Amazon exiles discussion

When my mother told me
"Don't forget your rain boots when it's wet"
I listened up just like a good, good little girl
And when she prudently suggested
I should lose the cigarette
I knew that bit of wisdom was a pearl
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I admit to you with trepidatious dread
Unfortunately there was some
That whizzed right through my ears
Oh where, where was my mind when mother said:

Avoid naval-contemplating, floppy-haired actors
Originally from Baltimore
Who excel at mime, still play Stratego
And have issues with their mom
Sure, at first, they're very charming
Their attention is disarming
But give attention in return and, dear
They'll drop you like a bomb
Yes, do avoid REO-Speedwagon-loving
Christopher-Walken-imitating thespians
Originally from Baltimore
Who can't piss unless their shrink says it's okay
Why let them break your heart, dear?
Put your head on and be smart, dear
Put some bug spray on and make them go away

When my daddy told me
"Look both ways before you cross the street"
I took his words to heart, and I complied
And when he told me
"Be yourself," and I should march to my own beat
I did, and found the truth was bona fide
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I have to say, I am a bit surprised
I missed the best advice that daddy trumpeted my way
Oh where, where was my mind when he advised:

Avoid narcissistic, alcoholic
Think they're French, but they're not, waiters
Originally from Baltimore
Who deflower you
Carry a copy of Fountainhead in their pocket
And lie about their age
Sure, at first, their eyes look steely
And their words are touchy-feely
Have them cheat upon you twice
And my advice is more than sage
Yes, do steer clear of Renaissance-festival-loving
Food service consultants originally from Baltimore
Who say they danced with NYC Ballet
But are really an administrative intern
For it's clear upon reflection, if you give him your affection
You will understand the concept, "Crash and Burn"

(Audra McDonald)

Hey! What's new in Baltimore?
Rockin' Robin.
Hey! What's new in Baltimore?
Hot Rod's Lips.
Hey! What's new in Baltimore?
What's new in Baltimore?
Hey! What's new in Baltimore?
I don't know!
Hey! What's new in Baltimore?
Better go back and find out.
What's new in Baltimore?
What's new in Baltimore?
What's new in Baltimore?
(zank frappa)

We left the farm 'twas early one morn'
Determined we'd be back no more
My wife had an uncle that worked every day
In a nut and bolt factory up in Baltimore

The day we arrived to start our new life
Our big dreams had started to soar
I got me a job a carrying odds
Breathing the smog of old Baltimore

That dirt it was black and the work hurt my back
And I swore I could do it no more
Yes I thought I'd die from the sun in the sky
Things would get better here in Baltimore

The next thing I knew my wife took the flu
And the doctor bills soon made us poor
And to make ends meet I started to sweep
Those dirty old streets up in Baltimore

The smell of the bay the buildings of gray
Was more than I bargained for
If I had my way I'd go home today
For there's no milk and honey here in Baltimore
For there's no milk and honey here in Baltimore

(Buck Owens)

Oh, oh, oh
Woke up today
Feeling the way I always do
Oh, oh, oh
Hungry for something
That I can't eat
Then I hear the beat
The rhythm uptown
Starts calling me down
It's like a message from
High above
Oh, oh, oh
Pulling me out
To the smiles and the
Streets that I love
Good morning, Baltimore
Every day's like an open door
Every night is a fantasy
Every sound's like a symphony
Good morning, Baltimore
And someday when I take to the floor
The world's gonna wake up and see
Baltimore and me
(from 'hairspray')

Beat up little seagull
On a marble stair
Tryin' to find the ocean
Lookin' everywhere
Hard times in the city
In a hard town by the sea
Ain't nowhere to run to
There ain't nothin' here for free

Waitin' for a train
Drunk lyin' on the sidewalk
Sleepin' in the rain
And they hide their faces
And they hide their eyes
Cause the city's dyin'
And they don't know why

Oh Baltimore
Man it's hard just to live
Oh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to life, just to live

Get my sister Sandy
And my little brother Ray
Buy a big old wagon
To haul us all away
Live out in the country
Where the mountain's high
Never comin' back here
'Til the day I die

Oh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to live
Oh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to live, just to live

(Randy Newman)

Her head rolls back and forth
Against the billows of her long black shiny hair
As she contemplates the ecstasy
Of some other love that now she wished was there

If she could only realize that the love I have could beckon her command
Instead of laughing endlessly and pushing back advances with her hands

Every night I see her leaves a nightmare of illusions when she's gone
And it leaves a longing feeling in a man with a pain that lingers on

The gaudy goodbye can't replace the girlish giggle of her sweet hello
But tonight I've made my crumbled mind up that I'll never ever let her go

Too many nights I've watched her tease
By shifting all her weight from hip to hip
And with her hands brush back the falling strands
That cover up her satin lips

She struts upon the stage and her fallen victims are calling out for more
But she leaves them stranded helplessly and exits to her dressing room door

Tonight I'm gonna take her, I've infiltrated past the guarded door
But she just hurries by me carrying all those scanty costumes that she wore

And she asks a sawed off cigar smoking cat if he would open up the door
Then she told him to load the baggage
Because they open tomorrow night in Baltimore

God' if I have to crawl, I'm gonna be there tomorrow night in Baltimore

(Roger Miller)

I've gambled down in the town of Newport News
The more I gamble, boys, the more I lose
Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington
I guess they got troubles too

Well the hobos know me up and down the line
They don't know the trouble on my mind
I guess they got troubles too
I guess they got troubles too, boys
I guess they got troubles too
I guess they got troubles too, boys

And the police know me up and down the line
They don't know the trouble on my hands
I guess they got troubles too
I guess they got trouble too, boy
I guess they got troubles too
I guess the police they got their troubles too

From Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington
I guess they've got troubles too

Going up north and goin north this fall
If my luck don't change I won't be back at all
From Baltimore to Washington
Oh Baltimore to Washington, boys
Baltimore to Washington
Baltimore to Washington
I guess they got troubles too

(Woody Guthrie)

I think I’ll go to Baltimore
I think I’ll go to Baltimore
To cool my jets, calm my mind
Catch my breath, try to find
Some sense behind what you and I’ve been through
It’s not the end of the world but it’ll do

I think I’ll go to Baltimore
I think I’ll go to Baltimore
A little room with just four walls
From there I can see it all
The where I’ve been, the where I want to be
For awhile you may not hear from me

When I go to Baltimore

It’s gonna get dark, gonna get mean
I got a fight with a man I’ve never seen
Down in the bottom of a deep dark hole
Shine a light on my soul
And when I do, would you

Come for me in Baltimore
Put my feet back on the floor
I’ll trace the roadmap on your breast
The north the south, all the rest
So when we’re lost, when we are in doubt
In Baltimore we can work it out

I think I’ll go to Baltimore
I think I’ll go to Baltimore
I think I’ll go to Baltimore

(Darden Smith)

Out where the bright lights are glowing
You're drawn like a moth to a flame
You laugh while the wine's overflowing
While I sit and whisper your name

Four walls to hear me
Four walls to see
Four walls too near me
Closing in on me

Sometimes I ask why I'm waiting
But my walls have nothing to say
I'm made for love not for hating
So here where you left me I'll stay

One night with you is like heaven
And so while I'm walking the floor
I listen for steps in the hallway
And wait for your knock on my door

Four walls to hear me
Four walls to see
Four walls too near me
Closing in on me

(Jim Reeves)

They’re calling time for exercise
Round Her Majesty’s hotel
The maid’ll hose the room out
When I’m gone
I never knew such luxury
Before my verdict fell
Four walls, washbasin, prison bed

Well the Bathurst riots ended
When they clubbed the rebels down
And in every congregation
There was silence
You can hear the Angels singin’
When Christmas comes around
Four walls, washbasin, prison bed

I love to march while some Nazi calls the time
Who’d wanna go home

I can’t see
I can’t hear
They’ve burnt out all the feeling
I’ve never been so crazy
And it’s just my second year
Four walls, washbasin, prison bed

(Cold Chisel)

On July the second, 1953
I was servin' time for armed robbery
At four o'clock in the mornin', I was sleepin' in my cell
I heard the whistle blow then I heard somebody yell

(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
Up in cellblock number nine

The trouble started down in cellblock number four
And spread like fire across the prison floor
I said, "okay boys, get ready to run
Here come the warden with a tommy gun"

(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
Up in cellblock number nine

The warden said, "come out with your hands up in the air
If you don't stop this riot, you're all gonna get the chair"
Scarface Jones said, "it's too late to quit
Pass the dynamite 'cause the fuse is lit"

(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
Up in cellblock number nine

In the forty-seventh hour the tear gas got our men
We are all back in our cells but every now and then

(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
(There's a riot goin' on)
Up in cellblock number nine

(The Coasters)

I was fresh out of the service
It was back in 82
I raised some Cain when I come back to town
I left to be all I could be
Come home without a clue
Now, I married Dawn and had to settle down

So I hired on at the prison
Guess I always knew I would
Just like my dad and both my uncles done
And I worked on every cell block
Now, things're goin' good
But then they transferred me to Ellis Unit One

Swing low
Swing low
Swing low and carry me home

Well, my daddy used to talk about them long nights at the walls
And how they used to strap em in the chair
The kids down from the college and they'd bring their beer n all
N when the lights went out, a cheer rose in the air

Well, folks just got too civilized
Sparky's gatherin' dust
Cause no one wants to touch a smokin' gun
And since they got the injection
They don't mind as much, I guess
They just put em down at Ellis Unit One

Swing low
Swing low
Swing low and carry me home

Well, I've seen em fight like lions, boys
I've seen 'em go like lambs
And I've helped to drag em when they could not stand
And I've heard their mamas cryin' when they heard that big door slam
And I've seen the victim's family holdin' hands

Last night I dreamed that I woke up with straps across my chest
And something cold and black pullin' through my lungs
N even Jesus couldn't save me though I know he did his best
But he don't live on Ellis Unit One

Swing low
Swing low
Swing low and carry me home
Swing low
Don't let go
Swing low and carry me home

(Steve Earle)

Judge, you wanna hear my plea
Before you open up your court
But I don't want no sympathy
'Cause I done cut my good man's throat

I caught him with a trifling Jane
I warned him 'bout before
I had my knife and went insane
And the rest you ought to know

Judge, Judge, please, Mr. Judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, Judge, good Mr. Judge
Let me go away from here

I wanna take a journey
To the devil down below
I done killed my man
I wanna reap just what I've sowed

Oh, Judge, Judge, lordy, lordy, Judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, Judge, hear me, Judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair

Judge, Judge, send me there, Judge
I love him so dear


I cut him with my Barlow
I kicked him in the side
I stood there laughing over him
While he wallowed 'round and died

Oh, Judge, Judge, lordy Judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, Judge, please, Mr. Judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair

Judge, Judge, good, kind Judge
Burn me, 'cause I don't care

I don't want no bondsman there
To go my bail
I don't want to spend no
Nine and ninety years in jail

So Judge, Judge, good kind Judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair

(Bessie Smith)

Have you seen the iron lady's charms
Legs of steel, leather on her arms
Taking on a man to die
A life for a life, an eye for an eye
And death's the iron lady in the chair

Stop the murder, deter the crimes away
Only killing shows that killing doesn't pay
Yes that's the kind of law it takes
Even though we make mistakes
And sometimes send the wrong man to the chair

In the death row waiting for their turn
No time to change, not a chance to learn
Waiting for someone to call
Say it's over after all
They won't have to face the justice of the chair

Just before they serve him one last meal
Shave his head, they ask him how he feels
Then the warden comes to say goodbye
Reporters come to watch him die
Watch him as he's strapped into the chair

And the chaplain, he reads the final prayer
Be brave my son, the Lord is waiting there
Oh murder is so wrong you see
Both the Bible and the courts agree
That the state's allowed to murder in the chair

In the courtroom, watch the balance of the scales
If the price is right, there's time for more appeals
The strings are pulled, the switch is stayed
The finest lawyers fees are paid
And a rich man never died upon the chair

Have you seen the iron lady's charms
Legs of steel, leather on her arms
Taking on a man to die
A life for a life, an eye for an eye
That's the iron lady in the chair

(Phil Ochs)

I began to warm and chill
To objects and their fields,
A ragged cup, a twisted mop
The face of Jesus in my soup
Those sinister dinner deals
The meal trolley's wicked wheels
A hooked bone rising from my food
All things either good or ungood.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this measuring of proof.
An eye for an eye
A tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die.
Interpret signs and catalogue
A blackened tooth, a scarlet fog.
The walls are bad. Black. Bottom kind.
They are sick breath at my hind
They are sick breath at my hind
They are sick breath at my hind
They are sick breath gathering at my hind
I hear stories from the chamber
How Christ was born into a manger
And like some ragged stranger
Died upon the cross
And might I say, it seems so fitting in its way
He was a carpenter by trade
Or at least that's what I'm told
Like my good hand
Tattooed E.V.I.L. across it's brother's fist
That filthy five! They did nothing to challenge or resist.
In Heaven His throne is made of gold
The ark of his Testament is stowed
A throne from which I'm told
All history does unfold.
Down here it's made of wood and wire
And my body is on fire
And God is never far away.
Into the mercy seat I climb
My head is shaved, my head is wired
And like a moth that tries
To enter the bright eye
So I go shuffling out of life
Just to hide in death awhile
And anyway I never lied.
My kill-hand is called E.V.I.L.
Wears a wedding band that's G.O.O.D.
'Tis a long-suffering shackle
Collaring all that devil blood.
And the mercy seat is a-burning
And I think my head is flowing
And in a way I'm hoping
To be done with all this weighing up of truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And I've got nothing left to lose
And I'm not afraid to die.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this measuring of proof
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway, there was no proof
And nor a motive why.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this measuring of proof.
A life for a life
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway there was no proof
And I'm not afraid to die
(nick cave)

Nobody knows what waits ahead, Beyond the earth and sky
Lie-d Lie-d Lie, I'm not afraid to die
And there the work of my own hand, Be broken by and by
Lie-d Lie-d Lie, I'm not afraid to die

Sometimes it finds me fast asleep, And wakes me where I lie
Lie-d Lie-d Lie, I'm not afraid to die
Forget my sins upon the wind, My hobo soul will rise
Lie-d Lie-d Lie, I'm not afraid to die

Lie-d Lie-d Lie, I'm not afraid to die

(Gillian Welch)

I thought of you when they closed down the school
And the hospital too, did they think that you were better
They were wrong
You had so many friends, they all left you in the end
Cos they couldn't take the patter

And I'll see you baby when the clans rise again
Women and men united by a struggle going down
You got to walk into the water
With your sister and your daughter in this free world

If I wore your shades, could I share your point of view?
Could I make you feel better, paint a picture, write a letter
Well I know what you're saying but I see the things you do
And it's much too dangerous to get closer to you

But I will see you baby when the clans rise again
Women and men united by the struggle going down
With a pocketful of plastic like a dollar on elastic in this free world

I wouldn't tell you if I didn't care

I will see you baby when the clans rise again
Women and men united by the struggle
And the ghettos are full of Mercedes Benz
And you'd never hurt a friend who wouldn't tell you

It's cold and it's going to get colder
You may not get much older
You're much too scared of living
And to die is a reliable exit so you push it and you test it
With Thunderbird and Rivin

And I'll see you baby when the clans rise again
Women and men united in the struggle
In this free world baby got to take it up and grab it
Got to get it up and shag it in this free world

Going down you got to get into the water
Like a lamb goes to the slaughter
In this free world baby going down
With a pocketful of plastic
Like a dollar on elastic in this free world

I wouldn't tell you if I didn't care.

(Kirsty MacColl)

If I didn't care more than words can say
If I didn't care, would I feel this way?
If this isn't love then why do I thrill?
And what makes my head go 'round and 'round
While my heart stands still?

If I didn't care, would it be the same?
Would my every prayer begin and end with just your name?
And would I be sure that this is love beyond compare?
Would all this be true if I didn't care for you?

If I didn't care, Honey child, more than words can say
If I didn't care, would I feel this way?
Darlin', if this isn't love, then why do I thrill so much?
And what is it that makes my head go 'round and 'round
While my heart just stands still so much?

If I didn't care would it be the same?
Would my every prayer begin and end with just your name?
And would I be sure that this is love beyond compare?
Would all this be true? ... if I didn't care for you?

(The Ink Spots)

I don't care how dark it gets
How much you spent
The walls you hit
All these days will pass with time
You'll walk that line
But you'll be fine
And I'll be waiting at the sign

Rest your mind when they call your name
Don't play too hard
It's just a game
It doesn't matter if you win
Your sideways cap and childlike grin
Are what I long to see again
You'll tell me what kind of man you've been
Someday when you've reached the end
When we meet in the desert wind

(Milton Mapes)

You call everybody darlin', And everybody calls you darlin' too
You don't mean what you're sayin', It's just a game you're playin'
But you'll find someone else can play the game as well as you!
If you call everybody darlin'? Then love won't come a-knockin' at your door
And as the years go by, You'll sit and wonder why? ... Nobody calls you darlin' anymore

(You call everybody darlin', And everybody calls you darlin' too
No, no, no, you don't mean what you're sayin', It's just a game you're playin'
But you'll find someone else can play the game as well as you!
If you call everybody darlin'? Then love won't come a-knockin' at your door, nevermore
And as the years go by, You'll sit and wonder why? ... Nobody calls you darlin' anymore)

You call everybody (what?) darlin' (ohhh, dear me, yes)
And everybody calls you darlin' too (how many times in the day do I say?)
You don't mean what you're sayin', It's just a game you're playin'
But you'll find someone else can play the game as well as you! (maybe better!)
If you call everybody (what?) darlin', Then love won't come a-knockin' at your door
Who's there? (not love)
And as the years go by, You'll sit and wonder why? ... Nobody calls you darlin' anymore

(The Andrews Sisters)

You went away and left me long time ago
Now you're knocking on my door
I hear you knocking, but you can't come in
I hear you knocking, go back where you been
I begged you not to go but you said goodbye
And now you're telling me all your lies
I hear you knocking, but you can't come in
I hear you knocking, go back where you been, oh yeah
You better get back to your used-to-be
'Cause you're kinda love ain't good for me
I hear you knocking, but you can't come in
I hear you knocking, go back where you been
I told you way back in Fifty-two
That I would never go with you
I hear you knocking but you can't come in
I hear you knocking, go back where you been

(Dave Edmunds)

Mama, take this badge off of me,
I can't use it any more.
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see.
Feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock-knock-knockin' on heaven's door.

Mama, put my guns in the ground,
I can't shoot them any more.
That long, dark cloud is comin' down.
Feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock-knock-knockin' on heaven's door.

(Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, or Bob Dylan)

When I get to heaven, I'm gonna shake God's hand
Thank him for more blessings than one man can stand
Then I'm gonna get a guitar and start a rock-n-roll band
Check into a swell hotel; ain't the afterlife grand?
And then I'm gonna get a cocktail: vodka and ginger ale
Yeah, I'm gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long
I'm gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
'Cause this old man is goin' to town
Then as God as my witness, I'm gettin' back into showbusiness
I'm gonna open up a nightclub called "The Tree of Forgiveness"
And forgive everybody ever done me any harm
Well, I might even invite a few choice critics, those syph'litic parasitics
Buy 'em a pint of [?] and smother 'em with my charm
'Cause then I'm gonna get a cocktail: vodka and ginger ale
Yeah I'm gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long
I'm gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
Yeah this old man is goin' to town
Yeah when I get to heaven, I'm gonna take that wristwatch off my arm
What are you gonna do with time after you've bought the farm?
And them I'm gonna go find my mom and dad, and good old brother Doug
Well I bet him and cousin Jackie are still cuttin' up a rug
I wanna see all my mama's sisters, 'cause that's where all the love starts
I miss 'em all like crazy, bless their little hearts
And I always will remember these words my daddy said
He said, "Buddy, when you're dead, you're a dead pecker-head"
I hope to prove him wrong, that is, when I get to heaven
'Cause I'm gonna have a cocktail: vodka and ginger ale
Yeah I'm gonna smoke a cigarette that's nine miles long
I'm gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
Yeah this old man is goin' to town
Yeah this old man is goin' to town

John Prine

Nice one Lez. The missing word is 'Smithwick's'


The air is getting hotter
There's a rumbling in the skies
I've been wading through the high muddy water
With the heat rising in my eyes
Every day your memory grows dimmer
It doesn't haunt me like it did before
I've been walking through the middle of nowhere
Trying to get to heaven before they close the door

When I was in Missouri
They would not let me be
I had to leave there in a hurry
I only saw what they let me see
You broke a heart that loved you
Now you can seal up the book and not write anymore
I've been walking that lonesome valley
Trying to get to heaven before they close the door

People on the platforms
Waiting for the trains
I can hear their hearts a-beatin'
Like pendulums swinging on chains
When you think that you lost everything
You find out you can always lose a little more
I'm just going down the road feeling bad
Trying to get to heaven before they close the door

I'm going down the river
Down to New Orleans
They tell me everything is gonna be all right
But I don't know what "all right" even means
I was riding in a buggy with Miss Mary-Jane
Miss Mary-Jane got a house in Baltimore
I been all around the world, boys
Now I'm trying to get to heaven before they close the door

Gonna sleep down in the parlor
And relive my dreams
I'll close my eyes and I wonder
If everything is as hollow as it seems
Some trains don't pull no gamblers
No midnight ramblers, like they did before
I been to Sugar Town, I shook the sugar down
Now I'm trying to get to heaven before they close the door

(Bob Dylan)

If I get to heaven
The first thing I'll do
Before I met my maker
I'm gonna ask around for you

All of heaven's got to know
The beauty of the truth
I'll tap an angel on the shoulder
And I'll be asking around for you

I'm sure you've found a place up there
Where we could all sit & talk a while
Play some cards & drink black coffee
How I'd love to see you smile

If I get to heaven, now
Oh, I'm prayin’ now - it'll,
It'll be the first thing I do
I'll tap an angel on the shoulder
And I'll be asking around for you

I'm sure you've found a place up there
Where we could all sit & talk a while
Play some cards & drink black coffee
How I'd love to see you smile

If I get to heaven now, oh I'm prayin’' now
It'll, it'll be the first thing I do
I'll tap an angel on the shoulder
And I'll be asking around for you

I'll tap an angel on the shoulder
and I'll be coming home to you

(Joe Bonamassa)

The Angels of Ashes
Will give back your passions
Again and again

Their light shafts
Will reach through the darkness
And touch you my friend

They'll fly in a mind dance
And blind you with wings
Wrapped in flame

If you're down to an echo
They just might remember
Your name

In the unbroken darkness
Where emptiness empties
Alone

There's no starting or stopping
Where there is no right or
No wrong

Well that's all right for some
Who can hang the absurd
On their wall

If your blind hands can't grope
Through these measureless waters
You'll fall

You've been following patterns
And fleeting sensations
Too long

And the fullness that fills up
The pulse of durations
Is gone

Let the great constellation
Of flickering ashes
Be heard

Let them burn with a fire
All it takes to confess
Is a word, just a word

I can recommend angels
I've watched as they've made a man strong
Oh so strong

If your humbleness shows
Then I'm sure that they'll take you
Along

You can tell them who sent you
It might help to get you
Above

You can say that he laughed
And he walked like St Francis
With love

(Scott Walker)

With his back against the San Francisco traffic,
On the bridge’s side that faces towards the jail,
Setting out to join a demographic,
He hoists his first leg up over the rail.
And a phone call is made,
Police cars show up quickly.
The sergeant slams his passenger door.
He says, “Hey son why don’t you talk through this with me,
Just tell me what you’re doing it for.”

“Oh, it’s a little bit of everything,
It’s the mountains,
It’s the fog,
It’s the news at six o’clock,
It’s the death of my first dog,
It’s the angels up above me,
It’s the song that they don’t sing,
It’s a little bit of everything.”

An older man stands in a buffet line,
He is smiling and holding out his plate,
And the further he looks back into his timeline,
That hard road always had led him to today,
And making up for when his bright future had left him,
Making up for the fact that his only son is gone,
And letting everything out once, his server asks him,
Have you figured out yet, what it is you want?

I want a little bit of everything,
The biscuits and the beans,
Whatever helps me to forget about
The things that brought me to my knees,
So pile on those mashed potatoes,
And an extra chicken wing,
I’m having a little bit of everything.

Somewhere a pretty girl is writing invitations,
To a wedding she has scheduled for the fall,
Her man says, “Baby, can I make an observation?
You don’t seem to be having any fun at all.”
She said, “You just worry about your groomsmen and your shirt-size,
And rest assured that this is making me feel good,
I think that love is so much easier than you realize,
If you can give yourself to someone,
Then you should.

Cause it’s a little bit of everything,
The way you choke, the way you ache,
It is waking up before you,
So I can watch you as you wake.
So in the day in late September,
It’s not some stupid little ring,
I’m giving a little bit of everything.

Oh, it’s a little bit of everything,
It’s the matador and the bull,
It’s the suggested daily dosage,
It is the red moon when it’s full.
All these psychics and these doctors,
They’re all right and they’re all wrong,
It’s like trying to make out every word,
When they should simply hum along,
It’s not some message written in the dark,
Or some truth that no one’s seen,
It’s a little bit of everything.

(Dawes)

Every inch of sky's got a star
Every inch of skin's got a scar
I guess that you've got everything now
Every inch of space in your head
Is filled up with the things that you read
I guess you've got everything now
And every film that you've ever seen
Fills the spaces up in your dreams
That reminds me

(Everything now
Everything now)

Every inch of road's got a sign
And every boy uses the same line
I pledge allegiance to everything now
Every song that I've ever heard
Is playing at the same time, it's absurd
And it reminds me, we've got everything now
We turn the speakers up till they break
'Cause every time you smile it's a fake!
Stop pretending, you've got

(Everything now!) I need it
(Everything now!) I want it
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!)
(Everything now!)
Everything now

Every ancient road's got a town
Daddy, how come you're never around?
I miss you, like everything now
Mama, leave the food on the stove
Leave your car in the middle of the road
This happy family with everything now
We turn the speakers up till they break
'Cause every time you smile it's a fake!
Stop pretending, you've got

(Everything now!) I need it
(Everything now!) I want it
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!)
(Everything now!)

'Til every room in my house is filled with shit I couldn't live without

(Everything now!) I need it
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!)
(Everything now!)
Everything now

Stop pretending, you've got

(Everything now!) I need it
(Everything now!) I want it
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!) I can't live
(Everything now!)

And every room in my house is filled with shit I couldn't live without
(Everything now!) I need it
(Everything now!) I can't live without
(Everything now!) I can't live
(Everything now!)
Every inch of space in my heart is filled with something I'll never start

The ashes of everything now
And then you're black again
Can't make it back again
From everything now

Arcade Fire

Fell asleep last night with the TV on
Oh, what a dream I had
I dreamed I went and answered every single one
Of those late night mail order ads
And four to six weeks later, much to my surprise
The mailman came to my front door
And I couldn't believe my eyes
When he brought the Vegematic
And the Pocket Fisherman too
Illuminated illustrated history of life
Boxcar Willie with a Ginzu knife
A bamboo steamer, and a Garden Weasel too
And a tie-dyed, dayglo souvenir shirt from Six Flags Over Burbank

Well the doorbell rang all morning and all through the afternoon
I shook with fright as it rang all night
To the light of the Master Card moon
There was Parcel Post in the pantry
UPS in the hall
COD to the ceiling, and I just couldn't pay for it all

I got the egg scrambler, with a Seal-a-Meal carrying case
A set of presidential commemorative plates
So I could eat my eggs off the President's face
A Minute Mender, and a needle that'll knit or crochet
And an autographed photograph of Rin Tin Tin
At Six Flags Over Burbank

I remembered I was dreaming, so I gave a mighty cheer
When I awoke, it was no joke, 'cause all that shit was here
So if you fall asleep with the TV on, let me tell you what to do:
Rip the telephone out of the wall unless you want it to happen to you

You get the Vegematic, and the Pocket Fisherman too
Illuminated illustrated history of life
And Boxcar Willie with a Ginzu knife
A bamboo steamer, and a smokeless ashtray too

And an all expenses paid weekend for three at Six Flags Over Burbank

(Steve Goodman)

My life is likened to a Bargain Store
And I may have just what you're looking for?
If you don't mind the fact that all the merchandise is used
But with a little mending it could be as good as new

Why you take for instance this old broken Heart
If you will just replace the missing part?
You would be surprised to find how good it really is
Take it, and you never will be sorry that you did
The Bargain Store is open, come inside ...
You can easily afford the price ...
Love is all you need to purchase all the merchandise
And I can guarantee you'll be completely satisfied

Take these old used memories from the past
And these broken dreams and plans that didn't last
I'll trade them for a future, I can't use them anymore
I've wasted love but I still have some more
The Bargain Store is open, come inside ...
You can easily afford the price ...
Love is all you need to purchase all the merchandise
And I can guarantee you'll be completely satisfied

My life is likened to a Bargain Store
And I may have just what you're looking for?
If you don't mind the fact that all the merchandise is used
But with a little mending it could be as good as new

The Bargain Store is open, come inside ...
The Bargain Store is open, come inside ...

(Dolly Parton)

I don't mind the quiet
Or the lonely nights
I don't miss the funky attitudes
And I don't miss the fights
I lie on the couch 'til suppertime
And hunker down and read the Post
And that's when I remember the things I miss the most:

The talk
The sex
Somebody to trust
The Audi TT
The house on the Vineyard
The house on the Gulf Coast
These are the things I miss the most

I kinda like frying up
My sad cuisine
Getting in bed and curling up with a girlie magazine
Sometimes in the corner of my eye
I see that adorable ghost
And then ba-boom I remember the things I miss the most

The talk
The sex
Somebody to trust
The comfy Eames chair
The good copper pans
The '54 Strat
These are the things I miss the most

I had a little birdy friend
By morning she was gone
Birdie good-bye
Birdie bye bye

I'm learning how to meditate
So far so good
I'm building the Andrea Doria out of balsa wood
The days really don't last forever
But it's getting pretty damn close
And that's when I remember the things I miss the most

The talk
The sex
Somebody to trust
The Audi TT
The house on the Vineyard
The house on the Gulf Coast
These are the things I miss the most

(Steely Dan)

(Sex), (Sex ... Sex ... Sex), (Why did you say "sex", Les?)
(Sex), (it's great), (Sex-sex-sex-sex), (that's right here, cool)
(Sex), (Ha-ha-ha-ha), (Sex), (Sex), (Sex), (Sex), (do sex. Which one?)
(Sex), (Distribution), (Sex ... Sex ... Sex) ...

Let me guess what's on your mind? That's all right 'cause it's all mine
You better get me what I want, 'Cause that's what I've been waiting for!

Seen upon the silver screen, Even on the cover of magazines
You can watch it on TV, But just don't let your children see ...
(Sex ... Sex ... Sex ... Sex)

What's wrong with you and me? There's more to it than biology
I'm gonna really try, To keep you satisfied ...
(Sex ... Sex ... Sex ... Sex)

Another one from making love (sex), That's where we all came from
(Yeah) that's where this world began, So let's all do it while we can!
(Sex ... Sex ... Sex ... Sex) ... (Young man, young man!)

(Sex! Sex! Sssssss...Sex ... Sex ... Sex!)

Let me guess what's on your mind? (Sex), That's all right 'cause it's all mine (Sex)
You better get me what I want, 'Cause that's what I've been waiting for!
(Sex ... Sex ... Sex ... Sex)

Another one from making love (Sex), (Ohhh) that's where we all came from (Sex)
That's where this world began, So let's all do it while we can!
(Sex ... Sex ... Sex ... Sex ... You're crazy!)

What's on your mind? - it's all mine
What's on your mind? - D-d-d-d-d-d-what's on your mind?
It's all mine, what's on your mind? ... (it's all right!) ... Aaaaahhh!!!

Bum-bum-de-dum, ba-bum-ba-ba-bum-bum-ba-bum ...

You-you-you-you-you-you-you-you ...
You better, you better, you better ... what I want
You-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you
You better, you better, you better ... what I want

You better, you better, you better, you better, you better ... what I want!

(Wanna get into it, man! ... You know, love is like a sex machine!)

(Paul Young) ... ;o>

Janey was a dressmaker from Exeter
And got caught stealing
To the colonies they sentenced her
And off she went rocking’ and a reelin’
But the man couldn’t keep little Janey down
She was always in trouble running around
Pretty soon pretty Janey turned her
Pretty head to scheming
In 1831 down there in Launceston
I said Ooooh Sex Hospital

The technical vocabulary of moralisation
Could never properly describe the reality
Of this strange situation
I said sergeants and surveyors
Politicians and such
Came a knocking in the night time
For that soothing touch
Janey redefined what we mean
By therapeutic relations
Some call it turning tricks
She calls it healing the sick
I said Ooooh

Well if you’re wheezing and a-coughing
If you’re shaking and a-stuttering
If you’re feeling toey honey
Just make sure you got the money
If you’re a-wheezing and a-coughing
If you’re shaking and a-stuttering
If there’s an itch that needs a scratch
Just make sure you got the cash

Well Doctor Spence and Mr Aiden
Were the men behind this health care plan
They had the dolly birds of Launceston
Eating of their hands
No matter your affliction big or small
The girls have got the remedy to cure you all
It was the best provisioned bawdy house
In Van Diemen’s Land
Just get undressed and climb up on the bench
We can give you a pill or we can get you a wench
Just hand your money to Doctor Spence
I said Ooooh Sex Hospital

Launceston, Launceston, Launceston (sex) Hospital
Launceston, Launceston, Launceston (sex) Hospital
Launceston, Launceston, Launceston (sex) Hospital
Launceston, Launceston, Launceston (sex) Hospital

(The Spazzys)

... and STILL our naughty tech hasn't shown up yet?!! ... WoW!!! - LOL!!! ;o>

They call me Doctor Love, baby ...
(Paging Doctor Love to Emergency ... Doctor Love to Emergency)

I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love

You could call me the love doctor, Imma make you feel better
Sometimes pain is pleasure, Lay down on the stretcher
Love sick but I got the cure, So don't you panic, babe
You'll be begging me for more, After the surgery

Tell me when you're sick again, In need of healing, I'll be there for you
Love is like a vitamin, I got the feeling, so let me love you

Ohhh, here's what i'm gon' do, Calling in Code Blue
About to rescue you, with my medicine

I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love

So I hear you can't eat, not sleeping, Come in for late night treatment
Ohhh girl, you're so contagious (It makes me ...)

I wanna help ya, When you're under weather
I can love it better, All you need is one dose of my vaccine
So, tell me when you're sick again, In need of healing, I'll be there for you
Love is like a vitamin, I got the feeling, so let me love you

Ohhh, here's what i'm gon' do, Calling in Code Blue
About to rescue you, with my medicine

I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love

Have no fear, baby, I'm here, Just show me where it hurts you, babe
So that I can get to healing, And don't be afraid, Just take of dose of me
And I'll see you in the morning

I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love (Love), I'm Doctor Love (Love)
Come be my patient (patient), I'll cure without a drug
I'm Doctor Love

Let me be ya doctor, babe, Let me be ya doctor, girl
Let me be ya doctor, babe, Let me be ya doctor, girl
Ohhh, let me rescue you, Let me rescue you, yeah, ohhh

(Donnie Klang)

T'ain't no big thing
To wait for the bell to ring
T'ain't no big thing
The toll of the bell
Aggravated - spare for days
I troll downtown the red light place
Jump up bubble up - what's in store
Love is the drug and I need to score
Showing out, showing out, hit and run
Boy meets girl where the beat goes on
Stitched up tight, can't shake free
Love is the drug, got a hook on me
Oh oh catch that buzz
Love is the drug I'm thinking of
Oh oh can't you see
Love is the drug for me
Late that night I park my car
Stake my place in the singles bar
Face to face, toe to toe
Heart to heart as we hit the floor
Lumber up, limbo down
The locked embrace, the stumble round
I say go, she say yes
Dim the lights, you can guess the rest
Oh oh catch that buzz
Love is the drug I'm thinking of
Oh oh can't you see
Love is the drug, got a hook in me
Oh oh catch that buzz
Love is the drug I'm thinking of
Oh oh can't you see
Love is the drug for me

Roxy Music

And I hope you're thinking of me, As you lay down on your side

Now the drugs don't work, They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again

Now the drugs don't work, They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again

But I know I'm on a losing streak, 'Cause I passed down my old street
And if you wanna show, then just let me know, And I'll sing in your ear again

Now the drugs don't work, They just make you worse
But I know I'll see your face again

(The Verve)

Lipitor tore up my tendon, that was no damn good
So now I’m taking Crestor, ‘cause the doctor said I should
I cut back on the Avodart, it’s every other night
Lorazepam is for the occasions when I’m wound too tight.
Sure Lexapro has cheered me up so much that I don’t cry
Or get it up so I might give some Wellbutrin a try.
Girl, I swore off Cialis, I’m no longer in the mood
Four hours at attention, man that could kill a dude.

They say Ambien’s okay, long as you don’t drive in your sleep
If you operate machinery pray the Lord your soul to keep.
Be aware that Vesicare can cut down on the trips
You make to tinkle in the night, plus subsequential drips.
Ear drops, eye drops, nose drops ‘cause dried up’s the shape I’m in
It’s like I need an oil can, I’m like that man of tin
Ice packs and heat patches for my aching knees and back
And that little baby aspirin to ward off my heart attack

I went down to Chinatown, the herbalist was there
I got some tea that tasted like a trucker’s underwear
Those acupuncture needles, naw, they don’t hurt a bit
In point of fact those acupuncture needles don’t do shit
I should buy a Thai massage or get a few good hugs
Instead I head to the drugstore - cop my load of drugs
When I was a little kid I never popped no pills
Just a bandaid and mercurochrome could cure most of my ills

Klonopin’s a controlled substance so I bum ’em from my wife
If the side effects don’t kill me all my meds might save my life
I quit drinkin’, smokin’, red meat, dairy and caffeine
I’m not quite high on life, just slightly dead, know what I mean

I even asked the doctor “Doc how long can this go on?”
He said “Son you’re out to pasture, your next stop is Forest Lawn”
You’ll need something stronger than your Advil and Aleve
If you want to eat and sleep and piss and crap and shtup and breathe
If you want to eat and sleep and piss and crap and shtup and breathe!

(Loudon Wainwright III)

We'll drink a drink, a drink, To Lily the Pink, the Pink, the Pink
The saviour of the human race
For she invented medicinal compound, Most efficacious in every case

Mr. Frears had sticky out ears, And it made him awful shy
And so they gave him medicinal compound, And now he's learning how to fly

Brother Tony was notably bony, He would never eat his meals
And so they gave him medicinal compound, Now they move him round on wheels

We'll drink a drink, a drink, To Lily the Pink, the Pink, the pink
The saviour of the human race
For she invented medicinal compound, Most efficacious in every case

Old Ebenezer thought he was Julius Caesar, And so they put him in a Home
Where they gave him medicinal compound, And now he's Emperor of Rome

Johnny Hammer had a terrible st-st-st-st-stammer, He could hardly s-s-say a w-word
And so they gave him medicinal compound, Now's he's seen - but never heard

We'll drink a drink, a drink, To Lily the Pink, the Pink, the Pink
The saviour of the human race
For she invented medicinal compound, Most efficacious in every case

Aunty Milly ran willy-nilly, When her legs they did recede
And so they rubbed on medicinal compound, Now they call her Milly Pede

Jennifer Eccles had terrible freckles, And the boys all called her names
But she changed with medicinal compound, Now he joins in all their games

We'll drink a drink, a drink, To Lily the Pink, the Pink, the Pink
The saviour of the human race
For she invented medicinal compound, Most efficacious in every case

Lily the Pink, she turned to drink, She filled up with paraffin inside
And despite her medicinal compound ... Sadly pickled Lily died ...

Up to Heaven ... her soul ascended ... All the church bells they did ring
She took with her medicinal compound ... Hark the herald angels sing

We'll drink a drink, a drink, To Lily the Pink, the Pink, the Pink
The saviour of the human race
For she invented medicinal compound, Most efficacious in every case

(The Scaffold)

Oh
I want a new drug, one that won't make me sick
One that won't make me crash my car
Or make me feel feet, feet, feet thick
I want a new drug, one that won't hurt my head
One that won't make my mouth too dry
Or make my eyes too red
One that won't make me nervous
Wonderin' what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you
I want a new drug, one that won't spill
One that don't cost too much
Or come in a pill
I want a new drug, one that won't go away
One that won't keep me up all night
One that won't make me sleep all day
One that won't make me nervous
Wonderin' what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
I'm alone with you
I'm alone with you, baby
I want a new drug, one that does what it should
One that won't make me feel too bad
One that won't make me feel too good
I want a new drug, one with no doubt
One that won't make me talk to much
Or make my face break out
One that won't make me nervous
Wonderin' what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
I'm alone with you
I'm alone with you, yeah, yeah

Huey Lewis & the News

Let your quacks and newspapers be cutting their capers
‘Bout curing the vapor, the scratch or the gout.
With their powders and potions, their salves and lotions,
Ochon! In their notions they’re mighty put out.
Would you know the true physic to bother pathetic
And pitch to the devil cramp, colic, and spleen?
You will find it, I think, if you take a big drink,
With your mouth to the brink of a glass of whiskeen.

Chorus:
Then stick to the craytur, the best thing in nature,
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh, whack, botheration, no dose in the nation
Can give consolation like whiskey, me boys.

No liquid cosmetic for lovers athletic
Or ladies pathetic can give such a bloom.
As for sweet, by the powers, a whole garden of flowers
Never gave their own bowers such a darling perfume.
Then the liquor so rare, if you’re wishing to share,
To be turning your hair when it’s grizzled or red.
Sure the sod has the merit to make the true spirit
So strong it will turn the hair in your head.

Chorus:
Then stick to the craytur, the best thing in nature
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh, since ‘tis perfection, no doctor’s direction
Can guard the complexion like whiskey me boys.

While a child in the cradle, my nurse, with a ladle,
Was filling my mouth with a notion of pep,
When a drop from her bottle slipped into my throttle,
I capered and wraggled clean out of her lap.
On the floor I lay sprawling, kicking and bawling,
Till father and mother was both to the fore:
All sobbing and sighing, conceived I was dying,
But soon found I only was screeching for more.

Chorus:
Then stick to the craytur, the best thing in nature,
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys
Oh Lord, how they’d chuckle, if babes in their truckle
They only could suckle with whiskey, me boys.

Through my youthful ingression of years of depression
My childhood’s impression still clung to my mind.
For at school or at college the bolus of knowledge
I never could gulp till with whiskey combined.
And as older I’m growing, time’s ever bestowing
On Erin’s potation a flavour so fine.
And how e’er they may lecture 'bout Jove and his nectar
Itself is the only true liquor divine.

Chorus:
Then stick to the craytur, the best thing in nature
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh Lord, ‘tis delighting for courting or fighting,
There’s naught so exciting as whiskey, me boys.

Come guess me this riddle: What beat pipe and fiddles?
What’s stronger than mustard or milder than cream?
What best wets your whistle? What’s clearer than crystal?
Sweeter than honey and stronger than steam?
What will make the dumb talk? What will make the lame walk?
What’s the elixter of life and philosopher’s stone?
And what helped Mister Brunel to dig the Thames tunnel?
Sure wasn’t it whiskey from ould Inishowen?

Chorus:
Then stick to the craytur, the best thing in nature
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh Lord, I’d not wonder if lightning and thunder
Was made from the plunder of whiskey, me boys.

(Tom Lenihan)

He sits all alone in his easy chair, Staring back on his lost yesterdays
Long before he encountered the bottle, And the demons that drove her away

In his hand he is holding her photograph, Her image all tear-stained and worn
Tonight he's embracing reality, And he curses the day he was born

And the darkness still echoes her warning, You can't have two loves in your life
Now the things that will haunt him, Until the day that he dies ...
Is the smell of cheap whiskey, And the sound of goodbye

Since the hour that she left he's been sober, Each breath that he draws makes him think
About the light of his life gone forever, When he traded her love for a drink

And the darkness still echoes her warning, You can't have two loves in your life
Now the things that will haunt him, Until the day that he dies ...
Is the smell of cheap whiskey, And the sound of goodbye

The smell of cheap whiskey ... And the sound of goodbye

(Martina McBride)

Our mum and dad, they look straight down the lens
In funny flared trousers on the banks of the Thames
On holiday June 75

They met in a youth club by the stadium gates
Dad built new houses for George Wimpey Estates
That's where he first learnt his trade

And his hands were full of blisters blood and dirt
And his life was set in love and faith and work

Our mum I see her outside the school gates
Looking all anxious if we come out too late
Oh to have her arms around me now!

She worked part-time, 3 days a week at the bank
Saving us bottle tops and Green Shield stamps
That damn Ted Heath he don't understand

I can see you hanging washing on the line
I can hear your laughter every Christmas time

Our mum and dad they turned older and grey
I watched Margaret Thatcher take their jobs away
Our mum said she could try the patience of a Saint

The 90s flew by and dad moved to his chair
Mum left the choir, as she couldn't get there
And nobody came to the house

And we pin our hopes on things that are so frail
We try so hard but fabulously fail...

(Helen Love)

Sister cries out from her baby bed, Brother runs in, feathers on his head
Mama's in her room learnin how to sew, Daddy's drinkin beer, listenin to the radio
Hank Williams sings "Kaw Liga" n' "Dear John" ... And time marches on ... time marches on ...

Sister's usin rouge n' clear complexion soap, Brother's wearin beads n' smokes a lotta dope
Mama is depressed, barely makes a sound, Daddy's got a girlfriend in another town
Bob Dylan sings "Like a Rolling Stone" ... And time marches on ... time marches on ...

The South moves north, the North moves south, A star is born, a star burns out
The only thing that stays the same is ... Everything changes ... everything changes ...

Sister calls herself a "Sexy Grandma", Brother's on a diet for high cholesterol
Mama's out of touch with reality, Daddy's in the ground beneath a maple tree
As the angels sing an old Hank Williams song ... Time marches on ... time marches on ...

Time marches on ... time marches on ... Time marches on ... time marches on ...

(Tracy Lawrence)

Well the smart money's on Harlow and the moon is in the street
And the shadow-boys are breaking all the laws.
And you're east of East St Louis and the wind is making speeches
And the rain sounds like a round of applause.
Napoleon is weeping in the Carvival Saloon:
His invisible fiancé's in the mirror.
And the band is going home, it's raining hammers, it's raining nails,
Yes it's true there's nothing left for him down here.

And it's time, time, time.
And it's time, time, time,
And it's time, time, time that you love.
And it's time, time, time.

And they all pretend they're orphans, and the memory's like a train:
You can see it getting closer as it pulls away.
And the things you can't remember tell the things you can't forget
That history puts a saint in every dream.
Well she said she'd stick around until the bandages came off
But these mama's boys just don't know when to quit.
And Matilda asks the sailors are those dreams or are those prayers?
So close your eyes, son. This won't hurt a bit!

And it's time, time, time.
And it's time, time, time,
And it's time, time, time that you love.
And it's time, time, time.

Well things are pretty lousy for a calendar girl,
The boys just dive right off the cars and splash into the street.
And when she's on a roll she pulls a razor from her boot
And a thousand pigeons fall around her feet.
So put a candle in the window and and a kiss upon his lips
While the dish outside the window fills with rain.
Just like a stranger with the weeds in your heart,
Pay the fiddler off till I come back again.

And it's time, time, time.
And it's time, time, time,
And it's time, time, time that you love.
And it's time, time, time.

(Tom Waits)

In the lonely night
In the blinking stardust of a pale blue light
You’re comin’ thru to me in black and white
When we were made of dreams

You’re blowing down the shaky street
You’re hearing my heart beat
In the record-breaking heat
Where we were born in time

Not one more night, not one more kiss
Not this time baby, no more of this
Takes too much skill, takes too much will
It’s revealing
You came, you saw, just like the law
You married young, just like your ma
You tried and tried, you made me slide
You left me reelin’ with this feelin’

On the rising curve
Where the ways of nature will test every nerve
You won’t get anything you don’t deserve
Where we were born in time

You pressed me once, you pressed me twice
You hang the flame, you’ll pay the price
Oh babe, that fire
Is still smokin’
You were snow, you were rain
You were striped, you were plain
Oh babe, truer words
Have not been spoken or broken

In the hills of mystery
In the foggy web of destiny
You can have what’s left of me
Where we were born in time

(Bob Dylan))

Come all ye maidens young and fair, And you that are blooming in your prime
Always beware, and keep your garden fair, Let no man steal away your thyme

For thyme, it is a precious thing, And thyme brings all things to my mind
Thyme with all its labours, along with all its joys, Thyme brings all things to my mind

Once I had a bunch of thyme, I thought it never would decay
Then came a lusty sailor, Who chanced to pass my way
He came and stole my thyme away

The sailor, he gave to me a rose, A rose that never would decay
He gave it to me, to keep me reminded
Of when he stole my thyme away

Come all ye maidens young and fair, And you that are blooming in your prime
Always beware, and keep your garden fair, Let no man steal away your thyme

For thyme, it is a precious thing, And thyme brings all things to my mind
Thyme with all its labours, along with all its joys, Thyme brings all things to an end

(Traditional)

When Molly began to go courtin’,
Her Mother was anxious to tell
How certain young fellows would want her
To stray down the pathway to hell.
So Molly’s old Ma used to sing...

Keep yer ‘and on yer ha'penny,
Cover it well with yer palm.
Keep yer ‘and on yer ha'penny
And Molly will come to no harm.

They’ll hug you and kiss you so sweetly,
Make you feel ever so nice.
But handle the fellows discretely
And listen to this simple advice:

Keep yer ‘and on yer ha'penny,
Cover it well with yer palm.
Keep yer ‘and on yer ha'penny
And Molly will come to no harm.

Now Molly and me went out courtin’;
I told her she’d nothin’ to fear.
But down in the meadow last Sunday
I whispered these words in 'er ear:

Take yer ‘and off yer ha'penny,
Look into me bonnie blue eyes.
Take yer ‘and off yer ha'penny
And I’ll give you a lovely surprise.

(Trad. Arr: Alex Glasgow)

I first heard this on the marvellous 1975 Alan Plater series, Trinity Tales, with Bill Maynard and the wonderful Francis Matthews.

For those who are too young or don't remember, this was Chaucer's Canterbury Tales retold as a group of Wakefield Trinity fans travelling to Wembley for the Rugby League Challenge Cup final.

I'll tell you an old-fashioned story, That me Grandfather used to relate
Of a Joiner and Building Contractor; 'Is name, it were Sam Oglethwaite

In a shop on the banks of the Irwell, Old Sam used to follow 'is trade
In a place you'll have 'eard of, called Bury; You know, where Black Puddin's is made

One day, Sam were filling a knot 'ole, Wi' putty, when in thro' the door
Came an ould feller fair wreathed wi' whiskers; T'ould chap said 'Good morning, I'm Noah'

Sam asked Noah what was 'is business, And t'ould chap went on to remark
That not liking the look of the weather, 'E were thinking of building an Ark

'E'd gotten the wood for the Bulwarks, And all t'other shipbuilding junk
And wanted some nice Bird's Eye Maple, To panel the side of 'is bunk

Now Maple were Sam's monopoly; That means it were all 'is to cut
And nobody else 'adn't got none; So 'e asked Noah for three ha'pence a foot

'A ha'penny too much,' replied Noah, 'A Penny a foot's more the mark
A penny a foot and when t'rain comes, I'll give you a ride in me Ark'

But neither would budge in the bargain; The whole daft thing twere kind of a jam
So Sam put 'is tongue out at Noah, And Noah made long bacon at Sam

In wrath and ill-feeling they parted, Not knowing when they'd meet again
And Sam had forgot all about it, 'Til one day it started to rain ...

It rained and it rained for a fortni't, An' flooded the 'ole countryside
It rained and it kept' on raining, 'Til the Irwell were fifty mile wide!

The 'ouses were soon underwater, And folks to the Roof 'ad to climb
They said 'twas the rottenest Summer, That Bury 'ad 'ad for some time

T'rain showed no sign of abating, And t'water rose hour by hour,
'Til the only dry land were at Blackpool, And that were on top of the Tower!

So Sam started swimming to Blackpool; It took 'im best part of a week
'Is clothes were wet through when 'e got there, And 'is boots were beginning to leak

'E stood to 'is watch-chain in water, On Tower top, just before dark
When who should come sailing towards 'im, But old Noah, steering 'is Ark

They stared at each other in silence, 'Til Ark were alongside, all but
Noah said: 'Now, what's t'price of yon Maple?' Sam answered 'Three ha'pence a foot'

Noah said 'Nay, I'll make thee an offer, The same as I did t'other day
A penny a foot an' a free ride ... Now, come on, lad, what does tha say?'

'Three ha'pence a foot,' came the answer, So Noah 'is sail 'ad to hoist
And sailed off again in a dudgeon, While Sam stood determined, but moist

Noah cruised around, flying 'is pigeons, 'Til t'fortieth day of the wet
And on 'is way back, passing Blackpool, 'E saw old Sam standing there yet

'Is chin just stuck out of the water; A comical figure 'e cut
Noah said: 'Now what's the price of yer Maple?' Sam answered: 'Three ha'pence a foot'

Said Noah: 'Ye'd best take my offer; It's last time I'll be hereabout
And if water comes half an inch higher, I'll happen get Maple for nowt'

'Three ha'pence a foot it'll cost yer, And as fer me,' Sam said, 'don't fret
The sky's took a turn since this morning; I think it'll brighten up yet'

(Mike Harding)

When a lad's been drummed out of the Army,
He's an outcast despised by all men;
I'd rather be shot at dawn any old time
'Cause I never get up before ten.

Once I was drummed out, tho' today I'm a hero
With all that a soldier could wish.
Ay, once poor old Sam stood before a Court Martial
With head bowed in shame and anguish.

And the old Colonel said, when he 'eard the charge read,
'It's a terrible crime, Sam,' said he,
And the whisper went round 'Has old Sam
Been a traitor to his King and his country'?'

Nay, nay, I was charged with a crime worse than that,
Far more dastardly wicked and mean.
I were charged with maliciously putting cold water
In beer in the Sergeant's canteen.

And the Colonel's voice shook and he swallowed a lump
And he said 'Nay, nay, come, come, ee dear, dear,
Good beer is the lifeblood of our glorious army
Our battles was all won on beer.'

'What have you got to say to this terrible charge?'
I said, 'Nowt.'
He said, 'Nowt?'
I said, 'Nowt.'

He said, 'Can't you say owt but nowt?'
I said, 'No, nowt.'
'Well,' he said, 'Sam,
Then you'll be drummed out.

Next morning the company lined on parade
I stood at attention quite stiff;
Then the Sergeant stepped forward and knocked off my pillbox
And worse - he untidied me quiff.

Then he pulled out his sword and cut off me coat buttons
Them buttons fell 'clink' on the floor;
But when he began on me trousers I said
'Don't lower me prestige any more.'

Then he pulled off me medals, me twenty-five medals
I'd won out in different parts.
But I said to him, 'Oi, give me two of them back,
'Cause I won them there two playing darts.'

Then the drums and the pipes played the Rogues March
And the Colonel he sobbed and said, 'Sam,
You're no longer a Soldier, I'm sorry to say
Sam, Sam, you're a dirty old man.'

And soon I was outside the old barrack gates
With the tears rolling all down me face;
Then up rode the Colonel's young daughter, God bless her,
The pride of the Regiment, our Grace.

She said 'What's to do, Sam?'
I said 'What's to do, I'm drummed out lass for watering beer.'
Then she fell off her 'orse, threw her arms round me neck
And said 'Sam, you poor innocent dear.'

Then she rushed to her father, the Colonel, and said,
'Say, papa, I'll hand you the dope.
Poor Sam here is innocent, I did the deed
I was told to by my Band of Hope.'

Then the Colonel said, 'Corporal Sam, please come back.'
I said 'Nay, nay, I've just been drummed out.
Then the Colonel said 'Sergeant Sam, Sergeant Sam, please.
I just shrugged and said 'Nowt doing, nowt.'

He said 'Lieutenant Sam, come forgive and forget.'
But I stamped and said 'Nay, nay begone.'
Then he said 'Captain Sam.'
I said 'Captain, tut tut, make it Major and then I'll clock on.'

And that's how I won me Commission, me lads,
A commission I think I well earned
Ten per cent on the heer, ten per cent on the stout
And the pennies on bottles returned.

And the Regiment gave me a tankard inscribed with these words
Which I'm proud of I am
'Presented by First Lancashire Fuisilliers
To their champion liar, old Sam.'

(Stanley Holloway)