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