure
Gimme bad times forever said no one ever
While the government is doing such good work
And California’s not on fire
Call me crazy if I’m acting like a jerk
But at least I’m not liar, oh no I’m just inspired
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38. |
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These are not lyrics and this is not a song
It doesn’t have a melody
Further and moreover if you argue then you’re wrong
And don’t you try to disagree
Truth isn’t truth and a lie is not a lie
Unless it’s one that I endorse
Let’s face the facts that everyone denies
Alternative of course
This is a witch hunt be on your guard
This is a witch hunt and I’m the star
This is a witch hunt a sad satire
This is a witch hunt a fake song and you’re fired
I am not singing and this is not a verse
And it does not end in a rhyme
Oh believe me this would all be so much worse
Except I got here just in time
This is a witch hunt be on your guard
This is a witch hunt and I’m the star
This is a witch hunt a sad satire
This is a witch hunt a fake song and you’re fired
Only a sucker would read the New York Times
Or trust a thing on CNN
The world’s against me I’m the victim of a crime
It’s not my fault we’re all condemned
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39. |
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When I met you in an instant you became my closest friend
So can you tell me how we’ll ever get our hearts back on the mend
I used to trust you but you shook me to the core and I can’t see
How we’ll ever go together back to how we used to be
For the record I still love you it don’t matter what you’ve done
You’ll always be my favorite color both my moonlight and my sun
On a good day I remember how our bodies intertwine
You hurt me lately but you’re still my baby for the record
The smell of rainfall takes me right back ro how you liked your coffee cold
You made me feel like I was special like I had diamonds in my soul
But now it’s hazy it hurts like crazy whatever will become of me
I’m so afraid that we’re becoming another broken family
For the record I still love you it don’t matter what you’ve done
You’ll always be my favorite color both my moonlight and my sun
On a good day I remember how our bodies intertwine
You hurt me lately but you’re still my baby for the record
I can’t forget but I know I should take the bad with the good
My only option more or less is letting go of all the rest
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40. |
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Let’s be clear it’s a cardinal sin
Not to listen to the voice within
At the bottom of a spiritual well
But I still can’t escape the sound of the bells
I can burn my sails and run the ship aground
But I can’t stop carrying the anchor around
I can taste the clouds and I can touch the sun
But I can’t get high enough to change who I’ve become
Oh reckoning, the rain is coming
Oh, I can feel it in my frame
Oh reckoning, just keep running
Oh, until the hangman calls my name
At the moment when the roof caves in
There won’t be time to blame it on the wind
I had the system at my fingertips
But I’m lost in the vision of a solar eclipse
Oh reckoning, the rain is coming
Oh, I can feel it in my frame
Oh reckoning, just keep running
Oh, until the hangman calls my name
How long have I been running
How long have I been pursued
In the end it’s kind of funny
What it took to learn the truth
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41. |
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When Clinton Street was silent and Chinatown was dead
And all across the city was a song in every head
From Brooklyn to the Bowery on every street in Queens
Eight million drunken prophets in their ripped up faded jeans
Like a beacon at the ocean or a penny on the tracks
A soft reflection of the skyline shining faintly through the cracks
On a perfect Sunday morning we were dancing on a train
Diving deep below Delancey just to sing it out again
And everything is music, everything is light
Everything is rising like driftwood on the tide
When I just surrender and sink down to my knees
Everything is music a distant melody
There were diamonds in the sidewalk and the morning on our side
And everyone was chasing the sparkle in their eyes
Before we smell the flowers they’re sleeping underground
Where the city hides its secrets and they blossom with the sound
And everything is music, everything is light
Everything is rising like driftwood on the tide
When I just surrender and sink down to my knees
Everything is music a distant melody
Like a pair of wilted lilies two hearts beat S.O.S.
The sun pours through the curtains as she is getting dressed
Something so familiar in the perfume of her kiss
On the edge of singing the same song with a twist
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42. |
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How many drinks is it gonna’ take
To get her outta’ your head just one more
At least that’s what you tell yourself
When you hear that voice you can’t ignore
I’ve loved and lost I been down a time or two
Well I know just what you’re going through
And you’ll start drinking again when you’re thinking of them
You’ll get you a bottle and go full throttle
How many drinks is it gonna take one more and then another
To wash away the memory of a lover
How many nights will you lie awake
Before that pain is finally gone away
You know you can’t have a rainbow
Without a little rain
Win some and lose some everybody plays the game
In the end it’s all the same
And you’ll start drinking again when you’re thinking of them
You’ll get you a bottle and go full throttle
How many drinks is it gonna take one more and then another
To wash away the memory of a lover
You ain’t the first one and you sure won’t be the last
To get his heart broke open wide
What don’t kill you can only make you stronger
And that much tougher for the next time
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43. |
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Upon the Blue Ridge Mountains there I take my stand
A rifle on my shoulder cherry blossom in my hand
You can’t put a price tag on another lesson learned
Or the sense of solace when you watch the embers burn
I shake the dust off as the sun begins to fade
And count my blessings just to live another day
Been ‘round in circles like a compass under ground
Turns out the simple life was just waiting to be found
I guess you could say it’s for the best
Take what you want and leave the rest
Seems like a life time since I left it all behind
The concrete shadows don’t look nothing like these pines
So many faces like the pages of a book
I left a piece of me with every step I took
I shake the dust off as the sun begins to fade
And count my blessings just to live another day
Been ‘round in circles like a compass under ground
Turns out the simple life was just waiting to be found
I guess you could say it’s for the best
Take what you want and leave the rest
Don’t miss the dirty streets or crazy crowded bars
Trade all those memories for this canopy of stars
I had all these questions a long, long time ago
But maybe I don’t need to know
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44. |
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My oldest memory is asking how it works
Was there a rhyme or reason why
Some dreams are faded out stuck down in the dirt
And others get to fly
I had a question for anyone who’d listen
Tell me when I’m gonna’ get
What’s in my prayers a million bucks and x-ray vision
It ain’t been delivered yet!
Well it took me many years to find it
And still today I need reminding
Every child at the foot of the bed
Learns what mama meant when she said
Every prayer gets an answer it’s a matter of time
Listen closely I think you’re gonna’ find
Maybe sometimes God says yes
Baby other days the answer ain’t no, it’s just not yet
My buddy Billy who used to live next door
Always got the newest toys
Man I was jealous so I stole his checker board
Sometimes I’m still that little boy
When I returned it he forgave me
On that day God’s grace amazed me
Every child at the foot of the bed
Learns what mama meant when she said
Every prayer gets an answer it’s a matter of time
Listen closely I think you’re gonna’ find
Maybe sometimes God says yes
Baby other days the answer ain’t no, it’s just not yet
So when I tell you that it took me 20 years 11 months
And 7 hours to be exact
To learn that prayer ain’t changing God it’s changing us
Believe me that’s a fact
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45. |
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I’m gonna’ move to a town where nobody knows my name
Spread my wings and start all over again
Yeah lovers love and losers lose, and haters gonna’ hate
I’m gonna’ move to a town where nobody knows my name
Ooh, got my sights on Santa Fe
Ooh, margaritas in the shade
Forget about the he said she said same old gossip game
I’m gonna’ move to a town where nobody knows my name
I’ll cut my hair and buy some brand new shoes
Bet it all on red, yeah what have I got to lose
Wanna’ watch these lights disappear as I drive miles and miles away
I’m gonna’ move to a town where nobody knows my name
Ooh, maybe south to the Florida Keys
Ooh, a little sunshine’s all I need
Forget about the he said she said same old gossip game
I’m gonna’ move to a town where nobody knows my name
– instrumental break –
Forget about the he said she said same old gossip game
I’m gonna’ move to a town where nobody knows my name
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46. |
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When I was blind to love
That’s when she came to me
Somehow she seems to catch
Everything that I can’t see
Sometimes the road up ahead
Gets a little lost through the trees
All of these turns bring me back
Where she speaks for me
She wears glitter in her hair
I wear my heart on my sleeve
But when I just can’t find the words
She speaks for me
In the midst of confusion
Well I can always find
Just as close as a teardrop
The one who is mine
Sometimes the road up ahead
Gets a little lost through the trees
All of these turns bring me back
Where she speaks for me
She wears glitter in her hair
I wear my heart on my sleeve
But when I just can’t find the words
She speaks for me
When I feel just like driftwood
On the sea all alone
She reminds me that I’m never lost
I’m already home
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47. |
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Deep into winter the days get so short
The minutes slip by like shooting stars
Ain’t time for wastin’ it’s like we’re always racin’
To reach the finish line is hard
Been turnin’ screws and burning holes in my shoes
All while the clock is running out
So before the sun sets don’t let me forget
There’s one thing I can’t live without
Well I can’t go fishing ‘til I clean out the garage
Or buy a boat until next year
And I can’t hit Vegas bet it all at the Mirage
Or even try their fancy beer
But no matter what I do or don’t get around to
Baby I’ll make time for you
Got lots of toys from back when I was a boy
That won’t see the light of day again
And folks I’d avoid if I had half a choice
Of how my busy days are spent
Ain’t got the freedom to dance the night away
Gotta’ mow the lawn and pay the rent
Don’t get me wrong I know I’ve got it made
Let me say it once again
Well I can’t go fishing ‘til I clean out the garage
Or buy a boat until next year
I can’t hit Vegas bet it all at the Mirage
Or even try their fancy beer
But no matter what I do or don’t get around to
Baby I’ll make time for you
First thing tomorrow let’s drive out to the lake
And toss our troubles on the tide
Might have to hurry and probably be late
But we’ll be glad we made the time
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48. |
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Today I learned the hard way why everybody says
You shouldn’t play with matches when you’re drunk
Until I grow my beard back it’s anybody’s guess
How many lessons may be still to come
Like don’t switch gas and diesel and don’t fill her up with beer
Those two cost me big at twenty five
At the rate I fix mistakes I’m gonna’ need a few more years
Should know it all by a hundred ninety nine
Then I’ll never break a cell phone or stub another toe
Because I been there done that one too many times
Won’t ever lose my temper or the damn TV remote
On the day I turn one hundred ninety nine
Can’t wait to test the lesson I learned last New Years Eve
On a second chance first date next Friday night
This time I’ll stick to coffee so that I don’t lose the keys
And we’ll take a little midnight moonlight drive
Then I won’t text my crazy ex or go knockin’ down her door
Because it just ain’t worth that seventh glass of wine
Gonna’ be the guy who just does it right ‘cuz he’s seen it all before
On the day I turn one hundred ninety nine
Now I don’t need the answers to the mysteries of the world
Like where my missing socks all run and hide
But the daily do’s and don’ts sure do help me to survive
I can’t wait to turn a hundred ninety nine
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49. |
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A beat up truck on a long dirt road
That’s the place I feel at home
Burning rubber on these city streets
Now my heart is made of stone
Feeling jaded, complicated
Until I turn that FM dial
Hear them singing, gospel ringing
I raise my voice and join the choir
I found God in a country song
A melody that sounds so sweet
Heavy head hanging low from the day
Let that music take my cares away
That first day when I stepped off the plane
I thought I’d found a better life
But love is fleeting and fame don’t last
And cash won’t keep me warm at night
Feeling jaded, complicated
Until I turn that FM dial
Hear them singing, gospel ringing
I raise my voice and join the choir
I found God in a country song
A melody that sounds so sweet
Heavy head hanging low from the day
Let that music take my cares away
Chasing bright lights after midnight
Like a band-aid on a heart
But in the morning you transform me
Like a campfire in the dark
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50. |
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Little house on Maple Street built with these two hands
Forty years ago almost to the day
Didn’t do the best job of following the plan
Split some boards and bent some nails along the way
Thank God our mistakes can be forgiven
And livin’ perfect ain’t the point of livin’
Tear it down and build it up again
Let it fall apart now and then
Learn to surrender and make room for something better
Tear it down and build it up again
The first night in this house we slept right on the floor
Because the moving truck broke down two miles away
Shared my jacket as a pillow and we kept each other warm
Man, I tear up when I think about those days
Patchin’ up our jeans and cuttin’ coupons
Testin’ out the hammock with our boots on
Tear it down and build it up again
Let it fall apart now and then
Learn to surrender and make room for something better
Tear it down and build it up again
These walls were always more than just nails and 2x4s
Our years right here meant so much to me
Rest my hand in yours as we’re walkin’ out the door
Time to say goodbye to Maple Street
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51. |
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Ninety miles from Tulsa where the steak is chicken fried
Found a hideout off the highway and the sign said, "Come Inside"
At the bar a weathered face with a voice like motor oil
Said, "What brings your spinning wheels down around this southern soil?"
I said, "Maybe I don't know you, but I know you've seen some things
Won't you tell me 'bout this town? Must be more than what it seems"
He said, "If I remember right I was working my first night
When I met the one and only Charley Pride
And that spring with all the rain when the roof was caving in
Funny now but I wasn’t laughing then"
Then a hundred other stories and a couple pints of ale
And he poured another while I told a few
He said, "your glass is never empty when you fill it with a tale;
Pretty soon I’ll pour a story 'bout you"
Well I finished up my drink and I looked him up and down
I said, “I'll tell no lies if you pour another round"
Told him I'm from nowhere special as he washed another glass
But I shared about my life since he was kind enough to ask
He said, "I guess that you don't know me, but son we may just find
You got aces up your sleeve and I'm more than meets the eye"
So he talked about the time back in 1969
When they all saw Waylon wasted at the bar
And the 4th of one July when he taught his son to drive
Until he crashed right through the front door in the car
Then a hundred other stories and a couple pints of ale
And he poured another as I told a few
He said, "your glass is never empty when you fill it with a tale
Pretty soon I’ll pour a story 'bout you"
I left a fifty on the counter as I headed for the road
Still laughing from the stories we told
Then before I shut the door I looked over with smile
And said I’ll see you in a hundred thousand miles
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52. |
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Do you know how it feels goin’ nowhere fast?
Running on empty, always finishing last
In a no horse town with nothing to lose
One road leading in but no way out
None of us knew what this life was about
Dazed and confused until I saw you
Just around the corner, right before my eyes
Fell in love with the girl next door, man was I surprised
Finally I see I'm exactly where I need to be
Nowhere is somewhere, when you're there with me
My heart was dead to the world, buried six feet deep
Locked away in a vault ‘til you gave me the keys
I was walkin’ in circles wearin’ holes in my shoes
But you gave me a chance like a break in the rain
Opened up my eyes and everything changed
Now I know where I’m goin’, any place with you
Just around the corner, right before my eyes
Fell in love with the girl next door, man was I surprised
Finally I see I'm exactly where I need to be
Nowhere is somewhere, when you're there with me
Like a fortune teller you know everything I need
The answer to my prayers the reason I believe
You’re my shield and shelter in a raging hurricane
Like a shooting star I can't even explain
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53. |
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You've heard of Folsom Prison, Alcatraz and Gitmo Bay
But none compare to where I did my time
Along Route 66 somewhere out there in the sticks
Picked the lock and left my cell behind
My thumb hitched me a lift on the Skyway good and swift
But we crashed and burned an hour from Purdue
There were body parts and flames all along the interstate
And the rubbernecking started right on cue
Every cop from miles around spun their wheels into the ground
Like a motorcade of rubber gloves and prayer
My fingers and my toes rolled like pebbles on the road
While the vultures circled closer in the air
Hank Williams' lonesome ghost grabbed the Scotch I love the most
As my honky tonkin' heart said adios
Kenny Rogers bet my cash and Willie Nelson smoked my hash
And Jesus drove my ass down to Nashville
When I left those prison walls boy I almost had it all
As the wheels burned rubber south to Mexico
Now I'm cursing my bad luck and that God-forsaken truck
Blown to pieces guess that's sometimes how it goes
Uncle Sam pawned my guitars and he repossessed my car
The D.E.A. locked up my cigarettes and beer
And a man dressed all in white brought a cooler full of ice
So the science lab could take my eyes and ears
The devil stole my soul and before my skin was even cold
The paparazzi shot my centerfold
Mama put my flask on the grave of Johnny Cash
And Jesus drove my ass down to Nashville
As we saw the city lights and the day turned into night
The lord and savior turned to me and said
"I had to leave Chicago 'cause the south is where it's at.
You're welcome and I'm sorry about your head!"
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54. |
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I been slingin' drinks since I learned to crawl
All week it's the same old dance
Every Cinderella lookin' for her fella
But she's never gonna' find her prince
Danny at the door only laughs and winks
That ain't what she came here for
A little bit of fun never hurt no one
And it's all fair in love and war
Well I know it takes two to tango
But you only need one to twist
Every word around turn it upside down
Make you wonder how it came to this
Put your left foot in, take the wrong one out
Before you know it you're doing the splits
Well I know it takes two to tango
But you only need one to twist
Another princess pouts, stops and cries it out
Met a couple Mr. Wrongs tonight
In a plastic crown she throws a 20 down
And runs away with a Corona light
Well I know it takes two to tango
But you only need one to twist
Every word around turn it upside down
Make you wonder how it came to this
Put your left foot in, take the wrong one out
Before you know it you're doing the splits
Well I know it takes two to tango
But you only need one to twist
Danny turns the key about a quarter to 3
As the crowd stumbles out the door
Then he turns around with a broom and a crown
And joins me on the floor
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55. |
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Some nights when the lights go down
Can't put these embers out
Keep trying but I can't forget
The sparks flying in my bed
Broke down when you made me choose
Did what I had to do
Held on to the afterglow
Until it all went up in smoke
That don't mean the flame is faded
In my dreams we light it up again
Roman candles in the rain
Every time it's just like playin' with fireworks
Better quit before it hurts
You told me love is blind
Oh, but you crossed the line
Set fire to the mess I made
Burned up and walked away
That don't mean the flame is faded
In my dreams we light it up again
Roman candles in the rain
Every time it's just like playin' with fireworks
Better quit before it hurts
Bottom line is we left it all behind
Let the pain ignite the fuse
Watch it shine flash and flicker in the sky
Blazed a trail away from you
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56. |
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It's fine you stole my lighter, smoked my last cigarette
Thanks for spilling coffee all across my lap
Glad you grabbed three donuts when I didn't have one yet
And I didn't get you anything
Didn't think twice when you asked if you could use the car
Got a ticket in Tallahassee bless your little heart
Towed it back to Nashville now it won't even start
And I didn't get you anything
You're the sweetest, you're the kindest, you're the icing on the cake
Wanna' shout it from the rooftop, hallelujah you're so great
If they're taking nominations I got yours right here
Presenting Person Of The Year
All my prayers were answered when you stopped by unannounced
Brought your dirty laundry then threw up on the couch
Must have stepped in something 'cuz you tracked it through the house
And I didn't get you anything
It was perfect that you microwaved my hash when you were high
Flushed a pair of tube socks and clogged up all the pipes
Really no big deal we can't have anything that's nice
And I didn't get you anything
You're terrific, you're the finest, you're sweet potato pie
Wanna' yell it from the mountain, you're the apple of my eye
If they're taking nominations I got yours right here
Presenting Person Of The Year
Wonder how I'll ever show my gratitude
Repay good deeds like yours
No thank you cards, no Sunday brunch, that's not enough for you
This calls for so much more
You're fantastic, you're so awesome, you're the dumpling in the soup
Wanna' sing it in the shower, there's no one quite like you
If they're taking nominations I got yours right here
Presenting Person Of The Year
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57. |
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Late in December I tend to remember
Smokin' those Cuban cigars
Never thought twice 'bout the Porsche in the drive
Swimming pool in the back yard
Life sure is funny when you run outta' money
The season's about to get weird
Bought me spot at the mobile home lot
It's a double wide Christmas this year
Double wide Christmas ain't even religious
A trailer fixed up like the Ritz
Mistletoe hangin' and jingle bells rangin'
Twinkies and beer for Saint Nick
Meant so damn much spent my last twenty bucks
Strung up that old evergreen
Got a few branches glowin' then ran outta' dough
No lights on the back of the tree
The broken down Ford's in the gravel next door
Is decked out in red white and blue
Stole me some Jaeger did shots with the neighbors
Tossed tinsel all over the roof
Built me a fire in a pile of old tires
Hope all the reindeer don’t freeze
Three holiday cheers for a Happy New Year
A double wide Christmas for me
Double wide Christmas the warmest of wishes
A trailer fixed up like the Ritz
Mistletoe hangin' and jingle bells rangin'
Twinkies and beer for Saint Nick
Meant so damn much spent my last twenty bucks
Strung up that old evergreen
Got a few branches glowin' then ran outta' dough
No lights on the back of the tree
Santa come save me it's drivin' me crazy
I'm two months behind on the rent
Tried to get flashy but ain't got the cash
It's a double wide Christmas again
Double wide Christmas can I get a witness
A trailer fixed up like the Ritz
Mistletoe hangin' and jingle bells rangin'
Twinkies and beer for Saint Nick
Meant so damn much spent my last twenty bucks
Strung up that old evergreen
Got a few branches glowin' then ran outta' dough
No lights on the back of the tree
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Entire collection of original songs written and recorded week by week for Song A Week 2018, an international songwriting group.
released February 12, 2019
Written, performed, engineered and mixed by James Tristan Redding and, where applicable, a co-writer as named per song. Words and music copyright 2018 by James Tristan Redding. Registered with BMI. All rights reserved.
