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January Road -- Jim Gill, released 2011
I take the long way home
It's been a long time coming
I think about what went wrong
Snow keeps fallin'
The wipers are keeping time
To that Tracy Chapman song
Now you've got a fast car
And it drove you away
To someone you can hold
And I'm left with half our junk
Alone on xmas
With a heart that's growin' cold
As this January road
You say you'll call me
To keep the bridges open
And I can't think which is worse
The thought of hearing your voice
Or the thought of road signs warning
Bridges freeze over first
Was it hard for you to leave me
After all this time
Did you question what was right
My thoughts are reckless nightmares
And I'm getting dizzy
Watching flakes in the lights
Down this January road
I saw the kids last week
They ask me questions
I said I'm doin' okay
They said the spring will come
And I just laughed
Then I cried the whole next day
I thought that I knew you
I thought I knew myself
But I knew nothing of the kind
I hate the man on the radio
Just play a sad song
'fore I lose my mind
On this January road
This field is empty now
The ground is frozen
But there'll be corn in July
I guess the farmer knows
To grow a new crop
The old one has to die
But right now it's a sea of white
And I am drowning
In an ocean of lies
Do yourself a favor
Better steer clear of me
A word to the wise
On this January road
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Tell Me It's Not True -- Jim Gill, released 2011
The sky is falling
For all you know
You watch the TV screen cryin'
"Please daddy come home"
And all the king's horses
And all the king's men
They don't know what to do
So tell me it's not true
The sky is falling
And all you'll ever know
Is he left for work that day
And he did not come home
And all the king's horses
And all the king's men
Will never bring your father back home again
Home again never home again
And all the king's horses
And all the king's men
Will never bring your father back
Home to you again (ad lib)
The sky is falling
And you're all alone
I can hear your mother calling
"Please child come home"
And all the king's horses
And all the king's men
Will never ever put your life
Back together again
Back together again
And all the king's horses
And all the king's men
They don't know what to do
So tell me it's not true
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Take A Little Time -- Jim Gill, released 2011
Take a little time with me
I'll take a little time with you
Talk about where we've been
And where we're goin' to
And all the things we want to do
Come and sit with me
And I'll sit next to you
Tell you of my life
And where it broke in two
And how you helped pull me through
My world was fallin' apart
Just like these jeans
And those who want more than a friend
Don't know what friendship means
You were there for me
When I needed you
Gave me time and space
And all that breathing room
How I needed breathing room
So I take a little time to say
In your home I was renewed
You have my heart, my love
And all my gratitude
So you know, I love you
It's always the little things
That matter in the end
'cuz when I found you, Katie
I found a friend
So I take a little time with you
And you take a little time with me
And know my song is true
And we are family
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I Was Lonely -- Jim Gill, released 2011
It's a long way from there to here
A long time from then to now
I didn't know I would find you
Didn't think I knew how
(chorus)
But I was, lonely
I was lonely...
And then, there was you
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Stickman -- Jim Gill, released 2011
Stickman carries a li'l compass in his pocket
So he always knows which way the wind blows
He was branchin' out a few years ago
And where he's gone heaven only knows
They say he took up with a jezebel
And they've grown thick as thieves
One thing for sure, people always talkin'
Long after Stickman leaves
It wasn't long ago he was just a bud
On a branch of his family tree
Out on a limb at such a young age
Is a dangerous place to be
They said he was trouble like a bad disease
But you know how people talk
After a while, they had decided
he was just a chip off the ol' block
(refrain)
Oh-oh Stickman, Stickman you're my hero
But to others you're a lunatic
In a quiet moment, I like to remember
Deep down, you're just a stick
After his diploma he went for a job
Dressed up for his interview
The man across the desk was sharpening pencils
Unsure of what to do
He said, "I'm sorry young fella, it's our policy
but we don't hire sticks."
Stickman looked at the pencil, then at the sharpener
Relieved just to hit the bricks
He bounced around, doin' odd jobs
And bought himself a pair of new boots
To impress a young lady he had been seein'
With the hope of settin' down roots
But just when he thought they were growin' together
They got into a fight
She'd never learned about our hero
That his bark is worse than his bite
(refrain)
Some call him a rebel or a renegade
And some say a renaissance man
While others call him crazy or just plain twisted
And one called him Son of Sam
He smiles at the folks as he waves goodbye
Sayin, "I'm leaving here for good."
"And I mean it both ways" which you have to admit's
a lot of wisdom for a hunk of wood
He sent me a letter and a photograph
Where he's grinnin' from ear-to-ear
One arm's draped across the shoulders of his woman
And the other one's holding a beer
He wrote, 'Hey how's it going' and 'I miss you lots'
And 'One more thing to say'
He drew an arrow goin' towards her belly and wrote
'We got a little toothpick on the way!'
(refrain)
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Stealin' Our Time -- Jim Gill, released 2011
IRONWEED IN THE HIGHWAY GRASS HEY, HEY, HEY
PAVEMENT AND BROKEN GLASS HEY, HEY, HEY
THE CARS ARE RACING PAST
AS THEY WORK THEMSELVES TO DEATH AT LAST
(refrain)
THEY'RE STEALIN' YOUR TIME AWAY HEY, HEY, HEY
AND STEALIN' MY TIME AWAY NOW HEY, HEY, HEY
THEY'RE STEALIN' OUR TIME AWAY
LIKE A PAWN IN THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
CO-WORKERS AT THE BAR HEY, HEY, HEY
NUTS, GUINESS AND CAVIAR HEY, HEY, HEY
PICK UP THE TAB LIKE YOU'RE A STAR
WHILE THE TALK BEHIND YOUR BACK IS MOST BIZARRE
(refrain)
WHAT DO WE DO WITH OUR TIME
'CUZ IT'S ALL YOURS AND IT'S ALL MINE
DO WE GIVE IT AWAY TO PACIFY
A HUNGRY GHOST THAT CAN'T BE SATISFIED
40 HOURS PLUS OVERTIME HEY, HEY, HEY
WITH THREE WEEKS OFF PLUS CHRISTMASTIME HEY, HEY, HEY
A SILENT PARTNER IN A PANTOMIME
ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER DOLLAR ANOTHER DIME
(refrain)
THOSE WHO LOVE YOU WHAT WILL THEY FIND HEY, HEY, HEY
AMIDST THE LIFE YOU LEAVE BEHIND HEY, HEY, HEY
A ROAD MAP TO THE DAILY GRIND
AND A CHECK LIST ON HOW TO FALL IN LINE
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Run Lisa Run -- Jim Gill, released 2011
LISA TOOK A LOVER NOW THE LITTLE LADY'S ON THE RUN
RUNNIN' FROM THE LAWMAN WITH HIS BIBLE AND HIS GUN
DOIN' WHAT COMES NATURAL AND NATURALLY HAVIN' FUN
TIRED OF LIVIN' LIES NOW HER DOUBLE TROUBLE'S JUST BEGUN
THEY SAY THAT JUSTICE IS BLIND
BUT IT DON'T RECOGNIZE HER KIND
MAKIN' LAWS FOR THE IGNORANT TO QUIET THEIR LITTLE MINDS
SHE'S A YUMMY LITTLE HONEY WITH A HOWITZER FOR AN ARM
SHE'S GOT A REGULAR ROCKET-LAUNCHER IF SHE MEANS TO DO YA HARM
GET ON THE WRONG SIDE OF HER AND FEEL THAT ITALIAN RAGE
SHE COULD FIRE A SOFTBALL LEAVE A HOLE IN YOUR LITTLE RIB CAGE
SO RUN LISA RUN
WAIT FOR YOUR DAY IN THE SUN
YOU'RE THE KIND OF PERSON THAT SOCIETY LOVES TO SHUN
RUN LISA RUN THE LAW IS AFTER YOU
THEY DON'T WANNA SEE THINGS FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW
SEEIN' YOU AS EQUAL IS JUST SOMETHIN' THEY'RE NOT GONNA DO
PLUS YOU'D CUT INTO THE KITTY OF THEIR BENEFITS AND REVENUE
IT'S THE SAME OLD STORY LINE
TURNIN' SOMEONE INTO FRANKENSTEIN
DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO TO PROTECT THAT BOTTOM LINE
(instrumental)
RUN LISA RUN THE LAW IS AFTER YOU
SEND ME SECRET MESSAGES SO I CAN CATCH UP WITH YOU
WAIT A LITTLE WHILE 'TIL WE RISK THAT RENDEZVOUS
AND STAY BELOW THE RADAR OF THE OL' RED, WHITE AND BLUE
THEY SAY THAT JUSTICE IS BLIND
BUT THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE YOUR KIND
MAKIN' LAWS FOR THE IGNORANT TO QUIET THEIR LITTLE MINDS
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One More -- Jim Gill, released 2011
Always with you it's
Just one more
Always with you 'til you're
Out on the floor
I can't do this
Anymore
I'm gonna follow my shoes
Through the door
I will see you
If you get home
But I won't do this tonight
I've lost track how many
Times before
I watched you have
Just one more
I don't mean this
To be mean
I'm just seeing things
As they seem
I can't take this
Not tonight
Not that you'll notice
But I'll be all right
If I could pour my life into
Your glass
Could you drink it down and
Know me at last
But it's not that way
And you want to stay
Now it's time for me to go
So I'll be on my way
If I could pour my life into
Your glass
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Nobody Special -- Jim Gill, released 2011
I'm nobody special
Let's make that clear
I'm from the middle of nowhere
It's right around here
You can take me for granted
You wouldn't be the first
I'm far from the best
But I'm better than the worst
I was small when I was little
Called a half-pint and a shrimp
A broken heart won't kill you
But you'll walk with a limp
Spent a long time in the doghouse
Drinkin' beer in the rain
I'm no stranger to the feeling
Of feelin' no pain
(Bridge)
How many leaves have fallen
How many seeds have grown
Have I been missing the forest
Tryin' to make each tree my own
Had a neighbor -- was crazy
Tied her dog up in the yard
Spent his day going in circles
A regular canine NASCAR
Drives me to the past
That mutt and I were the same
The radius of our circles
Was the length of our chain
I'm nobody special
I'm just like you
We ain't makin' millions
Just tryin' to make do
(repeat first verse)
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Lalaland -- Jim Gill, released 2011
Cinderella shoots a look at Prince Charming
At a booth in the back of a place like this
She whispers, "Man, you've really let yourself go."
He sucks down his wine and blows her a kiss
He's starin' at the Giants on the TV screen
Wishin' he could be one of those guys
Should'a taken that job as a juggler
In a traveling show outside Van Nuys
(Chorus)
It's Friday night, here in Lalaland
Broken hearts, life and death, sun, surf and sand
"Romeo, Romeo, where the hell is Romeo?"
Juliet's screamin' in the parking lot
He's out on the blacktop, shootin' hoops with his buds
Whether Juliet likes it or not
The 3 Muskateers are up by two
d'Artagnan steals the ball from Romeo under the light
Juliet grinds her teeth and knows for sure
Romeo won't be scoring tonight
(Chorus)
"There's no place like home."
Dorothy cries stumblin' out the door
Toto's tied to a sign that reads, "No Dogs Allowed"
Guess we're not in Kansas anymore
Samson tells Delilah, "Checkout the gun show, girl"
Goliath laughs at the bar, sittin' all alone
He's been kickin' lots of ass, since the 'roids kicked in
'til David strolls up and asks, "Yo G, wanna get stoned"
(Chorus)
Jesus and Judas are huggin' it out
By the end of the night they'll be back to bro's
Too drunk to remember what the fuss was all about
The bouncer's Baryshnikov, they keep him on his toes
Lady Godiva pourin' drinks behind the bar
Snow White waltzes in like she owns the place
Now she's kissin' Godiva and drops a twenty in the jar
You should see the look on Casanova's face
Steve Earle's on the bandstand playin' TownesVanZandt
It's a sobering song about a drunk Tom Waits
St. Peter runs sound, he's got a day job at Walmart
Since he lost his gig at the Pearly Gates
Galileo cruises by in the Popemobile
A red wagon in back with the pope in tow
Looks like someone lost a bet, somethin' 'bout the stars
You can't always get what you want is
...playin' on the radio...
(Chorus)
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Got it Made -- Jim Gill, released 2011
This is the house where our baby learned to walk
And this is the yard where our kids played
These are the rooms that we gutted, trimmed and filled
This is the home that we have made
We built this place together
Brick by brick foundation laid
A house is what you make it
And we've got it made
Here's the cupboard where we keep the cereal
Here's the drawer where we put the pans
Here's the table where we eat those spaghetti dinners
And where we hatch all our plans
This is the song I swore I'd never write
The kind I've been cynical of
But life is short and regret is long
And you're the one that I love
We built this life together
Day by day our love displayed
A marriage is what you make it
And we've got it made
I get a kick outta this guitar
I picked it out and you paid
You said, "Jim, I hope this makes your birthday."
I smiled and said, "I've got it made"
This is the song I sing for you
These are the memories I will save
You've got a way about you
And I've got it made
Here's my bracelet in place of a ring
Every season you make it new
Just like the bracelet you wear on your wrist
In colors I weave for you
So our lives are woven together
Interlaced like a braid
Love is what you make it
And we've got it made... we've got it made
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Go -- Jim Gill, released 2011
Ask me why I left
I'll say I don't know
But if you were in my shoes
You'd go, go, go, go, go
Lots of fish in the sea
I should know
Still there was a time
I had no place to go
Don't bite the hand that feeds you
Boy, that ain't right
I burned my bridges down
With dynamite
(refrain)
I was whistling Dixie as I made my mistakes
No one was lining up to take my place
Bloodied my fingers climbing out of that hole
Little voice inside was screaming
Go, go, go, go, go
Never again will she do that to me
Never again as long as I breathe
Between me and mine she spread her disease
Just like an insect 'tween the bark and the tree
(refrain)
I was whistling Dixie as I made my mistakes
No one was lining up to take my place
Nearly died climbing out of that hole
Little voice inside was screaming
Go, go, go, go, go
Find that one true love
That knocks you on your ass
Grab her with both hands boy
And hit the gas
Life is a highway
Love is a road
Just strap yourself in tight
And go, go, go, go, go
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All The Time –Jim Gill, released 2011
I didn't come this far to leave myself behind
I didn't come this far with nothing in my mind
I didn't come this far to see what I could find
I've been on this path
All the time, all the time
I didn't come this way to leave myself alone
I didn't come this way to leave me on my own
I didn't come this way to see what I could lose
I had a plan I had direction
So I choose this way
Come what may a stupid saying but it's true
Everywhere I've been I was there with me
Everything I've seen I was there to be
Now I understand everything I am
I have always been
All the time
(Instrumental)
I didn't come this far to leave myself behind
I didn't come this far to lose my peace of mind
I only live here now but still somehow
I have been here
All the time
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Ain't Life Grand -- Gill 2011
Drinkin' in the bed of a pickup
Summer of '79
One quart of whiskey, one quart of vodka
Two gallons of Sangria wine
Pure Prairie League had just finished Amy
By the time we got to the show
Don't ask me who was drivin'
Some clown I didn't know
Steve passed out on the lawn at Blossom
Holdin' some pretty girl's hand
Me I had a girl swayin' on my shoulders
To the music of Marshall Tucker's band
Life was grand, life was grand
And if I had my chance like one last dance I'd do it all again
I mowed lawns for the wealthy west of Cleveland
Except when the weather got wet
Most days this Irish kid was out in the sun
Getting' more sun than an Irish kid should get
Friday's I'd cash my paycheck
At Tony's liquor store
With a 12-pack and a burnt back and jinglin' car keys
As I went back out the door
In those days I drove a Chevelle Malibu
I bought it from my grandfather before he died
It was a rusty, old 4-door, bucket of bolts
But that bucket of bolts was MY ride, my ride
Saturdays we'd knock off by two
Gave me time to polish up the rust
One day I put pinstripes on it from front to back
And a bumper sticker that said "Rock-n-Roll or bust"
And all those nights behind the wheel
With the streetlights of Pearl above
I was ready and eager armed with Springsteen and Seger
And the radio blastin' Radar Love
And the rush was pure electric
Like the world's at your command
And if you've never had that feeling
Then you'll never understand
Ain't life grand, ain't life grand
And if I had my chance like one last dance I'd do it all again
Like clockwork we're comin' on summer
My mind keeps driftin' back
Like dust in the wind, my Bad Company's
No longer runnin' with the pack
Life is nothin' but changes
We all scattered like leaves
But I remember those nights in the dashboard lights
When we were thick as thieves
Maybe I'm a helpless romantic
And nostalgia is just pain for home
Sometimes it feels like every friend I've had
Was the best friend I've ever known
Me and Steve took a trip to the ocean
Chasing crabs along the sand
Now I raise my glass, sayin' "This, too, shall pass"
Like the waves through our hands
Ain't life grand...
Now Bryan makes his living as a writer
Rich is makin' love to Sue
Ted he's tryin' to make a difference
And we're all just tryin' to make do
Steve got the job of his dreams
Making memories with his camera in hand
And me I'm making songs up about my friends
Singin' ain't life grand
Ain't life grand...
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Cat's Cradle -- Jim Gill 2007
A loop of string
Wrapped through our hands
A child's game
That never ends
We weave the shape
Of space and time
It is desire
That clouds the mind
Now from cat's cradle
To the grave
It is this moment
I would save
Your gentle hands
Your smiling face
You make my world
A loving place
We write our names
Upon the beach
For now the waves
Are out of reach
When climb the moon
And rise the tide
The ocean claims us
Back inside
How short the sight
How sad the man
Who would not wish
This all again
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Cigarettes Don't Suck -- Jim Gill 2007
Smokin' used to be easy
How'd it get so hard
I used to light up in the bars
Now I'm freezin' my butt off in the yard
I got, 2 packs on the dashboard
Another 8 in the trunk
You can spot me in traffic
In my 4-wheeled, smokin' lounge piece o' junk
(refrain)
My friends say,
Cigarettes don't suck
I aint sure that's true
Since they made it crime
Like sniffing brown paper bags full of Super Glue
I think that,
Cigarettes don't suck
But the smokers do
It's the only way to get nicotine
Out of a paper tube
I got the telltale yellow teeth
And discolored fingernails
I get pooped walkin' up the stairs
Like someone knocked the wind out of my sails
I have a, non-smoking roommate
And what makes it worse
She's a non-drinking, veggie-eatin', health nut
Licensed practical nurse
And she never shuts up
I mean she never shuts up
It's always secondhand this and secondhand that
You might find her in the river floatin' belly up
(instrumental)
You got your sin-tax bills
And the lawsuits filed
The lawyers down at Phillip-Morris
Are cryin' like a little child
I see them, writin' out checks
For the plaintiff's suit
So they can afford to go shoppin'
And throw a couple extra cartons in the bag to boot
(refrain)
Thanks for listening folks
To my sarcastic side
I guess the ones who'd appreciate it
Are busy getting' lung cancer just outside
So just enjoy your beer
Whatever else you need
And when you get a chance hug a smoker
cuz we're a dying breed
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Dreaming Indigo -- Jim Gill 2004
It happened again last night
I drifted back to long ago
I see my feet against the grate
A winter kitchen in Ohio
Warm air blowin' through my toes
As I begin Dreaming indigo
Early morning dark outside
You had to get me out of bed
You and my sisters around
the stove light
Throwing shadows overhead
Tears ran down your cheeks
A jewel case in your hand
You said, "Jimmy come here,
Meet your sister, Marianne."
(refrain)
They say it's a part of life
Tell me something I don't know
For me it's more a color
When I'm dreaming indigo
You buried her in the yard
So she'd be close to home
In a house of so many people
Yet you were all alone
And we all got new roommates
When sorrow and silence moved in
Blue is the color of sadness
And grey where it ends and begins
(refrain)
It happened again last night
I drifted back to long ago
Crouched around the heater
A little boy in Ohio
Now I've got his memories
Like a vague and distant rainbow
And blue is the color of sadness
When I'm dreaming indigo
Fragile is the life
And a lifespan paper thin
Blue is the color of sadness
And grey where it ends and begins
Grey where it ends and begins
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Room To Spare -- Jim Gill 2007
I've been feelin' down
And my blood pressure's up
I've got Echinacea
In my coffee cup
I find I grow more humble
As I lose my hair
I've got a crowded heart
But there's room to spare
I am governed by
Someone I did not elect
I will gladly pay him
All my disrespect
Now I like to drink
Takes me out of my head
I've been feelin' blue
Since my state went red
People yell for Buffett
But I play my own
Knocks me to my knees
When I stand alone
If I drag you down
Just pull up a chair
I've got a crowded heart
But there's room to spare
Life is short
But the journey's long
You may have the right
And still be in the wrong
We should live
Before we're here and gone
So let's take it off
And then get it on
I hear money fixes things
But I'm always broke
I see people laughin'
Who don't get that joke
Y'know a precious fewTake the lion's share
I've got a crowded heart
But there's room to spare
(bridge)
Upside down
And inside out
Don't always know
What I'm talkin' about
Sometimes I sing
Just to hear my voice
Like to soothe the pain
With a joyful noise
We get dressed to kill
When we paint the town
We go to the square
And we drive around
Livin' for the moment
Try to make it last
We will f&#! Up the future
If we (say) screw the past
You can drink for hours
Still not quench that thirst
You got nothing to say
Quoting chapter and verse
Got to change your outlook
From that vacant stare
I've got a crowded heart
But there's room to spare
...if this grizzly world
Is more than you can bear
I've got a crowded heart
But there's room to spare
...Alone or with a friend now
I don't care
I've got a crowded heart
But there's room to spare
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Tommy Gun -- Jim Gill 2007
Tommy's dad was a murderer
They caught him for the second time
So 2,000 volts dimmed the light bulbs
In Cell Block 9
Tommy's dad had said
That he always meant to go that way
Lit up like a tree in the living room
On Christmas Day
Tommy's life was cursed
From as far back when he turned 10
Runnin' errands for the men
That called his daddy friend
Gettin' kicked outta school
Was all just part of the fun
And he loved how it sounded
When they called him Tommy Gun
(refrain)
Go, go, go, go Tommy Gun
You got bullets in your pocket
And Bazooka Joe bubble gum
Put the pedal to metal
Make a run for it Tommy Gun
Or they'll fry you in the chair
Like they did to your daddy, son
Tommy says...
Give me a couple cold 40's
A dime bag and a bottle of wine
Take your G.E.D. and stick it
Where the sun don't shine
All I ever got from school was a Headache and a slap on the hand
Tell my proby leave a message
And I'll get back as soon as I can
The kid was shakin' behind the counter
As he put the cash in Tommy's hand
Tommy said, "I want it all, or I'll blow your Freakin' head off, man!"
What happened next in retrospect
Made Tommy laugh
When the kid held out a pen and said, "Can I get your autograph?"
(refrain)
It's a long dark highway
To the Cuyahoga County line
As Tommy floored the Chevy
Swiggin' beer mister he was flyin'
He lit up the radar on the Trooper's Gun as he blew past
Then he saw the flashin' lights
As the County Mountie hit the gas
Now he's off on the shoulder
And he's starin' in his rearview mirror
Now some might call it gutsy
While others might call it fear
He's lookin' at the cop thinkin'
"You ain't gonna get me today."
So Tommy guns his Chevy
Slingin' gravel as gets away
(refrain)
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Welcome Home -- Jim Gill 2007
They say it's where the heart is
It's where you hang your hat
There's no place like it
And you can never go back
They it's a sweet place
But I didn't care
It was your way or the highway
Now all roads lead there
(refrain)
You gave me all you could
But I wanted more
Do both sides have to know there's a fight
To have a civil war
You showed me how to work
And how to play the game
You gave me the luck of the Irish
When you gave me your name
You gave me a piece of your mind
When I asked for a helpin' hand You could say I was lost for awhile
(refrain)
Now I can just imagine Shakespeare
Or some Greek tragedy
It's a story as old as time
But it was all new to me
Now look what time has done
To my growing boys
I yell out across the yard
And I swear I hear your voice
Now it's callin' me back
To stop in for a bite
Don't know what we'll say
But I know that's all right
(refrain)
You gave me all you could
Still I wanted more
So I'm sayin' I'm sorry
And I'm knockin' at your door...
...Welcome home...
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Any Exit -- Jim Gill released 2007
Six lanes on the highway
Four chambers in a human heart
Nine justices rule supreme
They're all tryin' to play their part
Truth and justice are elusive
Love'll make you rip out your hair
And if you don't care where you're goin'
Any exit will take you there
You get your news from the TV
White lies from a glowin' box
They peddle fear and band-aids
The business plan of the fox
You wanna get your head straight
Take your set for a drive
Haul it up to the edge of a mountaintop
Tip it over and wave goodbye
I was born in Cleveland
Went to catholic school in Parma Hts.
Got divorced in a county courthouse
When change had me in his sights
I wrote this song in a bathroom
Outside of Philly, PA
I'm not proud of that just stating a fact
Sooner or later, lightning strikes, wherever you stay
It took me forty years
Just to get the guts to sing
It might take me forty more
Just to learn how to play this thing
You can pray to your god
If it makes you feel strong inside
But as for me I'm here to tell you friends
I'm not a passenger, hell no, I'm the ride
(repeat first verse)
Back to Top
Fade To Black -- Jim Gill released 2007
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I CHASED MY DESIRE
LIKE LOOKIN' FOR WATER WITH MY HAIR ON FIRE
THAT WAS THEN AND THIS IS NOW AND NOW I'M JUST TIRED
TIRED OF WAITIN' FOR THINGS TO CHANGE
TIRED OF HOPIN' THEY'D STAY THE SAME
TIRED OF DREAMIN' OF A BETTER WAY TO PASS THE TIME
(refrain)
SO FILL IT UP AND I'LL TIP IT BACK
CUT THE SCENE AS I FADE TO BLACK
THERE'S A FEELIN' I'M WAITIN' ON
HASN'T GOTTEN HERE YET
AND THERE WAS SOMETHING I WANTED TO SAY
BUT NOW I FORGET
I GUESS I WAS HANDSOME A WILD YOUNG TURK
I PLAYED TWICE AS HARD AS I WORKED
I WAS SMART THEN I WAS SMUG AND I WAS A JERK
WITH THE HOPE OF A LINE THAT IS CAST
I GO FISHIN' IN THE BONES OF MY PAST
JUST TO PROVE THAT NOTHING EVER LASTS
I'M JUST TIRED
(refrain)
I WAS YOUNG SHE WAS YOUNGER
IS A MEMORY THIRST OR HUNGER
THAT WANTS TO RECALL THE TIMES WHEN YOU HAD IT MADE
AT A WORK BENCH OR ON A BARSTOOL
LIKE A SONG I HEARD IN HIGH SCHOOL
SHE'S ON MY MIND NOW LIKE A TATOO THAT JUST WON'T FADE
(refrain)
I'VE LEARNED TO KEEP QUIET AND I HOLD MY TOUNGE
WHEN I HEAR THAT YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG
CUZ THERE'S TIMES I WAS WASTED AND TIMES I WAS STUNG
AND NOW I'M JUST TIRED
TIRED OF WAITIN' FOR THINGS TO CHANGE
TIRED OF HOPIN' THEY'D STAY THE SAME
TIRED OF DREAMIN' OF A BETTER WAY TO PASS THE TIME
Back to Top
I'M THE WARMUP ACT -- Jim Gill released 2007
I'm the warmup act
I'm an also ran
I play second fiddle
In a one-man band
I know how it is
And I know the game
After you leave here tonight
I'll be what's-his-name
Cuz I'm the warmup act
I'm an also ran
Never a groom
Just the ugly best man
Or the starter husband
That you practice on
Then you'll dump me
For some rich Don Juan
(instrumental)
There's no fightin' in this band
And no one blows up
Plus there's no competition
If a groupie shows up (which is never)
I'm the average Joe
Or the average Jim
We've got our own patron saint
His name is Tiny Tim
So I tiptoe through the tulips
Of this average life
I'm average in every way
Don't believe me
Just ask my wife
Well I went to the doctor
See if he could set me straight
He said I was too old
And it was too late
He said he couldn't help me
There's nothing he could do
So I said I wanted a second opinion
He said, "O.K., you're ugly, too!"
(bridge dialogue)
Well I could drone on for hours
Like my Latin prof
But they only give you five minutes
Then they drag you off
So applaud for me
Like I was a star
Cuz if you don't, I know where you parked
And I will key your car
Back to Top
Whipping Boy -- Jim Gill released 2007
I bet it's lovely in your castle
The tapestries and the chandelier
Master of all you survey
I'm told your style, is cavalier
And your servants rally 'round you
Though you have no time to meet them
And if they fail to bow to your will
You loose the dogs to eat them
You kill all that you fear
And what you cannot understand
I hear the jester told the truth
Then he was silenced, by your hand
And who pays for your mistakes
Not your daddy's pride and joy
All that fury crashes down
Down, upon the whipping boy
Now those who dine around your table
Bare their teeth of solid gold
You'll buy their souls when you are able
And they will do as they are told
But their loyalty is fleeting
It's a fact you can't ignore
For those who can be bought
Always want a little more (a little more...)
Now your canons are arrayed
Across the fortress wall
Did no one ever tell you
What comes before the fall
But there's a crack in the mortar
And all the methods you employ
Will not save your kingdom
So sings, so sings, the whipping boy
From a throne room to a board room
From a dungeon to a jail
Your avarice will end you
So too, the coffin nail
Too many of us now
have had to agonize
Crushed by your ignorance
the weight of your lies
It's never crossed your mind
To apologize
Gonna cast you out
Cut you down to size
You'll know that I mean it
When you look into my eyes
(medley of pop song snippets)
Memorize my face
As the one you would destroy
I am here to serve notice that
I am not your whipping boy
Back to Top
Laramie -- Jim Gill, released 2006
A WEST WIND'S BLOWIN' OVER SNOWY RANGE
THROUGH A TOWN AT THE EDGE OF THE TRACKS
(IN A) PLACE WHERE INNOCENCE HAS HOPPED A TRAIN
AND IT'S NEVER COMIN' BACK
NEVER COMIN' BACK
IN HIGH PLAINS COUNTRY JUST WEST OF CHEYENNE
SLEEPS THE TOWN OF LARAMIE
IT'S LIVE AND LET LIVE IN OUR COWBOY STATE
AS LONG AS YOU'RE THE SAME AS ME
AS LONG AS YOU'RE THE SAME AS ME
WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
SO OUR CHILDREN SAY
SO DON'T POINT YOUR FINGER JUST AT WYOMING
THIS IS ANY TOWN USA
ANY TOWN USA
(bridge)
IT'S SMALL TOWN VALUES AND FAMILY
THAT TIES US TO OUR HOME
BUT AT THE EDGE OF A FIELD SOMETHIN'S TIED TO A FENCE
THAT WILL CHILL YOU TO THE BONE
A WEST WIND'S BLOWIN' OVER SNOWY RANGE
THROUGH A TOWN AT THE EDGE IF THE TRACKS
(IN A) PLACE WHERE INNOCENCE HAS HOPPED A TRAIN
AND IT'S NEVER COMIN' BACK
NEVER COMIN' BACK
Back to Top
Hatred -- Jim Gill, released 2006
(refrain)
I AIN'T GONNA WAIT NO MORE
FOR YOU TO TREAT ME LITTLE BETTER
AIN'T GONNA WAIT NO MORE
FOR YOU TO TREAT ME LITTLE BETTER
I AIN'T GONNA WAIT NO MORE
FOR YOU TO TREAT ME LITTLE BETTER
NOW I'M GONE, GONE, GONE, GONE
HATRED IS A SEED
BLOWIN' ON THE WIND
FINDS A LITTLE FISSURE
THEN IT FALLS IN
WATERED BY IGNORANCE
THAT'S HOW IT GROWS
SPREADIN' IT'S POISON
WHEREVER IT GOES
(refrain)
AIN'T NOBODY
DESERVES THIS FATE
LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS
TO BE ENDED BY HATE
TIME TO WAKE UP
THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE
THIS COULD BE YOUR BROTHER
THIS COULD BE MY SON
(refrain)
Back to Top
Aftermath -- Jim Gill, released 2006
WHERE WERE YOU
IN THE AFTERMATH
AFTER MATTHEW
AFTER THAT
WHERE WERE YOU
IN THE AFTERMATH
WHEN THE WORLD CAME CRASHING IN
WHEN OUR WORLD CAME CRASHING IN
THE LAST THING HE SAW
ON THAT AUTUMN NIGHT
THE LARAMIE SKYLINE AND THE
SPARKLING LIGHTS
A SHADOW WAS CAST
FROM THE HUNTER'S MOON
BY THE BOY WHO LEFT TOO SOON
BY THE BOY WHO LEFT TOO SOON
IN WILD WYOMING
YOU WILL FIND
WIDE OPEN SPACES
AND SOME NARROW MINDS
(AND) LOVE AND COMPASSION
OF THE FINEST KIND
OF THE FINEST KIND
CAN WE LEARN FROM MERCY THIS TIME
(segue refrain)
I CAN SEE THE LIGHTS
(I CAN) SEE THE LIGHTS FROM HERE
I CAN SEE THE LIGHTS
(I CAN) SEE THE LIGHTS FROM HERE
(refrain repeats over and over...)
IT'S THE LIGHT OF MERCY
IT'S THE LIGHT OF KINDNESS
IT'S THE LIGHT OF LOVE
IT'S THE LIGHT OF MERCY
OF UNDERSTANDING
IT'S THE LIGHT OF LOVE
(repeat with vocal ad-libs to closing)
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Sky -- Jim Gill, released 2004
JUMPED A JET AND WENT OUT WEST
FOR THE CALIFORNIA SHORE
CAUGHT SOME RAYS AND RODE SOME WAVES
ON A RENTED BOOGIE BOARD
SURF POUNDIN' ON THE BEACH
PLASTIC PAILS IN OUR HANDS
(AND) ME AND MY SONS HAD SOME FUN
BUILDING DRAGONS IN THE SAND
IT'S A LONG WAY FROM OHIO
TO THE WARM PACIFIC COAST
WE HAD SOME LAUGHS AND TOOK PHOTOGRAPHS
OF THE ONES I LOVE THE MOST
AND THERE WAS, SKY
THERE WAS, SKY WAY UP HIGH
THERE WAS, SKY
THERE WAS SKY IN THE MORNING, A SKY AT NIGHT
A BIG BLUE SKY IN THE BROAD DAYLIGHT
BROAD DAYLIGHT
MY WIFE HAD GROWN UP THERE
AND WE WANTED TO SEE HER PAST
AND BOTH BOYS WERE OVERJOYED
'CAUSE WHEN YOU FLY YOU GET THERE FAST
AT SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT
WELL, SHE LOOKED A LITTLE ROUND
BUT SHE SLIPPED ON A SUIT AND A SMILE TO BOOT
AND I WAS FEELIN' MIGHTY PROUD
AND SOMETHING ABOUT THE OCEAN
MAKES YOUR HEART COME OUT AND PLAY
AS SHE RODE THE WAVES I KNEW I'D SAVE
THE MEMORIES OF THAT DAY
(chorus)
THEN IT WAS LATE OCTOBER
AND WE WERE ALL BACK AT HOME
WITH FADED TANS AND BABY PLANS
BEING HASHED OUT ON THE PHONE
A DELIVERY ROOM ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT
I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER
A HAPPY MAN AS I HELD HER HAND
AND ON THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER SHE HAD
(chorus)
MY SONS CAME WITH GRANDMA
AS SOON AS THEY GOT THE CALL
EXCITEMENT SHOWED ON TIPPY TOES
AS THEY WHISPERED "SHE'S SO SMALL"
AH, BUT ONCE YOU'VE SEEN HER
YOU JUST CAN'T RESIST HER
AND THOSE TWO BOYS MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE
WHEN THEY'RE PLAYIN' WITH THEIR LITTLE SISTER
(last chorus with ad lib)
AND THEY'VE GOT SKY NOW
AND THEY'VE GOT SKY NOW
AND WE'VE GOT SKY NOW
AND WE'VE GOT SKY NOW AND WE'VE GOT
WE GOT SKY NOW
OH BABY WITH THE BABY BLUES
LITTLE HANDS AND LITTLE FEET
AND LITTLE TENNIS SHOES
BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG BLUE EYES
UNDER BIG, BIG, BIG BLUE SKIES
WE GOT SKY, WE GOT SKY
SKY BABY, SKY BABY,
NOW WE'VE GOT SKY NOW
WE'VE GOT SKY
NOW BABY YEAH
Back to Top
All is Made to Fade -- Jim Gill, released 2004
A WINGED CREATURE IN THE WOODS
ATOP A HOLLOW TREE
HE KNOWS WHAT HE KNOWS
AND HE KNOWS WHAT HE SEES
HE SAID "ALL IS MADE TO FADE, ALL IS MADE TO FADE"
THE THINGS THAT SEEMED CERTAIN
YESTERDAY
CAN LOOK A WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT
FROM MILES AWAY
(refrain)
LEAVE A SMALL FOOTPRINT
AND BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU MAKE
THE BURDEN RESTS ON ALL OF US
THE CAMEL'S BACK MAY BREAK
(refrain)
ALL YOU HAVE IS TODAY
AND IT'S NOT HERE TO STAY
EVERYTHING COMES
AND GOES AWAY
(refrain)
BE KIND TO YOUR MATE
IN WHAT YOU DO AND WHAT YOU SAY
AND YOUR CHILDREN DON'T UNDERRATE
THEY ALL WILL BE GONE ONE DAY
(refrain)
BE KIND, BE KIND, BE KIND
BE KIND TO YOUR MATE
AND TO YOURSELF
IT'S OKAY
(refrain/bridge)
THEN HE SPREAD HIS WINGS
WITH A SCREECH THAT SPLIT THE SKIES
IT SHOOK THE GROUND BELOW ME
AS HE GLARED INTO MY EYES
HE SAID, "NO ONE CAN ADVISE YOU
YOU MUST GO INTO YOURSELF
FIND THE REASONS THAT COMMAND YOU
AND UNDERSTAND YOUR HEART'S WEALTH
FIND THE WATER THAT MADE YOU
AND DRINK FROM THE WELL
FIND THE LINES THAT GUIDE YOU
AND LIVE IN PARALLEL"
ALL IS MADE TO FADE... (repeat to close)
Back to Top
Get Up Eight -- Jim Gill, released 2004
TREAD LIGHTLY 'ROUND HERE
I'M SPREAD PRETTY THIN
FEELS LIKE BEIN' ON THE OUTSIDE
AND LOOKIN' IN
THE ROAD NARROWS HERE
AND THE LIGHT IS GETTING DIM
I'M GETTIN' WEARY FOR THE FINISH
AND I'VE YET TO BEGIN
(chorus)
SO I DON'T MIND IF I STUMBLE AROUND
YOU KNOW I AIN'T FEELIN' THAT GREAT
AND I DON'T CARE IF I FALL SEVEN TIMES
AS LONG AS I GET UP EIGHT
DON'T TIE YOUR BOAT TO ME
YOU GOT TO ROW YOUR OWN
NO MAN'S AN ISLAND
BUT IN THE END YOU'RE ALL ALONE
WAVES ON THE WATER
ARE CRASHIN' IN
AND IF THIS THING GOES DOWN
WILL YOU SINK OR SWIM
(chorus)
NOW I DON'T MIND IF YOU FLOUNDER AROUND
YOU KNOW I'VE GOT TIME TO WAIT
AND I DON'T CARE IF YOU GO DOWN SEVEN TIMES
AS LONG AS YOU COME UP EIGHT
(bridge)
I MAY BE GROWLING TODAY
FLASH THE FANGS IN MY FACE
DON'T BE FRIGHTENED AWAY
JUST GIVE ME SPACE
AND I'LL BE OKAY
SPENT TOO MUCH TIME WONDERING
WHO HAD DONE ME WRONG
I GOT MORE NAMES IN MY HEAD
THAN THE DAY IS LONG
NOW I ACCEPT WHAT I DESERVE
I WAS JUST LOOKIN' FASTBALL
AND GOT THROWN A CURVE
(chorus)
SO I DON'T MIND IF I STUMBLE AROUND
YOU KNOW I AIN'T FEELIN' THAT GREAT
AND I DON'T CARE IF I'M KNOCKED DOWN SEVEN TIMES
AS LONG AS I GET UP EIGHT
NO I DON'T CARE IF I FALL SEVEN TIMES
AS LONG AS I GET UP EIGHT
(coda)
I MAY BE GROWLING TODAY
FLASH THE FANGS IN MY FACE
DON'T BE FRIGHTENED AWAY
'CUZ IT'S JUST ME
AND IT'S JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS
Back to Top
Crazytown -- Jim Gill, released 2004
OUT ON THE FRINGE HANGIN' ON BY A THREAD
SEW ME IN A BLANKET LAY ME ON YOUR BED
THINGS HAVE GOTTEN CRAZY LET ME REST MY HEAD
IN CRAZYTOWN, IN CRAZYTOWN
CLOSE MY EYES 'CUZ I'VE SEEN IT ALL
ASSASSINATIONS, ALLEGATIONS, ALCOHOL
NAMES OF THE DEAD ON A LONG BLACK WALL
IN CRAZYTOWN
A LOT OF THINGS GOIN' DOWN IN CRAZYTOWN
GOT NO REASON TO FEEL THIS WAY
GOT ALL I NEED NOW FOR TODAY
ON THE BACKS OF THE FACELESS WORKIN' FAR AWAY
FROM CRAZYTOWN, FROM CRAZYTOWN
IT'S THE BUYIN' AND THE SELLIN' SISTER HAVEN'T YOU HEARD
THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS NOW HAS GOTTEN ABSURD
GREED'S AT THE DOOR AND "CASH" THE PASSWORD
INTO CRAZYTOWN
A LOT OF THINGS GOIN' DOWN IN CRAZYTOWN
WE GOT LIARS DRESSED UP LIKE DIPLOMATS
CORPORATION CRONIES WEARIN' COWBOY HATS
THEY'LL BOMB YOU FOR YOUR OIL IN NOTHIN' FLAT
FROM CRAZYTOWN. CRAZYTOWN
THE DEVIL'S IN IRAQ NOW THEY GOT HIS ADDRESS
ONE NATION UNDER GOD,YEAH WELL, MORE OR LESS
JUST DON'T LOOK DOWN THE ALLEY IT'S A BLOODY MESS
IN CRAZYTOWN,
A LOT OF THINGS GOIN' DOWN IN CRAZYTOWN
I'M ONE OF THOSE WITH HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE
I CALL 'EM AS I SEE 'EM NOW BY YOUR LEAVE
THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IN THE HANDS OF THIEVES
IN CRAZYTOWN, CRAZYTOWN
THE TELEMARKETEERS ARE MAKIN' NOISE
SCREAMIN' FROM THE PULPIT AND SHOUTIN' TOYS
A SNIPER'S IN THE GRASS BETTER LAY LOW BOYS
IN CRAZYTOWN
A LOT OF PEOPLE GOIN' DOWN IN CRAZYTOWN
THE CLIMATE IS CHANGIN' MISTER DID YOU HEAR
WITH YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND WHERE YOU BURY YOUR FEAR
BUT THE CORN DIDN'T FLOURISH LIKE IT DID LAST YEAR
IN CRAZYTOWN, CRAZYTOWN
(repeat first verse)
Back to Top
You Don't Know Me Now -- Jim Gill, released 2004
IT MUST'VE SEEMED LIKE I HAD IT ALL
LIKE EVERYTHING RAN SO SMOOTH
IT MUST'VE SEEMED LIKE I HAD THE MIDAS TOUCH
BUT NOTHING'S FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH
NOTHING'S FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH
IT MUST'VE SEEMED LIKE I COULD DO NO WRONG
WRAP ME UP IN YOUR IDEALS
THEN SIZE ME UP FOR A SUPERMAN'S CAPE
DID YA EVER THINK HOW THAT FEELS
YA EVER THINK HOW THAT FEELS
(chorus)
AND TIME AND TIME AGAIN
WE DIDN'T TALK LIKE MEN
WE DIDN'T ASK WHY OR HOW
TIME AND TIME AGAIN
I SEE YOU DIDN'T KNOW ME THEN
AND YOU DON'T KNOW ME NOW
YOU DON'T KNOW ME NOW
IT MUST'VE BEEN A BIG SURPRISE
YEAH I'M SURE IT WAS QUITE A SHOCK
TO SEE HOW FAR I COULD FALL
COULDN'T WAIT TO SPREAD IT 'ROUND THE BLOCK
JUST COULDN'T WAIT TO SPREAD IT 'ROUND THE BLOCK
YEAH I'M SURE IT WAS PRETTY TOUGH ON YOU
THE DAY YOUR BUBBLE BURST
BUT THEN IT WASN'T YOUR LIFE ANYWAY
AS YOU WATCHED IT GO FROM BAD TO WORSE
YOU WATCHED IT GO FROM BAD TO WORSE
(chorus)
IT MUST'VE BEEN HARD TO REACH ME
SINCE I DIDN'T HEAR FROM YOU
ALANIS SINGS "YOU LIVE YOU LEARN"
OH YEAH, I KNOW THAT'S TRUE
OH I KNOW THAT'S TRUE
AND IT'S TRUE I HID MYSELF
I WANTED TO DISAPPEAR
BUT WHEN I LOST ALL I THOUGHT I HAD
THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO FEAR
THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO FEAR
(chorus)
(repeat first verse to close)
Back to Top
Carry On Cowboy -- Jim Gill, released 2004
LITTLE BOY DOWN BY THE RAILROAD TRACK
KICKIN' A CAN UP AND BACK
CASTS HIS EYES DOWN THE ROAD
AND SEES THE LIFE HE'LL COME TO KNOW
WITH ALL THE ROOTS OF A TUMBLEWEED
AND ALL THE PROMISE OF AN APPLE SEED
HE'LL RIDE THE RAILS TO STAKE HIS CLAIM
HE'D LAUGH AND SAY, "COWBOY" IS HIS NAME
(chorus)
SINGIN' YIPPEE YI YO KI YAY
YIPPEE YI YO, TIE ONE ON
YIPPEE YI YO KI YAY
CARRY ON COWBOY, CARRY ON
HE FOUND A HOME ON THE ISLAND SIDE
AND LASSOED PAT TO BE HIS BRIDE
IN A LIFE AS WILD AS A TILT-O-WHIRL
CAME A LITTLE BOY AND A LITTLE GIRL
AND SO THE SALAD DAYS WERE SPENT
SEWING OATS AND PAYIN' RENT
AND EVERY BIRTHDAY THAT PASSED
HE'D MAKE A TOAST AND RAISE A GLASS
(chorus)
NOW TIME GOES BY AS YOU KNOW IT MUST
LIKE IRON AND RAIN TURN TO RUST
THE RATS START WALKING IN THE RACE
AND THE WHEELS GRIND DOWN TO A SLOWER PACE
IS IT WISDOM OR FOOLISHNESS THAT SAID
LIVE MORE IN YOUR HEART THAN IN YOUR HEAD
I'VE GOT NO PATIENCE TO BE PROFOUND
BUT I GOT TIME FOR ANOTHER ROUND
(chorus)
TIME AND LIFE ARE MYSTERIOUS FRIENDS
THEY'RE ALWAYS SHORT WHEN SEEN END TO END
AND THIS WORLD'S A FUNNY PLACE TO BE
THE THINGS THAT HELP ME LIVE ARE KILLIN' ME
NOW HE'S POURIN' OVER BOOKS IN HIS ISLAND HOME
AND EVERY SUNRISE HE'S EVER KNOWN
ILLUMINATES THE THOUGHTFUL TEXT
THAT CARRIES HIM TO THE NEXT SUNSET
(chorus)
I'VE ONLY KNOWN HIM A LITTLE WHILE
HE ALWAYS SAYS HE LIKES MY STYLE
WITH TWINKLING EYES THAT STILL BEGUILE
AND WHEN I THINK OF HIM, I ALWAYS SMILE
(chorus, repeat to end)
Back to Top
Hammer of a Hurricane -- Jim Gill, released 2004
HE DRIVES TEN TONS OF MEATAL
AT THE SPEED OF A CANNONBALL
HE'S PUMPED FULL OF PILLS
SPEED, BENNIES AND THAT AIN'T ALL
ACROSS THREE STATES WITH A LOAD OF STEEL
A MAN ON A MISSION STRAPPED BEHIND THE WHEEL
THE RIG FEEDS HIS FAMILY AND KEEPS HIM SANE
HE SKIDS ACROSS THE ICE NOW HE'S IN YOUR LANE
WITH THE HAMMER OF A HURRICANE
A TOAST TO THE LIVING
BOTTOMS UP BOYS ANOTHER ROUND
YOU KNOW WHAT GOES UP BOYS
NOW IT MUST COME DOWN
FLEXIN' YOUR MUSCLES WITH A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
EVEN MIGHTY OAKS END UP BACK ON THE GROUND
YOUR BUDS CALL YOU CRAZY LAUGHIN' YOU'RE INSANE
YOU CLIMB BEHIND THE WHEEL LIKE A RUNAWAY TRAIN
WITH THE HAMMER OF A HURRICANE
HE'S GOT A NEED FOR POWER
THAT JUST CAN'T BE SATISFIED
HE WANTS THE LAND AND THE MONEY
AND HE FEELS HE'S JUSTIFIED
WHATEVER HE GETS IS NEVER ENOUGH
TRY AND TALK HIM DOWN AND HE'LL CALL YOUR BLUFF
HE'LL TAKE YOU TO COURT IF YOU COMPLAIN
THE RICH OWN THE GAVEL LIKE IT'S PREORDAINED
WITH THE HAMMER OF A HURRICANE
YOU CAN RAIL AGAINST TIME NOW
IT DON'T MAKE NO DIFFERENCE TO ME
GOT YOUR DYES GOT YOUR PILLS
GOT YOUR PLASTIC SURGERY
YOU LIVE IN LA-LA LAND WITH THE WIND IN YOUR SAILS
YOUR CHEMLAWN GRASS AND YOUR HAPPY TRAILS
A TWISTER'S TOUCHIN' DOWN INSIDE YOUR BRAIN
BRINGIN' GALE FORCE WINDS AND ACID RAIN
WITH THE HAMMER OF A HURRICANE
HE SWINGS THAT SICKLE LIKE A HAMMER IN A HURRICANE
HE'S A MASTER OF DISGUISE BUT HIS FACES ARE ALL THE SAME
HE'S A STORM AT SEA, HE'S A LIGHTNING FLASH
A PAID ASSASSIN, HE'LL DO IT FOR CASH
THERE'S NO ESCAPE WHEN HE TAKES AIM
WE'RE ALL GOIN' DOWN AND THIS AIN'T NO GAME
WITH THE HAMMER OF A HURRICANE
Back to Top
Mary -- Jim Gill, released 2004
MARY HAD A LITTLE LIFE
AS PURE AS DRIVEN SNOW
AND EVERYWHERE THAT MARY WENT
RUMORS WERE SURE TO GROW
RUMORS WERE SURE TO GROW
OUT ON THE PLAYGROUND
THE BOYS WOULD LAUGH AND TEASE
AND BUZZ AROUND THE BLUE-EYED GIRL
LIKE A SWARM OF HONEYBEES
THEY'D SING "OH MARY, MARY
WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
MARY JUST LOOKED AT HER SHOES
CRYIN' "WHY YOU TEASIN' ME?"
THEY'D SAY, "OH MARY, MARY
WE'RE JUST HAVIN' FUN."
BUT MARY DIDN'T SEE HERSELF
AS THE PRETTY ONE
MARY LIKED TO KISS THE BOYS
AND THE BOYS LIKED TO KISS HER BACK
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE AFFECTION
WHEN CONNECTION IS WHAT YOU LACK
OUT ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD
HER FACE AGAINST HIS CHEEK
THE BLUE-EYED CARWASH GIRL
WITH HER HEART PLAYIN' HIDE-N-SEEK
HE SAID, "OH MARY, MARY
WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
MARY JUST LOOKED AT HER SHOES
LAUGHIN', "WHY YOU TEASIN' ME?"
HE SAID, "OH MARY, MARY
I'M JUST HAVIN' FUN."
BUT MARY DIDN'T SEE HERSELF
AS THE PRETTY ONE
(bridge)
SHE SAID SHE'D LOVE HIM UNTIL THE END OF TIME
AND HE'D BE THE ONE ALL DOWN THE LINE
HE SAID HE'D HOLD HER UNTIL THE END OF TIME
BUT HE WAS JUST A BOY
AND A BOY WITH A CHILD'S MIND
SOME FOLKS BREAK THE LAW
GET PRISON AND RIDICULE
SOME KIDS LIVES ARE WRECKED
BY SERVIN' TIME IN SCHOOL
BUT MARY MADE IT OUTTA THERE
SHE WORE A CAP AND GOWN
AND NOW SHE BEARS THE BATTLE SCARS
FROM HER NAME BEING DRAGGED AROUND
I SAID, "OH MARY, MARY
WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
SHE SAID, "LOOK AT ME
AND TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE."
I SAID, "OH MARY
YOU'RE A FLOWER IN THE SUN."
BUT MARY CAN'T SEE HERSELF
AS THE PRETTY ONE
MARY HAS A LITTLE LIFE
AS PURE AS DRIVEN SNOW
AND EVERYWHERE THAT MARY GOES
RUMORS ARE SURE TO GROW
RUMORS ARE SURE TO GROW
RUMORS
Back to Top
Hope and Pray -- Jim Gill, released 2004
DROP YOUR COIN INTO THE WELL
AND CLOSE YOUR EYES
MAKE A WISH AND DO NOT TELL
WHILE A PENNY MEETS ITS DEMISE
DID YOU WISH FO R A TRUE ROMANCE
ON A PLEASURE CRUISE
OR WHEN YOU TAKE A CHANCE
THAT YOU'LL NEVER LOSE
YOU'LL NEVER LOSE
HOPE AND PRAY
AND MISS THE DAY
YOU'RE STUMBLING THROUGH
THE MOMENTS COME AND GO AWAY
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
(chorus)
BUT YOU BELONG HERE
YOU BELONG
IN THE HERE AND NOW DEAR
WAKE UP YOU'VE SLEPT SO LONG
RABBITS DON'T LIKE LOSING A FOOT
JUST TO MAKE A BUCK
AND FOUR LEAF CLOVERS
ARE HARD TO FIND
EVEN WITH BEGINNER'S LUCK
SO GO AHEAD
RUB YOUR RABBIT'S FOOT RAW
AND JUST PRETEND
LEARN TO DENY WHAT YOU JUST SAW
AND NEVER COMPREHEND
(chorus)
CROSS YOUR FINGERS OR CROSS YOUR HEART
OR A CROSS ON THE DASH
AND BET YOUR LIFE SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE
WILL TURN YOUR FEARS INTO CASH
COLD HARD CASH
HOPE AND PRAY
AND MISS THE DAY
YOU'RE STUMBLING THROUGH
THE MOMENTS COME AND GO AWAY
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
Back to Top
Honeydew -- Jim Gill, released 2004
THEY SAY LIFE AIN'T A BOWL OF CHERRIES
AND I BELIEVE THAT IS TRUE
SO WHEN LIFE GETS YOU DOWN I HAVE FOUND
YOU CAN'T BEAT A LITLE HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
STRAWBERRIES ARE GOOD ON CEREAL
AND SLICED BANANA'S GOOD TOO
BUT WHEN I WANT SWEETNESS ON MY FLAKES
I REACH FOR MY HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
SOME FOLKS ARE CRAZY FOR CANTALOUPE
AND SOME LIKE THAT WATERMELON FRUIT
BUT LISTEN FELLAS IF YOU LIKE MELONS
YOU SHOULD SEE MY LITLE HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
LATE INTO THE NIGHT
AND EVEN AT HIGH NOON
GOT NO TIME TO WASTE WHEN I NEED A TASTE
OF MY LITTLE HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
IN THE BEDROOM I SAY I CAN
IN THE KITCHEN I SAY I DO
AND NOTHIN' SAYS LOVIN' LIKE SOMETHIN' FROM THE OVEN
WHEN I MAKE IT WITH MY HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
I LOVE TO ROLL AROUND IN THE JUICES
LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE
FIRM AND ROUND, BRINGS ME UP WHEN I'M DOWN
THAT'S WHAT MY LITTLE HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
SOME SAY THEY'VE GOT A HEADACHE
LEAVE YA HANGIN' AND FEELIN' BLUE
SOME SAY THEY DON'T AND SOME SAY THEY WON'T
THANK GOD MY LITTLE HONEYDEW
OH YEAH
Back to Top
The Ride -- Jim Gill, released 2004
LIZZIE GOT A JOB AT THE AMUSEMENT PARK
THEY CALLED HER THE POPCORN GIRL
COTTON CANDY HAIR AND A LEMONADE SMILE
OUT IN FRONT OF THE TWIST-N-TWIRL
BILLY LOVED SPEED AND THE THRILL OF THE FALL
THEY CALLED HIM THE ROLLER COASTER BOY
GOIN' ON FIVE YEARS NOW WORKIN' THE RIDES
A CARNY REAL McCOY
STEP RIGTH UP FOLKS, I'LL STRAP YOU IN
KEEP YOUR HANDS INSIDE
FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE, IT'LL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
HOLD ON, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
HOLD ON NOW
LATE ONE NIGHT AT CLOSING TIME
BILLY STROLLED UP TO LIZZIE GIRL
HE SAID, "I'D LIKE TO RIDE WITH YOU AFTER HOURS,
IF YOU'RE NOT TOO BUSY, GIRL."
STEP RIGHT UP NOW, I'LL STRAP YOU IN
AND YOU WON'T BELIEVE YOUR EYES
FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE, IT'LL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
HOLD ON, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
HOLD ON NOW, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
SUMMER NIGHTS FLEW BY LIKE THE CARS ON THE RAILS
THEY'D RIDE FOR HOURS ON END
TALKIN' 'BOUT EVERYTHING OR NOTHING AT ALL
NEVER LOOKIN' FOR WHAT'S AROUND THE BEND
UP AND DOWN
AND IN AND OUT
WITH THE LIGHTS ACROSS THE BAY
LIZZIE CLOSED HER EYES AND HELD ON TIGHT
WISHIN' IT WOULD ALWAYS BE THIS WAY
IN THE SHADOW OF THE FERRIS WHEEL BILLY BROKE IT OFF
LIZ WAS LOST IN NEON BUZZ
HE WOULDN'T LOOK AT HER WHEN SHE ASKED, "WHY?"
HE MUMBLED, "JUST BECAUSE..."
STEP RIGHT UP GIRL AND CLOSE YOUR EYES
IT'LL MAKE YOU SICK INSIDE
ROUND AND ROUND YOU GO AS YOU LIVE AND LEARN
HOLD ON, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
HOLD ON NOW, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
(bridge)
YOUNG LOVE IS FIRE AND FIRES BURN OUT
AND ALL THAT PASSION TURNS TO PAIN
LEAVES YOU BROKEN DOWN AND FULL OF DOUBT
AMIDST THE CHARRED REMAINS
AUTUMN CAME AND THE CROWDS THINNED OUT
LAST PAY DAY THEY ALL GOT IN LINE
LIZ WHISPERED IN BILLY'S EAR, "I WASN'T CARELESS WITH YOUR HEART,
DAMN YOU FOR BEING CARELESS WITH MINE!"
STEP RIGHT UP FOLKS IT'S THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE
AND SET YOUR FEARS ASIDE
LOVE IS A FUNHOUSE WITH A RICKETY FLOOR
HOLD ON, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
HOLD ON NOW, IT'S A HELL OF A RIDE
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I'll See You in Dreams -- Jim Gill, released 2004
WHERE WILL YOU GO TONIGHT CHILD
WHEN YOU FALL ASLEEP
WHERE WILL YOU GO TONIGHT CHILD
WHEN YOU FALL INTO DREAMS
WHEN YOU FALL INTO DREAMS
CAN I GO WITH YOU CHILD
AND HANG ON TO YOUR SLEEVE
THE THINGS WE WILL DO CHILD
NO ONE WILL BELIEVE
NO ONE WILL BELIEVE
WE'LL FLY OVER FIELDS CHILD
AND SKIM THE MOUNTAIN VIEW
THEN COME UPON THE OCEAN
AND DIVE INTO THAT BLUE
DOWN INTO THAT BLUE
THEN SURFACE INTO DAYBREAK
THE LIGHT UPON YOUR FACE
AND I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS CHILD
TO BEHOLD LIVING GRACE
NOW GO AND LIVE YOUR LIFE CHILD
AND BE YOURSELF EVERYDAY
AND I'LL SEE YOU IN DREAMS CHILD
AND WE WILL FLY AWAY
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So Fine -- Jim Gill, released 2001
YOU ASK ME HOW'S IT GOIN' AND IT'S BEEN AWHILE
YOU SAY IT'S GOOD TO SEE ME AND TO SEE ME SMILE
IT SEEMS LIKE I KNEW YOU A LIFETIME AGO
I GUESS THERE'S A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT JUST WANT TO KNOW
SHE'S GOT A PAIR OF BROWN SHOES, SOFT AND OLD
SHE'S GOT A BIG GREEN COAT TO KEEP OUT THE COLD
SHE WEARS A SMILE AS SHE STROLLIN' IN HER FADED BLUES
YOU'D SPEND A PEACEFUL DAY WALKIN' IN HER SHOES
SHE PICKED UP MY LIFE AND HELD IT IN HER HANDS
ALL THE SHATTERED PIECES OF A BROKEN MAN
SHE WOULD LISTEN AS LONG AS I HAD SOMETHING TO SAY
WHEN OTHERS WOULDN'T GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY
SHE'S FINE
SHE'S SO FINE
YOU CAN REST IN THE GAZE OF HER BLUE-GREEN EYES
IT'S THE WAY SHE LOOKS AT LIFE THAT MAKES HER WISE
SHE SAYS "I LOVE YOU" WHEN I LEAVE FOR THE DAY
SHE'S THE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW WHEN I'VE BEEN AWAY
SHE'S SO FINE
SHE'S SO FINE
SHE'S SO FINE
SHE LISTENS TO MY NIGHTMARES AT ANY HOUR
SHE LIKES TO READ ME STORIES WHEN I'M IN THE SHOWER
SHE READS TO MY SONS WHEN WE TUCK THEM IN BED
AND RUBS THEIR BACKS KISSING THEM ON THE HEAD
IT'S SO FINE
IT'S SO FINE
IT'S SO FINE, ALL THE TIME
NOW THE BOYS ARE BUSY PLOWIN' THROUGH THE LUCKY CHARMS
WHILE SHE NURSES OUR BABY CRADLED IN HER ARMS
I'M WASHIN' DIRTY DISHES FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE
I THINK TO MYSELF, "I DON'T NEED ANYTHING MORE."
I'M JUST FINE
I'M SO FINE
WE'RE SO FINE, ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME
WE'RE SO FINE, WE'RE SO FINE, WE'RE SO FINE
ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME
WE'RE SO FINE, SHE'S SO FINE, SHE'S SO FINE,
SO FINE
ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME
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Enough's Not Enough -- Jim Gill, released 2001
I BELIEVE FIRST TO DO NO HARM
BUT THE AD MAN'S PULLIN' YOUR LEG
WHEN HE TAKES YOU BY THE ARM
(chorus)
PLEASE, PLEASE GIVE US YOUR MONEY
PLEASE, PLEASE BUY OUR STUFF
AND WE'LL BE BACK TOMORROW
'CUZ ENOUGH'S NOT ENOUGH
A CHILD IN CHINA FOR SEVENTEEN CENTS A DAY
PUTS ME IN MIND OF THAT SAYING
OF ALL WORK AND NO PLAY
(chorus)
PUTTIN' ARMS ON A DOLLY IN A TWELVE HOUR DAY
MAKES ME WONDER WHAT IS LOST
AS THEY ADOPT THE WESTERN WAY
AND I'M TOLD THAT IT'S BETTER AND LOOK WHAT IT CAN DO
IS THERE ANY BIGGER JOKE THAN "NEW AND IMPROVED"
(chorus)
I CANNOT STAND TV SO I SIT AND I STARE
AS TALKING PICTURES TELL ME WHAT TO EAT, DRIVE AND WEAR
I WAS RASIED ON THE TV, ANOTHER PARENT YOU MIGHT SAY
IT'S A FUNNY THING ABOUT FAMILY, IT'S HARD TO WALK AWAY
(chorus)
I GOT LIARS PUSHIN' THEIR CRAP ON THE TELEPHONE
"NO, WE'RE NOT SELLIN' TODAY, WE'RE JUST CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR HOME."
BUT THERE'S NO FREE LUNCH THE SALESMEN SAY
'CUZ THEY KNOW IN THE END YOU WILL PAY
IF YOU NEED AN IDEA OF SCALE, YOUR PRIVACY, IS FOR SALE
(bridge)
HOW'D WE GET SO DISCONNECTED ANOTHER PRODUCT OF THE MIND
ALL THIS TALENT TO BE CLEVER, LEAVES LITTLE ROOM TO BE KIND
(chorus)
(coda, chorus)
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Advice -- Jim Gill, released 2001
WIND IS BLOWIN'
THROUGH MY WINDOWPANE
THE CURTAIN MOVES ASIDE
AND LOOKS LIKE RAIN
LOOKS LIKE RAIN
MY GRANDMA TOLD ME
WHEN THE LEAVES ARE TURNED AROUND
YOU RUN FOR COVER BOY
BEFORE THE WATER COMES POURIN' DOWN
MY DADDY SHOWED ME THAT
YOU DO WHAT YOU CAN
YOU FEED YOUR FAMILY WITH
THE HANDS OF A WORKIN' MAN
HARD WORKIN' MAN
MY DADDY TOLD ME, "BOY,
JUMP NOW AND YOU COULD DIE."
I SAID, "DADDY, IF I DON'T JUMP,
I'LL NEVER LEARN TO FLY."
(bridge)
YOU SPEND A LIFETIME SEARCHIN'
FOR WHAT YOU THINK IS TRUE
NEVER MIND WHAT WE ALL THINK
LEARN FROM WHAT WE DO
LEARN FROM WHAT WE DO
GRANDMA WAS RIGHT
THE LEAVES WERE UPSIDE DOWN
AND THE HAMMERING ON MY ROOF
LETS ME KNOW THAT THE WATER IS POURING DOWN
WATER IS POURING DOWN
Back to Top
A Ravenous Thing -- Jim Gill, released 2001
SHE SAID, "CHOOSE ME OR THE RATTLESNAKE, I'LL GIVE YOU TO FIVE,
THE FANGS TURN YOUR BLOOD TO POISON, YOU'RE NO LONGER ALIVE
OR I'LL GET INSIDE YOUR HEAD, MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE DEAD,
EITHER WAY BOY I'LL SEE THAT IT LASTS YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE."
YOU CAN SHED YOUR OLD SKIN, YOU CAN TRY TO COME CLEAN
BUT IF YOU'RE DEALIN' WITH AN ANIMAL WHO'S BEEN KICKED 'TIL IT'S MEAN
YOU CAN TRY TO SOOTHE HER, BUT TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, SIR,
YOU'D HAVE BETTER LUCK PUTTIN' OUT A FIRE WITH GASOLINE
BOBBY IS A KIND MAN, HE'D GIVE YA HIS OWN SHIRT
BOB'S DADDY WAS A SMALL MAN WHO TREATED HIM LIKE DIRT
HE CALLED YOUNG BOBBY NAMES, STICKS AND STONES WOULD DO THE SAME
AND FORTY YEARS AFTER THE BELT, THE WORDS STILL HURT
YOU'VE GOT A TIGER IN A CAGE, YOU GOT TO LET IT OUT
I'VE CAGED A FEW MYSELF, 'KNOW WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT
YOU KEEP IT DOWN INSIDE, YOU BETTER SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE
IT'S A RAVENOUS THING, IT'LL EAT YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT
YOU'RE A SPEEDBOAT SLAMMIN' THROUGH THE WATER, YOU'RE OUT OF CONTROL
YEAH, YOU'RE A LAUGH A MINUTE, WHEN YOU'RE ON A ROLL
BUT EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, DROWNS ANOTHER GUY IN YOUR WAKE
THE WAY YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE IS TAKING ITS TOLL
MAYBE YOU DIDN'T KNOW, MAYBE YOU DIDN'T KNOW
LET IT GO
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A Million Miles Away -- Jim Gill, released 2001
WHAT YOU GONNA SAY
WHEN IT'S ALL THROUGH
WHAT YOU GONNA SAY
WHEN IT'S ALL THROUGH
ARE YOU GONNA SAY I LIED TO YOU
WELL I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WOULDN'T BE TRUE
WHAT YOU GONNA SAY
WHEN IT'S ALL THROUGH
WHAT YOU GONNA SAY
WHEN WE ARE THROUGH
ARE YOU GONNA SAY I LIED TO YOU
WELL I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WOULDN'T BE TRUE
ALL THOSE NIGHTS
ALL THAT TIME
ALL THAT IS LOST
ALL THAT WAS MINE
WHAT YOU GONNA SAY
WHEN WE ARE THROUGH
WHAT YOU GONNA SAY
WHEN THIS IS THROUGH
IT SEEMS A LIFETIME AGO WE GOT ALONG
AND IT'S A LIFETIME AGO WHEN THINGS WENT WRONG
SO WRONG
I CAN TELL YOU I FELT FAR AWAY
I CAN TELL YOU THE TRUTH I WAS FAR AWAY
TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH YOU THREW ME AWAY
A MILLION MILES AWAY
Back to Top
Luckyboy -- Jim Gill, released 2001
BORN IN PENNSYLVANIA 1910
ALMOST DIED THE VERY SAME DAY
HIS MOTHER CRIED AND KISSED HIS HAIR
SAID LUCKYBOY'S HERE TO STAY
PARADED UP AND DOWN THE DIRT ROADS
HIS PROUD PA WENT FROM SHACK TO SHACK
SAID THE HARD TIMES WERE BEHIND HIM
HE WASN'T EVER LOOKIN' BACK
LUCKYBOY, THE WORLD'S FOR YOU TO CLAIM
LUCKYBOY, AND WHAT IS IN A NAME?
THE MINERS CAME FROM WARSAW
FROM FRANKFURT AND COUNTY CORK
AIN'T NOTHIN' EASIER IN THIS OL' WORLD
THAN TO PUT A HUNGRY MAN TO WORK
LUCKY'S PA LEFT HIS FOLKS IN IRELAND
WONDERIN' HOW DUMB COULD HE BE
BUT HE FOUND A JOB IN THE NEW WORLD
DIGGIN' TUNNELS FOR THE COMPANY
LUCKYBOY, THE STORY HOW YOU BECAME
LUCKYBOY, THERE'S PRIDE IN THE FAMILY NAME
COMPANY MADE THEIR FORTUNE MINING COAL
TO POWER THE ELECTRIC LIGHT
AND SON IF YOUR RELIGION IS COAL
THEN YOUR GOD IS ANTHRACITE
COMPANY MEN IN A COMPANY TOWN
GOT WHAT YOU NEED IN THE COMPANY STORE
DON'T WORRY, COMPANY TAKE CARE OF YOU
HEY, THAT'S WHAT THE COMPANY'S FOR
LUCKYBOY, MAKIN' MONEY IS THEIR AIM
LUCKYBOY, TO THEM IT'S ALL THE SAME
IN THE APPALACHIAN RIDGES
RAN THE RICHEST MINING SEAM
AND UNDER THOSE MISTY MOUNTAINS
LUCKYBOY HAD A DREAM
HE SWAM THROUGH MIRKY TUNNELS
INTO A ROOM THICK WITH NOISE
AND IN THAT DUSTY CAVERN
WAS CROWNED KING OF THE BREAKER BOYS
LUCKYBOY, SOON THEY'LL KNOW YOUR NAME
LUCKYBOY, YOU'LL PUT THE OTHERS TO SHAME
BY CONVEYOR BELTS SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
THEY'D WORK 'EM LONG AS THEY COULD STAND
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE WHAT SIFTING THROUGH ROCK
CAN DO TO A YOUNG BOY'S HANDS
THE FASTER KIDS GOT DOUBLE SHIFTS
MORE MONEY UP THE LADDER A RUNG
BUT OVER BEERS THE FORMEN LAUGHED,
"THE QUICKER THE HANDS, THE BLACKER THE LUNG."
LUCKYBOY, THE WORK WON'T BRING YOU FAME
BUT LUCKYBOY, YOU'VE LEARNED TO PLAY THE GAME
COFFEE, EGGS AND FRIED POTATOES
SO ANOTHER DAY BEGINS
LYE SOAP AND WARM WATER CAN'T WASH
WHAT'S GOTTEN UNDERNEATH YOUR SKIN
INTO THE MOUNTAIN BEFORE DAWN
WALK THE FATHERS WITH THEIR SONS
DESPERATION WILL MAKE YOU IGNORE
WORKIN' UNDER NINE MILLION TONS
LUCKYBOY, MA'S FACE IN THE WINDOW FRAME
LUCKYBOY, YOU'LL NEVER BE THE SAME
HANGIN' OUT THE LAUNDRY
SHE'D GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO THE SOUND
BUT YOU CAN'T IGNORE THE FEAR IN YOUR BONES
WHEN DYNAMITE SHAKES THE GROUND
A MAN CAME FROM THE OFFICE
SAYIN' THEY WERE SORRY AS CAN BE
STARIN' AT HIS WHITE HANDS SHE WHISPERED,
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME."
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Just Passing Through -- Jim Gill, released 2001
WHERE I LIVE YOU CAN HEAR THE TRAINS AT NIGHT
STEEL WHEELS AND THE RUMBLE OF TRACK
IT'S DISTANT AND VAGUE ON THIS MIDWESTERN LEG
SO I AM SOOTHED BY THE CLICKETY-CLACK
IT GREETS EVERY TOWN WITH A WAIL
SINGIN' HEY, I'M ROLLIN' BY YOU
IT'S DIESEL LOCOMOTION
AND A LOT OF COMMOTION FOR A TRAIN
JUST PASSING THROUGH
(refrain)
AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S HEADED
AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S BEEN
I ONLY HEAR THE WAILIN' CRY
AS THE MOONLIGHT FILTERS IN
WAVES OF SOUND ROLL OVER THE SWEETCORN
ALFALFA FIELDS AND RYE
CARRYIN' ME INTO DREAMS BEFORE THE MACHINES
HAVE BLOWN THEIR FOND GOODBYE
IT LEAVES EVERY TOWN WITH A WAIL
SINGIN' HEY, I'LL BE BACK SOON
IT'S DIESEL LOCOMOTION
AND A LOT OF COMMOTION FOR A TRAIN
JUST PASSING THROUGH
(refrain)
I AM THINKING OF HER TONIGHT
SHE'S IN IT UP TO HER NECK
THERE'S A MOUNTAIN OF ILLS WHEN IT'S BOTTLES AND PILLS
THAT FUEL A RUMBLING WRECK
SHE GREETS EVERYONE IN TOWN WITH A WAIL
SCREAMIN' HEY, I'M ANGRY WITH YOU
IT'S PAIN IN MOTION
AND A LOT OF COMMOTION FOR A GIRL
JUST PASSING THROUGH
(refrain)
AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE'S HEADED
AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE'S BEEN
I ONLY HEAR THE WAILIN' CRY
AS THE MOONLIGHT FILTERS IN
I CAN HEAR A TRAIN TONIGHT
STEEL WHEELS AND THE RUMBLE OF TRACK
IT'S DISTANT AND VAGUE ON THIS MIDWESTERN LEG
SO I AM SOOTHED BY THE CLICKETY-CLACK
THE CLICKETY-CLACK
Back to Top
Mark's Harley -- Jim Gill, released 2001
MARK BOUGHT A HARLEY
OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR
ONCE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
YOU DON'T NEED MUCH MORE
LIFE'S TOO SHORT
THAT'S WHAT HE'D SAY
NOW HE'S RIDING HIS DREAM
WITH HIS HARD EARNED PAY
MARK DOESN'T LIKE THE VIEW
OFF I-71
THE ROADS IN THE COUNTRY
ARE A LOT MORE FUN
HIS WHEELS ON THE PAVEMENT
A FISHIN' POLE BY HIS SIDE
A DAY OF HEAVEN
ON HIS ELCTRAGLIDE
(refrain)
AND HE'LL RIDE
AND HE'LL RIDE
MAUREEN USED TO WAIT FOR HIM
TO CRUISE BY THE HOUSE
SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL IN MAKEUP
AND HER OXFORD BLOUSE
SHE SAID HER FAVORITE SONG
WAS MY CHERI AMOR
SHE SAID, "I'M CRAZY FOR HIM"
AS SHE SLIPPED OUT THE DOOR
AND THEY WOULD RIDE
AND THEY WOULD RIDE
THEY'VE GOT FOUR KIDS NOW
IT AIN'T NO FANTASY LAND
YOU WANNA MEET A HARD WORKER
SHAKE A WELDER'S HAND
LIFE'S BEEN STRANGE
FOR SOMEONE SO HELLBENT
ONE KID'S GOIN' TO COLLEGE
ANOTHER GUARDS THE PRESIDENT
(humming)
MARK BOUGHT A HARLEY
OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR
ONCE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
YOU DON'T NEED MUCH MORE
LIFE'S TOO SHORT
THAT'S WHAT HE'D SAY
NOW HE'S RIDING HIS DREAM
AND HE'LL BE GONE FOR THE DAY
Back to Top
Hovercraft -- Jim Gill, released 2001
SOMETIMES BEHIND THE WHEEL OF MY AUTOMOBILE
I GET A SENSE OF THE POWER THAT THE POWERFUL FEEL
JUMPIN' ON THE GAS WHEN THE LIGHTS SAYS GO
AND BLOWIN' OUTTA TOWN TO THE COUNTRY I GO
FLOAT ON, DOWN THE ROAD
AND THE TIME, THE TIME IS MY OWN
NOW I AIN'T GONNA STOP 'TIL I HEAR A COP
WAILIN' ON HIS SIREN TRYIN' TO MAKE ME STOP
BUT HE WON'T GET THAT TICKET AUTOGRAPHED
UNLESS HE CAN CATCH ME IN MY HOVERCRAFT
LET HIM LAY ON HIS HORN
AS I FLOAT UP OVER THE CORN (see ya!)
IT'S LIGHT-WEIGHT ALUMINUM, IT REALLY FLIES
IT' DROPS WATER BALLOONS TO ANTAGONIZE
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS A BARBER'S CHAIR
IT'S GOT A BIG RUBBER BOTTOM THAT BLOWS HOT AIR
I'VE NEVEER BEEN CAUGHT NOW YOU UNDERSTAND
'CAUSE IT GOES OVER WATR JUST AS GOOD AS LAND
THE LAST ONE TO CHASE ME MADE A BIG MISTAKE
AND NOW HE SWIMS WITH FISHES IN A MUDDY LAKE
A SHAME THAT HE DIED, SO I LAUGHED
UNTIL I CRIED (yup!)
IT'S GOT ALL THE STYLE OF A FLOWER CHILD
IT SOUNDS LIKE A MILLION HAIR DRYERS GONE WILD
I BUILT IT FROM KIT AND IT'S REALLY SLEEK
FOR A BUCK AND SIX BOXTOPS
SENT TO BATTLECREEK (Michigan that is, swimmin' pools, movie stars)
AS I GO ON MY RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE
I OFTEN PASS A LOT OF FARMERS LOOKIN' STUPEFIED
'TIL I TELL THEM THAT THEIR FIELDS ARE THE BEST I'VE SEEN
AND I LOVE ALL THE TREES GROWIN' IN BETWEEN
THEY CALL ME CRAZY AS A LOON
SO I NAIL THEM WITH A WATER BALLOON (yeah!)
Back to Top
Drinkin' Coffee'll Kill Ya -- Jim Gill, released 2001
DRINKIN' COFFEE'LL KILL YA
AND THAT'S FO' SHO'
THAT CAFFIENE IS NASTY
MAMA NOW YOU KNOW
IT'S GOOD TO THE LAST DROP
THEN DOWN YOU GO
READIN' BOOKS'LL KILL YA
THIS AIN'T NO CON
THAT FICTION NON-FICTION
A STRANGE PHENOMENON
MY GRANDMA READ A BOOK ONCE
AND NOW SHE'S GONE
(refrain)
LIFE IS UNFAIR THAT AIN'T NO LIE
LIFE IS UNFAIR AND I'LL TELL YOU WHY
'CUZ NO MATTER HOW YOU LIVE
YOU'RE GONNA DIE
DRIVIN' A CAR
THAT'S AN EASY ONE
SITTIN' BEHIND THE WHEEL
IS JUST MORE FUN
THAN A BARREL OF MONKEYS
UNTIL YOU'RE HIT BY ONE
DANCIN'LL KILL YA
OR SO I'M TOLD
YOU GET A CASE OF HAPPY FEET
YOU'LL NEVER LIVE TO BE OLD
SO MAMA DON'T DANCE
AND DADDY DON'T ROCK 'N ROLL
(refrain)
BREATHIN'LL KILL YA
YEAH IT'S THE KISS OF DEATH
BUT THERE IS A WAY AROUND IT
SAYS QUEEN ELIZABETH
JUST WAVE TO THE CROWDS
AND HOLD YOUR BREATH
THE THEATER WILL KILL YOU
DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID
YOU GO TO A SHOW
YOU COULD WIND UP DEAD
JUST LOOK AT ABE LINCOLN
HE GOT SHOT IN THE HEAD
(refrain)
EXERCISE'LL KILL YOU
YOU KNOW THAT'S TRUE
I LOST A FRIEND THAT WAY
HIS BODY'S BLACK AND BLUE
HE GOT ATTACKED BY A BOWFLEX
HEY!, IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU
(refrain)
Back to Top
Rocket -- Jim Gill, released 2001
ROCKET WAS HIS STAGE NAME
BUT AT HOME THEY CALLED HIM DAN
LIKE, "DAN, WHEN YOU GONNA GET A REAL JOB?"
"WHEN YOU GONNA BE A MAN?"
HE'D BLAST OFF OUTTA THE HOUSE
AND LAUNCH HIMSELF DOWN THE STREET
BUT HE WAS HELD DOWN BY SOMETHING BIG
AND IT WAS MORE THAN JUST GRAVITY
DALLAS IS A BIG TOWN
HOME OF AMERICA'S TEAM
SKYSCRAPERS THAT THE OIL BUILT
FUELIN' THE AMERICAN DREAM
BUT ROCKET DIDN'T CARE ABOUT THE COWBOYS
AND HIS DAD DIDN'T UNDERSTAND
THAT YOU COULD BREAK SOMETHING IN THE BOY
THAT'S HARD TO FIX IN THE MAN
(refrain)
THEY SAY YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE
AND ACORNS DON'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE
TRY AND FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM
AND DREAM OF WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
THINGS WERE BAD AND THEY GOT WORSE
THEN THINGS GOT ROUGH
ROCKET GRABBED HIS GUITAR AND HE GRABBED HIS AMP
AND SPIT OUT HE'D HAD ENOUGH
HE LEFT THE HOUSE AT THE SPEED OF SOUND
ON HIS WAY TO THE STARS
BUT HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM
THERE'S A MAN DOWN AT THE BAR
A VOICE ON THE PHONE
SAID, "MASSIVE HEART ATTACK AT 2AM"
THEY HAD TO ASK HIM TWICE, "ARE YOU HIS SON?"
ROCKET SAID, "YES, I AM."
THEY SAID, "WELL, MR. ROCKET, JUST GET HERE AS SOON AS YOU CAN."
HE LOOKED AROUND HIS MOTEL ROOM
AND SAID, "PLEASE, JUST CALL ME DAN."
(refrain)
THERE'S A DISTANCE WE ALL TRAVEL
AS WE TRY AND FIND OUR WAY
SOME WILL HAVE THE WIND AT THEIR BACKS'
SOME'LL HAVE THE HEAT IN THEIR FACE
NEW MEXICO HAS A DESERT THAT AVERAGES 108
AND TEXAS HAS A LONE STAR
CRASH LANDING IN THE LONESTAR STATE
(refrain)
THEY SAY YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE
AND ACORNS DON'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE
AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE WHAT YOU CAME FROM
ON YOUR WAY TO WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO BE
ROCKET WAS HIS STAGE NAME
Back to Top
Angels -- Jim Gill, released 2001
THE SUN SLID ACROSS THE SKY
SLIPPING OUT OF SIGHT
WE HAD A GOOD DAY TODAY
NOW IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODNIGHT
I SEE YOUR HEAD ON THE PILLOW NOW
AS YOU TELL ME ALL YOU DID
I SAY THERE'S ANGELS IN OUR HOUSE AT NIGHT
DISGUISED AS LITTLE KIDS
(bridge)
HOW FAR'D YOU HIT IT
HOW FAST DID YOU RUN
THINGS YOU TELL ME WHEN THE DAY IS DONE
CAN YOU SEE ME SMILIN' IN THE DARKNESS SON?
NOW IT'S TIME TO CLOSE YOUR EYES
(repeat first two verses)
Back to Top
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