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0:00/3:25
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0:00/4:43
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0:00/3:01
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0:00/7:16
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Bill Ede's Night Off 2:380:00/2:38
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0:00/6:38
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0:00/6:04
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0:00/6:10
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0:00/4:12
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0:00/4:36
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0:00/1:13
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Good Work 3:350:00/3:35
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Skull Hill 3:260:00/3:26
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Ten Cent Life 4:330:00/4:33
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0:00/8:04
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It Must Be Love Live 4:160:00/4:16
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Mystery Train 3:050:00/3:05
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Say When 6:500:00/6:50
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0:00/5:21
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A 1943 Copper Penny 4:320:00/4:32
The Yellow Umbrella
Whisper of Wind
There’s a whisper of wind & the day begins
I see a patch of red sky thru’ the blinds
A light on the wall shimmers & falls
I don’t know what’s become of you
It’s a shame & a wonder, I cuss & I blunder
Every time I get up to walk
But now I’m looking at you & I’m seeing things thru’
I’d even be willing to talk
I look & I see palm trees in a breeze
The great blue heron passing thru’
I’m hot & I’m cold, I do what I’m told
Being but one of a kind
By the pond flowers dance suggesting a chance
Of something libido might do
When I look you’re still there in that old pool side chair
And I almost say something to you
Cotton ball clouds roll in over town
Lawn mowers approaching the green
The mockingbird’s song sounds right but it’s wrong
Someone I can’t hear starts to sob
Then there’s that memory of what your eyes did to me
In the time before time meant so much
Take hold of my hand, help me understand
The sweet conversations of touch
The Yellow Umbrella
Sea birds on the water, the sand & the sea
A yellow umbrella, for you & me
The ones who are able keep things under control
I grin & I whistle while sea billows roll
Now dance me, dance me on the water
Dance me, dance me up the shore
Dance me, dance me w/ out quarter
Dance me, dance me, dance me
Till I can’t get back no more
The strong ones who hover over water & land
Fear neither death nor the outrage of man
One day we’ll be like them, watch it unfold
I’m skipping & jumping while sea billows roll
Now dance me, dance me on the water
Dance me, dance me up the shore
Dance me, dance me w/ out quarter
Dance me, dance me, dance me
Till I can’t get back no more
The yellow umbrella shines in the sun
Fortunate fellows, we can’t be undone
At the edge of the ocean where sea monsters dwell
It’s a mighty old story these sea billows tell
Now dance me, dance me on the water
Dance me, dance me up the shore
Dance me, dance me w/ out quarter
Dance me, dance me, dance me
Till I can’t get back no more
Now dance me, dance me on the water
Dance me, dance me up the shore
Dance me, dance me w/ out quarter
Dance me, dance me, dance me
Till I can’t get back no more
Till I can’t get back no more
Till I can’t get back no more
If I Were an Artist
If I were an artist, I’d mix up the stardust
That’s piled at the foot of your chair
I’d paint you a picture of my love for you sister
To reveal all that is there
It’s a one of a kind love
For all time love
Wild & fresh & free
Sent to us from eternity
A unique point of reference of beauty & despair
Draws my eye down a long path to you
There your eyes meet me, tear up & greet me
With a weight too pleasant to bear
There your eyes meet me, tear up & greet me
With a weight too pleasant to bear
I’m drunk & I’m lazy, I’m sick, I must be crazy
To think I could turn you around
I would go on home & get stoned all alone
But I’ve heard you’ve come back to town
I look & I see you
Look back to see me
And I’m ready for everything
What is it you’d want me to bring?
Your kind affection, passionate attention
Have finally drawn me out
With a voice that can move me, tear down & accuse me
Let me know what this life is about
A voice that can move me, tear down & accuse me
Let me know what my life is about
Just one of God’s creatures on the back porch eating peaches
While the black swan’s drying her wings
I’ve been slow to catch on, too often been wrong
Just looking for something to sing
Somehow you’ve stayed with me
Let me know that you’ve missed me
Come along by my side for a song
It’s a song we can sing all day long
I’ll head off the trouble as long as I’m able
Make something special from what we’ve got on hand
With a little attention, I’ll stand for inspection
I’m with you now to the very end
Just a little attention & I’ll stand for inspection
I’m with you now to the very end
I’m Not Going Anywhere
You pull up to the window & you talk real slow
You didn’t really want to but someone had to go
It’s that kind of morning when the truth just might be told
If you weren’t so lazy & it wasn’t so hard to control
Too early in the morning, too late at night
There’s always something about the time that’s not quite right
Go ahead & say it, get it out in the air
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
It’s one way or the other, you thot you heard him say
The voice was familiar but the face was turned away
So you opened up your left hand to see what might be there
Then you gaze into the distance & slowly rise into the air
Too early in the morning, too late at night
There’s always something about the time that’s not quite right
Go ahead & say it, get it out in the air
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
There were lots of indications before this all came down
The good reporter said it, then got on out of town
Everybody heard it then we all just looked away
With business to attend to & quite enough hell to pay
Too early in the morning, too late at night
There’s always something about the time that’s not quite right
Go ahead & say it, get it out in the air
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
There’s a gator on the bank in the morning sun
A long legged bird waits for the fish to run
There’s a big legged woman headed this way with a gun
Better sit still, you don’t have room to run
Too early in the morning, too late at night
There’s always something about the time that’s not quite right
Go ahead & say it, get it out in the air
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
Listen to me mama, listen to me real close
Something’s going on here but it’s you I love the most
I’ve backed myself into a corner; only rhyme that works is toast
I’m waiting on the father; you better wait upon the holy ghost
Too early in the morning, too late at night
There’s always something about the time that’s not quite right
Go ahead & say it, get it out in the air
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
Too early in the morning, too late at night
There’s always something about the time that’s not quite right
Go ahead & say it, get it out in the air
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
I may not like it but I’m not going anywhere
Contents:
Whisper of Wind
The Yellow Umbrella
If I Were an Artist
I'm Not Going Anywhere
Bones of My Face
Ain’t Nothin' Happenin' (Kid on the Street)
Ain’t nothin' happenin' out here on the wall.
Ain’t nothin' happenin', nothing at all.
The sun, it keeps dripping & the pavement is hot.
Ain’t nothin’ happenin'; what time have you got?
Ain’t nothin' happenin'; hair hanging down.
Ain’t nothin' happenin'; I’m just hanging around.
Ain’t nothin' happenin'; I don’t know because.
Ain’t nothin' happenin' now, if there ever was.
I see people moving; they’re passing me by.
I wonder where they’re going & I wonder why.
Ain’t nothin' happenin' but a whole lot of cars.
Ain’t nothin' happenin' & I never see no stars.
Ain’t nothin' happenin'; just that maniac beat.
Ain’t nothin' happenin'; I’m just shuffling my feet.
Ain’t nothin' happenin' & I don’t know because
Wish something or someone would give me a buzz.
Ain’t nothin' happenin'
Ain’t nothin' happenin'
Ain’t nothin' happenin'
Ain’t nothin' happenin'
There’s a crack in the sidewalk; lord, my crotch starts to ache.
I mind my own business till my mind starts to break.
Close to the Bone
We come riding down out of the mountains
Heat waves rising from the farmer’s field
Been so busy I just met myself coming
Down at the corner where I set out to go
Close to the bone, sugar baby
Close to the bone, honey lamb
Close to the bone, ain’t we gonna make
Up these steps of glory to the Promised Land
Chiggers bite and the thorns are scratching
Sweat come dripping down into my eye
I stood up too fast and had to sit back down
I got to get unloaded and load up again
Close to the bone, sugar baby
Close to the bone, honey lamb
Close to the bone, ain’t we gonna make
Up these steps of glory to the Promised Land
Young chicks squawk over crumbs and grub worms
Old hen cluck at the break of day
I roll out when the flies start buzzing
Did a hole for an old friend’s grave
Close to the bone, sugar baby
Close to the bone, honey lamb
Close to the bone, ain’t we gonna make
Up these steps of glory to the Promised Land
We been riding hard since Christmas morning
Here we come stomping through the fourth of July
Land lord’s men come right up behind me
They’re real mystic fellows; yeah they’re real wise guys
Close to the bone, sugar baby
Close to the bone, honey lamb
Close to the bone, ain’t we gonna make
Up these steps of glory to the Promised Land
The boys ain’t called in nearly fifteen minutes
There’s a blue bird dancing out in the driveway
The wife’s gone out but I keep watching
Up along easy street for that dangerous thing
Close to the bone, sugar baby
Close to the bone, honey lamb
Close to the bone, ain’t we gonna make
Up these steps of glory to the Promised Land
Coffee with Jesus
I like to go out in the morning & sit on the ground
Have coffee w/ Jesus while the world rolls around
Here comes the sun & the songbirds, they can't help but sing
I'm having coffee w/ Jesus. He is a good friend to me
Jesus is a good friend tho' you may have no other at all
Jesus is a good friend in or outside of these walls
Out on the hill near the tall grass I listen & wait
Baby, believe me there are things that can come to late
Sit down w/ Jesus, everything comes right on time
Living & dying & peace, love & drinking the wine
Jesus is a good friend, he won't tell you no lies
Jesus is a good friend. He is the prize
Out there w/ Jesus, the wheels of my mind start to roll
Names & faces rise up & the highest & lowest of goals
I reach out my hand & I see how much can be saved
He pokes me w/ a stick in the ribs & sends me into the day
Jesus is a good friend tho' you may have no other at all
Jesus is a good friend in our outside of your walls
Jesus is a good friend, he won't tell you no lies
Jesus is a good friend. He is the prize
Deborah
Deborah, you took me in off the road.
Deborah, you helped me set down my load.
And, you held me in your arms while the Last Waltz Played,
Held me in your arms while the cat was away,
Kissed me on the mouth and moon sailed away, Deborah.
Deborah, remember and smile.
Deborah, our courting was wild
Like the fish down in the river when the time is right,
Two birds across the desert in the pale moon light,
Children at their pleasure. Mama, weren’t we a sight, Deborah.
Debi, she’s my woman and my heart’s delight.
I get to get right in beside her in the starry night.
And, when the day is dawning, she suits me just right.
Deborah, when we went into the wood;
Deborah, we went way on back in the woods.
And, you bore me two babies right into my hand.
We worked till we were weary but couldn’t make it stand.
We had to watch the spring sink into the mud and the sand, Deborah.
Deborah, now the days are so long.
Deborah, your back is so strong.
What will they let us do in this world of woe?
I guess I still can get out into the rain and the snow.
You can still give me a thrill shaking your jelly roll, Deborah.
Debi, she’s a big girl and a hard worker too.
And, if I need correction, there ain’t nothing she won’t do.
If I get a little lazy, she pulls me on through.
Deborah, now the rain’s coming down.
Deborah, I’ve got to go down town.
But, I’ll meet you on Sunday out back of the shed;
Or, I’ll meet you on Monday in the back of my head;
Or, I’ll meet you one morning in the middle of the bed, Deborah.
Debi, she’s my woman and my heart’s delight.
I get to get right in beside her in the starry night.
And, when the day is dawning, she suits me just right.
Down to the River
I went down to the river, gathered up some stones,
Put them in my pocket and I took them home.
Everybody wonders what we’re doing here.
Life is worth living when somebody cares for you.
The thunder and the lightening can sure give us a scare.
Jesus be a coming soon to meet us in the air.
The wind, it gets to blowing. Somebody falling down.
Someone’s there to pick you up. You’ll soon be running ‘round again.
I went down to the river, gathered up some stone,
Put them in my pocket and I took them home.
She Wants a Flush Toilet
I wake up in the morning, bake my bread.
Even do the dishes and sweep the bed.
I give her all I got and it’s a great big wheel.
She wants something more. She wants a bigger deal.
She wants a flush toilet
Three bedrooms and a flush toilet.
Looks like we may have to move to California.
She wants indoor plumbing, must be thinking of her ma.
Indoor plumbing? Baby oh pshaw.
All you need is love. I know you know it’s true.
She says get up off the floor sucker and out the door with you.
She wants a flush toilet
Three bedrooms and a flush toilet.
Looks like we may have to move to California.
So it’s off to California, gonna buy a brick house
Right down by the factory where the money really counts.
Good-bye to simple pleasures, hello tasty freeze.
Way down in civilization, no more squatting in the breeze
She wants a flush toilet
Three bedrooms and a flush toilet.
Looks like we may have to move to California.
I could go in for robbery but I’d never get away
Got to get in some applications, get some steady pay
I really hate to do it; maybe I can get on nights,
Give up sleeping, she may work out alright
She wants a flush toilet
Three bedrooms and a flush toilet.
Looks like we may have to move to California.
I Heard a Woman Holler
I woke up this morning & I put on my shoes
Went out the front door w/ them old walking blues
Went down to the corner, got a cup of their hot coffee
I heard that woman holler but she was not hollering at me
The wind was blowing down from off of the hill
Grasses was a swaying, you know the way that they will
People coming & going looking for what they cannot find
I heard that woman holler but she ain't the holler of that woman of mine
I was standing by the radio, everywhere someone is crying
Suddenly I'm reminded of what it was she had frying
The last man off the mountain just came down along the garden path
He heard that woman holler, didn't know whether to cry or laugh
I was out on the sidetrack, quiet as a stone
I was out there darling, I was all alone
There's a big crow in the tree top, an old dog gnawing on a bone
And I hear that woman holler, she ain't gonna leave well enough alone
So if you're looking for me darling, I'll not be too far off
Probably be standing right where you let me off
Waiting on the holy ghost, watching while the fires burn
And I hear my woman holler, I got to get down there & take my turn
Yes, I hear my woman holler, I got to get down there & see what I can do
I Know We're Gonna Make It
One day while I was walking along
Had nothing to carry but an old blue song
Up stepped my savior from the crossroad
He was carrying something heavy & slow
He looked at me said, you’re travelling too light
I got to get to Chicago tonight
Come on w/ me we’ll laugh & we’ll sing
While we head up fifty five w/ this thing
And I know we’re gonna make it
I know we’re gonna make it
Now I know we’re gonna make; it no longer matters when
Lift a foot & put it down; we’ll see what comes up around the bend
Like you might have noticed, I had nothing to do
Like I told him, I got nothing to lose
Don’t mind dying; come on let’s go
What’s the use in living if you got no soul
And I know we’re gonna make it
Yes I know we’re gonna make it
Now I know we’re gonna make it; it no longer matters when
Lift a foot & put it down; we’ll see what comes up around the bend
Yes I know we’re gonna make it
Yeah I know we’re gonna make it
Now I know we’re gonna make it; it no longer matters when
Lift a foot & put it down; we’ll see what comes up around the bend
Mind Control
Open out your magazine. Turn on your TV.
Everywhere you look; it’s a fitful writhing scene
With the bourbon and the blonds, the broken hearts and all the goo,
A power mad diseased guitar, a little song that’s just for you.
Mind control–a battle for your mind.
Mind control–they’re gambling for your soul.
Mind control.
What keeps your spirit down
And your feet from touching the ground?
Mind control.
Drugs, sex and rock’n’roll, Devil–old voodoo man
Standing in the shadows with an interesting plan.
Maybe it’s in you head. He’ll leave you there for dead,
Bite off all that he can chew; leave you bleeding by the side of the road.
Mind control–a battle for your mind.
Mind control–they’re battling for your soul.
Mind control.
What keeps your spirit down
And your feet from touching the ground?
Mind control.
Laughing with hysterics. Shaking with the fear.
Now he’s Mr. Hyde with that hideous snarling sneer.
In the final carnage, the people drink and wail,
Take a rope and bind and gag him, hang their hero from the curtain rail.
Mind control–a battle for your mind.
Mind control–they’re battling for your soul.
Mind control.
What keeps your spirit down
And your feet from touching the ground?
Mind control.
Ain’t that thing heavy? Did you ever think about putting it down?
Didn’t anyone tell you, you don’t have to lug that thing around?
Take your heart in you hand. Shake your feet out of the sand.
Take up your bed and dance on off along the road to the Promised Land.
Mind control–it’s a battle for your mind.
Mind control–a battle for you soul.
Mind control. What keeps you spirit down
And your feet from touching the ground?
Mind control. It’s mind control. It’s mind control.
Praise the Lord (Oh, My Soul)
I stood one day on the mountain side.
I could see far and I could see wide.
Red tails circle and the chickadee play.
Praise the Lord now what do you say.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
It gets so hot. Oh, let the breezes blow.
I went down town just a shuffling my feet.
Giving a nod to everybody I meet.
There’s a lean cat scratching ‘neath the pool hall fan.
Praise the Lord, buddy if you can.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
It gets so hot. Oh, let the breezes blow.
I went to the church house to drink God’s blood,
Let my soul get washed in the fiery flood.
Brother bill prayed. They passed the crackers around.
Everybody got there head bowed down.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
It gets so hot. Oh, let the breezes blow.
I went over to the hog lot to see the swine.
I stood and watched ‘em for quite a long time.
The big pig’d whistle and the little pig’d dance.
Come on brother, take a chance.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
It gets so hot. Oh, let the breezes blow.
I went down to the river and I jumped right in.
I went down and come up a new man.
Bass are jumping and the cat fish sting.
Come on sister, let me hear you sing.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
It gets so hot. Oh, let the breezes blow.
Walking w/ Jesus
I went walking with Jesus the other day
We didn’t have a lot to say
We didn’t go out talking tho, we went out walking
Down the drive & over the hill
Down to the garden to check on the dill
The dill was a growing and we was a strolling
Walking with Jesus, walking down the road
Walking with Jesus, gonna lighten the load
Walking with Jesus, walking awhile
Walking down the road for many a mile
We got down by the broccoli; I said what do you think
He turned real slow you know and he didn’t blink
Made such good sense, we jumped the fence
Walking with Jesus, walking down the road
Walking with Jesus, gonna lighten the load
Walking with Jesus, walking awhile
Walking down the road for many a mile
We made it on down to the lost highway
All of the neighbors, they said, hey hey
Have a nice day; we kept right on our way
We went down to the box to check the mail
Then we really began to sail,
We covered some ground, scarcely made a sound
Walking with Jesus, walking down the road
Walking with Jesus, gonna lighten the load
Walking with Jesus, walking awhile
Walking down the road for many a mile
We got back to the shack & sat on the porch
The neighbors were all there by then of course
Been a good day for walking, now it’s time to do some rocking
Walking with Jesus, walking down the road
Walking with Jesus, gonna lighten the load
Walking with Jesus, walking awhile
Walking down the road for many a mile
Contents:
Ain't Nothin' Happenin'
Close to the Bone
Coffee with Jesus
Deborah
Down to the River
She Wants a Flush Toilet
I Heard a Woman Holler
I Know We're Gonna Make It
Mind Control
Praise the Lord (Oh, My Soul)
Red Bud Blues
Walkin' with Jesus
The Rowan Tree (Songs from the Mid-90s)
Borderline
Jack hunkered in the hall; Sal hadn’t said where she was going
It was raining but warm; violets were growing
Jack pushed himself off the wall, put a quarter in the phone
The voice on the line was rather brusque & obviously not alone
Jack hung it up & looked off toward the river bridge
Where the cold black waters roll
Life & death on the borderline; every emotion has a cost
Life & death on the borderline where souls are won & lost
Charlie wasn’t looking out for a trick that she could turn
She was only trying hard to find a lesson she could learn
Ray had always been abusive; he was old fashioned that a way
Charlie packed her things to leave again then decided that she’d stay
Sunlight hit upon her legs; no she wouldn’t go today
Life & death on the borderline; man don’t take well to being crossed
Life & death on the borderline where used souls are often tossed
Billy left his leg & mind in Vietnam, now he’s lying on a cot
Empty bottles are everywhere in the room as tho’ the shame could be forgot
He keeps remembering his daddy; how he raised him kind of rough
Bill had tried so hard to please him; nothing was ever good enough
The gun beneath the pillow eased his mind & he cocked it as he picked it up
Life & death on the borderline; time to clean that dusty shelf
Life & death on the borderline; try something for yourself
Jacky, Bill & Charley from their agony all at once
Decided it was time to get out; stop thinking so much
Put on a little color, strike another tone
Find a place out among the lonely where they wouldn’t have to suffer alone
Three doors opened out along the borderline & they weren’t hardly even stoned
Life & death on the borderline; the cross of circumstance
Life & death on the borderline where a soul still stands a chance
Good to Go
Heard the rooster crow & I jumped out of bed
Missed the floor & I cracked my head
Wife jumped & hollered & she stomped my toe
Said, hey honey ain’t you good to go?
I’m good to go
Yes, I’m good to go
Hey lord willing I’m good to go
Hey honey I’m good to go
Went to the barn & I hitched the mule
He was feeling his oats, he was playing it cool
I said, hey jack we go to hit the road
He said, don’t be cruel, I’m good to go
Good to go
I’m good to go
Hey lord willing I’m good to go
Don’t be cruel, I’m good to go
Resumed running down the highway of life
When I hit the beach, all the signs said whoa
I got my water wings, I’m good to go
I’m good to go
Yes I’m good to go
Yes lord willing I’m good to go
I got my water wings & I’m good to go
I was sitting in the corner, because I hadn’t done right
When the wall burst open, I was out in the night
I said, look there now, there’s a light up the road
That love light’s shining, I’m good to go
Good to go
I’m good to go
Hey lord willing I’m good to go
That love light’s shining & I’m good to go
Good to go
I’m good to go
Hey lord willing I’m good to go
That love light’s shining & I’m good to go
That love light’s shining & I’m good to go
That love light’s shining & I’m good to go
Skull Hill
In that month when even farmers complain
The sun's too hot, the sky won't rain
Who will come sing w/ me & laugh
Eat the blackberries that I've washed in a bath
Of cool spring water, they're shining & sweet
But on the back porch there's no one but me
Off in the distance where the widows moan
On old Skull Hill I hear them dancing bones
I lean against the wall with an oak leaf plate
Tune my fiddle to the squeak of the gate
Trees are blasted that had sprouted in the eaves
Roots in the forest must be deeper than these
You're a hard worker but I never heard you boast
Except when you woman gave birth in this place of the ghost
Off in the distance where the widows moan
On old Skull Hill I hear them dancing bones
The dancing of bones & the crack of the whip
Procession of souls on a timeless trip
Some cry for water, some throw off their bands
Some still count silver into their blood stained hands
I know the weather's sometimes hard to ignore
But off on Skull Hill it just don't matter know more
Off in the distance where the widows moan
On old Skull Hill I hear them dancing bones
There’s Something Worrying Me
I look out my window; see the idiot light
You reckon there’s somebody out there up to something that ain’t right?
The mornings pass & the evenings come while the flowers fade
And, I see everything’s twisted, everything the god made
There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me
I keep an eye on Satan when he insists he’s doing nothing wrong
Now that time is money, what was right can now be wrong
I duck back into the doorway; pretend I’m deaf & dumb
Trying to keep my heart right till my hour comes
There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me
My senses have been dulled by the milk cow jive
My soul has been scorched by the gun of a suicide
Maybe I could have helped him; helped him w/ his life
It’s too late now. He can’t be revived
There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me
Jesus said; love your enemies. O how can this be?
We worship self-defense & blood revenge & national security
When the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor, what could a good Christian do?
Give up California? What good could love do?
There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me
I’m getting kind of sleepy. Won’t somebody wake me up
From this bad dream of something sneaking up?
I’ve got to keep my hands busy lest I fall asleep to soon
Among this crowd of worshipers of the silver spoon
There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me
Someone was bound to say it but you know it’s just the beard
He looks like Jesus Christ. That strikes me weird
I’m just an imitation; an imitation incomplete
So I pull out my French harp & keep time w/ my feet
(There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me)
Confronted by my failure working on my house
Distracted by my foolish heart. What is this life about?
I lean on the balcony rail; look down the evening street
For the one who’ll take away all this fear & set us free
You shall be free when the good lord sets you free
(There’s something worrying me. There’s something worrying me)
Ragged Old Crow
He said he didn't know, hadn't a clue
But I know there was something between him & you
The lights thru' the window flash in your eyes
There's a catch in your voice now that you can't disguise
And you can't deny it so you head for the door
Cross the warp of the carpet while you add up the score
How many times has this happened - pigs take off & fly
Right thru' the ceiling & the tears that you cry
The tears that you cry now, a bad dream w/ no sound
Just that ragged old crow flapping down
What in the world, are you feeling your age
Smoking & shaking & ripping out pages
Is there anyone out there, you consult w/ the air
Is there anyone out there, does anyone care
You could try to try harder but you're already dead
And God's just a fat man talking out of his head
No these windows don't open still you take a look down
Shake a pill from your prescription & curse this old town
Curse this old town, now that dreams getting loud
And that crow w/ one eye looks around
The elevator was too crowded so you took the stairs
There's a man on the landing who ought not to be there
He's got pasty white skin & dull staring eyes
You try not to panic, you just try to squeeze by
Burst into the night streets & you hear the door slam
And then that voice whispers, honey you know who I am
So you make for the black trees that line the redeemer's church yard
That voice calls your name & it tears you apart
It tears you apart now, you think but no one knows me
And that crow flies away thru' the trees
Midnight in the Rain
Sister Sara went down to the fountain
To fill up her water jug.
She fell down and the jug got broken
And the fountain filled with blood.
Nostradamus came down from the mountain
With a notebook in his shirt.
He showed the town drunk what he’d written.
The man said some ones bound to get hurt.
Looking for joy and finding sorrow,
Looking for joy and finding pain,
Looking for joy and finding trouble;
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
King John went into his bedroom
And he let down the blinds,
Felt the eye of his own true love on him
And he knew what was on her mind.
He sat down said, “Don’t tell anyone
But I found a grey hair in my beard.”
It was too late. The word had taken wing
When the crow in the window overheard.
Looking for joy and finding sorrow,
Looking for joy and finding pain,
Looking for joy and finding trouble;
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
Sometimes my life just starts to ramble
Like a sleep walker biding the time,
Waiting for someone to shake me
Out of the terrors in my mind.
Looking for joy and finding sorrow,
Looking for joy and finding pain,
Looking for joy and finding trouble;
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
Sister Sara jumped into the fountain.
She jumped out again with a shout.
“I’m washed in the blood now,” she giggled.
They carried her off then. No doubt.
King John signed out Sister Sara.
Nostradamus put the drunk into a cart.
They stopped into the Quick Mart for matches
Then stumbled out into the dark.
Looking for joy and finding sorrow,
Looking for joy and finding pain,
Looking for joy and finding trouble;
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
So while the cold rain was driven,
And the people were in bed safe asleep,
A child looked out of her window,
Saw lights flicker out there where the road got steep.
Looking for joy and finding sorrow,
Looking for joy and finding pain,
Looking for joy and finding trouble;
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
Carry your candle out at midnight into the rain.
Son of David
Oh Muse that David called on unloose my shackled tongue
To sing of the son of wonder—of the wonder of the one
Who set the worlds to spinning and my feet upon this road,
Who shines through the curving darkness where I don’t know how to go.
I’m so full of weakness, fooled by pride and by despair
I raise my hand to Jesus; he gets me out of there !
They called him the son of David whom David danced before
He is the son of God and Man and he’s set to take us over
These dark and churning waters to that bright crystal shore.
I lift my voice to his voice before the toil begins
His voice, it comes to call when it seems the toil won’t end
And there he goes before us with his feet up the hills
To finish what he started out on that other hill
Sometimes I don’t see anything but the enemy closing in
I walk among the wounded, there he is again!
They called him the son of David whom David danced before
He is the son of God and Man and he’s set to take us over
These dark and churning waters to that bright crystal shore.
These dark and churning waters to that bright crystal shore.
These dark and churning waters to that bright crystal shore.
Song of the Turtle
Lifting & tugging, helping yourself
Along by the river where they drink to your health
Weaving & bobbing, rolling along
Under gravity's rainbow, humming that song
The one you remember, the one you forget
The one that gets to you when the sun starts to set
And the turtle is singing while the wagon wheels turn
Blackberries are blooming, what have you learned
From the flashing of steel & the blood that flows
From the one who dropped softly & collapsed on the road
Butter & honey, cat’s on the wall
Gossip that whispers along this sad hall
While dust in the sunlight steadily falls
You hear the incantation for the allegiance of all
To the light in the socket. On your knees you crawl
Toward the man w/ your number when he beckons & calls
And the turtle is singing while wagon wheels roll
Black berries are blooming. Man they’re out of control
Like the rumors a flying & the blood that flows
From the one who dropped softly & collapsed on the road
Awake again in the morning, sunlight on your head
Remember the dream but get out of the bed
You hear someone holler, you got to get out & roll
Don’t ask for no reasons. You’ve already been told
Just tighten your shoelace & pick up your hat
Reach for the doorknob. Simple as that
And the turtle is singing while the wagon wheels turn
A young woman yearning for her lovers return
From the battle that’s raging & that blood that must flow
From the ones who drop softly & collapse all along the road
Strong Love
Stolen waters are sweet. They say they go down smooth
How long have I been here? How long loving you?
Grass is still green. O, honey where would I go
To find someone to squeeze me down this narrow road
I see the flowers & I sniff at a few
When I’m sniffing for strong love, I pick up on you
Round & round I go up on a hill
Down in the valley thru’ the vale of the ill
Coming & going, one hand in the air
In the cool of the morning, you’re warm & right there
I get close to bright women; they almost make me go blind
Down the long hall, your strong love hangs a lamp in my mind
Waters a flowing seldom back up
From the rivers of time, you’ve filled up my cup
With a dream so specific, I sometimes gasp in my sleep
Forget where I’m going, forget how to speak
Lilacs & roses, honeysuckle in bloom
Down the trail of strong love, I pick up on you
Down the trail of strong love, I’m picking up on you
I’m picking up on you
The Rowan Tree (Two Old Friends Roll a Stone)
Two old men by the rowan tree
Laughing like they’d gone crazy
Two old men by the rowan tree
Feeding stray dogs their poetry
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
When they got tired they'd sit on a rock
Weird & gritty like old root stock
Two old men sitting on a rock
Got real quiet, no need to talk
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
Clouds are moving & the earth so still
Down the holler a peckerwood shrills
From this moment willing to see
Two old men by the rowan tree
One turned to the other & said
Slapping a skeeter right off his head
One turned to the other & said
We’ll roll this stone before we’re dead
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
So they bent they’re backs & they prized they’re sticks
See if this old dog can’t do some tricks
They bent they’re backs & they prized their sticks
Till their women came out & give them scolding fits
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
Wonder of wonders, can it be
Frost is coming & the bended knee
Take some water, go swallow your pill
We’ll stand steady at the top of the hill
Hey old girl come draw us some water
It’s hot out here & getting hotter
Say old girl come draw us some water
You gave me sons but never a daughter
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
She said, hey old boy you’ve got your health
You gave me promises but never wealth
Hey old boy you’ve got your health
Go & draw your water yourself
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
Weasels & pumpkins & Finnegan’s Wake
Rapscallions want all the cake
Thunder & lightning & a sweet rainbow
Out of the cabbage a long stalk grows
What is it makes these women so mean
A change in the weather maybe too much spleen
What is it makes these women so mean
Meanest women I’ve ever seen
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
One man to the other then would say
You dance to the music, then you pay
The other then of course would say
I guess we never wanted it too easy
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
Bucket of silence, rope wound down
Cool but stuffy down under the ground
Dig you taters, put them in the cellar
We’re a couple of lucky old fellers
Neighbor to neighbor my old friend
As from the beginning now unto the end
Neighbor to neighbor my old friend
There’s three crows watching to pick our shins
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
So they lifted that rock up off of the ground
A grunt & a whistle were the only sound
They lifted that rock up off of the ground
Rolled it over & round & round
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
Pressure falls as the clouds roll in
My pants stay up, I’ve got my safety pin
Wind starts blowing, we’ve learned to bend
Neighbor to neighbor my old friend
They sat back down then & laughed out loud
Say just to know you makes me proud
Sat back down & they laughed out loud
You mean more to me than a big crowd
Roll that rock around boys
Roll that rock around
Roses bloom from ashes & dust
Lava rises & cracks the crust
Rain starts falling, we’ve learned to be
Two old friends by the rowan tree.
Wake Up the World
In the beginning the god created
In the beginning there was the word
In the beginning the spirit hovered
Over the water, oh haven’t you heard
Haven’t you heard about freedom coming?
Haven’t you heard a word that’s been said?
Haven’t you heard about the long time passing?
The long time passing & the time ahead
Wake up the world,
Wake up the world
Wake it & shake it, let’s wake up the world
Too many people are scared of trying
Too many people don’t know where to begin
Too many people got their teeth a-grinding
Come on people let’s wake up the world
Wake up the world; get your bones a-shaking
Wake up the world; put some flesh on the bone
Wake up the world, don’t hide your feelings
Say what you’re thinking & wake up the world
Wake up the world,
Wake up the world
Like morning birds singing, lets wake up the world
The good scribe is like a good householder
Brings out the old wine & brings out the new
Stokes up the fire when the weather gets colder
When souls are thirsty, he knows what to do
Ring up the number of the tramp on the street
Pass out invitations to the people you meet
Open your windows & shake out your sheets
Get your high heeled sneakers, it’s a wedding feast
Wake up the world,
Wake up the world
Wake it & shake it, let’s wake up the world
Wake up the world,
Wake up the world
Like morning birds singing, let’s wake up the world