. . .
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Why does she sing her sad songs for me, I'm not the one
To tenderly bring her soft sympathy, I've just begun
To see my way clear and it's plain if I stop I will fall
I can lay down a tear for her pain, just a tear and that's all
What does she want me to do
She says that she knows that moments are rare
I suppose that it's true
Then on she goes to say I don't care and she knows that I do
Maybe she just has to sing for the sake of the song
Who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong
She'd like to think that I'm cruel but she knows that's a lie for I would be
No more than a tool if I allowed her to cry all over me
My sorrow is real even though I can't change my plans
If she could see how I feel then I know that she'd understand
Does she actually think I'm to blame
Does she really believe that some word of mine
Could relieve all her pain
Can't she see that she grieves just because she's been blindly deceived
By her shame
Maybe she just has to sing for the sake of the song
Who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong
Nothin's what it seems, maybe she'll start someday to realize
If she abandons her dreams then all the words she can say are only lies
When will she see that to gain is only to lose
All that she offers me are her chains, I got to refuse
It's only to herself that she's lied
She likes to pretend there's something that she should defend with her pride
I don't intend to stand her and be the friend from whom she must hide
Maybe she just has to sing for the sake of the song
Who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong
. . .
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The name she gave was caroline
Daughter of a miner
Her ways were free
It seemed to me
That sunshine walked beside her
She came from spencer
Across the hill
She said her pa had sent her
'cause the coal was low
And soon the snow
Would turn the skies to winter
She said she'd come
To look for work
She was not seeking favors
And for a dime a day
And a place to stay
She'd turn those hands to labor
But the times were hard, lord,
The jobs were few
All through tecumseh valley
But she asked around
And a job she found
Tending bar at gypsy sally's
She saved enough to get back home
When spring replaced the winter
But her dreams were denied
Her pa had died
The word come down from spencer
So she turned to whorin' out on the streets
With all the lust inside her
And it was many a man
Returned again
To lay himself beside her
They found her down beneath the stairs
That led to gypsy sally's
In her hand when she died
Was a note that cried
Fare thee well... tecumseh valley
The name she gave was caroline
Daughter of a miner
Her ways were free
It seemed to me
That sunshine walked beside her
. . .
|
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Well it's many a fine lady that's walked along beside me
With their flesh made of velvet and their eyes made of rain
Well some tried to hold me to hurt me to hide me
And some turned away not to look back again
One stood among them I remember most clearly
Well her sorrows were heavy and her laughter was slow
Well I courted her gently and I loved her most dearly
And I came her majestic reflection to know
Her words like a mountain stood lonely and lofty
With her face like a daydream and her hair like the shawl
Worn by a mourner as he steals away softly
From those that would have him mourn nothing at all
Endlessly sorrow rode high on the north wind
Slashing and slicing to take him his toll
And endlessly creatures of darkness were cuttin'
Their paths through the walls that shelter the soul
But no longer gypsy lie sadness unending
Well her eyes they lay hollow and her face petrified
Well, the sun will go laughin' and others condemn him
But who there among you could have told her good-bye
. . .
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Well, a diamond fades quickly when matched to the face of Maria
All the harps they sound empty when she lifts her lips to the sky
Ah the brown of her skin makes her hair seem a soft golden rainfall
that spills from the mountains to the bottomless depths of her eyes
She stands all around me her hands slowly siftin' the sunshine
All the laughter that lingers down deep 'neath her smilin' is free
Well, it spins and it twirls like a hummingbird lost in the morning
then caresses the south wind and silently sails to the sea
As softly she wanders I'll desperately follow her footsteps
I chase after shadows that offer a trace of her sigh
They promise eternally that she lies hidden within them
but I find they've decieved me and sadly I bid them goodbye
So the serpent slides slowly away with his moments of laughter
and the old washer-woman has finished her cleanin' and gone
but the bamboo hangs heavy in the bondage of quicksilver daydreams
and a lonely child longingly looks for a place to belong
. . .
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Sometimes I don't know where this dirty road is taking me
Sometimes I can't even see the reason why
I guess I keep on gamblin', lots of booze and lots of ramblin'
It's easier than just a-waitin' 'round to die
One-time friends I had a ma, I even had a pa
He beat her with a belt once cause she cried
She told him to take care of me, she headed down to Tennessee
It's easier than just a-waitin' 'round to die
I came of age and found a girl in a Tuscaloosa bar
She cleaned me out and hit it on the sly
I tried to kill the pain, I bought some wine and hopped a train
Seemed easier than just a-waitin' 'round to die
A friend said he knew where some easy money was
We robbed a man and brother did we fly
The posse caught up with me, drug me back to Muskogee
It's two long years, just a-waitin' 'round to die
Now I'm out of prison, I got me a friend at last
He don't steal or cheat or drink or lie
His name's codeine, he's the nicest thing I've seen
Together we're gonna wait around and die
. . .
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There's no stronger wind than the one that blows
Bown a lonesome railroad line
No prettier sight than looking back
On a town you left behind
There is nothin' that's as real
As a love that's in my mind
Close your eyes
I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes
I'll be here for a while
There's lots of things along the road
I'd surely like to see
I'd like to lean into the wind
And tell myself I'm free
But your softest whisper's louder
Than the highways call to me
All the mountains and the rivers
And the valleys can't compare
To your blue lit dancin' eyes
And yellow shining hair
I could never hit the open road
And leave you layin' there
Lay your head back easy, love,
Close your cryin' eyes
I'll be layin' here beside you
When the sun comes on the rise
I'll stay as long as the cuckoo wails
And the lonesome bluejay cries
. . .
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When the bandits have stolen your jewelry and gone
And your crippled young gypsy, he's grown tall and strong
And your dead misconceptions have proven you wrong
Well then, princess, where you plannin' to turn to?
When your magazine memory has spun you around
And you realize your lovers were just painted clowns
And outside your window you start hearing sounds
Where they're building a cross for to burn you
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
When your teardrops go sour and no longer fall
The splash cross the virgin that lives down your hall
And spends all her nights with an ear to your wall
Well then, what will you have you can offer?
When the firedancers finish and leave you alone
With nothing but embers and sacks full of stone
That hang round your neck, slicing through to the bone
Will there still be a place for your laughter?
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
As your shattered illusions come a-tumblin' home
And all of the butchers you've nourished have grown
And they're are suddenly able to leave you alone
And they run like slaves that are set free
When your questions are answered and your pleadin' is done
And your mind starts to a-screamin' that you ain't the one
That once dwelled within you, will you turn, will you run
Then princess, will you come home and get me?
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
. . .
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I'll play upon my violin
Until the mountains ring
Of lonely laughter blindly thrown
Across an endless arc of strings
And the skies are sad
They're dancin' to a silent symphony
And the velvet voices all shall join
The singing
The hall is filled to every corner
By a tinkling hint of chimes
A melody careens and crumbles
Leaving just a trace behind
A rhythm ??? faintly fails
The silver on it's wings
And the velvet voices all shall join
The singing
The cymbals flash, the drums they crash
The trumpets rise to song
The brass baton plucks bits diamonds
From a glittering wall of almost dawn
The crystal chords they slash the wind
In humble majesty
And the velvet voices all shall join
The singing
. . .
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You live on your hill so high and so lonely
You toss out your bread crumbs to those down below
They think you're a king, believe me it's only
Because they're too blinded to know
Your castle is dingy and dirty and dismal
Your carpets are faded, your walls are all grey
There's dust on your silver and cracks in your crystal
And all your young servants have drifted away
Well, there once was a time when your money had meaning
Your diamonds had glitter but now it's all gone
It poisoned your laughter and muffled your singing
You can't even see that it's wrong
Your castle is dingy and dirty and dismal
Your carpets are faded, your walls are all grey
There's dust on your silver and cracks in your crystal
And all your young servants have drifted away
So go back to your sadness, go back to your sorrow
I'll make my bed on a hill 'neath the sky
And lay there a-listening 'till the sun comes tomorrow
Counting the tears that you cry
Oh, your castle is dingy and dirty and dismal
Your carpets are faded, your walls are all grey
There's dust on your silver and cracks in your crystal
And all your young servants have drifted away
Your castle is dingy and dirty and dismal
Your carpets are faded, your walls are all grey
. . .
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Well, I ain't very big for twenty-one
And it seems like I never could have any good clean fun
Cause every time I'd go outside some great big ol' bully'd come along
He'd hit me in the face and he'd knock me to the ground
And he'd start kickin' me all around
And that ain't exactly fair, friends, that's wrong.
So I got me a paper the other night
And I crawled up on the sofa and I turned on the light
And flipped through the pages till I found the classified ads.
Said, "take karate from Lee Hung Chow;
Man, make your first appointment now
This course is guaranteed to make you bad."
Well, the next day I drove to the address
And by the Japanese design I was really impressed
It looked like a regular house of the rising sun
I walked inside, I was all alone
I had a nervous feeling down in my bones
I was kind of sorry I'd ever even come
Then a giant Jap came through the door
He must have been at least about seven foot four
And he looked like he's prone to easy aggrevation.
He said, "Lee Hung Chow, ah kee dung"
That's japanese for fee fie foo fum
I tried to explain my entire situation.
He said, "number one course, Yankee, self defence,
Two hundred dollars and twenty five cents";
I said "what's the twenty five cents for? " and he said, "repairs."
I said, "repairs to what? ", and he said "to you"
And I thought to myself "man, that won't do"
Felt about a half inch tall underneath that ol' slanted stare
Ah, you think he was yella ...
I said, "I believe I better go check another place"
He said hostile, "Yankee don't like my race"
I said, "now, there's a mistake, man, and that's true;
I've been for you you Japanese all along
You Japanese just can't do no wrong
And I thought you got a mighty dirty deal in World War II"
Well, he grabbed me by the hand and he gave a heave
I figured there's a pretty good time to leave
Before he had a chance to do me any definite harm.
But my plan worked out in the end, you see,
Now no bully is gonna pick on me
Who's gonna hit a fellow with just one arm?
. . .
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Let me tell you a story 'bout a girl I knew
Fairest skin with eyes of blue
I swear to the lord that I loved her true
It's a year now she's been gone
Well her spirit was as bright as the soft sunshine
Lips the color of strawberry wine
I wish to God she still was mine
But the chance won't come again
After first we lay in love's sweet bed
With one look at her eyes I might have read
All the pain that was flyin' through her head
Through my guilt I could not see
Oh, I turned to her when the mornin' came
Hungry thoughts racin' through my brain
But the knife in her heart screamed herself she'd slain
And a note whispered love too soon
Oh her old man screamed and her mother cried
All I could do was to wonder why
A girl in her youth was forced to die
Is lovin' such a crime?
She died (few in years) with breasts still small
Seeing sixteens summers and fifteen falls
Me and my blindness never realized all
The fear she kept inside
Let me tell you a story 'bout a girl I knew
Fairest skin with eyes of blue
I swear to the lord that I loved her true
. . .
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Your eyes seek conclusion in all this confusion of mine
Though you and I both know it's only the warm glow of wine
That's got you to feeling this way, but I don't care,
I want you to stay and hold me
And tell me you'll be here to love me today
Children are dancin', the gamblers are chancin' their all
The window's accusing the door of abusing the wall
But who cares what the night watchmen say
The stage has been set for the play
Hold me and tell me you'll be here to love me today
The moon's come and gone but a few stars hang on on to the sky
The wind's runnin' free but it ain't up to me ask why
The poets are demanding their pay
They've left me with nothin' to say
'cept hold me and tell me you'll be here to love me today
Just hold me and tell me that you'll be here to love me today
. . .
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It's plain to see, the sun won't shine today
But I ain't in the mood for sunshine anyway
Maybe I'll go insane
I got to stop the pain
Or maybe I'll go down to see Kathleen.
A swallow comes and tells me of her dreams
She says she'd like to know just what they mean
I feel like I could die
As I watch her flying by
Ride the north wind down to see Kathleen.
Stars hang high above, the oceans roar
The moon is come to lead me to her door
There's crystal across the sand
And the waves, they take my hand.
Soon I'm gonna see my sweet Kathleen.
Soon I'm gonna see my sweet Kathleen
. . .
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She came and she touched me
With hands made of heaven
Reflections sent spinnin'
Through a face laced in mist
Now I stand where she left me
Buried deep 'neath her shadow
And the mirror pleads sadly
Has it all come to this?
And I wonder, will she call my name?
Well the wind careens madly
Through wide windows paneless
Fragrancies mingle
In a room full of shade
The peons pick partners
And waltz 'cross the ceilings
But the violins whisper
That I've been betrayed
Tryin' not to look ashamed
Well the drunkards drink deeply
From cups full of nothingness
Ghost lovers laugh
At the games that they play
While the moments do somersaults
Into eternity
Cling to their coattails
And beg them to stay
Saying I got nothing to hide
Well Illusions projected
On walls made of tiffany
Mad minuets to
A sad satin song
A harlequin mandolins
Harmonize helplessly
Hoping that endlessly
Won't last for long
Praying that their God ain't dying
Then I turn and I see her
In a dress made of moonlight
Teardrops like diamonds
Run slow down her face
And her arms surround me
Like chains made of velvet
And the demons fall faithfully
Into their place
And the river runs with jewels
Now the morning lies open
The night went quite quickly
Memory harmlessly
Fractures and fades
All the poets do push-ups
On carpets of rubber foam
Loudly they laugh
At some joke that's been made
And the wise men speak like fools
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Her face was crystalFair and fineAnd her breath was morningAnd her lips were wineAnd her eyes were laughterAnd her touch divineAnd her face was crystalAnd she was mine
If only sheCould feel my painBut feelin' is a burdenShe can't sustainSo like a summer ThursdayI cry for rainTo come and turnThe ground to green again
If only sheCould hear my songs'bout the empty difference'tween the rights and wrongsThen I know that ICould stand aloneAs well as theyNow that she's gone
Her face was crystalFair and fineAnd her breath was morningAnd her lips were wineAnd her eyes were laughterAnd her touch divineAnd her face was crystalAnd she was mine
. . .
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My lover comes to me with a rose on her bosom
The moon's dancin' purple
All through her black hair
And a ladies-in-waiting she stands 'neath my window
And the sun will rise soon on the false and the fair
She tells me she comes from my mother the mountain
Her skin fits her tightly
And her lips do not lie
She silently slips from her throat a medallion
Slowly she twirls it in front of my eyes
I watch her, I love her, I long for to touch her
The satin she's wearin'
Is shimmering blue
Outside my window her ladies are sleeping
My dogs have gone hunting
The howling is through
So I reach for her hand and her eyes turns to poison
And her hair turns to splinters,
And her flesh turns to brine
She leaps cross the room, she stands in the window
And screams that my first-born
Will surely be blind
She throws herself out to the black of the nightfall
She's parted her lips
But she makes not a sound
I fly down the stairway, and I run to the garden
No trace of my true love
Is there to be found
So walk these hills lightly, and watch who you're lovin'
By mother the mountain
I swear that it's true
Love not a woman with hair black as midnight
And her dress made of satin
All shimmering blue
. . .
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By townes van zandt
You're wakin' next to me
Tears splash across the sun
You whisper soft to me
That I ain't the only one
To breathe your yellow hair
Caress your bosom fair
Do you think I really care?
Do you think it matters?
What do your feelings mean?
Do you think I'd love more
If you stood pure and clean
Of those you'd known before
Would your words be sweeter then
Upon November's wind
If you began again
Could your smile be softer?
Would your eyes more brightly shine?
Would your laughter be so tender?
If you'd been only mine
For as long as you remember?
I don't want tears from you
Don't build your love on shame
All that we've done is through
And all we can do remains
My lady can't you see
I love not jealously
But for all you are to me
And all you'll be tomorrow
. . .
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When she had twenty years she turned to her mother
Saying Mother, I know that you'll grieve
But I've given my soul to St John the gambler
Tomorrow comes time leave
For the hills cannot hold back my sorrow forever
And dead men lay deep 'round the door
The only salvation thats mine for the asking
So mother, think on me no more
Winter held high round the mountains breast
And the cold of a thousand snows
Lay heaped upon the forests leaf
But she dressed in calico
For a gambler likes his women fancy
Fancy she would be
And the fire of her longing would keep way the cold
And her dress was a sight to see
But the road was long beneath the feet
She followed her frozen breath
In search of a certain St John the gambler
Stumbling to her death
She heard his laughter right down from the mountains
And danced with her mothers tears
To a funeral drawn a calico
'neath the cross of twenty years
To a funeral drawn a calico
'neath the cross of twenty years
. . .
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The name she gave was Caroline
The daughter of a miner
Well her ways were free
And it seemed to me
Sunshine walked beside her
She said she'd come to look for work
She was not seekin' favors
For a dime a day
And a place to stay
She'd turn those hands to labor
But the times were hard, Lord, and the jobs were few
All through Tecumseh valley
But she asked around
And a job she found
Tendin' bar for Gypsy Sally
She saved enough to get back home
When spring replaced the winter
But her dreams were denied
Her Pa had died
The word come down from Spencer
She turned to walkin' down the road
From all the hate inside her
And it was many a man
Returned again
To walk that road beside her
They found her down beneath the stairs
That led to Gypsy Sally's
In her hand when she died
Was a note that cried
Fare thee well
Tecumseh valley
. . .
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Mr. Ten Dollar man
Let me tell where you're bound
Drink your green liqour, Lord
You'll roll to the ground
But you come around here
With your money in your hand
Taste of my woman
You die where you stand
Snake Mountain blues
They got me down low
I could die in the morning
But noone would know
My woman come 'round
My body she'd find
Go down to Dundee
Have her a time
Snake Mountain's
Gonna crumble Lord
And fall from the sky
Before that woman of mine
Stops tellin' her lies
If I'd die Lord she'd weep
She'd weep and she'd mourn
Soon as I's buried
Forget I'd been born
Love of black-skinned woman
She won't do you no wrong
Slow to start moanin'
She don't moan for long
A yellow-headed woman
Brings you nothin' but pain
Take all you give her
She leaves only shame
My Daddy, Lord he rides
On a long holy train
First winds of winter
I'll see him again
It's farewell to this yellow
Headed misery I've known
Snake Mountain's callin'
Callin' me home
Snake Mountain blues
They got me down low
I could die in the mornin'
No one would know
My woman come around
My body she'd find
Go down to Dundee
Have her a time
. . .
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By townes van zandt
My home is Colorado
With her proud mountains tall
Where the rivers, like gypsys
Down her black canyons fall
But I'm a long, long way from Denver
With a long way to go
So lend an ear to my singing
Cause I'll be back no more
Well I left as a young man
Not full seventeen
With nothin' for company
But the wind and a dream
'bout all the fast ladies
And livin' I'd find
When I left my proud mountains
And rivers behind
So I rolled and a-rambled
Like a leaf in the wind
Well, I found my fast ladies
And some hard livin' men
Well, I sometimes went hungry
With my pockets all bare
Lord, I sometimes had good luck
With money to spare
Well I made me some friends, lord,
That I won't soon forget
Well some are down under
And some are rambling yet
But as for me
Well I'm headed for home
Back to high Colorado
Never more for to roam
So friends, when my time comes
As surely it will
You just carry my body
Out to some lonesome hill
And lay me down easy
Where the cool rivers run
With only my mountains
'tween me and the sun
Yeah my home is Colorado
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Like silent she stands
Like laughter she falls
From a castle of sand
Like a memory she calls
And the mockingbirds grieve
'cause they can't make her cry
And they'll soon start to believe
That the lady has died
Oh what it all goes to show
It ain't my job to say
For who am I to know
Why she's actin' this way
Oh once again turn away
If you're sure that it's done
Tell your prophets to pray
Tell your bandits to run
Take your eyelids of stone
They won't do you no harm
And take your cross made of bones
Take your your fly-paper arms
And when everything's placed
In your coffin of gold
Throw a scarf 'round your face
'cause the subway gets cold
Pack up your sunflower smile
And your bandana blues
Take your worthless denials
They're all you've got left to lose
Take your tinkerbell lies
And your weary desires
Take the tears in your eyes
Take your cup full of fire
Ah give your lover a call
If your legs start to fail
And he'll come break your fall
With a bed full of nails
No need to glance back again
There ain't nothin' to see
Just this drunken old man
And this woman and me
And you've made it quite plain
That we're just wastin' time
And you say it seems strange
That I'm staying behind
But don't you worry 'bout me
I can make it alone
'cause I got no place to be
And I ain't far from home
. . .
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Why does she sing her sad songs for me, I'm not the one
To tenderly bring her soft sympathy, I've just begun
To see my way clear and it's plain if I stop I will fall
I can lay down a tear for her pain, just a tear and that's all
What does she want me to do
She says that she knows that moments are rare
I suppose that it's true
Then on she goes to say I don't care and she knows that I do
Maybe she just has to sing for the sake of the song
Who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong
She'd like to think that I'm cruel but she knows that's a lie for I would be
No more than a tool if I allowed her to cry all over me
My sorrow is real even though I can't change my plans
If she could see how I feel then I know that she'd understand
Does she actually think I'm to blame
Does she really believe that some word of mine
Could relieve all her pain
Can't she see that she grieves just because she's been blindly deceived
By her shame
Maybe she just has to sing for the sake of the song
Who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong
Nothin's what it seems, maybe she'll start someday to realize
If she abandons her dreams then all the words she can say are only lies
When will she see that to gain is only to lose
All that she offers me are her chains, I got to refuse
It's only to herself that she's lied
She likes to pretend there's something that she should defend with her pride
I don't intend to stand her and be the friend from whom she must hide
Maybe she just has to sing for the sake of the song
Who do I think that I am to decide that she's wrong
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Tossin' hair a-ravin'Eyes of flashin' blueAll the livin' that you're savin'Won't buy you dreams for you
Cut yourself a columbineTear it from the stemNow breathe upon the petals fineAnd throw them to the wind
Watch the petals dancin'See them twirl and singAll your pride and prancin'How much does it mean?
Watch the petals start to flyAnd then come falling downHear the wind begin to cryAs she sees some touch the ground
Ah, lady, like the flower fairSome day you'll have to fallAnd you can find me standin' thereTo catch you if you crawl
Tossin' hair a-ravin'Eyes of flashin' blueAll the livin' that you're savin'Won't buy you dreams for you
. . .
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Sometimes I don't know where this dirty road is taking me
Sometimes I can't even see the reason why
I guess I keep on gamblin', lots of booze and lots of ramblin'
It's easier than just a-waitin' 'round to die
One-time friends I had a ma, I even had a pa
He beat her with a belt once cause she cried
She told him to take care of me, she headed down to Tennessee
It's easier than just a-waitin' 'round to die
I came of age and found a girl in a Tuscaloosa bar
She cleaned me out and hit it on the sly
I tried to kill the pain, I bought some wine and hopped a train
Seemed easier than just a-waitin' 'round to die
A friend said he knew where some easy money was
We robbed a man and brother did we fly
The posse caught up with me, drug me back to Muskogee
It's two long years, just a-waitin' 'round to die
Now I'm out of prison, I got me a friend at last
He don't steal or cheat or drink or lie
His name's codeine, he's the nicest thing I've seen
Together we're gonna wait around and die
. . .
|
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By townes van zandt
Don't you take it too bad
If you're feelin' unlovin'
If you're feelin unfeelin'
If you're feelin' alone
Don't take it too bad
'cause it ain't you to blame, babe
Lord, it's just some kind of game made
Out of all of this living
That we got left to do
And if you go searchin'
For rhyme or for reason
Then you won't have the time
That it take just for talkin'
About the places you've been, babe
About the places you've seen, babe
And how soft the time flies
Past your window at night
And we just can't have that, girl
'cause it's a sad, lonesome, cold world
And a man need a woman just to stand by his side
And whisper sweet words in his ears about daydreams
And roses and playthings
And the sweetness of springtime
And the sound of the rain
. . .
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I'm goin' out to Denver
See if I can't find
I'm goin' out to Denver
See if I can't find
That lovin' Colorado girl of mine
The promise in her smile
Shames the mountains tall
The promise in her smile
Shames the mountains tall
She bring the sun to shining
Tell the rain to fall
It's been a long time, mama,
Since I heard you call my name
Ah, been a long time
Since I heard you call my name
I got to see my Colorado girl again
Be there tomorrow
Mama, don't you cry
Be there tomorrow
Now, mama, don't you cry
I got to kiss these lonesome
Texas blues good-bye
I'm goin' out to to Denver
See if I can't find
I'm goin' out to to Denver
See if I can't find
That lovin' Colorado girl of mine
That lovin' Colorado girl of mine
. . .
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Well, won't you lend your lungs to me?
Mine are collapsing
Plant my feet and bitterly breathe
Up the time that's passing.
Breath I'll take and breath I'll give
Pray the day ain't poison
Stand among the ones that live
In lonely indecision.
Fingers walk the darkness down
Mind is on the midnight
Gather up the gold you've found
You fool, it's only moonlight.
If you try to take it home
Your hands will turn to butter
You better leave this dream alone
Try to find another.
Salvation sat and crossed herself
Called the devil partner
Wisdom burned upon a shelf
Who'll kill the raging cancer
Seal the river at its mouth
Take the water prisoner
Fill the sky with screams and cries
Bathe in fiery answers
Jesus was an only son
And love his only concept
Strangers cry in foreign tongues
And dirty up the doorstep
And I for one, and you for two
Ai'nt got the time for outside
Just keep your injured looks to you
We'll tell the world we tried
. . .
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There's no stronger wind than the one that blows
Bown a lonesome railroad line
No prettier sight than looking back
On a town you left behind
There is nothin' that's as real
As a love that's in my mind
Close your eyes
I'll be here in the morning
Close your eyes
I'll be here for a while
There's lots of things along the road
I'd surely like to see
I'd like to lean into the wind
And tell myself I'm free
But your softest whisper's louder
Than the highways call to me
All the mountains and the rivers
And the valleys can't compare
To your blue lit dancin' eyes
And yellow shining hair
I could never hit the open road
And leave you layin' there
Lay your head back easy, love,
Close your cryin' eyes
I'll be layin' here beside you
When the sun comes on the rise
I'll stay as long as the cuckoo wails
And the lonesome bluejay cries
. . .
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The drunken clown's still hanging round
but it plain the laughter's all died down
the tears you tried so hard to hide
are flowin'
A blind man with his knife in hand
has convinced himself that he understands
I wish him well, Miss Carousel
but I gotta be a-goin'
Won't you come and get me when
you're sure that you don't need me then
I stand outside your window
and proudly call your name
The ladies been told that all of gold
is worth so much it can't be sold
No time to weep she'll need her sleep
tomorrow
When she carries her face to the market place
and bets it on the opening race
she can ring her bells, Miss Carousel,
but her singing brings me sorrow
It's always done every mother's son
is shown that grown men never run
and so they fight with all the might
inside them
When the battle's been fought and they all been taught
that the trick is just not being caught
Will you give them hell, Miss Carousel,
when they're begging you to hide them
When the need arose your eyes fell closed
you clamped your fingers round your nose
Would you say that's any way
to judge him
You haven't got the authority
to kill him in the first degree
but would you feel compelled, Miss Carousel,
if you have something to begrudge him
On a velvet beach far beneath the reach
of those that come to pray and preach
The natural man who tries to stand
is fallin
How long will it be before he sees
you own his legs but his mind is free
Only you can tell, Miss Carousel,
how long will he be crawling?
The castle walls has grown so tall
seem there ain't no hope at all
to reach the top even though you stop
for breathin'
But I ain't gonna try to make you cry
the tear drops couldn't find your eye
It's all been swell, Miss Carousel,
but the time has come for leavin'
. . .
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Well, a diamond fades quickly when matched to the face of Maria
All the harps they sound empty when she lifts her lips to the sky
Ah the brown of her skin makes her hair seem a soft golden rainfall
that spills from the mountains to the bottomless depths of her eyes
She stands all around me her hands slowly siftin' the sunshine
All the laughter that lingers down deep 'neath her smilin' is free
Well, it spins and it twirls like a hummingbird lost in the morning
then caresses the south wind and silently sails to the sea
As softly she wanders I'll desperately follow her footsteps
I chase after shadows that offer a trace of her sigh
They promise eternally that she lies hidden within them
but I find they've decieved me and sadly I bid them goodbye
So the serpent slides slowly away with his moments of laughter
and the old washer-woman has finished her cleanin' and gone
but the bamboo hangs heavy in the bondage of quicksilver daydreams
and a lonely child longingly looks for a place to belong
. . .
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We had our day but now it's over
We had our song but now it's sung
We had our stroll through summers clover
But summer's gone now, our walkin's done
So tell me gently who be your lover
Who be your lover after I'm gone
Will it be the moon that hears your sighin'
Will it be the willow that hears your lonesome song
Will it be the rain that clings to your bosom
Will it be the sunshine that dries your golden hair
Will it be the wind that warns of my returning
Will a rose be in your arms when I find you waitin' there
None but the rain should cling to my bosom
None but the moon should hear my lonesome sigh
None but the wind should warn of your returning
Fare thee well, my love, good-bye
. . .
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Well along come the ffv the swiftest on the line
Running long the c&o road 20 min behind
Running in the subhill headquaters on the line
Receivin' their strict orders from a station just behid
Well Georgie's mother come to him with a bucket on her arm
Saying my darlin' boy be careful how you run
Well it's many a man has lost his life in trying to make lost time
But if you run your engine right you'll make it just on time
Aw but off of the road she darted and into the rocks she crashed
Well the engine she laid upside down and Georgie's breast was smashed
Well his head lay gainst the firebox door and the flames were rolling high
Well i'm proud to be born for an engineer on the c&o road to die
Well the doctor come to Georgie my darlin' boy be still
Well your life can yet be saved if it is god's bless it will
Oh no no it will not do. I wanna fly so free
Well i wanna die with the engine i love a hundred fourty three
Then the doctor said to Georgie well you're life cannot be saved
Murdered out on the railroad, layed in a lonesome grave
But his face was all covered up with blood, his eyes they could not see
And the very last words that g spoke were near my god to thee
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Come away with me,My little delta boyI wanna be your delta mama for awhileAnd if you stay you'll seeThat I bring you lots of joyI turn those little teardrops to a smile
Well, if you're blue don't cryJust wander right downtownYou can find your delta mama waitin' thereWell, I thought you knew that iWould never let you downI can ease your mind and take away your cares
Come away with me,My little delta boyI wanna be your delta mama for awhileAnd if you stay you'll seeThat I bring you lots of joyI turn those little teardrops to a smile
Well, if the grass goes brownDon't you hang your head too lowWell, there ain't no need for you to sit and pineIf you'll just ask aroundI'm sure someone will knowJust exactly what it takes to get you back to feelin fine
Well, if you don't know by nowWhat I've been tryin' so hard to sayWell my delta boy I'm afraid you're up to tightBut you take it slow and somehowYou come meandering out my wayAnd I'll take you in my arms and make it right
Ah, come away with me,My little delta boyI wanna be your delta mama for awhileAnd if you stay you'll seeThat I bring you lots of joyI turn those little teardrops to a smile
. . .
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Don't go saying I'm leaving you
Thinking I never got close enough to stay
Time runs in, and then runs out
Starts again and it's always been that way
You're gonna drown tomorrow
If you cry to many tears for yesterday
Tomorrow's half of all you've got
So treat him good, 'cause when I'm gone, he'll stay
I won't be forgetting you
You won't be forgetting me, I know
If memory comes a summer cloud
Rains her sweetness down to me below
I see you like you look right now
Maybe wonder why I had to go
But heaven is the way she is
Rain falls and rivers flow
So here's to feelin' good
Here's to feelin' bad
Here's to bein' thankful
Sorry for the pleasures that we had
And autumn days and window panes
God, forgive us if you feel decieved
The clock don't know you like I do
And it's only him or me you got to believe
. . .
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Well, I've been turnstyled,
Junkpiled
And railroaded too
I've been laid low
But don't you know
I'm still in love with you
I've been took down many a road
If anybody says I ain't day lie
But ain't got no plans
Except to be your man
And love you till I die
Well you got me under your spell
Won't you tell
Me all 'bout your wonderful charms
I got time to burn
And a lot to learn
Mama, take me in your lovin' arms
Well, I know that probably
You feel quite oddly
'bout you hear say
But if you hold me tight
It's gonna be all right
Mama, chase my blues away
. . .
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So close and yet so far away
And all the things I'd hoped to say
Will have to go unsaid today
Perhaps until tomorrow
Your fears have built a wall between
Our lives and all what loving means
Will have to go unfelt it seems
And that leaves only sorrow
You built your tower strong and tall
Can't you see, it's got to fall someday
You close your eyes and speak to me
Of faith and love and destiny
As distant as eternity
From truth and understanding
The wind blows cold outside your door
It whispers words I've tried before
But you don't hear me anymore
Your pride's just too demanding
You built your tower strong and tall
Can't you see, it's got to fall someday
The end is coming soon it's plain
A warm bed just ain't worth the pain
And I will go and you'll remain
With the bitterness we've tasted
A mother's breast, a newborn child
A poet's tear and drunken smile
I can't help feelin' all the while
Their meaning won't be wasted
You built your tower strong and tall
Can't you see, it's got to fall someday
. . .
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Could it be the season's changin'
The winds of winter rearranging
All the leaves like fallin' queens of sorrow
Could be the freezing rain a-fallin'
Could be sad September callin'
Or maybe its knowin' she'll be gone
Come tomorrow
Well, it's strange how many tortured mornings
Fell upon us with no warning
Lookin' for a smile to beg and borrow
It's over now, there is no returning
A thousand bridges sadly burning
And light the way I have to walk alone
Come tomorrow
I guess that no amount of lying
To myself will stop the crying
I guess I have to take things like they are
The facts are plain to see, it's only
That I ain't used to being lonely
Like I'm gonna be without you
Come tomorrow
Come tomorrow
. . .
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I got a brand new companion
Man, I'm gonna do my best this time
I got a brand new companion
Man, I'm gonna do my best this time
You know she cools me with her breathin'
Chases away those howlin' bottles of wine
She fits just like my guitar
Man, she's near as tall as me
She fits just like my guitar
She's near as tall as me
She lives way out the d train
But she's texas as can be
She got a home-spun disposition
Man, she's just as gentle as you please
She got a home-spun disposition
Man, she's just as gentle as you please
She got arms just like two rattle snakes
Legs just like a billow in the breeze
I got a brand new companion
Man, I'm gonna do my best this time
I got a brand new companion
Man, I'm gonna do my best this time
I want to trace her with my body
I want to track her with my mind
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Where I lead me I will travel
Where I need me I will call me
I'm no fool, I'll be ready
God knows I will be
And in the meantime make a little money
And buy a little mercy
Met this morning, now he loves me
Say's he loves me
It must be easy, look around you
All around you
But you see the motion, you're not movin'
You don't know how to hold on
Just keep it loose
Don't get excited, it'll pass before long
Now one is goin' one is stayin'
One is silent one is saying'
Here's your coat, take care of yourself
Sorry you're leavin'
A little sad you're all I had
Will you be returnin'
The boys upstairs are gettin' hungry
You can shout in the wind about how it will be
Or you can clench your fist, shake your head
And head to the country
I got no doubt about it my friend
That's where they'll find me
That's where they're gonna find me
Ask the boys down in the gutter
Now they won't lie cause you don't matter
The street's just fine if you're good and blind
But it ain't where you belong
Roll down your sleeves, pick up your money
And carry yourself home
Roll down your sleeves, pick up your money
And carry yourself home
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Proofread and authorized by jeanene van zandt
I used to wake and run with the moon
I lived like a rake and a young man
I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds
My laughter the devil would frighten
The sun she would come and beat me back down
But every cruel day had it's nightfall
I'd welcome the stars with wine and guitars
Full of fire and forgetful
My body was sharp the dark air clean
And outrage my joyful companion
Whisperin' women how sweet did they seem
Kneelin' for me to command them
And time was like water but I was the sea
I'd have never noticed it passin'
Except for the turnin' of night into day
And the turnin' of day into cursin'
You look at me now, and don't think I don't know
What all your eyes are a sayin'
Does he want us to believe these ravings and lies
They're just tricks that his brains been a playin'?
A lover of women he can't hardly stand
He trembles he's bent and he's broken
I've fallen it's true but I say unto you
Hold your tongues until after I've spoken
I was takin' my pride in the pleasures I'd known
I laughed and thought I'd be forgiven
But my laughter turned 'round eyes blazing and
Said my friend, we're holdin' a wedding
I buried my face but it spoke once again
The night to the day we're a bindin'
And now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blinding
. . .
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Hey mama, when you leave
Don't leave a thing behind
I don't want nothin'
I can't use nothin'
Take care into the hall
And if you see my friends
Tell them I'm fine
Not using nothin'
Almost burned out my eyes
Threw my ears down to the floor
I didn't see nothin'
I didn't hear nothin'
I stood there like a block of stone
Knowin' all I had to know
And nothin' more
Man, that's nothin'
As brothers our troubles are
Locked in each others arms
And you better pray
They never find you
Your back ain't strong enough
For burdens doublefold
They'd crush you down
Down into nothin'
Being born is going blind
And buying down a thousand times
To echoes strung
On pure temptation
Sorrow and solitude
These are the precious things
And the only words
That are worth rememberin'
. . .
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By townes van zandt
I got two hands
I wanna clap my hands together
I got two legs
I wanna dance to heavens door
I got one heart
I gonna fill it up with up jesus
And I ain't gonna think about trouble anymore
Well now, this old world sometimes it does get lonesome
And it's many a grown man has hung his head and cried
Down in your soul there's one that won't desert you
Ain't it fine to have the saviour by your side
Now the lord resides inside a house of golden
And faith is the door and love is the key
And warm is the light pouring from his mighty windows
And that light, my friend, it shines on you and me
When the wind blows on that faithful morning
And I close my eyes, lord, and fly my body home
I don't want my friends to cry no tears about me
I'll be bathing in the glory of the throne
I got two hands
I wanna clap my hands together
I got two legs
I wanna dance to heavens door
I got one heart
I gonna fill it up with up Jesus
And I ain't gonna think about trouble anymore
. . .
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Well, the birds were talking all at once
and the old man mowing down his lawn
he didn't look like much too bad a guy
And I was thinkin' Hang on, man, something's wrong
your blues seems to be gone
heaven ain't bad but you don't get nothing done.
Lay down your head a while
you are not needed now
you are not needed now
Well, Allison laid a hex on me
and every time I turn around
it's swimming through the air above my bed
I told Miss Higgs and she said fine
as long as you're back in your room on time
I keep you clean and the girls will keep you fed
Lay down your head with mine
you are not needed now
and we got things to do
Between the blankets made of wool
the trains roll by every half an hour
and the body can get no restin' done, that's true
so I do my best, as best I can
thinkin' big and making plans
and wondering where them trains are rolling to
Lay down your head poor boy
and feel how the ground does move
and hear how them drivers sing
Well, goodbye friends, it's time to close
everybody knows that's the way it goes
where was it you lived in case I'm ever there
Well, three doors down and two behind
and it gets a little bit out of hand sometimes
don't let it fool you into thinkin you down care
Lay down your head and fly
I'll quietly pass you by
you won't even see me go
If I thought about it long enough
I just might make some kind of move
watchful lies are too hard on the soul
With the smoke house just across the way
and it's fog upon the light of day
that would be hard comin' up with where to go
Lay down your head poor boy
feel how the ground does move
hear how them drivers sing
What now, my darling one
go find a little fun
you are not needed now
. . .
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By townes van zandt
Greensboro woman don't you smile on me
I do not feel like being comforted
And anyway I'll be home soon
For once is someone waitin' there
And if you don't mind
I just think on her instead
Your face, she's a picture, babe
Pictures ain't what I crave
I don't feel this way most generally
I just put a thousand miles 'tween me
And where my thoughts do lie
And I thank you kindly baby to kindly let me be
Your car, she's smooth and fast
Babe, your bourbon's fine
But I ain't feelin free and clear today
Texas loving laying on my mind
I couldn't do you right babe spinnin' round this way
Greensboro woman don't you smile on me
I do not feel like being comforted
And anyway I'll be home soon
For once is someone waitin' there
And if you don't mind
I just think on her instead
. . .
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My days, they are the highway kind
They only come to leave
But the leavin' I don't mind
It's the comin' that I crave.
Pour the sun upon the ground
Stand to throw a shadow
Watch it grow into a night
And fill the spinnin' sky.
Time among the pine trees
It felt like breath of air
Usually I just walk these streets
And tell myself to care.
Sometimes I believe me
And sometimes I don't hear.
Sometimes the shape I'm in
Won't let me go.
Well, I don't know too much for true
But my heart knows how to pound
My legs know how to love someone
My voice knows how to sound.
Shame that it's not enough
Shame that it is a shame.
Follow the circle down
Where would you be?
You're the only one I want now
I never heard your name.
Let's hope we meet some day
If we don't it's all the same.
I'll meet the ones between us,
And be thinkin' 'bout you
And all the places I have seen
And why you where not there
. . .
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By townes van zandt
I'm standin' with my bowed head down now
That ain't right that ain't wrong
It's just a feelin' but I can't shake it
I keep on tryin but it's been so long
If I hurt you I did not mean to
I beg you pardon I did not want to
When I leave you don't you think about me
I won't be back babe I'll be long gone
When the time comes and I'm not ready
Seems it's over before I'm started
The time comes and I don't feel it
I don't know nothin' but my own
Kingdoms into the sky go
And the highway like a river does flow
And my way sometimes it hurts so
And your way just don't go home
. . .
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Now this man down at the used car lot
Tried to sell me four wheels and a trunk.
I said, "man, there is no engine!",
He said, "the engine's just a bunch of junk.
You don't need no engine to go downhill
And I could plainly see, that that's the direction
You're headed in", and he handed me the keyes.
(I said) no deal; you can't sell this stuff to me
No deal, I'm going back to tennesee
Well, I went to a doctor of the highest order,
He said I couldn't have a drink for a year.
One glass of wine on my birthday
If my birthday wasn't too very near.
Lord, he must have put me in a state of shock
'cause I made it for about two weeks;
Then he sent me a bill
That knocked me flat off the wagon
And back down on my feet.
When true love knocked upon my door
She'd just barely turned fifteen
And I was a little bit nervous
If you know just what I mean.
But I've heard somewhere
That true love conquers all
And I figured that was that
Then I started having dreams 'bout
Being chased out of town
Wearing nothing but my cowboy hat.
Well, I come through this life a stumbler, my friends
I expect to die that way
It could be twenty years from now
It could be most any day.
But if there is no whiskey and women, lord,
Behind them heavenly doors
I'm gonna take my chances down below,
And of that you can be sure
. . .
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Won't say I love you, babe
Won't say I need you, babe
But I'm gonna' get you, babe
And I will not do you wrong
Living's mostly wasting time
And I waste my share of mine
But it never feels too good
So let's don't take too long
Well, you're soft as glass and I'm a gentle man
We got the sky to talk about
And the world to lie upon
Days up and down they come
Like rain on a conga drum
Forget most, remember some
Oh, but don't turn none away
Everything is not enough
Nothing is too much to bear
Where you've been is good and gone
All you keep is the getting there
Well, to live's to fly, all low and high
So shake the dust off of your wings
And the sleep out of your eyes
It's goodbye to all my friends
It's time to leave again
Here's to all the poetry
And the picking' down the line
I'll miss the system here
The bottom's low and the treble�s clear
But it don't pay to think too much
On things you leave behind
Well, I may be gone, but it won't be long
I'll be bringing back the melody
And the rhythm that I find
We all got holes to fill
Them holes are all that's real
Some fall on you like a storm
Sometimes you dig your own
The choice is yours to make
Time is yours to take
Some dive into the sea
Some toil upon the stone
Well, to live's to fly awe low and high
So shake the dust off of your wings
And the sleep out of your eye
Oh, shake the dust off of your wings
And the tears out of your eye
. . .
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When he offers his hand
Don't you turn him away
He can lead you to light
Through the darkest of days
With his love wrapped around you
You can't go astray
When he offers his hand
Don't you turn him away
In a world full of sorrow
A world full of hate
You can't wait for tomorrow
'cause tomorrow's to late
Come and stand amongst the pilgrims
In their golden array
When he offers his hand
Don't you turn him away
I am no simon,
No matthew, no paul
It don't take an apostle
To answer his call
And it don't take a prophet
To stand up and say
When he offers his hand
Don't you turn him away
I hope as I'm leavin'
My message is clear
It's a fool that would turn down
A gift that's so dear
When he offers his blood
Your depts to repay
Now he offers his hand
Don't you turn him away
. . .
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The wicked king of clubs awoke
It was to his queen turned
His lips were laughing as they spoke
His eyes like bullets burned
The sun's upon a gambling day
His queen smiled low and blissfully
Let's make some wretched fool to play
Plain it was she did agree
He send his deuce down into diamond
His four to hart, and his trey to spade
Three kings with their legions come
Preparations soon where made
They voted club the days commander
Gave him an army face and number
All but the outlaw jack of diamonds
And the aces in the sky
He give his sevens first instructions
Spirit me a game of stud
Stakes unscarred by limitation
'tween a man named gold and man named mud
Club filled gold with greedy vapors
'til his long, green eyes did glow
Mud was left with the sighs and trembles
Watching his hard earned money go
Flushes fell on gold like water
Tens they paired and paired again
But the aces only flew through heaven
And the diamond jack called no man friend
The diamond queen saw muds ordeal
Began to think of her long lost son
Fell to her knees with a mother's mercy
Prayed to the angels every one
The diamond queen, she prayed and prayed
And the diamond angel filled muds hole
The wicked king of clubs himself
Fell in face down in front of gold
Now three kings come to clubs command
But the angels from the sky did ride
Three kings up on the streets of gold
Three fireballs on the muddy side
The club queen heard her husband's call
But lord that queen of diamond's joy
When the outlaw in the heavenly hall
Turned out to be a wandering boy
Now mud he checked and gold bet all
And mud he raised and gold did call
And the smile just melted off his face
When mud turned over that diamond ace
Now here's what this story's told
If you feel like mud you'll end up gold
If you feel like lost, you'll end up found
So amigo, lay them raises down
. . .
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By townes van zandt
My home is in the blue ridge mountains
My home is in the blue ridge mountains
My home is in the blue ridge mountains
And I ain't comin' back here anymore
I had me a mother that could pray, boys
She prayed for me both night and day, boys
And I tore down every down every prayer that she could say, boys
And I ain't comin' back here anymore
I wanna find me a lady fair and tender
Wanna play her song on my steel strings
Gonna lay her down in a bed of clover
Then I ain't comin' back here anymore
I've seen this whole wide country over
From New York City down to Mexico
And I've seen the joyful and the sorrow
And I ain't comin' back here anymore
So mister (sinby) can you hear me
Down there in (gracel), louisana-o
I'll lay a joint upon your grave, sir
Then I ain't comin' back here anymore
My home is in the blue ridge mountains
My home is in the blue ridge mountains
My home is in the blue ridge mountains
And I ain't comin' back here anymore
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I come from a long line
High and low and in between
Same as you
Hills of golden
Hails of poison
Time's thrown me through
And I believe I've come to learn
That turnin' round
Is to become confusion
And the gold's no good for spending
And the poison's hungry waiting
What can you leave behind
When you're flyin' lightning fast
And all alone?
Only a trace, my friend,
Spirit of motion born
And direction grown.
A trace that will not fade
In frozen skies
Your journey will be
And if her shadow doesn't seem much company
Who said it would be?
There is the highway
And the homemade lovin' kind
The highway's mine
And us ramblers are getting the travelling down
You fathers build with stones
That stand and shine
Heaven's where you find it
And you can't
Take too much with you
But daddy, don't you listen
It's just this highway talkin'
All things at our life
Are brothers in the soil
And in the sky
And I believe it
With my blood
If not my eyes
I don't know why we can't
Be brothers here
I know we should be
Answers don't seem easy
And I'm wonderin'
If they could be
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I ain't gonna sing no lonesome tune
Ah, babe, I'm a-commin' soon
I cannot believe i stayed so long away
But a man must look around
And you're the sweetest thing I've found
Your lost high roller's rollin' home today
My daddy said to me
"Son, it's hard as you will see
To find someone upon whom to rely"
In the kitchen mama sneezed
And he grinned big as you please
Said "bless you" and a tear come to his eye
I did decide that very day
That I would like to live that way
And now I know I just been wastin' time
It's eith you that I should be
If you feel the same 'bout me
I'm headed home along the straightest line
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When the bandits have stolen your jewelry and gone
And your crippled young gypsy, he's grown tall and strong
And your dead misconceptions have proven you wrong
Well then, princess, where you plannin' to turn to?
When your magazine memory has spun you around
And you realize your lovers were just painted clowns
And outside your window you start hearing sounds
Where they're building a cross for to burn you
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
When your teardrops go sour and no longer fall
The splash cross the virgin that lives down your hall
And spends all her nights with an ear to your wall
Well then, what will you have you can offer?
When the firedancers finish and leave you alone
With nothing but embers and sacks full of stone
That hang round your neck, slicing through to the bone
Will there still be a place for your laughter?
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
As your shattered illusions come a-tumblin' home
And all of the butchers you've nourished have grown
And they're are suddenly able to leave you alone
And they run like slaves that are set free
When your questions are answered and your pleadin' is done
And your mind starts to a-screamin' that you ain't the one
That once dwelled within you, will you turn, will you run
Then princess, will you come home and get me?
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
When all your bright scarlet turns slowly to blue
Will you stop and decide that it's over?
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Me & this friend Streetlife Brown
We got a bottle of red and walked downtown
One hand on the jug and one on time
He said I bet you a dollar against this next line
Don't let the sunshine fool ya
Don't let the bluebirds tool ya
Don't let the women do ya
Put your hand in mine
Advice is fine if you've got a mind
To listen to the end that's got the time
But the muse'll get ya if you don't watch out
He's equipped to know what it's all about
Don't let the sunshine fool ya
Don't let the bluebirds tool ya
Don't let the women do ya
Put your hand in mine
Fannin street in the afternoon
An easy way to get out of tune
But the hard soap salesman said no dice
When I asked politely for a better price
Don't let the sunshine fool ya
Don't let the bluebirds tool ya
Don't let the women do ya
Put your hand in mine
Here's a song for you child of mine
I hope you make it through this time
Get yourself a piece of that rainbow pie
No reason in the world you can't get by
Don't let the sunshine fool ya
Don't let the bluebirds tool ya
Don't let the women do ya
Put your hand in mine
Don't let the sunshine fool ya
Don't let the bluebirds tool ya
Don't let the women do ya
Put your hand in mine
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Snow don't fall on summers time
Wind don't blow below the sea
My loves lies 'neath frozen skies
And waits in sweet repose for me
Her eyes did laugh
Her lips did sing
Her legs did roll
My soul to bring
Her hair did curl
And her thoughts unfurled
Like birds upon
The wings of spring
My love I need not see
To know she cast her glance at me
Snow don't fall on summers time
Wind don't blow below the sea
My loves lies 'neath frozen skies
And waits in sweet repose for me
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Far across the blue water lives an old German's daughter
By the banks of the old river Rhine
Where I loved her and left her but I can't forget her
I miss my pretty fraulein
Fraulein, fraulein, look up toward the heavens
Each night when the starts start to shine
By the same stars above you, I swear that I love you
You are my pretty fraulein
When my memories wander a-way over yonder
To the sweetheart that I left behind
In a moment of glory a face comes before me
The face of my pretty fraulein
Fraulein, fraulein, walk down by the river
Pretend that your hand's holdin' mine
By the same stars above you I swear that I love you
You are my pretty fraulein
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Living on the road my friend
Was gonna keep you free and clean
Now you wear your skin like iron
Your breath's as hard as kerosene
You weren't your mama's only boy
But her favorite one it seems
She began to cry when you said goodbye
And sank into your dreams
Pancho was a bandit boys
His horse was fast as polished steel
Wore his gun outside his pants
For all the honest world to feel
Pancho met his match you know
On the deserts down in Mexico
Nobody heard his dying words
That's the way it goes
All the federales say
They could have had him any day
They only let him hang around
Out of kindness I suppose
Lefty he can't sing the blues
All night long like he used to
The dust that Pancho bit down south
Ended up in Lefty's mouth
The day they laid poor Pancho low
Lefty split for Ohio
Where he got the bread to go
There ain't nobody knows
All the federales say
They could have had him any day
They only let him slip away
Out of kindness I suppose
The poets tell how Pancho fell
Lefty's livin' in a cheap hotel
The desert's quiet and Cleveland's cold
So the story ends we're told
Pancho needs your prayers it's true,
But save a few for Lefty too
He just did what he had to do
Now he's growing old
A few gray federales say
They could have had him any day
They only let him go so wrong
Out of kindness I suppose
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If I needed you would you come to me,
Would you come to me, and ease my pain?
If you needed me
I would come to you
I'd swim the seas for to ease your pain
In the night forlorn the morning's born
And the morning shines with the lights of love
You will miss sunrise if you close your eyes
That would break my heart in two
The lady's with me now since I showed her how
To lay her lily hand in mine
Loop and Lil agree she's a sight to see
And a treasure for the poor to find
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Of those that sailed the silver ships
From Andilar I am the last
The deeds that rang our youthful dreams
It seems shall go undone
North for the shores of Valinor
Our bows and crimson sails were made
Our captains were strong, our lances long
And our liege the holy king
The hills did turn from green to blue
And vanish as on the decks we watched
But every thought in that noble company
Was forward bound
To the lifeless plains of Valinor
Where reigns the dark and frozen one
And with tongues afire and glorious eyes
We pledged our mission be
The clime from mild to bitter ran
The wind from fair to fierce did blow
Oath and prayer did turn to thoughts
Of homes left far behind
Longed every man for some glimpse of land
And the host that did await us there
But each new day brought only a sea
And sky of ice and gray
Thanks give no word can drag you through
Those endless weeks our ships did roll
Thanks give you cannot see those sails
And faces bleach and draw
Ice we drank and leather did chew
For the oceans are unwholesome there
The dead that slid into the seas
Did freeze before our eyes
Then a wind did fling the ships apart
Each one to go her separate way
The sky did howl, the hull did groan
For how long I do not know
And what men were left when the winds had ceased
Grew dull and low of countenance
For soldiers denied their battle plain
On comrades soon must turn
So one by one we died alone
Some by hunger, some by steel
Bodies froze where they did fall
Their souls unsanctified
Until only another and I were left
Then just before his flame did fail
We shone ourselves brothers-in-arms
To serve the holy king
Perhaps this shall reach Andilar
Although I know not how it can
For once again he's hurled his wind
Upon the silver prow
But if it should my words are these
Arise young men fine ships to build
And set them north for Valinor
'Neath standards proud as fire
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I'm building a houseboat in heaven
To sail those deep and holy seas
I'm building a houseboat in heaven
And it's welcome aboard you sweet peace
The bow she is made of solid silver
And the hall she is made of solid gold
She ain't much long the line's a-floating
But she's yours, babe, to have and to hold
I rode my old guitar to heaven
But heaven didn't feel too much like home
So I'm headed out on to them lonesome oceans
In my rubystudded houseboat to roam
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Loretta she's my barroom girl
Wheres them seven's on her sleeve
Dances like a diamond shines,
Tells me lies I love to believe
Her age is always twenty two
Her laughing eyes a hazel hue
Spends my money like a water falls
Loves me like I want her too.
Loretta won't you say to me
Darlin' put your guitar on
Have a little shot of booze
Play a blue and wailin' song
My guitar rings a melody
My guitar sings Loretta fine
Long and lazy wild and free
And I can have her any time
Sweetest at the break of day
Prettiest in the setting sun
She don't cry when I can't stay
Atleast not 'till she's all alone
Loretta I won't be gone long
Keep your dancing slippers on
Keep me on your mind a while
I'm comin' home, I'm comin' home
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If I had no place to fall
And I needed to
Could I count on you
To lay me down?
I'd never tell you no lies
I don't believe it's wise
You got pretty eyes
Won't you spin me 'round
I ain't much of a lover it's true
I'm here then I'm gone
And I'm forever blue
But I'm sure wanting you
Skies full of silver and gold
Try to hide the sun
But it can't be done
Least not for long
And if we help each other grow
While the light of day
Smiles down our way
Then we can't go wrong
Time, she's a fast old train
She's here then she's gone
And she won't come again
Won't you take my hand
If I had no place to fall
And I needed to
Could I count on you
To lay me down?
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Days full of rain
Skys comin' down again
I get so tired
Of these same old blues
Same old song
Baby, it won't be long
'fore I be tyin' on
My flyin' shoes
Flyin' shoes
Till I be tyin' on
My flyin' shoes
Spring only sighed
Summer had to be satisfied
Fall is a feelin' that I just can't lose.
I'd like to stay
Maybe watch a winter day
Turn the green water
To white and blue
Flyin' shoes
Flyin' shoes
Till I be tyin' on
My flyin' shoes
The mountain moon
Forever sets too soon
Bein' alone is all the hills can do
Alone and then
Her silver sails again
And they will follow
In their flyin' shoes
Flyin' shoes
They will follow in their
Flyin' shoes
Days full of rain
Skys comin' down again
I get so tired
Of the same old blues
Same old song
Baby, it won't be long
Till I be tyin' on
My flyin' shoes
Flyin' shoes
Till I be tyin' on
My flyin' shoes
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When she don't need me
It makes me crazy
She say rest easy
And it makes me lazy
But when she please me
She please me all night long
My friends are leavin'
She say don't worry
They're only leavin'
There is no parting
You will be lonely
I will be here with you
On the winds of darkness
The light is soring
And chains are bonded
Freedom is singing
Cling to the darkness
Until you've turned to song
The blues shall wash me
And sun shall dry me
The world will hide me
But she will find me
And when she find me
She will take me home
When she don't need me
It makes me crazy
She say rest easy
And it makes me lazy
But when she please me
She please me all night long
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By townes van zandt
If I had a dollar bill
Yes, I believe I surely will
Go to town and drink my fill
Early in the morning
Little darling, she's a redhaired thing
Man, she makes my legs to sing
Gonna buy her a diamond ring
Early in the morning
Mother was a golden girl
I slit her throat just to get her pearls
Cast myself into a whirl
Before a bunch of swine
It's a long way down the harlan road
Busted back and a heavy load
Won't get through to save my soul
Early in the morning
I've always been a gambling man
I've roled them bones with either hand
Seven is the promised land
Early in the morning
Whiskey'd be my dying bed
Tell me where to lay my head
Not with me is all she said
Early in the morning
If I had a dollar bill
Yes, I believe I surely will
Go to town and drink my fill
Early in the morning
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By townes van zandt
Ride the blue wind high and freeShe'll lead you down through miseryLeave you low, come time to goAlone and low as low can be
If I had a nickel I'd find a gameIf I won a dollar I'd make it rainIf it rained an ocean I'd drink it dryAnd lay me down dissatisfied
Legs to walk and thoughts to flyEyes to laugh and lips to cryA restless tongue to classifyAll born to grow and grown to die
So tell my baby I said so longTell my mother I did no wrongTell my brother to watch his ownAnd tell my friends to mourn me none
I'm chained upon the face of timeFeelin' full of foolish rhymeThere ain't no dark till something shinesI'm bound to leave this dark behind
Ride the blue wind high and freeShe'll lead you down through miseryLeave you low, come time to goAlone and low as low can be
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By townes van zandt
Sunrise comes and I don't know why
Living loves and the day does fly
Soon the moon and baby and i
Will be lyin' side by side
How many of your skies are blue?
How much of your love is true?
Where to get them eyes of green?
I'm knowin' you know just what I mean
If I have to go I won't be long
Maybe we'll move to tennessee
Leave these texas blues behind
See susanna and guy
Well, I'm in this cold room all alone
I guess I'll try the telephone
It'll be busy or she won't be home
Tomorrow is another day
Sunrise comes and I don't know why
Living loves and the day does fly
Soon the moon and baby and i
Will be lyin' side by side
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(feat. Kimmie Rhodes)
Brother flower, are you listenin'?
Let me sing a song for you
Brother flower, petals glistenin',
In the bashful mornings dew
Brother flower, when the sun shines
And the dew has flown away
If you don't mind weak and wrong rhymes
Brother flower, may I stay?
Brother flower, you ain't lonely
For you've always been alone
But I haven't been so lucky
I had love and now it's gone
I have arms to hold another
Never to hold her again
I have life to give lover
You have life to give the wind
Brother flower, when the snow flies
And you lay your beauty down
Brother flower, are you sleepin'
There upon the cold, cold ground
Brother flower, please awaken
Show the sky your face of blue
Let me know I ain't forsaken
Seems like all I have is you
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You can't hold me
I'm too slippery
I do no sleepin'
I get lonely
You can touch me
If you want to
I got poison
I just might bite you
Lie in circles
On the sunlight
Shine like diamonds
On a dark night
Ain't no mercy
In my smilin'
Only fangs and
Sweet beguiling
Future, he don't
Try to find me
Skin I been through
Dies behind me
Solid hollow
Wrapped in hatred
Not a drop of
Venom wasted
You can slip in
Try to find me
Hold your breath and
Flat deny me
It makes no difference
To my thinkin'
I'll be here when
You start sinkin'
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(feat. Doug Sahm)
Well, the clouds didn't look like cotton
They didn't even look like clouds
I was underneath the weather
My friends looked a crowd
The swimmin' hole was full of rum
I tried to find out why
All I learned was this my friend
You got to swim before you fly
I got two girls
One's in heaven and one's below
Oh, one I love with all my heart
And one I do not know.
Two lonesome dudes on an ugly horse
Passed by not long ago
They asked me where the action was
I said I did not know
As they disappeared into the brush
I heard the driver say
He's a little slow between the ears
He's always been that way.
Jolly jane just lays around
And listens with her mouth
She's had about a dozen husbands
But the last one pulled out
Now, who's gonna bring her dinner
Through the weary years ahead
All she'll get from me is sympathy
Got no time to see she's fed.
It's cold down on the bayou
They say it's in your mind
But the moccasins are treadin' ice
And leavin strange designs
Cajuns say the last time
That this happend they weren't here
All beaumont's full of penguins
And I'm a-playin' it by ear
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I decided to improve my social station
I joined a fraternity organisation
Tucked in my shirt
Signed on the line
Right away they said about to improve my mind
The car I drove
The books I read
The food I ate
The booze I drank
The girls I took out
My breath
Said "kid, we don't much like the way you walk
And you gonna have to change the way you talk"
They said "your dress is kind of sludge
And your attitude is mighty grudge"
Said "you got to learn to bubble"
"you got to bubble with enthusiasm" I started bubble
"most important thing you can't forget
Is learning the entire greek alphabet"
I never did really understand
That that's gonna make me anymore a man
But I learned it
I can whip through that son-of-a-beta backwards in five seconds
Then they hit me with some pretty bad news
Concerning the payment of monthly dues
I never did know where that money went
I never was sure it was well spent
But I paid it
I'm no troublecauser and besides I figured that's life
If you want good friends it gonna cost you
Well, finally got to be party time
I got a great big old jug of wine
I went back to the house in about an hour
[when the boy's were] drinking whiskey sours
Brandy alexanders
Frozen [daquires]
Reciting the greek alphabet to one another
I could see I was gonna have to do my very best
To get myself out of that fraternity mess
I stood right there outside the door
And I chugged that wine like never before
Walked inside and bubbled
All over a couple of their dates
So now everything's back to normal again
But there is still lots of room for improvement my friend
'cause that fraternity stuff is too much for me
Next time I'm gonna join a sorority
Really get me something to bubble about
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I'm goin out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine
I'm goin out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine
White freight liner
Won't you steal away my mind
Ah, new mexico ain't bad, lord
And the people there they treat you kind
And the people there they treat you kind
Well, it's bad news from houston
Half my friends are dying
Well, it's bad news from houston
Half my friends are dying
Ah, lord, I'm gonna ramble
Till I get back to where I came
Ah, lord, I'm gonna ramble
Till I get back to where I came
I'm goin out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine
I'm goin out on the highway
Listen to them big trucks whine
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By townes van zandt
Among the strangest things I ever heard
Was when a friend of mine said "man, let's get some thunderbird"
I said "what's that? " he just started to grin
Slobbered on his shirt, his eyes got dim
He said "you got fifty-nine cents? "
I said "yeah, I got a dollar, but don't be a smart-aleck
I ain't gonna spend it on no indian relic"
And he said "thunderbird's not an old indian trinket,
It's a wine, man, you take it home and drink it."
I said "it sure don't sound like wine to me"
And he said he'd bet me the change from my dollar
We hustled on down to the nearest u-tate-um
The guy wanted my id, I whipped her out and showed him
He got a green bottle from the freezing vault
My friend started doing backward somersaults
Through the cottage cheese
Took it back to his house, started drinkin'
Pretty soon I set in to thinkin'
"man, this thunderbird tastes yummy, yummy, yummy
And I know it's doing good things to my tummy, tum..., t..."
It's so you reason when your on that crap
Got a few more bottles, chugged them down
I pulled myself up off the ground
Decided I go see my dearest sweet wife
Who met me at the door with a carving knife
Said "get them damn grape peel from between your teeth."
I could see we're gonna have a little misunderstanding
I said "dear, I better get in touch with you later"
She said "forget it, man, you're never touchin' me again!"
Now I've seen the light and heard the word
And I'm staying away from that ol' dirty thunderbird
A message come from heaven radiant, and fine,
All I drink now is communion wine
Six days a week
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Cocaine, cocaine,
'Round my heart and runnin' 'round my brain,
Cocaine, aw, you ol' cocaine.
I woke up this mornin', Lord, I had a hunger pain.
And all I want for breakfast is my good cocaine,
Cocaine, aw you ol' cocaine.
Jump out of bed, Mama, run downtown;
Take along the money and look all around.
Find the man, the man that sells cocaine.
Come here, Mama, come here quick;
That ol' coke's got me and I'm feelin' sick.
Cocaine, aw you ol' cocaine.
Get out of here, Mama, I thought you understood;
You got no connections then you're no damn good.
Cocaine.
Well, coke's for horses, Lord, it ain't for men.
They say it kills you, but they don't say when.
C'mon, Mama, let's rent us a boat.
We'll sail down that Gibraltar moat;
Shed a tear every time we pass Tangiers.
Cocaine, cocaine,
'Round my heart and runnin' 'round my brain,
Cocaine, aw, you ol' cocaine
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Don't go saying I'm leaving you
Thinking I never got close enough to stay
Time runs in, and then runs out
Starts again and it's always been that way
You're gonna drown tomorrow
If you cry to many tears for yesterday
Tomorrow's half of all you've got
So treat him good, 'cause when I'm gone, he'll stay
I won't be forgetting you
You won't be forgetting me, I know
If memory comes a summer cloud
Rains her sweetness down to me below
I see you like you look right now
Maybe wonder why I had to go
But heaven is the way she is
Rain falls and rivers flow
So here's to feelin' good
Here's to feelin' bad
Here's to bein' thankful
Sorry for the pleasures that we had
And autumn days and window panes
God, forgive us if you feel decieved
The clock don't know you like I do
And it's only him or me you got to believe
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