Deep in the New York winter,
vs. 1 (a)
Prayed the Lord our souls to keep.
That carried us off to sleep.
Don't you worry, darlin',
ref.
Before I take you home.
Then one day it happened,
vs. 2 (a)
Left everything we'd known.
That had always seemed to call.
It seemed like such a hopeful time.
I still can remember it all.
We saw the hills of West Virginia
vs. 1
Turn to red and gold and brown.
Singing their silent song.
On their own pathway in the sky.
If they can find their way, so can you and I."
Black clouds still filled the sky
vs. 2
As we rolled into Tennessee.
On the windshield, you could hardly see.
The Tennessee moonlight showed us which way to go. ref.
Arkansas and Texas,
vs. 3
Of each neon town we'd go.
If it was food, you could hardly tell.
At the roadside, in a three-dollar motel.
Then, the grasslands were all gone by.
Turned to snowy mountainsides.
We were rollin' down that last, long hillside.
On the wild and rocky Pacific shore. I was
singin'
ref.
The years were not so kind to us.
vs. 3 (a)
They took us far apart.
And, sometimes, in my heart.
And that happy time, when we had it all.
ref.
Jesus is coming in the clouds of
heaven,
cho. 1
In the clouds of heaven by and by.
Jesus is coming in the clouds of heaven,
In the clouds of heaven,
By and by.
Then I'm goin' to take off my coat and my shoes,
vs. 1
And I will cast them off to you.
'Cause I won't be needin' all my coat and my shoes
Today's the day, the day we're goin' to fly.
I'm goin' to ride up with my Savior to the sky.
//: cho. 1
Then I'm goin' to leave off my singin' and my prayin'
vs 2
And I will pass them on to you.
'Cause I won't be needin' all my singin' and my prayin',
Today's the day, the day we're goin' to fly.
I'm goin' to ride up with my Savior to the sky.
//: cho. 1
Then I'm goin' to s'change this life of cryin', care, and trouble,
For a life that's shining, bright and new.
'Cause I won't be needing all this cryin', care, and trouble,
Today's the day, the day we're goin' to fly.
I'm goin' to ride up with my Savior to the sky.
Jesus is coming in a chariot of fire,
cho. 2
In the clouds of heaven by and by.
Jesus is coming in a chariot of fire,
In the clouds of heaven,
By and by.
//: cho. 1
Jesus Loves to Hear Me Sing
1980 , the American gospel, I love
Jesus, Jesus loves me, up close and
personal. Looking back, this, like
some of my other "gospel" songs,
seems to be an exercise in style,
but I sure had fun singing it.
The prodigal son returns--again!
Jesus loves to hear me sing,
ref.
Raise my voice in praise to him,
Make the universes ring.
Jesus loves to hear me sing.
I was just a boy when I left home.
vs. 1
Left my mom and my dad alone.
Soon lost on life's great thoroughfare,
An orphan crowded down with care,
Confused, I wandered on in sin,
vs. 2
But sometimes, heard a distant hymn,
That childhood comfort seemed to lend,
Remind me Jesus was my friend.
//: ref.
In rock 'n' roll casinos and smoky bars.
vs. 3
And ocean-tossed, underneath the stars,
Sometimes a half-forgotten choice
Would bring to me my Savior's voice.
At last, illusions all were lost,
vs. 4
For sense and pleasure took their cost.
When I had nothing left to win
Then Jesus brought me home to him.
//: ref.
I'm standin' in the Sunday choir,
vs. 5
I feel his joy lift higher and higher,
'Til, with the angels around the throne,
We all unite in shining song.
//:ref .
Overweight in California
1973 , I've relocated to L.A. from San
Francisco. Exhausted by the
whenever, whatever mentality
pervading Northern CA, I'm hoping
to find a more businesslike attitude
in the South, in a major music
industry center. I'm still the most
naïve of children at this point,
sheltered, as always, by my own
illuminated inner world. But L.A., of
course, reveals to me new depths of
human depravity, venality, and
stupidity, which contribute mightily
to my education during my two-year
stay.
Cruise the naked streets with me at dawn.
vs 1
Watch the milkman come, and mow the lawn.
It's easy, oh, so easy to be king or pawn,
In sunny, sunny, sunny California.
California.
You're overweight, my dear, you're overweight.
cho 1
Don't watch for me tonight, I will be late.
I have found a slender Greek boy,
To be frank, we have a date.
You're overweight, my dear, you're overweight.
We've conquered worlds together, you and I.
vs 2
And it's, oh, so sad to see the embers die.
The snows of time have fallen where we softly lie
In sunny, sunny, sunny California.
California.
You're overweight, my dear, you're overweight.
cho 1 alt
Don't watch for me tonight, I will be late.
I have found a slender Greek boy,
His name is Frank, we have a date
You're overweight, my dear, you're overweight.
Within the flaming forge there glowed a tool.
vs.3
'Tis resting now upon a hammock, strung across your swimming pool.
Your name is Alexander still, your fate, your broad estate;
But great? But great? I hesitate.... The meaning's changed.
You're overweight, my dear, you're overweight.
cho 2
Don't watch for me tonight, I will be late.
The flesh that feeds the fires of love,
We dare not underrate.
You're overweight, my dear, you're overweight.
Praise You, Jesus
1979 . Living in the New Hampshire
woods, driving the back country
roads, finds me, early each morning,
with praise and joy welling up in my
heart, in simple songs, to him,
without whom "was not anything
made that was made."
Birds and crickets,
Singing in the tall grass,
Praise you,
Jesus.
Clouds, rolling
In the sundown heaven,
Praise you,
Jesus.
River, running
Down by the waterfall.
Praise you,
Jesus.
Birds, and crickets,
Clouds, wind, and water,
Praise you,
Jesus.
Everything that's made,
And living,
Sings praises
To your holy name,
The truth,
That always was,
And still is,
And will ever
Be
The same.
The Phantom Fiddler
when i lived in southern NH i became, for a time,
an enthusiast for the local regional form of folk
dancing called Contra-dance. i danced for a awhile
and later dabbled in assimilating some of the
British Isles fiddle and flute repertoire that accompanies the dance
forms. for many, the traditional dances are merely a way of
preserving old forms of social and court-
ship rituals. for me, however they contained a metaphysical
significance beyond what may have been obvious or made explicit for the
participants. the word
'husband' i used here in its older meaning, a farmer.
The music that the husband hears
Is still the sound of here and now
The sound of the earth as it breaks and turns
And spills o'er the blade of the moving plow.
Then, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance.
Dance, dance dance, it is your only chance
Plunge into the moment that has never been
Let it carry you away, give in, give in.
And dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance.
Rejoice, rejoice, it is your only choice
What does not bend when the wind doth blow
Still shall fall to the scythe, row by row
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
Then live, live live, it's all ye have to give
The time is gone to wait and see
'Tis time to celebrate and Be
So, live, live, live, live, live, live, live.
Then, sing, sing, sing, along with every living thing
'Tis the first of May, our feet have wings
The earth awakes, hail to the Spring
Sing, sing, sing, sing, sing, sing, sing.
And dance, dance, dance, it is your only choice
Winter is past, 'tis the full of the moon
The phantom fiddler calls the tune
So dance, dance, dance dance, dance, dance, dance.
Officer Ferry
this was written for my second wife's
6 year old boy, Joshua Ferry. when it
became apparent to me that he was
enamored of the local Peterborough police, i slyly used
his attachment to create a bridge to his mom,
with whom i was experiencing 'communication'
difficulties. he was, i knew, too young to appreciate
this aspect of the song. he just thought it was a
song about being a cop. later, in his teens,
he forgot all about the song and the police.
but today ..... he is still working as a corrections
officer in Las Vegas NV. funny how things
work out.
Officer Ferry, did you get your deputy's star today?
Officer Ferry, did you ride in your brand new car today?
Officer Ferry, are you hangin' out in the station house tonight,
and did Corporal Ferry read you a story,
kiss you goodnight, leave on one little light?
Sweet dreams, goodnight,
Officer Ferry.
Officer Ferry, who's fixin' your motorcycle now?
Officer Ferry, who's checkin' you out when you patrol downtown?
Officer Ferry, in the morning when you go off to law enforcement school
does Corporal Ferry make you your oatmeal,
remind you of the golden rule?
Have a wonderful day, goodbye,
Officer Ferry.
Someday you'll be the leader of the President's motorcade,
Cars all in a line with blue lights flashing.
Standing at attention in your uniform so dashing
Just like your grandma told you,
a day you'll remember all your life.
The Corporal's heart will pound,
she'll be so proud.
Officer Ferry, there's been an accident down the road.
Officer Ferry, sirens wailing and a police radio
Officer Ferry, reports I hurt the Corporal;
I had to go.
Your Captain's far away tonight
and my heart is aching so;
Squeeze the Corporal for me 'hello',
Officer Ferry.
Officer Ferry, don't forget to protect and serve your mom.
Officer Ferry, you've got your orders, you may carry on.
Officer Ferry, if I ever pay for the things that I've done wrong
With a little bit of luck
I might be comin' home .
Officer Ferry.
Officer Ferry, hey, I ain't seen you since I don't know when.
Officer Ferry, gee, it's great to set my sights on you again.
Officer Ferry, well, you got me covered;
Did you think I'd run out on you?
That I wouldn't see this through?
No, I wouldn't do that to you.
I love you ,
Officer Ferry.
Cebe
this was written for my cat, Cebe
after she disappeared one night in 1985
in Harrisville, NH. although i searched
diligently for many days, i never found her
and she never returned. my heart was broken.
Cebe, we found you by the' side of the road
We heard you cryin' in the tall grass
Oh, Cebe, Cebe,
Oh, Cebe.
Cebe, you left your babies here;
And your daddy too, you know he's waitin" for you,
Oh, Cebe, Cebe,
Oh, Cebe.
It's somewhere out there you've gone and I don't know.
I only wish you could hear me callin' you now.
People, tell you what it is, you know, but they don't know.
And I'm cryin' and cryin' cause I miss you so,
Cebe,
Cebe.
Cebe, won't I hear you come a-cryin' at my door
Jump up and listen for your voice anymore,
Oh, Cebe, Cebe,
Oh, Cebe
Cebe, have you gone back to the tall grass where you came from?
I wish you could hear me,Cebe, please come home.
Oh Cebe, Cebe,
Oh, Cebe.
It's somewnere in here you've gone and I don't know.
But my heart is cryin' 'cause I miss, you so.
Oh, where did you come from Cebe?
Where did you go?
Oh, little wild thing,
I loye you you so.
Cebe,
Cebe.
Cebe, the winter snows will start to fall soon.
But it's been so warm this week, a gentle, misty rain,
Oh, Cebe, Cebe,
Oh, Cebe.
Cebe, I' been walkin' by the river and a-callin' your name.
Cebe! Will i never see you again?
Oh, Cebe, Cebe,
Oh, Cebe?
because i'm a man
'he knoweth our frame, he remembereth
that we are dust'
Ps 103:14
because i am weak,
because i'm a man
give me just one thing,
that i can hold in my hand
there is love beyond these hills
beyond the walls of everyday
i see the night sky opening
and my body slip away
but because i am weak
because i'm a man
give me just one thing
that i can hold in my hand
because i am proud
and because i am blind tonight
i'm asking you to show me
just one little light
i can see a place
even through my tears
where space has no boundary
and time isn't counted in years
but because i am proud
and because i am blind tonight
i'm asking you to show me
just one little light
because i live in every day
because i love you here and now
because i'm caught in the web of wanting you
because i don't want you to leave me now
because i am weak,
because i'm a man
give me just one thing,
that i can believe in right now
see you later, so long
hey baby, long time no see
what ever happened to our beautiful destiny
what ever became of all that heartache and pain
and all of those teardrops we had to explain
didn't mean to presume,
just had love to go on,
see you later
so long.
hey baby, you're as pretty as ever
though our affair was only sometimes, now it's never
to me you're still as cute as can be
gee, i'd love to feel your lovin' arms around me
didn't mean to upset you,
just had love to go on,
see you later
so long.
how are things down at the restaurant
did you ever get that blue car you wanted
how's that sweet kid of yours, how's your old man
didn't meant to mess up your friendships and plans
didn't mean to intrude
just had love to go on,
see you later
so long.
it's been great to talk with you, guess i'd better go
wouldn't do to get lost in our memories, you know
we'll go out to dinner once in a while
get together for coffee, hold hands and smile
didn't mean to keep you
just had love to go on,
see you later
so long.
Marion and Margaret's Waltz
* for an extended note, circa 1980, click here
the living room sofa was drinking your perfume
the clock raced ahead shouting 'church in the morning'
vss:
oh, Marion, i drowned in your hair
as we sat with your parents and stared at TV
and with hundreds of brush strokes i told you a story
that began with the words ' i love only thee'
oh, Marion, i had glasses like fishbowls
and my feet were so awkward, tho' i danced anyway
you taught me to foxtrot, i thank you for that
i guess i knew you would leave me someday
ref:
didn't we all let our dreams go down
down to the bottom of the sea
the treasure filled galleons are sunken and silent
they're safe from the waves
far away from you and me
the time is all gone now for hopscotch and jump rope
ring around the rosy, we've all fallen down
vss:
oh, Margaret, didn't i love you last weekend
and weren't we breathless at passion so free
then why can't i hold you and why can't i speak
and will you be just one more stranger to me
oh, Margaret, we're not nine anymore
nine, thirteen plus eleven and goin' on twelve
we still do slow dances, have teenage romances
but when it comes to promises, we're not doin' so well
repeat ref:
we're not old enough to get married
we're not old enough to get married
but we're kissing on our first date
my watch says it's ten dear, it's getting late
we're not old enough to get married
so we're decided to wait
we're not old enough to get married
growing up, oh, how long does it take?
is this real love, or is it fake?
we're not old enough to get married
tell me dear, for goodness sake.
we're not old enough to get married
so we're petting on a bench in the park
we're not old enough to get married
but the night is getting chilly, and i'm feeling a little silly
and we're trying to keep warm in the dark
we're not old enough to get married
wonder what the future will bring?
this puppy love don't mean a thing
we're not old enough to get married
so we're just holding hands
on the old porch swing.
the kiss
oh, i have lost the photograph you gave me
the one we loved so well and called 'the kiss'
i carried it; i hoped that it would save me
some tiny part of all the joy i miss
in it, we touched so tender, near the alleys of Chinatown
while rain, sweet rain of love, like angel tears came falling down
as, in the simple time machine we pulled the curtain round
so, first our lips, and hands, and then our hearts were bound
now, i am helpless, far away, and lonely
i long for you, but hear my music only
snowbound here, and earthbound, too
while you have taken flight
like gossamer, wind-drifting
upon the summer night
and still, i love you so
though time was frozen long ago
and in my hand
i held a frail tableau
that's gone now.
oh, i have lost
'the kiss'.
where are the smiles, the curvèd hands that gave our love away
upon my body, blind and dumb, their marks refused to stay
and memories, like dry leaves, fade and will not come again
the kiss has fallen from my pocket, not a trace remains
perhaps this shadow kiss is blowing in a dark and empty street
perhaps someone has found us there, pursued by cold and night
and homeward, by his candle, wonders how two chanced to meet
and kissed and touched so tender in the briefest flash of light.
same stone
vs
i woke up this morning, fog all in my mind
three day only.
sadness all around me like a cloud
my old friend John, he sang me a song
to tell me how hard it is
when you try to get close to someone
get yourself next to someone
give your body and soul to someone
who can never be your friend
brdg
oh, i could spend my hours and my days tryin' to tell you
things that only time can teach you anyway
feelin' in the dark for a candle flame
you know you found it when you feel the pain
cho
i did the same thing last year, i remember very well
it's still not easy to tell
i loved a child, she broke my heart a hundred times
//: on the same stone, over and over :// 2x
nobody to talk to, just someone to love.
vs
well, i'm just a stranger in this town
a little bit lonely, tryin' to find my way around
it blows my mind how fast i get strung out
three days only
i just can't remember what i was thinkin' about
i just can't remember what i can do without
brdg
oh, i could spend my hours and my days tryin' to tell you
things that only time can teach you anyway
but where i stand, we're hundred worlds apart
i'd rather not try, tear or two to cry and say goodbye.
cho
i did the same thing last year, i remember very well
it's still not easy to tell
i loved a child, she broke my heart, a hundred times
on //: the same stone, over and over :// 2x
nobody to talk to, just someone to love.
back of the bus
ref:
let's hear it for the folks in the back of the bus
you realize, of course, there's someone riding back there
the bus is always moving, but we're not going anywhere
and you can always tell us by the shape that we're in.
vs 1
we're the dopers, we're the smokers, the juicers and the users
the cruisers and the perverts, the creeps and three-time losers
the readers of lewd magazines, the generally uninhibited
who perpetrate activities universally prohibited
the unwise, the imprudent, the sick and the queasy
the thrifty foreign student, the dead and the sleazy
vs2
the teenage girls in mini-skirts, fake leopard-skin and panty hose
who're going to start a new life in Idaho with Aunty Rose
the acid-head, the footloose free and not so very fancy pair
the guy who's going to Five Point, to see his girlfriend, Nancy there
who may have finally split up with the dentist from Missoula
and moved back to her mother's house outside of Ashtabula
vs3
we're the yogis, we're the hippies, the mystics and messiahs
schizophrenics, pyromaniacs, prophets, and pariahs
the hostile and the nubile, unredeemed social diseases
the folks as oderiferous as over-ripened cheeses
the unshaven, the unwanted, the loud and the blunt
the ones who came too late to get a seat up in the front
vs4
we're the glandularly overweight, the out-of-work folk singers
the victims of psoriasis, the post office dead ringers
the sullen moms, the screaming kids, the unwashed the un-blest
karate champions on the skids, the unsaved, the undressed
the only slightly impolite, the mildly obstreperous
the criminals and the cream puffs, the livid and the lep-e-rous
vs5
we're the pinies and the winos, awol soldiers, college punks
we're the Heinies, Filipinos, two bit gamblers, Ripple drunks
we're the carnies, we're the darkies, we're the niggers, we're the honkies
we're one innocent aghast, who came aboard with all these junkies
we're the back to which the front is inconveniently attached
and we're traveling the schedule on which the 'dog' has been dispatched.
farewell
what shall i say to you, my love
to make you see me, now we've met
our time is almost slipped away
you turn me back, refuse me yet.
shall i tell you that i need your love?
shall i cry my tears for you one more time?
shall i say i cannot live without your love
through the Springtime season,
a life of reason without rhyme?
oh, no
i can live without your love
the world and i, we are no strangers
by hand to hand, and hand to mouth
we've struggled hard through many dangers
each for himself, and come what may
beads on a string, we've passed our days
//: gathering flowers by the way ://
but still, i need the love you will not give me
your sweet, sad music to surround me
i need you for the songs, unsung
that you will sing through my body
i need you for the house, unmade
that i will make a home for you
i need you for my heart, unused
i need you for my time, unspent
i need you for my love, unlived
i need you for my strength, unbent
i need you for my thoughts, unshared
and i need you for my death, undared.
i need you for my children, still unborn
that must be motherless
if you will not say yes
and rock them in your arms
and sing them to sleep
upon your breast
and if you will not give these to cling to
not be the one that i can sing to
leave our promises all broken
and still refuse my courting token
then what shall i say to you, my love
the waters close around the sounding bell
can you hear its muffled ringing still
//: fare well, my love, farewell ://
the huntress
vs 1
like a raging cat, hit by hundred arrows
like a running deer, that flying, tripped a snare
my heart crys out, crashing in a thicket
//: where will i fall
://
vs 2
like a tiny thing whose throat is torn and bleeding
like a little life whose heart pounds in my hand
i give myself, terrified and pleading
//: where will i fall
://
ref. 1
which of your barbs will bring me down
which of your words will turn me around
as i twist and turn and try to get away
the whistling lariat plays out
it's caught its frightened prey
i feel my rope get shorter every day
ref. 2
which of your barbs will bring me down
which of your words will turn me around
as i twist and turn and try to get away
the huntress, with the taste of blood
you hold me, and you play
i feel myself grow weaker every day
ref. 3
which of your barbs will bring me down
which of your words will turn me around
as i twist and turn and try to get away
crush me or caress me
do just as you will
i feel my love grow stronger every day
i love you, it's ok
vss 1, 2
stopped at Doctor Meath's on the way
to see the Japanese guru
he said: 'don't bother, he'll just re-design your life.
it isn't nothin' you can't do.'
'here's the secret: when you go to sleep at night,
that's it, no tomorrow, you're dead.
anything you wanna say or do
do it today. that's all', he said.
ref:
so if you call me on the telephone,
say that you'll be comin' home
why, then i'll be glad to hear you voice.
i love you, it's ok.
i'll be waiting, whatever you do.
it's so simple and it's so true
i'd like to say it one time for you
i love you, it's ok.
brdg
you can write a song of passion
make it easy, make it hard
you can travel all around the world
or stay right in your own backyard
it's alright, it's ok
vss 3, 4, 5
if tonight were of end of the world
or just the end of the day
got nothin' to prove, i got nothin' to say
i love you, it's ok
look around you when it's quiet
when you open up your eyes
wonder where i am? i'm standin' right here
listening, by your side
i'm right here, it's ok
and if you got lost on the way
don't be scared, don't be afraid
i'll leave the night light burnin' for you
i love you. it's ok.
so if you call me on the telephone,
say that you'll be comin' home
why, then i'll be glad to hear your voice.
i'll be here, it's ok.
south sea winter song
sleep, little pony, and don't you cry
i will sing you a lullaby
this long, hard winter is just one day
and i will kiss your tears away
we're only apart a little, short while
and i will take you to golden isles
sea shell shine like silver
she hears us, pearly ocean daughter
dancin' naked to the sun
and makin' love under the warm, blue water.
angel fish is watchin' us
puzzled now, he looks and lingers
pink sand runnin' through our fingers
goggle-eyes, how can he guess
we cast our nets for happiness.
hush, little baby, and don't you cry
the south sea sings your lullaby
this long, hard winter is but one
the west wind will kiss your tears away
we're only a little, short while
and i will take you to golden isles
though your wake in the darkness, my nightingale
where, sleepy, your nestle high in the boughs
don't be afraid, little Cherokee maid
you will hear when i call, we have taken our vows
so rise from your bed. my dark-star eyes
you and i, we will walk to the edge of the world
with the black, starry night spread above and below
down the steep path, hand in hand we will go
and there, shoot our arrows far into the sky
though our eyes cannot follow the arches they fly
the ladder they make is the path we with take
together to climb, out of space, out of time.
so dream, my beloved, long and long
a new sun sings your wedding song
my only love, be brave and strong
the longest winter will soon be gone
and we, apart just a little, short while
and i will take you to the golden isles.
the animal rock
this was written with the 4th grade kids
at Chesterfield School, NH in 1981
[ bum, bum, bum, bum, etc. ]
i went into the jungle
and the first thing that i saw
was an elephant with a big, long nose
and he stepped right on my toes
and that's the start
of the animal rock
[ bum, bum, bum, bum, etc. ]
i went into the jungle
and the next thing that i saw
was a cockatoo, he was purple and blue
he said, 'chicken noodle soup'
and that's the middle
of the animal rock
[ bum, bum, bum, bum, etc. ]
i went into the jungle
and the last thing that i saw
was a black and squirmy rattlesnake
and he taught me how to bake a cake
and that's the end
of the animal rock
[ bum, bum, bum, bum, etc. ]
Jamaica, Welcome Home
hey mon, slow down, take it easy
can you give me an' my buddy a lif' to the upland farm
the wind is gettin' chilly, these bags is heavy
the apple are all in, Monday we goin' home
ref:
//:Jamaica, welcome home//:
over de blue Caribee wave
my island flower is waiting
hard work is done, the orchard is empty and bare
all de long autumn day we could hear Mr Mor'son calling.
nights in the bunkhouse, singin' songs roun' de smokin' oil drum
listen to the fire snappin' by de rivers of Babylon
ref:
//: Jamaica, welcome home ://
over de blue Caribee wave
my island flower is waiting
Queen of Heaven
for NY Mary and Rod MacDonald
intro:
oh, mary of the passionate, patient heart
alleluia
oh, mary of the pinball machines and pool halls
alleluia
our lady, virgin of the street corner islands
alleluia
pray for us, mother of saints, saviors, heroes and martyrs
alleluia
vs 1:
because the winters come harder and harder
by five a.m. it's ten degrees
you've strayed from home, farther and farther
it's cold and no one hears or sees
you're stuck out here in bluegrass heaven
you wait for the break, you wanna take that ride
still betting on the come-out seven
//: but right now it feels like one more night outside ://
ref:
i could love you in that roly poly way
like old folks, or children, when they play
i could love you only for today
if you ain't scared to know
that buried in my soul
are all the broken dreams
of rock and roll.
vs 2:
it's a sports fan's world, everyone takin' turns
but your knees are bloody and your nose burns
they're choosin' up sides again, but somehow it seems
you ain't been picked for either of the teams
God knows you were never born to win
but you sure do love to play that mandolin
your daddy's gonna kill you when he finds out where you' been
might as well fight back the tears and try again
vs 3:
you had a king, the king of fools, but now your king is gone
and who will sing to the common man as the night is drawing on?
whose cry is to be heard above the sirens in the street?
in the naked light of soup kitchens, where dying hobos meet
you do the best you can, it's one more night out with the boys
singin' on the corner, makin' that happy noise
what can you do but keep on drinkin' and throw up when it hurts
where all the bygone buccaneers smashed their glasses in the dirt.
vs 4:
you search the empty lots for buried treasure
though you already recognize the fragments at your feet
and tiny, blue kisses are the only measure you have
to judge the faces of the strangers that you meet
and sometimes impotent rage and hot confusion
make you sick of the mirror tricks and Houdini escapes
and leave you clawing at each lost illusion
with miles and miles of basement tapes
vs 5:
so, to make the hours pass
you carve your love upon a stone
with a rusty nail and a piece of glass
it's a vacant curb and you're got time alone
and you're just one more subway fool
condemned to work with children's tools
another stranded innocent, who knows only too well
he's got it all to give away, and not a thing to sell
repeat intro var.
oh, Queen of Heaven, be joyful
alleluia
the Son whom you did bury in sorrow
alleluia
rose in splendor, as he promised
alleluia
pray for your children, Mary.
alleluia alleluia.
gordon
gordon, i've seen you in the kitchen
gordon, i've seen you on the road
gordon, you look just like my baby
standin' in the snowy driveway
where the headlights glowed.
ever since you shaved off your beard and your mustache
and you rosy, pink cheeks came shinin' through
i wouldn't trade the sight of you for music or hard cash
if my baby leaves me, i don't know what i'll do
about you. gordon .....
time hurries by
as i wander through the day
i still see you lying there
with your hair spread out on the pillow
and my hand reaches out
to catch your fingers in the air
though i haven't seen you since i closed the door
ref:
i hope the time hurries by
till i hold you in my arms
i hope the time hurries by
i don't think that i can stand
to be apart from you too long
i hope the time hurries by
repeat ref:
now my life is just a dream
it's no use to walk around
i can't talk to people that i meet
all i see is your sleepy smile
and my ears don't hear a sound
though i've passed all these hours on the street
repeat ref:
even as the sun goes down
i still see your arms reach out
like the green, tender branches of a willow
and i long to be back home
so i can feel those arms about me
as we lie down and close our eyes once more
repeat ref:
broken down houses
his was written with the 4th grade kids
at Chesterfield School, NH in 1981
ref:
broken down houses are fun to explore
cracks in the windows, holes in the floor
rusty old hinges creakin' on the door
where nobody lives anymore
vss:
oh, did you have the nerve to go in?
better get your brother, your sister and kin
a creepy, old ghost might scare you out of your skin
sneak up on you and say 'Boo!'
you might find buried treasure by the light of the moon
old magazines from September to June
wind up Victrola to play you a tune
a family of baby raccoons
there's bats in the attic, black cats in the hall
what was that noise over there by the wall?
that trunk full of bones didn't scare me at all
but i think i heard my mom call .......
'Jennifer ...... '
off broadway whore
i played my song in the teeth of the drunks
who threw up their insides like big steamer trunks
when i hit the sidewalk, all battered and blue
i fell in the car, i came lookin' for you
i really did not give a fuck
i pulled right in behind a truck
i put my hands under your dress
and gave myself up to your sweet caress
i know you don't kiss, but, oh, what the heck!
and it gives you the willies when i touch your neck
but i'll break the jaw of any fool crass
enough to suggest that you ain't got no class
'cause you're mostly a hooker, but you're partly a nurse
and tho' you give me your blessing mixed with a curse
i'll pay you this time like i paid you before
to spill my cum and my troubles to an off b'way whore
bless your sweet heart for keepin' close track
of all of the times that i doubled back
with just half the price i was circlin' the block
i was hopin' and prayin' that you'd suck my cock
so take away my troubles and take away my pain
and touch me with your healing hand once again
while i thank the Lord for the gold and the brass
that he put together to make your sweet ass
coming to you
a pure rush, a trail of flashing lights
it's leaning back and up,
sure as raging life itself
like a jet,
like a jet.
'til now
suspended, i'm waiting,
waiting to be alone-
no light,
only
thought.
this plane is made of steel
yet, in the wind of it's passage
it trembles like a living bird.
this wing, ( a frail, gray shadow )
is dented stretched and worn
by nothing
more
than air.
and all night long the moon rides ....
the moon:
a circle, round and white
as moons are round and white
a watchful omen
whispering its emptiness:
keep death beside you always
hardly an inch
behind the window.
whispering and whispering:
live,
every minute
every minute
every minute.
and all night long the moon rides
over the trembling wing,
how sad she looked at goodbye
a sorrow deeper than madness could hide
traced in the lines and circles of age
in a smile on the brink of a mother's tears.
she lives somehow still
to feel her pain
can feel that hope of heaven still
but so far lost,
so far from the road-
in the weed-grown fields
of gathering night.
and all night long the moon rides
over the trembling wing,
the faithful promise
of a greater light.
i am watching for the thin line of dawn.
a sudden turn-
she comes!
the sun, with rosy light
(the sun of lovers intertwined)
she holds us to everything
of every day
of work, of plans,
of little fears and hopes.
she fills with fierce light,
is never seen (too full, too bright)
and all night long the moon rides
over the trembling wing
the faithful promise of a greater light.
the light of an English summer morning
riding, the taxi is slowing, now, stopping.
my feet just touching the sidewalk, now
my eyes sweep up to trees' arch
and down, to doorway
dark.
the slender form
is you
now.
the white façade
become your face.
the rising sun
become your hair;
and the moon
is hid
behind your eyes.
sleep, little baby
sleep, little baby, sleep.
angels are watching by your bed
sleep, little baby sleep
love makes a pillow under your head
mother and father are sleeping near
keeping their little one, oh, so dear
sleep little baby, nothing can harm you
sleep little bay, let nothing alarm you
sleep little baby, sleep,
sleep little baby, sleep.