Goodtime Hustle – The Album (2022)
Skeleton Key
Butcher, baker, pharmaceutical maker
You name the drug, I’ve been the taker
I’m never satisfied, always want more
My head’s in the clouds, my feet on the floor
I’ve got the recipe for disaster
I’ve seen the formula for success
On even days, I’m a total bastard
Any other day, I’m a hopeless mess
Show me the victim, I can’t see the crime,
Fantastical fruit plucked from the vine
Inspire, require, might equals right
How do you sleep in the dead of the night?
I’ve got the recipe for disaster
I’ve seen the formula for success
On even days, I’m a total bastard
Any other day, I’m a hopeless mess
Another rabid dog wielding a pen
Take a good look, chance won’t come again
Skeleton key that fits every lock
Two-legged stallion still wearin his socks
I’ve got the recipe for disaster
I’ve seen the formula for success
On even days, I’m a total bastard
Any other day, I’m a hopeless mess
Didn’t do that well in college
I’m always chasing forbidden knowledge
An elephant, you don’t acknowledge
A master plan that’s cuttin’ edge
Can do anything if ya show me the ropes
Awful good at smoking dope
Give me the time, I’ll ski up slop
Post a sign, I’ll interlope
Been told I should be in pictures
It’s said that I’m foretold in scriptures
Had to disobey the strictures
Buy some drinks, I’ll have some pitchers
Time has come to dance with the rising sun
Who really cares how the battle was won
Hold your head high while the cup’s in your hands
Sinners are saints at the screaming of fans
I’ve got the recipe for disaster
I’ve seen the formula for success
On even days, I’m a total bastard
Any other day, I’m a hopeless mess
I’ve got the recipe for disaster
I’ve seen the formula for success
On even days, I’m a total bastard
Any other day, I’m a hopeless mess
Be Here Tonight
It’s my privilege to be here tonight
It’s my duty to do what I think right
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
I was sittin’ down for supper ’bout eleven past ten
When my good ol’ boy’s old lady come bustin’ in
Officer Good Lookin’ and his pal Moustache Steve
Were taking turns on lover boy and givin’ him the squeeze
Ya know what I said
It’s my privilege to be here tonight
It’s my duty to do what I think right
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
You come clean and talk with us, to clear up what we know
Tell you what we think is true, just give a yes or no
We think your good old Bud, he ain’t no good at all
We’d like to have a talk with him why don’t-cha make the call
Yee-haw and he sang like a pretty little bird
It’s my privilege to be here tonight
It’s my duty to do what I think right
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
I was halfway outta town when they “helped me to the ground”
Said, good old boy get over here, lookie what we found
Whaddaya know that chump worked like a crystal ball
To think he almost got away, carryin’ it all
And he sang
It’s my privilege to be here tonight
It’s my duty to do what I think right
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
Judge said he’d reckon that the proof was somewhat thin
But then again my buddy sure did turn me in
Said, since it seemed like half the truth, he’d give me half the time
Instead of twenty fuckin’ years, I’d make due with a dime
And as they were haulin’ me away, I heard the judge singin’
It’s my privilege to be here tonight
It’s my duty to do what I think right
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
All together now
It’s my privilege to be here tonight
It’s my duty to do what I think right
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
Don’t like what I see, well I guess it’s up to me
Either shut my trap, negotiate, or fight
Calico
Once there was a willow tree on the water’s edge
Once there was a carpenter, a barrow, and a sledge
Once there was a king alone without a crown
Once there was a gambler, a man about the town
Calico, thorn and rose, sunshine and shadow, false night upon the road
Waxen leaves so tender, a truck so broad and strong
Under swaying branches you hear the maiden’s song
A fading distant melody, drifting on the breeze
Just enough to catch a glimpse then carried out to sea
Come to town a gypsy, a crystal, and a ball
With ancient eyes so milky they could not see at all
By chance was the gambler summoned to her cry
Certain as you roll the dice, the promise you will die
Calico, thorn and rose, sunshine and shadow, false night upon the road
Waxen leaves so tender, a truck so broad and strong
Under swaying branches, you hear the maiden’s song
A fading distant melody, drifting on the breeze
Just enough to catch a glimpse then carried out to sea
The king was in a fury, his nose was red with drink
His manner it was violence, to depravity, he’d sink
He slurred and he stumbled, swore he’d have his head
‘Fore I get to sleep tonight, I’ll surely see him dead
Calico, thorn and rose, sunshine and shadow, false night upon the road
Waxen leaves so tender, a truck so broad and strong
Under swaying branches you hear the maiden’s song
A fading distant melody, drifting on the breeze
Just enough to catch a glimpse then carried out to sea
The carpenter so patient his measure in his mind
A corner square his pleasure, he marks it with a line
With lumber hewn so true, cut from yonder tree
Cradle to the casket, your bones will lie with me
Calico, thorn and rose, sunshine and shadow, false night upon the road
False night upon the road, false night upon the road
Thinkin Bout You
I couldn’t get to sleep last night
Laid awake till dawns first light
Couldn’t say was feeling blue
Let’s just say I was thinking about you
I’ve tried everything to make you understand
You leave me waiting here just sitting on my hands
My faith is crumbling like castles made of sand
I’m at a loss for what to do
Thinking about you
I’ve been running so long I’m empty
Chasing a dream I’ve yet to see
Long lost days when we had all
Good old times I can never quite recall
I’ve tried everything to make you understand
You leave me waiting here just sitting on my hand
My faith is crumbling like castles made of sand
I’m at a loss for what to do
Thinking about you
I’ve tried everything to make you understand
You leave me waiting here just sitting on my hand
My faith is crumbling like castles made of sand
I’m at a loss for what to do
Thinking about you
It’s nothing ain’t been said before
Same argument just rubbed and worn
I can’t say that it’s all been a waste
Cause in the end what I’m missing is not your face
I’ve tried everything to make you understand
You leave me waiting here just sitting on my hand
My faith is crumbling like castles made of sand
I’m at a loss for what to do
I’m at a loss for what to do
I’m at a loss for what to do
Thinking about you
Queens Garden
In the queen’s garden cursing everyone above
Gone down that rabbit hole just looking for love
We got Kafka and cranberries, sodomy and softball
I’ll give you something for nothing if you can handle it all
I see you coming through the door with that Cheshire smile
Might as well get comfortable, it’s gonna be a while
We’ve got writing on the ceiling, writing on the wall
I’ll give you something for nothing if you can handle it all
We’ll be dancing round in circles, we’ll be tripping down the spiral
Flowing through the meadow, flowing in the aisles
No worries about tomorrow, I’m living for today
Whatever comes with sunrise, I’m sure we’ll find a way
While it’s raining flowers, I’ll be calling out your name
Crawling through the desert, melted by your flame
We’ve got madness in vain, ecstasy while we take that fall
I’ll give you something for nothing if you can handle it all
We’ll be dancing round in circles, we’ll be tripping down the spiral
Flowing through the meadow, flowing in the aisles
No worries about tomorrow, I’m living for today
Whatever comes with sunrise, I’m sure we’ll find a way
We’ll be dancing round in circles, we’ll be tripping down the spiral
Flowing through the meadow, flowing in the aisles
No worries about tomorrow, I’m living for today
Whatever comes with sunrise, I’m sure we’ll find a way
Lost My Mind
Hey Mr. see, can’t you please help me? For I have lost my mind
Happened once or twice before, truly could be gone for good this time
Walking right beside me when I left the store and then I crossed that line
Really like to have it back a little bit bent but mine
I like to take it for long walks out there among the stars
Sometimes we’ll just stay at home or go out to the park
Sometimes we’ll have a drop of the finest LSD
Other times we’ll top a squat and stare at the TV
Hey Mr. see, can’t you please help me? For I have lost my mind
Happened once or twice before, truly could be gone for good this time
Walking right beside me when I left the store and then I crossed that line
Really like to have it back a little bit bent but mine
I like to take it for a ride, push the pedal to the floor
I’ll pop the hood, see what’s inside and then I’ll ask for more
It isn’t quite the same it was before we went on tour
Exactly what the difference is, I’m not completely sure
Hey Mr. see, can’t you please help me? For I have lost my mind
Happened once or twice before, truly could be gone for good this time
Walking right beside me when I left the store and then I crossed that line
Really like to have it back a little bit bent but mine
Really like to have it back a little bit bent but mine
Little bit bent but mine
Little bit bent but mine
Turkey Shuffle
I’ve got this pretty chick she’s got my feathers in a ruffle
She’s got me runnin’ around doin the turkey shuffle
My eyes on the prize while I’m tryin to make some ends
She’ll bait me up the hill like Jack and Jill
She’ll never do nothin’ against her will
She does what she wants but for me, it’s turkey shuffle
I chase her though the barnyard, she runs me through the pines
From early in the mornin’ til ’bout supper time
It’s all that I do ’bout ev’ry day
But, doncha know she’s a helluva lay
I wake up in the mornin’ with her tail on my mind
She’s the sweetest piece of meat a man’d ever find
What’s in her head I can’t comprehend
I’m surely gettin’ bitter, it’s really gotten tough
She always has her way but I can’t get enough
One of these days she’ll probably have me stuffed
I chase her though the barnyard, she runs me through the pines
From early in the mornin’ til ’bout supper time
It’s all that I do ’bout ev’ry day
But, doncha know she’s a helluva lay
She’s got me scratchin’ and peckin’ all over the place
But whatever I do, I get egg on my face
It’s just like I’m a feather in her cap
Just when it seems I’ve found the right path
Woman leaves me standin’ in a briar patch
It seems I’ve finally met my match
I chase her though the barnyard, she runs me through the pines
From early in the mornin’ til ’bout supper time
It’s all that I do ’bout ev’ry day
But, doncha know she’s a helluva lay
I try to get a leg up stalkin’ through the dawn
She’ll sure let me have a quick cluck on the lawn
Her breast, her thigh, I’m closin’ in the gap
She caught my eye for no reason why
Now I’m bidin’ my time for her by and by
I guess I’m firmly in her trap
I chase her though the barnyard, she runs me through the pines
From early in the mornin’ til ’bout supper time
It’s all that I do ’bout ev’ry day
But, doncha know she’s a helluva lay
I’ve got this pretty chick she’s got my feathers in a ruffle
She’s got me runnin’ around doin the turkey shuffle
My eyes on the prize while I’m trying to make some ends
She’ll bait me up the hill like Jack and Jill
She’ll never do nothin’ against her will
She does what she wants but for me, it’s turkey shuffle
Apocalypse Rag
Oh, the sun is arisin’, it’s peekin’ through the trees
The smell of mornin’ dew, just carried on the breeze
The farmers out a drinkin’, that templar wine
Grapes are splittin’, just turnin on the vine
Nothin’s impossible, nothin’ good is easy
The music sure swings but the lyrics are cheesy
Threadbare in the mornin’, still two sheets in the ba-ag
Wake up in the henhouse, doin’ the apocalypse rag
Apocalypse Rag
The winter rye is sodden, still standin’ in the field
The bulldog is a slumber, silent, well heeled
The milkmaids out a’peelin’, a feat for the eyes
Lickin’ up the droplets on the pale of her thighs
Nothin’s impossible, nothin’ good is easy
The music sure swings but the lyrics are cheesy
Threadbare in the mornin’, still two sheets in the ba-ag
Wake up in the henhouse, doin’ the apocalypse rag
Apocalypse Rag
Workin’ up a maracle, breakin’ in the vault
The soldier’s in the lockup, savin up his salt
Hear the rooster callin’, his reason is to vent
The barn is on fire, and you’re late with the rent
Nothin’s impossible, nothin’ good is easy
The music sure swings but the lyrics are cheesy
Threadbare in the mornin’, still two sheets in the ba-ag
Wake up in the henhouse, doin’ the apocalypse rag
Apocalypse Rag
Try to serve the truth, try defy the lies
But the sweet ginger tart with the sapphire eyes
Used to know the time, clock was on the wall
Now the clock’s come undone and we’re all havin’ a ball
The gates have all been stolen, here comes chaos and the wind
They’re runnin’ from the gatehouse ’cause the roof is cavin’ in
Ma’s got a fiddle, papa’s got a gun
Won’t you quit yer laughin’ yer ruinin the fun
Nothin’s impossible, nothin’ good is easy
The music sure swings but the lyrics are cheesy
Threadbare in the mornin’, still two sheets in the ba-ag
Wake up in the henhouse, doin’ the apocalypse rag
Apocalypse Rag
The Leaves
Oh there must be something to it, saw the door and I went through it
It’s like waking from a dream, nothing’s quite what it seems
Although it’s not all in my head, a few more teeth and I could chew it
Can’t remember what she said, I had my chance then I blew it
Walking through a park, heard a voice drew me to it
It was slightly after dark, a hint of smoke the air had to it
Leaves were on the ground, something drew me to that sound
Oh there must be something to it, saw the door and I went through it
I was standing as a child beside a river wild
There was something in the trees, as close as you and me
Felt a fist inside my hand, felt the summer breeze, so mild
I could barely understand, she looked at me, she smiled
I could feel it in my bones, as the day went wild
We were climbing over stones, on the banks where we were piled
Leaves were on the ground, something drew me to that sound
Oh there must be something to it, saw the door and I went through it
Back through that door I must get to her, did I dream it that I knew her
To those shallows where she wades, before the memory fades
I taste her lips still on my tongue, my muscles strain, I try to move
A fading glimpse, she lives among, a paradise an Eden new
Hold the sleep still in my eyes, one moment maybe fewer
Dawn light holds a great disguise, the scent of her, the sky grows bluer
Leaves are on the ground, something drew me to that sound
Oh the leaves are on the ground, something drew me to that sound
Squared Up
I used to be a man, do everything you can to get ahead in the way of the world
Had a master plan, would drive you where you stand, had a wicked eye, for a girl
Take you by the hand, honey, show you where to stand, as that big ol’ bus come along
I left you high and dry – Honey
Without sayin’ goodbye – Sugar
Just up and left when you turned around
You could say I was half a shit
Probably safe bet that ain’t the half of it.
But I reckon’ we’re ’bout squared up this time
Charge full price and add the water twice, hustle and deal to make a buck
Out for number one and just plain ain’t no fun, one word, I was a truck
Take you by the hand, honey, show you where to stand, as that big ol’ bus come along
I left you high and dry – Honey
Without sayin’ goodbye – Sugar
Just up and left when you turned around
You could say I was half a shit
Probably safe bet that ain’t the half of it.
But I reckon’ we’re ’bout squared up this time
Used to be a girl like from another world, once in a lifetime passin’ by
Now this way she’s gone and, whoa, that trip you’re on, reckonin’ we’re squared up this time
Take you by the hand, honey, show you where to stand, as that big ol’ bus come along
I left you high and dry – Honey
Without sayin’ goodbye – Sugar
Just up and left when you turned around
You could say I was half a shit
Probably safe bet that ain’t the half of it.
But I reckon’ we’re ’bout squared up this time
Take it, Chris
Take you by the hand, honey, show you where to stand, as that big ol’ bus come along
I left you high and dry – Honey
Without sayin’ goodbye – Sugar
Just up and left when you turned around
You could say I was half a shit
Probably safe bet that ain’t the half of it.
But I reckon’ we’re ’bout squared up this time
Said I reckon we’re squared up this time
But I reckon’ we’re ’bout squared up this time
Said I reckon we’re squared up this time
Yeah…
Locked From Inside
Sitting on a shelf collecting dust
Amongst all your pretty things
Sits a box of butterflies
And your grandma’s wedding ring
It’s all a cage that’s locked from inside
Mind in bondage, dance and sing
A spider’s web where war makes widows
From history’s slave to the greatest king
Loops of rope cast over handles
Keep the wheel in position
Passing time with the devil
The cards are marked, he’s sure to win
It’s all a cage that’s locked from inside
Mind in bondage, dance and sing
A spider’s web where war makes widows
From history’s slave to the greatest king
Drops of sunlight flow like water
Over burdocks on my grave
There’s nothing left here that can tempt me
The debt’s been settled it’s all been paid
Drops of sunlight flow like water
Over burdocks on my grave
There’s nothing left here that can tempt me
The debt’s been settled it’s all been paid
It’s all a cage that’s locked from inside
Mind in bondage, dance and sing
A spider’s web where war makes widows
From history’s slave to the greatest king
I see myself with a different face
Standing there in your place
There’s no way to come to good end
The game is rigged we’ve lost the race
It’s all a cage that’s locked from inside
Mind in bondage, dance and sing
A spider’s web where war makes widows
From history’s slave to the greatest king
From history’s slave to the greatest king
Never Go Home
A thousand days since I stepped through my front door
Before I return, maybe a thousand more
Where are the monuments I passed along the way
Oh, to retrace the steps I took that distant day
Back to my home up in the clouds
Back where the music’s playing loud
Where everybody knows my name
Oh, will it ever be the same
A twisted trail, another turn upon the path
I’ll flip a coin and trust some fuzzy math
I’ve seen the sunrise from the point of no return
I’ll have to run while the final bridges burn
Back to my home up in the clouds
Back where the music’s playing loud
Where everybody knows my name
Oh, will it ever be the same
Now let me go home
To my home up in the clouds
If you never go home, never go home, never go home
And you just can’t stay
Never go home, never go home, never go home
When they take it away
Never go home, never go home, never go home
And you just can’t stay
Never go home, never go home, never go home
When they take it away
Back to my home up in the clouds
Back where the music’s playing loud
Where everybody knows my name
Oh, will it ever be the same
A final stretch
I feel the ends in sight
One last expense
Of fortitude or might
What will I find
When I finally reach the end
None of it matters now
I’m going back again
Back to my home up in the clouds
Back where the music’s playing loud
Where everybody knows my name
Oh, will it ever be the same
Never go home, never go home, never go home
Never go home, never go home
And you just can’t stay
Never go home, never go home, never go home
When they take it away
Never go home, never go home, never go home
And you just can’t stay
Never go home, never go home, never go home
Since I Been Gone
Leaving in the morning, the sound of rooster crow
Gotta get to moving, 400 miles ago
No point in wasting daylight, must be moving on
There’s a girl that I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
Took a trip to Tucson, by bus and by plane
Detoured down to Texas, riding on a chain
Did time in Grady County, now I’m passing on
There’s some people I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
Seen 3,000 sunsets, in freshly minted skies
Told a hundred stories, heard 600 lies
All across this country, I keep rambling on
There’s some things that I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
Let me tell you about them
Eat something, I ain’t been fed
Lay my head in a king-size bed
Drive a car, my old guitar
Hang with my friends at a local bar
Place that I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
Show them what I’ve been missing
One more time
Eat something, I ain’t been fed
Lay my head in a king-size bed
Drive a car, my old guitar
Hang with my friends at a local bar
Place that I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
Leaving in the morning, the sound of rooster crow
Gotta get to moving, 400 miles to go
No point in wasting daylight, must be moving on
There’s a girl that I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
There’s some people I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
There’s a place that I’ve been missing, since I’ve been gone
Trampling Daisies
Homicidal pixie, dodging shadows on the road
Don’t forget to look both ways, like how you’ve been told
Trampling daisies, singing while slipping through the cracks
Pitch a fuss, don’t ever trust the way the deck is stacked
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
Princess swords in a summer dress, ruling a land of marvels
Whenever I play games with you, I end up short some marbles
Feel your soul swallow me whole I would never tell
In suspense, scratch and dent, like a waiting room in hell
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
All falls to pieces in the end
Big In Bangladesh (2024)
Wheels
Cold sparks distant borderline
Guided movement implied design
Infinite mass expanding time
Deftly trading secret signs
Captured glimpse of wheels within wheels
Scattered light as the film unreels
Dancing shadows and shifting scenes
Merrily splitting at the seams
Empty words in stolen forms
Dark clouds gather implying storms
Dripping softly and changing size
Confusion chaos waters rise
Captured glimpse of wheels within wheels
Scattered light as the film unreels
Dancing shadows and shifting scenes
Merrily splitting at the seams
Velvet folds and locks askew
Familiar faces seen as new
Silent strangers forgotten names
Long lost pieces of childhood games
Captured glimpse of wheels within wheels
Scattered light as the film unreels
Dancing shadows and shifting scenes
Merrily splitting at the seams
Recognition dawns
The veil parts on what’s gone
From out the blue
I remember, that it’s you
Those Were The Days
Lived up on the mountain where the wormwood grows
Down a dirt road where nobody goes
Had a stick cabin and a girl named Rose
Oh, how those were the days
Had an old rifle and a yellow dog
Singin’ to the mornin’ watch the driftin’ fog
Spring of cool water by a rotten log
Oh, how those were the days
Reflections bent by the shift of the glass
Sweetness of the honey of flowers long passed
Held it while I could but it didn’t last
Oh, how those were the days
Oh, how those were the days
Temptation and the wine in the highland pines
Saw a mountain girl and I made her mine
Guess I lost track of the passin time
Oh, how those were the days
Some trust God, some the deeds of man
Trust once it gone, it don’t come again
Now I’m left here rememberin’ when
Oh, how those were the days
Reflections bent by the shift of the glass
Sweetness of the honey of flowers long passed
Held it while I could but it didn’t last
Oh, how those were the days
Oh, how those were the days
Silence In The Woods
The farmer met the ancient devil on the road
He looked maybe a thousand years old
Tomorrow, my friend, sit down and hear my tale
An army needs a flag, a ship needs a sail
The song is all but over, but the tune it lingers on
Whispers in the shadows while you labor in the sun
A little bit of heaven, a little bit of hell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
Never been so sure of things as they appear
The imp of the perverse whispered in his ear
They’re all just lazy dwarfs trampling on a drum
Keeping awkward time until the kingdom comes
The song is all but over, but the tune it lingers on
Whispers in the shadows while you waver in the sun
A little bit of heaven, a little bit of hell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
The song is all but over, but the tune it lingers on
Whispers in the shadows while you waver in the sun
A little bit of heaven, a little bit of hell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
All the world’s in darkness, it’s leaking from the source
Spreading like a stain, it has to run its course
Go off and meet your maker, balloon without a string
Carried on the wind, unplanted seed in spring
The song is all but over, but the tune it lingers on
Whispers in the shadows while you waver in the sun
A little bit of heaven, a little bit of hell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
Like the silence in the woods when all the leaves have fell
Fences
Ironclan in ego, drifting far from shore,
rambling set to frustrate, surely bound to bore
Bring me all your faithful, false brothers in the dawn
Counted like the stars at night, first light all are gone
You know, you’re right, it’s never hazy
The turnkey must be getting lazy
Through loyalty, fear, greed or habit
No work for all my fun, no work for all my fun
Illusion of the senses
Cartoon walls imagined fences
Illusion of the senses
Cartoon walls imagined fences
Mazes set to whirl, mad dash through open door
Fat cat got his cream, spillin cross the floor
Music is a liquid, dryin’ in the sun
Counting bubbles in the stream, in fragments what was one
Angels, restless, sleeping at the wheel
Beggars wishes, taken, yours to steal
The joker laughing grabs his recompense
Fairly taken with a gun, fairly taken with a gun
Illusion of the senses
Cartoon walls imagined fences
Illusion of the senses
Cartoon walls imagined fences
Privateers, bankers, out in the cold
Bows listing port, water in the hold
Bailing bucket shamelessly a flail
Paid the piper beat the drum, paid the piper beat the drum
Illusion of the senses
Cartoon walls imagined fences
Simple
My mama calls me simple, it’s plain I ain’t that smart
This face ain’t made for Tee Vee, I ain’t no good at art
I’d like to have some peace of mind, I hope that you’ll abide
Cause if I have to kick some ass, better hold on for the ride
When I wake up in the mornin’, I have to go to work
Make money for some CEO, or self-important jerk
If I work me extra hard, I’ll get to stay on late
Gotta have them OT hours to put food on the plate
My mama calls me simple, it’s plain I ain’t that smart
This face ain’t made for Tee Vee, I ain’t no good at art
I’d like to have some peace of mind, I hope that you’ll abide
Cause if I have to kick some ass, better hold on for the ride
I come home to my room, it’s a good thirteen by nine
Kitchen’s down the hall, but the bathroom is just mine
Better than a one man cell, or a slap up in the face
For a thousand bucks a month, I got myself a place
My mama calls me simple, it’s plain I ain’t that smart
This face ain’t made for Tee Vee, I ain’t no good at art
I’d like to have some peace of mind, I hope that you’ll abide
Cause if I have to kick some ass, better hold on for the ride
Workin’ while the world is burnin’
Time’s up but we must keep earnin’
Payin’ just to feed the vermin
All the while, wheel keeps turnin’
Well, some folks pay for privilege, some folks pay for ass
Other folks they scrimp on by, on rent and food and gas
I’d like to think I knew a way, to help to make it right
Takes all I got when I come home, to make it through the night
My mama calls me simple, it’s plain I ain’t that smart
This face ain’t made for Tee Vee, I ain’t no good at art
I’d like to have some peace of mind, I hope that you’ll abide
Cause if I have to kick some ass, better hold on for the ride
Cause if I have to kick some ass, better hold on for the ride
Cause if I have to kick some ass, better hold on for the ride
Only Twenty-Four
Now I won’t keep you for very long But I think I got something to say
I think maybe things have gone wrong And they don’t have to be this way
Now I ain’t got all that much But some got none at all
Some got folks to hold their place in line A little hand up on call
Cause there’s only 24 hours in the day And there’s only 7 days in the week
And there’s only 52 weeks in the year And if I give them all to you
What’s in it for me? What’s in it for me
Ain’t nothing in it for me Ain’t nothing in it for me
Now folks are gonna do what they gotta do And people gonna do what they wanna do
Now if I don’t wanna do what you want me to do
You’re gonna have to make it so I have to But there’s only 24 hours in the day
And there’s only 7 days in the week And there’s only 52 weeks in the year
And if you spend them all on me What’s in it for you
What’s in it for you? Same thing that was in it for me
Don’t waste your time on me Don’t waste your time on me
Now I have kept you for far too long And I said what I got to say
You can take with you this little song Now please be on your way
Cause I ain’t got all that much But what I got is time
I’m not quite sure just how much I got I best better keep what’s mine
Cause there’s only 24 hours in the day And there’s only 7 days in the week
And there’s only 52 weeks in the year And if I spend them all on you
What’s in it for me? There’s nothing in it for me
Nothing in it for me
Nothing in it for me
I Need A New Dream
Along any highway, any road
Where dapper scoundrels bum their rides
Worn, ragged soldiers grin and bear the load
Upon their lonesome hides
Holy popes and children share a cigarette
Faithful masses turn an eye
Shattered sanctuaries of bold neglect
As midget madmen figure how not why
I need a new dream, I’ve seen this one before
Got my eye to the keyhole, ear to the door
In their Sunday best, selling saviours door to door
I’ve seen this one before
Kissing babies, shaking hands
Sweat dripping panty lust
Golden caskets just filled with sand
A hungry stare, a sagging bust
You know me, I’ll just take what I can get
Well, freaks and conmen chuck the jive
Fill my squander time with cold regrets
As midget madmen figure how not why
I need a new dream, I’ve seen this one before
Got my eye to the keyhole, ear to the door
In their Sunday best, selling saviours door to door
I’ve seen this one before
Sandstone castles filling flush with rain
You should have known, you read the sign
A burlesque sideshow where pleasure is pain
Pound the rest once I’ve got mine
What’s the point, I haven’t got it yet
A homespun preacher sings to the sky
Backing up his words with empty threats
As midget madmen figure how not why
I need a new dream, I’ve seen this one before
Got my eye to the keyhole, ear to the door
In their Sunday best, selling saviours door to door
I’ve seen this one before
I’ve seen this one before
In their Sunday best, selling saviours door to door
I’ve seen this one before
Twenty-Five Miles
Twenty-five miles an hour away, I started running at break of day
Reckon to catch me there’ll be a price to pay, to take my body down
Got pulled up quick, had to take that ride, now I’m left running for a place to hide
Worth the price, let you decide, well I’m heading out of town
Once I knew what was right and wrong
Had the answer but it been too long
Heard fortune calling like a sirens song
I’m helpless to her cry
Packing a pistol in the dead of night
Do what I say, don’t put up a fight
I get the cash and you get a fright
And we’ll live another day
Now some say what is done is done
Some take what they want at the point of a gun
I’m a wanted man living on the run
I best be on my way
Once I knew what was right and wrong
Had the answer but it been too long
Heard fortune calling like a sirens song
I’m helpless to her cry
Some say what is done is done
Some take what they want at the point of a gun
I’m a wanted man living on the run
And I best be on my way
Perfect In Disguise
You cut me to the quick, you take me by surprise
Your fickle smile of wit, convicts my fool’s devise
The rain upon my skin, a plot that’s stretched too thin
Flawed is perfect in disguise
The world in which I dream, forgotten new at dawn
A jewel encrusted plain, truth out rusting on the lawn
An unstable plot device, a scent of sage a hint of spice
Flawed is perfect in disguise
It’s all I’ve got to give, the only show in town
There’s one place left to go, no other way around
Folly takes me at great last, a shallow sign in high contrast
Flawed is perfect in disguise
You’re saccharine sweet in lust, a bitter flame in rage
Fleeting thought in whimsy, verse stranded on the page
Twisted lines that you inspire, a taste of shame secret desire
Flawed is perfect in disguise
Candy
Hot topic candy girl thinks she’s the only game in town
Light show queen she’ll lay em down to win her dime store crown
Fuzzy boots and fairy winds, white gloves are on her hands
Dishplate eyes and flashing thighs she gyrates where she stands
Dance so hypnotically all sassafras and smile
Absurdity and harmony her plastic sense of style
Dance so hypnotically all sassafras and smile
Absurdity and harmony her plastic sense of style
Blinking binky Botticelli a demon on the dance floor
A glowstick waving dervish as she begins to soar
Happy hardcore legionnaire she’s writhing to the beat
The walls seem like they’re melting just dripping in the heat
Dance so hypnotically all sassafras and smile
Absurdity and harmony her plastic sense of style
Dance so hypnotically all sassafras and smile
Absurdity and harmony her plastic sense of style
A fools errand for the faithful in her vinyl spinning temple
A heart racing sideshow as we adjust the tempo
Ecstacy in the music she’s worshipping the muse
Lights are getting dimmer she’s about to blow a fuse
Dance so hypnotically all sassafras and smile
Absurdity and harmony her plastic sense of style
Dance so hypnotically all sassafras and smile
Absurdity and harmony her plastic sense of style
Back To The One
You’re the star in the morning light, I’m a flash in the dark of night
You’re the truth in a pop song book, I’m the lies in your favorite book
I am you and you are me, take what you want, it’s all for free
What’s the answer? That depends. What never started, never ends
I am you when you want me, take what you want, it’s all for free
Pomegranate dreams, forbidden fruit, broken beams of light
Escaping from the sun, I’m torn apart, I’ve come undone
I hear the voices calling me, calling me back to the one
Back to the one
Back to the one
Back to the one
Back to the one
I am you and you are me, take what you want, it’s all for free
What’s the answer? That depends. What never started, never ends
The altar with the broken glass, things have come what things have passed
A moment’s frail but memory lasts, I’ll feed the flames, you pour the gas
Back to the one. Back to the one
Back to the one. Back to the one
The Best That’s Possible
Once away and wayward, with due confused surprise
I came upon a goddess, gathering cowpeas in her arms
Dressed in tatters and in hollies, skipping hapless through the trees
She quoted verse and folly, while she chatted with the bees
It’s all the best that’s possible, I’m afraid you might be right
But at least it’s comfortable, through the darkness of the night
Through the darkness of the night
Queen to feral cats and weirdos, the homeless and the strange
She kept the mantle of my heroes, hanging safely out of range
With degenerate plants, bastard vines, wild wood rose for her tea
She wrapped me in her magic signs, from which I can’t be free
It’s all the best that’s possible, I’m afraid you might be right
But at least it’s comfortable, through the darkness of the night
Through the darkness of the night
Through the darkness of the night
She giggled and she blushed, and she called me by my name
And it seemed the world was hushed, as she sang this dark refrain
Sleep and death, my brothers, serving dullards and the wise
To tyrants and to mothers, a fate I’ll stitch to size
And as the last dim battle, serves fools their just reward
I’ll feed them to the cattle, as they’re dying by the sword
Ahhhhhh!
I left her in that hollow, lit by starlight and the sky
Till she at last I’ll follow, to eternity’s reprise
It’s all the best that’s possible, I’m afraid you might be right
But at least it’s comfortable, through the darkness of the night
Through the darkness of the night
Through the darkness of the night
Through the darkness of the night