Songs
Watch the new video of my song, "These Old Shoes", on YouTube!
I've currently have more than fifty original songs. I'm excited about the prospect of finally having a sizable body of my own material to sing and play. I've been getting wonderful responses. Folks have been requesting my songs. Other performers have been asking permission to cover them. I have three new CDs representing this work, "These Old Shoes", "Handsful O' Blues" and "War Mongerin' Man". I have many more to record.
After attending one of the open mic nights at the Espresso Americano in Everett, WA., I met Jim and Angel Petrovsky who were in the audience that evening. They had never heard me perform until that night. Here's a quote from Jim afterward.
"Your songs reach inside and grab me!"
First time listener's comments like these convince me that my writing and performances are both powerful and valuable.
The lyrics to all of my songs will be posted on this page.
To visit my EZ Folk website click here.
While there, listen to MP3s of many of my favorite new & used songs and view videos of my performances.
Scroll down the list below, and click on any of the titles to see the lyrics to that song.
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I�ll Do Anything To Make A Buck
Reggie Miles � 2004
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll wash your car
Fix your truck
Unstick anything that�s stuck
Even if it�s caked with guck and muck
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll dig your ditch
Pick your fruits
Wash your clothes
I�ll shine your boots
Got some corn you need to shuck?
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll cut your grass
Pull your weeds
Chop your wood
I�ll plant your seeds
I�ll do whatever meets your needs
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll clean your house
Cook your meals
Haul your water
I�ll plow your fields
And I�ll do it all in six-inch heels
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll paint your walls
Sweep your floor
Take your calls
Sell door to door
I�ll bag your groceries at the grocery store
I�ll do anything to make a buck
And I will sing your favorite song
I�ll table dance all night long
Wearing nothing but a thong
Even if I know it�s wrong
I don�t give a flying duck
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll sell my body
Sell you dope
Sell you lies
And false hope
I�ll sell my soul just to cope
I�ll do anything to make a buck
I�ll go to war
Kill your sons
Steal your freedom
I�ll take your guns
I�ll even rob your retirement funds
I�ll do anything to make a buck
No, there isn�t anything that I won�t do
No deceit too great, profane or cruel
No deed to low
Don�t matter who, I have to screw or suck
I�ll do anything to make a buck
Back to song list
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Here you go, another protest song. How can I protest something that's free you ask? Well, allow me the opportunity to delineate, articulate, insinuate, and illuminate further, if you will. The constant badgering by various advertisers to capture my attention has taken its toll. Now the one word that I've treasured for so many years has been reduced to being used as a cheap trick by those same advertisers to hide their true intentions, that is, to glean personal information to resell and use in any number of underhanded ways, or to mask hidden fees. What next?! It's gettin' so a body can't escape the doublespeak even in the innocent little four letter word, f-r-e-e.
F-R-E-E Grossosity! The �65 Newport Ragtop Blues Homeless, Broke, and Hungry Duct and Cover Naturally Sweet Shelter From The Rain
Reggie Miles � 2004
Four letter words don�t bother me
Except the one that�s spelled f-r-e-e.
It�s not that I mind when people use it.
It�s just that some folks like to abuse it.
Like the guy on the phone the other day,
Who had free airline tickets to give away,
And they came with a complimentary hotel stay.
I asked, �What�s the catch?� Here�s what he had to say.
�You�ll be flying fourth class on your trip through the sky.
You�ll have to cover any taxes and fees that apply.
And your meals will cost extra in this situation.�
So I hung up the phone on our conversation.
Four letter words don�t bother me,
Except the one that�s spelled f-r-e-e.
It�s not that I mind when people use it.
It�s just that some folks love to abuse it.
Then I received an email spam.
�Free, millions of dollars!� It began.
�Follow my instructions. Read my book.
It won�t cost you a dime to take a look.�
�Just send me your credit card information,
And some additional documentation,
A Social Security number and a picture I.D.,
And fill out this ten-page questionnaire for me.�
�I�ll need your phone number and your passport too,
Your fingerprints or a retina scan will do.
A notarized copy of your birth certificate,
And don�t forget to send it all in triplicate.�
Four letter words don�t bother me,
Except the one that�s spelled f-r-e-e.
It�s not that I mind when people use it.
It�s just that some folks always abuse it.
Then a notice came, special delivery.
You�ve won a house make over, absolutely free.
Well scrape and we�ll paint your entire abode.
I knew I should�ve said, �Hit the road!�
But the house needed paint so I said, �Okay.�
And before I knew it, it was house paintin� day.
They came and they painted all the daylong.
But before it was finished they�d packed up and gone.
So there I was left with a half painted house,
And an aching back and an angry spouse.
And now six months later, it still isn�t done.
Painting a house just ain�t much fun.
Four letter words don�t bother me,
Except the one that�s spelled f-r-e-e.
It�s not that I mind when people use it.
It�s just that some folks are bound and determined to abuse it.
Here in the home of the brave and the land of the free,
We spell freedom F-R-double-E-D-U-M-B.
Unchecked government spending keeps raising our taxes.
And we keep right on electing the same evil axis.
What a fine example, to all would be thieves,
The way we exploit the weak to feed our greed.
Twisting the meaning of freedom for all to see,
Here in the home of the brave and the land of the f-r-double-e.
Four letter words don�t bother me,
Except the one that�s spelled f-r-e-e.
It�s not that I mind when people use it.
It�s just that some folks never learned how.
So if you�ve got a free offer don�t darken my door.
Don�t bother emailing or calling no more.
Don�t waste your breath trying to con-vince me.
That anything�s worth having if it�s F-R-E-E.
You can keep your free bargains, your two for one deals,
On software, on hardware, on drinks, or on meals.
I don�t want your free CDs, your free debt reduction.
You can keep your free books, and free website seduction.
Take me off your callback list, just let me be.
There�s nothing you have that I�m wanting, you see.
One last piece of advice, and it�s (you guessed it) free from me.
You get what you pay for, and more than you bargain for when it�s F-R-E-E
Four letter words don�t bother me,
Except the one that�s spelled f-r-e-e.
It�s not that I mind people usin� it.
It�s just the ones that are always abusin� it.
Back to song list
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Upon exploring a book shelf in a third grade classroom, I ran across a particularly interesting work of nonfiction written for children which described the grosser workings of our bodies in some detail. I expanded upon what I read within that book, just slightly, ;~) and the following is what developed.
Listen to "Grossosity!" for free at my EZ Folk songs page. Click here to listen to this song.
Reggie Miles � 2004
Bats flutter in my belfry when I�m dreamin� in my bed.
I�m guessin� they got in there through these holes here in my head.
I�d like to shed this feelin� that some day I�ll wake up dead.
I�ve tried a frontal lobotomy and every remedy bottle in front of me.
But nothin� that I�ve tried has helped this dread.
Sooo! I just cry myself to sleep each night instead.
A big belly full of bicarb bathes a blisterin� boil,
That bubbles when my troubles begin to foil and uncoil.
This royal pain in th� gut is due to one unloyal goil.
So I sit and slowly slurp another sip of castor oil.
OOOH! And I play solitaire in solitude with Hoyle.
I collect belly button lint but it doesn�t smell so nice.
So I use a mint deodorant and wash it twice or thrice.
And just in case you�re thinkin� that this vice ain�t very nice.
My freezer�s full of fresh and minty little linty balls of ice.
OOOH! I keep �em free from lice as linty balls of ice.
Green and crusty boogers they reside inside my nose.
Those slimy sinus stalactites clog my nasal breathin� holes.
And there�s fungus here among us growin� twixt ten smelly toes.
And the stink�ll make you think it must be time to change your hose.
OOOH! The stench�ll curl your nose hairs heaven knows.
Earwax slowly trickles down my eerie ear canals.
And toe jam jams the crevices of all my toenail pals.
An avalanche of dandruff boulders showers down upon my shoulders,
And my doctor nods and jots another note inside my folder.
OOOH! And his nurse says I�ll get worse as I get older.
Halitosis haunts my speech and my cornfusional orations.
As my teeth decay and rot away from cavity excavations.
Puss filled acne polka dots my face. Pimples are poppin� up everyplace.
I�m a disgrace as an example of the human race.
OOOH! It looks like I may be a hopeless case.
Unspeakable odors waft up from down below.
They breezily squeeze with ease between my knees as they flow.
Whiff my pungent armpit aroma, and you will end up in a coma.
You�ll be longin� for the pleasant scent of ol� Tacoma.
OOOH! You�d rather have a squirtin� skunk inside your home. AHHH!
Two bloodshot orbs gaze back at me when in the mirror I stare.
A wrinkled road map decorates the face that�s gawkin� there.
Soon my receding hairline�ll leave my head completely bare.
I don�t know why I bother livin� when this life is so unfair.
OOOH! Now applaud and pretend you even care.
Back to song list
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A drivin', vaguely folkish, rockin' blues, it's inspired by my very own midlife Chrysler and my somewhat checkered experiences with my various musical pursuits.
Reggie Miles � 2004
Flyin� down the highway,
Loaded for a gig,
My radio is rappin�.
My ragtop is flappin�,
To pieces in the wind.
People stare but I don�t care,
At my midlife Chrysler sled.
She�s a long, low, lean,
Mean American machine,
And she loves to burn lead.
These one night stands are goin� nowhere.
But what�s a poor boy got to lose?
My radiator�s got a leak. I�m burnin� oil like a sheik.
I�ve got the �65 Newport ragtop blues.
Traffic is a jammin�,
In the gray overcast.
My 383 is puffin� smoke,
My odometer is broke,
I�m goin� nowhere fast.
The rain starts to fallin�.
My wiper�s givin� up the ghost.
The steerin� pump is squeelin�.
I gotta bad feelin�.
She won�t make the next post.
People say, �Don�t play your life away,
Spinnin� yer wheels in those same ol� grooves.
I�m just usin� what I got cuz it�s all I got to use.
I got the �65 Newport ragtop blues.
People say, �Cut your hair and get a real job.�
But then, who�s gonna pay my dues?
I just wave, so long, as I pass them by,
With the �65 Newport ragtop blues.
Back to song list
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Listen to "Homeless Broke and Hungry" for free at my EZ Folk songs page. Click here to listen to this song.
Reggie Miles � 2004
What happened to the salvation in Salvation Army?
Where's all the good in Goodwill?
And where has the saint in Saint Vincent De Paul gone,
Now that I've grown so ill?
The bottom's dropped out and I'm out on the street,
And my prospects are all lookin' nil.
Oh, what's happened to the salvation in Salvation Army,
And where's all the good in Goodwill?
I went to the gospel mission today,
The Church Of The Kindly Light,
And I asked for a little something to eat,
And some place to sleep for the night.
They told me there wasn't any room at the inn,
And that the kitchen was closed for the day,
And then they enlightened in no uncertain terms,
They said, �Get out and be on your way.�
Disillusioned I wandered without being fed,
With no place to lay my poor weary head,
Till I spied a green dumpster full of discarded bread,
But when I tried to dive in, the store clerk just said,
Go on now. Move along. That's no place to be.
Have you tried gettin' food stamps? I hear that they're free.
I told him I'd never been this down before.
He just solemnly pointed the way out the door.
As nightfall fell, there came a chill to the air.
So I went to a thrift store, to buy cold weather wear.
But the prices they asked for all those donated clothes,
Were beyond what my meager wallet could hold.
Hungry and cold I roamed aimless through town,
Till I paused to rest where no chair could be found,
And as I sat on the sidewalk to ease my sore feet,
I was fined fifty dollars for sittin' on the street.
There's a moral to this story, that we shouldn't ignore.
Without compassion for each other what are we livin' for?
When the greed of the rich out weighs the need of the poor,
This old world, she just ain�t worth livin� in no more.
The bottom's dropped out and I'm out on the street,
And my prospects are all lookin' nil.
Oh, what's happened to the salvation in Salvation Army,
And where's all the good in Goodwill?.
Back to song list
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After hearing on the TV that our brave leaders in Washington had deemed duct tape and plastic our best hope of surviving a biological attack, my last remaining brain cell managed to squeeze out this little dittie. Submitted for your approval.
Listen to "Duct and Cover" for free at my EZ Folk songs page. Click here to listen to this song.
Reggie Miles � 2004
The threat of war is loomin�,
Anthrax bombs may soon be zoomin�,
To your bedrooms in the suburbs but don�t despair.
From deep within his mountain bunker,
Where Gee Dubbya�s gonna hunker,
A solution to our dilemma he�s sure to share.
Our best scientific minds,
Were charged to seek and find,
An all American answer to our plight,
And with the billions spent,
On defense research by government,
They finally discovered one that works just right.
Yes they�ve found it girls and boys.
Protection from those evil toys,
Affordable and available throughout the land,
Yankee ingenuity,
Has triumphed once again you see,
Providing safety to every woman, child, and man.
And what miracle is this,
That secures our freedom bliss,
And ensures all our blessed liberties?
What treasure is it, made by man,
That can do, what no other can,
This creation of our modern techno-lull-ogies?
It�s the simplest things they say,
That can always save the day,
And it�s oh so very true in this case too.
You needn�t build a big bomb shelter,
You can avoid the helter skelter.
Listen closely here is what they say to do.
Just duct tape and cover your windows and your door,
With plastic sheeting you can buy at any hardware store.
It�s an easy thing to do no matter if you�re rich or poor,
And much cleaner than crawling �neath your desk down on all four.
It�s a lesson we�ve all learned in school, fifty years ago.
When we feared that the idea of droppin� A-bombs would grow.
They�ve changed the words to suit our times.
Yesterday�s duck and cover rhymes.
Are now just duct tape and cover instead.
It kind of makes you wonder,
Why Gee Dubbya�s way down under,
Neath the mountain in his little hidy hole.
When all he needs to do,
Is just follow me or you,
To buy some plastic sheeting and some duct tape by the roll.
Then he could duct tape and cover the Whitehouse windows and door,
With plastic easily bought at any hardware store.
No need to kiss his ass goodbye,
When missiles fall down from the sky,
When he can duct tape and cover instead.
They�ve changed the words to suit our times.
Yesterday�s duck and cover rhymes.
Are now just duct tape and cover instead.
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
I gotta a little baby and she's so very sweet.
A pretty little honey and she's so very sweet.
Every time I turn around I got cavities in my teeth.
My dentist bills are gettin' oh so very high.
I'm takin' Novocain to ease my pain,
But the pain's insane and that's no lie.
I've got gold fillin' up the holes in my teeth,
Cuz my baby's kind o' lovin' is so natchrally sweet.
(chorus)
She's so, naturally, naturally, sweet sweet,
Naturally, naturally, sweet sweet.
Naturally, naturally, sweet, sweet,
Naturally, naturally.
There�s gold fillin' up the holes in my teeth,
Because my baby's kind o' lovin' is so natchrally sweet.
I've tried Aim, Gleem and even Crest,
Colgate, Pepsodent and all the rest.
I am confessin' that her confection,
Is the reason for my affection.
Oh mister dentist man please be kind,
Just another whiff o' nitrous and I'll be fine.
(repeat chorus)
They took honey from the bee, sugar from the cane,
Mixed'em both together and that's her claim to fame.
Even saccharin and aspartame,
No, they can't hold a candle,
Cuz she can't be beat.
My baby's kind o' lovin' is so natchrally sweet.
(repeat chorus)
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
He was just another stray,
Who wandered by one day,
Lookin� hungry, mistreated, far from home.
With hair all gray and shaggy,
And a coat, so soiled and tattered,
A lonely broken beggar left to roam.
He was askin� for a handout.
With trembling� hands and desperate eyes,
He just needed a little something to ease the pain,
I didn�t have much that I could spare.
But I shared what I had with that stranger there,
Because every now and then we all need shelter from the rain.
Shelter from the rain, we all need shelter from the rain.
When troubles shower down upon you and you�re bending from the strain.
The storms of life will pass in time and the sun will shine again,
But until then we all need, we all need shelter from the rain.
There�s a lesson here to learn.
How the tides of life can turn,
And leave us lost, without a prayer of finding hope.
We rush headlong through our lives,
To get ahead or just survive,
Doing what we can and t� try �n� cope.
Only the bravest take the time,
To help those who fall behind,
To lead them back and help them find the way.
If we all pitch in and do our part,
To lend a helping hand with an eager heart,
Every tomorrow could be a brighter day.
Shelter from the rain, shelter from the rain,
Extend a hand in kindness and you won�t do so in vain.
When you offer help to others to ease their sadness and their pain,
You can mend a broken life, when you offer shelter from the rain.
Shelter from the rain we all need shelter from the rain,
When troubles shower down upon you and you�re bending from the strain.
The storms of life will pass in time and the sun will shine again,
But until then we all need, we all need shelter from the rain.
Yes, until then we all need, we all need shelter from the rain.
Back to song list
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Drunk Only Memories Remain
Reggie Miles � 2004
On Monday we get plastered with martinis till we�re lewd
On Tuesday we go to the pub and drink beer until we�re screwed
On Wednesday we hang at the bar and down too many keggers
On Thursday we�re found at the lounge test hopping liquor flavors
On Friday evening we begin our weekend drinkathon
On Saturday we celebrate by getting pie eyed all day long
On Sunday we slow down a bit and sip wine until we�re feelin� no pain
Because tomorrow is the day we get to start all over again
And we�ll get pickled, pissed, plowed, parboiled, polluted to the gills,
And we�ll get sloppy, smashed, soaked, and stewed until we�ve had our fills
And we�ll get tangle footed, tight as a drum, and three sheets to the wind
And tomorrow is the day that we�ll get drunk all over again
On Monday we get rummy with Bicardi till we stammer
On Tuesday we go pubbin� and guzzle Guiness till we�re hammered
On Wednesday we hang at the bar, slammin� down the Yeagers
On Thursday we�re found at the lounge with Johnny Walker�s favors
On Friday morning we begin our drinkend week-a-thon
On Saturday we celebrate with Jack Daniels all day long
On Sunday we slow down a bit and sip Smirnoff till we�re feelin� no pain
Because tomorrow is the day we get to start all over again
And we�ll get tipsy, tanked up, totaled, toasted till we�ve had enough
And we�ll get wobbly, well oiled, wrecked, and wasted, wiped out, from the stuff
And we�ll get lit up, loaded, fallin� down, feelin� it, and then
Tomorrow is the day that we�ll get drunk all over again
And we�ll get liquored up, over the limit, looped, and lubricated
We�ll get ripped, embalmed, sauced and then thoroughly marinated
We�ll be seein� double, blind, and glazed and dazed till who knows when
And tomorrow is the day we get to start all over again
Oh tomorrow is the day that we�ll get drunk all over again
And we�ll get breathalyzed, DWIs, jail time, and courtroom fines
We�ll be 86ed, searched, and cuffed, for weavin� o�er them centerlines
And we�ll get impound fees, towing bills, revoked licenses and then
Tomorrow is the day we start our twelve steps over again
Yes, tomorrow is the day we join AA all over again
How dry I am.
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
As I walked the early morning streets
They seemed emptier today
Tryin� to reach inside
To find which words were right to say
But the words weren�t there
The falling rain must�ve washed them all away
Wish you were here to hear this
But only memories remain
The times we shared, good and bad
Now echoes of the past
We said we�d meet next Thursday
To get together at long last
But it wasn�t meant to be
Things just happened way too fast
I got the phone call this morning
Another friend of mine had passed
Many believe the human soul is eternal
And that the memory of each life will live on forever
As long as we, the living, never allow those memories to slip away
So it falls to each one of us to make the most of the time we share while we�re here together
Because it�s by these deeds that those we leave behind will recall us again to where only memories remain
Wasn�t it just yesterday?
Our lives entwined as one
Sharing love and laughter
Damn it that was fun
There will never be another
To fill your place beneath the sun
I hope we meet again someday
When my time �round here is done
Silently we gather
Reflecting hand in hand
About how each life matters
How we touch our fellow man
Here�s to you my brother
Until your next refrain
Wishin� you were still here with us
But only memories remain
Here�s to you my brother
Until we meet again
Wishin� you were still here with us
But only memories remain
Wishin� you were still here with us
But only memories remain
Only memories remain
Back to song list
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A Dilly Of A Tale
Reggie Miles � 2004
Oh listen to me people as I tell you the tale,
Of a bad bunch of dills that got put on sale.
I guess pickle pickin' ain't my forte,
Cuz I usually choose the cheapest ones on display.
I bought a jar just the other day,
Hopin' to enjoy'em with a sandwich I made,
But when I took a big bite of that first little cuke,
I had to spit it out, it almost made me puke.
The taste was not at all appetizin',
And nearly got my stomach to risin'.
I thought it was the only one in the jar,
And sampled another just to be sure.
Well sir, sure enough the second one tasted,
Just as bad as the first, my money was wasted.
Then later I checked again to see,
And took a little nibble on pickle number three.
You'd think by now I would've learned my lesson,
Pickle three was awful, I am confessin'.
Now any normal guy would've thrown'em out,
But I was willin' t' give'em the benefit of doubt.
And to be certain I hadn't left a good one behind,
I tried every single pickle in that horrible brine.
Go the extra mile, is what I always say,
Though I think I might change after this hospital stay.
I got poisonin', of the pickle kind.
They say in a couple o' weeks I'll be fine.
That is of course if I don't get,
A-cuke complications along with it.
I thought I'd get even with them dillinquent merchants,
And get a refund on my ill dill purchase.
But when I brought the jar back to get my money returned,
All I got was this lesson learned.
They refused sayin', they'd all been et.
I gotta admit I was kind of upset.
Oh listen to my story, lend an ear,
Don't make the same mistake I made here.
If you ever get a notion to save a couple o' nickels,
And want to try to buy cheap discount pickles.
Don't do it! Put'em back on the shelf!
Think of your poor tiny taste buds health!
Go for broke! Spend a few extra nickels!
Cuz there ain't nothin' worse than bad dill pickles.
Back to song list
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You Can Be A Street Musician!
Reggie Miles � 2004
You can be a street musician!
It doesn�t take a lot of ambition.
It don�t take talent or ejamakation.
And it beats workin� at a fillin� station.
Or for some theivin�, lyin� corporation like Worldcom or Enron, or one of them other dot cons.
I could go on, but what�s the use.
So come on down and don�t be shy.
Sing songs to folks as they walk by.
Strum and rant and stomp your feet,
Express yourself out on the street.
It�s called freedom of expression people.
It�s not guaranteed via the ever-increasing constant tuition, as some would have you believe.
It is promised to every red blooded American by the first amendment of the Constitution.
You can sing requests all day long.
It don�t matter if the words are wrong.
Pour your heart out or just play covers.
Sing the blues about your lost lovers.
Oh where, oh where has my little love gone?
If you want, you can get political,
Just as long as you�re not a little too critical.
Sing silly songs to make folks laugh.
Don�t have to cut your hair or take a bath.
[Sniff, sniff] Smells like somethin� died. I hope it�s not my song.
You can arise from bed at the crack of noon.
Spend an hour or so just to get in tune.
Swallow a steamin� black pot o� jo,
To get yourself up before the show.
No, I would not like cream or sugar with that.
On second thought, better make mine a root-beer float.
Then look around for a likely location,
To begin your musical vocation.
At an outdoor market or a subway station,
Or where ever folks need edification.
Right here looks like a good place to start.
Divorce yourself from the ol� rat race,
And open up your guitar case.
You�re sure to find somebody who,
Will be happy to donate a buck or two.
A quarter, a dime or a nickel�ll do.
How about a penny?
Or how 'bout the keys to your SUVs?
You can make a million dollars a year,
If you start out with two million�s what I hear.
It�s easy to do, take it from me,
It�s more fun than playin� the lottery.
And all the money goes to the sick, the tired and the hungry.... and you�re lookin� at �im.
I am so sick and tired of bein� sick and tired and hungry.
You can be your own boss and employee too,
With nobody to tell you what to do.
Record and sell your own CD,
Start your own recording company.
I think I�ll call mine �Starvin� For Your Attention Productions".
So if you�re lookin� for a brand new job,
And you don�t want to beg or steal or rob,
Take my advice, here�s what to do,
Become a street musician too!
But it�ll cost ya.
I hear their thinkin� of raisin� the street musician permit fee from $25 to $50.
Looks like I gotta git a job just to be able to afford play music on the street music fer a livin�.
Hmmm Wus up wi dat?
But if you worry about making money,
Better find yourself a rich little honey.
Then you can just sit around and play,
On your guitar all the livelong day.
Huh? What�s that honey? You want me to get a what? How about I become a
street musician? Yep, that�s what I thought you�d say. How dare she use them
four letter words around me, like w-o-r-k and a-j-o-b!
You can lose a lot of weight playin� music on the street.
Cuz sometimes you can�t make enough to afford to eat.
I saw a bunch o� them buskers in the alley up the street.
They were so poor. I said they were so poor. How poor were they?
They were so poor, they were sharin� one tiny cigareet.
No comment!
You can be weight watchers and watch me lose,
Hundreds of pounds whilst I�m singin� these blues.
I�ll waste away right before your eyes,
Till my skin �n� bones are fossilized.
Won�t be enough left over to even attract the flies. �S what I surmise.
Signed, Joe Street performer
Back to song list
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The Devil Wanted: Used Car
Reggie Miles � 2004
He�s known as Satan, Gozer, Beelzebub,
Old Scratch and Shiva he�s been dubbed.
Any of the above will do.
Just call his name and he will come to you.
So, from the darkest depths inside my soul,
I called up the devil way down below,
And the demon screamed a fearsome growl,
So I set him loose just to hear him howl.
He said, �Son, I�ve met your kind before.
You�re always a knockin� on my door.
Hopin� you�ll find in my pit of fire,
Somethin� to fulfill your every desire.
And I�ve always been there with open arms,
Willing to share my many charms,
Wanting to satisfy all your needs,
Your deepest hunger for violence and greed.
I�m experienced and have the skill,
To grant your every wish at will.
Just name your poison. What�ll it be?
Fame, wealth, power, or all three?
Or do you want eternal life,
An end to war, pain, and strife?
Youth, and health, or endless bliss,
I can give you all of this.
It�s an easy enough thing to do.
Soon all your worries will be through.
Come on down with me to my fiery crib.
Don�t forget to pack your asbestos bib.
Cuz glutony's no sin to me.
Will that be Southern deep-fried, or extra crispy?
Charbroiled, or barbecued with plenty of fat,
Wanna try some o' my guilt free hot sauce with that?
Pills, I�ve got plenty, to cure all your ills,
Uppers and downers for all of your thrills,
Drink, enough to quench any thirst,
Gamblin� and lust, I�ve got the best of the worst.
Have you made up your mind, or, shall I tell you more?
You�ll have a great time! There are parties galore!
Every hate, crime, and fear
We�ve got it all, wall to wall, right here!
You�ve but to ask, no need to yearn.
I�ll need just one thing in return.
To remove your name from Heaven�s roll,
You�ll have to pledge to me your soul.
There�s no need to worry your pretty head,
With pointless thoughts of doubt, or dread
Just sign along the dotted line,
And everything will all be fine.
Yes, I was there in the garden with Adam and Eve
I opened her eyes and made her believe
And I�ll make a believer out of you too
Just call my name and I will come to you
Just call my name and I will come to you
Just call my name
How will you know me?
Okay, let�s see.
I�ll be wearing a red suit.
I've got an overly sunburned complexion.
I'm talkin' beet red here.
No, even more than George Hamilton.
I've got pitch black hair,
a small goatee,
a pencil thin mustache,
and a receding hairline with a couple of uh, bumps.
I mean, protrusions.
Okay, they're horns.
I�ve got cloven hooves too,
and a longish tail that�s kind of pointy on the end.
And before you ask, yes, I�ll be the one carrying the pitchfork.
Just in case, why don't you jot down my toll free hot line number?
That's area code, 666, and the prefix is 666 and that number is 666.
And that's good 24/6.
I take Sundays off.
I can't seem to get anything done on a Sunday.
Too much competition, I guess.
So, gimme a buzz anytime.
We'll do hot lunch.
You like barbecue?
I know this great little place.
The ribs are to die for."
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
Now, cars�ll come, and cars�ll go
Some real fast, and some too slow
Some cost a lot, and some are free
I�ve been lookin� for a good used one for me
I�ve looked in all the usual spots
Newspaper ads, and used car lots
It�s hard to know just where I might
Find a good used car that�ll work all right
Now I ain�t looking for no dream machine
Just basic transportation, know what I mean
I ain�t got a lot o� cash, and that�s the factor
That�ll determine the one that I�m really after
It don�t matter if it�s ugly, rusted, or bent
Or if its get up and go, got up and went
As long as it gets me from point A to point B
And the heater works and it�s rodent free
I can do the work, if it needs something done
Now being a grease monkey ain�t much fun
But what�s a guy in my position to do
My choices are limited my options are few
My old rig has tires as bald as my head
The engines still runs but it�s nearly dead
It�s body is scarred from many a mile
The interior�s tattered and way out of style
Still it�s served me well these last four years
When it goes down the road I�ll shed a few tears
Till then I�ll be lookin� for another used rig
With fewer dents that aren�t so big
Something a little newer and better on gas
That doesn�t burn oil quite as fast
Something more reliable for me
That won�t break down as often on the way to point B
Cuz I�m tired of walkin� and I�m through with hitchin�
There�s holes in my shoes and my socks need stitchin�
My girl friend says the next time I�m late
I can find somebody else to date
So, if you know someone, or you�ve got a lead
On a car or a truck that they don�t need
I�m one of those motivated buyers
Give me a call and I�ll come kick the tires
Let�s make a deal, I�m in the market
If you�re needin� someplace else to park it
I�ve got cash and I need a new ride
Call 555-7345
Well, that phone never rang. Then, suddenly, (as these things sometimes happen) it occurred to me that I was goin' about this whole idea the wrong way, and I came to the realization that all I really needed was a good personal ad.
Something like this....
Wanted: single gal who�s a lookin�
For a guy who�s handy and loves home cookin�
Who enjoys long walks and conversation
Must have your own transportation
P.S. Please send picture....of car.
Back to song list
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Chasin� The American Dream Blue Collar Blues Another Lover
Reggie Miles � 2004
Across this great land every day
They awake and arise from their beds
With visions a plenty, ideas, and plans
All dancing around in their heads
If you venture to ask them, they�ll tell you,
�We only want what is best
For our family, and friends, and our country
And then, well, to hell with the rest.�
Each morning you�ll see them rat racing
Across mountain, and field, and stream
Keeping up with the Jones is what it�s about
When you�re chasing the American Dream
A mother of six, she�s alone now
Her husband�s long since passed away
It�s hard to meet ends with a minimum wage
Even working long hours each day
Her children make do without her
Her eyes have lost their hopeful gleam
Still she slaves away for her family's sake
Just chasin� the American Dream
Each evening you�ll see her street walkin�
A life void of all self-esteem
Keeping the wolf from the door is what it�s about
When you�re chasing the American Dream
Every night they smuggle in by the hundreds
Refugees from impoverished lands
All hungry for a piece of the American pie
And they�ll get it anyway that they can
Corruption�s rampant in every encampment
Things are not all as sweet as they seem
And it isn�t so nice to have to fight for your slice
While chasin� the American Dream
Each harvest season you�ll see them
In orchards, and fields they teem
Building a third world economy is what it�s about
When you�re chasing the American Dream
The gap between the rich and the poor guy
Grows wider with each passing day
The rich guy�s not whining, it�s the poor guy who�s pining
For something more to be comin� his way
Each plays the hand they�ve been dealt with in life
Some rise to the top just like cream
Others spend all their lives in last place, what a waste
Just chasing the American Dream
And the prize is just an illusion
And the lies make you cry out and scream
Keeping us blind to the truth is what it�s about
When you�re chasing the American Dream
Look beyond the game that they�re playin�
There�s a path around every scheme
And the way is wide open for those still hopin�
And chasin� the American Dream
Yes, the way is wide open for those still hopin�
And chasin� the American Dream
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
It's Friday night, and I'm feeling' all right,
Another weekend is finally here.
I've worked five long days, for this two-day break.
I think I'll have another glass of cheer.
Cuz I'm a blue-collar man. I've got a nine to five job.
Got a wife and two kids. A regular workaday slob.
I'm a blue-collar man, workin' in a white-collar world.
I rent a three-bedroom house, with bills that won't quit,
And a yard that I need to mow.
I drive a '74, 4-door, used oil guzzler with an AM radio.
And I ain't gettin' rich, so I can't get ahead.
It's a struggle just to keep my poor family fed.
I'm a blue-collar man, workin' in a white-collar world.
Those white-collar guys use a downsize,
To cover their backsides, their bottom-line.
Long as their stock values rise, they don�t pay no mind,
To the families they send to the welfare line.
If I had my way, there'd be some changes made,
To help the hard workin' family man.
I'd ship the jobs of those bureaucratic, bean countin' geeks,
To a third world distant land.
And what a sight it would be, to see them standin' behind,
Me and my friends in the food bank line.
I'm a blue-collar man, workin' in a white-collar world.
Those white-collar guys use a downsize,
To cover their backsides, their bottom-line.
But me and mine, we ain�t got no choice.
When you got no money, you got no voice.
If I had my way, there'd be some changes made,
To help the hard workin' family man.
I'd ship the jobs of those bureaucratic, bean countin' geeks,
To a third world distant land.
I�m a blue-collar man, don�t want your government dole,
Just give me back job, and keep your welfare roll.
I'm a blue-collar man, workin' in a white-collar world.
If those white-collar guys could walk a mile in my shoes,
You can bet they'd be singin' these ol' blue-collar blues.
I'm a blue-collar man,
Yes I�m a blue-collar man,
I'm a blue-collar man, just a workin' in a white-collar world.
Back to song list
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Listen to "Another Lover" for free at my EZ Folk songs page. Click here to listen to this song.
Reggie Miles � 2004
You used to love me, yesterday.
But now you�ve leaving, you�re goin� away.
So I�ve been searchin�, the lonely night through.
Lookin� for another lover like you.
Another lover,
Someone who won�t leave me �lone and blue,
Another lover,
Who can love me like you used to do.
When we met, I lost control.
You hypnotized me, and stole my soul.
You chewed me up, and now you�re spittin� me out.
I was a fool, and there�s no doubt.
I need a lover,
Someone who won�t leave me �lone and blue,
Another lover,
Who can love me like you used to do.
Love�s a gamble, every day.
You get what you give, that�s what they say.
Go on and leave. You don�t have to linger.
Gave you my ring and you just gave me the finger.
I need a lover,
Someone who won�t leave me �lone and blue,
Another lover,
Who can love me like you used to do.
Back to song list
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Here's a little escapist ditty I started a long time ago but only recently completed with a third verse. A short, sweet, three chord, Hawaiian styled song with a single fantasy nonsense Hawaiian type word in the title and chorus. Can you guess which? Well I don't speak Hawaiian. I just hope I didn't inadvertently spell something too offensive. ;o)
Ahukahubba How �Bout You?
Reggie Miles � 2004
Close your eyes and drift away,
To where the skies are blue and the palm trees sway.
Where the island folk sing and dance all day.
Ahukahuba how 'bout you?
I want to go where the banana grows.
Where the accepted form of dress is wearing no clothes.
I want the sun in my eyes and the sand in my toes.
Ahukuhuba how 'bout you?
There's a place that I am yearning for.
Where a warm and gentle breeze blows by the tropical shore.
Where I won't have to work and worry no more.
Ahukahuba how 'bout you
Dream Come True
Reggie Miles � 2004
Like my favorite cap
Just like my favorite shoes
Like my favorite flannel shirt
I feel so comfy with you
Like my favorite TV show
Or my favorite tune
I can�t ever seem to get enough
I never tire of you
There�s just something about the sound of your voice
And that twinkle in your eye
The way your lips curl up and smile
Every time you say hi
Just like my favorite drink
Or my favorite food
Everything feels just right
Whenever I�m around you
Just like my favorite faded jeans
You make my blues just fade away
You know just what to do in any situation
And you know just what to say
We�re a match made in heaven
We are the perfect two
In each and every way
You�re my dream come true
I�m wild about that wiggle in your walk
That crazy giggle that you do
I love to listen to you talk, all night long
You�re my dream come true
I love the way you love me too
You�re my dream come true
Back to song list
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April 19th, 1995
Reggie Miles � 2004
Nine years ago they say
That Timothy McVeigh
Loaded up his truck with fertilizer
What were you thinkin� on that day?
Mr. Timothy McVeigh
Was destruction and devastation so much wiser?
I know that if I had my way
There�d be no pardon, no stay
On the price you�d pay for sacrificing our innocence
Even your ashes are not worthy to lie
Beneath the same earth as those who had to die
The victims of your sick and twisted portents
Oh, Timothy McVeigh,
How did you lose your way?
To justify this rage against your brother
Congratulations Mr. McVeigh
You�ve made history today
Your murderous deed was worse than any other
It was rumored on that day
The Feds were told to stay away
From their offices in Oklahoma City
Did they have a part to play?
In the events that fateful day
Was it another case of government sanctioned complicity?
They say the first casualty to fall
Is the truth behind it all
Because if we knew the truth, we�d never agree with the means
And then those lying powers that be
Would loose their hold on you and me
And the light of truth would set all people free
Oh, Timothy McVeigh,
How did you lose your way?
To justify this rage against your brother
There�s no hell so dark or deep
Befitting a soul as yours to keep
Your evil deed was worse than any other
The Birds and The Bees
Reggie Miles � 2004
Way up high on his perch in the trees.
A lonely little bird was a whistlin� in the breeze
Callin� every girly bird for miles around
Why don�t we build a little love nest on the outskirts of town?
It happens each and every spring
In the same old fashioned way
Listen and you can hear him sing
His lonesome blues away
Busily buzzin� from flower to flower
A lonely little bee collectin� nectar by the hour
Carries it back to his she bee�s hive
Hopes to get some honey there when he arrives
It happens each and every spring
In the same old fashioned way
Listen and you can hear him sing
His lonesome blues away
Wonderin� just what I got to do
To find myself somebody who is sweet and true
Sing the same old song wherever I go
Don�t want to sing these lonesome blues no more
It happens each and every spring
In this same old fashioned way
Listen and you can hear me sing
And play these lonesome blues away
Listen to me people hear what I say
Learn a little lesson from Mother Nature today
The birds and the bees know what to do
Don�t waste another minute feelin� lonesome and blue
Back to song list
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Written to the tune of "Ghost Riders In The Sky" I didn't know if this song was technically a parody, or just insanity. You choose. It does, however, fill an important void in today's fast paced, sound and video bite oriented culture. This brief saga tells about a real, honest to goodness, folk hero who proudly steps forth from the canvas of modern America to be counted. It is just one of the stories about untold numbers of Americans who relentlessly toil away their lives at thankless, low paying jobs.
Shopping Cart Wrangler
Reggie Miles � 2004
In this day and age of modern conveniences like the World Wide Web we�ve got an awful lot of wonderful things. Now don�t we? Resourcinatin� resusitators, resusitatin� resourcinators, fuel injected hubcaps�. But one thing you won�t find, not roamin� the byways of that inflammation stupid highway, and not even on Ebay, are folk heroes. Many people say all the folk heroes are dead and gone.
But I say no, no way, uh-uh, shut-up, don�t go there people friends. Cuz if there ever was a time when we needed folk heroes, it�s today. With the state of the world as it is and rising tensions. We need heroes look up to. Like the straight shootin�, hard ridin�, singin� heroes of yore, who laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom and chuckled at catastrophe.
No, folk heroes aren�t as plentiful as they once were, but they�re still out there. You�ve just got to know where to look for �em. And no, you ain�t a gonna find �em roamin� the wide open prairies of yesteryear. Cuz friends, they�ve all been fenced off. But there is still one prairie out there today where you can find �em ridin� herd. It stretches out just as far as the eye can see. I�m talkin� about that vast asphalt prairie that surrounds Megalo mart malls and shopping centers all across this great land of ours. This song is dedicated to one of the last great American folk heroes, and if you listen, real close, you can hear it echoin� through those prefabricated concrete canyons of today�s post-industrial answer to yesterday�s general store.
I�m up at dawn, and work all day till the wee hours of the night.
My polyester uniform, it just don�t fit me right.
And they don�t allow me to take tips for the service I provide.
I work for minimum wage, with poverty by my side.
Yippee-yi-yah! yippee-yi-oh-oh-oh-oh! I�m a shopping cart wrangler, 16 years old.
In the drivin� rain or the blazin� sun or the freezin� ice and snow,
When the boss says, �Go and get them strays.� It�s out the door I go.
I round �em up and corral them with all the rest inside.
I�m a shopping cart wrangler, I've got my price gun by my side.
Yippee-yi-yah! yippee-yi-oh-oh-oh-oh! I�m a shopping cart wrangler, is my cry!
Dodgin� trucks and automobiles over huge speed bumps and curbs.
And SUVs full of groceries, on their way back to the burbs.
Through potholes the size of Texas and puddles as big as lakes,
I drive my clatterin� herd homeward.
Then I take a coffee break.
Yippee-yi-yah! yippee-yi-oh-oh-oh-oh! I�m a shopping cart wrangler, till I die.
Heeya! Get along little shopping carts! Hey you, in the SUV, move it or lose buster! Oh yeah!? Same to you mister! Yeeha! Outta my way people! I�ve got shopping carts to wrangle! Yeeha!
Back to song list
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Here's another song that has spurt forth from the warped edges of a mind that many say would have been better off left unused. Written to the tune of, as if you hadn't guessed already, "Do You Know The Way To San Jose?"
Do You Know The Way To Macram�? Owed To The A.L.F. Rummage Sale
Reggie Miles � 2004
Do you know the way to macram�?
I get the knots all wrong.
The string's so long.
I lose my way.
Do you know the way to macram�?
I've tried embroidery,
knitting,
even some crochet.
Making bags, belts and headbands,
Add some beads. How does it look so far?
In a week, maybe two, a strap for your guitar,
Weeks turn into years how quick they pass.
Can you guess,
what I made next?
It's a coaster for your glass.
I've got lots of friends who macram�.
Think I'll give it a try,
and make a tie with macram�.
Do you know the way to macram�?
They tell me, don�t be shy,
Even a guy can macram�.
Other crafts can cost a bundle,
Spend a hundred bucks to make a hat
Out of empty beer cans pounded flat
Who, in their right mind, would wear that?
So now it sits,
In my garage sale,
For a dollar and a half.
Do you know the way to macram�?
Ma, ma, mama, mama, ma, macram�,
Ma, ma, mama, mama, ma, macram�.
Hanging plant and candleholders,
Made of rope or string or even twine.
Add a branch from a tree, now don't it look fine?
Tie your rows of knots in a straight line.
You'd never guess,
The weeks I've spent,
Tying knots and killing time.
(Chorus)
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
For the last fifteen years I've been comforted by the fact that I�ve lived in a town known for nothing. Yep, I was even contemplating getting tee shirts and bumper stickers made that would read, �Welcome to Sultan, the town known for nothing.� I suppose it was inevitable that our lucky streak wouldn�t last forever.
Many had high hopes when the hundred-year flood hit a few years back, and water began rushing over Highway 2 toward Main Street. Unfortunately, the flood over the roadway was less than an inch deep and only about a foot wide. Nevertheless, the city fathers handled the emergency with all the fervor they could muster. There were barricades, flashing lights, and police directing traffic through the torrent. Unfortunately, the police intervention actually created more of a traffic headache than the water ever did.
News crews, with truck mounted satellite dishes, were dispatched to take pictures and report on the latest breaking flood levels to cripple the city. Yup, we even made the local evening news. Excited, after catching the news clip, we walked down to Main Street to see what all of the hubbub was about. But in reality it wasn�t anything more than just an oversized trickle. There were no sinkholes or mudslides. There wasn�t any loss of life, and no significant property damage to the town. There was, however, this one rumor circulating at the time, about a woman who went to use the toilet and found a rat inside. They said it had crawled up there because the sewer lines were flooded, but there was no way of confirming that.
I had a friend who always joked that he lived in a sleepy little town in Illinois known for nothing. Then, about the time he was getting ready to print up a batch of tee shirts and bumper stickers that read, �Welcome to Quincy, the town known for nothing.� the Mississippi River flooded it banks, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and wiping out entire communities. Quincy, as it turned out, became nationally known as having the only surviving passable bridge across the flood-swollen Mississippi, and to top it off their local sports team won the state championship. The town celebrated the victory with a parade of about three cars that honked their horns wildly down Main Street.
Sultan�s brush with fame wasn�t nearly as awe inspiring or glorious. It wasn�t a retrospective about the one rock and roll festival to start the whole rock fest movement rolling, that happened right there in Sultan, The Sky River Rock Fest. It wasn�t news confirming the much rumored existence of a nudist colony located somewhere on the outskirts of town. No, Sultan�s recent moment of glory was having the Animal Liberation Front claim responsibility for the release of about ten thousand mink from a local farm.
Have you heard about the latest stink?
The liberation of ten thousand mink
Oh what a glorious sight to see
As thousands of minks were all set free
What relief they must have felt
To not to have to shed their pelt
And oh what minky jubilation
To finally get their overdue mink vacation
Set loose to roam the countryside
Some tried to hitch a ride and died
Others suffered from dehydration
Which resulted in their untimely expiration
Many were recaptured they say
To spend their lives in the usual way
Destined to fill the furrier�s need
To give their lives for furry greed
Caged until their time was done
Then murdered every single one
And that, my friends, is really the crux of this song
The ALF believes killing for fur is wrong
They say, �In this day and age we should reform.
We don�t need to kill animals to keep warm
Poly fill can do the trick I think
So murder polyesters and save the mink
Save the mink, save the mink
Murder polyesters and save the mink
Poly fill can do the trick I think
So murder polyesters and save the mink
And what will the Animal Liberation Front do
When the last mink is spared by me and you?
Will their needless vandalism cease or pause?
Or will they take up the freedom for polyester cause?
Tearing open coats to liberate the poly fill
You know what I think? You bet they will!
And finally when every last polyester thread
Is freed from sleeping bag, pillow and bed
And we all lay shivering through the long cold night
Without rest, to the ALF�s delight
Then, will we at last arise to fight?
With bags under our eyes from lack of sleep
Will we allow this domestic terrorism to continue?
Or just resume counting sheep?
Baa, one, baa, two, baa, three, baa, four
Save the mink, save the mink
Murder polyesters and save the mink
Poly fill can do the trick I think
So murder polyesters and save the mink
Back to song list
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There are few things in life that I enjoy more than a good rummage sale. I've been to plenty. They are the last bastion of free enterprise in this great land of ours. Is there anything that they can't provide?
Reggie Miles � 2004
I�m the first in line
For this rummage sale
And it�s a great spectacular annual event
So I got here early and I pitched a tent
Only four more hours
And these two front doors
They�re gonna swing wide open, and there inside
�Ll be treasures galore, and more beside
Cuz you never can tell
What you�re gonna find there
You can save a lot of doe
Cuz the deals are square
Now the time�s growin short
And the line�s so long
Cuz every junker and picker, for miles around
Every dealer and collector, from all over town
Yep, they all showed up
Waitin� patiently
There�re so many folks standin� behind
That I can hardly see the end of the line
It�s an antique vintage
Nostalgia trip,
Cuz shabby chic�s all the rage
And bein� retro�s hip
Look at what I found
My dad�s favorite song
Grandma�s cookbook and a rocking chair
I only paid five bucks, now that�s what I call fair
There�re piles of toys
Huge mounds of clothes
Old appliances and furniture everything goes
Used dishes, and TVs and stereos
It must be true what they say
About one man�s junk
It�s a treasure hunter�s gold mine
Now who would o� thunk?
Yes, I�m the first in line
For this rummage sale
And it�s a great spectacular annual event
So I got here early and I pitched a tent
Yes, I�m the first in line
Back to song list
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I was there at "The Battle In Seattle". It was my first chance to really experience political protests. I was thrilled to see so many dare to stand up for their beliefs against such odds. I was equally appalled and ashamed at the tactics used by officials to discredit what took place that day.
Hell No To The WTO!
Reggie Miles � 2004
I�m just an average kind of guy, and I don�t keep up with the political side.
But I heard some disturbin� news the other day.
About multinational corporations, dead set on global exploitation,
And they don�t care who they step on along the way.
Well I say no, hell no, to the WTO.
Them planet trashin� power mongers have really got to go.
Those world trade disorganizers are just thievin� greedy misers.
Let�s organize the demise of the WTO.
On a Monday in late November, they rallied at the exhibition center.
And when the people tried to protest on that day.
They were denied the right to be, near the vicinity.
The FBI kept all but nine at bay.
And they were shoutin�, no, hell no, to the WTO.
Those behind closed door deal makers can all pack their bags and go.
We�re gonna shine the light of day on their dirty dealin� way.
Let�s organize the demise of the WTO.
When I read in our Constitution, how our forefathers through revolution,
Freed themselves from the tyranny of an oppressive state.
It makes me want to join the fight and stand up for what is right,
Unite in song and sing along for freedom�s sake.
Sing it, no, hell no, to the WTO.
Sing it loud and sing it proud, we ain�t gonna take this any more.
Spread the news across the world, Seattle�s battle flag�s unfurled.
Let�s organize the demise of the WTO.
What a glorious day to be, an American and see,
All the people in the streets with protest signs.
Fighting corporate tyranny, in this land of the free,
Don�t you know, brothers and sisters, I got mine.
I�m singin�, no, hell no, to the WTO.
Them lowdown teargas tossin�, double-crossin traitors, got to go.
Those world trade disorganizers are just jackbooted terrorizers.
Let�s organize the demise of the WTO!
Power to the people!
Ace In The Hole
Reggie Miles � 2004
Where will you find a dictator,
When he�s cast from his ivory tower?
Uprooted from his throne,
He�ll be hiding all alone,
Holed up like a sad damn old coward.
In a root cellar�s where he will cower
For months they hunted and sought him,
They searched everywhere all around.
When finally found,
In his hole in the ground,
They surrounded his spidery plot,
And dug him up without firing a shot
A dictator just doesn�t keep well,
In a hole with no �lectrical power.
He�ll be bearded and ripe,
From suckin� air through a pipe,
That ace of spades will be smelling quite sour,
And very badly in need of a shower
And what did they find with him down there,
In his dark dirty place in the fill?
He feathered his nest,
With nothing but the best,
With a cool three quarters of a mil,
All American one hundred dollar bills.
When he�s tried for the crimes he�s committed,
No mercy will be handed down.
Then they�ll bury him again,
Right back where they found him,
Way down deep in a hole in the ground.
So down deep that he�ll never be found.
So if you�re going to play cards with the big boys,
And you�re thinkin� you�ll bluff your way through,
Better start diggin� your graves,
With that ol� ace of spades,
There�ll be no hiding place that�ll do
To save your ass from the red white and blue
Back to song list
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She seemed to dance as if she had no internal skeletal structure, like earthworms on a hotplate, or a bowl full of jello....
on springs.
The Girl With The Shimmy In Her Pants The Things You Do Make Me Kookoo Regrets Crazy �Bout You I�m A Bluegrass Outcast
Reggie Miles � 2004
I know a girl who loves to dance.
She likes to shake and shimmy her blouse and pants.
Oh how I'd like a chance at love and romance with her.
Every night at the cabaret,
I watch her swing and sway her blues away,
And I pray for the day when I can be partners with her.
But every boy in town has the same damn dream as me.
How do I stand a chance at love and romance,
With the cute little girl with the shimmy in her pants?
I've got to make my move, make it quick,
Before I get the short end of the stick.
If I hesitate, I might lose.
It's time to shine my dancin' shoes.
I know a girl who loves to dance.
She likes to shake and shimmy her pots and pans.
Oh how I'd like a chance at love and romance with her.
Every night at the cabaret,
I like to swing and sway my blues away,
And I pray for the day when I can be partners with her.
But every single male, for miles around,
They're all standin' in a big long line.
They're beggin' baby please, on bended knees,
"Honey won't you be mine?"
But all those guys they're too late.
Cuz tonight I pick her up at eight.
I got a date, with love and romance,
And the cute little girl with the shimmy in her pants.
I got a big date,
I can't be late,
With the cute little girl with the shimmy at eight.
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
Why do you say the things you say?
How come you always have to act that way?
Can�t you see them things you do, are bothersome, to me?
The things you do, they make me kookoo.
I try and try as hard as I can,
To be your one and only man,
But when you do them things you do, I find, that,
The things you do they make me kookoo.
We don�t have to be like this.
Don�t let this one be our last kiss.
If I leave, you know that I will miss, you,
And them things you do that make me kookoo.
You know my love for you is true.
At least I think you know I do, love you.
It makes me feel so gosh darn blue, dear.
Each time you make me feel so kookoo.
(Repeat last two verses)
It makes me feel so gosh darn blue, dear.
The things you do they make me kookoo.
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
After a year it came as no surprise when folks thought of us as one.
And holding hands and making plans sure was lots of fun.
Then I went away and left you, so blue and all alone,
To play the fool with other hearts, a roamer far from home.
Yes I�ll admit that there were others and I know it wasn�t right.
In whose embrace I tried to find the love I missed each night.
Empty promises and passions to fill a fleeting need,
Couldn�t satisfy the loneliness, your love once guaranteed.
And yes, I know regrets don�t show and I know that it was wrong,
To never call or write to you those four long years that I was gone.
If I had the chance to change the past I�d take away your pain,
I�d ease your fears and dry your tears and never leave again.
It�s been twenty years and still your tears haunt me to this day.
I�m sorry that I hurt you. Oh, what more can I say?
Forgiveness is divine they say but it can�t begin to start,
To mend the shattered pieces of a lover�s broken heart.
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
Hey, hey, mama, I�m crazy �bout you.
Hey, hey, mama, I�m crazy �bout you.
But every time that I turn around,
You�ve got me feelin� so low down.
I�m goin� �round blue, wonderin� what to do.
Come on honey tell me you�ll be true.
Hey, hey, mama, I�m worried all night long.
Listen to me sugar. Can�t you hear me singin� this lonesome song?
Why don�t you quit your roamin� and your ramblin� today.
It�s wrong to treat your good lovin� daddy this way.
Hey hey mama I�m crazy �bout you.
One of these days, you�re gonna do me right.
You�re gonna give up your cheatin�, your chasin� and mistreatin�
And your stayin� out late at night.
And when these finally get through,
You�re gonna realize I mean the things I�m singin� to you.
Hey hey mama I�m crazy �bout you.
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2004
Yes I, am a bluegrass outcast
They ain�t got, no use for me
Cuz I can�t play, like Earl Scruggs does
With a four string, banjo on my knee
I gotta four string, banjo on my knee
I, never learnt t� flat pick
Or slide Dobro, like they kin
I ain�t, no fiddle scratcher
I don�t own an f-style mandolin
No I don�t own an f-style mandolin
I ain�t, from ol� Kentucky
I�m south Chicago, born and raised
That high speed, bluegrass pickin�
Just leaves me lost and awful dazed
It leaves me lost, and awful dazed
I ain�t, no hillbilly plucker
But I like, the way they sound
I got too much blues, in my bluegrass
And that is why, they put me down
And that is why, they put me down
I can�t sing, high and lonesome
But I�m lonely, all the time
That is why I, sing these low down blues
And people, that ain�t no crime
Oh brothers and sisters, that ain�t no crime
Yes I�m, a bluegrass outcast.
But I still likes, t� pick and grin.
And play, on this homemade Nobro,
Saw �n� washboard, now �n� then.
My saw and washboard, now and then.
Back to song list
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These Old Shoes These Are A Few Of My Favorite Blues She's Trouble After years of listening to comments like, "That's an awfully big slide you've got there." I felt obliged to stem the tide of slide envy by quipping, "It's not the size of your slide. It's the slide of your size." Upon further reflection, it occurred to me that additional anecdotal evidence of this old adage might be in order.
Reggie Miles � 2005
(Chorus)
These ol� shoes, these ol� shoes
They�ve carried me down many a road
These ol� shoes, these ol� shoes
They�re gonna carry me home
So many places I�ve haven�t seen
Haven�t seen, haven�t seen
I�ll walk across this valley green
Then these shoes they�re gonna carry me home
Chorus
So many rivers and oceans I haven�t crossed
Haven�t crossed, haven�t crossed
When I get weak and feelin� lost
These shoes are gonna carry me home
Chorus
There�s many a mountain I haven�t climbed
Haven�t climbed, haven�t climbed
If I should stumble and run out of time
These shoes are gonna carry me home
Chorus
So many years I have wasted
I have wasted, I have wasted
There�s so much life yet to be tasted
Before these old shoes are gonna carry me home
Chorus
And when my life is over and done
Over and done, over and done
Just lay me to rest with these old shoes on
Yes, they�re gonna carry me home
Chorus
Back to song list
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Reggie Miles � 2005
To the tune of, "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things"
Spoken: Hey. Wassup? Do I wanna play on the street?
The street will be drizzly.
The sky will be cloudy.
The temperature chilly,
The crowds will be rowdy.
My voice will be weak, from last evening's play.
So what is it that I am tryin' to say?
My house is a wreck from my remodel plumbin'.
My ears they still echo from Country Fair drummin'.
The weeds in my yard all need some more mows.
These are a few of my favorite woes.
Will the cars run?
Will the roof leak?
Will my bills get paid?
And now that my wife�s goin� through menopause,
Will I ever again, get laid?
The parking�s atrocious, the meter maids vicious.
Distractions are many, like low flying fishes.
The holes in my socks match the holes in my shoes.
These are a few of my favorite blues.
My eyelids are heavy from not enough sleepin'.
Oh what did I sow to reap what I'm reappin'?
Believe me I've tried to do things right and true.
Tell me what more can this poor boy do?
Work my ass off,
Sing my heart out,
Leave 'em with a smile,
And what do I get in return, you may ask,
An invite to busk for a while.
Spoken: Yeah, okay, I�ll meet cha at the market, at 10.
Back to song list
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Listen to "She's Trouble" for free at my EZ Folk songs page. Click here to listen to this song.
Reggie Miles � 2005
Trouble, yes she�s trouble
Trouble with a capital T
Yes she�s trouble, (trouble)
Trouble for a man like me
Oh you know she�s T-R-O-U-B-L-E (trouble)
Yes, you know she�s trouble
She�s gonna be the death of me
Are you so blind that you just can�t see? (trouble)
Trading a moment�s passion, for a life time of misery
Oh you know she�s T-R-O-U-B-L-E (trouble)
Yes, you know she�s trouble
She�s gonna leave you in misery
Lord knows, it all started, way back with Adam �n� Eve (trouble)
Yes he was just another lonely boy, for a woman to deceive
And Delilah she fooled Samson, pretending to care (trouble)
All she really wanted was to trim poor Samson�s hair
Yes she�s trouble(trouble)
Trouble with a capital T
Yes she�s trouble, (trouble)
Trouble for a man like me
Oh you know she�s T-R-O-U-B-L-E (trouble)
She�ll use you and abuse you
And leave you in misery
When I was just a young boy, sittin� on my Daddy�s knee (trouble)
He warned, �Steer clear of trouble son. She�ll leave you in misery.�
Now I�m a lonely man, and there she stands, lookin� fine as she can be. (trouble)
Lord, grant me strength to resist this fate, please deliver me
(From this trouble) trouble
(She�s trouble with a capital T)
Yes she�s (trouble) trouble
She�s gonna leave you in misery
She�s trouble (trouble)
T-R-O-U-B-L-E
Yes she�s trouble (trouble)
Trouble for a man like me
Trouble for a man like me
Trouble for a man
Yes she�s trouble
Back to song list
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It's Not The Size Of Your Slide
Reggie Miles � 2005
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
Ain�t no need to get jealous of the other guy�s
Boys you better get hip to this tip to the wise
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
A long time ago it used to be slick
To walk real soft and carry a big stick
But I�m here to remind all you big stick guys
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
All you misters have heard sisters testify
It ain�t the meat it�s the motion that satisfies
I�d like to confirm that notion and dispel the lies
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
All you hicks diggin� me pick my licks
The way that I slip and glide
If you want all the girls to roll their eyes
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
All you boys, makin� all that noise
I hope you now realize
Don�t apologize for your merchandise
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
If you listen to the words of this simple song
You�ll know it don�t matter if your length ain�t long
Yes, I may be wrong, but I surmise
It�s not the size of your slide it�s the slide of your size
Back to song list
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Katrina Blues
Reggie Miles � 2005
I�m in Mississippi
Mud all in my shoes
My gal�s in Louisiana
Got them high water blues
I got nuthin� left to lose
Got them high water blues
Hard times here
My house has washed away
Sittin� here prayin�
For a sunny day
Now I�m cryin� every day
My house has washed away
This river levee
Is long and tall
Katrina came to visit
Made that levee fall
Ain�t nuthin� left at all
She made that levee fall
The mayor said
Move to higher ground
But there ain�t no hills
For miles around
No hills to be found
In this old Delta town
Sittin� here moanin�
�Bout the hurricane
Times like these
Drive a man insane
It�s a cryin� shame
About that hurricane
Katrina Katrina
You got to go
Your sister Rita's
Knockin' on my door
