BEN BOSTICK
LYRICS
THE RASCAL IS BACK (2023)
2. You Can Leave in the Morning
4. Big Train
5. Po No Mo
6. I Don't Care
7. Strange Duck
8. Iowa Girl
HELLFIRE (2018)
GROWN UP LOVE (2021)
3. Lucky Us
BEN BOSTICK (2017)
AMONG THE FACELESS CROWD (2020)
MY COUNTRY EP (2016)
SINGLES
1. Die Living
THE RASCAL IS BACK
Well howdy, y’all
Did ya miss me?
Go on and say I told you so
Yeah now I know the straight life is a no go
I was wrong
I tried to get domesticated
But yesterday I finally couldn’t take it
And I was gone!
I probably shoulda told my wife
But the minute I saw the light
I just dug out my boots and threw out the fanny pack
Sold the van and got my old Harley back
Cranked up the bike and flew out the cul-de-sac
Straight to the nearest bar
I put AC/DC on the jukebox, Back in Black
Got so drunk I’s singing like a maniac
Smoked so much I ‘bout had a heart attack
So it’s a fact…the rascal is back
It got bad
Ain’t gonna lie
I dressed up in a suit and tie
Pulled out the driveway seven forty five
Yeah, in the morning!
She started having baby fever
She made me trade my Harley for a Kia
Oh, help me Lord!
I saw my reflection in the minivan
And thought this ain’t who I am
So I dug out my boots and threw out the fanny pack
Sold the van and got my old Harley back
Cranked up the bike and flew out the cul-de-sac
Straight to the nearest bar
I put AC/DC on the jukebox, Back in Black
Got so drunk I’s singing like a maniac
Smoked so much I ‘bout had a heart attack
I woke up in someone's yard…the rascal is back
It’s crossed my mind that I’m a fool
For leaving all I had
But then I think about a beer
And boy I sure am glad…that I
Dug out my boots and threw out the fanny pack
Sold the van and got my old Harley back
Cranked up the bike and flew out the cul-de-sac
Straight to the nearest bar
I put AC/DC on the jukebox, Back in Black
Got so drunk I’s singing like a maniac
Smoked so much I ‘bout had a heart attack
So hang on to your hats…the rascal is back
YOU CAN LEAVE IN THE MORNING
Hey there Molly, I’m just a-calling
Cuz I’m ‘bout to go out of my mind
The rain keeps a-falling, falling and falling
And I’m outta ways of wasting my time
Why don’t ya come on by and allow me to remind ya
Of the charming twinkle in my eye
And if you don’t mind, grab a bottle of wine
And we’ll be fine until we see sunshine
And you can leave in the morning if you feel that way
Or I can fix you some breakfast if you wanna stay
Hey! No maybes Please don’t play me
You know I’m not the game playing kind
You’re making me crazy, way you’re acting so cagey
I think you like to mess with my mind
If you’re gonna say no, I wish you’d just tell me so
Then I’ll go to bed and read till I’m tired
If you’re interested though, well don’t be so slow
And I’ll throw another log on the fire
And you can leave in the morning if you feel that way
But bring some eggs and some coffee if you wanna stay
Oh and don’t forget the wine!
Lalalala
Whoa there mama, put on your pajamas
I really can’t take anymore
You know I wanna, oh you know I wanna
But I only got so much loving in store
And you can leave in the morning if you feel that way
Or if you wanna stay for another day, hey that’s okay
Yeah you can leave in the morning if you feel that way
Oh how I love ‘em—oh how I love these rainy days
Lalalala
MY SISTER & ME
Summer sweat in the sweet summer heat
Running round till blisters on our feet
In the yard kicking a soccer ball
Watching TV, doing nothing at all
Growing up, my sister and me
Counting the days until we would be free
I guess that qualifies as family
Nobody knows except my sister and me
She was sixteen years old and ready to blow
You’d never know when she would come or go
She’d take me to parties, slip me a beer
Leave me alone and disappear
Growing up, my sister and me
Making believe that we could be free
I guess that qualifies as family
Nobody knows except my sister and me
Ooh why’d you leave me
After the bomb and Mama’s all gone
On holidays I get a call on the phone
We talk like strangers in line at the bank
Just be polite and get on with your day
Growing up, my sister and me
Making believe that we could be free
I guess that qualifies as family
Nobody knows except my sister and me
Lalala..my sister and me
Lord have mercy on my sister and me
BIG TRAIN
Big train, big train — bowling through the Iowa night
Big train, big train — going to Colorado tonight
Big train, big train — closing in on mountain time
Big train, big train — rolling into Loveland tonight
I’m taking me a free ride
Ain’t got nothing to leave behind
Just keep a-rolling, just keep a-rolling
Just keep a-rolling on down the track
Just keep a-rolling, just keep a-rolling
Big big train let’s roll on fast
Big train, big train — ain’t staying stationary tonight
Big train, big train — racing cross the prairie tonight
I’m taking me a free ride
Ain’t got nothing to leave behind
Just keep a-rolling, just keep a-rolling
Just keep a-rolling on down the track
Just keep a-rolling, just keep a-rolling
Big big train let’s roll on fast
PO NO MO
I ain’t tryna be rich and have a high price phone
Or have a picket fence round my perfect lawn
I don’t need no hired help to run my home
I just don’t wanna be po no mo
I don’t need to play golf at the country club
I don’t need to show off, don’t care to one up
I ain’t keeping up with no one, I don’t know the Jones
I just don’t wanna be po no mo
Oh I don’t know what I did wrong
To be oh so po for oh so long
The bible told just how it goes
God only bless the child who got his own
I don’t know what sin I’m paying fo
But I sho know what I’m praying fo
Lord I don’t wanna be po no mo
I don’t need my own scent or a clothing line
I just wanna make rent and have a Natty Light
Don’t even need no respect when I get home
I just don’t wanna be po no mo
Oh I don’t know what I did wrong
To be oh so po for oh so long
The bible told just how it goes
God only bless the child who got his own
I don’t know what sin I’m paying fo
But I sho know what I’m praying fo
Lord I don’t wanna be po no mo
I just wanna be paid right for my hard work
That’s all I’m praying fo, oh Lord oh Lord
I just don’t wanna be po no mo
I DON'T CARE
I always was too cool for school
And just too dumb to get a job
I know I’m lazy, but I don’t care
I’m good for nothing, and I don’t care
I never was motivated
To go and do something I hated
I know I’m lazy, but I don’t care
I’m good for nothing, and I don’t care
I may be dumb, but I ain’t no jerk
It make no sense for me to work
When Uncle Sam sends checks for free
So who’s the dumb one, you or me?
My mom tells me I’m a loser
I don’t care, cuz she’s a loser
I know I’m lazy, but I don’t care
I’m good for nothing, and I don’t care
I may be dumb, but I ain’t no jerk
It make no sense for me to work
When Uncle Sam sends checks for free
So who’s the dumb one, you or me?
I may dumb, but I’m no jerk
It don’t make no sense to work
STRANGE DUCK
Growing up I was a weird kid
Seemed no matter what I ever did
All the normal guys would never quit
Poking fun at me
Mama tried to make me regular
She said the Lord above was testing her
As I grew more and more peculiar
Unashamedly
When people say that I’m a strange duck
I tell ‘em maybe so but so what
Sure I’m a little different from you
But I don’t really see the issue
So don’t go frittering away your sympathy
Ain’t nothing wrong with me
I consider it good luck that I was born a strange duck
If someone tries to make a wisecrack
It don’t matter, I don’t give a quack
Rolls off me like water off a duck’s back
Whatcha think about that?
When people say that I’m a strange duck
I tell ‘em maybe so but so what
Sure I’m a little different from you
But I don’t really see the issue
So don’t go frittering away your sympathy
Ain’t nothing wrong with me
I consider it good luck that I was born a strange duck
A strange duck needs a strange pond
I know one out on 441
You can have yourself a strange brew
And just do whatcha wanna do
Do whatcha wanna do
Whatcha whatcha whatcha wanna do
When people say that I’m a strange duck
I tell ‘em maybe so but so what
Sure I’m a little different from you
But I don’t really see the issue
So don’t go frittering away your sympathy
Ain’t nothing wrong with me
I consider it good luck that I was born a strange duck
IOWA GIRL
I was raised down in South Carolina
Where they say nothing’s finer than a Carolina girl
So imagine my surprise upon finding
That the finest in the world is an Iowa girl
I’m in love with an Iowa girl
She’s a mighty desirable girl
Boy it sure all went by in a blur, ooh-ooh
I’m in love with an Iowa girl
Never thought much of power and money
I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of guy as it were
Now she don’t really care for diamonds and pearls
But if she desired the world, I’d buy her the world
I’m in love with an Iowa girl
She’s a mighty desirable girl
Boy it sure all went by in a blur, ooh-ooh
I’m in love with an Iowa girl
I’m no geographical connoisseur
But I must state that I prefer…and Iowa girl
I’m in love with an Iowa girl
She’s a mighty desirable girl
Boy it sure all went by in a blur, ooh-ooh
I’m in love with an Iowa girl
COME BACK HOME TO ME
can’t fall asleep, I lost my will to eat
I smoke endless cigarettes all night and lie awake and weep
I tried to drown my sorrows, but it turns out sorrows float
The only glad tomorrow is the one where you come home
My heart is bleeding, ooh I’m pleading
There’s only one thing I’m needing
Won’t you come back (come back), come back (come back)
Come back home to me
I need you to come back (come back), come back (come back)
Come back home to me
If I apologize another million times
Will that fill back up the hole I dug, or just remind you of my crimes?
Oh gimme gimme gimme a chance, oh gimme gimme gimme a chance
I’ll burn and rise again like the phoenix of romance
My heart is bleeding, ooh I’m pleading
There’s only one thing I’m needing
Won’t you come back (come back), come back (come back)
Come back home to me
I need you to come back (come back), come back (come back)
Come back home to me
I’d rather go blind (than be alone)
I’d rather go dumb (than be alone)
I’d rather go deaf (than be alone)
I’d rather die young (than be alone)
Oh won’t you just come home (come home)
Please just come on home (come home)
If I gotta spend another night alone, it’ll be below a tombstone
My heart is bleeding, ooh I’m pleading
There’s only one thing I’m needing
Won’t you come back (come back), come back (come back)
Come back home to me
I need you to come back (come back), come back (come back)
Come back home to me
BURNING DOWN THE ROAD
I’m blowing out of this southern town
For the setting sun is where I’m bound
I filled her up with eighty nine
And I’m coming down on the state line
I’ve never been this far
From the place where I was born
I’m tearing off my rearview mirror
Won’t look back till tomorrow morn
I’m burning, burning, burning, burning
Burning down the road
One headlight on that long white line
In the darkness shines a Pilot sign
Passed the point of no return
Throttle up and smell it burn
I’m burning, burning, burning, burning
Burning down the road
I REMEMBER EASY STREET
I remember Easy Street
That little warm and breezy street
Where all the old friends like to meet
And all the women smile so sweet
Yes, I remember Easy Street
That lazy, slightly sleazy street
Where living’s cheap and worry free
Yes, I remember Easy Street
Before the potholes and red lights
Sidewalk tents and dead end signs
Wrong ways and blown out tires
Stolen stereos and engine fires
Yes, I remember olden days
The sun shining down his holy golden rays
Mmm hmm I remember that
I remember Easy Street
That little warm and breezy street
Where all the old friends like to meet
And all the women smile so sweet
Yes, I remember Easy Street
That lazy, slightly sleazy street
Where living’s cheap and worry free
Yes, I remember Easy Street
Before the potholes and red lights
Sidewalk tents and dead end signs
Wrong ways and blown out tires
Stolen stereos and engine fires
Yes, I remember way back when
Thought love was in the cards back then
Mmm hmm I remember that
I remember Easy Street
That little warm and breezy street
Where all the old friends like to meet
And all the women smile so sweet
Yes, I remember Easy Street
That lazy, slightly sleazy street
Where living’s cheap and worry free
Yes, I remember Easy Street
DIFFERENT WOMAN
The one who would become my wife had rare peculiar taste
An expertly easy style
She tripped a hallelujah with a funny kind of grace
A dealer in easy smiles
But these days I’m in love with a different woman
Yeah these days I’m in love with a different woman
The one who would become my wife walked freely through the world
Commitments were optional
Time was a suggestion, a promise but a word
Not very conjugal
But these days I’m in love with a different woman
Yeah these days I’m in love with a different woman
The one with whom I lay at night has eyes of wisdom earned
A mother’s authority
Bound by ties unbreakable, unfree yet unconcerned
She has her priorities
The one I met and the one I love have many things in common
But these days she’s a different woman
I’m in love with a different woman
Yeah these days I’m in love with a different woman
Yeah these days I’m in love with a different woman
Yeah these days I’m in love with a different woman
SHADES OF NIGHT
Another day is done and you’re tired and weary
And the children gone to bed
I believe we need a soul connection
Sit next to me and rest your head
Let’s put on a song with a mellow melody
And turn down the light
May the blues and shadows rock you tenderly
Into the shades of night
That busy sun, the long noisy day
Have gone away now, they’ve gone away
So drink in the lazy moonlight and listen to the poetry
I want you, I want you so bad
Let the song go on with its mellow melody
Turn off the lights
Let the warm glow of the dancing candle flame
Reveal the shades of night
Baby the day is done and the moonlight’s shining on you
Such a beautiful sight
Come close to me and let me love you
Into the shades of night
Oh let me love you
Into the shades of night
LUCKY US
There are some people out there leading lives of luxury
There are some people out there with wealth and fame
There are many people out there leading lives of poverty
There are many people out there in pain
We aren’t rich, but we aren’t poor
We’ve got more, more than enough
Lucky me, lucky you, lucky us
There are some people out there leading lives of whimsy
There are some people out there without a care
There are many people out there leading lives of suffering
There are many people out there with too much to bear
We have our burdens, but they won’t break us
We are more, more than strong enough
Lucky me, lucky you, lucky us
I have seen the lives of those that many envy
But everything they have is meaningless
The only thing in the world to envy
Is the light of the lucky stars shining down on us
Cuz I got you and you got me
What better luck could there be
What better luck, what deeper love
Oh yes it’s more, more than enough
Lucky me, lucky you, lucky us
THE DIAGNOSIS
Dreams are made of glass
They shatter so completely and it happens so fast
In a moment go from bliss to bust
The world changes so much faster than us
And wisdom is in short supply
Science knows what it is, but it don’t know why
Data flows like water from implausible machines
But just because you know the truth don’t mean that you know what it means
Lord, the heart is in constant motion
Tumbling downstream to the infinite ocean
Gasping, beating, looking for signs and wonders
Listening for signal in the storm and thunder
Hope will light the way
On the darkest of all days
God, we need an overdose
To face the diagnosis
Pain is a poetic art
Mastered by specialists reading from charts
Sticks and stones can break your bones
But words will break your heart
Lord, the heart is in constant motion
Tumbling downstream to the infinite ocean
Gasping, beating, looking for signs and wonders
Listening for signal in the storm and thunder
Hope will light the way
On the darkest of all days
God, we need an overdose
To face the diagnosis
UNDER THE PALMETTO MOON
On Friday nights
She waits for me
By the warehouse fence
When the whistle blows we go riding
Under the palmetto moon
I work all week
In that windowless hell
Counting down the hours
Till that engine roars and she holds me
Under the palmetto moon
We leave their world
In our dust
The night belongs to us
Only us
A motorbike is a powerful thing
With its throttle open wide
It cuts the night like a razor
And bleeds our blue hearts dry
We leave their world
In our dust
The night belongs to us
Only us
On Friday nights
She waits for me
By the warehouse fence
When the whistle blows we go riding
Under the palmetto moon
IF WE ONLY HAD TONIGHT
If we only had tonight
And the end was really nigh
Like some old disaster film
I would lay you down in bed
Lay my head beside your head
For a moment an eternal kiss
As the world runs out of time
And the image fades to white
If we only had tonight
Every argument would die
Every wall would melt like lemon drops
As the world runs out of time
Forgiveness for our crimes
But let’s not wait till it’s too late
The end could come on any day
So love me like it’s our last time
Love me like we only have tonight
If we only had tonight
Nevermore the morning light
Like some old disaster film
I would lay you down in bed
Lay my head beside your head
For a moment, for eternity
As the world runs out of time
As time folds into time
Let’s not wait till it’s too late
The end could come on any day
The angels of infinity
Come knocking unexpectedly
Love me like it’s our first time
Tracing every untouched line
Love me like it’s our last time
Love me like we only have tonight
THE MYTH OF TRANSLATION
If you say what you mean
And I listen close
Then I’ll know what you mean
So the theory goes
But here in the real world
It don’t work that way
You claim I don’t hear
Anything you say
The myth of translation
Says words can convey
Intentions and meaning
From your heart to my brain
Miscommunication
Has plainly been framed
The myth of translation
Is clearly to blame
We feed our children
All flavors of lies
Sweet deceptions
To mask the taste of life
We teach the them to listen
We say go speak your mind
They grow up and leave us
And we wonder why
The myth of translation
Says words can convey
Intentions and meaning
From my heart to your brain
Miscommunication
Has plainly been framed
The myth of translation
Is clearly to blame
The news out of Babel
Was worse than reported
The editors knew that
We couldn’t have borne it
When hearts draw near
And wish to relate
Precious messages are shared
But they do not translate
The myth of translation
Says words can convey
Intentions and meaning
From my heart to your brain
Miscommunication
Has plainly been framed
The myth of translation
Is clearly to blame
A GROWN UP KIND OF LOVE
Young love is such a piece of cake
So sweet, but gone so fast
You’re high then you’re low and then stomachache
It isn’t meant to last
But our love is like a garden
To be tended and taken care of
Our nourishment never uncertain
A grown up kind of love
When I’m downhearted
She gives me thrill
She gives me reason
When I’m losing my will
When I’m in the valley
Hungry and cold
I can keep climbing
Cuz she warms me and feeds my soul
It’s such a shame when a heart’s fare goes to waste
It pains me just to think of
Those hungry souls who never will taste
A grown up kind of love
A grown up kind of love
LIKE OLD PEOPLE DO
You and me been running so fast we’re gonna run outta gas
We gotta slow down to make this last
Find a small hotel by the water somewhere and breathe in some morning air
From a pair of rocking chairs
We’ll gaze out across the deep blue ocean
Just taking in the view
Holding hands, not a word spoken
Just like old people do
Later on we can take a walk and talk about the weather
Collect shells and seagull feathers
Browse antiques, grab a bite to eat, but can’t forget to get back by sunset
To our pair of rocking chairs
We’ll gaze out across the great blue ocean
Just taking in the view
Holding hands, not a word spoken
Just like old people do, oh yeah
Just like old people do
Just like old people do
IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY
I can’t believe it’s already been one year
It seems like only yesterday we met
On Halloween, a pirate and an angel
Sharing stories and a midnight cigarette
It seems like only yesterday we met
Oh and truly you sure were a beauty
That night one year ago
But you’re more beautiful tonight than you ever were
And I’d be lying if I denied
That I loved you from the get-go
But I love you more tonight than I ever did before
I can’t believe it’s already been ten years
Didn’t think that I was cut out for the family life
But here we are, I’m a dad and you’re a mom
I’m a husband and you’re a wife
And it seems like only yesterday we met
Oh and truly you sure were a beauty
That night ten years ago
But you’re more beautiful tonight than you ever were
And I’d be lying if I denied
That I loved you from the get-go
But I love you more tonight than I ever did before
I can’t believe it’s been fifty years gone by
The world’s sure changed a lot over that time
And I can’t believe, in the twinkling of an eye
Mmmm…
Because it seems like only yesterday we met
Oh and truly you sure were a beauty
Those fifty years ago
But you’re more beautiful tonight than you ever were
And I’d be lying if I denied
That I loved you from the get-go
But I love you more tonight than I ever did before
ABSOLUTELY EMILY
Absolutely Emily
I’ll come back when you call on me
The days are getting shorter
But I’ll be back before long
I promise, Emily
Do you miss me, Emily?
I spend the night with you in my dreams
The days are getting colder
But we’ll be warm before long
I promise, Emily
Please forgive me, Emily
I have to stay just one more week
To make some extra money
But I’ll spend it all on you
I promise, Emily
I did something, Emily
Can you come post the bail for me
I’ve got a little money saved
So don’t you worry, babe
I promise, Emily
And pack your bag up, Emily
I know a place that’s far away
We’ll live high on a hilltop
And we’ll never go to town
I promise, Emily
WASTING GAS
Cleaned out my desk at work yesterday
I haven’t told Caroline, don’t know what to say
So I get dressed up in my shirt and tie
She fixes me a lunch and kisses me goodbye
And I drive around, but I’m going nowhere
Down county two lanes that lead nowhere
Through endless fields of Bermuda grass
Just spinning my wheels and wasting gas
It’s two weeks now since they let me go
Still telling lies when I come home
When we go to bed she reaches for me
I turn my back, pretend that I’m asleep
And I drive around, but I’m going nowhere
Down county two lanes that lead nowhere
Through endless fields of Bermuda grass
Just spinning my wheels and wasting gas
A month gone by now, and I think she knows
Cuz when I get dressed and ready to go
She fixes me lunch and kisses me goodbye
Trying to hide the tears in her eyes
Sometimes I find myself down on Hilton Head
Among the mansions, where Emily lives
I think about us seventeen years old
As I see her looking pretty through her window
WORKING FOR A LIVING
8 bucks an hour is what I’m worth
Putting shingles on houses that I can’t afford
That’s 64 for an 8 hour day
A family of 4 can’t live that way
So now I’m working nights, parking cars at the club
On a good night I make fifty bucks
I take it all home and I add it all up
Somehow an 80 hour week just ain’t enough
Something ‘bout this math just don’t add up
Something ‘bout this math just don’t add up
I’m working for a living, I’m working for a living
I’m working for a living, and it’s turning me cold
I’m working for a living, I’m working for a living
I’m working for a living, and it’s turning me cold
My wife says, “Babe, we really need a vacation”
But she don’t know our situation
I’m falling, falling, falling behind
Sir, don’t make me look like a loser in my baby’s eyes
I never used to be so cold and cruel
I never used to be so cold and cruel
I’m working for a living, I’m working for a living
I’m working for a living, and it’s turning me cold
I’m working for a living, I’m working for a living
I’m working for a living, and it’s turning me cold
I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET AHEAD
Working a job that I can’t stand
For less than I’m worth, but all that I can command
Boss looking for a volunteer to stay on late tonight
I can’t wait to leave, but I need the overtime
I take every shift I can cuz I’m in deep
Been falling behind since the Chevrolet went dead
I built her back up myself, but parts ain’t cheap
I just can’t seem to get ahead
They say if you work hard, there’s some ladder you’ll climb
But I’m not convinced there’s any ladder to find
Burying my dreams, drowning in debt
I just can’t seem to get ahead
I don’t desire any fancy things
Riches and wealth and the bitterness they breed
But it’d be nice to take my baby out to dinner now and then
Or buy her some roses just for no reason
When I get home tonight she’ll be asleep in bed
Ten years older than the day we were wed
Things didn’t turn out how I promised they would be
Oh I just can’t seem to get ahead
They say if you work hard, there’s some ladder you’ll climb
But I’m not convinced there’s any ladder to find
Burying my dreams, drowning in debt
I just can’t seem to get ahead
THE LAST COAST
Made nothing from nothing, made shit from shit
Come home to an empty apartment, and that’s as good as it gets
I was raised by strangers five miles from here
If I never see those people again I won’t shed a tear
By the light of the palmetto moon I’m busting out of this godforsaken cage
I’d rather be lost out there than lost at home, least I’ll be lonely in a different place
Mom and Dad, I hope you understand
That you can’t lose something that you never had
So I’m bound for the last coast, for the last coast, for the last coast
Best friend from school lost a leg to an IED
Come home to his wife and baby, hung himself with the dog leash
I’ve heard it said you can’t outrun your ghosts
But if they wanna take a ride with me, baby, then I’m-a drown ‘em on the last coast
And by the light of the palmetto moon I’m busting out of this godforsaken cage
I’d rather be lost out there than lost at home, least I’ll be lonely in a different place
Mom and Dad, I hope you understand
That you can’t lose something that you never had
So I’m bound for the last coast, for the last coast, for the last coast
THE THIEF
I’m a Christian, and I don’t believe it’s right for someone to steal
But I’m a man with a family to provide for, that’s the deal
If I could find a way, an honest way
I swear to you I’d take the job today
But they don’t want me or nobody like me
With a tenth grade education and a rap sheet
So I take unnecessary things
From those who can afford to lose their necklaces and rings
I ain’t no Jesse James, I just looked my options through
I got two kids and a wife who deserve a decent life
So I do what I gotta do
There’s a guy up near Bakersfield who likes what I got to sell
So I ain’t scraping by no more, cleaning toilets in some rich man’s hotel
But sometimes when I’m winding through the grapevine
Driving north across that Kern County line
I keep hoping for blue lights coming up behind
Coming to relieve all this pressure in my mind
And yet I take unnecessary things
From those who can afford to lose their necklaces and rings
I ain’t no Jesse James, I just looked my options through
I got two kids and a wife who deserve a decent life
So I do what I gotta do
CENTRAL VALLEY
Deep in the valley
I was raised to be a man
Great central valley
Where a man ain’t worth a damn
They cut my pay
To minimum wage
How is a family
Meant to survive on ten an hour
A wife and a baby
And a man with no power
So yes I’m guilty
But I ain’t sorry for what I done
I needed the money
More than the men I took it from
I didn’t mean
To hurt no one
So what’s gonna happen
Mister, to my wife and son
When I go to prison
I didn’t mean to hurt no one
Deep in the valley
Where the grapes of wrath are sown
Great central valley
Where the weeds are overgrown
And they burn
And they burn
TOO DARK TO TELL
In this dark night it’s too hard for me to say
If the rays of hope will shine again someday
And if I might be spared as the tempest starts to swell
At this point it’s just too dark to tell
Was the stars guided me to God’s shores
Was the devil set me drifting once more
Will these clouds ever lift and the map again reveal
At this point it’s just too dark to tell
If these green eyed blues would lighten up
If my nature would shake this wicked spell
If this midnight sky would brighten up
If my ears could hear a voice saying all will be well
Then all is well, all is well
I once was found, but now again I’m lost
On merciless waves I am tossed
I would tell you of His grace, and how it was I fell
But some tales are just too dark to tell
If these green eyed blues would lighten up
If my nature would shake this wicked spell
If this midnight sky would brighten up
If my ears could hear a voice saying all will be well
Then all is well, all is well
I once was found, but now again I’m lost
On merciless waves I am tossed
I would tell you of His grace, and how it was I fell
But some tales are just too dark to tell
UNTROUBLED MIND
Call me Abraham if you don’t mind
That’s my only request as I reach my dying time
I’ve known wretchedness that words can’t tell
I’ve seen the darkest hell when I looked into myself
I’ve done things You can’t forgive
I turned from Your grace when You tried to give me sight
Now I pray Your grace You’ll give
May I pass through the night with an untroubled mind
May you never know what you will find
In a concrete prison cell on the execution line
All the wickedness that ever was
Is living in your heart and running in your blood
I’ve done things You can’t forgive
I turned from Your grace when You tried to give me sight
Now I pray Your grace You’ll give
May I pass through the night with an untroubled mind
IF I WERE IN A NOVEL
If I were in a novel
I wouldn’t be the hero
I wouldn’t have the grand romance
Or conquer mighty foes
I wouldn’t be the villain
And hatch an evil plan
I wouldn’t be the rebel
I wouldn’t be the wise man
I would be the nameless clerk
A shadow passing by
Unnoticed in the milling round
Among the faceless crowd
If I were in a movie
I’d have no lines to say
I’d be out of focus
In the distance on the edge of frame
I would be the background
A shadow passing by
Unnoticed in the milling round
Among the faceless crowd
If I were a magician
And could really disappear
Not a soul would notice
And none would shed a tear
If I were to vanish
It would bring no joy
To an audience of no one
No witness to the void
NO SHOW BLUES
I got a job in the valley but today I didn’t go
I need a day off but the boss said hell no
I’m gonna get drunk and smoke three packs of Marlboros
And part of me thinks I ain’t never gonna make it back home
I got a wife at the house, but she got no love for me
Plopped on the couch on her phone watching TV
The woman I married wasn’t nearly so goddam mean
And she didn’t suck down so many benzodiazepines
I’m gonna go to the bank and cash out my account
Drive straight to the tavern and drink a disgusting amount
Spin my pistol and baby you better look out
Cuz wherever it points I’m coming to your town
I had a job in the valley, but I doubt I do anymore
I took a day off and then I took four more
Been drunk since I left and chain smoking Marlboros
And part of me thinks I ain’t never gonna make it back home
HELLFIRE
Met a woman, got engaged
Time passed, wedding day
Then my feet turned cold at the tone of those wedding bells
Felt bad everyone got dressed up, but I knew I’d messed up
So had to ‘fess up that all I really wanted was just to get drunk as hell
So I jilted that poor woman and I got drunk as hell
I’m talking ‘bout hellfire (hellfire)
Hellfire (hellfire)
Hellfire, that’s where I’m bound
Feeling sinful, needing grace
Sunday morning, knew the place
So I stumbled into church and set down for a spell
Few minutes in felt free of sin, so I polished off my bottle of bathtub gin
And got stinking, dirty, awful drunk as hell
Yeah right there in the back pew I got drunk as hell
I’m talking ‘bout hellfire (hellfire)
Hellfire (hellfire)
Hellfire, that’s where I’m bound
My drinking buddy passed away
Lightweight, couldn’t hang
So I filled my flask and went to say farewell
I stood in the back, dressed in black, tearing up and turning up
Getting lit up, good godawful greasy drunk as hell
I cried, “I’m coming for you, buddy, that’s where I’m bound!”
I’m talking ‘bout hellfire (hellfire)
Hellfire (hellfire)
Hellfire, that’s where I’m bound
NO GOOD FOOL
Amber moved to the suburbs
Molly moved out of state
Dawn moved on to the next world
Just to get away
Cuz I’m a no good fool
And I mess around
Yeah I’m a no good fool
I’m low down
I’m fun for the night
But I ain’t no good for you
You’re dancing with the devil
When you dance with this no good fool
So you say you like bad boys
Well, run away while you can
I told you ain’t no bad boy
I’m a bad, bad man
Yes I’m a no good fool
And I mess around
Yeah I’m a no good fool
I’m low down
I’m fun for the night
But I ain’t no good for you
You’re dancing with the devil
When you dance with this no good fool
BLOW OFF SOME STEAM
Let me tell you little something about me
When it’s Saturday night I need to blow off some steam
I’ve been holding it in since I clocked in Monday morning
Come the end of the week I’m about to blow
We walk into the honky tonk like a pack of wolves now
Order up a round of shots and it’s away we go
It’s a throw down hoedown get down order up another round of shots
Gonna get drunk, get some, have fun, get into some trouble, baby, like it or not
I’m a Jim Beam drinking, paycheck slinging, line dancing machine
It’s been a helluva week and I need to blow off some steam
Gotta blow off some steam before I blow up
Been holding it in through the whole workweek
Now it’s Saturday night and I’m about to blow
So come on now band don’t you play me none of them slow songs
I need boot scooting, barn burning, hell-raising get up and go songs
Gimme something hot, just give it all you got
Now let’s hear what them Hellfire Boys can do
It’s a throw down hoedown get down order up another round of shots
Gonna get drunk, get some, have fun, get into some trouble, baby, like it or not
I’m a Jim Beam drinking, paycheck slinging, line dancing machine
It’s been a helluva week and I need to blow off some steam
Gotta blow off some steam before I blow up
Been holding it in through the whole workweek
Now it’s Saturday night and I’m about to blow
It’s Saturday night, I need to blow off some steam
IT AIN'T CHEAP BEING POOR
It ain’t cheap being poor, and I can’t take anymore
Of the tickets and the taxes and the fees
I work hard for my pay, then they take it away
Like they don’t care I got a family to feed
They cut my shifts at the mill, I fell behind on my bills
And when you’re late they try to charge you more money
They were riding my back, so I just cut ‘em a check
Then the bank charged me a low balance fee
Yeah it ain’t cheap being poor (It ain’t cheap being poor)
No it ain’t cheap being poor (It ain’t cheap being poor)
I work hard for my pay, then they take it away
And they wonder why the hell I’m so poor
I wanna buy in bulk to try to save a few bucks
But I can’t cuz I’m down to my last penny
And my insurance is high on my beat up old ride
Cuz I’m living on the rough side of the city
Yeah it ain’t cheap being poor (It ain’t cheap being poor)
No it ain’t cheap being poor (It ain’t cheap being poor)
I work hard for my pay, then they take it away
And they wonder why the hell I’m so poor
TORNADO
It was a hazy day downtown LA
When I met her on an elevator on its way
Up to the hotel room of my fiancé
But I never made it there cuz she come
Tearing through my life like a tornado
Coming on hotter than a baked potato
She spin me round then see ya later
Wanna hate her but I love her instead
We caught the red-eye to Dubai
She was blowing my dough like it’s going out of style
In general I’s a sensible guy
But that guy died when she come
Tearing through my life like a tornado
Coming on hotter than a baked potato
She spin me round then a see ya later
Wanna hate her but I love her instead
I lost my job and all of my money
Most of my friends and half of my mind
I’m so messed up it’s a little funny
Man, I thought for sure that she was mine
But now I’m alone just trying to get right
Picking up the pieces of my busted life
If she walked into this room tonight
I’d say, baby—won’t you come
Tearing through my life like a tornado
Coming on hotter than a baked potato
Just spin me round then see ya later
Wanna hate her but I love her instead
THE OTHER SIDE OF WRONG
Well I missed the kick in the big game, failed my driving test
Misspelled my ex-girlfriend’s name on the tattoo on my chest
Cuz I can’t do nothing right, and I can’t seem to get along
I’ve forgotten what it looks like on the other side of wrong
I picked a fight with a boxer, scratched an Angel’s hog
Gave a heart attack to the doctor and lost my mama’s dog
I hung a left on a red light and lost my right to drive
Just show me to the shallow end and I’m sure to dive right in
Cuz I can’t do nothing right, and I can’t seem to get along
I’ve forgotten what it looks like on the other side of wrong
So I’m sitting on this barstool in this dirty downtown bar
Drinking up my money and I piss it in the bathroom stall
A man of my disposition should steer clear of alcohol
But if I didn’t make bad decisions, I wouldn’t make no decisions at all
Cuz I can’t do nothing right, and I can’t seem to get along
I’ve forgotten what it looks like on the other side of wrong
WORK, SLEEP, REPEAT
Alarm goes off at a quarter to five, roll outta bed, rub the sleep from my eyes
Throw on a shirt and some jeans and my boots and then it’s time
To make that morning drive
Work all day till I’m totally beat, get back home and fall right to sleep
Alarm goes off in the morning and the cycle’s complete
Work, sleep, repeat
Work, sleep, work, sleep, that’s all I ever do anymore
Somewhere up the line I forgot what I was working for
There goes life, looks like it ain’t slowing down for me
All I ever do is work, sleep, repeat
Seems like yesterday I was seventeen, running bootlegs and draws and screens
Now I’m running up debt and I’m scrambling to make ends meet
So work, sleep, repeat
Work, sleep, work, sleep, that’s all I ever do anymore
Somewhere up the line I forgot what I was working for
There goes life, looks like it ain’t slowing down for me
All I ever do is work, sleep, repeat
Sometimes at work I just sit around and fantasize
Bout how I can save myself from dying in this working life
But that alarm goes off again at 4:45, roll outta bed, rub the sleep from my eyes
Throw on a shirt and some jeans and my boots and then it’s time
To make that morning drive
Work, sleep, work, sleep, that’s all I ever do anymore
Somewhere up the line I forgot what I was working for
There goes life, looks like it ain’t slowing down for me
All I ever do is work, sleep, repeat
HOW MUCH LOWER CAN I GO
I’m a liar, I’m a boozer, I’m a bastard and abuser
And I’m wondering how much lower can I go
I’ve been beaten, I’ve been bloodied, I’ve been broken and betrayed
And I’m wondering how much lower can I go
Found her with another man
I was thrown into confusion
For the world I thought was true
Was nothing but illusion
I’m a liar, I’m a boozer, I’m a bastard and abuser
And I’m wondering how much lower can I go
I’ve been beaten, I’ve been bloodied, I’ve been broken and betrayed
And I’m wondering how much lower can I go
Even though I know it’s wrong
I wish my pain upon the world
I curse the lives of lucky men
Into this hell I hope they’re hurled
I was once a good man
Now I’m living in this hell
I’m a liar, I’m a boozer, I’m a bastard and abuser
And I’m wondering how much lower can I go
I’ve been beaten, I’ve been bloodied, I’ve been broken and betrayed
And I’m wondering how much lower can I go
FEELING MEAN
Tonight I’m feeling mean, I’m feeling mean
Tonight I’m feeling mean, I’m feeling mean
Tonight I’m feeling mean, gonna make an ugly scene
Cuz tonight I’m feeling mean, I’m feeling mean
Tonight I’m gonna pick myself a fight
Give some deserving dirtbag a black eye
And if he swings at me, then I’ll bust that sucker's knee
Cuz tonight I'm feeling mean, I'm feeling mean
I’m feeling mean
I’m feeling mean
The meanest hunk of meat that anyone’s ever seen
Get out of the way of the hurricane or there’s a heavy price to pay
Tonight I’m feeling mean, I’m feeling mean
Tonight I’m gonna drink like daddy done
Gonna act a fool and keep on till the dawn
Drink fifteen pints of beer, then I’ll roll right out of here
Tonight I’m gonna drink like daddy done
I’m feeling mean
I’m feeling mean
The meanest hunk of meat that anyone’s ever seen
Get out of the way of the hurricane or there’s a heavy price to pay
Tonight I’m feeling mean, I’m feeling mean
THE OUTSIDER
They say I’m stupid
Maybe I am
But baby it’s amazing
How little I care
What they say or
What they think about me
Never had no love
And no I don’t need none
Just leave me alone
I’m on the outside and I ain’t looking in
What everybody’s doing really ain’t that interesting
I’m on the outside but that ain’t far enough
Watch me take it to the edge and I’m-a jump right off
They say I’m too different
If I don’t change then
I’m a never fit in
I won’t never get invited
To the parties
Never make the money
Goddam it’s so amazing
That they think I care
I’m on the outside and I ain’t looking in
What everybody’s doing really ain’t that interesting
I’m on the outside but that ain’t far enough
Watch me take it to the edge and I’m-a jump right off, watch me
INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE
Can’t find nobody to cast a stone
When you’re living in the city of broken bones
Can’t live your last day tucked away in a shell
You won’t be alone when you get to hell
There’s a bomb coming out of the sky and everybody knows
But the highway’s shut down and ain’t no place to go
There’s a party in the streets before we bleed
Everything’s free on Independence Day Eve
It don’t matter you’re a saint, a lover, or a liar
When you’re watching your city burning up in the fire
Faces flashing in the night, who could that be?
Voices churning in my head like a holy choir
There’s a bomb coming out of the sky and everybody knows
But the highway’s shut down and ain’t no place to go
There’s a party in the streets before we bleed
Everything’s free on Independence Day Eve
COAST OF MEXICO
I’m heading south on Highway 25
And I’m going just as fast as I can drive
Adios to the USA
I’ll see you again someday
But tonight I’ve got a better place to be
Tonight I’ll be staying on the coast of Mexico
In a little tent out on the beach down as far as I can go
With a button of peyote or a little bit of Mexican snow
Oh Mexico
Dame más mezcal, I got things I wanna see
And I’m stuck here now, because I threw away my keys
So come on, señorita
Come on and baile conmigo
Cuz tonight I ain’t going anywhere
Tonight I’ll be staying on the coast of Mexico
In a little tent out on the beach down as far as I can go
With a button of peyote or a little bit of Mexican snow
Oh Mexico
I’m running down that devil
From the valley to sea level
And tonight she’ll be staying here with me
Tonight I’ll be staying on the coast of Mexico
In a little tent out on the beach down as far as I can go
With a button of peyote or a little bit of Mexican snow
Oh Mexico
PAID MY DUES
I’m going down to Georgia, the place my folks call home
Then on to Carolina, the place where I was born
Good morning Music City, I’ve got a song for you
Good God Almighty Lord I’ve paid my dues
Good God I’ve paid my dues from Mississippi onto Alabama
From Louisiana onto Texarkana
I’m getting a little too good, Lord, at singing these old blues
Good God Almighty Lord I’ve paid my dues
That Motel 6 in Austin has really gone downhill
But not as bad as my back seat, where I stayed in Amarillo
Not much further to California, just a couple one night stands
Till I’m wrapped up in my baby’s arms again
Good God I’ve paid my dues from Albuquerque onto Arizona
From Boulder City up to Idaho
I’m getting a little too good, Lord, at singing these old blues
Good God Almighty Lord I’ve paid my dues
I’ve paid my dues from Ensenada up to Washington
Hell, I ain’t saying I ain’t had some fun
But I’m getting a little too good, Lord, at singing these old blues
Good God Almighty Lord I’ve paid my dues
AFTER THE RAIN
Rain on me, you stormy sky, wash my sins away
Let the thunder roll, let the lightning strike until I’m clean again
Moon shine bright behind the clouds, but don’t you show your face
Till I’m clean by and by and I’m free from earthly trials
When I’m new again after the rain
After the rain, when the clouds roll away
When my skin is soaked through with water
When the pain is awful great, I can face the coming days
When I’m new again after the rain
When I come or go, to the west, to the east, over the mountain or over the sea
It don’t matter where I am, I will be a happy man if those clouds just follow me
Someone said to me, “You’re a fool to wait. I will take you down to the river
And the stream will wash away all the pain of yesterday”
I said, “Thanks, but I’ll just wait for the rain”
After the rain, when the clouds roll away
When my skin is soaked through with water
When my legs can’t hold their weight, when I’m waiting for my fate
I’ll be new again after the rain
I don’t know what Jesus said, he never spoke to me
But I thank the sky above for pouring down her holy love
To save a wretch like me
After the rain, when the clouds roll away
When my skin is soaked through with water
When the night won’t turn to day, when the pain is awful great
I’ll be new again after the rain
PAPER FOOTBALL
Chocolate ice cream on your tight tan face
Lying on the hammock and staring into space
Hum a melody, then it’s gone without a trace
Hmmm…
Feel the ridges, valleys, ridges of your bones
As I paint my name on your skin in Coppertone
And you cheat on your homework over the phone
Sweet and sad
I didn’t cry when I heard the news of your suicide
Just saw you sitting there, sweet and sad
I took the blow and it cast my memory back
To playing paper football in the back of class
Drive an hour just to go and mock the gossips at the mall
And talk of movie stars and losers in the bathroom stall
Frame our names in heart on cracked white tile wall
Forever and ever
That night lying back in the bed of a hand-me-down highboy in the holler
Rolling round and fooling round and pulling bourbon from the bottle
Screaming and shouting at the shooting stars to stay a little longer
Forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever…
I didn’t cry when I heard the news of your suicide
Just saw you sitting there forever and ever
I heard the words and they cast my memory back
To playing paper football in the back of class
Images of high and wild, dancing and insane
Printing doubles so we both could have the same
Drop into the junk store to buy some empty frames
Drag my shadow down Lake Murray Blvd
No one home, so wait in your front yard
Sunshine tries to bleach away my scars
While I think about the dealer who dealt us these cards
Darkness falls on your front yard
Hmmm…
Oooh oooh
Slipping and sliding in and out of forever
Slowly sliding and slipping down the river
Beat back the current and never surrender
Playing paper football forever and ever
THE JUGGLER
They call me the juggler cuz I always have three lovers
Man, I burn through Trojan rubbers like no other
But when I’m not between the sheets I’m busy staying undercover
Ain’t as sweet as it seems being the juggler
Cuz Edith likes eating at East of Eden
Where Wendy works on Wednesday evenings
And Donna Lee does her laundry two doors down
So when I’m out to eat with Edith
I’m always worried Wendy’s watching
And equally that Donna Lee is gonna be around
What’s worse is Wendy lives by the Wally World
Where Donna Lee goes to the pharmacy
And Edith’s ex-old man is employed there
So I choose to keep a low profile
Sneak around like it’s going out of style
And try to keep these balls up in the air
They call me the juggler cuz I always have three lovers
Sometimes I wish I had me a twin brother
Because it takes a lot of steam making all that hubba hubba
Ain’t as sweet as it seems being the juggler
I had three more the month before
Tanya, Tina, and Isadora
But that all ended in a puddle of tears and blood
I had Tanya down for ten to noon
And Tina’d turn up around one or two
And Izzy’d use me all night like a stud
But one day Tanya showed up a little late
And Tina turned up a lotta early
So fists were flying till Izzy came that night
I’m pretty sure Isadora’s the one that threw me on the floor
While Tanya and Tina punched and kicked and swore
And long story short I lost the fight
They call me the juggler cuz I always have three lovers
They come and go but there’s always another
I guess I can’t be pleased by just one lady’s comfort
Ain’t as sweet as it seems being the juggler
Maybe someday I’ll quit this fooling round
And find someone to make me settle down
But I’d hate to be the one to make her suffer
Cuz one of them days we’d go to town
And one of my friends would flag us down
And say, “You know why everybody calls him the juggler?”
And I’d have to explain…
That they call me the juggler cuz I always have three lovers
Man, I burn through Trojan rubbers like no other
But when I’m not between the sheets I’m busy staying undercover
Ain’t as sweet as it seems being the juggler
SWEET THURSDAY
Wasn’t supposed to go this way
When I met you yesterday
Didn’t need you next to me
Am I the kind that you expected me to be?
It’s getting a little warm
Crack the window please
I’ll pump the gas if you run inside
Grab a couple tall boys and a honey pie
Yesterday is far away
And tomorrow you’ll be gone
Wasn’t supposed to go this way
Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet Thursday
Ten million people, maybe more
Out on the highway in a dusty storm
Two lonesome losers in a stolen dream
Headed straight for nowhere in a suicide machine
If you see you the lights flashing
Push the pedal down
Over the border they can’t get us there
Between the two of us, we’ll make it if we share
Yesterday is far away
And tomorrow you’ll be gone
Wasn’t supposed to go this way
Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet Thursday
SUPPOSED TO
I did my chores and made my bed because I’s supposed to
Cleaned my room, obeyed my dad because I’s supposed to
I raised my hand and waited my turn because I’s supposed to
Everything they taught I learned because I’s supposed to
I finished school at the age of eighteen because I’s supposed to
I kept on and got a college degree because I’s supposed to
Got a job, work it nine to five because I’s supposed to
Bought a ring and got me a wife because I’s supposed to
And what the hell’s all of this supposed to ever done for me?
I didn’t sleep a wink last night
Work’s drying up and money’s tight
Though I followed this old script line by line
The sure thing was a lousy bet
There’s holes all in my safety net
And it’s a goddam lie when I say I’m doing fine
Didn’t think this was what I’s supposed to get
By doing everything that I’s supposed to
I don’t stay out late & I hardly drink because I supposed to
No more Kool Filter Kings because I supposed to
I put money in the IRA because I supposed to
I pledge allegiance to the USA because I supposed to
I keep up with the local team because I supposed to
Laugh at my childhood dreams because I supposed to
I never eat before saying grace because I supposed to
Go to church every seven days because I supposed to
And what the hell’s all of this supposed to ever done for me
I didn’t sleep a wink last night
Work’s drying up and money’s tight
Though I followed this old script line by line
The sure thing was a lousy bet
There’s holes all in my safety net
And it’s a goddam lie when I say I’m doing fine
Didn’t think this was what I’s supposed to get
By doing everything that I’s supposed to
I button up and stay clean cut
Try to eat good and watch my gut
Clean behind my ears and between my toes
And always keep up with the goddam Jones
The sure thing was a lousy bet
There’s holes all in my safety net
And it’s a goddam lie when I say I’m doing fine
Didn’t think this was what I’s supposed to get
By doing everything that I’s supposed to
I SHOULD HAVE BEEN HER MAN
Sometimes you know by the light in her eyes
That she is the sun you’ve been waiting to rise
Sometimes you know by the light in her eyes
That she is the sun you’ve been waiting to rise
I should have taken her hand
I should have known that I’d just get old
I should have stayed instead of playing in this band
I should have been her man
I could have got me some job some place
These honky tonk mirrors put lines on your face
I could have got me some job some place
These honky tonk mirrors put lines on your face
I should have taken her hand
I should have known that I’d just get old
I should have stayed instead of playing in this band
I should have been her man
ERIN IS BLUE
Erin is blue, Erin is blue
Nothing you can do when Erin is blue
And Erin is blue
Erin is blue
She don’t eat no food
Only eats pills
Drinks only booze
Sleeps through the day
Night she’s awake
Get script refilled
Dress up to kill
Powder the bruise
Erin is blue, Erin is blue
Nothing you can do when Erin is blue
And Erin is blue
Erin gets high
Catches a ride
Gets to the bar
Catches your eye
Her eyes say she’ll love you
Lips say she’ll fuck you
Know in your heart
It ain’t kind or smart
And you’ll pay the price
Cuz Erin is blue, Erin is blue
Nothing you can do when Erin is blue
And Erin is blue
Pretends she’s asleep
When she feels you leave
You don’t feel so bad
About her feeling sad
Nothing you could do
Erin is blue, Erin is blue
Nothing you can do when Erin is blue
And Erin is blue
MY COUNTRY
This is my country, my damn country
Gimme my country, you can keep the rest
This is my country, my damn country
And it don’t mean a thing if it don’t pass the test
If you ain’t never cheated or been cheated on
Then take off your boots, you rhinestone fraud
Gimme cheating, drinking, and outlaw songs
Hard times, foolish pride, done me wrong
Flirting with the devil, get right with the man
Amen, pain songs, one night stands
You can keep your picket fence fantasies
And put a cork in your high school memories
This is my country, my damn country
Gimme my country, you can keep the rest
This is my country, my damn country
And it don’t mean a thing if it don’t pass the test
If you ain’t never spent a single night in jail
Then get another job and I’ll see you in hell
I’m drawn like a moth to the neon lights
I need a bucket of beer and someone to fight
Don’t call yourself country if your music is shitty
Or this Carolina boy’ll take you down to Fist City
You know who you are, I ain’t gonna name names
Just keep your hands off my country and go back from where ya came
My country, my damn country
Gimme my country, you can keep the rest
This is my country, my damn country
And it don’t mean a thing if it don’t pass the test
If you ain’t never done something you regret
Well, then I’m proud of ya, now git
Get this pussified, polished, pop song piece of
Glorified nursery rhyme outta my face
Wintertime, springtime, summertime, autumn
Show me to the jukebox and Yoakam if you got ‘em
I want country like Johnny, country like Merle
Country like Loretta, that honky tonk girl
Country like Townes, country like Travis
I’m a country-fried junkie with a bad habit
Country like Kris, country like Gretchen
If you ain’t cooking country then get out of the kitchen
I want country like Hank one, two, and three
Dropping like peaches from the family tree
Country like women, whiskey, and wheels
Yeah I know if it’s country cuz I know how it feels
Country like Waylon, country like Willie
Country like lightning in a hillbilly
This is my country, my damn country
Gimme my country, you can keep the rest
This is my country, my damn country
And it don’t mean a thing if it don’t pass the test
If you can’t sing along to Tear in my Beer
Then don’t forget your coat and get the fuck out here
SWEET MARIA
If I had a car, we’d drive down to the ocean
You’d call it el mar, and we’d lay out in the sand
And if the sun was shining, I’d cover you with lotion
Talk about the fine things and forget the second hand
Oh Maria, dance a little closer
Close your eyes and don’t say anything
Don’t believe the sirens on Figueroa
Just listen to Carmelita sing Las Mañanitas
Sweet Maria
And if I had a plane, we’d fly to Costa Rica
Land atop a mountain and look down on the world
I’d learn to speak Spanish, we’d eat comida rica
And everything would vanish that we didn’t want in our world
Oh Maria, dance a little closer
Close your eyes and don’t say anything
Don’t believe the sirens on Figueroa
Just listen to Carmelita sing Las Mañanitas
Sweet Maria
And if I wasn’t me, I wouldn’t blow my money
On cocaine mariachi, and we could do all that kind of stuff
And maybe I’d never worry that you weren’t gonna love me
That I’d wake up and find you burned me cuz I didn’t have enough for you
Maria, dance a little closer
Close your eyes and don’t say anything
Don’t believe the sirens on Figueroa
Just listen to Carmelita sing Las Mañanitas
Sweet Maria
RUNNING ON FUEL
I wrote this song for all my no good friends who’s just getting by, just like me
Leaving the bar, my breath’s as hard as regular gasoline
Fire up a bone while I’m swerving home, blowing smoke like a Model T
Wake up to a cup as black as tar, go to work and get beat like a mule
I’m just as empty as I am poor, so I’m running on fuel
I’m running on fuel, it’s all I can do
To get up and make it through
Coffee in the morning, whiskey in the evening
Cigarettes all day long
I’m running low on faith and lower on pride
I’m out of love, but I still gotta drive
I feel like a fool, but it’s all I can do
I’m running on fuel
I ain’t lazy, and I ain’t no martyr, I ain’t leaning on Uncle Sam
I just drink coffee like crazy, whiskey like water, and smoke like a power plant
I’m running on fuel, it’s all I can do
To get up and make it through
Coffee in the morning, whiskey in the evening
Cigarettes all day long
I’m running low on faith and lower on pride
I’m out of love, but I still gotta drive
I feel like a fool, but it’s all I can do
I’m running on fuel
Sometimes getting by seems harder than dying
But something in a man just makes him keep on trying
Ain’t got no wife, ain’t got no kids that I know of, it’s hard enough as it is
To work all day then make it to that barstool, I’m running on fuel
I’m running on fuel, it’s all I can do
To get up and make it through
Coffee in the morning, whiskey in the evening
Cigarettes all day long
I’m running low on faith and lower on pride
I’m out of love, but I still gotta drive
I feel like a fool, but it’s all I can do
I’m running on fuel
FADE TO BLUE
I could fight like a wounded soldier
And allow the war to rage
I could work like a slave, enduring everyday
Although Master wields no chains
I could take a knife and cut ties
And leave you without a clue
But I knew when I saw your green eyes like mine
We could only fade to blue
No fighting now
Tie on down
Lover, light the spoon
Fix enough for two
Stick a needle in
Feel it flowing through
And fade to blue
By a trick of magic light
Our sunset lights the view
I could make myself believe it for a time
But it’d only fade to blue
No fighting now
Tie on down
And light the spoon
Lover, be a friend
Stick a needle in
Feel it flowing through
And fade to blue
No fighting now
Tie on down
Lover, light the spoon
Fix enough for two, my friend
Stick a needle in
Feel it flowing through
And fade to blue
WAIT FOR ME
I know it’s been awhile since we’ve kissed or even since I’ve seen you
And once again we went too long without talking
So I hope I didn’t disturb you, but it’s Sunday and I’m lonely
And I know 7:15’s too early to be calling
But this ain’t gonna take long, I’ll let you fall back asleep soon
I was hoping maybe you could ease my worried mind
Now there ain’t no damn way I can love someone else like I loved you
And I know that it might be a long time
But could you wait for me
And stay true for me
Save your lips for me
Sleep alone for me
Could you wait for me
You told me on multiple occasions you weren’t gonna love no one like you loved me
We’ll never be that innocent again
I gave you everything I had till I didn’t have myself
I lost myself in you and I’d do it all over again
And I will wait for you
And stay true for you
Save my lips for you
Sleep alone for you
I will wait for you
Now it won’t be too long till I’m coming back to visit
But it could be a year till I’m back for good
Now I’m asking you a question, but if you don’t wanna, then don’t tell me
But if the answer’s yes, I really wish you would
Can you wait for me
And stay true for me
Save your lips for me
Sleep alone for me
Cuz I will wait for you
And be good for you
Save my heart for you
Buy a ring for you
I will wait for you
If you wait for me
I will wait for you
If you wait for me
DIE LIVING
Some folks measure their success by the labels in their suits
Some folks let their family ties choke them like a noose
But not me my friend, not me my friend, no no not me
We all got to die, and when it’s my time, I’m gonna die living
Give me wings and a guitar case
Show me, show me to the stage
Let me loose and I will play
I will
But hold me back or tie me down
Trap me under a golden crown
And watch me blow this nothing town
I will
I will die living
Some folks argue politics till it drives them mad
Some folks let their problems shine, wear them like a badge
But not me my friend, not me my friend, no no not me
We all got to die, and when it’s my time, I’m gonna die living
Put me on a jet airplane
Send me to a foreign place
And fall in love with a stranger’s face
I will
Show me something I ain’t seen
Take me somewhere I ain’t been
I got my music and my old six string
And I will
I will die living
TAKE IT ON FAITH
I’ve loved you since the day you left me
Good timing’s never been my thang
I reckon ain’t no way to prove love
So I’m just a-praying that you’ll trust me when I say, oh baby
I need you now
I’m such a fool
I made a mistake and baby
Believe me now
I’m begging you
You just got to
Take it on, take it on faith, take it on faith
That I’ll love you till the day I die
I’m ready for the quiet life
Yes I was born a rambling man
But I done did all the rambling that any man can, and baby
I need you now
I’m such a fool
I made a mistake and baby
Believe me now
I’m begging you
You just got to
Take it on, take it on faith, take it on faith
Don’t you believe
That folks can change
Or must I pay
For the crimes of a man that I used to be, oh baby
I need you now
I’m such a fool
I made a mistake and baby
Believe me now
I’m begging you
You just got to
Take it on, take it on faith, take it on faith
NEVER BELIEVED IN HEROES
I never believed that heroes were real
I’d given up hoping for some man of steel
When darkness would fall
No one to call
But I never knew someone so brave
Somebody who had the power to save
I couldn’t conceive of the fires you’ve been through
I never believed in heroes till I met you
You cut through the shadows, now I can see
The light that I hoped for is shining on me
When darkness does fall
You answer the call
I never knew someone so brave
Somebody who had the power to save
I couldn’t conceive of the fires you’ve been through
I never believed in heroes till I met you
And you taught me that I can be a hero too
When you need a superman, I’ll be there for you
I never knew someone so brave
Somebody who had the power to save
I couldn’t conceive of the fires you’ve been through
I never believed in heroes till I met you
ELSEWHERE, USA
Well, I’ve finally had enough of your nasty ways
I ain’t staying for another day
It’s been the same old tune for way too long
It’s time to sing another song
Where I’m bound I can’t say
Just away from you and away from this place
I’m bound for freedom — Elsewhere, USA
I’m taking my car and I’m taking the dog
You can keep the rest of my junk
I’m leaving tonight and I’m traveling light
Your baggage won’t fit in my trunk
I’m bound for no address, no location
Just somewhere else in this US nation
Destination: Elsewhere, USA
If you miss me too much
And you need my touch again
Just suck it up, cuz I’ll be far away
Elsewhere, USA
You know what I love about the open road
It ain’t the wind blowing back my hair
It’s not the speed or the radio
It’s the fact that you ain’t there
I ain’t felt this good since before I met ya
Now mile after mile I feel better and better
I’m bound for freedom — Elsewhere, USA
Destination: Elsewhere, USA
I HOPE I'M WRONG
Every time I turn that old TV on
Someone’s saying we ain’t been so at odds
Since way on back in 1861, my God
It’s written in the lines of every face I meet
Everyone on edge with uncertainty
From the penthouse suite to the tents out on our streets
Oh the anger my friend is blowing in the wind
It sure feels like it won’t be long
Till something breaks and all is lost
But I hope I’m wrong, I hope I’m wrong
We got billions for bombs and pennies for peace
I did the math and it seems clear to me
But I hope I’m wrong
Now if you wanna hear what a lie sounds like
Just listen to one of them political types
Ain’t a seat on the hill that doesn’t have a price
How can it be that the slow will be fast
And the first one now will later be last
When they write the bills and we can’t pay the tab
O say can you still see this land was made for you and me
‘Cuz it sure feels like it won’t be long
Till something breaks and all is lost
But I hope I’m wrong, I hope I’m wrong
The data might say times have never been better
But something in the air says we’re in for stormy weather
But I hope I’m wrong
The only hope that I got left
Is the hope that I am wrong myself
And I hope I’m wrong