12 original songs by Mark Moss
Recorded at Stars Guitars and Uptildawn Studios in Cedar Rapids, IA, 5/05 – 7/05
Lyrics and Discussion
01-Feelin' High
Lyrics
I’m disassociated from
The news of the day – but that’s okay
No one wants to hear my opinions anyway
Never wanted all these problems
Never felt like growing old
Responsibility really bites it – don’t you know
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
In fact you’ll feel fine
In fact you’ll feel high
I’m getting high on observation
Sunny day is my vacation
Don’t you cloud it up for me with all your complications
Never thought I would be missin’
Blinders on my tunnel vision
Amazed that all my dumb decisions
Ain’t killed me off
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
In fact you’ll feel fine
In fact you’ll feel high
(Guitar solo)
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
In fact you’ll feel fine
In fact you’ll feel high
Story behind Feelin’ High
I started writing this song on a beautiful summer day while out tearing around in my Jeep with my dog. I felt really good, I felt inspired, my dog was licking my face… I digress.
I was putting down thoughts about people who take themselves too seriously, who will tell you their point of view without wanting to hear yours, or who like to complain about their problems.
I like to enjoy simple things in life that get me “high”. Sometimes it seems like people LIKE having problems, maybe because it’s so much easier to be negative than anything else because it doesn’t take any work.
Yeah – you’re unique just like everyone else.
I’m disassociated from
The news of the day – but that’s okay
No one wants to hear my opinions anyway
Never wanted all these problems
Never felt like growing old
Responsibility really bites it – don’t you know
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
In fact you’ll feel fine
In fact you’ll feel high
I’m getting high on observation
Sunny day is my vacation
Don’t you cloud it up for me with all your complications
Never thought I would be missin’
Blinders on my tunnel vision
Amazed that all my dumb decisions
Ain’t killed me off
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
In fact you’ll feel fine
In fact you’ll feel high
(Guitar solo)
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
I say in time – you’ll see it my way
Open your mind, you’ll be okay
In fact you’ll feel fine
In fact you’ll feel high
Story behind Feelin’ High
I started writing this song on a beautiful summer day while out tearing around in my Jeep with my dog. I felt really good, I felt inspired, my dog was licking my face… I digress.
I was putting down thoughts about people who take themselves too seriously, who will tell you their point of view without wanting to hear yours, or who like to complain about their problems.
I like to enjoy simple things in life that get me “high”. Sometimes it seems like people LIKE having problems, maybe because it’s so much easier to be negative than anything else because it doesn’t take any work.
Yeah – you’re unique just like everyone else.
02-Step Outside Yourself
Lyrics
There’s a rich man driving in his SUV
That’ll never leave the road
It’s a shiny big-ass, cool machine and
There’s a poor man on the corner
With a misspelled sign begging for some change
As the SUV’s drive right by
I’d like to think we’re all the same
The fact remains people never change
Step outside yourself and look around
Think you got it all figured out
So much you may want to change
You can only change yourself
A pretty woman does her makeup in her rear view mirror
While talking on her cell phone
And hoping for a decent man
There’s a young girl, kid on the way and two packs a day
Sipping coffee at a daycare
Trying to come up with a better plan
I’d like to think we’re all the same
The fact remains people never change
Step outside yourself and look around
Think you got it all figured out
So much you may want to change
You can only change yourself
(Guitar solo)
I’d like to think we’re all the same
The fact remains people never change
Step outside yourself and look around
Think you got it all figured out
So much you may want to change
You can only change yourself
Take a step outside yourself
Take a step outside yourself
Take a step outside yourself
And look around
Story behind Step Outside Yourself
I initially wrote this while on vacation, and as with most musical ideas it was falling out of me just as everyone I was vacationing with wanted to leave to go somewhere – so I was scrambling to get the idea recorded on my handheld recorder before it escaped me.
After I got my 12 string I started playing around with this song a bit more and molded it to fit the lyrics I wanted.
I was literally in Chicago traffic, being redundant – you’re always in traffic if you’re driving in Chicago – when I see some guy begging for handouts while SUV’s keep driving right by him. Most of the drivers on their cell phones, others preoccupied with their look in the mirror. But generally ignoring the guy.
Then you start to wonder, is the guy really in need or taking advantage of people’s generosity? And if that’s the case, who’s really the con artist – the guy for taking advantage of handouts or the people who buy off their conscience by giving him a handout? Then what about the Escalade driver who flips him off?
So the song is generally a song of reflection and if you’re really the person you want to be. You can be really big-hearted and well-intentioned, but ultimately you can only change your self.
There’s a rich man driving in his SUV
That’ll never leave the road
It’s a shiny big-ass, cool machine and
There’s a poor man on the corner
With a misspelled sign begging for some change
As the SUV’s drive right by
I’d like to think we’re all the same
The fact remains people never change
Step outside yourself and look around
Think you got it all figured out
So much you may want to change
You can only change yourself
A pretty woman does her makeup in her rear view mirror
While talking on her cell phone
And hoping for a decent man
There’s a young girl, kid on the way and two packs a day
Sipping coffee at a daycare
Trying to come up with a better plan
I’d like to think we’re all the same
The fact remains people never change
Step outside yourself and look around
Think you got it all figured out
So much you may want to change
You can only change yourself
(Guitar solo)
I’d like to think we’re all the same
The fact remains people never change
Step outside yourself and look around
Think you got it all figured out
So much you may want to change
You can only change yourself
Take a step outside yourself
Take a step outside yourself
Take a step outside yourself
And look around
Story behind Step Outside Yourself
I initially wrote this while on vacation, and as with most musical ideas it was falling out of me just as everyone I was vacationing with wanted to leave to go somewhere – so I was scrambling to get the idea recorded on my handheld recorder before it escaped me.
After I got my 12 string I started playing around with this song a bit more and molded it to fit the lyrics I wanted.
I was literally in Chicago traffic, being redundant – you’re always in traffic if you’re driving in Chicago – when I see some guy begging for handouts while SUV’s keep driving right by him. Most of the drivers on their cell phones, others preoccupied with their look in the mirror. But generally ignoring the guy.
Then you start to wonder, is the guy really in need or taking advantage of people’s generosity? And if that’s the case, who’s really the con artist – the guy for taking advantage of handouts or the people who buy off their conscience by giving him a handout? Then what about the Escalade driver who flips him off?
So the song is generally a song of reflection and if you’re really the person you want to be. You can be really big-hearted and well-intentioned, but ultimately you can only change your self.
03-Beaten Down
Lyrics
Tender to the touch
Can’t see out of her left eye again
She’s learned not to talk back
She’s learned to live with pain
How many times she can’t remember
Too damn painful to recall
Tired of lying to her family
Tired of fallin’, walking into walls
All the colors of the rainbow
Blend together on her face as she weeps
She thinks, “I used to be so beautiful.”
Then she cries herself to sleep
How many days spent hiding
Avoids her reflection in the mirror
She knows she’s better – no one deserves this
But being alone is her greatest fear
Tries to mend the tears
As she falls into bed
Just too many holes
In the fabric of her soul
Oh, gonna change her stars
Tonight she’s gonna take her stand
But when he comes home and whispers sweet things in her ear
She lets it slide – the cycle starts again
Swelling dissipates… bruises fade away
Just like her resolve
And what does it matter, cause he just might change
She must be doing something wrong now
It must be, it must be her fault
Home is where the heart is
But when you’re beaten down it’s just a home
No excuses, no justification
But at least she’s not alone…
Story behind “Beaten Down”
I have never understood women that will endure abusive relationships. There seems to be some self-loathing involved for some women who believe they don’t deserve anything better, or can’t find anything better, or assuage their depression by thinking “at least I’m not alone”.
I wrote this song about a girl I dated a long time ago who tolerated her previous abusive boyfriend because she couldn’t stand being alone. It made no sense to me then, it doesn’t now. Call the cops already, you’re better and you deserve better.
This song is more about the helpless situation of a woman who finds herself enduring an abusive relationship, yet is unable to break out of the cycle of abuse.
Since this hits a nerve with many, I should be more to the point regarding my opinion on the matter:
If you’re abusing your partner – you’re a loser. If you’re the subject of abuse, then you’re in a situation that is usually out of your control seek help, it’s not your fault.
Tender to the touch
Can’t see out of her left eye again
She’s learned not to talk back
She’s learned to live with pain
How many times she can’t remember
Too damn painful to recall
Tired of lying to her family
Tired of fallin’, walking into walls
All the colors of the rainbow
Blend together on her face as she weeps
She thinks, “I used to be so beautiful.”
Then she cries herself to sleep
How many days spent hiding
Avoids her reflection in the mirror
She knows she’s better – no one deserves this
But being alone is her greatest fear
Tries to mend the tears
As she falls into bed
Just too many holes
In the fabric of her soul
Oh, gonna change her stars
Tonight she’s gonna take her stand
But when he comes home and whispers sweet things in her ear
She lets it slide – the cycle starts again
Swelling dissipates… bruises fade away
Just like her resolve
And what does it matter, cause he just might change
She must be doing something wrong now
It must be, it must be her fault
Home is where the heart is
But when you’re beaten down it’s just a home
No excuses, no justification
But at least she’s not alone…
Story behind “Beaten Down”
I have never understood women that will endure abusive relationships. There seems to be some self-loathing involved for some women who believe they don’t deserve anything better, or can’t find anything better, or assuage their depression by thinking “at least I’m not alone”.
I wrote this song about a girl I dated a long time ago who tolerated her previous abusive boyfriend because she couldn’t stand being alone. It made no sense to me then, it doesn’t now. Call the cops already, you’re better and you deserve better.
This song is more about the helpless situation of a woman who finds herself enduring an abusive relationship, yet is unable to break out of the cycle of abuse.
Since this hits a nerve with many, I should be more to the point regarding my opinion on the matter:
If you’re abusing your partner – you’re a loser. If you’re the subject of abuse, then you’re in a situation that is usually out of your control seek help, it’s not your fault.
04-Trapped Inside
Lyrics
Nothing new this morning
Only tired and blurry-eyed
I got used to that real early in life
Miss the rat race sometimes
Other times I’m glad I’m here
Then the open road starts calling, yeah
I’ll follow, yeah
Lost another friend
Said something real stupid again
Something here then gone
Is worse than never at all and
I put up a wall – I’m trapped inside
It’s never my fault – I’m trapped inside
Trapped inside
Too opinionated
Too outspoken and too loud
I got used to that real early in life
But today is different
Then I never pick up the phone
Pride is only a nasty solace
So I hit the road
Lost another friend
Ooh again
Something here then gone
Is worse than never at all and
I put up a wall – I’m trapped inside
It’s never my fault – I’m trapped inside
Too stubborn to change – trapped inside
So I cope with the pain – trapped inside
Trapped inside
Story behind Trapped Inside
I wrote the main portion of this song in ’99, then I hear the same chords being played in a John Mayer song. Which initially caused me to scrap it. Then I dug it out later, wrote a second guitar part to it, sped it up and centered the song around vocals.
Because it’s one of the older songs on this CD there were a lot of hidden meanings in the lyrics.
The opening line, the ho-hum mornings after gigs and late nights waking up exhausted until that first Mt. Dew…
A line about getting out of the rat race to where you can actually breathe clean air and be alone if you want. Feeling free.
All the while being head-strong and driving people away from being too stubborn at times. It’s so hard to keep track of so many people who cross your path in life, I start thinking of people I really miss and wondering if I said something really ignorant to tick them off and that’s why we don’t keep in touch anymore. The reality being that people get busy with their lives and I probably didn’t do anything – but you still wonder.
Some people hear the Rolling Stones in this song, some Led Zeppelin, some Alice In Chains – truth be told I ripped them all off!
Nothing new this morning
Only tired and blurry-eyed
I got used to that real early in life
Miss the rat race sometimes
Other times I’m glad I’m here
Then the open road starts calling, yeah
I’ll follow, yeah
Lost another friend
Said something real stupid again
Something here then gone
Is worse than never at all and
I put up a wall – I’m trapped inside
It’s never my fault – I’m trapped inside
Trapped inside
Too opinionated
Too outspoken and too loud
I got used to that real early in life
But today is different
Then I never pick up the phone
Pride is only a nasty solace
So I hit the road
Lost another friend
Ooh again
Something here then gone
Is worse than never at all and
I put up a wall – I’m trapped inside
It’s never my fault – I’m trapped inside
Too stubborn to change – trapped inside
So I cope with the pain – trapped inside
Trapped inside
Story behind Trapped Inside
I wrote the main portion of this song in ’99, then I hear the same chords being played in a John Mayer song. Which initially caused me to scrap it. Then I dug it out later, wrote a second guitar part to it, sped it up and centered the song around vocals.
Because it’s one of the older songs on this CD there were a lot of hidden meanings in the lyrics.
The opening line, the ho-hum mornings after gigs and late nights waking up exhausted until that first Mt. Dew…
A line about getting out of the rat race to where you can actually breathe clean air and be alone if you want. Feeling free.
All the while being head-strong and driving people away from being too stubborn at times. It’s so hard to keep track of so many people who cross your path in life, I start thinking of people I really miss and wondering if I said something really ignorant to tick them off and that’s why we don’t keep in touch anymore. The reality being that people get busy with their lives and I probably didn’t do anything – but you still wonder.
Some people hear the Rolling Stones in this song, some Led Zeppelin, some Alice In Chains – truth be told I ripped them all off!
05-Where You Are
Lyrics
A cold inscription bars the door
“Pasts long gone and those no more”
So I walked right through
Don’t recognize my reflection a world apart
Broken lines inside a mirror is where you are
A poisoned memory hidden deep within
I dug it up and smashed it dead against a wall
A glass half empty holds the answer
The answer that I can’t recall
Don’t recognize my reflection a world apart
Broken lines inside a mirror is where you are
A cold inscription bars the door
“Pasts long gone and those no more”
So I walked right through
Yeah I walked right through
Paralyzed by my reflection a world apart
Broken lines inside a mirror is where you are
Story behind Where You Are
I started writing this song during a time when I was listening to very heavy, very simple music.
Then I added a second guitar part to it like I love to do inverting chords and adding some dissonance. Then I let it sink into my brain for a while before trying to write lyrics.
The lyrics I came up with reflect the mood of the song. Why we as people, in spite of what a sign says, will ignore it and deal with the consequences. Like “Road Closed Ahead” and sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t.
That segued into how sometimes you’ll see something or try something that stirs up a forgotten song or memory.
Basically you look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself and you’re not sure if the person inside the mirror is you or not, of if you’ve changed beyond what you recognize. Yeah, it’s a tripped out song.
A cold inscription bars the door
“Pasts long gone and those no more”
So I walked right through
Don’t recognize my reflection a world apart
Broken lines inside a mirror is where you are
A poisoned memory hidden deep within
I dug it up and smashed it dead against a wall
A glass half empty holds the answer
The answer that I can’t recall
Don’t recognize my reflection a world apart
Broken lines inside a mirror is where you are
A cold inscription bars the door
“Pasts long gone and those no more”
So I walked right through
Yeah I walked right through
Paralyzed by my reflection a world apart
Broken lines inside a mirror is where you are
Story behind Where You Are
I started writing this song during a time when I was listening to very heavy, very simple music.
Then I added a second guitar part to it like I love to do inverting chords and adding some dissonance. Then I let it sink into my brain for a while before trying to write lyrics.
The lyrics I came up with reflect the mood of the song. Why we as people, in spite of what a sign says, will ignore it and deal with the consequences. Like “Road Closed Ahead” and sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t.
That segued into how sometimes you’ll see something or try something that stirs up a forgotten song or memory.
Basically you look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself and you’re not sure if the person inside the mirror is you or not, of if you’ve changed beyond what you recognize. Yeah, it’s a tripped out song.
06-Done Is Done
Lyrics
“Final reflection staring back at me from inside me ”
You never took the time to think what that means
My words for you tinged with anger – yeah
And I ain’t ever gonna change
You once said to me
What’s done is done
You once were full of life
Tired of waiting for inspiration, I wait for the calm
The calm of nighttime where no one sees the rage that’s eating me
It eats me like cancer, yeah it’s eating me alive
Your judgment falls off me like the rain that’s pouring down
You once said to me
What’s done is done
You once were full of life
If you would’ve just given me a minute
Just a chance to talk to you
To hear me out and
Sort out what I’m gonna say to you now
You made the bed in which you lie
You chose that path
…Forgive me if I don’t cry
(Solo)
Bailing out, leaving, nothing else for me to say anyway
Your final judgment day
You once said to me
What’s done is done
You once were full of life
If you would’ve just given me a minute
Just a chance to talk to you
To hear me out and
Sort out what I’m gonna say to you now
You made the bed in which you lie
You chose that path
You made the bed in which you lie
You chose that path
…Forgive me if I don’t cry
Story behind Done Is Done
A song about saying good bye to some one and not necessarily wishing them well. A good riddance song, forgive me if I don’t cry…
I made some modifications to this song as well to be more explicit about my feelings towards this theme. It’s angrier, it more poignant and to the point while still carrying the same message.
From personal experiences I know how rage or hatred can eat at some one. My point in the lyrics is a “what if” statement. Would things turn out different if you spoke your mind rather than keep it inside where it eats away at you?
“Final reflection staring back at me from inside me ”
You never took the time to think what that means
My words for you tinged with anger – yeah
And I ain’t ever gonna change
You once said to me
What’s done is done
You once were full of life
Tired of waiting for inspiration, I wait for the calm
The calm of nighttime where no one sees the rage that’s eating me
It eats me like cancer, yeah it’s eating me alive
Your judgment falls off me like the rain that’s pouring down
You once said to me
What’s done is done
You once were full of life
If you would’ve just given me a minute
Just a chance to talk to you
To hear me out and
Sort out what I’m gonna say to you now
You made the bed in which you lie
You chose that path
…Forgive me if I don’t cry
(Solo)
Bailing out, leaving, nothing else for me to say anyway
Your final judgment day
You once said to me
What’s done is done
You once were full of life
If you would’ve just given me a minute
Just a chance to talk to you
To hear me out and
Sort out what I’m gonna say to you now
You made the bed in which you lie
You chose that path
You made the bed in which you lie
You chose that path
…Forgive me if I don’t cry
Story behind Done Is Done
A song about saying good bye to some one and not necessarily wishing them well. A good riddance song, forgive me if I don’t cry…
I made some modifications to this song as well to be more explicit about my feelings towards this theme. It’s angrier, it more poignant and to the point while still carrying the same message.
From personal experiences I know how rage or hatred can eat at some one. My point in the lyrics is a “what if” statement. Would things turn out different if you spoke your mind rather than keep it inside where it eats away at you?
07-Make It Through
Lyrics
It’s just an aberration, no cause for consternation
Smiling at my own frustration, then I laugh out loud
A twisted situation, intellectual intoxication
Skipped my medication for my angst and woes
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Just like last time (just like last time)
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Stronger in spite of all my weaknesses
Learned to laugh at myself, that pride’s a bitter pill
I’d rather lead my own way than go against my will
My gesticulations from too many strange libations
Causing the exacerbation of my angst and woes
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Just like last time (just like last time)
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Stronger in spite of all my weaknesses
I’ll make it through
Empty conversation leads to my agitation
Took my mini mental vacation and never checked back in
Lost my motivation, just too much moderation
Calls for a celebration so let’s get gone again
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Just like last time (just like last time)
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Stronger in spite of all my weaknesses
I’ll make it through
Story behind Make It Through
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” – a quote I’ve always loved. Perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles will always make you stronger. My other favorite quote “Better to regret something you did than didn’t do” made famous by the Butthole Surfers and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I started writing this one when I lived in Chicago-land and was listening to a lot of Blues Traveler and Sheryl Crow. I wanted an acoustic song that was some real fast strumming and not a lot of picking – basically something I could play no matter how much beer I’ve had to drink…
It’s just an aberration, no cause for consternation
Smiling at my own frustration, then I laugh out loud
A twisted situation, intellectual intoxication
Skipped my medication for my angst and woes
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Just like last time (just like last time)
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Stronger in spite of all my weaknesses
Learned to laugh at myself, that pride’s a bitter pill
I’d rather lead my own way than go against my will
My gesticulations from too many strange libations
Causing the exacerbation of my angst and woes
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Just like last time (just like last time)
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Stronger in spite of all my weaknesses
I’ll make it through
Empty conversation leads to my agitation
Took my mini mental vacation and never checked back in
Lost my motivation, just too much moderation
Calls for a celebration so let’s get gone again
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Just like last time (just like last time)
I’ll make it through (I’ll make it through)
Stronger in spite of all my weaknesses
I’ll make it through
Story behind Make It Through
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” – a quote I’ve always loved. Perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles will always make you stronger. My other favorite quote “Better to regret something you did than didn’t do” made famous by the Butthole Surfers and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I started writing this one when I lived in Chicago-land and was listening to a lot of Blues Traveler and Sheryl Crow. I wanted an acoustic song that was some real fast strumming and not a lot of picking – basically something I could play no matter how much beer I’ve had to drink…
08-What Did I Say?
Lyrics
She said she loved me
At least I think that’s what she said
So I started drinking
Then never stopped to start again
I’m pretty sure she was pretty
I’m pretty sure she was tall
I’m pretty sure she was happy
That I never called
I tried to play sensitive
Kind of pretended I was kind
She talked about everything
She never stopped, I didn’t mind
I told her I loved her
But it came out wrong
She threw a drink in my face
When I sang her this song – ooh, ooh, ooh
I think I love you more than fishing
I think I love you more than my truck
I think we ought to run off together
I think I love you, how ‘bout we…
What – what did I say?
Well maybe it was the whiskey
Or maybe it’s ‘cause I fell down
Or maybe it was the comment I made
About the neon lights shining on her facial hair…
I think I love you more than fishing
I think I love you more than my truck
I think we ought to run off together, yeah
I think I love you, how ‘bout we…
Where you going?
What – what did I say?
Story behind What Did I Say?
Okay, this was the last song to be written before recording began on the CD.
I wanted a song with a slutty beat, something a little funky and this came out.
The lyrics are based on my numerous email updates where I give directions for men based on a compass, street names, etc, then give directions for women based on landmarks – usually starting from a mall. Yes, it’s piggish, but if you can’t laugh at it you don’t have a sense of humor.
The song got funny when I was at Muddy Waters watching some oaf hit on every woman that came close to him – but not getting up off his bar stool. He was slurring, could barely stand when he would try, and I couldn’t hear what he was saying but could read the faces of the women as they would try to get away from him. So I made up a chorus based on what I thought he might be saying…
Of course I’ve always loved the old Van Halen songs with David Lee Roth and that had some influence too.
She said she loved me
At least I think that’s what she said
So I started drinking
Then never stopped to start again
I’m pretty sure she was pretty
I’m pretty sure she was tall
I’m pretty sure she was happy
That I never called
I tried to play sensitive
Kind of pretended I was kind
She talked about everything
She never stopped, I didn’t mind
I told her I loved her
But it came out wrong
She threw a drink in my face
When I sang her this song – ooh, ooh, ooh
I think I love you more than fishing
I think I love you more than my truck
I think we ought to run off together
I think I love you, how ‘bout we…
What – what did I say?
Well maybe it was the whiskey
Or maybe it’s ‘cause I fell down
Or maybe it was the comment I made
About the neon lights shining on her facial hair…
I think I love you more than fishing
I think I love you more than my truck
I think we ought to run off together, yeah
I think I love you, how ‘bout we…
Where you going?
What – what did I say?
Story behind What Did I Say?
Okay, this was the last song to be written before recording began on the CD.
I wanted a song with a slutty beat, something a little funky and this came out.
The lyrics are based on my numerous email updates where I give directions for men based on a compass, street names, etc, then give directions for women based on landmarks – usually starting from a mall. Yes, it’s piggish, but if you can’t laugh at it you don’t have a sense of humor.
The song got funny when I was at Muddy Waters watching some oaf hit on every woman that came close to him – but not getting up off his bar stool. He was slurring, could barely stand when he would try, and I couldn’t hear what he was saying but could read the faces of the women as they would try to get away from him. So I made up a chorus based on what I thought he might be saying…
Of course I’ve always loved the old Van Halen songs with David Lee Roth and that had some influence too.
09-Bad Things Come In Three's
Lyrics
Breaking the silence inside your head
Deafening voices scream then rescind
Cold turkey DT’s, rip from within
Like trying to swim backwards
Upside down, trying to go upstream
And only drowning faster
And no one hears the screams
Collision course disaster
Bad things come in three’s
Cacophony of whispers on the wind
Colors blending to gray then back again
Sunshine and innocence eclipsed from within
Pure melancholy, trip that never ends
Punctured veins on fire darkening the grin
Bad horse – this addiction, worst and only friend
Like trying to swim backwards
Upside down, trying to go upstream
And only drowning faster
And no one hears the screams
Collision course disaster
Bad things come in three’s
Yeah – bad things come in three’s
Story behind “Bad Things Come In Three’s”
This is my tribute to a very influential group of individuals, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley and Scott Weiland.
It’s a song about heroin addiction and how you may start it but it finishes you.
Layne got caught by the addiction (official cause of death still unknown), Kurt Cobain, well he may have had other problems… So the world is wondering about STP / Velvet Revolver lead singer Scott Weiland and when it will be his turn due to his highly publicized heroin addiction?
Even funnier, he gets political on his website I guess he’s a political analyst when he’s not doing heroin… does anyone else find that funny?
I’ve never been one to judge a person for using drugs. I believe drugs have benefited mankind in many ways. I also believe abusing drugs is akin to abusing anything – say food, or alcohol, or power.
Breaking the silence inside your head
Deafening voices scream then rescind
Cold turkey DT’s, rip from within
Like trying to swim backwards
Upside down, trying to go upstream
And only drowning faster
And no one hears the screams
Collision course disaster
Bad things come in three’s
Cacophony of whispers on the wind
Colors blending to gray then back again
Sunshine and innocence eclipsed from within
Pure melancholy, trip that never ends
Punctured veins on fire darkening the grin
Bad horse – this addiction, worst and only friend
Like trying to swim backwards
Upside down, trying to go upstream
And only drowning faster
And no one hears the screams
Collision course disaster
Bad things come in three’s
Yeah – bad things come in three’s
Story behind “Bad Things Come In Three’s”
This is my tribute to a very influential group of individuals, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley and Scott Weiland.
It’s a song about heroin addiction and how you may start it but it finishes you.
Layne got caught by the addiction (official cause of death still unknown), Kurt Cobain, well he may have had other problems… So the world is wondering about STP / Velvet Revolver lead singer Scott Weiland and when it will be his turn due to his highly publicized heroin addiction?
Even funnier, he gets political on his website I guess he’s a political analyst when he’s not doing heroin… does anyone else find that funny?
I’ve never been one to judge a person for using drugs. I believe drugs have benefited mankind in many ways. I also believe abusing drugs is akin to abusing anything – say food, or alcohol, or power.
10-Procrastination
Lyrics
I can’t express in words the way I feel today
Snow is on the ground
Some say who you really are is the way you feel
When no one is around
Had a premonition
Then it went away
Things I should’ve done
I should’ve done before today
…does it matter anyway
I always seem to let myself down in the end
Melancholy fills my day
Procrastinate instead of buckle down
Like to think I rule my day, but anyway
A king without a crown
Had some good intentions
Before they went away
Things I could’ve done
But then refused to seize the day
…like it matters anyway
I can always find excuses to do nothing in the end
(Guitar solo)
Never stopped to wonder or put it in a song
Never even realized I knew it all along
That I should take the high road, I’m stalled out on the low
I choose not to remember the things I’ve never known
…tomorrow’s another day
Story behind Procrastination
The title says it all, “Things I should’ve done, I should’ve done before today” which pretty much sums up the length of time for releasing my CD project.
The mood of this song is what inspired the lyrics (as with most of my writing). And since it’s a rather laid back song it reminded me of cold snowy days when there’s not a whole lot you can do outside and getting outside requires multiple layers of clothing – or you could put things off and just watch football…
I can’t express in words the way I feel today
Snow is on the ground
Some say who you really are is the way you feel
When no one is around
Had a premonition
Then it went away
Things I should’ve done
I should’ve done before today
…does it matter anyway
I always seem to let myself down in the end
Melancholy fills my day
Procrastinate instead of buckle down
Like to think I rule my day, but anyway
A king without a crown
Had some good intentions
Before they went away
Things I could’ve done
But then refused to seize the day
…like it matters anyway
I can always find excuses to do nothing in the end
(Guitar solo)
Never stopped to wonder or put it in a song
Never even realized I knew it all along
That I should take the high road, I’m stalled out on the low
I choose not to remember the things I’ve never known
…tomorrow’s another day
Story behind Procrastination
The title says it all, “Things I should’ve done, I should’ve done before today” which pretty much sums up the length of time for releasing my CD project.
The mood of this song is what inspired the lyrics (as with most of my writing). And since it’s a rather laid back song it reminded me of cold snowy days when there’s not a whole lot you can do outside and getting outside requires multiple layers of clothing – or you could put things off and just watch football…
11-Glory Hound
Lyrics
Empty reasons why I’m here
Empty promises are all you’ll hear
Summer, springtime, fall
Any time at all
My story ends alone
Left for glory, left for good
Knew I’d make it, make it work if I could
Loved along the way
Made a few bad turns
Never bothered looking back
Never found my way home
Road is calling, season’s passed
Now I wander all alone like I began
Just myself, no tellin’ where my feet will go
Still not looking back
As the road becomes my home
I think the coast is callin’
No one needs to know
Don’t wait for my return
You’ll always be alone
Story behind Glory Hound
This was the second song I wrote with my 12 string after I acquired it off of Ebay (what a wonderful concept). I had just replaced the strings and was playing big, rich chords and the guitar was just singing so beautifully, this song basically fell out.
A song about being on the road, being alone, no ties, no direction, just rock and roll and not really worrying about finding my way home.
Empty reasons why I’m here
Empty promises are all you’ll hear
Summer, springtime, fall
Any time at all
My story ends alone
Left for glory, left for good
Knew I’d make it, make it work if I could
Loved along the way
Made a few bad turns
Never bothered looking back
Never found my way home
Road is calling, season’s passed
Now I wander all alone like I began
Just myself, no tellin’ where my feet will go
Still not looking back
As the road becomes my home
I think the coast is callin’
No one needs to know
Don’t wait for my return
You’ll always be alone
Story behind Glory Hound
This was the second song I wrote with my 12 string after I acquired it off of Ebay (what a wonderful concept). I had just replaced the strings and was playing big, rich chords and the guitar was just singing so beautifully, this song basically fell out.
A song about being on the road, being alone, no ties, no direction, just rock and roll and not really worrying about finding my way home.
12-I Can't Dance
Lyrics
Walked into the bar
And on the sawdust
They were 2-steppin’ away
A purty little thing
Asked for my hand
And I just laughed and said “no thanks”
‘Cause I don’t dance
I like playin’ cards
And my guitars
And big cigars and watchin’ y’all
Oh but I was born with two left feet
So just believe me
It’s for the safety of us all
That I don’t dance
I told her I adored her
But the Lord just didn’t
Dress me for the game…
So don’t drag me on the dance floor
‘Cause I’m tellin’ ya’
Your feet won’t be the same
She wouldn’t listen
Kept persistin’ so I
Tried it anyway
Made her slip and fall
Started a brawl
And it was all a big mistake
Now I’m in jail, ‘cause I can’t dance
No I can’t dance
Story behind I Can’t Dance
I was teaching a guitar student about alternating a bass line in a song and likened it to country. His comment was that if it weren’t so country it would be a lot of fun.
So I started thinking, “Hey, that would be kind of fun.” and started playing around with some old hammer-on and pull-off licks and this was the result.
Even better were the words, trying to write them down while traveling 80 MPH down the highway for a business trip, driving with my knee, writing, at night, with a dome light on, listening to the music, and laughing at the same time.
The result? Something funny, something country, something my friends will listen to and go “what the f***?!!” then hopefully laugh – I do. No rhythm, can’t dance, cause a fall, cause a fight, end up in jail when you didn’t want to dance in the first place!
Walked into the bar
And on the sawdust
They were 2-steppin’ away
A purty little thing
Asked for my hand
And I just laughed and said “no thanks”
‘Cause I don’t dance
I like playin’ cards
And my guitars
And big cigars and watchin’ y’all
Oh but I was born with two left feet
So just believe me
It’s for the safety of us all
That I don’t dance
I told her I adored her
But the Lord just didn’t
Dress me for the game…
So don’t drag me on the dance floor
‘Cause I’m tellin’ ya’
Your feet won’t be the same
She wouldn’t listen
Kept persistin’ so I
Tried it anyway
Made her slip and fall
Started a brawl
And it was all a big mistake
Now I’m in jail, ‘cause I can’t dance
No I can’t dance
Story behind I Can’t Dance
I was teaching a guitar student about alternating a bass line in a song and likened it to country. His comment was that if it weren’t so country it would be a lot of fun.
So I started thinking, “Hey, that would be kind of fun.” and started playing around with some old hammer-on and pull-off licks and this was the result.
Even better were the words, trying to write them down while traveling 80 MPH down the highway for a business trip, driving with my knee, writing, at night, with a dome light on, listening to the music, and laughing at the same time.
The result? Something funny, something country, something my friends will listen to and go “what the f***?!!” then hopefully laugh – I do. No rhythm, can’t dance, cause a fall, cause a fight, end up in jail when you didn’t want to dance in the first place!