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Opera Singer
I am an opera singer
I stand on painted tape
It tells me where I'm going
And where to throw my cape
I call my costars "brother"
I call my costars "knave"
I play both good and evil parts
I sing to Verdi's grave
And every single morning
By 10 AM I'm dressed
My rehearsals last for hours and hours
With diligence I have been blessed
Some people, they call me monster
Some people, they call me saint
My talent feeds my darker side
Yet no one will complain
I am an opera singer
I sing in foreign lands
I've sung for kings in Europe
And emperors in Japan
And after each performance
People stand around and wait
Just to tell me that they love my voice
Just to tell me that I'm great
I am an opera singer
I will sing when you're all dead
I sing the mountains crumbling apart
I sing what can't be said
I am an opera singer
I sing in foreign lands
Most people seem to know my name
Or at least know who I am
Top
Meanwhile Rick James
Disenpowered, the scattering flock
Dances in a fever at the castle rock
Dust-devil cypress and ripening fruit
Descending quick into the author's bathroom
Fawn, Jo and Tootsie are out on a wire
Lettuce-toothed junkies all full of desire
Meanwhile, Rick James takes her new
And there's nothing I can do
Meanwhile, Rick James takes her new
And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can say to you
I've got a lot of work to do
I guess I'll leave it up to you
Uninvited, we'll stay if we want
Searching through your closets for your grandfather's gun
We will swim in your kidney, kidney-shaped pool
Scratching at the bottom for another clue, yeah
Fawn, Jo and Tootsie are out on a wire
Lettuce-toothed junkies all full of desire
Meanwhile, Rick James takes her new
And there's nothing I can do
Meanwhile, Rick James takes her new
And there's nothing I can do
(Meanwhile, Rick James takes her new)
And there's nothing I can say to you
(Meanwhile, Rick James takes her new)
And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can say to you
I've got a lot of work to do
I guess I'll leave it up to you
Top
Shadow Stabbing
Adjectives on the typewriter
He moves his words like a prizefighter
The frenzied pace of the mind inside the cell
The man on the street might just as well be
The man on the street might just as well
The man on the street might just as well be
Outside, outside the walls
Out there you don't hear the echoes and calls
But the steel eye, tight jaw,
Say it all, say it all
But the white paint, plastic saints
Say it all, say it all, say it all
Say it all (say it all)
Say it all (say it all)
Say it all (say it all)
Say somebody's got to say it all
Somebody's got to say it all
I'm so nervous, I'm so tense
My heart can't forget about its self defense
The air is so hot and my breath comes fast
I thumb the cool blade but I know this can't last
I thumb the cool blade but I know this can't last
Outside, outside the walls
Out there you don't hear the echoes and calls
But the steel eye, tight jaw
Say it all, say it all
But the white paint, plastic saints
Say it all, say it all, say it all
Say it all (say it all)
Say it all (say it all)
Say it all (say it all)
Say somebody's got to say it all
Somebody's got to say it all
Adjectives on the typewriter
He moves his words like a prize fighter
The frenzied pace of the mind inside the cell
The man on the street might just as well be
The man on the street might just as well
The man on the street might just as well be
Top
Short Skirt/Long Jacket
I want a girl with a mind like a diamond
I want a girl who knows what's best
I want a girl with shoes that cut
And eyes that burn like cigarettes
I want a girl with the right allocations
Who's fast and thorough
And sharp as a tack
She is playing with her jewelry
She is putting up her hair
She is touring the facility
And picking up slack
I want a girl with a short skirt and a lonnnng jacket......
I want a girl who gets up early
I want a girl who stays up late
I want a girl with uninterrupted prosperity
Who used a machete to cut through red tape
With fingernails that shine like justice
And a voice that is dark like tinted glass
She is fast, thorough
And sharp as a tack
She is touring the facility
And picking up slack
I want a girl with a short skirt and a lonnnnng.... lonnng jacket
I want a girl with a smooth liquidation
I want a girl with good dividends
And at the city bank we will meet accidentally
We'll start to talk when she borrows my pen
She wants a car with a cup-holder arm rest
She wants a car that will get her there
She's changing her name from Kitty to Karen
She's trading her MG for a white Chrysler Le Barron
I want a girl with a short skirt and a lonnnnggggggggg jacket
Top
Commissioning A Symphony In 'C'
So you'll be an Austrian Nobleman
Commissioning a symphony in C
Which defies all earthly descriptions
You'll be Commissioning a symphony in C
With money you squeeze from the peasants
To your nephew you can give it as a present
This magnificent symphony in C
You'll be commissioning a symphony in C
Completely filling the palace concert hall
It's warm and golden like an oven that's wide open
It has a melody both happy and sad
Built on Victoria's young triads
You've entered the room with great caution
Though no one in the hall is even watching
They are transfixed
They are forgetting just to breath
They are so taken by your symphony...
In C
You're sitting there thinking your thoughts
They are not about what is but what is not
You are sitting there breathing in your breath
You are seldom breathing life but mostly death
So you'll be an Austrian Nobleman
Commissioning a symphony in C
Which defies all earthly descriptions
You'll be commissioning...
A symphony...
In C
Top
Arco Arena
Ha!
Oh!
Ugh!
Ha!
Yaa!
That's Right
Close Call
Watch It! Watch It!
Hey!
Ohh! Hey!
Ha!
Top
Comfort Eagle
We are building a religion
We are building it bigger
We are widening the corridors
And adding more lanes
We are building a religion
A limited edition
We are now accepting callers
for the pendant key chains
To resist it is useless
It is useless to resist it
His cigarette is burning
But he never seems to ash
He is grooming his poodle
He is living comfort eagle
You can meet at his location
But you better come with cash
Now his hat is on backwards
He can show you his tatoos
He is in the music business
He is calling you "DUDE!"
Now today is tomorrow
And tomorrow today
And yesterday is weaving in and out
And the filthy white lines
That the airplane leaves behind
Are drifting right in front
of the waining of the moon
He is handling the money
He's serving the food
He knows about your party
He is calling you "DUDE!"
Now do you believe
In the one big sign
The doublewide shine
On the bootheels of your prime
Doesn't matter if you're skinny
Doesn't matter if you're fat
You can dress up like a SULTAN
In your onion head hat
We are building a religion
We are making a brand
We're the only ones to turn to
When your castles turn to sand
Take a bite of this apple
Mr. corporate EVENTS
Take a walk through the jungle
Of cardboard shanties and tents
Some people drink Pepsi
Some people drink Coke
The wacky morning DJ
Says domocracy's a joke
He says now do you believe
In the one big song
He's now accepting callers
Who would like to sing along
She says, do you believe
In the one true edge
By fastening your safety belts
And stepping towards the ledge
He is handling the money
He is serving the food
He is now accepting callers
He is calling me "DUDE!"
Now do you believe
In the one big sign
The doublewide shine
On the bootheels of your prime
There's no need to ask directions
If you ever lose your mind
We're behind you
We're behind you
And let us please remind you
We can send a car to find you
If you ever lose your way
We are building a religion
We are building it bigger
We are building
A religion
A limited
Edition
We are now accepting callers...
For these beautiful...
Pendant keychains
Top
Long Line of Cars
There's a long line of cars
And they're trying to get through
There's no single explanation
There's no central destination
But this long line of cars
Is trying to get through
And this long line of cars
Is all because of you
You don't wonder where we're going
Or remember where we've been
We've got to keep this traffic
Flowing and accept a little spin
So this long line of cars
will never have an end
And this long line of cars
Keeps coming around the bend
From the streets of Sacramento
To the freeways of L.A.
We've got to keep this fire burning
and accept a little gray
So this long line of cars
Is trying to break free
(drawn out words)
And this long line of cars
Is all because of me
This long line of cars
Long line of cars
Long line of cars
Long line of cars
Top
Love You Madly
I don't want to wonder
If this is a blunder
I don't want to worry whether
We're gonna stay together
'Till we die
I don't want to jump in
Unless this music's thumping
All the dishes rattle in the cupboards
When the elephants arrive
I want to love you madly
I want to love you now
I want to love you madly, way
I want to love you, love you
Love you madly
I don't want to fake it
I just want to make it
The ornaments look pretty
But they're pulling down the branches
Of the Tree
I don't want to think about it
I don't want to talk about it
When I kiss your lips
I want to sink down to the bottom
Of the sea
I want to love you madly
I want to love you now, yeah
I want to love you madly, way
I want to love you, love you
Love you madly
I don't want to hold back
I don't want to slip down
I don't want to think back to the one thing that I know I
Should have done
I don't want to doubt you
Know everything about you
I don't want to sit across the table from you
Wishing I could run
I want to love you madly
I want to love you now
I want to love you madly, way
I want to love you, love you
Love you madly
Top
Pretty Pink Ribbon
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd end up just like me
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd fload down to the sea
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd say just what you pleased
Without the sticky little kitten
You're ticket could never be free
Without your tight little denum
Your virtues would all go unknown
Without the room that you live in
Your cancer would eat through the bone
Your muscles would bulge underground
Your demons would all be around
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd end up just like me
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd end up just like me
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd burn all these dying leaves
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You would lift this steaming herd
You would kill all the sick ones
You would bury them deep in the earth
Without the tight little denim
Your virtues would all go unknown
Without the room that you live in
Your cancer would eat through the bone
Your muscles would bulge underground
Your demons would all be around
Without the pretty pink ribbon
You'd end up just like me
Top
World of Two
I don't want to
Hear you whisper
I don't want to orbit
Your world of two
There's only room for you
In your world of two
I don't like to
Hang around you
I don't want to
Live in your world
Of two
There's only room for you
In your world of two
It's not that I don't like you
But it's not that I don't love you
It's not that I don't think you are
Two of the most
Perfectly
Beautiful
People in your world
In your world of two
There's only room for you
In your world of two
There's only room for you
In your world of two
In your world of two
There's only room
There's only room
There's only room
For you
Top
Satan Is My Motor
i've got wheels of polished steel
i've got tires that grab the road
i've got seats that selflessly hold my friends
and a trunk that can carry the heaviest of loads
i've got a mind that can steer me to your house
and a heart that can bring you red flowers
my intentions are good and earnest and true
but under my hood is internal combustion
satan is my motor
hear my motor purr
satan is my motor
hear my motor purr
satan is the only one who seems to understand
satan is my motor
i've got brakes
i'm wide awake
i can stop this car at any time
at the very last second i can change directions
turn completely around if i feel so inclined
i've got a mind that can steer me to your house
and a heart that can bring you red flowers
my intentions are good and earnest and true
but under my hood is internal combustion
satan is my motor
hear my motor purr
satan is my motor
hear my motor purr
satan is the only one who seems to understand
satan is my motor
satan is the only one who seems to understand
Top
Mexico
i had a match, but she had a lighter
i had a flame, but she had a fire
i was bright, but she was much brighter
i was high, but she was the sky
oh baby, i was bound for mexico
oh baby, i was bound to let you go
i don't know much about cinco de mayo
i'm never sure what it's all about
i say i want you, and you don't believe me
you say you want me, but i've got my doubts
oh baby, i was bound for mexico
oh baby, i was bound to let you go
i had a match, but she had a lighter
i had a flame, but she had a fire
i was bright, but she was much brighter
i was high, but she was the sky
oh baby, i was bound for mexico
oh baby, i was bound to let you go
Top
Never There
i need your arms around me, i need to feel your touch
i need your understanding, i need your love so much
you tell me that you love me so, you tell me that you care
but when i need you baby, you're never there
on the phone long, long distance
always through such strong resistance
first you say you're too busy
i wonder if you even miss me
never there
you're never there
you're never, ever, ever, ever there
a golden bird that flies away, a candle's fickle flame
to think i held you yesterday, your love was just a game
a golden bird that flies away, a candle's fickle flame
to think i held you yesterday, your love was just a game
you tell me that you love me so, you tell me that you care
but when i need you baby
take the time to get to know me
if you want me why can't you just show me
we're always on this roller coaster
if you want me why can't you get closer?
never there
you're never there
you're never ever ever ever there
Top
Guitar
I'm sitting by the window of your 32nd floor apartment
Wating for your phone calls all to end
I'm sitting watching wind blow watching time go watching cars go by
I'm waiting for these memories to begin
If I threw my guitar
Out the window so far down
Would I start to regret it?
Or would I smile and watch it slowly fall fall fall?
Garbage trucks and taxi cabs don't seem like they can reach me here
The clamor of the jackhammers seems so faint
Well the way you treat me like the only slightly brings me down a lot
I don't think that I'll ever be the same
If I threw my guitar
Out the window so far down
Would I start to regret it?
Or would I smile and watch it slowly fall fall fall?
Top
You Turn The Screws
you turn the screws
you tear down the bridge
flimsy as it is, it's business like
you shake my hand
you break up the band
flimsy as it is, it's open-mic punk rock
red white and blue
you twist the knife then go home to kiss your wife
a bigger better slice is what you'd like
you kick the sand, you get the upper hand
you sell it to japan
it's natural punk rock
red white and blue
you turn the screws
it's what you choose to do
you think that i
must turn them too
you think that i must be so satisfied
i stay inside
i wonder why
and the cement-mixer gets it all ready
one good turn at a time
they're pouring it slowly and steady
you're showing me where i can sign
what i can expect to find
but how can you say you'll be happy
when you turn the screws
you turn the screws
it's what you choose to do
you turn the screws
it's what you choose to do
you think i must turn them, too
you turn the screws
you tear down the bridge
flimsy as it is, it's business like
flimsy as it is, it's open-mic punk rock
red white and blue
you turn the screws
Top
Walk On By
walk on by the house where you still live
walk on by the place where we would kiss
and the room where i held you tight
tonight i must walk on by
walk on by the room where you still sleep
walk on by the company that you keep
and the room where i held you tight
tonight i must walk on by
somehow i know
i won't forget you, no, no, no, no, no, i won't
you won't forget me, no, no, no, no, no, you won't
i'll keep on walking away from here
i'll forget you when i reach the other side
walk on by the house where you still live
walk on by the place where we would kiss
and the room where i held you tight
tonight i must walk on by
Top
Sheep Go To Heaven
i'm not feeling alright today
i'm not feeling that great
i'm not catching on fire today
love has started to fade
i'm not going to smile today
i'm not gonna laugh
you're out living it up today
i've got dues to pay
and the grave-digger puts on the forceps
the stone mason does all the work
the barber can give you a haircut
the carpenter can take you out to lunch
i just want to play on my pan-pipes
i just want to drink me some wine
as soon as your born you start dying
so you might as well have a good time
sheep go to heaven
goats go to hell
i don't wanna go to sunset strip
i don't wanna feel the emptiness
bold marquees with stupid band names
i don't wanna go to sunset strip
and the grave-digger puts on the forceps
the stone mason does all the work
the barber can give you a haircut
the carpenter can take you out to lunch
i just want to play on my pan-pipes
i just want to drink me some wine
as soon as your born you start dying
so you might as well have a good time
sheep go to heaven
goats go to hell
Top
When You Sleep
when you sleep where do your fingers go?
what do your fingers know
what do your fingers show
where do your fingers go
when you sleep
do they tremble on the edge of the bed
or do you fold them neatly by your head
do they clench like claws against your own skin
when you're living your day al over again
when you sleep
when you sleep where do your fingers go?
what do your fingers know
what do your fingers show
where do your fingers go
do they play guitar in a latin bar
are they strangers or lovers
do they drive your car
are they swimming submissively
sex acts of life
or just cutting through jello with a very sharp knife
now zeus was a womanizer
always on the make
but hera usually punished her that zeus was one to take
when you sleep where do your fingers go?
are they pulling out weeds from the dusty soil
but then never rewarded with the fruits of their toil
are they scratching their nails on the chalkboards of death
only seeking attention when everyone in the room has left
when you sleep
when you sleep where do your fingers go?
what do your fingers know
what do your fingers show
where do your fingers go
when you sleep
do they tremble on the edge of the bed
or do you fold them neatly by your head
Top
Hem of Your Garment
i am intrinsically no good
i have a heart that's made of wood
i am only biding time
only reciting memorized lines
and i'm not fit to touch
the hem of your garment
no, no i'm not fit to touch the hem of your garment
i have no love but only goals
how very empty is my soul
it is a soul that feels no thrill
a soul that could easily kill
and i'm not fit to touch
the hem of your garment
no, no i'm not fit to touch the hem of your garment
i am intrinsically no good
i have a heart that's made of wood
i am only biding time
only reciting memorized lines
and i'm not fit to touch
the hem of your garment
i am intrinsically no good
i have a heart that's made of wood
i am only biding time
only reciting memorized lines
and i'm not fit to touch
the hem of your garment
no, no i'm not fit to touch the hem of your garment
the hem of your garment
Top
Alpha Beta Parking Lot
standing in the alpha beta parking lot
watching the sun set
i'll never forget
watching all the reds and oranges slip away
letting go of yet another dirty day
breathing in the fumes from so many idling cars
right beneath the sign with the dusty yellow stars
watching the sun go down
standing in the alpha beta parking lot
watching you leave me
not quite believing
standing in the alpha beta parking lot
watching the sun set
i'll never forget
breathing in the fumes from so many idling cars
right beneath the sign with the dusty yellow stars
watching the sun go down
Top
Let Me Go
when she walks
she swings her arms, instead of her hips
when she talks she moves her mouth, instead of her lips
i've waited for her for so long
i've waited for her for so long
i've wondered if i could hang on
i've wondered if i could hang on
"let me go," she said
"let me go," she said
let me go and i will want you more
let me go, let me go
let me go and i will want you
when she wants
she wants the sun instead of the moon
when she sees
she sees the stars inside of her room
i've waited for her for so long
i've waited for her for so long
i've wondered if i could hang on
i've wondered if i could hang on
"let me go," she said
"let me go," she said
let me go and i will want you more
"let me go," she said
let me go
let me go, and i will want you
"let me go," she said
"let me go," she said
"let me go," she said
let me go, let me go
Top
Cool Blue Reason
cool blue reason empties on the page
your colleagues are in prison and your enemies enraged
cool blue reason comes into your world
there's two more dead in texas and it's probably your girls
cool blue reason wraps around your throat
the minutes change like seasons
only 8 more hours to go
cool blue reason comes into your life
there's one more dead in kansas and it's probably your wife
cool blue reason i'm just talking to myself
cool blue reason i'm just rearranging hell
i'm just talking to myself
cool blue reason wraps around your throat
the minutes change likes seasons
only 8 more hours to go
Top
Where Would I Be
i've been waiting for so long
i've been hoping your love's not gone
houses are sliding in the mud
rivers are raging in your blood
where would i be wihout your love?
where would i be without your arms around me?
you were to be the only one
if i knew you i would not run
you have been cloudy, distant, dark
i'm thinking of noah and the ark
where would i be without your love?
where would i be without your arms around me?
Top
Frank Sinatra
we know of an ancient radiation.
that haunts dismembered constellations,
a faintly glimmering radio station.
while frank sinatra sings stormy weather,
the flies and spiders get along together,
cobwebs fall on an old skipping record.
beyond the suns that guard this roof,
beyond your flowers of flaming truths,
beyond your latest ad campaigns,
an old man sits collecting stamps
in a room all filled with chinese lamps.
he saves what others throw away.
he says that he'll be rich some day.
we know of an ancient radiation
that haunts dismembered constellations,
a faintly glimmering radio station.
we know of an ancient radiation
that haunts dismembered constellations,
a faintly glimmering radio station.
while frank sinatra sings stormy weather,
the flies and spiders get along together,
cobwebs fall on an old skipping record.
Top
The Distance
Reluctantly crouched at the starting line,
engines pumping and thumping in time.
the green light flashes, the flags go up.
churning and burning, they yearn for the cup.
they deftly maneuver and muscle for rank,
fuel burning fast on an empty tank.
reckless and wild, they pour through the turns.
their prowess is potent and secretly stern.
as they speed through the finish, the flags go down.
the fans get up and they get out of town.
the arena is empty except for one man,
still driving and striving as fast as he can.
the sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
and long ago somebody left with the cup.
but he's driving and striving and hugging the turns.
and thinking of someone for whom he still burns.
he's going the distance.
he's going for speed.
she's all alone
in her time of need.
because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse,
he's going the distance.
no trophy, no flowers, no flashbulbs, no wine,
he's haunted by something he cannot define.
bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse,
assail him, impale him with monster-truck force.
in his mind, he's still driving, still making the grade.
she's hoping in time that her memories will fade.
cause he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
the sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
and long ago somebody left with the cup.
but he's striving and driving and hugging the turns.
and thinking of someone for whom he still burns.
cause he's going the distance.
he's going for speed.
she's all alone
in her time of need.
because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
he's going the distance.
he's going for speed.
he's going the distance.
Top
Friend Is A Four Letter Word
to me, coming from you,
friend is a four letter word.
end is the only part of the word
that i heard.
call me morbid or absurd.
but to me, coming from you,
friend is a four letter word.
to me, coming from you,
friend is a four letter word.
end is the only part of the word
that I heard.
call me morbid or absurd.
but to me, coming from you,
friend is a four letter word.
when I go fishing for the words
i am wishing you would say to me,
i'm really only praying
that the words you'll soon be saying
might betray the way you feel about me.
but to me, coming from you,
friend is a four letter word.
Top
Open Book
she's writing, she's writing,
she's writing a novel.
she's writing, she's weaving,
conceiving a plot.
it quickens, it thickens.
you can't put it down now.
it takes you, it shakes you,
it makes you lose your thought.
but you're caught in your own glory.
you are believing your own stories.
writing your own headlines.
ignoring your own deadlines.
but now you've gotta write them all again.
you think she's an open book,
but you don't know which page to turn to, do you?
you think she's an open book,
but you don't know which page to turn to, do you?
do you? do you?
you want her, confront her.
just open your window.
unbolt it, unlock it,
unfasten your latch.
you want it, confront it.
just open your window.
all you really have to do is ask.
but you're caught in your own glory.
you are believing your own stories.
timing your contractions.
inventing small contraptions
that roll across your polished hardwood floors.
you think she's an open book,
but you don't know which page to turn to, do you?
you think she's an open book,
but you don't know which page to turn to, do you?
do you? do you?
you think she's an open book,
but you don't know which page to turn to, do you?
do you? do you? do you?
Top
Daria
when you tried to kiss me
i only bit your tongue.
when you tried to get me together
i only came undone.
when you tried to tell me
the one for me was you,
i was in your mattress back in 1982.
daria, I won't be soothed.
daria, I won't be soothed over like,
smoothed over like milk,
silk, a bedspread, or a quilt,
icing on a cake,
or a serene translucent lake.
daria, daria, daria,
i won't be soothed.
i won't be soothed.
when you tried to tell me
of all the love you had,
i was cleaning oil from beaches
seeing only what was bad.
when you tried to feed me
i only shut my mouth.
food got on your apron
and you told me to get out.
daria, I won't be soothed.
daria, I won't be soothed over like,
smoothed over like milk,
silk, a bedspread, or a quilt,
icing on a cake,
or a serene translucent lake.
daria, daria, daria,
daria, daria, daria,
daria, i won't be soothed.
i won't be soothed.
Top
Race Car Ya-yas
the land of race car ya-yas.
the land where you can't change lanes.
the land where large, fuzzy dice
still hang proudly
like testicles from rear-view mirrors.
the land of race car ya-yas.
the land where you can't change lanes.
the land where large, fuzzy dice
still hang proudly
like testicles from rear-view mirrors.
the land of race car ya-yas.
ya-yas.
the land of race car ya-yas.
the land of race car ya-yas.
race car ya-yas.
Top
I WIll Survive
at first I was afraid.
i was petrified.
i kept thinking i could never live
without you by my side.
but then i spent so many nights
just thinking how you'd done me wrong.
i grew strong.
i learned how to get along.
and so you're back from outer space.
i just walked in to find you here
without that look upon your face.
i should have changed my fucking lock.
i would have made you leave your key
if i'd have known for just one second
you'd be back to bother me.
oh now go.
walk out the door.
just turn around now.
you're not welcome anymore.
weren't you the one
who tried to break me with desire?
did you think i'd crumble?
did you think i'd lay down and die?
oh not i.
i will survive.
as long as i know how to love
i know i'll be alive.
i've got all my life to live.
i've got all my love to give.
i will survive.
i will survive.
it took all the strength i had
just not to fall apart.
i'm trying hard to mend
the pieces of my broken heart.
and i spent oh so many nights
just feeling sorry for myself.
i used to cry.
but now i hold my head up high.
and you'll see me with somebody new.
i'm not that stupid little person
still in love with you.
and so you thought you'd just drop by,
and you expect me to be free.
but now i'm saving all my lovin'
for someone who's lovin' me.
oh now go.
walk out the door.
just turn around now.
you're not welcome anymore.
weren't you the one
who tried to break me with desire?
did you think i'd crumble?
did you think i'd lay down and die?
oh not i.
i will survive.
as long as i know how to love
i know i'll be alive.
i've got all my life to live.
i've got all my love to give.
i will survive.
i will survive.
Top
Stickshifts And Safetybelts
stickshifts and safetybelts,
bucket seats have all got to go.
when we're driving in the car,
it makes my baby seem so far.
i need you here with me,
not way over in a bucket seat.
i need you to be here with me,
not way over in a bucket seat.
but when we're driving in my malibu,
it's easy to get right next to you.
i say, "baby, scoot over, please."
and then she's right there next to me.
i need you here with me,
not way over in a bucket seat.
i need you to be here with me,
not way over in a bucket seat.
well a lot of good cars are japanese.
but when we're driving far,
i need my baby,
i need my baby next to me.
well, stickshifts and safetybelts,
bucket seats have all got to go.
when we're driving in the car,
it makes my baby seem so far.
i need you here with me,
not way over in a bucket seat.
i need you to be here with me,
not way over in a bucket seat.
Top
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps
you won't admit you love me.
and so how am i ever to know?
you only tell me
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
a million times i ask you,
and then i ask you over again.
you only answer
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
if you can't make your mind up,
we'll never get started.
and i don't wanna wind up
being parted, broken-hearted.
so if you really love me,
say yes.
but if you don't, dear, confess.
and please don't tell me
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
if you can't make your mind up,
we'll never get started.
and i don't wanna wind up
being parted, broken-hearted.
so if you really love me,
say yes.
but if you don't, dear, confess.
and please don't tell me
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps,
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps,
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
Top
It's Coming Down
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's raining outside.
you've nowhere to hide.
she's asking you
why you think it's funny.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
she's leaving your house.
she had to get out.
she's mad,
and she'll take her mattress with her.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
you lie on the floor.
she's slamming your door.
she's gone,
and she's wearing your red sweater.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
it's coming down.
Top
Nugget
heads of state who ride and wrangle,
who look at your face from more than one angle,
can cut you from their bloated budgets
like sharpened knives through chicken mcNuggets.
now heads of state who ride and wrangle,
who look at your face from more than one angle,
can cut you from their bloated budgets
like sharpened knives through chicken mcNuggets.
shut the fuck up.
shut the fuck up.
learn to buck up.
shut the fuck up.
learn to buck up.
now nimble fingers that dance on numbers
will eat your children and steal your thunder,
while heavy torsos that heave and hurl
who crunch like nuts in the mouths of squirrels.
now nimble fingers that dance on numbers
will eat your children and steal your thunder,
while heavy torsos that heave and hurl
who crunch like nuts in the mouths of squirrels.
shut the fuck up.
shut the fuck up.
learn to buck up.
shut the fuck up.
learn to buck up.
now simple feet that flicker like fire
and burn like candles in smoky spires
do more to turn my joy to sadness
than somber thoughts of burning planets.
now clever feet that flicker like fire
and burn like candles in smoky spires
do more to turn my joy to sadness
than somber thoughts of burning planets.
Top
She'll Come Back To Me
last night i said to her
i didn't want to live inside a lie.
if she wants him
more than she wants me,
let this be.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back.
all day i wait and wait
to hear her footsteps on my walkway.
she never came.
she never even called.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back.
somehow i know it won't last.
somehow i know it won't last too long.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back to me.
she'll come back to me.
Top
Italian Leather Sofa
she doesn't care
whether or not he's an island.
she doesn't care,
just as long as his ship's coming in.
she doesn't care
whether or not he's an island.
if they laugh, they make money.
he's got a gold watch.
she's got a silk dress
and healthy breasts
that bounce on his italian leather sofa.
she doesn't care
whether or not he's a good man.
she doesn't care,
just as long as she still has her friends.
she doesn't care
whether or not he's an island.
if they laugh, they make money.
he's got a gold watch.
she's got a silk dress
and healthy breasts
that bounce on his italian leather sofa.
she's got a serrated edge
that she moves back and forth.
it's such a simple machine.
she doesn't have to use force.
when she gets what she wants
she puts the rest on a tray
in a zip-loc bag.
she's got a serrated edge
that she moves back and forth.
it's such a simple machine.
she doesn't have to use force.
when she get what she wants
she puts the rest on a tray
in a zip-loc bag in the freezer.
she doesn't care
whether or not he's an island.
she doesn't care,
just as long as his ship's coming in.
she doesn't care
whether or not he's an island.
if they laugh, they make money.
he's got a gold watch.
she's got a silk dress
and healthy breasts
that bounce on his italian leather sofa.
Top
Sad Songs And Waltzes
i'm writing a song all about you.
a true song as real as my tears.
but you've no need to fear it
cause no one will hear it.
sad songs and waltzes aren't selling this year.
i'll tell all about how you cheated.
i'd like for the whole world to hear.
i'd like to get even
with you cause you're leavin'.
but sad songs and waltzes aren't selling this year.
it's a good thing that i'm not a star.
you don't know how lucky you are.
though my record may say it,
no one will play it.
sad songs and waltzes aren't selling this year.
it's a good thing that i'm not a star.
you don't know how lucky you are.
though my record may say it,
no one will play it.
sad songs and waltzes aren't selling this year
Top
Comanche
you need to straighten your posture and suck in your gut.
you need to pull back your shoulders and tighten your butt.
yeah, come comanche, comanche, comanche, commode.
if you want to have cities, you've got to build roads.
you need to find some new feathers and buy some new clothes.
just get rid of the antlers and lighten your load.
yeah, come comanche, comanche, comanche, commode.
yeah, if you want to have cities, you've got to build roads.
you need to straighten your posture and suck in your gut.
you need to pull back your shoulders and tighten your butt.
yeah, come comanche, comanche, comanche, commode.
ah, if you want to have cities,
yeah, if you want to have cities, no, if you want to have cities, you've got to build roads.
Top
Ruby Sees All
Do you think she's swimming in your lies?
Do you think it's all just murky green?
Don't you think that she would realize?
Yeah, do you think she has never seen?
Cause when the seaweed sinks and the sun gets low,
When the waves retire to the darkness below,
I know, I know Ruby sees all.
I know, I know Ruby sees.
I can feel the pressure building high.
You should see you're headed for a storm.
Don't you see it building in the sky?
Don't you think it's time to swim to shore?
Cause when the seaweed sinks and the sun gets low,
When the waves retire to the darkness below,
I know, I know Ruby sees all.
I know, I know Ruby sees all.
I know, I know Ruby sees.
Top
Up So Close
Up so close, I never get to see your face.
Microscope, I might as well be out in space.
Up so close, I never get to see the view.
Down your throat, I'm never sure if it's still you.
Up your nose, down to your toes.
In your mouth, way down south.
Up so close, it seems I only think of you.
Up so close, I never see the sky so blue.
I only wanted to be sure
That what it was was really pure.
I put my face down in the cake.
My feet were flailing in a lake.
Up so close, I never get to see your face.
Microscope, I might as well be out in space.
Up so close, I never get to see you.
Microscope, I'm never sure if it's still you.
Top
Pentagram
Your pentagram is down below our floor.
Your naked body shimmers in the night.
Dancing and chanting in a sacrificial rite.
Your feet are dry with the ashes from dead babies,
Who have passed the test just like all the rest,
But never really understood the reasons why
They took it in the first place.
Ah, in the first place.
Your feasty eyes won't make me fall apart.
Your turquoise and silver won't weaken this old heart.
Yeah, dancing and chanting in a sacrificial rite.
I fell to the ground on a windy, windy night.
Well I have passed the test just like all the rest,
But never really understood the reasons why
I took it in the first place.
Ah, in the first place.
Well I have passed the test just like all the rest,
But never really understood the reasons why
I took it in the first place.
Ah, in the first place.
Top
Jolene
Well Jolene unlocked the thick, breezeway door,
Like she'd done one hundred times before.
Jolene smoothed her dark hair in the mirror.
She folded the towel carefully and put it back in place.
Yeah I want to pull you down into bed.
I want to cast your face in lead.
Well every time I pull you close,
Push my face into your hair,
Cream rinse and tobacco smoke,
That sickly scent is always, always there.
Jolene heard her father's uneven snores.
Right then she knew there must be something more.
Jolene heard the singing in the forest.
She opened the door quietly and stepped into the night.
Yeah I want to throw you out into space.
I want to do whatever it takes, takes, takes.
Well every time I pull you close,
Push my face into your hair,
Cream rinse and tobacco smoke,
That sickly scent is always, always there..
Top
Haze of Love
It's three o'clock in the morning,
Or maybe it's four.
I am thinking of you,
Wondering what I should do,
But I'm finally cutting through this haze.
It's four o'clock in the morning,
Or maybe it's five.
I think I'm alive,
And I think I'll survive.
I'm finally cutting through this haze of love.
Haze of love.
For days and days and days,
I'm in a haze of love.
Yeah you don't love me like I love you.
All though you pretend,
I can see this will end.
I'm finally cutting through this haze of love.
Haze of love.
For days and days and days,
I'm in a haze of love.
It's five o'clock in the morning,
Or maybe it's six.
I am sick of your lies.
I am sick of your tricks.
I'm finally cutting through this haze of love.
Haze of love.
For days and days and days,
For days and days and days,
For days and days and days,
I'm in a haze of love.
Top
You Part The Waters
You part the waters,
The same ones that I'm drowning in.
You lead your casual slaughters,
And I'm the one who helps you win.
You've got your grand piano.
You don't even play piano.
I'm the one who plays piano.
You don't even play piano.
You part the waters,
The same ones that I'm thirsty for.
You invite your friends to tea,
But when it's me you lock the door.
You've got your credit cards,
And you thank your lucky stars.
But don't forget the ones who foot the bill.
You've got your grand piano.
And you don't even play piano.
I'm the one who plays piano.
You don't even play piano,
But you part the waters.
Top
Is This Love
I can't believe it's true.
I can't believe that you
Don't want me anymore.
You're with him,
And you don't even know
That I've been dying all day long
And singing sad, sad songs
And wishing you were gone.
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Or should I close the door?
My eyes are burning in my head
And seeing only red
And wishing you were dead.
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Or should I,
Or should I, should I,
Should I close the door?
Should I close the door? Ah, I fooled myself.
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Is this love?
Or should I,
Or should I,
Or should I, should I,
Should I close the door?
Top
Jesus Wrote A Blank Check
Jesus wrote a blank check,
One I haven't cashed quite yet.
I hope I've got a little more time.
I hope it's not the end of the line.
Yeah, Jesus wrote a blank check.
One I haven't cashed yet, all right.
But if I had to choose a number,
I'd want it to be number one.
I don't want to be number two.
Yeah, I don't want to be number four.
But I can hear a knock on the door.
Jesus wrote a blank check, all right.
If Jesus saw me dying,
Would angels come a flying down?
I hope I've got a little more time.
I hope somebody lends me a dime.
Now, Jesus wrote a blank check.
Ah, one I haven't cashed yet.
Still I build my towers high.
I watch them pierce the blue, blue sky.
Still I wallow in the mire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I build my towers high.
I watch them pierce the blue, blue sky.
Still I wallow in the mire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Still I burn this earthen fire.
Top
Rock And Roll Lifstyle
Well, your CD collection looks shiny and costly.
How much did you pay for your bad Moto Guzzi?
And how much did you spend on your black leather jacket?
Is it you or your parents in this income tax bracket?
Now tickets to concerts and drinking at clubs,
Sometimes for music that you haven't even heard of.
And how much did you pay for your rock'n'roll t-shirt
That proves you were there,
That you heard of them first?
How do you afford your rock'n'roll lifestyle?
How do you afford your rock'n'roll lifestyle?
How do you afford your rock'n'roll lifestyle?
Ah, tell me.
How much did you pay for the chunk of his guitar,
The one he ruthlessly smashed at the end of the show?
And how much will he pay for a brand new guitar,
One which he'll ruthlessly smash at the end of another show?
And how long will the workers keep building him new ones?
As long as their soda cans are red, white, and blue ones.
And how long will the workers keep building him new ones?
As long as their soda cans are red, white, and blue ones.
Aging black leather and hospital bills,
Tattoo removal and dozens of pills.
Your liver pays dearly now for youthful magic moments,
But rock on completely with some brand new components.
How do you afford your rock'n'roll lifestyle?
How do you afford your rock'n'roll lifestyle?
How do you afford your rock'n'roll lifestyle?
Excess ain't rebellion.
You're drinking what they're selling.
Your self-destruction doesn't hurt them.
Your chaos won't convert them.
They're so happy to rebuild it.
You'll never really kill it.
Yeah, excess ain't rebellion.
You're drinking what they're selling.
Excess ain't rebellion.
You're drinking,
You're drinking,
You're drinking what they're selling.
Top
I Bombed Korea
I bombed Korea every night.
My engine sang into the salty sky.
I didn't know if I would live or die.
I bombed Korea every night.
I bombed Korea every night.
I bombed Korea every night.
Red flowers bursting down below us.
Those people didn't even know us.
We didn't know if we would live or die.
We didn't know if it was wrong or right.
I bombed Korea every night.
And so I sit here at this bar.
I'm not a hero.
I'm not a movie star.
I've got my beer.
I've got my stories to tell,
But they won't tell you what it's like in hell.
Red flowers bursting down below us.
Those people didn't even know us.
We didn't know if we would live or die.
We didn't know if it was wrong or right.
We didn't know if we would live or die.
I bombed Korea every night.
Top
Mr. Mastodon Farm
Birds fall from the window ledge above mine.
Then they flap their wings at the last second.
You see birds fall from the window ledge above mine.
Then they flap their wings at the last second.
I can see their dead weight
Just dropping like stones
Or small loaves of bread
Past my window all the time.
But unless I get up,
Walk across the room
And peer down below,
I don't see their last second curves
Toward a horizontal flight.
All these birds just falling from the ledge like stones.
Now due to a construct in my mind
That makes their falling and their flight
Symbolic of my entire existence,
It becomes important for me
To get up and see
Their last second curves toward flight.
It's almost as if my life will fall
Unless I see their ascent.
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Cuts swatches out of all material.
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Cuts swatches out of all material.
Birds fall from the window ledge above mine.
Then they flap their wings at the last second.
I said birds fall from the window ledge above mine.
Then they flap their wings at the last second.
But unless I get up,
Walk across the room
And peer down below,
I won't see their last second curves
Toward a, a horizontal flight.
All these birds just falling from the ledge like stones.
Now due to a construct in my mind
That makes their falling and their flight
Symbolic of my entire existence,
It becomes important for me
To get up and see
Their last second curves toward flight.
It's almost like my life will fall,
My life will fall,
Unless I see their ascent.
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Cuts swatches out of all material.
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Mr. Mastodon farm,
Cuts swatches out of all material.
Mr. Mastodon Farm,
Mr. Mastodon farm,
Cuts swatches out of all material.
Top
Ain't No Good
She's gonna hand you a red-headed Gabriel,
Coming from the bar in a plastic tie.
He's gonna swing from the Tree of Life.
He's gonna try to sell you on a great big lie.
But when you speak to her,
Her eyes light up.
The music spills right into your cup.
The minstrels play and the waitress brings ice.
There are pies on a carousel.
Have a slice.
But watch out.
She ain't no good for you.
He's gonna spin like the tractor pull.
She'll sit back when he tells his tale.
He's gonna yell when he drinks his beer.
She'll sit back and drink ginger ale.
But when you speak to her,
Her eyes light up.
The music spills right into your cup.
It's so abrupt and it's so concise.
There are pies on a carousel.
Have a slice.
But watch out.
She ain't no good for you.
I say watch out.
She ain't no good for you.
She'd like to put you in her zoo,
Right between the canaries and the cockatoos.
She'll pull out your feathers
For her brand new hat,
And when she's done that
She'll feed you to her cat.
So watch out.
She ain't no good for you.
Watch out.
She ain't no good for you.
Watch out.
She ain't no good for you.
Encoded By:
Duck Williamson