Rolled into town
With a chip on my shoulder
Big as a boulder
Footloose and free

I went to my woman
I stood there and told her
I thought we should fold her
Now it's just me

Love isn't easy
It's more than a game
You play what you're dealt
And there's no one to blame
Do something wrong
It's more of the same
Love isn't easy for me
NO....Love isn't easy for me

Needed some time
Found an old city bar
me and my guitar
Had two shots and a beer

Had me a drink
From an old, cracked fruit jar
Thick as coal tar
What it was, wasn't clear

Love isn't easy
It's more than a game
The players may change
The result's still the same
Think too ******* it
It'll drive you insane
Love isn't easy for me
NO...Love isn't easy for me

Went to the jukebox
Put some cash in
It was just then
my phone, signalled me

My ex said hey baby
Let's try it again
I counted to ten
It's my guitar and me

Love isn't easy
It's a new kind of hell
You think you're ok
But, you never can tell
Instead of in love
I wish I'd just fell
Love isn't easy for me
NO...Love isn't easy for me


Rolled into town
With a chip on my shoulder
Big as a boulder
Footloose and free

There was a knocking on my bedroom door
It was almost ten past three
I thought it was a dream, so I
just ignored it...went to ***

I came back to my bedroom
And in my corner chair
Sat a Christmas ghost I'd seen before
I acted though he was not there

I looked at him and then it dawned
You're number three of all the ghosts
He said that nothing much had changed
The others were working up the coast

He said since his last visit
I'd gotten somewhat worse
And that the chance of my salvation
was far outnumbered by my curse

You don't believe in Christmas
You're not one we can change
On a scale of one to ten sir
you're not even in the range

The others figured what the heck
You go, you don't need us
It's only been one Christmas
So, there's no need for us to fuss

He told me Scrooge, you're awful
You make what skin I have left crawl
You're so close to the bottom now
You'd have to go up just to fall

I told him you're mistaken
I donate, and then...what's more
Scrooge is my next door neighbor
He's one house down at forty four!!!!

A friend dropped by my shop today
looking for some grooming muck
I told him where to find it
And that he was just in luck

I said "is it a present?"
He said "no, it's for me"
I said, it's cream and shaving gels
You're talking stupidly

He told me that he manscaped
What the hell is that I said
It's a man's way of new grooming
From his feet up to his head

He told me he got waxed "down there"
I cringed and just said ouch
With out hair on our *****
Men just slide off of the couch

He said he kept himself real clean
In case the situation did arise
where his tan lines were quite visible
and showed white down on his thighs

He talked to me of ointments
and of implants in his pecs
i started going la la la
when he started talking ***

i told him do not tell me
of the grooming down below
we're friends, but there are some things
even friends don't want to know

i told him that my father
told me keep it clean down there
and never, ever, ever,
take a scissor to that hair

a woman wants a manly man
and i am certain of this sir
a woman will not ***** you
if you're prettier than her!!!!

There is a point we reach in life
where we lose more than we gain
be it people, money, teeth or hair
We need to treasure what remains

If it's hair that we have lost
And our scalp is now exposed
we need to deal with what is left
and make our style not look posed

Teeth, now there's a mouthful
A subject that will make me smile
I left mine on a hilltop
And they've been up there a while

Money, what is there to say
That has not been said before?
The sinking dollar and inflation
Adds me to the working poor

But family, yes I said family
More die now, we're at that age
When we attend too many funerals
Instead, no weddings take the stage

Treasure your belongings
Your teeth, money and hair
But, remember all your loved ones
One day, they won't be there

On Christmas Eve, the street was dead
Most folks were home or gone
The buildings all were empty
That is, except for one

Gianni kept the lights on
As he did most every night
To let the people of the street
Know that everything's all right

Gianni's was a haven
A safe house for the street
The residents were welcome
And there was always a free seat

On Christmas Eve, though magic...
would take place inside the back
For each Christmas Eve at midnight
They'd get more than Santa with his sack

Precisely at the hour
When Christmas Day became the date
The house lights dimmed just slightly
As if by magic, or by fate

There on stage with Gianni
Sat the Bluesman and a band
Some only played this concert
It was the best one in the land

Hymns and Christmas carols
Sung like angelic odes of joy
And as always ...there's the Bluesman
Smiling, looking just a little coy

You never knew his secrets
There was always more than he would show
And most folks would pay a fortune
To know just what this man did know

Holy, Holy, Holy,
and songs from years gone by
were mixed with hymns that grabbed your heart
and made most folks there cry

It was invitation only
Just the folks from on the street
The locals didn't post it
It was kept quiet.... indiscreet

He played for near three hours
His little band of odds and sods
Singing songs of Christmas
Singing songs to God

He always had his med-sin
that small flask was by his side
And Gianni, every watchful
made sure it never did go dry

The Bluesman, stopped the concert
the room was quiet, all subdued
And everyone just sat there
I swear, not one person moved

He opened up the window
Pointed to the brightest light
He said "another saviour may be born"
"And it may just be tonight"

It was on a night like this my friends
That Mary did give birth
When Jesus Christ, our saviour
was given life right here on earth

My music sends a message
To all, both near and far
The same message was sent years ago
By one bright shining star

Gianni, led them all outside
And they stared into the sky
Silent Night indeed, Gianni thought
And then the Bluesman bid goodbye

He went back through the kitchen
To where he slept most winter nights
Where Gianni, gave him refuge
You know it's safe....from the bright lights.......

Alice was walking
At the back of her yard
when she spotted a gnome
well....standing guard
she knew she was gnomeless
she had a ball and a stone
but there in her garden
was a short, stocky gnome
he knew that she saw him
he tried not to blink
he stopped all his breathing
this'll fool her i think
she walked down the garden
stopped ten feet away
looking close at this person
who was dressed in green gray
she thought, this is crazy
a gnome in my yard
it was then that he moved
and he held out his card
she looked at the writing
it did her no good
it was written in gnomish
and only gnomes understood
the stare off continued
and then she asked loud
who are you, you gnome you
standing so proud
he said, i am biffles
at your service i am
in the back of your garden
here in East Ham
she said, why my garden
what is special to you
about my dear roses
and my runner beans too
he said, that a meeting
of the higher up gnomes
was being held there that night
there were elves and some pixies
and some twenty odd sprite
they were there all around her
though they couldn't be seen
watching her closely
in ten shades of green
well, biffles ...young sir
what is your job while here
you aren't at the meetings
what do you do my dear
i am sargeant at arms
when we're here or at home
i guess you could call me
(wait for it)
yep...i'm a guardin' gnome

Ever since time began
Man looked to the stars
At Saturn and at Jupiter
And at Venus and at Mars

I know each star up in the sky
Each star is a bright flame
It's the spirit of someone you've lost
And each star now has a name

A star's a spirit waiting
To start again, for a rebirth
A star's a soul of someone
Who will soon return to earth

Even if the sky is dark
And the stars are hidden for the night
I look up through the inky shroud
And see them twinkling oh, so bright

My list of star names grew
A little more this year
Which makes the sky much brighter
And makes it seem so near

I look up in the heavens
I think of who they next will be
And hope that one day in the future
Someone thinks the same of me....

The old man sat in the darkness
Taking in what he could see
He smiled, although slyly
And he leaned in close to me

He said the air is different
You can taste it here abouts
Listen close to what's around you
The air is different...there's no doubt

I didn't understand him
He spoke in concepts, not in words
He talked of feeling the emotions
Of people running 'round in herds

He said, I've been here sixty years now
Seen people come and people go
I used to be the barkeep
But, then that's something that you know

I've seen Elvis and The Beatles
Seen Presidents and Kings
I've seen hearts torn all asunder
And the pain that a war brings

I saw Kennedy on that TV
That, one behind your head
I watched him drive on straight through Dallas
And moments later he was dead

This place was just dead silent
On the day that that man died
And hand to god I'll tell you
I was all torn up inside

I saw soldiers in that Vietnam
Fighting for what? I don't know
I saw them on that TV there
I watched them lining up to go

I saw them having rally's
Taunting those who had the guns
I saw them bringing back the caskets
Of the now dead, teenage sons

That TV showed me lots of stuff
It never strayed far from the news
It always shows the Tigers game
I turn it up to hear the boos

I saw King and Bobby on that set
Taken way to young
God, it would have been a different world
To see what things they might have brung

I sat back and I listened
The old man, went on a while
He waved ******* skyward
And said, two more beers ...with his smile

My life has been a good one
I've been alone, except for here
I watch the outside on that set
It was then, we got our beer

I remember back when Elvis died
He was the best back in the day
But, me I liked Sinatra
Dean Martin, Bob and Ray

There was folks in here all crying
singing songs, and holding hands
on various occassions
from Lennons death, to Bobby Sands

I never really took part
In the lives of those who came
To spend their time here with me
I only knew a few by name

My job was just to serve them
Not to be their new best friend
I guess that's why I sit here still
Watching, waiting for the end

That set has shown me good and bad
That one, behind your head
It hasn't worked for fifteen years
We got a new one in instead

It's there as a reminder
more to me, than those still here
That life is for the living
And I'm alive while I am here

He rose and turned back to me
Said, it's time for us to close
I'll be back again tomorrow
To watch more highs and maybe lows

I watched the old man shuffle
To his room, and to his bed
Past the TV he saw life on
On the wall behind my head.

A month ago I sat in class
in a New England School for boys
Now, I'm in a bomber group
Adjusting to the noise

I made plans for Harvard
A doctor, I would be
Then my life would turn
In a way I didn't see

The war was on in Europe
We saw in the press
But, 18 days before Christmas
we were pulled into the mess

Future plans were put aside
Our country we'd support
We'd forget all of our future thoughts
We'd join, though not for sport

We signed up down in Boston
Young men flyers, soldiers all
Preparing for a battle
Many would not live till fall

We thought not of our future
Our present, all we had
Many dead by Christmas next
The thought is truly sad

You do not what you want to
But, what needs to be done
You go from boy to man so fast
You've barely walked...now run

Think back on those who made it
Remember who did not
Young men they are forever
They deserve a longer thought

The air is pure and holy
It is scattered with young souls
Boys, now men who went to war
And put aside their goals

I read some poems on here
That would just be up his street
Scrooge would love so much to read
How you all deal with defeat

Not everyone, mind you, you know
Just those, we all ignore
you know ...the suicidal ones
who are in *****, upon the floor

i got dumped and i just want
to **** myself ...they say
if you write it down on here, i guess
you won't do it anyway

Scrooge would love the way
They talk of copulation
He'd just sit back and say
Then let them reduce the population

They threaten to go off the rails
Though, I think some might be done
They talk of doing things, slowly
Have they not heard of a gun ?

Scrooge would love the way they cry
When they don't get their own way
He'd be hooked on this, because you find
Five hundred...every day

He'd suggest we re-institute
The mills and the poor houses
So, he would have to listen to
The stories of these louses

A topic of importance would be
Something, he would write
of money, pestilance and then
he'd say...GOOD NIGHT

I figured that the best person
To speak on who i was
is me, because of all my friends
i feel the greatest loss

i lose the chance to grow old and
spend more time with my wife
i feel i disappointed her
by not completing all my life

i think i was a funny guy
i gave more than i took
although you all may disagree
please take another look

i lived my life on my own terms
having married, only twice
i kept my temper mostly
and i think, i'm rather nice

i like to have a laugh or two
and spend time with a drink
i write about my feelings
i write down what i think

but, when all is said and done in life
from all that i can see
the best one to speak on how i was
in my defence....is me!

bells are ringing
hear the sound
i'm listening
six feet under ground
i've got a problem
so i've found
no one quite wants me around

i'm a challenge
i've sold my soul
but, i'm still waiting
in this hole
i hear the ringing
i'm set to go
but, i'm still waiting
in this hole

heaven don't want me
and hell ain't ready
not quite yet
hell ain't ready
sitting waiting
i'm ready teddy
heaven don't want me
and hell ain't ready

shot a man
because he crossed me
beat another
cause he bossed me
had a wife
but, now she's lost me
i'm stuck waiting in this hole

fought a war
that had no winner
i'm not a saing
i'm just a sinner
i choked to death
while eating dinner
i'm down here waiting
getting thinner
i'm stuck here in this hole


heaven don't want me
and hell ain't ready
not quite yet
hell ain't ready
sitting waiting
i'm ready teddy
heaven don't want me
and hell ain't ready

hell ain't ready
for me to go there
hell ain't ready
for what i'll do there
hell ain't ready
i think it ain't fair
i'm waiting in this hole
i'm ready, set to go
just waiting in this hole
but,,,hell ain't ready


heaven don't want me
and hell ain't ready
not quite yet
hell ain't ready
sitting waiting
i'm ready teddy
heaven don't want me
and hell ain't ready

Dancing with The Devil

Remember, dancing with the devil
In life will take it's toll
For, dancing with the devil
In the end will take your soul
Many who have done it
Reached the top only to die
Many souls we thought in heaven
Could never get that high

The Forever 27 club
playing in the band
Janis, Jim and Jimi
In hell, oh....ain't it grand
We thought them all as angels
But, the truth it rings a bell
They were dancing with the devil
And they ended up in hell

you start hearing the background music
and the devils in your head
shut your mind to everything
forget the words he's said
if he gets you dancing, it's not long till you'll be dead
when you're dancing with the devil in your head
just look at all the others that he's led
don't be dancing with the devil in your head

Cobain and Amy Winehouse
Oh yeah, they're down there too
Brian Jones and others
Playing hard rock and the blues
Sell your soul to Satan
Where you go...you do not choose
If you spend time with the devil
It's nothing but bad news

Remember, dancing with the devil
In life will take it's toll
For, dancing with the devil
In the end will take your soul
Many who have done it
Reached the top only to die
Many souls we thought in heaven
Could never get that high

you start hearing the background music
and the devils in your head
shut your mind to everything
forget the words he's said
if he gets you dancing, it's not long till you'll be dead
when you're dancing with the devil in your head
just look at all the others that he's led
don't be dancing with the devil in your head

There's others there who did the dance
Hit the crossroads, sold their soul
Drugs and drink and suicide
That's how this devil rolls
Some may get redemption
For the things they do in life
they sold out with their talent
They were dancing on a knife

The band is hot, and so's the place
They play here every night
We wish they were in heaven
But, deep down you know I'm right
Elvis, yes, the king is here
He did drugs and did the dance
Now, he's singing for the devil
He never had a chance

you start hearing the background music
and the devils in your head
shut your mind to everything
forget the words he's said
if he gets you dancing, it's not long till you'll be dead
when you're dancing with the devil in your head
just look at all the others that he's led
don't be dancing with the devil in your head

Remember, dancing with the devil
In life will take it's toll
For, dancing with the devil
In the end will take your soul
Many who have done it
Reached the top only to die
Many souls we thought in heaven
Could never get that high

So many tortured people
So many who did wrong
They traded with the devil
For the price of just a song
Rock and Roll in heaven
Has a great band, just the same
But, with Janis, Jim and Jimi here
They just don't have the game.

don't get caught dancing with the devil in your head
the music's great, but you will end up dead
don't get caught dancing with the devil in your head
don't get caught dancing...don't ever get caught dancing
don't get caught dancing ...with the devil ....i your head.

Dangerous roads
and starless nights
a/c out
and faulty lights
squeaky brakes
a seat that bites
you can take your truck and stuff it

endless circles
lonely bi ways
without a net
on the highway
it's time that i just
did it my way
you can take your truck and stuff it

you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
right there where the sun don't shine
you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
it's not your life that's on the line
you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
right there where the sun don't shine
you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
i'm on my way....and that's just fine

paperwork
time delaying
canvas straps
constantly fraying
you ***** to me
but i hear naying
you can take your truck and stuff it

life's short
i'm not waiting
takes too much
to keep berating
i'm getting *******
and we're not dating
you can take your truck and stuff it

you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
right there where the sun don't shine
you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
it's not your life that's on the line
you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
right there where the sun don't shine
you can take your truck and stuff it sideways
i'm on my way....and that's just fine

i've lived three hundred lifetimes
i know three hundred ways to die
I can't stop coming back here
I know, because I've tried

An endless cosmic circle
Where my soul is on the move
I've lived three hundred lifetimes
I'm stuck in an empty, hollow, groove

I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, but I can't tell
I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, in times deep well
I'm lost....so lost
I'm lost...so lost

I've come back as a sailor
Then I drowned while out at sea
I've come back as a mother
died in pregnancy

Each time, there is a feeling
That I've been in this place in time
I can't explain the feeling
I'm in a groove, not on a line

I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, but I can't tell
I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, in times deep well
I'm lost....so lost
I'm lost...so lost

I know that I have met you
Once or twice our paths have crossed
There's a feeling that surrounds you
But, still I feel that I am lost

After three hundred seven lifetimes
Before I'm in the ground
I've got a feeling that we're special
I'm lost as lost, but, not quite found

I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, but I can't tell
I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, in times deep well
I'm lost....so lost
I'm lost...so lost

You know, I didn't even know it
That I was lost, until you came
into my life and found me
because you too had felt the same

Until you came along and found me
I didn't know I was lost...but you
Came into my life and found me
I guess that's what soul mates do.

I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, but I can't tell
I'm lost, but I don't know it
I'm lost, in times deep well
I'm lost....so lost
I'm lost...so lost

Way down south
beneath the line
where stories muddle up
with time
there are some trees

leaves of green
and flowers white
decorate the
southern night
from these trees

branches marked
but not by time
burned out by
jute and knotted twine
from these trees

close your eyes
and think when
these trees
were weapons of the men
these trees

nothing grows
out from the root
of these trees
no strange fruit
on these trees

once the fruit
that hung up here
filled many folks
with mortal fear
of these trees

not apples, pears
grow here today
and no strange fruit
of Billie Holliday...
grow on these trees

Went drinking alone at the tavern
all by myself drinking beer
When suddenly out on the dance floor
A denim clad angel appeared

I watched when she went to her table
Bought a beer and I asked to sit down
I mumbled some lame words of greeting
As I looked into her eyes deep and brown

she looked at me and said

you gotta do better than that boy
if you want me to follow you home
if that's the best that  you got boy
then you're gonna end up home alone
you've got to work harder to get me
i'm not one who falls for cheap lines
if that's all you've got then forget me
you need game or you're riding the pines

i made my way back to the barstool
ordered a beer and a shot
the bartender smiled and he said bud
you don't look like you did quite so hot

i smiled, and i ordered another
forgot all the cheap, cheesy lines
then i wandered on back to her table
i was giving off all the wrong signs

she looked at me and said

you gotta do better than that boy
if you want me to follow you home
if that's the best that  you got boy
then you're gonna end up home alone
you've got to work harder to get me
i'm not one who falls for cheap lines
if that's all you've got then forget me
you need game or you're riding the pines


i gave up and i went to my bar stool
maybe i should give up, she was right
then a redhead sat down right beside me
and she smiled, so it may be my night

i looked over and saw the girl watching
as i treated the girl with success
it was then that the first one came over
and that's when it became a big mess

she looked at me and said

i was ready to leave here  beside you
getting her was not what i meant
you've game to keep up my interest
you just missed on the signals i sent

and i said

baby, if you want to come with me
you had your chance twice, and you passed
i smiled at the red head beside me
and i said we should leave, and leave fast

we've been together for nearly a decade
and it started with one corny line
i smile when i think of her answer
it was almost as corny as mine

she looked at me and said

you've got to do better than that babe
if you expect me to leave on your arm
but, i've time to teach you the right way
and to be the one who may fall for your charm
i think that you have some potential
lose the lines and you'll improve your game
it was then that she grabbed my hand lightly
and it was then that she told me her name....

Every time I get
your invitation
my heart it skips a beat
it's true my dear
i go and buy my ticket
my motivation
is to ride old thirty nine
again this year

it's funny how life moves on
never waiting for the song....to end
it's funny how life moves on
strangers on a train
and life moves on

one weekend every year
no communication
it's something that i just
don't understand
we go our separate ways
no commisseration
loving you this way
just wasn't planned

One day we will have to say
that it is over
we can't fool ourselves
we've gone to far
but, for now each year
i await your letter
longing for the day
that you'll be near

There's a meadow past the village
On a hill...where magic swarms
You can see it on a summer night
When the clouds predict the storms
Life from time eternal
Starts appearing in the field
Gnomes and bluebell fairies
and the magic that they yield

You can see them from the village
Dancing in the moonlights glow
You can see the lightning jumping
You can see the ebb and flow
The pixies and the fairies
Folk who are part of their own world
Light up the distant meadow
As the magic is unfurled

Daisies and soft bluebells
fill the meadow in the sun
there is clover and some dragonflies
And young children having fun
The magic folk are hiding
Lights are hid, and tucked away
Until the humans in their world
Pack to end the day

It's then, from down the village
That the meadow lights begin
Where the magic lights the sky up
In the early gloaming din
If a human breaks the borders
Coming out and much too near
The lights go dark...and silent
For the magic world has ears

There are sentries in the meadow
All unseen to you
That alert the makers of the lights
When the humans are in view
there is magic in the meadow
magic lanterns are set free
where the world becomes a canvas
Of dancing lights for all to see

My boy said "dad, we need to talk"
"There's something you should know"
I thought I know just what he'll say
Let's see where this talk goes

I'd practiced in the bedroom
What I'd say when this time came
How I'd use big words like respectful
But, it still sounded kind of lame

He said "Dad. I've lived a secret life"
"I've been in the closet for some years"
I swallowed, and I tried to speak
But, I was fighting back the tears

He'd always dressed ....well different
A little flashier than most
It was a good thing Ma was gone
Or...this boy...he would be toast

He said "Dad, I like Willie"
I felt myself go weak and shake
"In fact I like Johnny too"
I knew we'd made a big mistake

We took him to a broadway show
When the boy was only ten
Now, here he's liking Willie
And he's now, well...one of them

"Paisley"..."that's a favorite"
Why couldn't he just like blue?
"Sugarland"....that's a given
what the hell was I to do?

When he said "Don't worry"
"It's not as bad as it may seem"
I thought my son likes Willie
This is surely a bad dream

I knew the talk was trouble
It was the same back with my Dad
But, when you hear 'bout Johnnies willie
Well, this talk was going bad

I sat down and I smiled
I said "you know I love you all the same"
"But., there never was a sign at all"
"it's all on me....I take the blame"

He said "it's not that big a deal"
I thought ...he must be nuts
But nuts, well he'd like them too
But, the boy...he has some guts

I told him I'd support him
And would accept his lifestyle choice
He said, "Dad. what do you mean?"
I said...i accept that you like boys

He laughed and said, "you're wrong there"
He laughed...was nearly sick
I'm telling you ....though it is hard
I like country music

I said "but you like Willie"
he said "yeah, and so should you"
"I like Johnny Cash and Sugarland"
"I like Brad Paisley too."

My heart was back to normal
I said "I'm glad we had this chat"
He said, "it sure was different"
we shook hands...and that was that

witches witches everywhere
how many do you see
there's witches in the garden
hiding in a tree

there's witches playing football
witches having tea
witches walking down the beach
witches swimming in the sea

all around us witches
some are hidden
some are not
i have discovered lately
of witches....there's a lot

witches drinking coffee
witches at the store
witches at the doctors
witches sitting on the floor

witches flying broomsticks
and witches driving cars
witches riding bicycles
witches hiding in the stars

there's witches having picnics
witches playing in the park
witches lighting fireworks
witches dancing in the dark

witches running races
and witches playing games
witches riding horses
with funny witchy names

on hallowe'en the witches
get together, one and all
and while the kids are trick and treating
they watch movies at the mall

there's witches almost everywhere
you have to look and see
now, count up all the witches
did you get the same as me?

It seems like only yesterday
That she left me all alone
The doctor said it won't be long
It was then I dropped the phone

I rushed to be there with her
She said "just hold my hand,don't cry"
"I promise I won't leave you"
"look for me in the sky"

Look for me me  in the skies
For that is where i'll be
I never will forget you
You will feel me in the breeze

Look for me  in the skies

The stars will burn much brighter
The wind will muss your hair
Look for me  in the skies
For, darling I'll be there

I felt her grip grow weaker
as she slowly slipped away
i whispered that I loved her
and in my head I heard her say

Look for me me  in the skies
For that is where i'll be
I never will forget you
You will feel me in the breeze

Look for me  in the skies

The stars will burn much brighter
The wind will muss your hair
Look for me  in the skies
For, darling I'll be there

she's gone now, but still with me
i can hear her in the trees
she is watching me from up above
she is living in the breeze

at night the stars are brighter
i look up each night and pray
i still can smell her perfume
and I still can hear her say

Look for me me  in the skies
For that is where i'll be
I never will forget you
You will feel me in the breeze

Look for me  in the skies
For that is where I'll be
I never will forget you
as you remember me.

The Funny Man lies dormant
When the Dark Man come around
The Dark Man is oppressive
The Funny Man goes to ground

The Funny Man is hiding
From The Dark Man deep inside
The Funny Man can't beat him
The Funny Man has tried

The Funny Man's a rainmaker
Bringing laughter where it's not
The Dark Man is a monster
Full on vindictiveness and rot

The Funny Man is fragile
The Dark Man knows it's true
The Funny Man needs attention
The Dark Man needs it too

The Funny Man is worldly
But just what makes him laugh
The Funny Man is honored
When you get his autograph

The Dark Man needs no thank you's
The Dark Man has a goal
He will beat The Funny Man to a pulp
And The Dark Man gets his soul

The Funny Man is a fighter
He will give it his best try
But in the end The Dark Man takes control
And the Funny Man must die.....

Today I got a message
from a friend in poetry
if you get a request to be my friend
i'll tell you it's not me
there's another person out there
who's playing at a game
he's gone and made a copy
of me with the same name

i thought on this a while
our Johnni's not alone
there's a version of him out there
Our Johnni has a clone
Of all the people out there
why did he chose to be
Johnni Stanton esquire
why did he not choose me?

Imagine now...two Johnni's
riding scooters down the street
Giving Johnni Stanton scowls
To everyone they meet
Johnni earned his reputation
Through all the things that he has done
And if you ask me my opinion
I think there's room for only one

So, I'll keep checking for that someone
Who will ask a friend like ne
And will report that cloned imposter
To the powers there that be
There only is one Johnni
There's no room for any more
He's our impassioned, mad curmudgeon
All the way through to his core.

one religion, two religions
three religions, four
i;ve got lots and lots of choices
and more are coming to my door
follow us, believe in me
our church, knows the true way
I've got last supper steak knives
what else is there to say?

tv preachers in their pulpits
selling religion like a game
like the Catholic church indulgences
What they sell is still the same
Buy my onyx desk set
it will put you on the path
i sit at home and watch them
and God, I have to laugh

Wars are fought about who's God
Is better in the end
But, it's the same God and same son
that God chose for to send
Holy Ghosts and miracles
Generated for the flock
I bet dear old Pope Peter
Is just spinning 'neath his rock

Put a thousand prophets
in a room with the same book
and you'll get a thousand versions
of where to go and where to look
Religion is a business
Don't sell yourself to me
I believe in God Almighty
In the sky, or in a tree

I'll do penance if I'm told to
not because I didn't buy
the Bob Ross painted version
of the angels in the sky
I tried to follow Buddha
Because, like me, he's kind of fat
But, I couldn't cross my legs that way
It hurt me when I sat

Jehovah's, get me riled
Coming round right to my door
Giving me their magazine
Not saying what it's for
There are so many religions
None is right and none is wrong
But, truth be told I like the ones
That have a guy who hits a gong

Atheists, are different too
They don't believe in God at all
So, who's name do they yell out
When they get walloped in the *****?
I'd like to see religion
get monitored and have rules
like, how each group can advertise
and have a list of union rules

Don't tell me one is better
Be it Budhist or another
Deep down, regardless of belief
you are my sister, or my brother
Finally, the mormon church
Has elders, they're young men
For this I'd just love God to say
I'm coming down....to start again

Staring out the window
through the raindrops and my tears
i see my past go by me
as I travel through the years

I'm sitting on a greyhound
all I own is down below
The darkness hides my bruises
and my inner scars don't show

I tell myself "it's time"
I know just where I'm at
I tell myself "it's time"
I know it's time that....

It's time that I took back my life
It's mine..**** it...mine
It's no one elses...it's my life
It's time...yes...it's time
I'm taking back my life at last
Once again I will be me
I'm gonna find out who I was
It's time that I was free

Married nearly fifteen years
with a dozen blackened eyes
More broken bones than I could count
Fixed by I love you....broken lies

I still don't know just what I did
To have love shown this way
I buried myself deep inside
I hid my life I guess you'd say


I tell myself "it's time"
I know just where I'm at
I tell myself "it's time"
I know it's time that....

It's time that I took back my life
It's mine..**** it...mine
It's no one elses...it's my life
It's time...yes...it's time
I'm taking back my life at last
Once again I will be me
I'm gonna find out who I was
It's time that I was free

He doesn't know just where I am
In fact, neither do I
And watching through the rain streaked glass
It's easy now to cry

The nurses called the cops this time
Gave me money...and said run
He'll spend the night in lockup
And you'll be gone before the sun


I tell myself "it's time"
I know just where I'm at
I tell myself "it's time"
I know it's time that....

It's time that I took back my life
It's mine..**** it...mine
It's no one elses...it's my life
It's time...yes...it's time
I'm taking back my life at last
Once again I will be me
I'm gonna find out who I was
It's time that I was free

I have never had this feeling
Not in many many years
There's a voice deep down inside
That's been stifled by my fears

I'm taking back my life from you
I'm me and not your wife
I'm no longer your old punching bag
I'm taking back my life...
I'm taking back my life
I'm taking back my life

ever since the day i saw you
wrapped up oh so tight
you've had me wrapped around your finger
and man, it just feels right

you sing and dance when i play music
though you do not know the words
the things you do just make me smile
you flap around just like the birds

you are my little big man
my little big man you will stay
you'll have that name forever
my little big man...every day
i love the way you smile
and the way you make me feel
you are my little big man
know my love for you is real

you do things and i tell you off
you stomp about and start to cry
you spend time there in the corner
looking outside at the sky

we hug and all's forgiven
we go outside into the yard
i never knew that love like this
could be so easy, not so hard

you are my little big man
my little big man you will stay
you'll have that name forever
my little big man...every day
i love the way you smile
and the way you make me feel
you are my little big man
know my love for you is real

you'll grow up and move along
get friends and live your life
in time you'll go to college
meet a girl to be your wife

one day you'll be a parent
and you'll feel just like I do
when you look down at that smile
of little big man ...number two

you are my little big man
my little big man you will stay
you'll have that name forever
my little big man...every day
i love the way you smile
and the way you make me feel
you are my little big man
know my love for you is real

There's frost on the pumpkin
My life is nearly done
I've caused a lot of heartbreak
And I had a lot of fun
I lived a life of excess
Lived like I was twenty one
But, there's frost on this pumpkin
And my time here's nearly done

I've done more
in my short life
than most folks
do in ten
there's nothing
that i've done
i wouldn't do again

nothing ventured
nothing gained
you've got to show
you were around
nothing ventured
nothing gained
before they
put you in the ground

leave a mark
large or small
just enough
so people think
do things
that create stories
you can laugh at
with a drink

nothing ventured
nothing gained
time is getting close
there''s frost
on this old pumpkin
there's no
petals on the rose

live your life
with feeling
make sure
they know you're here
be the one
that folks remember
don't live your life
in fear

There's frost on the pumpkin
My life is nearly done
I've caused a lot of heartbreak
And I had a lot of fun
I lived a life of excess
Lived like I was twenty one
But, there's frost on this pumpkin
And my time here's nearly done

I've been here forever
In your life
But you don't know
I'm on the outside
looking inwards
And my feelings
never show

I've helped you out
through ups and downs
through highs
and through the lows
but, the truth
and how i feel for you
i'm sure you'll never know

close your eyes and see me
stop and listen and you'll hear
there's more than one heart beating
one is mine when you are near
the sight of me escapes you
though i'm always where you are
close your eyes tight so you'll see me
i'm always close, i'm never far

broken hearts
i've mended some
i've been there
when things go wrong
but, the winds of life
come blowing
and you aren't sad
for very long

i'm a friend
but not a lover
not a fighter
just a friend
i'm your shadow
with some feelings
and i'll be there
till the end

close your eyes and see me
stop and listen and you'll hear
there's more than one heart beating
one is mine when you are near
the sight of me escapes you
though i'm always where you are
close your eyes tight so you'll see me
i'm always close, i'm never far

my love
is unrequited
it's one sided
that is true
you never
ask my feelings
the only one
that counts is you

i'm here
when i'm needed
always just
a call away
i'll drop
everything i'm doing
in case
today may be the day

close your eyes and see me
stop and listen and you'll hear
there's more than one heart beating
one is mine when you are near
the sight of me escapes you
though i'm always where you are
close your eyes tight so you'll see me
i'm always close, i'm never far

write me a holiday song
one that doesn't revolve around lies
one that is full of the lows and the highs
not It's a Wonderful Life in disguise

Dad not quite sober
Gifts not all wrapped
Hugs from old aunties
In the hallway you're trapped
Write me a holiday song

Moms' in the kitchen
The kids by the tree
The men all are waiting
For dinner at three
Write me a holiday song

Life's not all wrapped up
With holiday bows
Christmas in real life
Is not Rudolph's nose
Write me a holiday song

People all argue
Fights will break out
Kids all are screaming
The good will's gone out
Write me a holiday song

write me a holiday song
one that doesn't revolve around lies
one that is full of the lows and the highs
not It's a Wonderful Life in disguise

The aunts and the uncles
and all other kin
Go to church Christmas Eve
To be absolved of their sins
Write me a holiday song

I'm sure Norman Rockwell
Didn't have real life in mind
When those Post cover pictures
He sat down and designed
Write me a holiday song

Bing Crosby is singing
While the massacre starts
Of the ham and the turkey
And other odd parts
Write me a holiday song

Stuff not on the table
Stuff left in the car
Eighteen conversations
Frozen beer in the car
Write me a holiday song

The facade is cracking
Real life has snuck in
Christmas is not a movie
It's just lead painted tin
Write me a holiday song

No one remembers
The bad times of the past
It just took a moment
It all happened so fast
Write me a holiday song

write me a holiday song
one that doesn't revolve around lies
one that is full of the lows and the highs
not It's a Wonderful Life in disguise

Write me a holiday song
One of truths and of memories
Of all that went wrong
I think I will smile
And I might sing along
Please write me a holiday song
Write me a holiday song
If I like it...I will sing along

my body clock
has run aground
a good nights sleep
can not be found
counting sheep
over fences bound
i'm wide awake
instead of sleeping sound

sleep it comes
when it should not
i'm fearful that
i might get caught
a nodding off
a fight i fought
sleep when i should
can it be bought?

my body zigs
instead of zags
i'm wide awake
my eyes have bags
my inner spring
has stopped and lags
my nerves are shot
i zig....i zag

i lie in bed
one eye i close
i'll trick myself
my brain won't know
asleep, awake
which way to go
i'm half awake
my spirits low

If i am half asleep
i guess
i'm half awake
as well at best
there's the answer
to my sleeping quest
do half of both
i must confess!!!

I've been kicking round here
for nearly twenty years
I'm a singer no one's heard of
I play for smoke and beers
I'm an overnight sensation
I'll make you smile or bring tears
I've been kicking round here
For nearly twenty years

Right now I'm playing at a place
On cinder blocks and wood
It's not the worst stage that I've played
In fact, it is quite good
The crowd is small, the beer is cold
But, it's the best bar in the hood
I'm playing for my beer and smokes
On cinder blocks and wood

The music is my heartbeat
The people are my muse
I play because I love to
****, man...I've paid my dues
I'm an overnight sensation
Playing what you want to hear
I've been playing for the people
For near on twenty years

The crowd looks up, some clap a bit
Most live above the bar
At least if they don't like the show
They don't have to go too far
It's just me up here, alone and bare
Taking tips in an old jar
I play mainly for my beer and smokes
For the folks above the bar

I've never made the big time play
I hit the road but not for long
I write my stuff, but cover most
Because in truth, my life's a song
I sing old stuff more than glammed up tunes
To sell out, to me is wrong
If I'm not here, I won't be far
I hit the road, but not for long

The music is my heartbeat
The people are my muse
I play because I love to
****, man...I've paid my dues
I'm an overnight sensation
Playing what you want to hear
I've been playing for the people
For near on twenty years

I know I am a dinosaur
I sing songs that drip with age
Most bars I play once hosted folks
Who sang these tunes upon their stage
But, now, it's me and empty chairs
Beer and smokes make up my wage
I know I am a dinosaur
Singing songs that drip with age

I sing County Western
Not 'bout beer, and girls in shorts
I sing about the country
Of heartache, not of sports
I show you what's beneath the crust
Without makeup, and with warts
I sing Country Western
Not 'bout beer, and girls in shorts

The music is my heartbeat
The people are my muse
I play because I love to
****, man...I've paid my dues
I'm an overnight sensation
Playing what you want to hear
I've been playing for the people
For near on twenty years

i'm not sure just what words to use
or how this is gonna sound
but, i hope that what you get from this
is...i need you around
i'm ok as a single
but, we're  better as a pair
I'm not sure what words to use
To tell you that I care

I've walked on through the fire
I came out the other side
But, without your love to lead me
I don't think that I'd survive
I don't know why you love me
I'm only glad to know you do
I'm a much, much better person
Because I'm in love with you

You know me for who I am
Not the title that I have
I'm the girl who breaks the rules
And I got that from my dad

I don't sit back and take what's left
I go and grab life and I go
My title doesn't define me
I reap the seeds I sow

I might be a Preacher's Daughter
I don't do the things I oughta
That is him, not me
I believe what I believe
I lead my life not to decieve
God shed your light on me


Life is out there for the taking
I'm who I am, I am not faking
He is who he is and I am me
Take me as I am or leave me be

Daddy knew the things I did
I've told my sins and some I've hid
The acorn fell away from this old tree
He is who he is, and I am me

I might be a Preacher's Daughter
I don't do the things I oughta
That is him, not me
I believe what I believe
I lead my life not to decieve
God shed your light on me

I know heaven holds my place
But, they may never see my face
I live the live I live that's all I say
I don't live for tomorrow, just today

I know wrong and I know right
One day I may see the light
The direction that I choose is up to me
But, until that day comes just let me be

I might be a Preacher's Daughter
I don't do the things I oughta
That is him, not me
I believe what I believe
I lead my life not to decieve
God shed your light on me

I might be a Preacher's Daughter
I don't do the things I oughta
That is him, not me
I believe what I believe
I lead my life not to decieve
God shed your light on me

I've lost count of the taverns
Where my face has  kissed the floor
at least twenty down in Texas
Arizona, fourteen more
twenty three in California
In Wyoming, seventeen
You can see there's lots of places I've been drunk
But, haven't seen


Kissed sixteen floors down in Nevada
Twelve in Idaho
Four over  in Hawaii
and  in New Mexico
It's not that I'm a fighter
It isn't that I'm mean
I'm just a drinker with a problem
In the places that I've been

It doesn't matter where I am
I'm not selective, not at all
I drink, I get in trouble
I get hit, and then I fall
I move around the country
Kissing floors in every state
I'm an alcoholic punching bag
Kissing bar floors is my fate

I kissed six in Massachuesetts
Eleven more in Washington
Twice, I ended on a table
So, I just count them as one
New Jersey I kissed plenty
I lost count up in New York
Up there the floors are softer
Some floors are filled with cork

Florida, I kissed the beach
Seven times, at least I think
One time doesn't count though
I kissed the beach and didn't drink
Lousianna, kissed a lot there
There's a lot of floors to kiss
I hit every bar down on Canal Street
There wasn't one I didn't miss

In South Dakota, can't remember
Not too many bars around
But, I did get in trouble once
And yes....I kissed the ground
Virginia, and Ohio
Up in Minnesota too
In Michigan, oh man oh man
I kissed near twenty two

In Illinois I kissed nineteen
In Georgia, I kissed nine
I found six teeth where I last fell
And only two of them were mine
there is not one location
Where my face and floors have kissed
I'm an alcoholic travel guide
And I keep running into fists

It doesn't matter where I am
I'm not selective, not at all
I drink, I get in trouble
I get hit, and then I fall
I move around the country
Kissing floors in every state
I'm an alcoholic punching bag
Kissing bar floors is my fate

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep
If I make it through the night
I guess I've won another fight

Listen Lord, for now I pray
I wish to live another day
I've been bad since my beginning
I've been involved in lots of sinning

It's time I made a choice and turned toward a better road
It's time to leave my past behind
I've prayed before but was not committed
I was afraid of what I'd find

Lord, help me make it through the night
Show me how to reach the light
I only ask for one small sign
I'll give you all I have that's mine

I've found salvation in a glass
In needles and in smoke
Lord, that is just where I've been
Since the last time that we spoke

Many folks have come to me
To try show me the way
I toasted them on their way out
And continued on life's play

Now, I've had enough of all
The hurting and the pain
So, Lord, I pray to you this night
Will you listen once again?

Now I lay me down to sleep
A sinner through and through
Just let me make it through the night
Just tell me what to do

I put my faith in what I see
I don't believe in other's words
So, Lord, just help me this one time
Show you listened and you heard

If you've never been in love
How can you know the pain
Of true, gut wrenching heartbreak
You'll suffer time and time again

Keep emotion at a distance
Don't get all sad when you see rain
For, if you've never been in love
You can never know the pain

Just how many kinds of heartbreak
Do I have to suffer through?
Just why does every heartbreak
bring me running back to you?
I've lost count of all the breakups
and the make ups I've been through
Tell me, why does every heartbreak
bring me running back to you?

There's an empty kind of something
That I just can not explain
It's a feeling comes with heartbreak
It's a void, but there is pain

Your head is stuck on empty
Your heart it feels the same
If you've never loved another
You'll think that you have gone insane

You grow a little stronger
With every broken heart
Just get out and push through it
That's the best way you can start

If you've never been in love
How can you know the pain
Remember, like the weather
There's always sunshine after rain

Just how many kinds of heartbreak
Do I have to suffer through?
Just why does every heartbreak
bring me running back to you?
I've lost count of all the breakups
and the make ups I've been through
Tell me, why does every heartbreak
bring me running back to you?

Daddy always said I was never gonna make it
Never gonna leave this town
Daddy always said to just go on and fake it
Never mind the cap and gown

Daddy always said there's no way out but dieing
Never gonna leave this town
Daddy always said there's no truth only lieing
No way up, there's only down

Daddy always said
Daddy always said

Work real hard and still you will go nowhere
Do your best, but this is where you'll die
Work real hard, but still you're getting nowhere
Ask yourself, why do I even try
Daddy always said

Daddy always said that school is just for losers
Never gonna leave this town
Daddy always said, there's no lovers just abusers
This place is gonna wear us down

Daddy always said, that I have no direction
Never gonna leave this town
Daddy always said, I was a waste of an *******
Never gonna leave this town

Daddy always said
Daddy always said

Work real hard and still you will go nowhere
Do your best, but this is where you'll die
Work real hard, but still you're getting nowhere
Ask yourself, why do I even try
Daddy always said

Daddy always said, to just follow the leader
Never gonna leave this town
Daddy always said, the town's  a monster and we feed her
Never gonna leave this town

Daddy always said, that we were both the same
Never gonna leave this town
Daddy always said, I was just a number not a name
And that is why I shot him down

Daddy always said
Daddy always said

Work real hard and still you will go nowhere
Do your best, but this is where you'll die
Work real hard, but still you're getting nowhere
Ask yourself, why do I even try
Daddy always said
Daddy always said
Daddy always said
Daddy always said....

Make them suffer, fall in love
Words dripping with emotion
You're the singer....alchemist
Words and Music are your potion
Make them cry, laugh, and sing
Make them react to every line
Stir the *** some....Alchemist
On a tightrope made of rhyme

One chance is all you get
Working without a net
No one will hear you fall
You're tightrope is made of words
On stage at the Bluebird
You've only one chance...that's all

Write your thoughts out, share your dreams
Do it in three four time
Put it to music, bring them along
On your musical tightrope line
Go out and sell yourself, nightly
And make them feel what is inside
Remember, you're up on a tightrope
And each night, is a completely new ride

One chance is all you get
Working without a net
No one will hear you fall
You're tightrope is made of words
On stage at the Bluebird
You've only one chance...that's all


There's no support but words and music
At the Bluebird, you're on your own
Make them a part of you, do the best you can do
Make them all family, sing to them each...alone
Don't forget don't look down, just focus on the light
Come on now, Alchemist, stir the *** some more
Make them all cry again, make them remember when
Sing from the tightrope and they'll fall in love once more

One chance is all you get
Working without a net
No one will hear you fall
You're tightrope is made of words
On stage at the Bluebird
You've only one chance...that's all

My thumb, it leads the way




I do not have a fixed address
I've slept near bales of hay
I've woken up in farmers fields
My thumb, it leads the way
My thumb, it is my compass
In time I'll move along
I move around at random
I'm a lyric with no song

I've slept beneath a starlit sky
Never really laying roots
My world is in my duffle
With a second pair of boots

I've lived down by the train tracks
Woken up as they go by
I've woken up beside a scarecrow
As the birds still filled the sky
My thumb, it is my compass
In time I'll move along
I move around at random
I'm a lyric with no song

I've slept beneath a starlit sky
Never really laying roots
My world is in my duffle
With a second pair of boots



I've slept beneath a starlit sky
Never really laying roots
My world is in my duffle
With a second pair of boots

Stopped into a back roads diner
Somewhere just off Carolina
Highway thirty three
Sign said "open", I went in
Pushed the RC handle made of tin
Not a soul around that I could see

Waitress came out from the back
Name plate said her name was "Jack"
I'm glad I came in
Ordered up some milk and pie
This waitress sure did catch my eye
Pushing that RC ad made of tin

Told her that I was passing through
Not staying long, had things to do
Smiling, she  said "You'll stay"
I said I'' need a place to rest
She named one place...the best
Out by the bay

There's not much to do round here
We only serve three kinds of beer
and the Carolina Zoom Zoom
we make in the back room
It goes down as smooth as ever
Turn your insides straight to leather
That Carolina Zoom Zoom
we make in the back room


"Jack" sat down and asked my story
told her, "lots of pressure, lots of worry"
Don't worry ***, it'll go
I asked her how she could just say that
Took off my coat and then my ball hat
Just how was she to know

She said "I read people when they're here"
Some folks stay, some disappear
You'll be here a while
She said "you're driving time is over"
"I think you'll end up, as the new owner"
"Of this place"...with a smile

I said "there's no people here to sell to"
"What the heck would I do"
owning this with no one here at all
She laughed and said "I am agreeing"
But you are looking but not seeing
Money's made behind the yonder wall

There's not much to do round here
We only serve three kinds of beer
and the Carolina Zoom Zoom
we make in the back room
It goes down as smooth as ever
Turn your insides straight to leather
That Carolina Zoom Zoom
we make in the back room

She said it was a truck stop diner
That sold the best ***** in all Carolina
Carolina zoom zoom in the back
Recipe's been here for ages
Brewed real slow, distilled in stages
Always forty jugs out on the rack

We've sold to Robert Johnson and Bocephus
You may choose to not believe this
I wouldn't lie about that fact
The diner never makes much money
But, the back room, there's the honey
sure as i know I'm called Jack

She said she lived in an old trailer
That she traded with a sailor
For a case five   years ago
Moved it back on up the hill
There she could watch on the still
If I bought, she'd have to go

I thought a while, made two offers
Money to fill up her coffers
And she had to stay
She smiled, asked me if I'm certain
Did I mean it, or was I just flirtin'
I told her I was set to pay

There's not much to do round here
We only serve three kinds of beer
and the Carolina Zoom Zoom
we make in the back room
It goes down as smooth as ever
Turn your insides straight to leather
That Carolina Zoom Zoom
we make in the back room

I've been the owner fifteen years
I changed my life, by changing gears
Jack is still with me
Thank god I stopped in to this diner
Back in the back roads off Carolina
Highway thiry three

Grandpa'd take me fishing down to Watson's creek
He'd hold his finger to his lips so I knew not to speak
He'd show me how to shoot a gun, how to turn the other cheek
How to be a better person, and how to duck instead of deke

I remember where I was
When I heard Grandpa died
I was standing in the hallway
With my brother by my side
He put his arm around me
While I just cried and cried

I don't need to jump out of planes
Or run with bulls in Pamplona
I don't need to swim with sharks
Or race a car down in Daytona
Two lines don't make a bucket list
Yes, I said....only two
The first one is to wake each day
And the second...be with you

We'd watch the trains stretch our pennies that
we'd lined up on that track
Smoking stolen cigarettes as we watched the train go past
Lying there, two brothers, hiding in the summer grass

I remember where I was
When I heard my brother died
Shot down over Vietnam
I ran to the tracks and cried
I could still feel him there with me
Stretching pennies while I cried

I don't need to jump out of planes
Or run with bulls in Pamplona
I don't need to swim with sharks
Or race a car down in Daytona
Two lines don't make a bucket list
Yes, I said....only two
The first one is to wake each day
And the second...be with you

I've grown up a little since, fell in love with a great girl
I take her fishing to the creek, let her into Grandpa's world
I've shown her where the track once was
Where we stretched pennies just because


I remember where I was
And I remember that you cried
We were in the same front hallway
Where I heard they both had died
But this time you were crying
Because I took you for my bride

I don't need to jump out of planes
Or run with bulls in Pamplona
I don't need to swim with sharks
Or race a car down in Daytona
Two lines don't make a bucket list
Yes, I said....only two
The first one is to wake each day
And the second...be with you

Nothing's changed since '56
When the station went and shut
Ninety years of passengers
Closed without a but.....

I know it isn't empty
though no train stops there no more
I can hear the spirits rustle
As they pass on through the open door

They've been waiting on the platform
Since nineteen fifty six
Some don't even know it's closed
They think their watch is playing tricks

They travelled on it living
They travelled on it dead
No train comes on through Hadlow Road
It takes another route instead

The ticketmaster checks the bags
of the ghostly, spirit hoard
Waiting for a long gone train
One that none of them will board

You can hear the spirits sometimes
Waiting on the platform for the train
One that they all used to ride
But, never will again

Hadlow Road Station is closed
And it won't be used again
But, the spirits there are waiting
For a long gone ghostly train

The night was over
The band was done
Time to hit the lights
Another Friday
In the books
And we only had two fights

One busted speaker
A broken chair
A proposal killed at ten
Time to close
And shut it down
Until we start again

Ashtrays full of hopes and dreams
Burned away with no success
Half filled bottles and empty glasses
Just signs of more excess
Time to clean away the night
And sweep away unanswered prayers
Wash the lipstick from where it stayed
And clean up the nights layers

Another morning
after another night
of at least ten broken hearts
where remnants of
scattered hopes
were dead before their start

An empty shell
hopelessness...tempting
once more..'have a try
where once the band
is finished up
you can all go home and cry


Ashtrays full of hopes and dreams
Burned away with no success
Half filled bottles and empty glasses
Just signs of more excess
Time to clean away the night
And sweep away unanswered prayers
Wash the lipstick from where it stayed
And clean up the nights layers


Each day starts fresh
Last night is gone
Nothing ever lasts
The beer is cold
The bar is warm
Last night is in the past

Regulars arriving
Band is tuning
The staff is in position
Fake Id's
abound tonight
with cougars on a mission


Ashtrays full of hopes and dreams
Burned away with no success
Half filled bottles and empty glasses
Just signs of more excess
Time to clean away the night
And sweep away unanswered prayers
Wash the lipstick from where it stayed
And clean up the nights layers


Ashtrays full of hopes and dreams
Burned away with no success
Half filled bottles and empty glasses
Just signs of more excess
Time to clean away the night
And sweep away unanswered prayers
Wash the lipstick from where it stayed
And clean up the nights layers

I am not the name upon the building
There is no shingle hung for me
But, if we walk into the forest
You'll see where it's carved upon a tree

I move in diferent circles
though I like who I've become
While my friends were busy studying
I was absorbing, having fun

I'm wrapped up in a blanket of academic non achieving
Too much time has passed me by to sit here now and grieving
I wear a cloak of non success that is a little worn
And just like me, it's tattered some and in places slightly torn
It doesn't matter one **** bit, I'm where I want to be
Making ripples in the water, that make their way out to the sea

I life life at a different speed
and Time it is my friend
Because just like those who studied hard
We're all dieing in the end

They won't outlive their building
Their name not there to see
But, deep down in the forest
My name's still on that tree

I'm wrapped up in a blanket of academic non achieving
Too much time has passed me by to sit here now and grieving
I wear a cloak of non success that is a little worn
And just like me, it's tattered some and in places slightly torn

They won't outlive their building
Their name not there to see
But, deep down in the forest
My name's still on that tree

every morning it's the same
i get on up to start the day
whether off to work
or off to play
every morning it's the same

waiting for the coffee
have a shower and a shave
while wife is waking up the kids
and none of them behave
waiting for the coffee

Roll tape....everything is perfect in this little world of mine
Breakfast ready when i wake and i'm off to work on time
kids all nice and pleasant at the table set for school
wife is dressed and makeups done, so every thing is cool
Roll tape...everything is perfect in this little world of mine

Dog is barking madly
kids are barking madly too
wife is trying to make lunch
there's so much here to do
Dog is barking madly

Fighting for the bathroom
there just isn't enough space
from the time the old alarm goes off
it's one harried, hectic race
Fighting for the bathroom

Roll tape....everything is perfect in this little world of mine
Breakfast ready when i wake and i'm off to work on time
kids all nice and pleasant at the table set for school
wife is dressed and makeups done, so every thing is cool
Roll tape...everything is perfect in this little world of mine

Some days i feel guilty
As I head off leaving home
Wife is running just behind
With the kids and one dead phone
Some days i feel guilty

There is no peace and quiet
in my world at home no more
And it's going to get louder
The wife's knocked up with number four
There is no peace and quiet

roll tape......

Sing me songs
about Nascar Nation
I don't care about
your beach vacation
I want to hear
about trucks and whisky
Not when Taylor
Swift got frisky

Give me songs
that make me cry
not songs about
a cheating guy
Let me hear
about girls and guns
about going fishing
about having fun

sing me songs of old...
sing me solid gold
songs where tales were told
just sing me songs...my heart can hold.....

Give me songs
about redneck weddings
about lonely highways
and where I'm heading
I don't care
about sand and sunshine
I just need to hear
'bout the life that is  mine

Sing me songs about
Trucks and racing
I don't care about
who's book facing
Let me hear
some Charlie Daniels
going hunting
with Springer spaniels

Sing me songs
that touch my heart
songs I'll sing
when we're apart
I don't care
about fields of flowers
or about your
secret powers

sing me songs of old...
sing me solid gold
songs where tales were told
just sing me songs...my heart can hold.....

Sing me songs
like those long ago
about broken hearts
and tales of woe
Sing me songs
that i'll remember
way past december

sing me songs of old...
sing me solid gold
songs where tales were told
just sing me songs...my heart can hold.....

When things get settled
I start moving
It's the time to hit the trail
I take the chance to move along
by truck or car or rail

No ties to where I'm leaving
Where I'm headed
I don't know
But, when things start feeling settled
I know it's time for me to go

Friends, not many
Family...nope
Relationships...they don't exist
I only live on hope
I'm not around one place too long
i know the time to go
I've said goodbye so many times
I forgot how to say hello

Images of long ago
A father was not there
He'd leave when we were not around
Off to who knows where

I've seen so many broken hearts
I stopped counting at fourteen
I don't even try to know
The broken hearts I've seen

Friends, not many
Family...nope
Relationships...they don't exist
I only live on hope
I'm not around one place too long
i know the time to go
I've said goodbye so many times
I forgot how to say hello

I'm lonely, but I'm not alone
I'm by myself inside my head
I've memories of loves I've lost
got too close, so then I fled

I don't want to be a number
Just added to the list
I don't care to even try to count
The lips I've never kissed

Friends, not many
Family...nope
Relationships...they don't exist
I only live on hope
I'm not around one place too long
i know the time to go
I've said goodbye so many times
I forgot how to say hello
I've said goodbye so many times
I forgot how to say hello

A day for celebration
of being brought into her nest
A day when everybody says
My mother is the best

But, what about the other days
we do not recognize
Is your mother still the best one
Or is all you say just lies?

They give us life
They clean us up
give us strength
when we have none
even when they ground us
is she still the bestest mom?

Even on this day of days
That we celebrate all she did
When you try to make her happy
You are still her little kid

In our house when I grew up
Mothers Day was one for Dad
When mom could have the house alone
We'd all leave and she was glad

She loves you when you are not there
She is a mentor as you age
The things she said when you were young
Now make her sound more like a sage

So, take this time to celebrate
Your mother....have a laugh
Gather up the whole fam damily
And leave mom....to have a bath!!!!