• Thirty two teeth in a jawbone
    Alabama cryin for none
    Before I have to hit him
    I hope he's got the sense to run

    Reason those poor girls love him
    Promise them anything
    Reason they believe him
    He wears a big diamond ring

    Alabama getaway
    Alabama getaway
    Only way to please me
    Turn around and leave
    and walk away

    Majordomo Billy Bojangles
    Sit down and have a drink with me
    What's this about Alabame
    Keeps comin back to me?

    Heard your plea in the courthouse
    Jurybox began to rock and rise
    Forty-nine sister states all had
    Alabama in their eyes

    Alabama getaway
    Alabama getaway
    Only way to please me
    Turn around and leave
    and walk away

    Why don't we just give Alabama
    rope enough to hang himself?
    Ain't no call to worry the jury
    His kind takes care of itself

    Twenty-third Psalm Majordomo
    reserve me a table for three
    in the Valley of the Shadow
    just you, Alabama and me

    Alabama getaway
    Alabama getaway
    Only way to please me
    turn around and leave
    and walk away

  • I told Althea I was feeling lost, lacking in some direction.
    Althea told me upon scrutiny that my back might need protection.
    I told Althea that treachery was tearing me limb from limb.
    Althea told me better cool down boy, settle back, easy Jim.

    You may be Saturday's child, all alone, moving with a tinge of grace.
    You may be a clown in the burying ground, or just another pretty face.
    You may meet the fate on Ophelia, sleeping and penchence to dream.
    Honest to the point of recklessness, self-centered in the extreme.

    Ain't nobody messing with you, but you, your friends are getting most concerned.
    Loose with the truth, baby, it's your fire, but baby don't get burned.
    When the smoke has cleared, she said, that's what she said to me.
    Gonna want a bed to lay your head and a little sympathy.

    There are things you can replace, and others you cannot.
    The time has come to weigh those things.
    This space is getting hot, you know this space is getting hot.

    I told Althea I'm a roving son, and I was born to be a bachelor.
    Althea told me, okay, that's fine, so now I'm trying to catch her.
    Can't talk to you without talking to me, we're guilty of the same old thing.
    Been talking alot about less and less and forgetting the love we bring.

  • In the attics of my life, full of cloudy dreams unreal.
    Full of tastes no tongue can know, and lights no eyes can see.
    When there was no ear to hear, you sang to me.

    I have spent my life seeking all that's still unsung.
    Bent my ear to hear the tune, and closed my eyes to see.
    When there was no strings to play, you played to me.

    In the book of love's own dream, where all the print is blood.
    Where all the pages are my days, and all the lights grow old.
    When I had no wings to fly, you flew to me, you flew to me.

    In the secret space of dreams, where I dreaming lay amazed.
    When the secrets all are told, and the petals all unfold.
    When there was no dream of mine, you dreamed of me.

  • One or two moments, a piece of your time
    Is all that I'm asking, and I'll give you mine
    One or two moments out of all you have got
    To show how I love you, believe it or not

    Remember the day I rolled in to town
    With my heart in my shoes, with my head hanging down
    Now my only trouble, the rest I forgot
    Is to show how I love you, believe it or not

    Done time in the lockup, done time in the street
    Done time on the upswing and time in defeat
    I know what I'm asking, and I know it's a lot
    When I say that I love you, believe it or not

    I know I'm no angel, my prospects are high
    As the flood line in summer when the river's gone dry
    But I'll roll up my shirt-sleeves and make my best shot
    To show how I love you, believe it or not

    Right now while the sun shines on the crest of the hill
    With a breeze in the pines and a grey whippoorwill
    Making music together that guitars never caught
    Let me show how I love you, believe it or not

  • I had a hard run, runnin' from your window.
    I was all night running, running, Lord I wonder if you care,
    I had a run in, run around, and run down.
    Run around the corner, corner, Lord run smack in to a tree.

    I had to move, really had to move,
    That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees,
    Bertha don't you come around here anymore.

    Dressed myself in green, I went down unto the sea.
    Try to see what's goin' down, try to read between the lines
    . I had a feelin' I was fallin', fallin', fallin',
    I turned around to see,
    Heard a voice al callin', Lord you was commin' after me.

    I had to move, really had to move,
    That's why if you please, I am on my bendin knees,
    Bertha don't you come around here anymore.

    Ran into a rainstorm, I ducked back into Novato.
    It's all night pourin', pourin', pourin',
    Lord but not a drop on me.
    Test me, test me,
    Test me, test me, test me,
    Why don't you arrest me?
    Throw me in to the jailhouse,
    Lord until the sun goes down, 'till it goes down.

    I had to move, really had to move,
    That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees,
    Bertha don't you come around here anymore.

    I had to move, really had to move,
    That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees,
    Bertha don't you come around here anymore.

  • All I know is something like a bird within her sang (note 1)
    All I know she sang a little while and then flew on
    Tell me all that you know
    I'll show you
    Snow and rain

    If you hear that same sweet song again, will you know why?
    Anyone who sings a tune so sweet is passing by
    Laugh in the sunshine
    Sing, cry in the dark
    Fly through the night

    Don't cry now
    Don't you cry
    Don't you cry any more
    La da da da

    Sleep in the stars
    Don't you cry
    Dry your eyes on the wind
    La da da da da da

    All I know is something like a bird within her sang
    All I know she sang a little while and then flew on
    Tell me all that you know
    I'll show you
    Snow and rain

  • When the last rose of summer pricks my fingers
    And the hot sun chills me to the bone
    When I can't hear the song for the singer
    And I can't tell my pillow from a stone

    I will walk alone by the black muddy river
    And sing me a song of my own
    I will walk alone by the black muddy river
    Sing me a song of my own

    When the last bolt of sunshine hits the mountain
    And the stars seem to splatter in the sky
    When the moon splits the south west horizon
    And scream of an eagle on the fly

    I will walk alone by the black muddy river
    And listen to the ripples as they moan
    I will walk alone by the black muddy river
    Sing me a song of my own

    Black muddy river
    Roll on forever
    I don't care how deep and wide
    If you got another side
    Roll muddy river
    Roll muddy river
    Black muddy river, roll

    When it seems like the night will last forever
    And there's nothing left to do but count the years
    When the strings of my heart start to sever
    And stones fall from my eyes instead of tears

    I will walk alone by the black muddy river
    And dream me a dream of my own
    I will walk alone by the black muddy river
    Sing me a song of my own
    And sing me a song of my own

  • All of my friends come to see me last night
    I was laying in my bed and dying
    Annie Beauneu from Saint Angel (note 1)
    Say "the weather down here so fine"

    Just then the wind came squalling through the door (note 2)
    But who can the weather command
    Just want to have a little peace to die
    And a friend or two I love at hand

    Fever roll up to a hundred and five
    Roll on up, gonna roll back down
    One more day I find myself alive
    Tomorrow maybe go beneath the ground

    See here how everything
    Lead up to this day
    And it's just like any other day
    That's ever been
    Sun going up and then
    The sun going down
    Shine through my window
    And my friends they come around
    Come around, come around

    The people might know, but the people don't care
    That a man can be as poor as me (note 3)
    Take a look at poor Peter, he's lying in pain
    Now let's come run and see
    Run and see
    Run and see
    Run, run and see, and see

  • Arabian wind, the needle's eye is thin
    The ships of state sail on mirage and drown in sand
    Out in no man's land, where Allah does command
    What good is spilling blood? It will not grow a thing
    "Taste eternity", the swords sing
    Blues for Allah, Insh'Allah
    They lie where they fall, there's nothing more to say
    The desert stars are bright tonight, let's meet as friends

    The flower of Islam, the fruit of Abraham
    The thousand stories have come round to one again
    Arabian night, our gods pursue their flight
    What fatal flowers of darkness bloom from seeds of light
    Bird of Paradise fly in the white sky

    Blues for Allah, Insh'Allah
    Let's see with our heart these things our eyes have seen
    And know the truth must still lie somewhere in between

    Under eternity
    Under eternity
    Under eternity blue
    Under eternity
    Under eternity
    Under eternity blue

    Bird of Paradise fly in white sky
    Blues for Allah, Insh'Allah

  • Fare you well, my honey
    Fare you well, my only true one
    All the birds that were singing
    Are flown, except you alone

    Gonna leave this brokedown palace
    On my hands and my knees, I will roll, roll, roll
    Make myself a bed by the waterside
    In my time, in my time, I will roll, roll, roll

    In a bed, in a bed
    By the waterside I will lay my head
    Listen to the river sing sweet songs
    To rock my soul

    River gonna take me, sing me sweet and sleepy
    Sing me sweet and sleepy all the way back home
    It's a far gone lullaby sung many years ago
    Mama, Mama, many worlds I've come since I first left home

    Going home, going home
    By the waterside I will rest my bones
    Listen to the river sing sweet songs
    To rock my soul

    Going to plant a weeping willow
    On the bank's green edge it will grow, grow, grow
    Singing a lullaby beside the water
    Lovers come and go, the river will roll, roll, roll

    Fare you well, fare you well
    I love you more than words can tell
    Listen to the river sing sweet songs
    To rock my soul

  • Gone are the days when the ox fall down (note a) Take up the yoke and plough the fields around Gone are the days when the ladies said "please Gentle Jack Jones won't you come to me" (note b)

    Brown-eyed women and red grenadine The bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean Sound of the thunder with the rain pouring down And it looks like the old man's getting on

    Nineteen twenty when he stepped to the bar Drank to the dregs of the whiskey jar Nineteen thirty when the wall caved in He made his way selling red-eyed gin (note c)

    Delilah Jones was the mother of twins Two times over and the rest were sins Raised eight boys, only I turned bad (note d) Didn't get the lickings that the other ones had

    Tumble-down shack in Big Foot County Snowed so hard that the roof caved in Delilah Jones went to meet her God And the old man never was the same again

    Daddy made whiskey and he made it well Cost two dollars and it burned like hell (note e) I cut hickory just to fire the still Drink down a bottle and you're ready to kill (note f)

    And it looks like the old man's getting on

  • There are times when you can beckon,
    There are times when you must call.
    You can take a lot of reckoning,
    But you can't take it all.

    There are times when I can help you out,
    And times when you must fall.
    There are times when you must live in doubt
    And I can't help at all.

    Three blue stars rise on the hill
    Sing no more now just be still
    All these trials soon be past
    Look for something built to last

    A wind held by the collar,
    Yes, a cloud held by the breeze
    You can walk on coals of fire
    But sometimes you must freeze

    There are times when you offend me
    And I do the same to you
    If we can't or won't forget it
    I guess we could be through

    One blue star sets on the hill
    Call it back you never will
    One more star sinks in the past
    Show me something built to last

    Built to last till time itself falls tumbling from the wall
    Built to last till sunshine fails and darkness moves on all
    Built to last while years roll past like cloudscapes in the sky
    Show me something built to last or something built to try

    There are times when you get hit upon
    Try hard but you can't give
    Other times you'd gladly part
    With what you need to live

    Don't waste your breath to save your face
    When you have done your best
    And even more is asked of you
    Fate will decide the rest

    All the stars are gone but one
    Morning breaks here comes the sun
    Cross the sky now sinking fast
    Show me something built to last

  • I'm flying down deserted streets
    Wrapped in mother's winding sheets
    Asbestos boots on flaming feet
    Dreaming of forbidden treats
    When uniforms on nighttime beats
    Ask me where I'm going and what I eat
    I answer them with a voice so sweet

    I can't come down, it's plain to see
    I can't come down, I've been set free
    Who you are and what you do don't make no difference to me

    Well someone trying to tell me where it's at
    And how I do this and why I do that
    With secret smiles like a Cheshire cat
    And leather wings like a vampire bat
    I fly away to my cold water flat
    And eat my way through a bowl of fat
    And I say to the man with the funny hat

    They say I've begun to lose my grip
    My hold on reality is starting to slip
    They tell me to get off this trip
    They say that it's like a sinking ship
    Life's sweet wine's too warm to sip
    And if I drink I'll surely flip
    I just say as I take a nip

    So as I dream of forgotten seas
    And granite halls and redwood trees
    And of the eye that only sees
    Endless mirrors and infinite me's
    About the winter's coming freeze
    This afterthought I say with ease
    To all of you who made your pleas

  • Come all you pretty women with your hair a-hanging down
    Open up your windows, 'cause the Candyman's in town
    Come on boys and gamble
    Roll those laughing bones
    Seven come eleven, boys, I'll take your money home

    Look out, look out, the Candyman
    Here he comes and he's gone again
    Pretty lady ain't got no friend
    Till the Candyman comes around again

    I come in from Memphis where I leant to talk the jive
    When I get back to Memphis, be one less man alive
    Good morning, Mister Benson
    I see you're doing well
    If I had me a shotgun, I'd blow you straight to hell

    Come on boys and wager, if you have got the mind
    If you've got a dollar, boys, lay it on the line
    Hand me my old guitar
    Pass the whiskey round
    Won't you tell everybody you meet that the Candyman's in townv

    Look out, look out, the Candyman
    Here he come and he's gone again
    [repeat and fade]

  • Driving that train, high on cocaine
    Casey Jones you'd better watch your speed
    Trouble ahead, trouble behind
    And you know that notion just crossed my mind (note 1)

    This old engine makes it on time
    Leaves Central Station 'bout a quarter to nine
    Hits River Junction at seventeen to
    At a quarter to ten you know it's travelling again

    Trouble ahead, the lady in red
    Take my advice you'd be better off dead
    Switchman's sleeping, train Hundred and Two
    Is on the wrong track and headed for you

    Trouble with you is the trouble with me
    Got two good eyes but we still don't see
    Come round the bend, you know it's the end
    The fireman screams and the engine just gleams

  • Look for a while at the China Cat Sunflower
    proud-walking jingle in the midnight sun
    Copper-dome bodhi drip a silver kimono
    like a crazy-quilt star gown
    through a dream night wind

    (note 1)
    China cat
    China cat
    China cat
    China cat

    Krazy Kat peeking through a lace bandana
    like a one-eyed Cheshire
    like a diamond-eyed jack
    A leaf of all colors plays
    a golden string fiddle
    to a double-e waterfall over my back

    Comic book colors on a violin river
    crying Leonardo words
    from out a silk trombone
    I rang a silent bell
    beneath a shower of pearls
    in the eagle winged palace
    of the queen Chinee

  • Comes a time when the blind man takes your hand (note 1)
    Says "don't you see?"
    Gotta make it somehow
    On the dreams you still believe
    Don't give it up
    You got an empty cup
    Only love can fill
    Only love can fill

    Been walking all morning
    Went walking all night
    I can't see much difference
    Between the dark and light
    And I feel the wind
    And I taste the rain
    Never in my mind
    To cause so much pain

    From day to day
    Just letting it ride
    You get so far away
    From how it feels inside
    You can't let go
    'Cause you're afraid to fall
    But the day may come
    When you can't feel at all

  • Cosmic Charley, how do you do? (note 1)
    Truckin' in style along the avenue
    Dum dee dum dee doodley doo
    Go on home, your mother's calling you

    Kalico Kahlia, come tell me the news
    Calamity's waiting for a way to get to her
    Rosy red and electric blue
    I bought you a paddle for your paper canoe

    Say you'll come back when you can
    Whenever your airplane happens to land
    Maybe I'll be back here too
    It all depends on what's with you

    Hung up waiting for a windy day
    Kite on ice since the first of February
    Mama keeps saying that the wind might blow
    But standing here, I say I just don't know

    New ones coming as the old ones go
    Everything's moving here, but much too slow now
    A little bit quicker and we might have time
    To say "How do you do?" before we're left behind

    Calliope wail like a seaside zoo
    The very last lately enquired about you
    It's really very one or two
    The first you wanted, the last I knew

    I just wonder if you shouldn't feel
    Less concern about the deep unreal
    The very first word is "How do you do?"
    The last "Go home, your mama's calling you"

    Calling you
    Calling you
    Calling you
    Calling you

    Go on home your mama's calling you
    Go on home your mama's calling you
    Go on home your mama's calling you

  • Your rain falls like crazy fingers
    Peals of fragile thunder
    Keeping time
    Recall the days that still are to come
    Some sing blue

    Hang your heart on laughing willow
    Stray down to the water
    Deep sea of love
    Beneath the sweet calm face of the sea
    Swift undertow

    Life may be sweeter for this, I don't know
    See how it feels in the end
    May Lady Lullaby sing plainly for you
    Soft, strong, sweet and true

    Cloud hands reaching from a rainbow
    Tapping at the window
    Touch your hair
    So swift and bright, strange figures of light (note 1)
    Float in air

    Who can stop what must arrive now?
    Something new is waiting
    To be born
    Dark as the night you're still by my side
    Shining side (note 2)

    Gone are the days we stopped to decide
    Where we should go, we just ride
    Gone are the broken eyes we saw through in dreams
    Gone, both dream and lie

    Life may be sweeter for this, I don't know
    Feels like it might be alright
    While Lady Lullaby sings plainly for you (note 3)
    Love still rings true

    Midnight on a carousel ride Reaching for the gold ring Down inside Never could reach it, just slips away But I try (note 4)

  • No, no, she can't take your mind and leave
    I know it's just another trick she's got up her sleeve
    I can't believe that she really wants you to die
    After all, it's more than enough to pay for your lie

    Chorus (note 1)
    Wait a minute, watch what you're doing with your time
    All the endless ruins of the past must stay behind, yeah

    Well, can't you see that you're killing each other's soul
    You're both out in the streets and you got no place to go
    Your constant battles are getting to be a bore
    So go somewhere else and continue your cream puff war

  • The other day they waited
    The sky was dark and faded (note 1)
    Solemnly they stated
    He has to die
    You know he has to die

    And all the children learning
    From books that they were burning
    Every leaf was turning
    To watch him die
    You know he has to die

    The summer sun looked down on him
    His mother could but frown on him
    And all the others sound on him
    But it doesn't seem to matter

    And when the day had ended
    With rainbow colours blended
    His mind remained unbended
    He had to die
    You know he had to die
    You know he had to die

  • I can't stay here much longer, Melinda
    The sun is getting high
    I can't help you with your troubles
    If you won't help with mine
    I gotta get down
    I gotta get down
    Gotta get down to the mine

    You keep me up just one more night
    I can't stop here no more
    Little Ben clock says quarter to eight
    You kept me up till four
    I gotta get down
    I gotta get down
    Or I can't work there no more

    Lotta poor man make a five dollar bill
    Will keep him happy all the time
    Some other fellow's making nothing at all
    And you can hear him cry

    Can I go, buddy, can I go down
    Take your shift at the mine
    Gotta get down to the Cumberland mine
    That's where I mainly spend my time

    Make good money, five dollars a day
    If I made any more I might move away

    Lotta poor man got the Cumberland Blues
    He can't win for losing
    Lotta poor man got to walk the line
    Just to pay his union dues

    I don't know now, I just don't know
    If I'm going back again
    I don't know now, I just don't know
    If I'm going back again

  • There were days, and there were days
    And there were days between
    Summer flies and August dies
    The world grows dark and mean
    Comes the shimmer of the moon
    On black infested trees
    The singing man is at his song
    The holy on their knees
    The reckless are out wrecking
    The timid plead their pleas
    No one knows much more of this
    Than anyone can see
    Anyone can see

    There were days, and there were days
    And there were days besides
    When phantom ships with phantom sails
    Set to sea on phantom tides
    Comes the lightning of the sun
    On bright unfocused eyes
    The blue of yet another day
    A springtime wet with sighs
    A hopeful candle lingers
    In the land of lullabies
    Where headless horsemen vanish
    With wild and lonely cries
    Lonely cries

    There were days, and there were days
    And there were days I know
    When all we ever wanted
    Was to learn and love and grow
    Once we grew into our shoes
    We told them where to go
    Walked halfway around the world
    On promise of the glow
    Stood upon a mountain top
    Walked barefoot in the snow
    Gave the best we had to give
    How much we'll never know
    We'll never know

    There were days, and there were days
    And there were days between
    Polished like a golden bowl
    The finest ever seen
    Hearts of Summer held in trust
    Still tender young and green
    Left on shelves collecting dust
    Not knowing what they mean
    Valentines of flesh and blood
    As soft as velveteen
    Hoping love would not forsake
    The days that lie between
    Lie between

  • Since it cost a lot to win (note 1)
    And even more to lose
    You and me bound to spend some time
    Wondering what to choose

    Goes to show, you don't ever know
    Watch each card you play and play it slow
    Wait until that deal come round
    Don't you let that deal go down, no, no

    I've been gambling here abouts
    For ten good solid years
    If I told you all that went down
    It would burn off both your ears

    Since you poured the wine for me
    And tightened up my shoes
    I hate to leave you sitting there
    Composing lonesome blues

    Wait until that deal come round
    Don't you let that deal go down
    [repeat etc]

  • In the timbers of Fennario the wolves are running round (note 1)
    The winter was so hard and cold, froze ten feet 'neath the ground

    Don't murder me, I beg of you don't murder me
    Please don't murder me

    I sat down to supper, 'twas a bottle of red whiskey
    I said my prayers and went to bed, that's the last they saw of me

    When I awoke, the dire wolf, six hundred pounds of sin
    Was grinning at my window, all I said was "Come on in"

    The wolf came in, I got my cards, we sat down for a game
    I cut my deck to the queen of spades but the cards were all the same (note 2)

    In the back-wash of Fennario, the black and bloody mire
    The dire wolf collects his due while the boys sing round the fire

  • Sitting in Mangrove Valley chasing light beams
    Everything wanders from baby to Z
    Baby baby pretty young on Tuesday
    Old like a rum drinking demon at tea
    Baby, baby, tell me what's the matter
    Why, why tell me, what's your why now
    Tell me why will you never come home
    Tell me what's your reason if you got a good one
    Everywhere I go the people all know
    Everyone's doin' that rag
    Everywhere I go the people all know
    Everyone's doin' that rag

    Take my line, go fishing for a Tuesday
    Maybe take my supper, eat it down by the sea
    Gave my baby twenty, forty good reasons
    Couldn't find any better ones in the morning at three
    Rain gonna come but the rain gonna go
    Stepping off sharply from the rank and file
    Awful cold and dark like a dungeon
    Maybe get a little bit darker 'fore the day
    Hipsters, tripsters, real cool chicks, sir
    'Cause everyone's doin' that rag
    Hipsters, tripsters, real cool chicks, sir
    'Cause everyone's doin' that rag

    You needn't gild the lily, offer jewels to the sunset
    No one is watching or standing in your shoes
    Wash your lonely feet in the river in the morning
    Everything promised is delivered to you
    Don't neglect to pick up what your share is
    All the winter birds are winging home now
    Hey, love, go and take a look around you
    Nothing out there you haven't seen before now
    But you can wade in the water and never get wet
    If you keep on doin' that rag
    Wade in the water and never get wet
    If you keep on doin' that rag

    One eyed jacks and the deuces are wild
    And the aces are crawling up and down your sleeve
    Come back here, baby Louise
    And tell me the name of the game that you play
    Is it all fall down; is it all go under
    Is it all fall down; is it all go under
    [etc]

    Everywhere I go (note 1)
    The people all know
    Everybody's doin' that rag

  • When I was just a little young boy
    Papa said "Son, you'll never get far
    I'll tell you the reason, if you want to know
    'Cause child of mine, there isn't really very far to go" (note 1)

    Well baby, baby wants a gold diamond ring
    Wants it more than almost any old thing
    Well when I get those jelly roll blues
    Why, I'd go and get anything in this world for you

    Down to the jewelry store packing a gun
    Says "wrap it up, I think I'll take this one"
    "A thousand dollars, please" the jewelry man said
    Dupree, he said "I'll pay this one to you off in lead"

    Well you know son, you just can't figure
    First thing you know, you're gonna pull that trigger
    And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
    Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

    Judge said "Son, it's gonna cost you some time"
    Dupree said "Judge, you know that crossed my mind"
    Judge said "[In] fact it's gonna cost you your life"
    Dupree, he said "Judge, you know that seems to me to be about right"

    Well, baby, baby's gonna lose her sweet man
    Dupree came out with a losing hand
    Baby's gonna weep it up for a while
    Then go out and find another sweet man gonna treat her with style

    Judge said "Son, I know your baby well
    But that's a secret that I can't never tell"
    Dupree said "Judge, well, it's well understood
    And you got to admit that sweet, sweet jelly's so good"

    Well you know son, you just can't figure
    First thing you know, you're gonna pull that trigger
    And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
    Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

    Same old story, and I know it's been told
    Some like jelly jelly, some like gold
    Many a man's done a terrible thing
    Just to get baby a shiny diamond ring

  • Right outside this lazy summer home (note 1)
    You ain't got time to call your soul a critic, no
    Right outside the lazy gate
    Of winter's summer home
    Wondering where the nuthatch winter's
    Wings a mile long
    Just carried the bird away

    Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world
    But the heart has its beaches, its homeland and thoughts of its own
    Wake now discover that you are the song that the morning brings
    But the heart has its seasons, its evenings and songs of its own

    There comes a redeemer and he slowly, too, fades away
    And there follows his wagon behind him that's loaded with clay
    And the seeds that were silent all burst into bloom and decay
    And night comes so quiet, its close on the heels of the day

    Sometimes we live no particular way but our own
    And sometimes we visit your country and live in your home
    Sometimes we ride on your horses, sometimes we walk alone
    Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own

  • Carve your name, carve your name in ice and wind
    Search for where, search for where the rivers end
    Or where the rivers start
    Do everything that's in you, you feel to be your part
    But never give your love my friend unto a foolish heart
    Unto a foolish heart

    Dare to leap, leap from ledges high and wide
    Learn to speak, speak with wisdom like a child
    Directly to the heart
    Crown yourself the king of clowns or stand way back apart
    But never give your love my friend unto a foolish heart
    Unto a foolish heart

    Shun a friend, shun a brother and a friend
    Never look, never look around the bend
    Or check the weather chart
    Sign the Mona Lisa with a spray can, call it art
    But never give your love my friend unto a foolish heart
    Unto a foolish heart

    A foolish heart will call on you to toss your dreams away
    Then turn around and blame you for the way you went astray
    A foolish heart will cost you sleep and often make you curse
    A selfish heart is trouble, but a foolish heart is worse

    Bite the hand, bite the hand that bakes your bread
    Dare to leap, where the angels fear to tread
    Till you are torn apart
    Stoke the fires of paradise with coals from hell to start
    But never give you love my friend unto a foolish heart
    Unto a foolish heart

  • In another time's forgotten space
    Your eyes looked from your mother's face (note a)
    Wildflower seed on the sand and stone
    May the four winds blow you safely home

    Roll away the dew
    Roll away the dew
    Roll away the dew
    Roll away the dew

    I'll tell you where the four winds dwell (note b)
    In Franklin's tower there hangs a bell
    It can ring, turn night to day
    It can ring like fire when you lose your way

    God save the child who rings that bell (note c)
    It may have one good ring, baby, you can't tell (note d)
    One watch by night, one watch by day
    If you get confused, listen to the music play

    Some come to laugh their past away
    Some come to make it just one more day
    Whichever way your pleasure tends
    If you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind

    In Franklin's tower the four winds sleep (note e)
    Like four lean hounds the lighthouse keep
    Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
    May the four winds blow you home again

  • In another time's forgotten space
    Your eyes looked through your mother's face
    Wildflower seed on the sand and stone
    May the four winds blow you safely home

    Roll away, the dew
    Roll away, roll away the dew
    Roll away, roll away the dew
    Roll away, roll away the dew

    I'll tell you where the four winds dwell
    In Franklin's tower there hangs a bell
    It can ring, turn night to day
    It can ring like fire when you lose your way

    Roll away, the dew
    Roll away, roll away the dew
    Roll away, roll away the dew
    Roll away, roll away the dew

    God save the child who rings that bell
    I may have one good ring baby, you can't tell
    One watch by night, one watch by day
    If you get confused just listen to the music play

    Some come to laugh their past away
    Some come…

  • I lit out from Reno, I was trailed by twenty hounds (note a)
    Didn't get to sleep that night till the morning came around

    Set out running but I take my time
    A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
    If I get home before daylight I just might get some sleep
    Tonight

    I ran into the devil babe, he loaned me twenty bills
    I spent the night in Utah in a cave up in the hills

    I ran down to the levee but the devil caught me there (note b)
    He took my twenty dollar bill and vanished in the air

    Got two reasons why I cry away each lonely night
    The first one's named sweet Anne Marie and she's my heart's delight
    Second one is prison baby, sheriff's on my trail (note c)
    And if he catches up with me I'll spend my life in jail

    Got a wife in Chino babe, and one in Cherokee
    First one says she's got my child but it don't look like me

  • Rat in a drain ditch, caught on a limb
    You know better, but I know him

    Like I told you, like I said
    Steal your face right off your head

    And now he's gone
    Now he's gone, Lord he's gone
    He's gone
    Like a steam locomotive rolling down the track
    He's gone, gone, and nothing's gonna bring him back
    He's gone

    Nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
    Hot as a pistol but cool inside

    Cat on a tin roof, dogs in a pile
    Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile

    Going where the wind don't blow so strange
    Maybe off on some high cold mountain range (note 1)
    Lost one round but the price wasn't anything
    A knife in the back and more of the same

    Same old
    Rat in a drain ditch, caught on a limb
    You know better, but I know him

    Like I told you, like I said
    Steal your face right off your head

    Ooh, nothing's gonna bring him back
    Ooh, nothing's gonna bring him back
    Ooh, nothing's gonna bring him back

  • Paradise waits On the crest of a wave her angels in flame
    She has no pain
    Like a child she is pure, she is not to blame
    Poised for flight, wings spread bright
    Spring from night into the sun
    Don't stop to run
    She can fly like a lie, she can't be outdone

    Tell me the cost
    I can pay, let me go, tell me love is not lost
    Sell everything
    Without love day to day, insanity's king
    I will pay, day by day
    Anyway, lock, bolt and key
    Crippled but free
    I was blind all the time I was learning to see

    Help on the way
    Well I know only this, I've got you today
    Don't fly away
    'Cause I love what I love and I want it that way
    I will stay, one more day
    Like I say, honey, it's you
    Making it too
    Without love in the dream it'll never come true

  • Wake of the flood, laughing water, forty nine
    Get out the pans, don't just stand there dreaming, get out the way
    Get out the way

    Here comes sunshine
    Here comes sunshine

    Line up a long shot, maybe try it two times, maybe more
    Good to know you got shoes to wear, when you find the floor
    Why hold out for more

    Asking you nice now, keep the mother rolling, one more time
    Been down before, you just don't have to go no more
    No more

  • You told me goodbye
    How was I to know
    You didn't mean goodbye
    You meant please don't let me go
    I was having a high time
    Living the good life
    Well I know

    The wheels are muddy
    Got a ton of hay
    Now listen here baby
    'Cause I mean what I say
    I'm having a hard time
    Living the good life
    Well I know

    I was losing time, I had nothing to do
    No-one to fight, I came to you
    Wheels broke down, the leader won't draw
    The line is busted, the last one I saw

    Tomorrow comes trouble (note 1)
    Tomorrow comes pain
    Now don't think too hard, baby
    'Cause you know what I'm saying
    I could show you a high time
    Living the good life
    Don't be that way

    Nothing's for certain
    It could always go wrong
    Come in when it's raining
    Go on out when it's gone
    We could have us a high time
    Living the good life
    Well I know

  • If I had the world to give
    I'd give it to you, long as you live
    Would you let it fall
    Or hold it in your arms?

    If I had a song to sing I'd sing it to you, long as you live
    Lullaby
    Or maybe a plain serenade

    Wouldn't you laugh, dance and cry or be afraid
    At the change you made?
    I may not have the world to give to you
    But maybe I have a tune or two

    Only if you let me be your world
    Could I ever give this world to you
    Could I ever give this world to you

    But I will give what love I have to give
    I will give what love I have to give
    I will give what love I have to give
    Long as I live

    If I had a star to give
    I'd give it to you, long as you live
    Would you have the time
    To watch it shine, watch it shine?

    Or ask for the moon and heaven too?
    I'd give it to you
    Well maybe I've got no star to spare
    Or anything fine or even rare

    Only if you let me be your world
    Could I ever give this world to you
    Could I ever give this world to you

  • Maybe you collect or maybe you pay
    Still got to work that eight hour day
    Whether you like that job or not
    Keep it on ice while you're lining up your long shot (note 1)
    Which is to say, hey-ey

    Keep your day job
    Don't give it away
    Keep your day job
    Whatever they say

    Ring that bell for whatever it's worth
    When Monday comes, don't forget about work
    By now you know that face on your dollar
    Got a thumb to its nose and a hand on your collar
    Which is to say, hey-ey

    Punch that time card, check that clock
    But when Monday comes gotta run, run, run - not walk

    Steady boy, study that eight day hour
    But don't underrate that pay-check power
    If you ask me, which I know you don't
    I'd tell you to do what I know you won't
    Which is to say, hey-ey

    Daddy may drive a V-8 'vet
    Mama may bathe in champagne yet
    God bless the child with his own stash
    Nine to five and a place to crash

    Keep your day job, until your night job pays

  • Way down upon Sycamore Slough
    A white man sings the blues
    selling roses of paper maché (note 1)
    with flecks of starlight dew
    I swiped a bunch and threw it your way
    where hazy moonlight glowed
    Way down, down along Lazy River Road

    Way down upon Shadowfall Ward
    End of the avenue
    Run, hide, seek in your own backyard
    Mama's backyard won't do
    All night long I sang Love's Sweet Song
    down where the water flowed
    Way down, down along Lazy River Road

    Moonlight wails as hound dogs bay
    but never quite catch the tune
    Stars fall down in buckets like rain
    till there ain't no standing room
    Bright blue boxcars train by train
    clatter where dreams unfold
    Way down, down along Lazy River Road

    Way down upon Seminole Square
    belly of the river tide
    call for me and I will be there
    for the price of a taxi ride
    Night double-clutches into today
    like a truck downshifting its load
    Way down, down along Lazy River Road

    Thread the needle
    right through the eye
    The thread that runs so true
    All the others I let pass by
    I only wanted you
    Never cared for careless love
    but how your bright eyes glowed
    Way down, down along Lazy River Road

  • Saw a bird with a tear in his eye
    Walking to New Orleans my oh my
    Hey, now, Bird, wouldn't you rather die
    Than walk this world when you're born to fly?

    If I was the sun, I'd look for shade
    If I was a bed, I would stay unmade
    If I was a river I'd run uphill
    If you call me you know I will
    If you call me you know I will

    Ooo, freedom
    Ooo, liberty
    Ooo, leave me alone
    To find my own way home
    To find my own way home

    Say what I mean and I don't give a damn
    I do believe and I am who I am
    Hey now Mama come and take my hand
    Whole lotta shakin' all over this land

    If I was an eagle I'd dress like a duck
    Crawl like a lizard and honk like a truck
    If I get a notion I'll climb this tree
    or chop it down and you can't stop me
    Chop it down and you can't stop me

    Ooo, freedom
    Ooo, liberty
    Ooo, leave me alone
    To find my own way home
    To find my own way home

    Went to the well but the water was dry
    Dipped my bucket in the clear blue sky
    Looked in the bottom and what did I see?
    The whole damned world looking back at me

    If I was a bottle I'd spill for love
    Sake of mercy I'd kill for love
    If I was a liar I'd lie for love
    Sake of my baby I'd die for love
    Sake of my baby I'd die for love

    Ooo, freedom
    Ooo, liberty
    Ooo, leave me alone
    To find my own way home
    To find my own way home
    I'm gonna find my own way home

  • Loose Lucy is my delight
    She comes running and we ball all night
    Round and round and round and round
    Don't take much to get me on the ground
    She's my yo-yo, I'm her string
    Listen to the birds on the hot wire sing

    Singing yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
    Singing thank you, for a real good time

    I got jumped coming home last night
    Shadow in the alley turned out all my lights
    Round and round and round and round
    Don't take much to get me on the ground
    Loose Lucy, she was sore
    Says I know you can't want my love no more,

    Bebop baby, how can this be
    I know you've been out a cheating on me
    Round and round and round and round
    Don't take much to get the word around
    Cross my heart and hope to die
    I was just hanging out with the other guys

    Went back home with two black eyes
    You know I'll love her till the day I die
    Round and round and round and round
    Don't take much to get the word around
    I like your smile but I ain't your type
    Don't shake the tree when the fruit ain't ripe

  • If I had a gun for every ace that I had drawn
    I could arm a town the size of Abilene
    Don't you push me baby, 'cause I'm moaning low
    And you know I'm only in it for the gold

    All that I am asking for is ten gold dollars (note 1)
    And I could pay you back with one good hand
    You can look around at the wide world over
    But you'll never find another honest man

    Last fair deal in the country, sweet Susie (note 2)
    Last fair deal in the town
    Put your gold money where your love is baby
    Before you let my deal go down

    Don't you push me baby, 'cause I'm moaning low
    Well I know a little something you won't ever know
    Don't you touch hard liquor, just a cup of cold coffee
    Gonna get up in the morning and go

    Everybody's bragging and drinking that wine
    I can tell the Queen of Diamonds by the way she shines
    Come to daddy on an inside straight
    Well I got no chance of losing this time
    Well I got no chance of losing this time

  • Mason died on Monday
    We bricked him in the wall
    All his children grew and grew
    They never grew so tall before
    May they never grow so tall again

    We dug him up on Tuesday
    He'd hardly aged a day
    Taught us all he ever knew
    We never knew so much before
    We may never know so much again

    Mason was a mighty man
    A mighty man was he
    All he said, when dead and gone
    Don't you weep for me

    The wall collapsed on Wednesday
    We chalked it up to fate
    All his children ran and hid
    We never hid so well before
    Swore we'd never show our face again

    Thursday came, then Friday
    With fires tall and bright
    Mason's children cooked the stew
    And cleaned up when the feast was through
    Swore we'd never had such times before

    Take me to the Reaper Man
    To pay back what was loaned
    If he's in some other land
    Write it off as stoned

  • Great North Special, were you on board?
    You can't find a ride like that no more
    Night the chariot swung down low
    Ninety nine children had a chance to go

    One long party from front to end
    Tune to the whistle going round the bend
    No big hurry, what do you say
    Might as well travel the elegant way

    Might as well, might as well
    (Might as well, might as well)
    Might as well, might as well
    (Might as well, might as well)
    Might as well, might as well
    (Might as well, might as well)
    Might as well, might as well
    (Might as well, might as well)

    Ragtime solid for twenty five miles
    Then slip over to the Cajun style
    Bar car loaded with rhythm and blues
    Rock and roll wailing in the old caboose

    Long train running from coast to coast
    Bringing 'long the party where they need it the most
    Whup on the box car, beat on the bell
    Nothing else shaking so you might just as well

    Never had such a good time
    In my life before
    I'd like to have it one time more
    One good ride from start to end
    I'd like to take that ride again

    Run out of track and I caught the plane
    Back in the county with the blues again
    Great North Special been on my mind
    Might like to ride it just one more time

  • If only I could be less blind
    If only I knew what to find
    Everywhere and all of the time
    It's bending my mind

    Confusion's Prince is at my door
    The crown I wear is the one he wore
    He's here to bring me down some more
    And bend my mind

    The friendly stranger call my name
    He only wants me for his game
    But it don't matter just the same
    I'll bend his mind

    I'll wave my flags into the sun
    I've fought my wars and now they're won
    And I didn't need nobody's gun
    I bent their minds

  • I turn and walk away
    Then I come round again
    Looks as though tomorrow
    I'll do pretty much the same

    I must turn down your offer
    But I'd like to ask a break
    You know I'm ready to give anything
    For anything I take

    Someone called my name you know I turned around to see
    It was midnight in the mission and the bells were not for me
    Come again
    Walking along in the mission in the rain
    Come again
    Walking along in the mission in the rain

    Ten years ago I walked this street, my dreams were riding tall
    Tonight I would be thankful Lord, for any dreams at all
    Some folks would be happy just to have one dream come true
    But everything you gather is just more that you can lose

    All the things I planned to do, I only did half way
    Tomorrow will be Sunday, born of rainy Saturday
    There's some satisfaction in the San Francisco rain
    No matter what comes down, the mission always looks the same

  • On the day that I was born Daddy sat down and cried
    I had the mark just as plain as day, I could not be denied
    They say that Cain caught Abel rolling loaded dice
    Ace of spades behind his ear and him not thinking twice

    Half step, Mississippi uptown toodleloo
    Hello baby I'm gone goodbye
    Half a cup of rock and rye
    Farewell to you old southern skies
    I'm on my way, on my way

    If all you got to live for is what you left behind
    Get yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine
    Lost my boots in transit babe, pile of smoking leather
    Nailed a retread to my feet and prayed for better weather

    They say that when your ship comes in, first man takes the sails
    Second takes the after deck, third the planks and rails
    What's the point of calling shots, this cue ain't straight in line
    Cue balls made of styrofoam and no-one's got the time

    Across the Rio Grand-eo
    Across the lazy river

  • Cold mountain water, the jade merchant's daughter
    Mountains of the moon, Electra, bow and bend to me
    Hi-ho, the carrion crow, folderol-de-riddle
    Hi-ho, the carrion crow, bow and bend to me

    Hey, Tom Banjo
    Hey, a laurel
    More than laurel you may sow
    More than laurel you may sow
    Hey, the laurel, hey, the city in the rain
    Hey, hey, the wild wheat waving in the wind

    Twenty degrees of solitude, twenty degrees in all (note 1)
    All the dancing kings and wives assembled in the hall
    Lost is the long and loneliest time, fairy Sybil flying (note2)
    All along the, all along the mountains of the moon

    Hey, Tom Banjo
    It's time to matter
    The earth will see you on through this time
    The earth will see you on through this time
    Down by the water, the marsh king's daughter, did you know
    Clothed in tatters, always will be, Tom where did you go?

    Mountains of the moon, Electra, mountains of the moon
    All along the, all along the mountains of the moon
    Heigh ho, the carrion crow, folderol-de-riddle
    Heigh ho, the carrion crow, bow and bend to me
    Bend to me

  • Please don't dominate the rap, Jack
    If you got nothing new to say
    If you please, don't back up the track
    This train's got to run today

    I spent a little time in the mountain
    Spent a little time on the hill
    I heard some say "better run away"
    Others say "better stand still"

    Now I don't know but I've been told
    It's hard to run with the weight of gold
    Other hand I heard it said
    It's just as hard with the weight of lead

    Who can deny? Who can deny?
    It's not just a change in style
    One step done and another begun
    In I wonder how many miles?

    I spent a little time on the mountain
    Spent a little time on the hill
    Things went down we don't understand
    But I think in time we will

    Now I don't know but I was told
    In the heat of the sun a man died of cold
    Do we keep on coming or stand and wait
    With the sun so dark and the hour so late?

    You can't overlook the lack Jack
    Of any other highway to ride
    It's got no signs or dividing lines
    And very few rules to guide

    I spent a little time on the mountain
    Spent a little time on the hill
    I saw things getting out of hand
    I guess they always will

    Now, I don't know but I've been told
    If the horse don't pull, you got to carry the load
    I don't know whose back's that strong
    Maybe find out before too long

    One way or another
    One way or another
    One way or another
    This darkness got to give
    [etc]

  • Just like Jack the Ripper
    Just like Mojo Hand
    Just like Billy Sunday
    In a shotgun rag-time band

    Just like New York City
    Just like Jericho
    Pace the halls and climb the walls
    And get out when they blow

    Did you say your name was Rambling Rose?
    Ramble on baby, settle down easy
    Ramble on Rosev

    Just like Jack and Jill
    Mama told the sailor (note 1)
    One heat up and one cool down
    Leave nothing for the tailor

    Just like Jack and Jill
    Papa told the jailer
    One go up and one come down
    Do yourself a favour

    [Bridge]
    I'm gonna sing you
    A hundred verses of ragtime
    I know this song
    It ain't never gonna end
    I'm gonna march you up and down
    Along the county line
    Take you to the leader
    Of the band

  • Cérise was brushing her long hair gently down
    It was the afternoon of Carnival
    As she brushes it gently down

    Reuben was strumming his painted mandolin (note 1)
    It was enlaid with a pretty face in jade
    Played the Carnival Parade (note 2)

    Cérise was dressing as Pirouette in white
    When a fatal vision gripped her tight
    Cérise, beware tonight

    Reuben, Reuben, tell me truly true
    I feel afraid and I don't know why I do
    Is there another girl for you

    If you could see in my heart
    You would know it's true
    There is none, Cérise, except for you
    Except for you
    I swear to it on my very soul (note 3)
    If I lie may I fall down cold

    When Reuben played on his painted mandolin (note 4)
    The breeze would stop and listen in (note 5)
    Before g

  • If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
    And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
    Would you hear my voice come through the music?
    Would you hold it near, as it were your own?

    It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
    Perhaps they're better left unsung
    I don't know, don't really care
    Let there be songs to fill the air (note 1)

    Ripple in still water
    When there is no pebble tossed
    Nor wind to blow

    Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
    If your cup is full may it be again
    Let it be known there is a fountain
    That was not made by the hands of man

    There is a road, no simple highway
    Between the dawn and the dark of night
    And if you go, no one may follow
    That path is for your steps alone

    Ripple in still water
    When

  • Julie catch a rabbit by his hair
    Come back step, like to walk on air (note 1)
    Get back home where you belong
    And don't you run off no more

    Don't hang your head, let the two-time roll
    Grass shack nailed to a pine wood floor
    Ask the time baby I don't know
    Come back later, gonna let it show

    And I say row, Jimmy, row
    Gonna get there, I don't know
    Seems a common way to go
    Get down and row, row, row, row, row

    Here's a half a dollar if you dare (note 2)
    Double twist when you hit the air
    Look at Julie down below
    The levee doing the dopaso

    Broken heart don't feel so bad
    You ain't got half of what you thought you had Rock your baby to and fro
    Not too fast and not too slow

    That's the way it's been in town
    Ever since they tore the

  • Saint Stephen with a rose
    In and out of the garden he goes
    Country garland in the wind and the rain (note 1)
    Wherever he goes the people all complain

    Stephen prosper in his time
    Well he may, and he may decline
    Did it matter, does it now?
    Stephen would answer if he only knew how

    Wishing well with a golden bell
    Bucket hanging clear to hell
    Hell half way twixt now and then
    Stephen fill it up and lower down, and lower down again

    Lady finger, dipped in moonlight
    Writing "What for?" across the morning sky
    Sunlight splatters dawn with answers
    Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye

    Speeding arrow, sharp and narrow
    What a lot of fleeting matters you have spurned
    Several seasons with their treasons
    Wrap the babe in scarlet colours, call it your own

    Did he doubt or did he try?
    Answers a-plenty in the by and by
    Talk about your plenty, talk about your ills
    One man gathers what another man spills (note 2)

    Saint Stephen will remain
    All he's lost he shall regain
    Seashore washed by the suds and the foam
    Been here so long he's got to calling it home

    Fortune comes a-crawling, Calliope woman
    Spinning that curious sense of your own
    Can you answer? Yes I can
    But what would be the answer to the answer man?

    -----(William Tell Bridge)-----
    High green chilly winds and windy vines in loops (note 3)
    Around the twined shafts of lavender
    They're crawling to the sun

    Underfoot the ground is patched
    With climbing arms of ivy wrapped
    Around the manzanita stark and shiny in the breeze

    Wonder who will water all the children of the garden
    When they sigh about the barren lack
    Of rain and droop so hungry 'neath the sky

    William Tell has stretched his bow
    Till it won't stretch no furthermore
    And/or it will require a change that hasn't come before (Note 4)

  • As I was walking round Grosvenor Square
    Not a chill to the winter but a nip to the air
    From the other direction she was calling my eye (note 1)
    It could be an illusion, but I might as well try
    Might as well try

    She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes
    And I knew without asking she was into the blues
    She wore scarlet begonias, tucked into her curls
    I knew right away she was not like other girls
    Other girls

    In the thick of the evening when the dealing got rough (note 2)
    She was too pat to open and too cool to bluff
    As I picked up my matches and was closing the door
    I had one of those flashes I had been there before
    Been there before

    Well I ain't often right but I've never been wrong
    It seldom turns out the way it does in the song
    Once in a while you get shown the light
    In the strangest of places if you look at it right

    Well there ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves
    Scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues
    And there's nothing wrong with the look that's in her eyes (note 3) (note 4)
    I had to learn the hard way to let her pass by
    Let her pass by

    The wind in the willows playing Tea for Two (note 5)
    The sky was yellow and the sun was blue
    Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand
    Everybody is playing in the heart of gold band
    Heart of gold band

  • You tell me this town aint got no heart. well, well, well, you can never tell.
    The sunny side of the street is dark. well, well, well, you can never tell.
    Maybe thats cause its midnight, in the dark of the moon besides.

    Maybe the dark is from your eyes, maybe the dark is from your eyes,
    Maybe the dark is from your eyes, maybe the dark is from your eyes,
    Maybe the dark is from your eyes, maybe the dark is from your eyes,
    You know you got such dark eyes!

    Nothin shakin on shakedown street. used to be the heart of town.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart. you just gotta poke around.

    You think youve seen this town clear through.
    Well, well, well, you can never tell.
    Nothin here that could intrest you. well, well, well, you can never tell.
    Its not because you missed out on the thing that we had to start.

    Maybe you had too much too fast. maybe you had too much too fast.
    Maybe you had too much too fast. maybe you had too much too fast.
    Maybe you had too much too fast. maybe you had too much too fast.
    Or just over played your part.

    Nothin shakin on shakedown street. used to be the heart of town.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart. you just gotta poke around.

    Since Im passing your way today. well, well, well, you can never tell.
    I just stopped in cause I want to say, well, well, well, you can never tell.
    I recall your darkness when it crackled like a thundercloud.

    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart.
    Dont tell me this town aint got no heart.
    When I can hear it beat out loud!

    Nothin shakin on shakedown street. used to be the heart of town. Dont tell me this town aint got no heart. you just gotta poke around.

  • Went to see the captain, strangest I could find
    Laid my proposition down, laid it on the line
    I won't slave for beggar's pay, likewise gold and jewels
    But I would slave to learn the way to sink your ship of fools

    Chorus Ship of fools on a cruel sea
    Ship of fools sail away from me
    It was later than I thought when I first believed you
    But now I cannot share your laughter, ship of fools

     

    Saw your first ship sink and drown from rocking of the boat
    And all that could not sink of swim were just left there to float
    I won't leave you drifting down but whoa it makes me wild
    With thirty years upon my head to have you call me child (note 1)

    The bottles stand as empty now, as they were filled before
    Time there was and plenty, but from that cup no more
    Though I could not caution all, I still might warn a few
    Don't lend your hand to raise no flag atop no ship of fools

  • Thought I heard a blackird singing
    Up on Bluebird Hill
    Call me a whinin' boy if you will
    Born where the sun don't shine
    And I don't deny my name
    Got no place to go, ain't that a shame?

    Thought I heard that KC whistle
    Moaning sweet and low
    Thought I heard that KC when she blow
    Down where the sun don't shine
    Underneath the Kokomo
    Whinin' boy got no place to go

    So many roads I tell you
    So many roads I know
    So many roads, so many roads
    Mountain high, river wide
    So many roads to ride
    So many roads, so many roads

    Thought I heard a jug band playin'
    "If you don't... who else will?"
    From over on the far side of the hill
    All I know the sun don't shine
    And the rain refused to fall
    And you don't seem to hear me when I call

    Wind inside and the wind outside
    Tangled in the window blind
    Tell me why you treat me so unkind
    Down where the sun don't shine
    Lonely and I call your name
    No place left to go, ain't that a shame?

    So many roads I tell you
    New York to San Francisco
    So many roads I know
    All I want is one to take me home
    From the high road to the low
    So many roads I know
    So many roads so many roads

    From the land of the midnight sun
    Where the ice blue roses grow
    Along those roads of gold and silver snow
    Howlin' wide or moaning low
    So many roads I know
    So many roads to ease my soul (note 1)

  • Nineteen forty, Xmas eve, with the full moon over town (note 1)
    Stagger Lee shot Billy DeLyon and he blew that poor boy down
    Do you know what he shot him for, what do you make of that
    'Cause Billy DeLyon threw lucky dice, won Stagger Lee's stetson hat

    Baio, Baio, tell me how can this be
    You go arrest the girls for turning tricks but you're scared of Stagger Lee
    Stagger Lee is a mad man, and he shot my Billy dead
    Baio go get him, or give the job to me

    Delia, Delia, dear sweet Delia D
    How the hell can I arrest him, when he's twice as big as me
    Well don't ask me to go downtown, I wouldn't come back alive
    Not only is that mother big, he packs a forty five

    Baio, Delia said, just give me a gun
    He shot my Billy dead and now I'm gonna see him hung
    She waded to DeLyon's club through Billy DeLyon's blood
    Stepped up to Stagger Lee at the bar, said buy me a gin fizz love

    As Stagger Lee lit a cigarette, she shot him in the balls (note 2)
    Blew the smoke off her revolver, had him dragged to City Hall
    Baio, Baio, see you hang him high
    He shot my Billy dead and now he's got to die

    Delia went a-walking down on Singapore Street
    Three piece band on the corner played 'nearer my God to thee'
    But Delia whistled a different tune, what tune could it be
    The song that woman sang was look out Stagger Lee
    The song that Delia sang was look out Stagger Lee

  • Standing on the moon, I got no cobweb on my shoe
    Standing on the moon, I'm feeling so alone and blue
    I see the Gulf of Mexico as tiny as a tear
    The coast of California must be somewhere over here
    Over here

    Standing on the moon, I see the battle rage below
    Standing on the moon, I see the soldiers come and go
    There's a metal flag beside me someone planted long ago
    Old glory standing stiffly, crimson, white and indigo
    Old glory standing stiffly, crimson, white and indigo
    Indigo

    I see all of South East Asia; I can see El Salvador
    I hear the cries of children and the other songs of war
    It's like a mighty melody that rings down from the sky
    Standing here upon the moon I watch it all roll by
    All roll by
    All roll by
    All roll by

    Standing on the moon, I see a shadow on the sun
    Standing on the moon, the stars go fading one by one
    I hear a cry of victory, another of defeat
    A scrap of age-old lullaby down some forgotten street

    Standing on the moon, where talk is cheap and vision true
    Standing on the moon, but I would rather be with you
    Somewhere in San Francisco on a back porch in July
    Just looking up to heaven at this crescent in the sky
    In the sky

    Standing on the moon with nothing left to do
    A lovely view of heaven but I'd rather be with you
    A lovely view of heaven but I'd rather be with you
    Be with you
    I'd rather be with you
    [etc]

  • All the years combine
    They melt into a dream
    A broken angel sings
    From a guitar

    In the end there's just a song
    Comes crying up the night
    Through all the broken dreams (note 1)
    And vanished years

    Stella Blue
    Stella Blue

    When all the cards are down
    There's nothing left to see
    There's just the pavement left
    And broken dreams

    In the end there's still that song (note 2)
    Comes crying like the wind
    Down every lonely street
    That's ever been

    Stella Blue
    Stella Blue

    I've stayed in every blue light cheap hotel
    Can't win for trying
    Dust off those rusty strings just one more time
    Gonna make them shine (note 3)

    It all rolls into one
    And nothing comes for free
    There's nothing you can hold
    For very long

    And when you hear that song
    Come crying like the wind
    It seems like all this life
    Was just a dream

    Stella Blue
    Stella Blue

  • When they come to take you down
    When they bring that wagon round
    When they come to call on you
    And drag your poor body down

    Just one thing I ask of you
    Just one thing for me
    Please forget you knew my name
    My darling, Sugaree

    Shake it, shake it, Sugaree
    Just don't tell them that you know me
    Shake it, shake it, Sugaree
    Just don't tell them that you know me

    You thought you was the cool fool
    And never would do no wrong
    You had everything sewed up tight
    How come you lay awake all night long

    Well in spite of all you gained
    You still have to stand out in the pouring rain
    One last voice is calling you
    And I guess it's time you go

    Well shake it up now, Sugaree
    I'll meet you at the jubilee
    And if that jubilee don't come
    Maybe I'll meet you on the run

  • Cold iron shackles, ball and chain
    Listen to the whistle of the evening train
    You know you bound to wind up dead
    If you don't head back to Tennessee Jed

    Rich man step on my poor head
    When you get back you better butter my bread
    Well you know it's like I said
    You better head back to Tennessee Jed

    Chorus Tennessee, Tennessee
    There ain't no place I'd rather be
    Baby won't you carry me
    Back to Tennessee

     

    Drank all day and rock all night
    The law come to get you if you don't walk right
    Got a letter this morning, baby, and all it read
    You better head back to Tennessee Jed

    I dropped four flights and cracked my spine
    Buddy come quick with the iodine
    Catch a few winks, baby, under the bed
    Then you head back to Tennessee Jed

    I ran into Charlie Phogg (note 1)
    Blacked my eye and he kicked my dog
    My doggie turned to me and he said
    Let's head back to Tennessee Jed

    I woke up feeling mean
    I went down to play the slot machine
    The wheels turned around and the letters read
    You better head back to Tennessee Jed

  • Inspiration, move me brightly
    Light the song with sense of colour
    Hold away despair
    More than this I will not ask
    Faced with mysteries dark and vast
    Statements just seem vain at last
    Some rise, some fall, some climb (note 1)
    To get to Terrapin

    Counting stars by candlelight
    Some are dim but one is bright
    The spiral light on Venus
    Rising first and shining best
    Oh, from the north-west corner
    Of a brand new crescent moon
    Where crickets and cicadas sing
    A rare and different tune
    Terrapin Station
    In the shadow of the moon
    Terrapin Station
    And I know we'll be there soon

    (Terrapin)
    I can't figure out
    (Terrapin)
    If it's the end or beginning (note 2)
    (Terrapin)
    But the train's put it brakes on
    (Terrapin)
    And the whistle is screaming
    Terrapin

  • Oh I know there is no place you can go to
    And I know you don't know anyone at all
    So come walking in the sun with me my little one
    And remember that the only time is now

    Well strange is the story your eyes tell me
    And quiet all the few words that you say
    So come and hold my hand for you see I'd understand
    And remember that the only time is now

    Oh I come to you a ragged laughing stranger (note 1)
    And you come to me an angel of the night
    So I'll dance and we will sing, for it doesn't mean a thing
    To remember that the only time is now

    So forget about your yesterdays of sorrow
    And forget about the darkness you have seen
    For there's only you and me at the edge of an endless sea
    And remember that the only time is now

  • Merry run around
    Sailing up and down
    Looking for a shove in some direction
    Got it from the top
    It's nothing you can stop
    Lord, you know they made a fine connection

    Chorus They love each other
    Lord, you can see it's true
    Lord, you can see it's true
    Lord, you can see it's true

     

    He could pass his time
    Around some other line
    But you know he chose this place beside her
    Don't get in the way
    There's nothing you can say
    Nothing that you need to add or do

    It's nothing, they explain
    It's like a diesel train
    Better not be there when it rolls over
    And when that train rolls in
    You won't know where it's been
    You gotta try to see a little further

    Though you'll make a noise
    They just can't hear your voice
    They're on a dizzy ride and you're cold sober

    Hope you will believe what I say is true (note 1)
    Everything I did, I heard it first from you

    Heard your news report
    You know you're falling short
    Pretty soon won't trust you for the weather
    When that ship comes in
    You won't know where it's been
    You got to try to see a little further

  • Till the morning comes
    It'll do you fine
    Till the morning comes
    Like a highway sign
    Showing you the way
    Leaving no doubt
    Of the way on in or the way back out

    Tell you what I'll do
    I'll watch out for you
    You're my woman now
    Make yourself easy
    Make yourself easy
    Make yourself easy

    Till we all fall down
    It'll do you fine
    Don't think about
    What you left behind
    The way you came
    Or the way you go
    Let your tracks be lost in the dark and snow

    When the shadows grow
    It'll do you fine
    When the cold winds blow
    It'll ease your mind
    The shape it takes
    Could be yours to choose
    What you may win, what you may lose

  • To lay me down once more, to lay me down
    With my head in sparkling clover
    Let the world go by, all lost in dreaming
    To lay me down one last time, to lay me down

    To be with you once more, to be with you
    With our bodies close together
    Let the world go by, like clouds a-streaming
    To lay me down one last time, to lay me down

    To lay me down, to lay me down
    To lay me down one last time, to lay me down

    To lie with you once more, to lie with you
    With our dreams entwined together
    To wake beside you, my love still sleeping
    To tell sweet lies one last time and say goodnight

    To lay me down, to lay me down
    To lay me down one last time, to lay me down

  • It must be getting early
    Clocks are running late
    Paint by numbers morning sky
    Looks so phony

    Dawn is breaking everywhere
    Light a candle, curse the glare
    Draw the curtains, I don't care
    'Cause it's alright

    I will get by
    I will get by
    I will get by
    I will survive

    I see you got your list out
    Say your piece and get out (note 1)
    Yes I got the gist of it
    But it's alright

    Sorry that you feel that way
    The only thing there is to say
    Every silver lining's got a
    Touch of grey

    It's a lesson to me
    The Ables and the Bakers and the C's
    The A B C's
    We all must face
    And try to keep a little grace

    I know the rent is in arrears
    The dog has not been fed in years
    It's even worse than it appears
    But it's alright

    Cows are giving kerosene
    The kid can't read at seventeen
    The words he knows are all obscene
    But it's alright

    I will get by
    I will get by
    I will get by
    I will survive

    It's a lesson to me
    The Deltas and the East and the Freeze
    The A B C's
    We all think of
    And try to keep a little love

    The shoe is on the hand it fits
    There's really nothing much to it
    Whistle through your teeth and split
    'Cause it's alright

    Oh well a touch of grey
    Kind of suits you anyway
    That was all I had to say
    And it's alright

    I will get by
    I will get by
    I will get by
    I will survive

    We will get by
    We will get by
    We will get by
    We will survive

  • Truckin' got my chips cashed in
    Keep truckin' like the doodah man
    Together, more or less in line
    Just keep truckin' on

    Arrows of neon and flashing marquees out on Main Street
    Chicago, New York, Detroit and its all the same street
    Your typical city involved in a typical daydream
    Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings

    Dallas got a soft machine
    Houston too close to New Orleans
    New York got the ways and means
    But just won't let you be

    Most of the cats that you meet on the street speak of true love
    Most of the time they're sitting and crying at home
    One of these days they know they gotta get going
    Out of the door and into the street all alone

    Truckin' like the doodah man
    Once told me "Gotta play your hand
    Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime
    If you don't lay them down"

    Sometimes the lights all shining on me
    Other times I can barely see
    Lately it occurs to me
    What a long strange trip it's been

    What in the world ever became of sweet Jane? (note 1)
    She lost her sparkle you know she isn't the same
    Living on reds and vitamin C and cocaine
    All her friends can say is ain't it a shame

    Truckin' up to Buffalo
    Been thinking you got to mellow slow
    Takes time, you pick a place to go
    Just keep truckin' on

    Sitting and staring out of the hotel window
    Got a tip they're gonna kick the door in again
    Like to get some sleep before I travel
    But if you got a warrant I guess you're gonna come in

    Busted down on Bourbon Street
    Set up like a bowling pin
    Knocked down, it gets to wearing thin
    They just won't let you be

    You're sick of hanging around, you'd like to travel
    Get tired of travelling you want to settle down
    I guess they can't revoke your soul for trying
    Get out of the door, light out and look all around

    Sometimes the lights all shining on me
    Other times I can barely see
    Lately it occurs to me
    What a long strange trip it's been

    Truckin' I'm a going home
    Whoa, whoa, baby, back where I belong
    Back home, sit down and patch my bones
    And get back truckin' on

  • Red and white, blue suede shoes
    I'm Uncle Sam, how do you do
    Gimme five, still alive
    Ain't no luck, I learned to duck

    Check my pulse, it don't change
    Stay seventy two, come shine or rain
    Wave the flag, pop the bag
    Rock the boat, skin the goat

    Wave that flag, wave it wide and high
    Summertime done come and gone, my oh my

    I'm Uncle Sam, that's who I am
    Been hiding out, in a rock and roll band
    Shake the hand that shook the hand
    Of P. T. Barnum and Charlie Chan (note 1)

    Shine your shoes, light your fuse
    Can you use them old U.S. Blues
    I'll drink your health, share your wealth
    Run your life, steal your wife

    Back to back, chicken shack
    Son of a gun, better change your act
    We're all confused, what's to lose
    You can call this song the United States Blues (note 2)

  • Well the first days are the hardest days, don't you worry any more
    'Cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door
    Think this through with me, let me know your mind
    Wo-oh, what I want to know is, are you kind?

    It's a buck dancer's choice my friend, better take my advice
    You know all the rules by now, and the fire from the ice
    Will you come with me, won't you come with me?
    Wo-oh, what I want to know, will you come with me?

    God damn, well I declare, have you seen the like?
    Their walls are built of cannon balls
    Their motto is "don't" tread on me"

    Come hear Uncle John's Band, playing to the tide
    Come with me or go alone
    He's come to take his children home

    It's the same story the crow told me, it's the only one he knows
    Like the morning sun you come and like the wind you go
    Ain't no time to hate, barely time to wait
    Wo-oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?

    I live in a silver mine and I call it beggar's tomb
    I got me a violin and I beg you call the tune
    Anybody's choice, I can hear your voice
    Wo-oh, what I want to know, how does the song go?

    Come hear Uncle John's Band, by the river side
    Got some things to talk about
    Here beside the rising tide

  • *Wave the flag, *pop the bag
    *Rock the boat, skin the goat
    Trap the rat, bell the cat
    Ball the jack, chew the fat

    Shoot the breeze, lose the keys
    Feed the poor, stop the war
    Make the signs, connect the lines
    Pay your fines, save your dimes

    Chorus *Wave that flag, wave it wide and high
    *Summertime done come and gone, my oh my

    Meet the best, read the rest
    Hide in caves, walk on waves
    Pull the tooth, stretch the truth
    [?]

    Catch the flicks, get your kicks
    Play your rags, pick up sticks
    [?], trim your wig
    Try your tricks, impress the chicks

    Watch the bands, dig and dance
    Live in shame, die in vain
    Catch the flu, burn the stew
    *Shine your shoes, sing the blues

  • Looking for a chateau
    Twenty one rooms but one will do
    Looking for a chateau
    Twenty one rooms but one will do
    I don't want to buy it
    I just want to rent it for an hour or two

    Met an old mistake
    Walking down the street today
    Met an old mistake
    Walking down the street today
    I didn't want to be mean about it
    But I, I didn't have one good word to say

    Chorus West L.A. fadeaway
    West L.A. fadeaway
    Little red light on the highway
    Big green light on the speedway, hey, hey, hey

     

    I had a steady job
    Hauling items for the mob
    I had a steady job
    Hauling items for the mob

    You know the pay was pathetic
    It's a shame those boys couldn't be more copacetic

    I met a west L.A. girl
    Already know what I need to know
    I met a west L.A. girl
    Already know what I need to know
    Name, address and phone number, Lord
    And just how far to go

    Looking for a chateau Twenty one rooms but one will do
    Looking for a chateau
    Twenty one rooms but one will do
    I don't want to rent it
    I just what to use it for a minute or two

    Little red light on the highway
    Big green light on the speedway, hey, hey, hey
    Little red light on the highway
    Big green light on the speedway, hey, hey, hey

  • Old man down (note 1)
    Way down, down by the docks of the city (note 2)
    Blind and dirty
    Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee
    I got no dime, but I got some time to hear his story

    My name is August West
    And I love my Pearly Baker best, more than my wine
    More than my wine (note 3)
    More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine

    Everyone said
    I'd come to no good
    I knew I would
    Pearly, believed them
    Half of my life
    Spent doing time for some other fucker's crime (note 4)
    The other half found me
    Stumbling around, drunk on burgundy wine

    But I'll get back on my feet someday
    The good lord willing, if he says I may
    I know that the life I'm living's no good
    I'll get a new start, live the life I should
    I'll get up and fly away
    I'll get up and fly away

    Pearly's been true
    True to me, true to my dying day, he said
    I said to him
    I said to him, I'm sure she's been
    I said to him, I'm sure she's been true to you

    I got up and wandered
    Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just to hang around
    I've got a girl
    Named Bonny Lee, I know that girl's been true to me (note 5)
    I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me

  • Shaking in the forest, what have you to fear
    Here there may be tigers to punch you in the ear
    Gloves of stainless steel, bats carved out of brick
    Will knock you down and push you up and give your ass a kick
    When push comes to shove
    You're afraid of love

    Shaking in the desert, wherefore do you cry
    Here there may be rattle snakes to punch you in the eye
    Shotguns full of silver, bullets made of glass
    String barbed wire at your feet and do not let you pass
    When push comes to shove
    You're afraid of love

    When push comes to shove
    When push comes to shove
    You're afraid of love
    When push comes to shove

    Shaking in the bedroom, covers on your head
    Cringing like a baby at the hand beneath the bed
    Phantom in the closet, scratching at the door
    The latest mystery killer that you saw on channel four
    When push comes to shove
    You're afraid of love

    Shaking in the garden, the fear within you grows
    Here there may be roses to punch you in the nose
    Twist their arms around you, slap you till you cry
    Wrap you in their sweet perfume and love you till I die
    When push comes to shove
    You're afraid of love