REM - Lyrics

Murmur lyrics

Reckoning lyrics

Fables of the Reconstruction lyrics

Lifes Rich Pageant lyrics

Document lyrics

Green lyrics

Out of Time lyrics

Automatic for the People lyrics

Monster lyrics

New Adventures in Hi-Fi lyrics

Up lyrics

Reveal lyrics

Around the Sun lyrics

Accelerate lyrics

"Murmur"

Radio Free Europe

Resign yourself that's radio's gonna stay

Reason: It could polish up the grey

Put that, put that, put that up your wall

That this isn't country at all

Radio station, beside yourself

Keep me out of country in the word

Deal the porch is leading us absurd

Push that, push that, push that to the hull

That this isn't nothing at all

Straight off the boat, where to go?

Calling all in transit, calling all in transit

Radio free Europe, radio...

Beside defying media too fast

Instead of pushing palaces to fall

Put that, put that, put that before all

That this isn't fortune at all

Radio station, beside yourself

Calling all in transit, calling all in transit

Radio free Europe

Decide yourself, calling all of the medias too fast

Keep me out of country in the word

Disappoint is unto us absurd

Straight off the boat, where to go?

Calling all in transit, calling all in transit

Radio free Europe, radio free Europe

Calling all in transit, calling all in transit

Radio free Europe, radio free Europe...

Pilgrimage

Take a turn, take a turn

Take our fortune, take our fortune

They called the clip a two-headed cow

Your hate clipped and distant, your luck, pilgrimage

Rest assured this will not last, take a turn for the worst

Your hate clipped and distant, your luck a two-headed cow

The pilgrimage has gained momentum

Take a turn, take a turn

Take our fortune, take our fortune

Speakin' in tongues, it's worth a broken lip

Your hate clipped and distant, your luck, pilgrimage

Rest assured this will not last, take a turn for the worst

Your hate clipped and distant, your luck a two-headed cow

The pilgrimage has gained momentum

Take a turn (take a turn), take a turn (take a turn)

Take our fortune (take a turn), take our fortune

Pilgrimage, pilgrimage

Speakin' in tongues, it's worth a broken lip

Your hate clipped and distant, your luck

Rest assured this will not last, take a turn for the worst

Your hate clipped and distant, your luck two-headed

The pilgrimage has gained momentum

Take a turn (take a turn), take a turn (take a turn)

Take our fortune (take a turn), take our fortune

Pilgrimage, pilgrimage

The pilgrimage has gained momentum

Take a turn (take a turn), take a turn (take a turn)

Take our fortune (take a turn), take our fortune (take a turn)

Take a turn (take a turn), take a turn (take a turn)

Take our fortune (take a turn), take our fortune

Laughing

Laocoon and her two sons

Pressured storm, tried to move

No other more, emotion bound

Martyred, misconstrued

(chorus)

Lighted in a room, lanky room

Lighted, lighted, laughing in tune

Lighted, lighted, laughing

Laocoon and her two sons

Run the gamut, sated view

Know them more, emotion bound

Martyred, misconstrued

(repeat chorus)

In a room, lock the door, latch the room

Lighted, lighted, laughing

Laocoon and her two sons

Ran the gamut, settled new,

Find a place fit to laugh,

Lock the doors, latch the room

Lighted in a room, lanky room

Lighted, lighted, laughing in tune

Lighted, lighted, laughing in tune

Lighted, lighted, laughing in tunes

Lighted, lighted, laughing 

Talk About the Passion

Empty prayer, empty mouths, combien reaction

Empty prayer, empty mouths, talk about the passion

Not everyone can carry the weight of the world

Not everyone can carry the weight of the world

Talk about the passion

Talk about the passion

Empty prayer, empty mouths, combien reaction

Empty prayer, empty mouths, talk about the passion

Combien, combien, combien de temps?

Not everyone can carry the weight of the world

Not everyone can carry the weight of the world

Combien, combien, combien de temps?

Talk about the passion

Talk about the passion

[repeat]  

Moral Kiosk

Scratch the scandals in the twilight

Trying to shock but instead

Idle hands all orient to her

Pass a magic pillow under head

It’s so much more attractive inside the moral kiosk

Inside, cold, dark, fire, twilight

Inside, cold, dark, fire, twilight

They scratch the scandals in the twilight

She was laughing like a Horae

Put that knee in dour landslide

Take this step to dash a roving eye

It’s so much more attractive inside the moral kiosk

Inside, cold, dark, fire, twilight

Inside, cold, dark, fire, twilight

[repeat first verse]  

Perfect Circle 

Put your hair back, we get to leave

Eleven gallows on your sleeve

Shallow figure, winner's paid

Eleven shadows way out of place

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Pull your dress on and stay real close

Who might leave you where I left off?

A perfect circle of acquaintances and friends

Drink another, coin a phrase

Heaven assumed, shoulders high in the room

Heaven assumed, shoulders high in the room

Heaven assumed, shoulders high in the room

Try to win and suit your needs

Speak out sometimes but try to win

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room

Catapult

We were little boys

We were little girls

It's nine o'clock, don't try to turn it off

Cowered in a hole, opie mouth. Question:

Did we miss anything? did we miss anything?

Did we miss anything? did we miss anything?

Catapult (catapult), catapult, catapult (catapult), catapult

(chorus)

We were little boys

We were little girls

It's nine o'clock, don't try to turn it off

Cowered in a hole, opie mouth

We in step, in hand, your mother remembers this

Hear the howl of the rope, a question:

Did we miss anything? did we miss anything?

Did we miss anything? did we miss anything?

Catapult (catapult), catapult, catapult (catapult), catapult

March could be darker, march could be darker

Catapult (catapult), catapult, catapult (catapult), catapul

(repeat chorus)

Sitting Still

This name I got we all agreed

Secrets don't stop the worrying

Wicked blinded in the seek

Wicked gathered up in sin

chorus:

Occupy Arcadian, a Grecian sky, but not mean

Sit and try for the big kill

Waste of time

Sitting still

I'm the Son that you can't rid

I'm the Son that you knocked dead

Wicked crowned dead is this seer

Wicked scattered through with fear

chorus:

Occupy Arcadian, a Grecian sky, but not mean

Sit and try for the big kill

Waste of time

Sitting still

This name I got we all were green

See could stop stop it will red

We could bind it in the cist

We could gather, throw a fit

(repeat chorus)

You can gather when I talk

Talk and sit here with me

You can get away from me

Get away from me

I can hear you,

Can you hear me?

9-9

Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced.

Now what does that mean?

Is there a just contradiction?

Nothing much.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord, hesitate.

Got to punch

Right on target

Twisting tongues

Gotta stripe down his back

All nine yards down her back

Give me a cup of charm,

Give me a cup of love,

Pointers turn to lies and conversation fear.

Got to punch

Right on target

Twisting tongues

Gotta stripe down his back

All nine yards down her back

Give me a cup of charm,

Give me a cup of love,

Pointers turn to lies and conversation fear.

What is in my mind?

What is in my mind?

Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced.

Now what does that mean?

Is there a just contradiction?

Nothing much.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake, oh come on, hesitate, hesitate.

Got to punch

Right on target

Twisting tongues

Gotta stripe down her back

All nine yards down his back

Give me a cup of charm,

Give me a cup of love,

Pointers turn to lies and conversation fear.

Conversation fear. Conversation fear. Conversation fear.n fear, conversation fear

Shaking Through

Could it be that one small voice doesn't count in the room?

Yellow like a geisha gown, denial all the way

Could this by three be ten? Honor marches on

Yellow like a geisha gown, denial all the way

Shaking through, opportune, shaking through, opportune

Are we grown way too far?

Taking after

Yellow like a geisha gown, denial all the way

Shaking through, opportune, shaking through, opportune

In my life

Ears that are still,

Children of today on parade,

Yellow like a geisha gown, denial all the way

Shaking through, opportune, shaking through, opportune

Shaking through, opportune, shaking through, opportune

We Walk

Up the stairs to the landing, up the stairs into the hall, oh, oh, oh

Take oasis, Marat's bathing

We walk through the wood, we walk

Up the stairs to the landing, up the stairs into the hall, oh, oh, oh

Take oasis, Marat's bathing

We walk through the woods, we walk

Take oasis, take oasis, take oasis, take oasis

Up the stairs to the landing, up the stairs into the hall, oh, oh, oh

Take oasis, Marat's bathing

We walk through the world, we walk

Up the stairs to the landing, up the stairs into the hall, oh, oh, oh

Take oasis, Marat's bathing

Up the stairs to the landing, up the stairs into the hall, oh, oh, oh

Take oasis, Marat's bathing

Up the stairs to the landing, up the stairs into the hall, oh, oh, oh

Into the hall, into the hall

West of the Fields

Long gone, intuition to assume are gone when we try.

Dream of a living jungle in my way back home when we die.

West of the fields. West of the fields. West of the fields. West of the fields.

Long gone. Long gone. Long gone. Long gone. West of the fields.

Dreams of Elysian, to assume are gone when we try

Tell now what is dreaming

When we try to listen with your eyes oversimplify

The animals, how strange. Try, try to stick it in.

The animals, how strange. Try, try to stick it in.

Dreams of Elysian, to assume are gone when we try

Tell now what is dreaming when we try.

Listen through your eyes when we die.

West of the fields. West of the fields. West of the fields. West of the fields.

Long gone. Long gone. Long gone. Long gone. West of the fields.

"RECKONING"

Harborcoat

They crowded up to Lenin with their noses worn off
A handshake is worthy if it’s all that you’ve got
Metal shoes on wood push through our back
There’s a splinter in your eye and it reads "REACT"

They shifted the statues for harboring ghosts
Reddened their necks, collared their clothes
Then we danced the dance till the menace got out
She gathered the corners and called it her gown

Please find my harborcoat, can’t go outside without it
Find my harborcoat, can’t go outside without it

They crowded up to Lenin with their noses worn off
A handshake is worthy if it’s all that you’ve got
Metal shoes on wood push through our back
There’s a splinter in your eye and it reads "REACT", R-E-A-C-T

They shifted the statues for harboring ghosts
Reddened their necks, collared their clothes
Then we danced the dance till the menace got out
She gathered the corners and called it her gown

She said...  

Seven Chinese Brothers

(chorus 1)
This mellow, sweet, short-haired boy, woman offers pull up a seat
Take in one symphony now, we've just begun to battle
Wrap your heel in bones of steel, turn the leg, a twist of color
Autumn waited hold it to you in the colored come another

(chorus 2)
Seven chinese brothers swallowing the ocean
Seven thousand years to sleep away the pain
She will return, she will return

This mellow, sweet, short-haired boy, woman offers pull up a seat
Take in one symphony now, we've just begun to battle
Wrap your heel in bones of steel, turn the leg, a twist of color
Autumn waded seven seas when the colored come another

(repeat chorus 2)

This mellow, sweet, short-haired boy, woman offers pull up a chair
Take in one symphony now, I guess we lost that battle
Wrap your heel in bones of steel, turn the leg, a twist of color
Autumn waded seven seas swimming colored come another

Seven chinese brothers swallowing the ocean
Seven thousand years the Communi did reign
She will return, she will return

 

So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)

Did you never call? I waited for your call
These rivers of suggestion are driving me away
The trees will bend, the cities wash away
The city on the river there is a girl without a dream

(chorus)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry

Eastern to Mountain, third party call, the lines are down
The wise man built his words upon the rocks
But I'm not bound to follow suit
The trees will bend, the conversation's dimmed
Go build yourself another home, this choice isn't mine

I'm sorry, I'm sorry

Did you never call? I waited for your call
These rivers of suggestion are driving me away
The ocean sang, the conversation's dimmed
Go build yourself another dream, this choice isn't mine

(repeat chorus)

 

Pretty Persuasion

Here's what I want, hurry and buy,
All has been tried, follow reason and buy,
cannot wear that in this heat, it's all wrong
Try to put that on your sleeve it's all wrong, it's all wrong

He's got pretty persuasion
She's got pretty persuasion
God damn, your confusion
She's got pretty persuasion

It's what I want, hurry and buy,
All has been tried, follow reasoning,
You can't wear that in this heat it's all wrong
Try to wear that on my sleeve it's all wrong, all wrong

(chorus)
He's got pretty persuasion
She's got pretty persuasion
God damn, your confusion
He's got pretty persuasion

In the light I saw
Quite a scene there

It's what I want, hurry and buy,
All has been tried, follow reason and buy,
Try to put that in this heat it's all wrong
Cannot wear that on your sleeve it's all wrong, it's all wrong

(repeat chorus)  

 

Time after Time (Annelise)

Ask the girl of the hour by the water tower's watch

If your friends took a fall, are your obligated to follow?



Time after, time after time.



When the bull's on his hooves, when you gather friends by the tower.

If you try to refuse, will they judge your worth by the hour?



Time after, time after time.

Time after, time after time.



If you're tired and you're tried you can find me in my room.

You can stay if you want and the third time you can't lose.



Time after, time after time.

Time after, time after.



Ask the girl of the hour, by the water tower's watch

We can fight if you want but who will turn out the lights?



Time after, time after time.

Time after, time after time.



Time after, time after time.

Time after, time after. 

Second Guessing  

Why’re you trying to second guess me?

I am tired of second guessing

What will be your look this season?

Who will be your book this season?





Why’re you trying to second guess me?

I am tired of second guessing

What will be your look this season?

Who will be your book this season?



Here we are



Why’re you trying to second guess me?

I am tired of second guessing

What will be your look this season?

Be in my club, write a book this season  

 

Letter Never Sent 

It’s been pretty simple so far, vacation in Athens is calling me
And knock, knock, knock on wood, I thought I’d left you behind
Heaven is yours, heaven is yours, heaven’s yours where I live

The thought of the catacombs left my soul at home
This letter never sent
And it’s so far, it’s so dark, I’m so lost
Heaven’s yours, heaven’s yours, heaven’s yours where I live
(Another story, another story for a while, someone show me)
When I’m moving too fast, where’s my new address?

The water is evening now, the catacombs are filling in
If my soul was made of stone, no, not, not so dark, dark

And it’s so far, it’s so dark, I’m so lost
And it’s so far, it’s so far, it’s so far

Heaven’s yours, heaven’s yours, heaven’s yours where I live
(Another story, another story for a while, someone show me)
Heaven’s yours, heaven’s yours, heaven’s yours where I live
(Another story, another story for a while, someone show me)  

 

Camera

(chorus 1)
From the inside room when the front room greeting
Becomes your special book, it was simple then
When the party lulls, if we fall by the side

(chorus 2)
Will you be remembered? will she be remembered?
Alone in a crowd, a bartered lantern borrowed
If I'm to be your camera, then who will be your face?
I fell by your bed once, I didn't want to tell you
I should keep myself in between the pages
Of the green light room if we fall by the side

(repeat chorus 2)

(repeat chorus 1)

I still like you, can you remember?
Alone in a crowd, a bartered lantern borrowed
If I'm to be your camera, then who will be your face?
Alone in a crowd, a bartered lantern borrowed
If I'm to be your camera, then who will be your face?  

 

Rockville (Don't Go Back)

Looking at your watch a third time waiting in the station for a bus
Going to a place that’s far, so far away and if that’s not enough
Going where nobody says hello, they don’t talk to anybody they don’t know
You’ll wind up in some factory that’s full time filth and nowhere left to go
Walk home to an empty house, sit around all by yourself
I know it might sound strange, but I believe
You’ll be coming back before too long

Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
And waste another year

At night I drink myself to sleep and pretend
I don’t care if you’re not here with me
‘Cause it’s so much easier to handle
All my problems if I’m too far out to sea
But something better happen soon

Or it’s gonna be too late to bring you back

Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
And waste another year

It’s not as though I really need you
If you were here I’d only bleed you
But everybody else in town only wants to bring you down and
That’s not how it ought to be
I know it might sound strange, but I believe
You’ll be coming back before too long

Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
And waste another year

Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
Don’t go back to Rockville
And waste another year  

 

Little America

I can't see myself at thirty, I don't buy a lacquered thirty
Caught like flies, preserved for tomorrow's jewelery, again
Lighted in the amber yard, a green shellback, green shellback
Preserved for tomorrow's eyes, in tree beer tar-black brer sap,
The biggest wagon is the empty wagon is the noisiest, it's the
The consul a whores, Jefferson, I think we're lost

Who will tend the farm museums? Who will dust today's belongings?
Who will sweep the floors, hedging near the givens?
Rally round your leaders it's the mediator season
Shy Anne is on the beach, do you realize the life she's led?
The biggest wagon is the empty wagon is the noisiest, it's the
The consul a whores, oh man I think we're lost
The biggest wagon is the empty wagon is the noisiest, it's the
A matter of course, Jefferson, Jeffer

Lighted in the amber yard, a green shellback, green shellback
Sky-lied, sty-tied, Nero pie-tied, in tree tar-black brer sap,
Reason has harnessed the tame, a lodging, not stockader's game
Another Greenville, another Magic Mart, Jeffer, grab your fiddle,
The biggest wagon is the empty wagon is the noisiest, it's the
The consul a whores, Jefferson, I think we're lost
The biggest wagon is the empty wagon is the noisiest, it's the
The consul a whores, Jefferson, I think we're lost, lost

 

 

"FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION"

Feeling Gravity's Pull

I fell asleep and read just about every paragraph

Read the scene where gravity is pulling me around
Peel back the mountains peel back the sky
Stomp gravity into the floor
It's a Man Ray kind of sky
Let me show you what I can do with it
Time and distance are out of place here

Step up, step up, step up the sky is open-armed
When the light is mine, I felt gravity pull

Somewhere near the end it said
"You can't do this", I said "I can too"
Shift sway rivers shift, oceans fall and mountains drift
It's a Man Ray kind of sky
Let me show you what I can do with it

Step up, step up, step up the sky is open-armed
When the light is mine, I felt gravity pull onto my eyes,
Holding my head straight (looking down)
This is the easiest task I've ever had to do

I fell asleep and read just about every paragraph

Read the scene where gravity is pulling me around
Shift the swaying river's shift
Oceans fall and mountains drift
It's a Man Ray kind of sky
Let me show you what I can do with it
Time and distance are out of place here

Step up, step up, step up the sky is open-armed
When the light is mine, I felt gravity pull onto my eyes,
Holding my head straight (looking down)
This is the easiest task I've ever had to do
Reason had harnessed the tame
Holding the sky in their arms
Gravity pulls me down

Maps and Legends

He’s not to be reached, he’s to be reached.
He’s not to be reached, he’s to be reached.

Called the fool and the company,
On his own where he’d rather be.
Where he ought to be, he sees what you can’t see, can’t you see that?

Maybe he’s caught in the legend,
Maybe he’s caught in the mood.
Maybe these maps and legends
Have been misunderstood.

Down the way the road’s divided,
Paint me the places you have seen.
Those who know what I don’t know
Refer to the yellow, red and green

Maybe he’s caught in the legend,
Maybe he’s caught in the mood.
Maybe these maps and legends
Have been misunderstood.

He’s not to be reached, he’s to be reached.
He’s not to be reached, he’s to be reached.
He’s not to be reached, he’s to be reached.
He’s not to be reached, he’s to be reached.

The map that you painted didn’t seem real.
He just sings whatever he’s seen
Point to the legend, point to the east,
Point to the yellow, red and green

Maybe he’s caught in the legend,
Maybe he’s caught in the mood.
Maybe these maps and legends
Have been misunderstood, been misunderstood. (Maps and legends)

(Maps and legends) Is he to be reached? He’s not to be reached.
(Maps and legends) Is he to be reached? He’s not to be reached.
(Maps and legends) Is he to be reached? He’s not to be reached anymore. 

 

Driver 8 

The walls are built up, stone by stone,
The fields divided one by one
And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We've been on this shift too long"

And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"

I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged
Bells are ringing through the town again,
Children look up, all they hear is sky-blue, bells ringing

And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"
But we're still a ways away

Way to shield the hated heat
Way to put myself to sleep
Way to shield the hated heat
Way to put myself, my children to sleep

He piloted this song in a plane like that one
She is selling faith on the Go Tell crusade
Locomotive 8, Southern Crescent hear the bells ring again
Fields of wheat are lookin' thin

And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We've been on this shift too long"
And the train conductor says
"Take a break Driver 8, Driver 8 take a break
We can reach our destination, but we're still a ways away"
But we're still a ways away

 

Life and How to Live it 

Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Two doors remain before your others and your own
Keep these books well stocked away and take your happy home

(chorus)
My carpenter's out and running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and running about
Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest
So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best

(repeat chorus)

The hills ringing hear the words in time
Listen to the holler, listen to my walls within my tongue
Can't you see you made my ears go tin?
The air quicken tension building inference suddenly
Life and how to live it

Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest
So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best
Read about the wisdom lost, a knock, a knock, a knock
A secret knock one hammer's locked the other wisdom lost

(repeat chorus)

My carpenter's out and running about, barking in the, listen to the holler
My pockets are out and running about
Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Listen, listen to the holler,
If I write a book it will be called "Life and How to Live It"  

 

Old Man Kensey 

Old Man Kensey wants to be a sign painter
First he's got to learn to read
He's gonna be a clown on TV
Flags at his elbow, time to breath
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake, Kensey's away
(That's my folly) That's my mistake

Old Man Kensey wants to be a goalie
First he's got to learn to count
He's gonna be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed in sopped up tar
(That's my folly) Kensey's going far

John, Bill and Ted, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go

If you see myself, I see you
If you see myself, I see you (If we missed the chance)
If you see myself, I see you (If we missed the chance)

Old Man Kensey wants to be a dog catcher
First he's got to learn to stand
He's gonna be a clown in a marching band
Letters to me signed ransom greed
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake, John, Bill and Ted,
(That's my folly) That's my mistake
Kensey's away, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go
Drink up the lake, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go  

 

Can't Get There From Here

When the world is a monster
Bad to swallow you whole
Kick the clay that holds the teeth in
Throw your trolls out the door
If you're needing inspiration
Philomath is where I go by dawn
Lawyer Jeff he knows the lowdown
He's mighty bad to visit home

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way

When your hands are feeling empty
Stick head jumpin off the ground, 'round
Tris is sure to shirr the deers out
Brother Ray can sing my song

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way

Hands down, Calechee bound
Landlocked kiss the ground
Dirt of seven continents going round and round
Go on ahead Mr. Citywide hypnotized, suit and tied
Gentlemen, testify

If your world is a monster
Bad to swallow you whole
Philomath they know the lowdown
Throw your trolls out the door

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way
(Can't get there from here)

I've been there I know the way

Thank you, Ray.  

 

Green Grow The Rushes

The wheelbarrow’s fallen
Look at my hands
They’ve found some surplus cheaper hands
Rubbing palms and pick and choose,
who will they choose? Here is the news.

Look at that building, look at this man
Halloed and whitewashed
Gone to find a cheaper hand
He’ll offer a pound, offer a pound.

Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
The compass points the workers home

Pay for your freedom, find another gate
Guilt by associate, the rushes wilted a long time ago
Guilty as you go

Stay off that highway, word is it’s not so safe
The grasses that hide the greenback
The amber waves of gain again
The amber waves of gain

Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
The compass points the workers home  

Kohoutek

She carried ribbons, she wore them out
Courage built a bridge, jealous tore it down
At least it’s something you’ve left behind
Like Kohoutek, you were gone

We sat in the garden, we stood on the porch 
I won’t deny myself, we never talked

She wore bangles, she wore bells 
On her toes and she jumped like a fish
Like a flyin’ friend, you were gone
Like Kohoutek, can’t forget that

Fever built a bridge, reason tore it down 
If I am one to follow.. who will stand alone?

Maybe you’re not the problem 
scissors, paper, stone
If you stand and holler, these prayers will talk

She carried ribbons, she wore them out 
Michael built a bridge...Michael tore it down
At least it’s something you’ve left behind
Like Kohoutek, you were gone

Michael built a bridge... Michael tore it down 
If I stand and holler... will I stand alone? 

 

Auctioneer (Another Engine)

She didn’t want to get pinned down by her prior town
Get me to the train on time, here take this nickel make a dime
Take this penny and make it into a necklace when I leave
What is at the other end, I don’t know another friend
Another wife, another morning spent
Listen, listen to the auctioneer
Another engine, another engine

We never wrote the reasons that I need explained
Some things are givens, and others get away
This time its for myself you call it what you may
Okay, we won’t say goodbye so long, so much more
Listen to the auctioneer
Another engine, another engine

Listen to the bargain holler
Listen to the barter holler
Listen to the auctioneer

Get me to the train on time here take this nickel make a dime
Take this penny and make it into a necklace when I leave
What is at the other end, an I don’t know another friend
Another wife, another morning spent
Listen to the auctioneer
Another engine, another engine

Do I stand the bargain holler?
Listen to the barter holler
Listen to the auctioneer  

 

Good Advices 

When you greet a stranger look at his shoes
Keep your money in your shoes, put your troubles behind
When you greet a stranger look at her hands
Keep your money in your hands, put your troubles behind
Who are you going to call for help, what do you have to say
Keep your hat on your head
Home is a long way away
At the end of the day, I'll forget your name
I'd like it here if I could leave and see you from a long way away

When you greet a stranger, look at her shoes
Keep you memories in your shoes, put your troubles behind
Who are you going to call for, what do you have to say
Keep your hat on your head
Home is a long way away
At the end of the day, when there are no friends
When there are no lovers, who are you going to call for help
What do you have to change

A familiar face a foreign place I forget your name
I'd like it here if I could leave and see you from a long way away
Who are you going to call for help, what do you have to say
Keep your hat on your head
Home is a long way away  

 

Wendell Gee

That’s when Wendell Gee takes a tug
Upon the string that held the line of trees
Behind the house he lived in
He was reared to give respect
But somewhere down the line he chose
To whistle as the wind blows
Whistle as the wind blows, with me

He had a dream one night 
That the tree had lost its middle
So he built a trunk of chicken wire
To try to hold it up
But the wire, the wire turned to lizard skin
And when he climbed inside
There wasn’t even time to say
Goodbye to Wendell Gee
So whistle as the wind blows
Whistle as the wind blows, with me

If the wind were colors 
And if the air could speak
Then whistle as the wind blows
Whistle as the wind blows  

 

"LIFES RICH PAGEANT" 

Begin The Begin 

(chorus)
Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand
The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Myles Standish proud, congratulate me

A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe

Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
Of the powers, the only vote that matters
Silence means security silence means approval
On Zenith, on the TV, tiger run around the tree
Follow the leader, run and turn into butter

Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again like Martin Luther zen
The mythology begins the begin
Answer me a question I can't itemize
I can't think clear, you look to me for reason
It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin

A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Example: the finest example is you

(repeat chorus)

A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again 

 

These Days 

Now I'm not feeding off you, I will rearrange your scales
If I can, and I can
March into the ocean, march into the sea

I had a hat I put it down and it sunk, reached down,
Yanked it up, slapped it on my head
All the people gather
Fly to carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever

I wish to meet each one of you
And you, me, you, if I can and I can
We have many things in common, name three

I had a hat and it sunk, reached down,
Yanked it up, slapped it on my head
All the people gather
Fly to carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever you go

Now I'm not feeding off you I will rearrange your scales
If I can and I can
I wish to eat each one of you and you, me, you

I had a hat and it sunk, reached down,
Yanked it up, slapped it on my head
All the people gather
Fly to carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever you
Carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever you go  

 

Fall on Me 

There's a problem, feathers iron
Bargain buildings, weights and pullies
Feathers hit the ground before the weight can leave the air
Buy the sky and sell the sky and tell the sky and tell the sky

(chorus)
Don't fall on me (what is it up in the air for) (it's gonna fall)
Fall on me (if it's there for long) (it's gonna fall)
Fall on me (it's over it's over me) (it's gonna fall)

There's the progress we have found (when the rain)
A way to talk around the problem (when the children reign)
Building towered foresight (keep your conscience in the dark)
Isn't anything at all (melt the statues in the park)
Buy the sky and sell the sky and bleed the sky and tell the sky

(repeat chorus)

Don't fall on me

Well I could keep it above
But then it wouldn't be sky anymore
So if I send it to you you've got to promise to keep it whole

Buy the sky and sell the sky and lift your arms up to the sky
And ask the sky and ask the sky

(repeat chorus 2x)

Don't fall on me

(repeat chorus)

Don't fall on me

(repeat chorus)  

 

Cuyahoga 

Let's put our heads together and start a new country up
Our father's father's father tried, erased the parts he didn't like
Let's try to fill it in, bank the quarry river, swim
We knee-skinned it you and me, we knee-skinned that river red

(chorus 1)
This is where we walked, this is where we swam
Take a picture here, take a souvenir

This land is the land of ours, this river runs red over it
We knee-skinned it you and me, we knee-skinned that river red
And we gathered up our friends, bank the quarry river, swim
We knee-skinned it you and me, underneath the river bed

(repeat chorus 1)

(chorus 2)
Cuyahoga
Cuyahoga, gone

Let's put our heads together, start a new country up,
Underneath the river bed we burned the river down
This is where they walked, swam, hunted, danced and sang,
Take a picture here, take a souvenir

repeat chorus 2)

Rewrite the book and rule the pages, saving face, secured in faith
Bury, burn the waste behind you

This land is the land of ours, this river runs red over it
We are not your allies, we can not defend

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2 2x)  

 

Hyena

Night time fell at the opening,
In the final act of the beginning of time.
Hyena take your role, the stage is set.
The town is safe again tonight

Hyena (I see the day ahead)
Hyena (and all that I’ve cried through)
Hyena (God knows you’re doin’ that, don’t you?)

Hyena, sister look to your hand
Man you serve communal interest,
She’ll tell you when and where and how and why you’d hurt
A beautiful young lady

Hyena (I see the day ahead)
Hyena (and all that I’ve cried through)
Hyena (God knows you’re doin’ that, don’t you?)

The only thing to fear is fearlessness
The bigger the weapon the greater the fear
Hyena is ambassador to here

Night time fell like the closing
Meager pay, but recognition
Hyena crawls on his belly out
The town is safe again tonight

Hyena (I see the changes, man)
Hyena (Goin’ on ‘cross the way)
Hyena (I see my road ahead)
Hyena (Don’t know if I should stay)
Hyena (I see you holding him,)
Hyena (and all that I’ve cried through)
Hyena (God knows you’re doin’ that, don’t you?) 

 

Underneath The Bunker 

I will hide and you will hide
And we shall hide together here
Underneath the bunkers in the row

I have water, I have rum
Wait for dawn and dawn shall come
Underneath the bunkers in the row  

 

The Flowers Of Guatemala 

I took a picture that I’ll have to send
People here are friendly and content
People here are colorful and bright
The flowers often bloom at night

Amanita is the name
The flowers cover everything
The flowers cover everything

There’s something here I find hard to ignore
There’s something that I’ve never seen before
Amanita is the name they cover over everything

The flowers cover everything
They cover over everything (Amanita is the name)
The flowers cover everything

Don’t look into the sun
Don’t look into the sun

There’s something that I’ve never seen before
The flowers often bloom at night
Amanita is the name they cover over everything.  

 

I Believe 

When I was young and full of grace
And spirited - a rattlesnake
When I was young and fever fell
My spirit, I will not tell
You're on your honor not to tell

I believe in coyotes and time as an abstract
Explain the change, the difference between
What you want and what you need, there's the key,
Your adventure for today, what do you do
Between the horns of the day?

(chorus)
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
And change is what I believe in

When I was young and give and take
And foolish said my fool awake
When I was young and fever fell
My spirit, I will not tell
You're on your honor, on your honor
Trust in your calling, make sure your calling's true
Think of others, the others think of you
Silly rule golden words make, practice, practice makes perfect,
Perfect is a fault, and fault lines change

I believe my humor's wearing thin
And change is what I believe in
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
And change is what I believe in

(repeat chorus)

When I was young and full of grace
As spirited a rattlesnake
When I was young and fever fell
My spirit, I will not tell
You're on your honor, on your honor
I believe in example
I believe my throat hurts
Example is the checker to the key

I believe my humor's wearing thin
And I believe the poles are shifting

(repeat chorus) 

 

What If We Give it Away?

On the outside, underneath the wall
All the money couldn't buy
You're mistaken, no one's standing there
For the record no one tried

(chorus)
Oh, I try to
What if we give it away?

Overlooking with a hollow eye
What's pretending is it right
Eye for order a hand for what's in line
Couldn't follow, couldn't write

(repeat chorus)

And our life is fine here
Stitch it on your tie here

Here's the trailer, Tom
A year has come and gone
We're not moving was it right
Take the order sew it on your tie
We couldn't follow, couldn't try

(repeat chorus)

What if we give it away?  

 

Just A Touch 

Well, what in the world? Women in black
Don't you remember send us back
A day in the life well nobody laughed
Look to the days how long can this last

(chorus)
Kevin heard it on the radio
Hugh informed word of mouth
Carla read it in the news
Caught it all just a touch

You set the pace of what was to come
I have to carry on now that you're gone
A day in the life well nobody laughed
Look to the days how long can this last

(repeat chorus)

There's someone in our dreams
In our preassembled dream
Lord! Dave! William!

Well what in the world? Women in black
Don't you remember send towering past back
A day in the life well nobody laughed
Look to the days how long can this last

(repeat chorus)

I can't see where to worship Popeye, love Al Green,
I can't see, I'm so young, I'm so god damn young  

 

Swan Swan H 

Swan, swan, hummingbird
Hurrah, we are all free now
What noisy cats are we
Girl and dog he bore his cross
A long, low time ago, people talk to me

Johnny Reb what’s the price of fans
Forty a piece or three for one dollar?
Hey captain don’t you want to buy
Some bone chains and toothpicks?

Night wings, her hair chains,
Here’s your wooden greenback, sing
Wooden beams and dovetail sweep
I struck that picture ninety times,
I walked that path a hundred ninety,
Long, low time ago, people talk to me

A pistol hot cup of rhyme
The whiskey is water, the water is wine
Marching feet, Johnny Reb, what’s the price of heroes?

Six and one half dozen the other,
Tell that to the captain’s mother,
Hey captain don’t you want to buy,
Some bone chains and toothpicks?

Night wings, her hair chains
Swan, swan, hummingbird
Hurrah, we are all free now
What noisy cats are we
Long, low time ago, people talk to me
A pistol hot cup of rhyme,
The whiskey is water, the water is wine.  

 

Superman

(chorus 1)
I am, I am, I am Superman and I know what's happening
I am, I am, I am Superman and I can do anything

You don't really love that guy you make it with now do you
I know you don't love that guy cause I can see right through you

(repeat chorus 1)

(chorus 2)
If you go a million miles away I'll track you down girl
Trust me when I say I know the pathway to your heart

(repeat chorus 2)

(repeat chorus 1 3x)  

 

 

"DOCUMENT " 

 

Finest Worksong 

The time to rise has been engaged
You're better best to rearrange
I'm talking here to me alone
I listen to the finest worksong
Your finest hour
Your finest hour

Another chance has been engaged
To throw Thoreau and rearrange
You are following this time
I beg you not beg to rhyme (blow your horn)
Your finest hour (blow your horn)
Your finest hour

Take your instinct by the reins
Your better best to rearrange
What we want and what we need
Has been confused, been confused (blow your horn)
Your finest hour (blow your horn)
Your finest hour

Take your instinct by the reins
Better best to rearrange
What we want and what we need
Has been confused, been confused (blow your horn)
Your finest hour (blow your song)
Your finest hour (blow your horn)
Your finest hour (blow your song)
Your finest hour 

Welcome to the Occupation

Hang your collar up inside
Hang your dollar on me
Listen to the water still
Listen to the causeway
You are mad and educated
Primitive and wild
Welcome to the occupation

Here we stand and here we fight
All your fallen heroes
Held and dyed and skinned alive
Listen to the Congress fire
Offering the educated
Primitive and loyal
Welcome to the occupation

Hang your collar up inside
Hang your freedom higher
Listen to the buyer still
Listen to the Congress
Where we propagate confusion
Primitive and wild
Fire on the hemisphere below

Sugar cane and coffee cup
Copper, steel and cattle
An annotated history
The forest for the fire
Where we open up the floodgates
Freedom reigns supreme
Fire on the hemisphere below
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me

 

Exhuming McCarthy

You're beautiful more beautiful than me
You're honorable more honorable than me
Loyal to the Bank of America

(chorus 1)
It's a sign of the times
It's a sign of the times

(chorus 2)
You're sharpening stones, walking on coals
To improve your business acumen
Sharpening stones, walking on coals,
To improve your business acumen

Vested interest united ties, landed gentry rationalize
Look who bought the myth, by jingo, buy America

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2)

Enemy sighted, enemy met, I'm addressing the realpolitik
Look who bought the myth, by jingo, buy America

"Let us not assassinate this man further Senator,
You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir?
At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"

We're sharpening stones, walking on coals
To improve your business acumen
Sharpening stones, walking on coals,
To improve your business acumen

Enemy sighted, enemy met, I'm addressing the realpolitik
You've seen start and you've seen quit
(I'm addressing the table of content)I always thought of you as quick
Exhuming McCarthy
(Meet me at the book burning)
Exhuming McCarthy
(Meet me at the book burning)
Exhuming McCarthy
(Meet me at the book burning)
Exhuming McCarthy
(Meet me at the book burning)

Disturbance at the Heron House

"They’re going wild," the call came in
At early morning pre-dawn, then
"The followers of chaos out of control
They’re numbering the monkeys
The monkeys and the monkeys,"
The followers of chaos out of control

"They’re meeting at the monument,"
The call came in the monument
To liberty and honor under the honor roll
"They’ve gathered up the cages the cages and courageous,"
The followers of chaos out of control

The call came in to Party Central
"Meeting of the green and simple,"
Try to tell us something we don’t know

"Disturbance at the Heron House"
A stampede at the monument
To liberty and honor under the honor roll
The gathering of grunts and greens
Cogs and grunts and hirelings
A meeting of a mean idea to hold
"When feeding time has come and gone
They’ll lose the heart and head for home
Try to tell us something we don’t know"

Everyone allowed, Everyone allowed  

 

Strange 

(chorus 1)
There's something strange going on tonight
There's something going on that's not quite right
Michael's nervous and the lights are bright
There's something going on that's not quite right

(chorus 2)
There's something going on that wasn't here before
Keep your eyes glued to the floor
There's something strange going on tonight
There's something going on that's not quite right

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2)

There's something going on that wasn't here before
Keep your eyes glued to the floor
No one's going to say goodnight
There's something going on that's not quite right  

 

It's the End of the World as We Know it (and I Feel Fine)

That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an aeroplane,
Lenny Bruce is not afraid
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn - world
Serves its own needs, dont misserve your own needs. Feed
It off an aux speak, grunt, no, strength,turn, ladder
Start to clatter with fear fight down height. Wire
In a fire, representing seven games, in a government
For hire and a combat site. Left of west and coming in
A hurry with the furies breathing down your neck. Team
By team reporters baffled, trumped, tethered cropped
Look at that low playing! Fine, then. Uh oh,
Overflow, population, common food, but it'll do. Save
Yourself, serve yourself. World serves its own needs,
Listen to your heart bleed dummy with the rapture and
The revered and the right, right. You vitriolic,
Patriotic, slam, fight, bright light, feeling pretty
Psyched

It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine

Six o'clock - TV hour. Don't get caught in foreign
Towers. Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself
Churn. Locking in, uniforming,and book burning, blood
Letting. Every motive escalate. Automotive incinerate
Light a candle, light a motive. Step down, step down
Watch your heel crush, crushed, uh-oh, this means no
Fear cavalier. Renegade steer clear! A tournament,
a Tournament, a tournament of lies. Offer me solutions,
Offer me alternatives and I decline

(chorus)
It's the end of the world as we know it (it's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (it's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (it's time I had some
time alone)

I feel fine

(repeat chorus)

The other night I dreamt of knives, continental
Drift divide. Mountains sit in a line, Leonard
Bernstein. Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester
Bangs. Birthday party, cheesecake, jelly bean, boom! You
Symbiotic, patriotic, slam book neck, right? Right

(repeat chorus)

It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (it's time I had some
time alone)

(repeat chorus 2x)

Fine
It's the end of the world as we know it (it's time I had some time alone)  

 

The One I Love

(chorus 1)
This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
A simple prop to occupy my time
This one goes out to the one I love

(chorus 2)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)
Fire (she's comin' down on her own, now)

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2)

This one goes out to the one I love
This one goes out to the one I've left behind
Another prop has occupied my time
This one goes out to the one I love

(repeat chorus 2 2x)  

 

Fireplace 

Crazy crazy world crazy crazy times
Crazy crazy world crazy crazy times
Hang up your chairs to better sweep
Clear the floor to dance
Shake the rug into the fireplace

Crazy crazy world crazy crazy times
Crazy crazy world crazy crazy times
Hang up your chairs to better sweep
Clear the floor to dance
Sweep the floor into the fireplace

Hang up your chairs to better sweep
Clear the floor to dance
Throw the chairs into the fireplace

Hang up your chairs to better sweep
Clear the floor to dance
Throw the walls into the fireplace  

 

Lightnin' Hopkins 

When I lay myself to sleep pray that I don't go too deep
Lightnin' won Lightnin' won
Because it's cold down gold down there, crow!

Flat lands low lands on the track
Shows the water pan the track
Lightnin' won lightnin' won
Close up hands to silhouette, crow!

Lightnin' won, lightnin' won

Hound bark on the track
Hound crow hold onto your hat
Lightnin' won lightnin' won
Low lands timberlands bad lands bird lands 

 

King of Birds 

A thumbnail sketch, a jeweler’s stone
A mean idea to call my own
Old man don’t lay so still you’re not yet young
There’s time to teach, point to point
Point observation, children carry reservations
Standing on the shoulders of giants leaves me cold, leaves me cold.
A mean idea to call my own, a hundred million birds fly

Singer sing me a given, singer sing me a song
Standing on the shoulders of giants everybody’s looking on
(Old man don’t lay so still you’re not yet young,
There’s time to teach, point to point,
Point observation, children carry reservations).
Standing on the shoulders of giants leaves me cold
A mean idea to call my own (call my own), a hundred million birds fly away, away, away.

I am king of all I see, my kingdom for a voice
Old man don’t lay so still, you’re not yet young
There’s time to teach, point to point
Point observation, children carry reservations
Standing on the shoulders of giants leaves me cold, leaves me cold
A mean idea to call my own, a hundred million birds fly away, away, away.

Everybody hit the ground. Everybody hit the ground.
[repeat fading out]  

 

Oddfellows Local 151 

Oddfellows local 151 behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits to prove a sage to teach
Peewee gathered up his proof
Reached up and scratched his head
Fell down and hit the ground again

(chorus)
Firehouse, firehouse

Why do the heathens rage behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits upon the wall to preach
This boy and girl that gather pearls
Of wisdom falling from his mouth
Wash off the blood, wash off the rum

(repeat chorus)

Oddfellows local 151 behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits upon the wall to preach
This boy and girl that gather pearls
Of wisdom falling from his mouth
Wash off the blood, wash off the 151

(repeat chorus 2x)

Firehouse 

 

"GREEN"

Pop Song 89 

Hello, I saw you, I know you, I knew you
I think I can remember your name, name
Hello, I'm sorry, I lost myself
I think I thought you were someone else

(chorus)
Should we talk about the weather? (hi, hi, hi)
Should we talk about the government? (hi, hi, hi, hi)

Hello, how are you? I know you, I knew you
I think I can remember your name, name
Hello, I'm sorry, I lost myself
I think I thought you were someone else

(repeat chorus)

Hello, my friend, are you visible today?
You know I never knew that it could be so strange, strange
Hello, I'm sorry, I lost myself
I think I thought you were someone else

(repeat chorus)

Hi, hi, hi
Hi, hi, hi, hi
Hi, hi, hi
Hi, hi, hi, hi
Hi, hi, hi
Hi, hi, hi, hi  

 

Get Up

Sleep delays my life (get up, get up)
Where does time go? (get up, get up, get up)
I don't know
Sleep, sleep, sleepy head (get up, get up, get up)
Wake it up, up (get up, get up)
You've got all your life (way up ahead) (get up, get up, get up)

Dreams, they complicate my life (dreams, they complement my life)

I've seen you laying pined (get up, get up)
I've seen you laying pined (get up, get up)
Life is rough, rough (get up, get up, get up)
I've seen you laying down (get up)
With the loving kind (get up, get up)
I know life is hard, hard (where goes your time?)
Where to turn? where to turn? (get up, get up)

Dreams, they complicate my life (dreams, they complement my life)

Dreamtime

Dreams, they complicate my life (dreams, they complement my life)
This time, no escape, I wake up (get up, get up)
Get up, get up
Get up
Get up
Get up, get up, get up  

 

You Are the Everything

Sometimes I feel like I can't even sing (say, say, the light)
I'm very scared for this world
I'm very scared for me (say, say, the light)
Eviscerate your memory
Here's a scene
You're in the back seat laying down (say, say, the light)
The windows wrap around
To sound of the travel and the engine (say, say, the light)
All you hear is time stand still in travel
And feel such peace and absolute
The stillness still that doesn't end
But slowly drifts into sleep
The stars are the greatest thing you've ever seen
And they're there for you
For you alone you are the everything

I think about this world a lot and I cry (say, say, the light)
And I've seen the films and the eyes
But I'm in this kitchen (say, say, the light)
Everything is beautiful
And she is so beautiful (say, say, the light)
She is so young and old
I look at her and I see the beauty (say, say, the light)
Of the light of music
The voices talking somewhere in the house
Late spring and you're drifting off to sleep
With your teeth in your mouth
You are here with me
You are here with me
You have been here and you are everything

Sometimes I feel like I can't even sing (say, say, the light)
I'm very scared for this world
I'm very scared for me (say, say, the light)
Eviscerate your memory
Here's a scene
You're in the back seat laying down (say, say, the light)
The windows wrap around
To sound of the travel and the engine (say, say, the light)
All you hear is time stand still in travel
And feel such peace and absolute
The stillness still that doesn't end
But slowly drifts into sleep
The greatest thing you've ever seen
And they're there for you
For you alone you are the everything
For you alone you are the everything  

 

Stand 

Stand in the place where you live
Now face North
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven't before
Now stand in the place where you work
Now face West
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven't before

If you are confused, check with the sun
Carry a compass to help you along
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around, so

Stand in the place where you live
Now face North
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven't before
Now stand in the place where you work
Now face West
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven't before

Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around
If wishes were trees, the trees would be falling
Listen to reason
Season is calling

Stand in the place where you live
Now face North
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven't before
Now stand in the place where you work
Now face West
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven't before

If wishes were trees, the trees would be falling
Listen to reason
Reason is calling
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around

So stand (stand)
Now face North
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven't
Now stand (stand)
Now face West
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven't

Stand in the place where you live
Now face North
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven't before
Now stand in the place where you work
Now face West
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven't before

Stand in the place where you are (now face North)
Stand in the place where you are (now face West)
Your feet are going to be on the ground (stand in the place where you are)
Your head is there to move you around, so stand  

 

World Leader Pretend 

I sit at my table and wage war on myself
It seems like it's all, it's all for nothing
I know the barricades, and
I know the mortar in the wall breaks
I recognize the weapons, I used them well

This is my mistake. Let me make it good
I raised the wall and I will be the one to knock it down

I've a rich understanding of my finest defenses
I proclaim that claims are left unstated,
I demand a rematch
I decree a stalemate
I divine my deeper motives
I recognize the weapons
I've practiced them well. I fitted them myself

(chorus)
It's amazing what devices you can sympathize, empathize
This is my mistake. Let me make it good
I raised the wall and I will be the one to knock it down

Reach out for me and hold me tight. Hold that memory
Let my machine talk to me, let my machine talk to me

This is my world
And I am world leader pretend
This is my life
And this is my time
I have been given the freedom
To do as I see fit
It's high time I've razed the walls
That I've constructed

(repeat chorus)

You fill in the mortar. You fill in the harmony
You fill in the mortar. I raised the wall
And I'm the only one
I will be the one to knock it down

 

The Wrong Child

I've watched the children come and go
A late long march into spring
I sit and watch those children
Jump in the tall grass
Leap the sprinkler
Walk in the ground
Bicycle clothespin spokes
The sound the smell of swingset hands

I will try to sing a happy song
I'll try and make a happy game to play
Come play with me I whispered to my new found friend
Tell me what it's like to go outside
I've never been
Tell me what it's like to just go outside
I've never been
And I never will

I'm not supposed to be like this
I'm not supposed to be like this
But it's okay

Hey, those kids are looking at me
I told my friend myself
Those kids are looking at me
They're laughing and they're running over here
They're laughing and they're running over here
What do I do?
What can I do?
What should I do?
What do I say?
What can I say?

I said I'm not supposed to be like this
Let's try to find a happy game to play
Let's try to find a happy game to play
I'm not supposed to be like this
But it's okay, okay

Orange Crush

Follow me, don't follow me
I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush
Collar me, don't color me
I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush
We are agents of the free
I've had my fun and now its time to
Serve your conscience overseas (over me, not over me)
Coming in fast, over me

Follow me, don't follow me
I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush
Collar me, don't color me
I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush
We are agents of the free
I've had my fun and now its time to
Serve your conscience overseas (over me, not over me)
Coming in fast, over me

High on the roof
thin the blood,
another one came on the the waves tonight,
comin' in, you're home.

We'd circle and we'd circle and we'd circle to stop and consider and
centered on the pavement stacked up all the trucks jacked up and
our wheels in slush and orange crush in pocket and all this here county
hell any county it's just like heaven here and I was remembering and I
was just in a different county and all then this whirlybird that I
headed for I had my goggles pulled off I knew it all I knew every back
road and every truck stop

Follow me, don't follow me
I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush
Collar me, don't color me
I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush
We are agents of the free
I've had my fun and now its time to
Serve your conscience overseas (over me, not over me)
Coming in fast, over me

High on the roof
thin the blood,
another one came on the the waves tonight,
comin' in, you're home.

High on the roof
thin the blood,
another one came on the the waves tonight,
comin' in, you're home.

 

Turn You Inside-Out

Divide your cultured pearls in haste
I’m looking for to lay to waste
Of all the things I cannot taste
And this not the racy race
They spoke loud

I believe in what you do
I believe in watching you
It’s what you do

I could turn you inside-out
What I choose not to do
I could turn you inside-out
What I choose not to do

Given the choice
Given the heart
Given the tool
Given the word
Given the cheers

I believe in what you do
I believe in watching you
It’s what you do

I could turn you inside-out
What I choose not to do
I could turn you inside-out
What I choose not to do  

 

Hairshirt

I am not the type of dog
That could keep you waiting
For no good reason
Run a carbon-black test on my jaw
And you will find it's all been said before

I can swing my megaphone and long arm the rest
It's easier and better
To just beat it from the chest
Of desire

I could walk into this room
And the waves of conversation are enough
To knock you down in the undertow
So alone, so alone in my life
Feed me banks of light
And hang your hairshirt on the lowest rung
It's a beautiful life
And I can hang my hairshirt
Away up high in the attic of the wrong dog's life chest
Or bury it at sea
All my life I've searched for this

Here I am, here I am in your life
It's a beautiful life
My life
It's a beautiful life
Your life  

 

I Remember California

I remember redwood trees, bumper cars and wolverines
The ocean's Trident submarines
Lemons, limes and tangerines
I remember this

I remember traffic jams
Motor boys and girls with tans
Nearly was and almost rans
I remember this
History is made
History is made to seem unfair

I recall that you were there
Golden smile and shining hair
I recall it wasn't fair
Recollect it wasn't fair
Remembering it wasn't fair outside

Low ebb, high tide
The lowest ebb and highest tide
A symbol wave I must confide
I guess we took us for a ride
I guess it's just a gesture

I remember this defense
Progress fails pacific sense
All those sweet conspiracies
I remember all these things

I remember traffic jams
Motor boys and girls with tans
Nearly was and almost rans
I remember this, this

Low ebb, high tide
The lowest ebb and highest tide
I guess we took us for a ride
I guess it's just a gesture

At the end of the continent
At the edge of the continent
At the end of the continent
At the edge of the continent

 

Eleventh Untitled Song

This world is big and so-awake
I stayed up late to hear your voice
This light is here to keep you warm
This song is here to keep you strong

I made a list of things to say 
But all I really want to say
All I really want to say is
Hold her and keep him strong
While I'm away from here
Hold her and keep her strong
While I'm away from here


I've seen the world and so-awake 
And stay up late to hear me sing
Just hold her
I've seen the world and so-awake
And stay up late to hear me sing
Just hold him
Hold her and keep her strong
While I'm away from here
Hold him and keep him strong
While I'm away from here

 

"OUT OF TIME"

Radio Song

Hey, I can't find nothing on the radio
Yo! turn to that station

The world is collapsing
Around our ears
I turned up the radio
But I can't hear it

When I got to the house
And I called you out
I could tell that you had been crying, crying
It's that same sing song on the radio
It makes me sad
I meant to turn it off
To say goodbye
To leave in quiet
That radio song
Hey, hey, hey

I've everything to show
I've everything to hide
Look into my eyes
Listen

When I got to the show
Yo, ho, ho
I could tell that you had been crying, crying
It's that same sing song and the DJ sucks
It makes me sad
I tried to turn it off
To say goodbye, my love
That radio song
Hey, hey, hey

The world is collapsing
Around our ears
I turned up the radio
But I can't hear it
Yeah

I tried to sing along
But damn that radio song
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey

I've everything to show
I've everything to hide
Look into my eyes, listen to the radio
I turned up the radio
But I can't hear it
No, I can't hear it
Hey, hey, hey

Check it out
What are you saying
What are you playing
Who are you obeying
Day out day in?
Baby, baby, baby, baby
That stuff is driving me crazy
DJs communicate to the masses
Sex and violent classes
Now our children grow up prisoners
All their lives radio listeners  

 

Losing My Religion

Oh, life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up

(chorus)
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight, I'm
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try

Every whisper
Of every waking hour I'm
Choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this
The hint of the century
Consider this
The slip that brought me
To my knees failed
What if all these fantasies
Come flailing around
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try

But that was just a dream
That was just a dream

(repeat chorus)

But that was just a dream
Try, cry, why try?
That was just a dream
Just a dream, just a dream
Dream  

 

Low

Dusk is dawn is day
Where did it go?
I've been laughing
Fast and slow
Moving in a still frame
Howling at the moon
Morning found me laughing
Up and down, down
Low, low, low
Night suits me fine
And morning suits me fine
I've been so happy, happy
Way up high, high
In between
Down below
Low, low, low
Low, low, low

I skipped the part about love
It seems so silly and low
Low, low, low
Low, low, low

I said the morning
It isn't your time
Barefoot naked
I can see your lines
It doesn't bother me
That you are right
Your grass is grassy wet
Your light white is bright
Light, white light

I skipped the part about love
It seems so Shallow and low
Low, low, low
Low, low, low
You and me
We know about time
We know how things go
They come and go
They live and grow
They pass and go
And glow and glow
Up and down
High and low
Low, low, low
Low, low, low

I skipped the part about love
It seems so silly and low
I skipped the part about love
It seems so shallow and low
Low, low, low
Low, low, low

I like your hands
All full of glory
All full of glory

 

Near Wild Heaven

Whenever we hold each other
We hold each other
There's a feeling that's gone
Something has gone wrong
And I don't know how much longer I can take it
House made of heart break it
Take my head in your hands and shake it
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough

(chorus)
Living inside
Living inside
Near wild Heaven
Living inside
Living Inside
Living Inside
Near wild Heaven


(repeat chorus)

Whatever it takes I'm giving
It's just a gift I'm given
Try to live inside
Trying to move inside
And I always thought that it would make me smarter
But it's only made me harder
My heart thrown open wide
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough

(repeat chorus 4x)

I'm holding my hands together
I'm holding my feet together
I'm holding myself together
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
Near wild heaven
Near wild heaven

(repeat chorus 5x)

Shiny Happy People

Shiny happy people laughing
Meet me in the crowd
People people
Throw your love around
Love me love me
Take it into town
Happy happy
Put it in the ground
Where the flowers grow
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Everyone around love them, love them
Put it in your hands
Take it take it
There's no time to cry
Happy happy
Put it in your heart
Where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing 

Half a World Away

This could be the saddest dusk

I've ever seen

Turn to a miracle

High alive

My mind is racing

As it always will

My hand is tired, my heart aches

I'm half a world away here

My head sworn

To go it alone

And hold it along

Haul it along

And hold it

Go it alone

Hold it along and hold, hold

This lonely deep sit hollow

I'm half a world

Half the world away

My shoes are gone

My life spent

I had too much to drink

I didn't think

And I didn't think of you

I guess that's all I needed

To go it alone

And hold it along

Haul it along

And hold it

Blackbirds, backwards, forwards and fall and hold, hold

Oh, this lonely world is wasted

Pathetic eyes high alive

Blind to the tide that turns the sea

This storm it came up strong

It shook the trees

And blew away our fear

I couldn't even hear

To go it alone

And hold it along

Haul it along

And hold it

To go it alone

And hold it along

Haul it along

To go it alone

And hold it along

Haul it along

And hold it

Blackbirds, backwards, forwards, and fall and hold hold

This could be the saddest dusk

I've ever seen

Turn to a miracle

High alive

My mind is racing

As it always will

My hands tired, my heart aches

I'm half a world away and go 

Texarkana

20,000 miles to an oasis

20,000 years will I burn

20,000 chances I wasted

Waiting for the moment to turn

I would give my life to find it

I would give it all

Catch me if I fall

Walking through the woods I have faced it

Looking for something to learn

30,000 thoughts have replaced it,

Never in my time to return

I would give my life to find it

I would give it all

Catch me if I fall

All alone

Waiting to fall

40,000 stars in the evening

Look at them fall from the sky

40,000 reasons for living

40,000 tears in your eye

I would give my life to find it

I would give it all

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall

Catch me if I fall  

 Country Feedback

This flower is scorched
This film is on
On a maddening loop
These clothes
These clothes don't fit us right
I'm to blame
It's all the same
It's all the same

You come to me with the phone in your hand
You come to me with your hair curled tight
You come to me with positions
You come to me with excuses
Decked out in a robe
You wear me out
You wear me out

We've been through fake-a-breakdown
Self hurt
Plastics, collections
Self help, self pain,
EST, psychics, fuck all
I was central
I had control
I lost my head
I need this
I need this
A paper weight, junk garage
Winter rain, a honey pot
Crazy, all the lovers have been tagged
A hotline, a wanted add
It's crazy what you could've had
It's crazy what you could've had
It's crazy what you could've had
I need
I need this
It's crazy what you could've had
It's crazy what you could've had
I need
I need this
It's crazy what you could've had
It's crazy what you could've had
I need
I, I need this
It's crazy what you could've had
I need this
It's crazy what you could've had
It's crazy what you could've had
I need this
I, I need this
It's crazy what you could've had
It's crazy what you could've had

Me in Honey

I sat there looking ugly
Looking ugly and mean
I knew what you were saying
You were saying to me

Baby's got some new rules
Baby, said she's had it with me
It seems a shame you waste your time on me
It seems a lot to waste your time for me

(chorus)
Left me to love
What it's doing to me

There's a lot of honey in this world
Baby, this honey's for me
You've got to do what you do
Do it with me
It seems a shame you waste your time for me

(repeat chorus)

Knocked silly
Knock flat
Sideways down
These things they pick you up
And they turn you around
Say your piece
Say you're sweet for me
It's all the same to share the pain with me
It's all the same. Save the shame for me

(repeat chorus)

Baby's got some new rules
Baby, says she's had it with me
There's a fly in the honey
And baby's got a baby with me
That's a part
That's a part of me

(repeat chorus 2x)

What about me?
What about me?

"AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE"

Drive

Smack, crack, bushwhacked
Tie another one to the racks, baby

Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby

What if I ride? What if you walk?
What if you rock around the clock?
Tick-tock, tick-tock
What if you did? What if you walk?
What if you tried to get off, baby?

Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby

Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby

Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby

Hey kids, shake a leg
Maybe you're crazy in the head, baby

Ollie, ollie
Ollie, ollie, ollie
Ollie, ollie in come free, baby

Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby

Smack, crack, shack-a-lack
Tie another one to your back, baby

Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby

Maybe you did, maybe you walked
Maybe you rocked around the clock
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Maybe I ride, maybe you walk
Maybe I drive to get off, baby

Hey kids, where are you?
Nobody tells you what to do, baby

Hey kids, rock and roll
Nobody tells you where to go, baby, baby, baby

 

Try Not to Breathe

I will try not to breathe
This decision is mine. I have lived a full life
And these are the eyes that I want you to remember, oh

I need something to fly over my grave again
I need something to breathe

I will try not to burden you
I can hold these inside. I will hold my breath
Until all these shivers subside,
Just look in my eyes

I will try not to worry you
I have seen things that you will never see
Leave it to memory me. I shudder to breathe

I want you to remember, oh (you will never see)
I need something to fly (something to fly)
Over my grave again (you will never see)
I need something to breathe (something to breathe)
Baby, don't shiver now
Why do you shiver now? (I will see things you will never see)
I need something to fly (something to fly)
Over my grave again. (I will see things you will never see)
I need something to breathe, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh

I will try not to worry you
I have seen things that you will never see
Leave it to memory me. Don't dare me to breathe
I want you to remember, oh (you will never see)
I need something to fly (something to fly)
Over my grave again (you will never see)
I need something to breathe (something to breathe)
Baby, don't shiver now
Why do you shiver? (I will see things you will never see)
I need something to breathe (something to breathe - I have seen things you will
never see)
I want you to remember

 

The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite

This here is the place I will be staying.
There isn't a number. You can call the pay phone.
Let it ring a long, long, long, long time.
If I don't pick up, hang up, call back, let it ring some more.
If I don't pick up, pick up... The sidewinder sleeps, sleeps, sleeps in a coil

Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.

There are scratches all around the coin slot
Like a heartbeat, baby trying to wake up,
But this machine can only swallow money.
You can't lay a patch by computer design.
It's just a lot of stupid, stupid signs.

Tell her,
Tell her she can kiss my ass, then laugh and say that you were only kidding.
That way she'll know that it's really, really, really, really me.

Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.

Baby, instant soup doesn't really grab me.
Today I need something more sub-sub-sub-substantial.
A can of beans or blackeyed peas, some Nescafe and ice,
A candy bar, a falling star, or a reading of Doctor Seuss;

Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.

The cat in the hat came back, wrecked a lot of havoc on the way,
Always had a smile and a reason to pretend.
But their world has flat backgrounds and little need to sleep but to dream.
The sidewinder sleeps on his back.

Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
I can always sleep standing up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
I can always sleep standing up. Call me when you try to wake her.
Call me when you try to wake her up. Call me when you try to wake her.
I can always sleep standing up. Call me when you try to wake her.
I can always sleep standing up. Call me when you try to wake her.

We've got to moogie, moogie, move on this one.  

 

 Everybody Hurts

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go, 'cause everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on

'Cause everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone

If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on

Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts. You are not alone 

 

Sweetness Fallows

Readying to bury your father and your mother,
What did you think when you lost another?
I used to wonder why did you bother,
Distanced from one, blind to the other?

Listen here, my sister and my brother
What would you care if you lost the other?
I always wonder why did we bother,
Distanced from one, deaf to the other

(chorus)
Oh, oh, but sweetness follows

It's these little things, they can pull you under
Live your life filled with joy and wonder
I always knew this altogether thunder
Was lost in our little lives

(repeat chorus 3x)

It's these little things, they can pull you under
Live your life filled with joy and thunder
Yeah, yeah, we were altogether
Lost in our little lives

Oh, oh, ah

(repeat chorus)

Oh, oh, oh, but sweetness follows

 

Monty Got a Raw Deal 

Monty this seems strange to me
The movies had that movie thing,
But nonsense has a welcome ring
And heroes don't come easy

Now nonsense isn't new to me
I know my head, I know my feet,
But mischief knocked me in the knees
Said, Just let go, just let go

I saw the ocean meet the man
I saw you buried in the sand
A friend was there to hold your hand,
Said, Walk on by

So, I went walking through the street
I saw you strung up in a tree
A woman knelt there said to me,
Said, Hold your tongue, ma, hold your tongue

You don't owe me anything
You don't want this sympathy (waste your breath)
Don't you waste your breath (waste your breath)
For the silver screen

That nonsense doesn't mean a thing,
They tried to bust you in a sting,
But virtue isn't everything
So, don't waste time

Now, here's a rhyme that you can steal
Put this on your reel to reel
Mischief threw a rotten deal
Monty's laying low, man
He is laying low
Just let go, y'all
Just let go

You don't owe me anything
You don't want this sympathy (waste your breath)
Don't you waste your breath (waste your breath)
Monty this seems strange to me

Ignoreland

These bastards stole their power from the victims of the Us v. Them years,
Wrecking all things virtuous and true
The undermining social democratic downhill slide into abysmal
Lost lamb off the precipice into the trickle down runoff pool
They hypnotised the summer, 1979
Marched into the capital brooding duplicitous, wicked and able, media-ready,
Heartless, and labeled. Super US citizen, super achiever,
Mega ultra power doesn't relax.
Defense, defense, defense, defense. Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland. Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland
Yeah, yeah, yeah

The information nation took their clues from all the sound-bite gluttons
1980, 84, 88, 92 too, too
How to be what you can be, junk, damn junk in your energy
How to walk in dignity with throw up on your shoes
They amplified the autumn, 1979
Calculate the capital, offer the public my skinny ass
TV tells a million lies. The paper's terrified to report
Anything that isn't handed on a presidential spoon,
I'm just profoundly frustrated by all this. So, fuck you, man (fuck 'em)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland. Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland
If they wasn't there we would have created them. Maybe, it's true,
But I'm resentful all the same. Someone's got to take the blame
I know that this is vitriol. No solution, spleen venting,
But I feel better having screamed. Don't you?
They desecrate the winter, 1979
Capital collateral. Brooding duplicitous, wicked and able, media-ready,
Heartless, and labeled. Super US citizen, super achiever,
Mega ultra power doesn't relax.
Defense, defense, defense, defense. Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland. Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ignoreland. Yeah, yeah, yeah
I did not do the revolution
Thank you

 

Star Me Kitten 

Keys cut, three for the price of one
Nothing's free but guaranteed for a lifetime's use
I've changed the locks
And you can't have one
You, you know the other two

The brakes have worn so thin that you could hear,
I hear them screeching through the door from our driveway
Hey love, look into your glovebox heart
What is there for me inside? This love is tired
I've changed the locks. Have I misplaced you?
Have we lost our minds?
Will this never end?
It could depend on your take

You, me, we used to be on fire
If keys are all that stand between,
Can I throw in the ring?
No gasoline
Just fuck me kitten
You are wild and I'm in your possesion
Nothing's free so, fuck me kitten

I'm in your possesion
So, fuck me kitten 

 

Man on the Moon

Mott the Hoople and the Game of Life. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Andy Kaufman in the wrestling match. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Monopoly, twenty one, checkers, and chess. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Mister Fred Blassie in a breakfast mess. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Let's play Twister, let's play Risk. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
See you in heaven if you make the list. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey Andy, did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey Andy, are you goofing on Elvis? Hey baby, are we losing touch?
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool

Moses went walking with the staff of wood. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Newton got beaned by the apple good. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Egypt was troubled by the horrible asp. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Mister Charles Darwin had the gall to ask. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey Andy, did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey Andy, are you goofing on Elvis? Hey baby, are you having fun?
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool

Here's a little agit for the never-believer. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Here's a little ghost for the offering. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Here's a truck stop instead of Saint Peter's. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Mister Andy Kaufman's gone wrestling (wrestling bears). Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey Andy, did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey Andy, are you goofing on Elvis? Hey baby, are we losing touch?
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool

If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool  

Nightswimming

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night
The photograph on the dashboard, taken years ago,
Turned around backwards so the windshield shows
Every streetlight reveals the picture in reverse
Still, it's so much clearer
I forgot my shirt at the water's edge
The moon is low tonight

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night
I'm not sure all these people understand
It's not like years ago,
The fear of getting caught,
Of recklessness and water
They cannot see me naked
These things, they go away,
Replaced by everyday

Nightswimming, remembering that night
September's coming soon
I'm pining for the moon
And what if there were two
Side by side in orbit
Around the fairest sun?
That bright, tight forever drum
Could not describe nightswimming

You, I thought I knew you
You, I cannot judge
You, I thought you knew me,
This one laughing quietly underneath my breath
Nightswimming

The photograph reflects,
Every streetlight a reminder
Nightswimming deserves a quiet night, deserves a quiet night  

 

Find the River 

Hey now, little speedyhead,
The read on the speedometer says
You have to go to task in the city
Where people drown and people serve
Don't be shy. Your just dessert
Is only just light years to go

Me, my thoughts are flower strewn
Ocean storm, bayberry moon
I have got to leave to find my way
Watch the road and memorize
This life that pass before my eyes
Nothing is going my way

The ocean is the river's goal,
A need to leave the water knows
We're closer now than light years to go

I have got to find the river,
Bergamot and vetiver
Run through my head and fall away
Leave the road and memorize
This life that pass before my eyes
Nothing is going my way

There's no one left to take the lead,
But I tell you and you can see
We're closer now than light years to go
Pick up here and chase the ride
The river empties to the tide
Fall into the ocean

The river to the ocean goes,
A fortune for the undertow
None of this is going my way
There is nothing left to throw
Of ginger, lemon, indigo,
Coriander stem and rows of hay
Strength and courage overrides
The privileged and weary eyes
Of river poet search naivete
Pick up here and chase the ride
The river empties to the tide
All of this is coming your way 

 

"MONSTER"

What's the Frequency, Kenneth? 

"What's the frequency, Kenneth?" is your Benzedrine, uh-huh
I was brain-dead, locked out, numb, not up to speed
I thought I'd pegged you an idiot's dream
Tunnel vision from the outsider's screen
I never understood the frequency, uh-huh
You wore our expectations like an armored suit, uh-huh

I'd studied your cartoons, radio, music, TV, movies, magazines
Richard said, "Withdrawal in disgust is not the same as apathy"
A smile like the cartoon, tooth for a tooth
You said that irony was the shackles of youth
You wore a shirt of violent green, uh-huh
I never understood the frequency, uh-huh

"What's the frequency, Kenneth?" is your Benzedrine, uh-huh
Butterfly decal, rear-view mirror, dogging the scene
You smile like the cartoon, tooth for a tooth
You said that irony was the shackles of youth
You wore a shirt of violent green, uh-huh
I never understood the frequency, uh-huh
You wore our expectations like an armored suit, uh-huh
I couldn't understand
You said that irony was the shackles of youth, uh-huh
I couldn't understand
You wore a shirt of violent green, uh-huh
I couldn't understand
I never understood, don't fuck with me, uh-huh 

 

King of Comedy 

Make your money with a suit and tie
Make your money with shrewd denial
Make your money expert advice,
If you can wing it
Make your money with a power ply
Make your money with a buyout bribe
Make it lie as long as you mean it

I'm not king of comedy,
Grease the pig, give a squeeze (squeeze me)

Make your money with exploitation
Make it holy illumination
Say a prayer at every station
Don't forget to ask for mercy
Make your money with a pretty face
Make it easy with product placement
Make it charged with controversy
I'm straight, I'm queer, I'm bi

I'm not king of comedy,
I'm not your magazine,
I'm not your television

Make your money, make it rich
Make it young and make it quick
Make your money on the jukebox, baby,
It's pick up sticks,
Make your enemies, make your moves
Make your critics fumble through
Make it smart and make it schmooze
Make it look easy

I'm not king of comedy,
I'm not your magazine,
I'm not your television,
I'm not your movie screen
I'm not commodity (all together now)
I'm not commodity
I'm not commodity
I'm not commodity
I'm not commodity
I'm not commodity 

I Don't Sleep, I Dream

I'm looking for an interruption,
Do you believe?
You looking to dig my dreams
Be prepared for anything
You come into my little scene
Hooray, hooray, hip hip hooray
There's one thing I can guarantee:
You won't have to dig, dig too deep
Said leave me to lay, but touch me deep,
I don't sleep, I dream
I'll settle for a cup of coffee, but you know what I really need

Are you looking to drive my dreams?
You here to run my screens?
You come, deliver my demons
Hooray, hooray, hip hip hooray
Are you coming to ease my headache?
Do you give good head?
Am I good in bed?
I don't know, I guess so
I don't sleep, I dream
I'll settle for a cup of coffee, but you know what I really need

I'm looking for an interruption,
Can you believe?
Some medicine for my headache
Hooray, hooray, hip hip hooray
I'm pitching for a new direction
Pinch me when I wake
Don't tell me my dreams are fake
You leave me to lay, you touch me deep,
I don't sleep, I dream
I'll settle for a cup of coffee, but you know what I really need
Leave me to lay, but touch me deep,
I don't sleep, I dream
I'll settle for a cup of coffee, but you know what I really need

Star 69

You don't have to take the bar exam to see
What you've done is ignoramus 1 of 3
What've I got to hang my hat on
You don't have a pot to pee in
All this just to be your friend
I was there until the end
Extortion and arson, petty larceny

(chorus)
I know you called, I know you called, I know you called
I know you called, I know you called, I know you hung up my line
Star 69

I know all about the warehouse fire
I know squirrels didn't chew the wires
3 people have my number
The other 2 were with me
I don't like to tell-tell but I'm not your patsy
This time you have gone too far with me

(repeat chorus)

Why'd you put your quarter down on me?
This reads like some dork inside edition hard copy
I can't be your character witness
I can't be your alibi
Doorbell rings it's the FBI
We learned spy vs. spy
You my friend, are guilty as can be

I know you called, I know you called, I know you called
I know you called, I know you called, I know you hung up my line
I know you called, I know you called, I know you called
I know you called, I know you called, I can't be your alibi
Star 69

 

Strange Currencies

I don't know why you're mean to me
When I call on the telephone
And I don't know what you mean to me
But I want to turn you on, turn you up, figure you out, I want to take you on

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine" all the time

The fool might be my middle name
But I'd be foolish not to say
I'm going to make whatever it takes,
Ring you up, call you down, sign your name, secret love,
Make it rhyme, take you in, and make you mine

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine" all the time, oh
I tripped and fell. Did I fall?
What I want to feel, I want to feel it now

You know with love come strange currencies
And here is my appeal:

I need a chance, a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance,
A word, a signal, a nod, a little breath
Just to fool myself, to catch myself, to make it real, real

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine" all the time, oh

These words, "You will be mine"
These words, they haunt me, hunt me down, catch in my throat, make me pray,
Say, love's confined, oh  

Tongue 

Call my name, here I come
90 to nothing, watch me run
You call
I am ashamed to say
Ugly girls know their fate
Anybody can get laid
You want a room with a fire escape
I want to tell you how much I hate this
Don't leave that stuff all over me
It pains me
Please, just leave it
I should toss that vanity license plate
Toss that make-up painted face
Box those poems, chocolate cake
Scratch that name on the record player
Please, just leave me be
Don't lay that stuff all over me
It crawls all over, all over me
Call my name, here I come
Your last ditch lay, will I never learn?
Caramel turn on a dusty apology
It crawls all over me
You turn all over
It pains me
Please, just leave it

 

Bang and Blame
If you could see yourself now, baby
It's not my fault
You used to be so in control
You're going to roll right over this one
Just roll me over, let me go
You're laying blame
Take this as no, no, no

You bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
Blame, blame, blame
You bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
It's not my thing so let it go

If you could see yourself now baby,
The tables have turned
The whole world hinges on your swings
Your secret life of indiscreet discretions
I'd turn the screw and leave the screen,
Don't point your finger,
You know that's not my thing

You came to bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
Blame, blame, blame
You bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
It's not my thing so let it go, now

You've got a little worry,
I know it all too well,
I've got your number,
But so does every kiss-and-tell
Who dares to cross your threshold,
Or happens on your way,
Stop laying blame
You know that's not my thing

You know that's not my thing,
You came to bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
Blame, blame, blame
You bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
It's not my thing so let it go
You bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
Blame, blame, blame
You bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,
It's not my thing so let it go

You kiss on me, tug on me, rub on me, jump on me,
You bang on me, beat on me, hit on me, let go on me,
You let go on me  

I Took Your Name

I wore the clothes you wanted
I took your name
If there is some confusion, who's to blame?

I signed your living will
I smiled your face
I'm ready to close the book on NASA in outer space

(chorus)
If there is some confusion
Who's to blame?
Who's to blame?

I sequenced your arrival
I sealed your fate
I pushed the button and erased your master tape

I wrote the sales pitch
I threw the brake switch
I dragged your big ass daddy roth car out of that ditch

(repeat chorus)

I crossed your great divide
I stirred your ocean's tide
I called your bluff until I blew your circuits wide

I'll be your albatross,
Devil, dog, Jesus, God,
I don't wanna be Iggy Pop but if that's what it takes, hey

If there is some confusion
If there is some confusion
If there is some confusion
Who's to blame?
Who's to blame?
Who's to blame?

 

Let Me In 

Yeah, all those stars drip down like butter,
And promises are sweet,
We hold out our pans with our hands to catch them
We eat them up, drink them up, up, up, up

Hey, let me in
Hey, let me in

I only wish that I could hear you whisper down,
Mister fisher moved to a less peculiar ground
He gathered up his loved ones and he brought them all around
To say goodbye, nice try

Hey, let me in. Yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, let me in, let me in

I had a mind to try to stop you. Let me in, let me in
But I've got tar on my feet and I can't see
All the birds look down and laugh at me
Clumsy, crawling out of my skin

Hey, let me in. Yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, let me in
Hey, let me in. Yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, let me in 

 

Circus Envy 

Here comes that awful feeling again
Welcome the ugly animal
I hold my breath to watch you swing,
The pyro ba- ba- ba- ball and chain,
I'm not afraid, I messed it, messed it, messed it, messed it up

I've got my telescope head in the haystack
I'm getting tired of your dodgeball circus act
Put pepper in my coffee, I forgot to bark on command

Here comes that awful feeling again
Make way for monster jealousy
The strong man kicked sand into my breakfast cereal bowl
I'd spelled your name with Oatios,
He messed it, messed it, messed it, messed it up

I've got my telescope head in the haystack
I am tired of your dodgeball circus act
Put pepper in my coffee, I forgot to bark on command

(You're mean, mean, mean
You tease, tease, tease me)

If I were you I'd really run from me
I'd really, really wish that I were you
When I get loose, I'll climb a tree
And drop a load on your head
This monster in me makes me retch, you messed it, messed it up

I've got my telescope head in the haystack
I am jealous of your dodgeball circus act
Put pepper in my coffee, I forgot to bark
Put pepper in my coffee, I forgot to bark on command

(You're mean, mean, mean
You tease, tease, tease me)

Do you smell jealousy?
Do you smell jealousy, jealousy, jealousy?  

 

You

Let the sun beat through the clouds,
Let me kiss you on the mouth
All my childhood toys with chew marks in your smile
Let me hold your syrup close to mine
Let me watch you, Hollywood and Vine
And I want you like the movies, touch me now

(chorus)
I love you crazy, just keep on
I love you madly, just keep watch
You wipe my lips,
You turn me on
My attentions are turned to you

Did I dream you were a tourist
In the Arizona sun?
I can see you there with luna moths
And watermelon gum
I woke up in the sleeping bag,
With nowhere else to run
You're standing in the bathroom
Telling me its all in fun

(repeat chorus)

I can whisper in your ear
I can write a calendar year
I can wing around your Saturn smile, shout at the moon
I walked the tension wire line
And I learned to disrespect the signs
And I want you like a Pisces rising, even though

(repeat chorus)

You, you, you

"NEW ADVENTURES IN HI-FI"

How The West Was Won And Where It Got Us

Blood from a stone
Water from wine.
Born under earplay design.
A stroke of bad luck,
wrong place, wrong time.
This flyer is out of the lime.

The story is a sad one, told many times.
The story of my life in trying times.
Just add water, stir in lime.
How the west was won and where it got us.

Canary got trapped, the uranium mine.
A stroke of bad luck, now the bird has died.
A marker to mark where my tears run dry.
I cross it, bless it, alkali.

The story is a sad one, told many times.
The story of my life in trying times.
Just add water, stir in lime.
How the west was won and where it got us.

I didn’t wear glasses cause I thought it might rain.
Now I can’t see anything.
I made a mistake, chalked it up to design.
I cracked through time, space, Godless and dry.
I point my nose to the northern star,
Watch the decline from a hazy distance.

The story is a sad one, told many times.
The story of my life in trying times.
Just add water, stir in lime.
How the west was won and where it got us. 

 

The Wake-up Bomb

I look good in a glass pack
I look good and mean
I look good in metallic sick wraparound blackout tease
I scud along the horizon, I drink some sweet tree
I get high in my low-ass boot-cut jean
I like being seen
I look good with my drink-eat-no-sleep, take-a-leap longevity
I get high on my attitude, latitude, 1973
I'm in deep

My head's on fire and high esteem
Carry my dead, bored, been there, done that, anything
Oh, the wake-up bomb
Oh, the wake-up bomb
Oh, the wake-up bomb
Oh, the wake-up bomb
My head's on fire and high esteem
Get drunk and sing along to Queen
Practice my T-Rex moves and make the scene
Carry my dead, bored, been there, done that, anything

I had to knock a few buildings over
I make an ugly mess
I had to blow a gasket
Drop transmission
I had to decompress
I had to write the great American novel
I had a neutron bomb
I had to teach the world to sing by the age of 21
I wake up (I wake up)
I wake up (I wake up)
I threw up when I saw what I'd done

Oh, the wake-up bomb
Oh, the wake-up bomb
My head's on fire and high esteem
Get drunk and sing along to Queen
Practice my T-Rex moves and make the scene
Yeah, I'd rather be anywhere doing anything

I've had enough, I've seen enough, I've had it all, I'm giving up
I won the race, I broke the cup, I drank it all, I spit it up
I've had enough, I've seen enough, I've had it all, I'm giving up
I won the race, I broke the cup, I drank it all, I spit it up
Yeah, atomic, supersonic
What a joke, I'm dumb
See ya, don't wanna be you
Lunch meat, Pond scum

My head's on fire in high esteem
Get drunk and sing along to Queen
Practice my T-Rex moves and make the scene
Yeah, I'd rather be anywhere doing anything
Yeah, I'd rather be anywhere doing anything
Yeah, I'd rather be anywhere doing anything
Yeah  

 

New Test Leper

I can't say that I love Jesus
That would be a hollow claim
He did make some observations
And I'm quoting them today
"Judge not lest ye be judged"
What a beautiful refrain
The studio audience disagrees
Have his lambs all gone astray?

(chorus)
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper

"You are lost and disillusioned!"
What an awful thing to say
I know this show doesn't flatter
It means nothing to me
I thought I might help them understand
But what an ugly thing to see
"I am not an animal"
Subtitled under the screen

(repeat chorus)

When I tried to tell my story
They cut me off to take a break
I sat silent 5 commercials
I had nothing left to say
The talk show host was index-carded
All organized and blank
The other guests were scared and hardened
What a sad parade

What a sad parade

(repeat chorus)

 

Undertow 

I know what I wanted
I know what I wanted
I know how I wanted this to be

You go down to the water
Drink down of the water
Walk up off the water, leave it be

This is not my time, sister
It is cold in heaven
And I'm not sprouting wings

I'm drowning
Me
I'm drowning
Me, yeah

Brother can you see those birds?
They don't look to heaven
They don't need religion, they can see

They go down to the water
Drink down on the water
Fly up off the water, leave it be

This is not my time, sister
It is cold in heaven
And no one's coming after me

(chorus)
I'm drowning
Breathing ourselves
Me, yeah
Breathing ourselves
I'm drowning
Breathing ourselves
Me, yeah

You know I am tired
Cold and bony tired
Nothing's gonna save me, I can see

I can't say I'm fearful
I can't say I'm not afraid
But I am not resisting, I can see

I don't need a heaven
I don't need religion
I am in the place where I should be

I am breathing water
I am breathing water
You know a body's got to breathe

(repeat chorus 2x) 

 

E-bow the Letter

Look up, what do you see?
All of you and all of me
Fluorescent and starry
Some of them, they surprise

The bus ride, I went to write this, 4:00 AM
This letter
Fields of poppies, little pearls
All the boys and all the girls sweet-toothed
Each and every one a little scary
I said your name

I wore it like a badge of teenage film stars
Hash bars, cherry mash and tinfoil tiaras
Dreaming of Maria Callas
Whoever she is
This fame thing, I don't get it
I wrap my hand in plastic to try to look through it
Maybelline eyes and girl-as-boy moves
I can take you far
This star thing, I don't get it

(chorus)
I'll take you over, there
I'll take you over, there
Aluminum, tastes like fear, take you there
Adrenaline, it pulls us near
I'll take you over there
It tastes like fear, there
I'll take you over

Will you live to 83?
Will you ever welcome me?
Will you show me something that nobody else has seen?
Smoke it, drink
Here comes the flood
Anything to thin the blood
These corrosives do their magic slowly and sweet
Phone, eat it, drink
Just another chink
Cuts and dents, they catch the light
Aluminum, the weakest link

I don't want to disappoint you
I'm not here to anoint you
I would lick your feet
But is that the sickest move?
I wear my own crown and sadness and sorrow
And who'd have thought tomorrow could be so strange?
My loss, and here we go again

(repeat chorus)

Look up, what do you see?
All of you and all of me
Fluorescent and starry
Some of them, they surprise

I can't look it in the eyes
Seconal, spanish fly, absinthe, kerosene
Cherry-flavored neck and collar
I can smell the sorrow on your breath
The sweat, the victory and sorrow
The smell of fear, I got it

I'll take you over, there
Aluminum, tastes like fear,
Adrenaline, it pulls us near
I'll take you over, take you there
Aluminum, tastes like fear, there
Adrenaline, it pulls us near
I'll take you over take you there
It tastes like fear
It pulls us near
I'll take you over take you there
I'll take you over
It tastes like fear, there
It pulls us near
Pulls us near
Tastes like fear
Tastes like fear
Nearer, nearer
Pulls us near
Over, over, over, over
Over, over, over, over
Yeah, look over
I'll take you there, oh, yeah
I'll take you there
Oh, over
I'll take you there
Over, let me
I'll take you there
I'll take you there
There, there, there, baby, yeah

Leave

Nothing could be bring me closer
Nothing could be bring me near
Where is the road I follow?
to leave, leave

It's under, under, under my feet
The sea spread out there before me
where do I go where the land touches the sea
There is my trust in what I believe

(chorus)
That's what keeps me,
That's what keeps me,
That's what keeps me down,
To leave it, leave it,
Leave it all behind

Shifting the dream
Nothing could bring me further from my old time
Shifting the dream
It's charging the scene
I know where I marked the signs
I Suffer the dreams of a world gone mad
I like it like that and I know it

I know it well, ugly and sweet
That temper madness with an even extreme

That's what keeps me
That's what keeps me
That's what keeps me down
I say that I'm a bantam lightweight
I say that I'm a phantom airplane
That never left the ground

(repeat chorus)

Lift me, lift me,
I attain my dream
I lost myself, I lost the
Heartache calling me
I lost myself in sorrow
I lost myself in pain
I lost myself in clarity,
Memory, leave, leave

(repeat chorus 2x)

lift my hands, my eyes are still
I walk into the scene
lift myself in a different place
just Leavin'

I longed for this to take me,
I longed for my release
I waited for the callin'
To leave, leave

Leave, leave
Leavin', leavin'
Leavin', leave

 

Departure 

Just arrived Singapore, San Sebastian, Spain, 26-hour trip
Salt Lake City, come in spring
Over the salt flats a hailstorm brought you back to me
Salt Lake City, come in spring
Over the salt flats a hailstorm brought you back to me

Here it comes (I'm carried away)
Here it comes (I'm carried away)
Here it comes

Departure, godspeed, bless his heart, good lord
What a fuck-up, what a fighter
A free-fall, motorcycle, hang-glider,
Hung on the line like a poison spider
Win a eulogy from William Greider,
Car crash, ptomaine, disposable lighter,
A bus plunge, avalanche, a vinegar cider
Free-fall, motorcycle, hang-glider

(chorus)
Here it comes (I'm carried away)
Here it comes (I'm carried away)
Here it comes, back, back

Go, go, go, go, yeah
Go, go, go, go, yeah
Go, go, go, yeah

Well, everybody is young forever
There's so much to tell you, so little time
I've come a long way since the whatever,
Shit, I still see a word, think of you
There is so much that I can't do, yeah
You will be young forever
There's so much that I can't do
There is so much that I can't do

(repeat chorus 2x)  

 

Bittersweet Me 

I move across, innocence lost
All flashing pulsar
I move across the earth in my new pattern shirt
I pass satellites

"You're so bitter," your complaint
I can't give you anything
I don't know who you're livin' for
I don't know who you are anymore

(chorus 1)
I'd sooner chew my leg off,
Than be trapped in this
How easy you think of all of this as bittersweet me

(chorus 2)
I couldn't taste it
I'm tired and naked
I don't know what I'm hungry for
I don't know what I want anymore

I move across, candy floss
I move like a tank
I move across the room
With a heart full of gloom,
Stronger than you think

Oh my peer,
Your veneer is wearing thin and cracking
The surface informs that underneath,
Underneath is lacking

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2)

You move across, innocence lost,
All static and desire,
You're blue in the face from navel gaze,
You set yourself on fire

You strip down and lay yourself out,
I know you can't fake it,
But are you tired and naked?
Are you tired and naked?

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2 3x)  

 

Be Mine 

("A speed zone up here too")

I never thought of this as funny
It speaks another world to me
I wanna be your Easter bunny
I wanna be your Christmas tree

I'll strip the world that you must live in
Of all its godforsaken greed
I'll ply the tar out of your feathers
I'll pluck the thorns out of your feet
You and me
You and me
You and me

And if I choose your sanctuary
I'll want to wash you with my hair
I'll want to drink of sacred fountains
And find the riches hidden there

I'll eat the lotus and peyote
I'll want to hear the caged-bird sing
I'll want the secrets of the temple
I'll want the finger with the ring
You and me
You and me
You and me

And if you make me your religion
I'll give you all you will need
I'll be the drawing of your breath
I'll be the cup if you should bleed
I'll be the sky above the Ganges
I'll be the vast and stormy sea
I'll be the lights that guide you inland
I'll be the visions you will see
Visions you will see
You will see
You will see
You and me
You and me
You and me
You and me
You and me
You and me  

 

Blinky the Doormat 

This is horror movie stuff
The muffin is peach, you're "makin" love'
You mean this opera involves handcuffs?
I lay defeated
Yeah, sour milk mouth, horseradish sweet
She's a girl and she's loving me
But distance is my tendency
I am defeated

(chorus)
Have you lost your place? (go away, go away)
I wore my doormat face (go away, go away, go away, go, go, go)
I hung my this or that (go away, go away, go away, go away)
I laid my welcome mat (go away, go away)

If I'm your oyster, where's the war?
You leave me gasping, tattered and torn
I know you can't find a fork
I am just a little acorn
Well, acorns grow to mighty trees
You've got sauce, but you don't have knees
Now look who's asking pretty please
I lay defeated

(repeat chorus)

Call your bathroom friends around
I will fake a little frown
I will be your little clown,
Easily defeated
Yeah, shut the door and open wide
Seconal and astroglide
Fuck with me and traumatize
Don't you see I love your hide?
All the beauty that's trapped inside
Can't you see I love your hide?
Can't you see I love your hide?
Can't you see it?

Have you lost your place? (go away, go away)
I wore my doormat face (go away, go away, go away, go, go, go)
I hung my this or that (go away, go away, go away, go away)
I laid my welcome mat (go away, go away, go away, go, go, go)
I hung my this or that (go away, go away, go away, go away)
I laid my welcome mat (go away, go away, go away, go, go, go)
Go away, go away, go away
Go away, go away, go away  

 

So Fast, So Numb 

you're moving through rough waters,
motor boy,
and swimming in your sleep.
how could I be so blind, mis-sighted,
not to see there's something wounded deep.
anyone could scratch your surface now,
it's all amphetamine
you're blasting yourself into the present
to blur some past indignity, say that,

you say that
you hate it.
you want to re-create it

I've been around, I've been your lover.
I let it go, kill devil hills.
you're coming onto something so fast, so numb
that you can't even feel.

you're drinking raw adrenal baby,
and dosey dosey doe.
You're eating cartilage. shark-eyes. shark-heart.
all present tense.
boy, your blood is running cold.
listen. this is now. this is here.
this is me. this is what I wanted
you to see.
that was then. that was that.
that is gone. that is past.
you cast yourself, cast.
passed by, thrown down fast. you say.

you say that
you hate it.
but you want to recreate it.

I've played this round, I've played your lover.
I've played it out and to the hilt.
you're coming onto something so fast, so numb
that you can't even feel.

you love it.
you hate it.
you want to re-create it.
now this is here. this is me.
this is what I wanted
you to see.
that was then. that was that.
that is gone. that is what
I wanted you to feel.

you love it.
you hate it.
I'm spitting out the bitter pill.

I've been around, I've been your lover
I let it go, kill devil hills.
you're coming onto something so fast, so numb
that you can't even feel.

I've played this round, I've played your lover.
I've played it out and to the hilt.
you're coming onto something so fast, so numb
that you can't even feel.

you've played around, you played me lover.
I let it go, kill devil hills.
you're moving so hard, so fast, so numb
that you can't even feel. 

Low Desert 

It happened fast, it's over quick
A little dust and the engine kicks
Did your hands drift down off the wheel?
A road owl hit your windshield

An eyelash or a little bit of sleep? Time stands still
Just call it now and you're on your way (hey, hey hey, hey)

All the ashtrays, cities and the freeway drives
Broken casino and waterslide
Eighteen-wheeler, payback dice
Gravity pulls on the power line

Jet stream cuts the desert sky
This is a land could eat a man alive
Say you'd leave it all behind (hey, hey hey, hey)

There's a radio tower that's egging me on
Back to the place where you never belong
Where people thrive on their own contempt
Whatever meaning is long gone, spent
If you had to guess or make bet,
Would you place yourself inside of it?
The mountains yawn, the clouds let out a sigh
"Tricked again." Let go, okay (hey, hey hey, hey, hey hey, hey)  

 

Electrolite 

Your eyes are burning holes through me
I'm gasoline
I'm burnin' clean

Twentieth century go to sleep
You're Pleistocene
That is obscene
That is obscene

(chorus)
You are the star tonight
Your sun electric, outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight

If I ever want to fly
Mulholland Drive
I am alive

Hollywood is under me
I'm Martin Sheen
I'm Steve McQueen
I'm Jimmy Dean

(repeat chorus)

If you ever want to fly
Mulholland Drive
Up in the sky
Stand on a cliff and look down there
Don't be scared, you are alive
You are alive

(repeat chorus)

Twentieth century go to sleep
Really deep
We won't blink

Your eyes are burning holes through me
I'm not scared
I'm outta here
I'm not scared
I'm outta here  

 

"UP" 

Airportman 

He moves efficiently
Beyond security
Great opportunity awaits
Airport fluorescent
Creature of habit
Labored breathing and sallow skin
Recycled air
Moving sidewalks
Great opportunity blinks
Great opportunity blinks
Great opportunity blinks
Great opportunity blinks

The people mover
The people mover
Discounted  

 

Lotus 

I was hell
Sarcastic silver swell
That day it rained
Tough spun. Hard won. No
Ocean flower aquarium
Badlands. Give a hand
Honey dipt. Flim flam
Hey hey. Hey hey
That cat can walk like a big bad man

So happy to show us
I ate the lotus
Say haven't you noticed?
I ate the lotus

Storefront window, I reflect
Just last week I was merely heck
Tip the scale. I was hell
Picked me up, then I fell
Who's this stranger? Crowbar spine
Dot dot dot and I feel fine
Let it rain, rain, rain (rain)
Bring my happy back again

So happy to show us
I ate the lotus
Say haven't you noticed?
I ate the lotus
I ate the lotus

Let it rain, rain, rain (rain)
Save me from myself again
Wash away my ugly sins
Opposing thumb, dorsal fin
That monkey died for my grin
Bring my happy back again
Let it rain (rain), rain, rain (rain)
Bring my happy back again

So happy to show us
I ate the lotus
Say haven't you noticed?
I ate the lotus
I ate the lotus
I ate the lotus
I ate the lotus  

 

Suspicion 

Now my suspicion's on the rise
I have known, I have known your kind
Please don't talk, don't make me think
Order up another drink
Let me let imagination drive

(chorus 1)
Can't you see
I need
Nothing too deep

(chorus 2)
Imagination
Come alive
Suspicion
Tonight, I'll dream tonight

Listen to the devils in my ear
Tell me what, what I want to hear
You're so funny, you're so fine
You're so perfect, you're so mine
That I never had an opportunity
To hide
No, I never had a chance

(repeat chorus 1)

(repeat chorus 2)

Look into my eyes
They hipnotize
The lights, the drinks
Let the music carry you away

My eyes are blurred
My sights are limited
Am I sensing a familiar twinge?

Please, don't speak
Make me think
It's all too deep

Imagination
Come alive
Suspicion
Step down, I'll dream tonight

Step down, I'll dream
You're so naked, baby
Carry me away
Dream, dream
Carry me away
Dream, dream
Dream, dream
Dream, dream
Dream, dream 

 

Hope

You want to go out Friday
And you want to go forever
You know that it sounds childish
That you dreamt of alligators
You hope that we are with you
And you hope you're recognized
You want to go forever
You see it in my eyes
I'm lost in the confusion
And it doesn't seem to matter
You really can't believe it
And you hope it's getting better

You want to trust the doctors
Their procedure is the best
But the last try was a failure
And the intern was a mess
And they did the same to Matthew
And he bled 'til Sunday night
They're saying don't be frightened
But you're weakened by the sight of it
You lock into a pattern
And you know that it's the last ditch
You're trying to see through it
And it doesn't make sense
But they're saying don't be frightened
And they're killing alligators
And they're hog-tied
And accepting of the struggle

You want to trust religion
And you know it's allegory
But the people who are followers
Have written their own story
So you look up to the heavens
And you hope that it's a spaceship
And it's something from your childhood
You're thinking don't be frightened

You want to climb the ladder
You want to see forever
You want to go out Friday
And you want to go forever
And you want to cross your DNA
To cross your DNA with something reptile

And you're questioning the sciences
And questioning religion
You're looking like an idiot
And you no longer care
And you want to bridge the schism,
A built-in mechanism to protect you
And you're looking for salvation
And you're looking for deliverance
You're looking like an idiot
And you no longer care
'Cause you want to climb the ladder
You want to go forever
And you want to go out Friday
You want to go forever

 

At My Most Beautiful

(chorus)
I've found a way to make you
I've found a way
A way to make you smile

I read bad poetry
Into your machine
I save your messages
Just to hear your voice
You always listen carefully
To awkward rhymes
You always say your name,
Like I wouldn't know it's you,
At your most beautiful

(repeat chorus)

At my most beautiful
I count your eyelashes, secretly
With every one, whisper I love you
I let you sleep
I know you're closed eye watching me,
Listening
I thought I saw a smile

(repeat chorus) 

 

The Apologist

They call me the apologist
And now that I'm at peak
You know at first it really hurt
We joke about these things
I've skirted all my diferences
But now I'm facing up
I wanted to apologize for
Everything I was. So

I'm sorry, so sorry
So sorry
So sorry
So sorry
So sorry
So sorry

Did you understand me right?
The people here are good
They tell me what I should have done
And offer what I could
I'm good, all is good
All's well, no complaints
When I fell regret,
I get down on my knees and pray

I'm sorry (so sorry), so sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry

I live a simple life
Unfettered by complex sweets (so sorry)
You think this isn't me? (so sorry)
Don't be weak (so sorry)
There I go (so sorry)
I'm so sorry

Thank you for being there for me
Thank you for listening, goodbye
I can forfeit selfishness
I hope for you that you apply
This happiness
This peacefulness
This peacefulness

I'm sorry (so sorry), so sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)
So sorry (so sorry)

I live (so sorry) a simple life (so sorry)
Unfettered (so sorry) by complex sweets (so sorry)
You think this isn't me? (so sorry)
That's so sweet (so sorry, so sorry)
I'm so sorry

Thank you for being there for me
Thank you for listening, goodbye  

Sad Professor

If we're talking about love
Then I have to tell you
Dear readers, I'm not sure where I'm headed
I've gotten lost before
I've woke up stone drunk
Face down in the floor

Late afternoon, the house is hot
I started, I jumped up
Everyone hates a bore
Everybody hates a drunk

This may be a lit invention
Professors muddled in their intent
To try to rope in followers
To float their malcontent
As for this reader,
I'm already spent

Late afternoon, the house is hot
I started, I jumped up
Everyone hates a sad professor
I hate where I wound up

Dear readers, my apologies
I'm drifting in and out of sleep
Long silence presents the tragedies
Of love. Note the age. Get afraid
The surface hazy with attendant thoughts
A lazy eye metaphor on the rocks

Late afternoon, the house is hot
I started, I jumped up
Everyone hates a bore
Everybody hates a drunk
Everyone hates a sad professor
I hate where I wound up
I hate where I wound up

 

You're in the Air

you wanted a challenge
that's calling you higher
I landed on my feet by crawling
I remember standing alone trying to forget you idling
I hate to admit that
that's my reference point
but there it is
you say you want me

I'm what you found
I'm upside down
you're in the air
you're in the air
and I am breathing

brighten the stars the weather
is lifting the heavens love a
love like this it's pulling you higher twist it and turn this
around it lights from within it dribbles your chin now
brings a smile I'm lost again I'm lost again

I'm what you found I'm upside sown you're in the air you're in
the air
and I am breathing
you

I want the stars to know they've won if only to beguile the sky
has opened up again in
heaven reconciled I want you naked I want you wild I want the
stars to know they win
give me that smile just give it me just turn it on I'm lost again

I'm what you found I'm upside down you're in the air I'm what you
found I'm upside down
you're in the air I'm what you found I'm upside down you're
everywhere
you're in the air
and I am breathing you

 

Walk Unafraid

As the sun comes up, as the moon goes down
These heavy notions creep around
It makes me think
Long ago I was brought into this life, a little lamb
A little lamb
Courageous, stumbling
Fearless was my middle name
But somewhere there I
Lost my way
Everyone walks the same
Expecting me to step
The narrow path they've laid
They claim to

(chorus)
Walk unafraid
I'll be clumsy instead
Hold my love me or leave me
High

Say "keep within the boundaries if you want to play"
Say "contradiction only makes it harder"
How can I be
What I want to be?
When all I want to do is strip away
These stilled constraints
And crush this charade
Shred this sad masquerade
I don't need no persuading
I'll trip, fall, pick myself up and

(repeat chorus)

If I have a bag of rocks to carry as I go
I just want to hold my head up high
I don't care what I have to step over
I'm prepared to look you in the eye
Look me in the eye
And if you see familiarity
Then celebrate the contradiction
Help me when I fall to

(repeat chorus 2x)

 

Why Not Smile 

The concrete broke your fall
To hear you speak of it
I'd have done anything
I would do anything
I feel like a cartoon brick wall
To hear you speak of it
You've been so sad
It makes me worry
Why not smile?
You've been sad for a while
Why not smile?

I would do anything
To hear you speak of it
Why not smile?
You've been sad for a while
You've been sad for a while  

 

Daysleeper 

Receiving department, 3 a.m.
Staff cuts have socked up the overage
Directives are posted
No callbacks, complaints
Everywhere is calm

Hong Kong is present
Taipei awakes
All talk of circadian rhythm

I see today with a newsprint fray
My night is colored headache grey
Daysleeper, daysleeper, daysleeper

The bull and the bear are marking
Their territories
They're leading the blind with
Their international glories

I'm the screen, the blinding light
I'm the screen, I work at night

I see today with a newsprint fray
My night is colored headache grey
Don't wake me with so much
Daysleeper

They cried the other night
I can't even say why
Fluorescent flat caffeine lights
Its furious balancing

I'm the screen, the blinding light
I'm the screen, I work at night

I see today with a newsprint fray
My night is colored headache grey
Don't wake me with so much
Don't wake me with so much. The
Ocean machine is set to 9
I'll squeeze into heaven and valentine
My bed is pulling me,
Gravity
Daysleeper, daysleeper
Daysleeper, daysleeper, daysleeper  

 

Diminished 

i watched you fall

i think i pushed

maybe i'm crazy

maybe diminished

maybe i'm innocent

maybe i'm finished

maybe i blacked out

how do i play this

i will give my best today

i will give myself away

i have never hurt anythig

is the jury wavering

do they know i sing

maybe i'm crazy

maybe diminished

how do i

how do i play this

jealous lover self defense

protective brother chemical

dependence

i'll consult the i ching

i'll consult the tv

ouija oblique strategies

i'll consult the law books for

precedents

can i charm the jury

i will give my best today

i will give myself away

i have never hurt anything

is the justice wavering

does she know i sing

that song

sing along

sing along

sing along

i will never hurt anything

i watched you fall

maybe they'll see me

maybe they'll say

i can see the truth in his statement

smallpox blanket no way

can i charm the jury my defense

maybe i'm crazy

maybe i'm diminished

maybe i loved you

baby i loved you

baby i loved you

baby i loved you

baby i'm finished

i will give my best today

i will give myself away

i have never hurt anything

is the justice wavering

does she know i sing

that song

sing along

sing along

sing along

i will never hurt anything

i have given myself away

i have given my best today

i have never hurt anything

is the justice wavering

does she know i loved you

does she know i loved you

does she know i sing

I'm Not Over You

I feel great. I lied to save your feelings.

Truth convened, my head smashed through the celling

I lost an arm, no one harmed, you diplomatically alarmed

I sulked away to lick my thin skin

I'm not over you, I'm not over you, I'm not over you

Parakeet

You wake up in the morning

And fall out of your bed

Mean cats eat parakeets

And this one's nearly dead.

You dearly wish the wind would shift

And greasy windows slide

Open for the parakeet

Who's colored bitter lime.

Open the window

And lift into your dreams

lately, baby

you can barely breathe.

A broken wrist

An accident

You know that something's wrong

You fold the leavings of your past

No one knows you've gone.

The sunspot flares of the early

Nineties light up your wings.

And scan the shotwave radio

It's tracking outer rings.

The tectonic dispatcher shifts

To smooth the ocean floor

And flattens out to warmer winds

Of Brisbane's sunny shore.

Where Buddhas tend to mending wrists

A tea made from the leaves

Of eucalyptus fragrances

And coriander seeds.

You wake up in the morning

To warm Pacific breeze

Where mean cats chew on licorice

And cannot climb the trees.

Open the window

And lift into a dreams

Baby, baby

Baby starts to breathe. 

Falls to Climb

I'll take the position

Assume the missionary part

You work by committee,

You had me pegged from the start.

I'll pounce pony,

Phony maroney,

Pony before the cart.

I'll pounce pony,

This ceremony

Only fills my heart.

Who cast the final stone?

Who threw the crushing blow?

Someone has to take the fall

Why not me?

A punch toy volunteer

A weakling on its knee.

Is all you want to hear

And all you want to see.

Romantically you'd martyr me

And miss this story's point

It is my strength, my destiny

This is the role that I have chosen.

Who cast the final stone?

Who threw the crushing blow?

Someone has to take the fall

Why not me?

Why not me?

Gentlemen mark your opponents

Fire into your own ranks.

Pick the weakest as strategic

Move. Square off. To meet your enemy.

For each and every gathering

A scapegoat falls to climb.

As I step forward, silently.

Deliberately mine

Who cast the final stone?

Who threw the crushing blow?

Someone has to take the fall

Why not me? Why not me.

Had consequence chose differently

Had fate its ugly head

My actions make me beautiful

And dignify the flesh

Me. I am free. Free.

"REVEAL"

The Lifting

Grounded 5 a.m.

The nightlite is comforting.

But gravity is holding you.

Once settled into sleep

You have watched on repeat,

The story of your life

Across the ceiling;

And in review,

You've said the air was singing

It's calling you you don't believe

These things you've never seen.

"Good morning, how are you?

The weather's fine, the sky is blue-

It's perfect for our seminar..."

"Now close your eyes,

And start to breathe.

Allow the noise to recede...

...Allow yourself to drift and fly away.

But you just stay.

You've said the air was singing

It's calling you you don't believe

These things you've never seen, never dreamed.

Did you hear these voices calling

Locked into a conference room,

"We're only what our minds assume..."

And rationale is leaving you.

This conceit these systems of belief,

Your counselor agrees,

"You've always mark these boundaries now you're free..."

And with relief.

You've said the air was singing

It's calling you you don't believe

These things you've never seen, never heard, never dreamed.

You said the air was singing

It's calling you you don't believe

These things you've never seen.

Never [x19]

Once you had a dream

Of oceans, and sunken cities

Memories of things you've never known

I've Been High

Have you seen?

Have not will travel

Have I missed the big reveal?

Do my eyes,

Do my eyes seem empty?

I've forgotten how this feels.

I've been high

I've climbed so high

The light, sometimes it washes over me.

Have you been?

Have done will travel

I fell down on me knees

Was I wrong?

I don't know, don't answer.

I just needed to believe.

I've been high

I've climbed so high

The light, sometimes it washes over me.

So I dive into a pool.

So cool and deep that if I sink I sink,

And when I swim I fly, so high.

What I want

All I really wanted

Just to live my life on high.

And I know

I know you want the same

I can see it in your eyes.

I've been high

I've climbed so high

The light, sometimes it washes over me.

Washes over me

I close my eyes

So I can see

Make my make believe, believe in me.

All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)

 Humming

All the way to Reno

You've dusted the non believers

And challenge the laws of chance

Now, sweet

You were so sugar sweet

You may as well have 'kick me'

Fastened on your sleeve

You know what you are

You're gonna be a star.

You know what you are

You're gonna be a star

Wing

Is written on your feet

Your achilles heel

Is a tendenc

To dream

But you've know that from the beginning

You didn't have to go so far

You didn't have to go.

You know what you are

You're gonna be a star.

You know what you are

You're gonna be a star

You know who you are

You know who you are

You know who you are

Humming

All the way to Reno

You've written your own directions

And whistled the rules of change.

You know what you are

You're gonna be a star (star)

You know what you are,

You're gonna be a star (star)

You know what you are,

You're gonna be a star (star)

You know what you are,

You're gonna be a star (star)

Humming

All the way to Reno

All the way to Reno

All the way to Reno

You're gonna be a star, you are

You're gonna be a star

You're gonna be a star, you are

You're gonna be a star

She Just Wants to Be

It's not that she walked away,

her world got smaller.

All the usual places, the same destinations,

only something's changed.

It's not that she wasn't rewarded

with pomegranate afternoons

and Mingus, Chet Baker and chess.

It's not the stampede and fortune

of prim affectations

she's off on her own and she knows now

it's greater than the whole

of the past

it's greater

and now she knows.

She just wants to be somewhere

she just wants to be.

She just wants to be somewhere

she just wants to be.

It's not that the transparency

of her earlier incarnations

now looked back on, weren't rich

and loaded

with beautiful vulnerability

and now she knows.

Now is greater

and she knows that.

She just wants to be somewhere

she just wants to be.

She just wants to be somewhere

she just wants to be.

Now is greater

now is greater

and she knows that

She just wants to be somewhere

she just wants to be.

She just wants to be somewhere

she just wants to be.

It's not like if angels

could truly look down

stir up the trappings

and light on the ground.

Remind us of what, when,

why or who?

The how's up to us, me and you

and now is greater than the whole

of the past

is greater and now she knows that.

Now she knows.

Disappear

I dragged my feet across a seat

Jumped out the passenger side

The only thing worth looking for

Is what you find inside

But that had not yet appeared

Lost invisible here.

Tel Aviv and Agadir

Tone deaf for almost

Before I learned to see

The vanishing point appeared.

I looked for you everywhere

I looked for you everywhere.

There is a calm I haven't come to yet

I spent half my life figuring what comes next

I telescoped in I finally win

I finally win the prize

That now eyes see comets perfect timing squeeze

Head first fighting everything

The crushing force of memory

Erasing all I've been

The vanishing point appeared.

I looked for you everywhere.

I looked for you everywhere.

Tell me why you're here.

I came to disappear.

Look at this face

Can you believe it?

Am I living in the beautiful vacuum?

Because I can't see it

The vanishing point appears.

I looked for you everywhere.

I looked for you everywhere.

Tell me why you're here.

I came to disappear.

Tell me why you're here.

I came to disappear.

I came to disappear.

Saturn Returns

Easy to poke yourself square in the eye

Harder to like yourself, harder to try

These are espouses

Postcards and neoprene

Roses a dollar a stem

Everyone sleeping or pulling the long haul and

Keys/caves(?) in the cooler it's three A.M.

And saturn is beckoning no-one

It's offering up.

Late shift convenience store, burn out the lights

Telescope roof towards the north-western sky

You pulled the ladder and no-ones the wiser

You find your sights and discover

Saturn is orbiting nothing

He's off on its own,

He's breaking from home.

Harder to look yourself square in the eye

Easy to take off...

You found the ladder in the pattern of your wrist

You've seen and you've marked horizions

Mother was difficult, she made you cry

Cover the mirror, look to the sky

You climb into your rocket ship trying

Lift up and hold out your hands.

Saturn is orbiting nothing

He's off on its own

He's breaking from home

Saturn is orbiting nothing

He's off on its own

He's breaking from home

Saturn returns when you chased down, it slows

Throw them into a new gravity

Harder to look yourself square in the eye

Easy to poke yourself, easy as pie

Easy to take off, harder to fly

Harder to wake Galileo.

Beat a Drum

The sun reflected in

The back of my eye.

I knocked my head against the sky.

The dragonflies are busy buzzing me.

A seahorse as if we were in the sea.

Half way from coal

Half way from diamond.

My fall knocked a mean chip out of me.

Gathering as far as I can reach.

Perched up on a precipice

And this is what I've seen.

This is all I want,

It's all I need.

This is all I am.

This is all I want,

It's all I need.

A bluejay hectors from the felled Catalpa tree.

Doctorate in science and a theologians dream

The dragonflies are trying to lecture me.

The seahorses as if we were in the sea.

But this is all I want,

It's all I need.

This is all I am,

It's everything.

This is all I want,

It's all I need.

Beat a drum for me

Like a butterfly wing.

Tropical storm across the ocean.

But don't explain I'm sure I'll want to know

Don't forget we're just half way from coal.

This is all I want,

It's all I need.

This is all I am,

It's everything.

This is all I want,

It's all I need.

Imitation of Life

Charades, pop skill

Water hyacinth, named by a poet

Imitation of life.

Like a koi in a frozen pond.

Like a goldfish in a bowl.

I don't want to hear you cry.

Thats sugarcane that tasted good.

Thats cinnamon, thats Hollywood.

C'mon, c'mon no one can see you try.

You want the greatest thing

The greatest thing since bread came sliced.

You've got it all, you've got it sized.

Like a Friday fashion show teenager

Freezing in the corner

Trying to look like you don't try.

Thats sugarcane that tasted good.

Thats cinnamon, thats Hollywood.

C'mon, c'mon no one can see you try.

No one can see you cry.

That sugar cane that tasted good.

That freezing rain, that's what you could.

C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry.

This sugarcane

This lemonade

This hurricane, I'm not afraid.

C'mon, c'mon no one can see you cry.

This lightning storm

This tidal wave

This avalanche, I'm not afraid.

C'mon, c'mon no one can see me cry.

That sugar cane that tasted good.

That's who you are, that's what you could.

C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry.

That sugar cane that tasted good.

That's who you are, that's what you could.

C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry.

Summer Turns To High

Mercury is rising still

Turn the fan on high

I won't step on my own shadow

No-one wants to cry

Someone put a pox on me

I spit in their eyes

Summer turns to high

Lift my bed sheet keep in sandles

Circle search and there are candles

Summer's here but night is raising hopes and dragonflies

If those hopes are overshadowed by cotton-candy, caramel-wafer

Summer turns to high

Summer turns to high

Summer turns to high

Summer high

After wine and nectarines the fireflies in turn

Move like syrup through the evening with the sweet reign

I won't fight for can't happen

I'm preoccupied

Summer turns to high

Summer turns to high

Summer turns to high

Summer high

Chorus and the Ring

Hey there now young Willy

Swing alone, quote the scriptures

Keep them guessing which bed you crawled from

Justify, just deny

Was it fun?

Your time has come

What have you done?

What have you done?

That's when the insults start to sting

You can't remember anything

The chorus chiming

Every chorus the machine of god

Is singin'.

It's the poison that it measures

Brings illuminating vision

It's the knowing with a wink

That we expect in Southern women

It's the wolf that knows which sheep to dip to save itself

It's the octopus that crawled back to the sea.

That's when the insults start to sting

You can't remember anything

The chorus chiming

Every chorus the machine of god

Hey.....

Hammered shooting plywood in the backyard

Laughin' 'cause the racket makes the blackbird sing

Like the holy terror

Suck the marrow from the bone

Singe, you're always burning books

You got the chorus and the ring

That's when the insults start to sting

You can't remember anything

The chorus chiming

Every chorus the machine sings.

That's when the insults start to sting

You can't remember anything

The chorus chiming

Every chorus the machine sings.

That's when the calibration brittle

As a stick hits you, the gold ring and the time museum

Cheaper than a link of gold rings

Gold ring.

Sing, sing, sing, sing.

I'll Take the Rain

The rain came down

The rain came down

The rain came down on me.

The wind blew strong

The summer song

Fades to memory

I knew you when

I loved you then

The summer's young and helpless.

You laid me bare

You marked me there

The promises we made.

I used to think

As birds take wing

They sing through life so why can't we?

You cling to this

You claim the best

If this is what you're offering

I'll take the rain

I'll take the rain

I'll take the rain.

The nighttime creases

Summer schemes

And stretches out to stay.

The sun shines down

You came around

You love easy days.

But now the sun,

The winter's come.

I wanted just to say

That if I hold

I'd hope you'd fold Open up inside, inside of me.

I used to think

As birds take wing

They sing through life so why can't we?

You cling to this

You claim the best

If this is what you're offering

I'll take the rain

I'll take the rain

I'll take the rain.

This winter song

I'll sing along

I've searched its still refrain

I'll walk alone

I've given this, take wing

Celebrate the rain.

I used to think

As birds take wing

They sing through life so why can't we?

You cling to this

You claim the best

If this is what you're offering

I'll take the rain

I'll take the rain

I'll take the rain.

Beachball 

Tonight's alive

The beachball's set to fly

Those well tequilaed guys

Who smile at strangers.

A tes souhaits

A tes amours chéri

You give a little squeeze

And dance the rua-rua-rua-rumba

This life is sweet

You're dancing in the street

Who knows who you might meet

Who to find.

The little week ends here

Thursday has an ear

The coffee clash career

She talks to strangers

And kissing by the sea.

A tequila tome

'ti punch, mojito, sling

And dance the rua-rua-rua-rumba

This life is sweet

You're dancing in the street

Who knows who you might meet

Who to find.

We flash the seasoned sky

With starfished butterflies

To cast a spell

And welcome locals

Weekenders and strangers.

You'll do fine.

You'll do fine.

You'll do fine.

"AROUND THE SUN"

Leaving New York

It's quiet now

And what it brings

Is everything

Comes calling back

A brilliant night

I'm still awake

I looked ahead

I'm sure I saw you there

You don't need me

To tell you now

That nothing can compare

You might have laughed if I told you

You might have hidden A frown

You might have succeeded in changing me

I might have been turned around

It's easier to leave than to be left behind

Leaving was never my proud

Leaving New York, never easy

I saw the light fading out

Now life is sweet

And what it brings

I tried to take

But loneliness

It wears me out

It lies in wait

And I've lost

Still in my eyes

The shadow of necklace

Across your thigh

I might've lived my life in a dream, but I swear

This is real

Memory fuses and shatters like glass

Mercurial future, forget the past

It's you, it's what I feel.

You might have laughed if I told you (it's pulling me apart)

You might have hidden a frown (change)

You might have succeeded in changing me (it's pulling me apart)

I might have been turned around (change)

It's easier to leave than to be left behind (it's pulling me apart)

Leaving was never my proud (change)

Leaving New York, never easy (it's pulling me apart)

I saw the light fading out

You find it in your heart, it's pulling me apart

You find it in your heart, change...

I told you, forever

I love you, forever

I told you, I love you

I love you, forever

I told you, forever

You never, you never

You told me forever

You might have laughed if I told you

You might have hidden the frown

You might have succeeded in changing me

I might have been turned around

It's easier to leave than to be left behind (it's pulling me apart)

Leaving was never my proud (change)

Leaving New York never easy (it's pulling me apart)

I saw the life fading out (change)

Leaving New York, never easy (it's pulling me apart)

I saw the light fading out (change)

Leaving New York never easy (it's pulling me apart)

I saw the life fading out (change)

Electron Blue 

You're on your ear, the ocean's near

The light has started to fade

Your high is timed, you found the climb

It's hard to focus on more than what's behind you

It gives me flu

Adventure rings with a page then

When it dawns on you,

It singes blue

Your buzz beginning to wane.

Adventure has laid its claim on you

It's all you want to do.

You

You know where to run

You run Electron Blue.

And who am I?

I'm just a guy

I've got a story like everyone

But in your eyes

You looked surprised

And didn't know where to run

I looked to her

She's found the cure

Her future's already begun

Tomorrow's gaining speed on you

It's all you want to do

You

You know where to run

You run Electron Blue

You

You know where to run

You run electron blue

So bide your time

You'll feel the climb

Your high it builds like a lightning storm

It sings like pearls

You know that girl

And no one is any the wiser

So as if on cue.....

Electron Blue

Tomorrow's gaining speed on you

It's all you want to do

You

You know where to run

You run, Electron Blue

You

You know where to run

You run, Electron Blue

You

You know where to run

You run, Electron Blue

The Outsiders

You took me to the restaurant where we first met

You knocked a future shock crowbar upside my head

I got caught with the stop of the tick-tock, tick-tock clock

When you told me what you knew

Lost in the moment

The day that the music stopped

And I do remember you

Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth

Promising volcanic change of plot

Where will this lead us - I'm scared of the storm

The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born

I tried to tell you I am not afraid

You looked up and saw it all across my face

So am I with you or am I against

I don't think it's that easy - we're lost in regret

Now I'm trying to remember

The feeling when the music stopped

When you told me what you knew

Lost in the moment

The day that the music stopped

And I do remember you

Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth

Promising volcanic change of plot

Where does this leave us - I'm scared of the storm

The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born

Drawing patterns with a cork on the tablecloth

Promising volcanic change of thought

Where does this leave us - I'm scared of the storm

The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born

The outsiders are gathering, a new day is born

The outsiders are gathering

A man walks away when every muscle says to stay

How many yesterdays - they each weigh heavy

Who says what changes may come?

Who says what we call home?

I know you see right through me, my luminescence fades

The dusk provides an antidote, I am not afraid

I've been a million times in my mind

This is really just a technicality, frailty, reality

Uh, it's time to breathe, time to believe

Let it go and run towards the sea

They don't teach that, they don't know what you mean

They don't understand, they don't know what you mean

They don't get it, I wanna scream

I wanna breathe again, I wanna dream

I wanna float a quote from Martin Luther King

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

I am not afraid

Make It All Ok

You threw away the ballast and you rowed your boat ashore

Didn't you, now? Didn't you?

You made your ultimatum too big to ignore

Didn't you, now? Didn't you?

So you worked out your excuses,

turned away and shut the door.

The world's too vast for us now,

and you wanted to explore

It's a long, long long road

And I don't know which way to go

If you offered me your hand again I'd have to walk away.

When I saw you at the street fair, you called out my name

Didn't you, now? Didn't you?

You said we could start over, try and make it all okay.

Didn't you, now? Didn't you?

So our past has been rewritten

and you threw away the pen.

You'd said that I was useless,

but now you'll take me in again

Well Jesus loves me fine.

And your words fall flat this time.

Was it my imagination, or did I hear you say,

"We don't have a prayer between us."

Didn't you believe that I have finally turned away?

Didn't you, now? Didn't you?

Anything to hold onto to help me through my day.

Didn't you, now? Didn't you?

Jesus loves me fine.

But his words fall flat this time.

It's a long, long long road

And I don't know which way to go

If you offered me your world, did you think I'd really stay?

If you offered me the heavens, I would have to turn away.

Was it my imagination, or did I hear you say,

"We don't have a prayer between us."

Didn't you, now? Didn't you, now?

Didn't you?

Final Straw

As I raise my head to broadcast my objection

As your latest triumph draws the final straw

Who died and lifted you up to perfection?

And what silenced me is written into law.

I can't believe where circumstance has thrown me

And I turn my head away

If I look I'm not sure that I could face you.

Not again. not today. not today.

If hatred makes a play on me tomorrow

And forgiveness takes a back seat to revenge

There's a hurt down deep that has not been corrected.

There's a voice in me that says you will not win.

And if I ignore the voice inside,

Raise a half glass to my home.

But it's there that I am most afraid,

And forgetting doesn't hold. it doesn't hold.

Now I don't believe and I never did

That two wrongs make a right.

If the world were filled with the likes of you

Then I'm putting up a fight. I'm putting up a fight.

Putting up a fight. make it right. make it right.

Now love cannot be called into question.

Forgiveness is the only hope I hold.

And love- love will be my strongest weapon.

I do believe that I am not alone.

For this fear will not destroy me.

And the tears that have been shed

It's knowing now where I am weakest

And the voice in my head. in my head.

Then I raise my voice up higher

And I look you in the eye

And I offer love with one condition.

With conviction, tell me why.

Tell me why.

Tell me why.

Look me in the eye.

Tell me why.

I Wanted To Be Wrong 

You know where I come from

You know what I feel

You're Yul Brenner Westworld

Reporting from the field.

I threw it into reverse,

Made a motion to repeal.

You kicked my legs from under me,

And tried to take the wheel.

I told you I wanted to be wrong,

But everyone is humming a song

That I don't understand.

Now I know that the sun has shined on my side of the street.

The basket of America, the weevils and the wheat.

The milk and honeyed congregation, scrubbed and apple-cheeked

Salute Apollo 13 from the rattle jewelry seats.

Mythology's seductive and it turned a trick on me

That I have just begun to understand.

I told you I wanted to be wrong,

But everyone is humming a song

That I don't understand.

The rodeo is staged, gold circle goat-ropers and clowns.

A rumble in the third act, tie 'em up and burn 'em down.

We're armed to the teeth, born a little breech;

Blue-plate special analysts, cells and SUV's

We can't approach the Allies 'cause they seem a little peeved

And speak a language we don't understand.

I told you I wanted to be wrong

But everyone is humming a song

That I don't understand.

(Prop up The Omega Man, we're primed for victory,

God gave us the upper hand, there's honor among thieves.

Temper it with arrogance, a dash of sad conceit.

The top's down on the T-Bird, we're the children of the free)

Storm into the boardroom of the conquering elite.

Did you recognize the madman who is shouting in the streets?

Destroy the things that I don't understand

Destroy the things that I don't understand.

Wanderlust

Looks like I pulled a fast one

Looks like I went to town

Looks like the world revolves around me

Looks like it's falling down.

I thought I'd kicked the traces

I thought the wheels would spin

I thought I'd jumped the fence and bolted

Looks like I'm back again

I got my signals crossed.

It's overwhelming because

I'm all alone and I can't get back

Get back with my wanderlust.

I had to grab a suitcase

I had to change my clothes

I had to run the shower hot

until the water froze

I brushed against confusion

I wanted time to grow

I want the sticks and stones not to throw me

get back to what I know

I got my signals crossed.

It's overwhelming because

I'm all alone and I can't get back

Get back with my wanderlust.

I'm searching for a greatness

I smear it on my face

I want to bathe in grape must

swim the length of the milky way

I want it to be brilliant

I want it to be sweet

I want to kiss the astronauts

when they salute to me me me me

I got my signals crossed.

It's overwhelming because

I'm all alone and I can't get back

Get back with my wanderlust.

I got my signals crossed.

It's overwhelming because

I'm all alone and I can't get back

Get back with my wanderlust.

Boy in the Well 

Look at this, it's me, walking away.

Look at you drowning, on display.

Every time I've dropped by, I've tried to say

The water is rising.

You don't want to stay.

It's that sinking feeling. you know what it's bringing on.

You might as well say it,

I see it, I feel it.

This town is going wrong.

It's turning away.

You wanted me to be someone that I could never be

My new friends are offering things I've never dreamed

It's beautiful

I'd like for them to take me on ...

The track mall gang went off

On the Tennessee goth. a lunar moth,

You chrysalis and flail.

The water is rising. you try to rappel.

A rousing cheer for the boy in the well.

It's that sinking feeling. you know what it's bringing on.

You might as well say it,

I see it, I feel it.

This town is going wrong.

It's turning away.

You wanted me to be someone that I could never be

My new friends are offering things I've never dreamed

It's beautiful

I'd like for them to take me on ...

Here is where I look back.

Here is where you fell.

This is where I got up,

Shaking off my tail

This is where your rope trick

Started to look stale.

A greyhound pass for the boy in the well.

It's that sinking feeling

You know what it's bringing on

I might as well say it.

I see it, I feel it

This town is going wrong.

It's turning away.

You wanted me to be someone that I could never be

My new friends are offering things I've never dreamed

It's beautiful

I'd like for them to take me on

You wanted me to be someone that I could never be

My new friends are offering things I've never dreamed

It's beautiful

I'd like for them to take me on

Aftermath

Now the radio stutters. snaps to life.

Some sour song that sets it right.

And when London falls

He'd like to call

But the stars collide.

They're beautiful and much maligned.

In a universe where you see the worst,

And it's up to you to fix it.

Now you've worked it out

And you see it all

And you've worked it out

And you see it all

And you want to shout

How you see it all

It's easy to dismiss the "what's it all about" crowd.

There is no doubt. it's this, here, now.

And you close your eyes.

He's not coming back.

So you work it out, overfeed the cat.

And the plants are dry and they need to drink.

So you do your best. and you flood the sink.

Sit down in the kitchen and cry.

Now you've worked it out

And you see it all

And you've worked it out

And you see it all

And you want to shout

How you see it all

Now the universe left you for a runners lap.

It feels like home when it comes crashing back.

And it makes you laugh

And it makes you cry,

When London falls

And you're still alive.

The radio stutters,

It makes you laugh

And the aftermath,

Open up your eyes.

You're so alive.

Now you've worked it out

And you see it all

And you've worked it out

And you see it all

And you want to shout

How you see it all

How you've worked it out

And you see it all

How you've worked it out

And you see it all

High Speed Train

When I look into your eyes.

Your drop like an anchor eyes.

I scudded and clipped the sky

Just shy of making it.

And you almost got away.

I told you I was afraid.

Did I really want to try

You're holding me to my claim

I jump on a high speed train

I'll never look back again

I flail like the antelope

Who jumped from the building

and you caught me on the sly

you've taken me by surprise.

you've mirrored my best disguise and

turned it back on me.

I jump on a high speed train

I'll never look back again

I flail like the antelope

Who jumped from the building

I jump on a high speed train

I'll never look back again

To Berlin, Kyoto or Marseilles

I'd go anywhere for you

I'll bring you a big bouquet

I picked it myself today

it compliments your eyes

there's love at the end of the line

I jump on a high speed train

I'll never look back again

I flail like the antelope

Who jumped from the building

I jump on a high speed train

I'll never look back again

To Berlin, Kyoto or Marseilles

I'd go anywhere for you

And that's what I always knew

I'd like to have hung the moon.

I'd wrestle you for a spoon inside your sleeping bag.

Just us.

No war. no hate. no past.

It's real.

I'm here. I'm yours. I'm fast.

I'm long in the eye

I'm cry when I try

I just want to fly

Just you and I, together

The Worst Joke Ever

You see there's this cat burglar who can't see in the dark.

He lays his bets on 8 more lives, walks into a bar.

Slips on the 8 ball, falls on his knife.

Says, "I don't know what I've done, but it doesn't feel right!"

Some things don't hold up over the course of a lifetime,

When's the first time you heard that one, 1954?

Get to the punch line. fall to the floor.

Give me a minute and I'll tell you the setup for

The worst joke ever, I never

I'll tell you my version of the greatest life story

Don't bore me

Now I am floating,

I feel released.

The moorings have been dropped,

The weights unleashed.

Everything is crystalline, simple and free.

The crime of good men who can't wrestle with change,

Or are too afraid to face this life's misjudged unknowns

You're not hurting anybody else's chances,

But you're disfiguring your own.

Give me a minute and I'll tell you the setup for

The worst joke ever, I never

I'll tell you my version of the greatest life story

Don't bore me, I NEVER

Give me a minute and I'll tell you the setup

You see there's this feeling that I've heard this one before

The Ascent of Man

So hesitation pulled me back

I'm stronger when I don't attract

In your eyes I'm a lamb without a rack

And I am getting confused

I'm a cactus trying to be a canoe

As you pan for ore

In the desert, floored

I say to you

That I could never imagine a place so beautiful

I could never steal your gold away.

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah...

(I try to walk like a big wham bam

I came across like a battering ram

I try to float like a telegram sam

I'm trying to divine you.)

My book is called "The Ascent Of Man"

I marked your chapter with a catamaran

The accent's off

But I am what I am

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah...

(I try to walk like a big wham bam

I came across like a battering ram

I try to float like a telegram sam

I'm trying to divine you.)

I looked for you, it's my last grandstand

A motorscootered goat legged pan

Figure eighting in quicksand ...

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah...

(I try to walk like a big wham bam

I try to float like a telegram sam

I came across like a battering ram

I'm trying to divine you.)

(I try to walk like a big wham bam

I try to float like a telegram sam

I came across like a battering ram

I'm trying to divine you.)

So hesitation pulled me back

I'm so in love I don't attract

And with my hands tied I won't crack

('Cause in my mind I called you back.)

Around the Sun

I want the sun to shine on me

I want the truth to set me free

I wish the followers would lead

with a voice so strong it could knock me to my knees

Hold on world 'cause you don't know what's coming

Hold on world 'cause I'm not jumping off

Hold onto this boy a little longer

Take another trip around the sun

If I jumped into the ocean to believe

If I climbed a mountain would I have to reach?

Do I even dare to speak?--to dream?--believe?

Give me a voice so strong

I can question what I have seen

Hold on world 'cause you don't know what's coming

Hold on world 'cause I'm not jumping off

Hold onto this boy a little longer

Take another trip around the sun

Around the sun

Around the sun

Around the sun

Let my dreams set me free.

Believe. believe.

Now now now now now now

"ACCELERATE"

Living Well Is the Best Revenge

It's only when your poison spins into the life you'd hoped to live

That suddenly you wake up in a shaking panic - wow!

You set me up like a lamb to slaughter

Garbo as a farmer's daughter

Unbelievable, the gospel according to who?

I lay right down.

All your sad and lost apostles hum my name and flare their nostrils

Choking on the bones you toss to them

Well I'm not one to sit and spin

'Cause living well's the best revenge

Baby, I am calling you on that

Don't turn your talking points on me, history will set me free

The future's ours and you don't even read the footnote now!

So who's chasing you? Where did you go?

You disappeared mid-sentence

In a judgement crisis I see my anecdote for it

You weakened shell.

All your sad and lost apostles hum my name and flare their nostrils

Choking on the bones you toss to them

Well I'm not one to sit and spin

'Cause living well's the best revenge

Baby, I am calling you on that

You savour your dying breath

Well, I forgive but I don't forget

You work it out, let's hear that argument again

Camera three... GO NOW!

All your sad and lost apostles hum my name and flare their nostrils

Choking on the bones you toss to them

Well I'm not one to sit and spin

'Cause living well's the best revenge

Baby, I am calling you on that

Baby, I am calling you on that

Baby, I am calling you on

Man-Sized Wreath

Turning on the TV and what do I see?

A pageantry of empty gestures all lined up for me - wow!

I'd have thought by now we would be ready to proceed

But a tearful hymn to tug the heart

And a man-sized wreath - ow!

Throw it on the fire

Throw it in the air

Kick it out on the dance-floor like you just don't care, oh

Give me some

Wave the palms, steal the alms, fists in the air

A motorcade up the ninth street shows the people that you care - ow!

Nature abhors a vacuum but what's between your ears?

Your judgement clouded with fearful thoughts

A headlights and a deer - ow!

Throw it on the fire

Throw it in the air

Kick it out on the dance-floor like you just don't care

Look at what I've found

Everybody look around

Everybody looking like they just don't care, oh

Give me some

Well I'm not deceived by pomp and odious conceit

But a tearful hymn to tug the heart

And a man-sized wreath-ow!

Throw it on the fire

Throw it in the air

Kick it out on the dance-floor like you just don't care

Look at what I've found

Everybody look around

Everybody looking like they just don't care

Throw it on the fire

Throw it in the air

Kick it out on the dance-floor like you just don't care, oh

Give me some

Give me some

Give me some

Supernatural Superserious

Everybody here

Comes from somewhere

If they would just as soon forget

A disguise

Disguised as they know you made you feel it

At the summer camp they volunteered

No one saw your face, no one saw your fear

You got apparition just appeared

Took you up and away from this place and shared

Humiliation

Of your teenage nation

Nobody cares no one remembers or cares

If your fantasies are

Dressed up in travesties

Enjoy yourself with no regrets

So if you call out safe then I’ll stop right away

When premise explodes and the room starts to shake

The details shift

And the stories the same

You don’t have to explain

You don’t have to explain

Humiliation

Of your teenage nation

No one cares

If your fantasies are

Dressed up in travesties

Enjoy yourself with no regrets

Everybody here comes from somewhere

If they would just as soon forget, disguise

So if you call out safe then I’ll stop right away

When the premise explodes and the room starts to shake

The details shift

With the stories the same

You don’t have to explain

You don’t have to explain

Humiliation

Of your teenage nation

This celebration

Of your teenage nation

Nobody cares no one remembers and nobody cares

Nobody cares no one remembers and nobody cares

Hollow Man

I've been lost inside my head

Echoes fall off me

I took the prize last night for complicated mess

Persuading things I didn't mean and don't believe

Believe in me

Believe in nothing

Corner me

And make me something

I've become the hollow man, нave

I become the hollow man I see?

Oh, I see this echoeing

You have placed your trust in me

I went upside down

I emptied out the room in

Thirty seconds flat

I can't believe you held your ground

Believe in me

Believe in nothing

Corner me

And make me something

I've become the hollow man, have

I become the hollow man I see

I'm overwhelmed

I'm on repeat

I'm emptied out

I'm incomplete

You trusted me

I want to show you

I don't want to be the hollow man

Believe in me

Believe in nothing

Corner me

And make me something

I've become the hollow man, have

I become the hollow man I see

I see

Houston

If the storm doesn't kill me the government will

I've got to get that out of my head

It's a new day today and the coffee is strong

I've finally got some rest

So a man's put to task and challenges

I was taught to hold my head high

Collect what is mine,

Make the best of what today has

Houston is filled with promise

Laredo is a beautiful place

Galveston sings like that song that I loved

Its meaning has not been erased

And so there are claims forgiven

And so there are things that are gone

Houston is filled with promise

Laredo is a beautiful place

Galveston sings like that song that I loved

Its meaning has not been erased

And some things, they fall to the wayside

Their memory is yet to be still

Belief has not filled me

And so I am put to the test

Accelerate

Sinking fast, the weight chained to my feet

No time to argue with belief

I'm not alone, a thousand others dropping

Faster than me

What put me here?

Nothing to hold on to

Nowhere to brake

Where is the ripcord, the trapdoor, the key?

Where is the cartoon escape-hatch for me?

No time to question the choices I make

I've got to follow another direction (although fall down is much cooler)

The last thing I remember was climbing up the stairs

I threw the window open in challenge and despair

I don't know what I needed

I needed time

I needed to escape

I saw the future turn

Upside-down and hesitate.

Where is the ripcord, the trapdoor, the key?

Where is the cartoon escape-hatch for me?

No time to question the choices I make

I've got to follow another direction

Accelerate.

The vista I see now is changing

Uncertainty is suffocating

Our hope has never felt so great and

Lit up down

A pounding pulse

To make it go

Make it slow down,

Go.

Where is the ripcord, the trapdoor, the key?

Where is the cartoon escape-hatch for me?

No time to question the choices I make

I've got to follow another direction.

The city's burning, it's like it's ready to explode

Accelerate to make it slow

Make it go

Accelerate to make it slow

Make it go

I'm incomplete

I'm incomplete

I'm incomplete.

Until the Day Is Done

The battle's been lost, the war is not won

An addled republic, a bitter refund

The business first flat earthers licking their wounds

The verdict is dire, the country's in ruins

Providence blinked, facing the sun

Where are we left to carry on

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

As we've written our stories to entertain

These notions of glory and bull market gain

The teleprompt flutters, the power surge brings

An easy speed message falls into routine

Providence blinked, facing the sun

Where are we left to carry on

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

A voice whispers "Son,

The blessed vision comes."

What have I done

What have I done

So hold tight your babies and your guns

Forgive us our trespasses, father and son

Providence blinked, facing the sun

Where are we left to carry on

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

Until the day is done

Mr. Richards

Mr. Richards, your position

Is a messenger pigeon

Left behind you when the camp moved on.

We thought that you would listen

but the words had never crystallized

Into a truth that you might own, hey hey.

Mr. Richards, your decision.

Pay attention, pay attention.

Mr. Richards, you're forgiven

for a narrow lack of vision

But the fires are still raging on.

The public's got opinions

and these consequences border on

The compound that you raised

Will sell it see, hey hey.

Mr. Richards, your decision.

Pay attention, pay attention.

So listen, your intention;

Sign the papers, stamp the ribbon.

You're mistaken if you think we'll just forget.

You can thump your chest and rattle,

Stand in front of your piano,

But we know what's going on.

Yes we know what's going on.

We're the children of the choir, hey

and we know what's going on.

Mr. Richards, your conviction

Had us cheering in the kitchen,

Now the jury's eating pigeon pie.

So tell me how is prison?

Have they taught you how to listen?

We've begun to bridge the schism.

Pay attention, pay attention.

Mr. Richards, your decision.

Pay attention, pay attention.

You can thump your chest and rattle,

Stand in front of your piano

But we know what's going on.

Yes we know what's going on.

We're the children of the choir, hey

From the compound fire, hey

And we know what's going on.

Yes we know what's going on.

Sing for the Submarine 

It feels in dreams

That everything is there for you

The city breathes and pulses

It's for you electron blue

I knew that you could see right through it

So this is where I give in to the machine

Lift up your voice feel gravity's pull

Drown out the siren's ring (or silent dream)

Oh...

It's all here where I keep it

It's all in the submarine

It's all a lot less frightening

than you would have had it be

But that's the good news my darling

It is what it's going to be

So sing, sing for the submarine

I tried to explain how it all begins

How its all destroyed and built again

I knew that you could not believe me

But now you're here and it's different

How the light shines in your eyes

In every second or situ

It's then that I realised

That the world as we know it

The High speed train

We'll pick it all up and start again

It's all here where I keep it

It's all in the submarine

It's all a lot less frightening

than you would have had it be

But that's the good news my darling

It is what it's going to be

So sing, sing for the submarine

The city did not collapse in a shudder

The rain it never came

At least my confessions made you laugh

I know it's a little crazed

But these dreams...

they seem so real to me

It's all here where I keep it

It's all in the submarine

It's all a lot less frightening

than you would have had it be

But that's the good news my darling

It is what it's going to be

So sing, sing for the submarine

So this is where you trust me

And this where it begins

It's all a lot less frightening

Your tear you let it in

Tyrel and his mechanical owl

A moth disguised as a leaf...

Don't tell me what tomorrow brings

Climb into the hidden machine and

sing sing sing sing sing sing

sing sing for the submarine

Horse to Water

 I could have kept my head down

I might have kept my mouth shut

I should have held my own,

You lead a horse to water and you watch him drown.

You're only as big as your battles.

Rattle my cage with your shadow.

I'm a bantamweight with a mouth full of feathers,

Don't you know that what comes around goes around?

I'm not that easy,

I am not your horse to water.

I hold my breath I come around, round, round.

Don't darken my doorstep again,

You're mixing up living in chin-chin,

You're mixing up lose with win-win,

You lead a horse to water and you watch him drown.

You stumble on glass top table,

TV's chewing shock-gone cable

Pump me up a beanstalk fable

And I'll call this entertainment

'cause Humpty's falling down.

I'm not that easy,

I am not your horse to water.

I hold my breath I come around, round, round.

Pick a fight an ultra-buzzy bubble

Friday night f**k or fight a pub crawl

Bantamweight with a mouth full of feathers,

Don't you know that what comes around goes around?

I'm not that easy,

I am not your horse to water.

I hold my breath I come around, round, round.

It's not that easy

I am not your horse to water

I hold my breath, I come around, round, round

It's going down, down, down

This runaround, round, round

Is bound to pound

The daylights out of you!

I'm Gonna DJ

If death is pretty final, I'm collected vinyl

I'm gonna DJ at the end of the world

Cos if heaven does exist with a kickin' playlist

I don't want to miss it at the end of the world

Hey steady steady, hey steady steady

I don't wanna go till I'm good and ready

It's on my mind, it's in my mind

It's what I found, it's what I find

It's on my mind, it's in my mind

It's what I found, oh my my my

When I spin my way right through it grates enthusiast Jack Pruett

As the moths circle the moon, as you're circling the room

Music will provide the light you cannot resist

you cannot resist, you cannot resist

And the weblogs that get tangled as you bully and you wangle

When you walk up in Seattle, where you fought the nascent battle

You threw the thread and throttle let us raise another bottle

Raise another bottle, raise another bottle

Because death is pretty final, I'm collecting vinyl

I'm gonna DJ at the end of the world

Hey steady steady, hey steady steady

I don't wanna go till I'm good and ready

It's on my mind, it's in my mind

It's what I found, it's what I find

It's on my mind, it's in my mind

It's what I found, oh my my my

Hey steady steady, hey steady steady

I don't wanna go till I'm good and ready

Hey steady steady, hey steady steady

I don't wanna go till I'm good and ready

Music will provide the light you cannot resist

You cannot resist, you cannot resist

Yeah

_________ 

Bad Day (from the album "In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003")

A public service announcement followed me home the other day.

I paid it nevermind. Go Away.

Shits so thick you could stir it with a stick-free Teflon whitewashed presidency.

We're sick of being jerked around.

Wear that on your sleeve.

Broadcast me a joyful noise unto the times, lord,

Count your blessings.

We're sick of being jerked around.

We all fall down.

Have you ever seen the televised St. vitus subcommittee prize

Investigation dance? Those ants in pants glances.

Well,look behind the eyes.

It's a hallowed hollow anesthetized

"save my own ass, screw these guys"

smoke and mirror lock down.

Broadcast me a joyful noise unto the times, lord,

Count your blessings.

The Papers wouldn't lie!

I sigh, Not one more.

It's been a bad day.

Please don't take a picture.

It's been a bad day.

Please.

We're dug in deep the price is steep.

The auctioneer is such a creep.

The lights went out, the oil ran dry

We blamed it on the other guy

Sure, all men are created equal.

Heres the church, heres the steeple

Please stay tuned-we cut to sequel

ashes, ashes, we all fall down.

Broadcast me a joyful noise unto the times, lord,

Count your blessings.

Ignore the lower fear

Ugh, this means war.

It's been a bad day.

Please don't take a picture.

It's been a bad day.

Please.

Broadcast me a joyful noise unto the times, lord,

Count your blessings.

We're sick of being jerked around.

We all fall down.

It's been a bad day... 

The Great Beyond (from the album "In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003")

I've watched the stars fall silent from your eyes

All the sights that I have seen

I can't believe that I believed I wished

That you could see

There's a new planet in the solar system

There is nothing up my sleeve

I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs

I'm tossing up punch lines that were never there

Over my shoulder a piano falls

Crashing to the ground

In all this talk of time

Talk is fine

But I don't want to stay around

Why can't we pantomime, just close our eyes

And sleep sweet dreams

Me and you with wings on our feet

I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs

I'm tossing up punch lines that were never there

Over my shoulder a piano falls

Crashing to the ground

I'm breaking through

I'm bending spoons

I'm keeping flowers in full bloom

I'm looking for answers from the great beyond

I want the hummingbirds, the dancing bears

Sweetest dreams of you

I Look into the stars

I Look into the moon

I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs

I'm tossing up punch lines that were never there

Over my shoulder a piano falls

Crashing to the ground

I'm breaking through

I'm bending spoons

I'm keeping flowers in full bloom

I'm looking for answers from the great beyond

I'm breaking through

I'm bending spoons

I'm keeping flowers in full bloom

I'm looking for answers from the great

Answers from the great, answers

I'm breaking through

I'm bending spoons

I'm keeping flowers in full bloom

I'm looking for answers from the great beyond

I'm breaking through

I'm bending spoons

I'm keeping flowers in full bloom

I'm looking for answers from the great

Answers from the great, answers

I'm breaking through

I'm bending spoons

I'm keeping flowers in full bloom

I'm looking for answers from the great beyond