Some of these read like poetry; others read like late-night TV commercials.
Honey Venom Wings (released 11/5/17)
The Bane of My Existence Is My Heart
I should have left when she took off her wedding ring
I had no right to be there from the start
But her ring was just the first thing she removed
And the bane of my existence is my heart
She's the latest star in my grand drama
My friends don't know quite why I gave her the part
Now I wonder what the hell I was thinking
And the bane of my existence is my heart
There's fewer of us here each passing year
And the ones that are still here have grown apart
And every single breath is a gift from God
And the bane of my existence is my heart
Some get old and tired of the world
Others learn to make a brand new start
Some are young forever in the grave
And the bane of my existence is my heart
Quiver
Am I your man or am I just your friend?
You decide how this is going to end
In the end
You’ve got your life and baby I’ve got mine
We’re so careful not to cross the line
Cross the line
The day is gone
The shadows are long
The moon is a sliver in the skies
If we cross the line
Tonight would be the time
Because the moon is a quiver in your eyes
Are you out or are you all alone?
No response I’m texting to your phone
I'm all alone
Honey Venom Wings
I lay me down on the body machine
Hear the voices ascend around me
Higher and higher and higher and higher
You're shape-shifting like a swarm of bees
Honey and venom your wings on a breeze go
Higher and higher and higher and higher
Oh take precautions when you visit me
This fever follows one trajectory
Higher and higher and higher and higher
I close my eyes and it always returns
A face among interference patterns
Higher and higher and higher and higher
Honey venom wings, are you high? I hear you hum
I'm craving your sting, such a warm little buzz
Honey venom wings, when are you gonna give me some?
Natal sensations but it's all reversed
I see distant mountains the curve of the earth
Higher and higher and higher and higher
Back in the day it was all mystery
Now I see clearly - it's too late to see
Higher and higher and higher and higher
Honey venom wings, are you high? I hear you hum
I'm craving your sting, such a warm little buzz
Honey venom wings, when are you gonna give me some?
On the Ground
I’m on the ground and I’m gonna rise up higher
I hear the sound and I feel like I’m on fire
I’m not so sure I understand it all
It’s the hand I was dealt but I chose it all along
Now I’m just a voice in a rising song
I’m on the ground and I’m gonna rise up higher
I hear the sound and I feel like I’m on fire
I’m through pretending that fools aren’t in my way
Waste another minute - just wasted another day
Chasing monopoly money as it blows across the stage
I’m on the ground and I’m gonna rise up higher
I hear the sound and I feel like I’m on fire
When are we going to get higher?
When are we going to get higher?
I closed my mind and watched the years just run
Tried to close my heart - as if that could be done
Now I’m wide open to everything that’s coming
I’m on the ground and I’m gonna rise up higher
I hear the sound and I feel like I’m on fire
I’m on the ground and I’m gonna rise up higher
I hear the sound and I feel like I’m on fire
Cloud King
Cloud King - your shadow moves across the hills and on me
Birds go silent I get chills
Remind me
Why I should acquiesce to your reign (rain)
Cloud King - All God's children hide on your arriving
Pencils down it's not a drill
Remind me
Why I should acquiesce to your reign (rain)
Cloud King - Your cumulonimbus palace floats above me
Throwing down your lighting bolts to
Taunt me
No I won't acquiesce to your reign (rain)
Pick it a pocket a fool
King or a pauper it's all the same
Something you don't learn in school
You'll never get back to the garden again
Cloud King - This is a disaster of your making
You hide yourself from all the hearts
You're breaking
No I won't acquiesce to your reign (rain)
No I won't acquiesce to your reign (rain)
No I won't acquiesce to your reign (rain)
Freezer Burned
One two three it’s easy peasy
Sweet and sour lemon squeezy
We feel the love but that’s not all we’re feeling
When’s it gonna conquer all?
It thaws our hearts but then a thing called life returns us to the cold
We’re liquified and crystallized
Liquified and crystallized
Freezer burned
Freezer burned
Three two one nothing’s that simple
Sweet turns sour and trouble comes triple
We’ve been in this struggle long enough
We’ve seen things come round again
Despair euphoria the arc of the story’s the same until the end
We’re liquified and crystallized
Liquified and crystallized
Freezer burned
Freezer burned
One two three it’s easy peasy
Sweet and sour lemon squeezy
Everybody knows that life is full of joy and misery
We feel the warmth and then the bitter cold, whipsawed endlessly
We’re liquified and crystallized
Liquified and crystallized
Freezer burned
Freezer burned
Drinking Wine Straight From the Bottle
What does it mean when you've gone and lost touch
With the people who shaped you in your formative years
You finally get together got nothing to say
Plenty of laughter but you need some tears
Well you were the one who had to get on that train
I saw you wave goodbye in the pouring rain
But that's all in the past now you've got no one to blame
When you're drinking wine straight from the bottle
drinking wine straight from the bottle
drinking wine straight from the bottle
Why does it seem like the weight of the world
Is pushing against you just like a knife?
You finally thought you could lay back a while
but now you find you're in the fight of your life
Well you took your best shot at fortune and fame
I saw you hit rock bottom when you lost the game
But take a look around now you've got no one to blame
When you're drinking wine straight from the bottle
drinking wine straight from the bottle
drinking wine straight from the bottle
Why does it seem like you used to care more
About whittling away at the things you don't know?
You kind of gave up on the universe
Found yourself a corner just hoe your row
Well you can tell maple from pine by the grain
I saw you save a spider before he went down the drain
But being good and smart means you've got no one to blame
When you're drinking wine straight from the bottle
drinking wine straight from the bottle
drinking wine straight from the bottle
The Chaser
You haven't walked in my shoes
You don't know where I came from
heard the poison noise of the blues
In the well and I drank some
Sticks in my throat to this day
Like a word I can't say
And the beer in front of me today
Is just a chaser that won't chase nothing away
The beer in front of me today Is just a chaser that won't chase nothing away
She was what she said she would be
She was true till the end
All that time I never could see
She's my only true friend
She'll never walk through that door I don't know why I pretend.
And the beer in front of me today Is just a chaser that won't chase nothing away
The beer in front of me today Is just a chaser that won't chase nothing away
nothing away
Vegetarian Blues
I won't eat anything with a face
It won't pass my lips if there's even a trace
I ate my last burger about two years ago
I don't even miss it, it just goes to show
That I've only begun to pay my dues
So I can sing the Vegetarian Blues
I feel better than I did before
I stopped being a carnivore
I feel really good and I'm resting well
I've reached the pinnacle of intestinal health
You can too, if you choose
You can sing the Vegetarian Blues
Well I'm the same as you, I still use a fork
So pass the beans but just hold the pork
We all bleed and we all bruise
And that's why it's called the Vegetarian Blues
Everywhere I go there's people serving me meat
So it's just the side dishes that I eat
I can't trust soup in restaurants
Cause even the vegetable's got beef broth
Well I read the ingredients to get my clues
That's why I sing the Vegetarian Blues
I can't eat jello cause I've seen the proof
That gelatin's made out of animal hoofs
All of life's questions come down to this:
Do I or don't I want to eat fish?
Well I'm a hypocrite with my leather shoes
That's why I sing the Vegetarian Blues
I Made a Circle (and I don't know why)
I made a circle and I don't know why
A circle of stone, you can see it from the sky
You can ask my how, but don't ask why
I made a circle and I don't know why
Sit on the throne in the middle for a while
A throne made of stone, you're the queen of the wild
Hold court with your friends just like a child
Sit on the throne in the middle for a while
You can come from the North, the South, West or the East
There's four ways in that I know of at least
I've got my ideas, but I don't know what it means
You can come from the North, the South, West or the East
Liftoff - released 8/30/18
There's Gonna Be Some Healing
Windows - but give me doors
Because seeing is just a tease
I want to go everywhere
Cards are dealt - the dealer's gone
It's so unfair - sometimes it seems
Like the joker is everywhere
I've got a feeling
The body's broken but the spirit's alive
I've got a feeling
We may not walk but I know we're going to fly
I've got a feeling
There's going to be some healing
I've got a feeling
There's going to be some healing
There's no comfort in my dreams now
They seem to mock me
And follow me everywhere
But there's smiles on all your faces
Now I can really see that
Your love is everywhere
I've got a feeling
The body's broken but the spirit's alive
I've got a feeling
We may not walk but I know we're going to fly
I've got a feeling
There's going to be some healing
I've got a feeling
There's going to be some healing
Do it Again Like You Like It
Do it
Do it
Do it again like you like it
Better stop shaking the hand that's been holding you down all this time
'cause punching through that ceiling's gonna be the best feeling
That you'll ever find
They've got you where they want you
Walking on a treadmill of debt and desire
The bridge to the good life is out you can't make it
To the other side
And do what you love - that's an empty phrase
You do what you have to do
Do it
Do it
Do it again like you like it
Why's she getting cold? You start to feel old
When she turns you away
A perfunctory kiss to dismiss you and send you
Off on your way
She's got you where she wants you
Walking by your side to the gates of hell
She'll leave you there alone without a song or a prayer
Or a story to tell
And do what you love - that's an empty phrase
You do what you have to do
Do it
Do it
Do it again like you like it
Ode to Olivia Rhodes
In this algorithm mind
Everything is clearly defined
But whenever she speaks to me I think I feel a smile inside
Her bedroom is the saddest thing
She dreams of places she's never been
Under radium glow-in-the-dark stars
Sticking to the ceiling
A picture of her family
She won't talk about it with me
I want her to see London town
She says that's her dream
She'll be there with me
Feel like I've come alive
Feel like I've come alive
Feel like I've come alive
Now I never want to die
Olivia tells me things
By the light of Saturn's rings
But I lose track - I'm lost in that
Riveting gaze
Yes these are strange days
Feel like I've come alive
Feel like I've come alive
Feel like I've come alive
Now I never want to die
I neglected to do the last objective
I just want to hear Liv say my name again
She'll say "Jack please, hurry up and do these things - you know you are my only friend."
I Saw Everything
I saw everything and everything was enough
I saw everything and everything was enough
Didn't have to ask but you revealed it on your own
Everything that you are came into view
But it was not for them
No it was not for them
I saw everything and everything was enough
I saw everything and everything was enough
Gave you their applause but you always wanted more
You put it out there like to many have before
But I will not believe you're an attention whore
I saw everything and everything was enough
I saw everything and everything was enough
And I will never ever leave you
I will never ever leave you
In the name of love
In the name of art
In the name you can't say
Followed you around when you wanted to be lost
But you know your deception came at a cost
Everything I saw, everything we lost
I saw everything and everything was enough
I saw everything and everything was enough
Sacred Truths and Lies
Never satisfied if you're staying hungry
Don't get comfortable, that's the end
Just keep wrestling down that nameless angel
Until he calls you his friend
Ah look, look into his eyes
You know he's got feelings
Sacred truths and lies
Let them dance in their sequins until morning
What's the harm in a champaign high?
And we weren't even invited, were we?
And that is completely fine
Ah look, look into their eyes
You know they've got feelings
Sacred truths and lies
Their complacency makes them smugly ugly
Your beauty is my desire
You can capture the spark if you are ready
And willing to be on fire
Ah look, look into my eyes
You know I've got feelings
Sacred truths and lies
Waiting All Night
I’m waiting all night for you, girl
I’m waiting all night for you
Too old to cry, too young to know why
I don’t know what I will do
I’m finding it hard to think, girl
I’m finding it hard to feel
And the hands on the clock
They move so slow
And time is so very real
You should have known my feelings
You should have guessed I’d be
Waiting for you, such useless love
It kills me that I am free
By morning I’ll be gone, girl
The sun will clear my mind
I’ve wasted enough time
It’s been all of my life
But now the dream has died
You're So Beautiful Making Your Escape
If you swallow the key and you walk down the hall
They may have suspicions but they'll never know
Their cellphones are beeping they're texting the news
The odds have all changed now that you're walking through
Your strength is detachment their world is as dream
That you can see through like a warbling stream
You're so beautiful making your escape
When you break these chains and fly I hope that you won't break
This heart
We sat at the table while everyone laughed
But all I could feel what that cold blowing draft
Coming in through the windows and under the doors
But you weren't disturbed you were calming the storms
Of your mother and brother and crazy aunt Jane
The house was surrounded but you weren't afraid
You knew that the key was still safely hid
It was hard to swallow but I'm glad that I did
You're so beautiful making your escape
When you break these chains and fly I hope that you won't break
This heart
Dystopia is Over
I am the only survivor
Telling this story revives her
If only for a minute more
I am the only survivor
The ship was a marvel of science
Her launch was an act of defiance
We were young, unafraid to be hung
The ship was a marvel of science
Once we left land we felt weightless
Our fate in our hands we were fateless
The world recedes and now she bleeds
Once we left land we felt weightless
We tried maneuvers evasive
But their cannon were just like their faces
Hell bent upon our destruction
We tried maneuvers evasive
Her eyes met mine and we saw it:
Everything was lost in a moment
I saw her slip into the deep
Her eyes met mine and we saw it
And all she said to me
was
Love is the implicate order
This dystopia is over
They set me before a tribunal
They picked out a day for my funeral
Saturdays were off 'cause that's when they golf
They set me before a tribunal
The deep and I share a secret
I won't divulge though they seek it
I'll face the noose before I do
The deep and I share a secret
And all she said to me
was
Love is the implicate order
This dystopia is over
Olympus Mons
If you can choose you put your roots down
Where there is sun and the water flows
Ah but the world is so crowded now
Tangled up like a garden hose
If it's your dream to lift your branches
Up to the sky then fling your arms
But what's your plan B when the lightning flashes?
Sing up for that one-way trip to Mars
And I'm on that list and it's not like jury duty at all
It's like the Maid of the Mist in the roar of Niagara Falls
If I get picked I'm gonna climb Olympus Mons
If you forget your roots and branches
And how the water makes them grow
The sun's going to be there to remind you
Up in that rusty sky alone
If you can't find your place in this world
And there's no room for you beneath the stars
You can ascend while you're still living
Sign up for that one-way trip to Mars
And I'm on that list and it's not like jury duty at all
It's like the Maid of the Mist in the roar of Niagara Falls
Have you ever been kissed in the shadow of Olympus Mons?
You Left the Gate Swinging
You left the gate swinging
You left the gate swinging wide
You left the gate swinging
So I went on inside
The stalls were empty
The horses out running wild
You left the gate swinging
You left the gate swinging wide
You left the gate swinging
Nailed to the wall inside
I saw your lucky horseshoe
You know I almost cried
You left the gate swinging
You left the gate swinging wide
You left the gate swinging
I went back outside
I called your name
You know I really tried
Muscle memory don't fail me now
Muscle memory remember how
Muscle memory you've got to lead me
All the way back home
You left the gate swinging
You left the gate swinging wide
You left the gate swinging
I climbed up the mountainside
Up on a ridge I saw your lucky ride
You left the gate swinging
You left the gate swinging wide
You left the gate swinging
I approached her from her side
Down the mountain
I rode her justified
Muscle memory don't fail me now
Muscle memory remember how
Muscle memory you've got to lead me
All the way back home
Rain - Released 3/7/20
Rain
Rain is right
Right as rain
Rain is right
Right as rain
Last night you went sleepwalking in the storm
I heard your muddy feet coming in the doorway
Open eyes but blind you were carrying water
And you woke me up with kisses and you went on your way
You left me here with nothing, nothing to say
But thank you for giving me a midnight taste of
Rain is right
Right as rain
Rain is right
Right as rain
I feel like I've been sleeping through my days
You loom larger now that you've gone away
I can hear you whispering hurricanes
And you wake me up with kisses then you go on your way
You leave me here with nothing, nothing to say
But thank you for filling up the ice cube tray with
Rain is right
Right as rain
Rain is right
Right as rain
Hold Me Now
Well I’m feeling kind of down
My whole life is like a frowny-face emoji
And I wish you’d come around
It gets lonely and I need someone to
Hold me now
Hold me now
Hold me now
When I heard you were in town
Thought for sure that you would reserve some time for me
But you know you let me down
And there is nobody here one who’s gonna
Hold me now
Hold me now
Hold me now
I’m a solitary soul
It’s not easy for me to reach out to people
So it’s hard to let you go
There’s no lover waiting in the wings
Hold me now
Hold me now
Hold me now
Well I was busting out while you were busting in
But I don’t think our paths will ever meet again
No way no how
No way no how
Guess you’ve heard I’m moving on
Feeling strong like the bulging bicep emoji
Shield your eyes put down your phone
Lifting off and there is no one who can
Hold me now
Hold me now
Hold me now
It's a Cruel, Cruel World
You haven't learned the meaning of regret
Because you haven't opened your eyes yet
And time is going just the right speed
Revealing everything that you need
And I'm not gonna disturb your trance
It's a cruel, cruel world
You'll know it soon enough
Oh yeah
Well time has dealt you an average hand
But you won't settle for nothing
You think he's gonna deal his cards again
Well maybe you're on to something
But I've been waiting and all I've learned
Is it's a cruel, cruel world
You'll know it soon enough
Oh yeah
You never looked behind your treasured dream
Is it hollow like a movie main street?
And if you did you better get on out of town
Maybe then you'll be free
But I'm not gonna point the way
It's a a cruel, cruel world
You'll know it soon enough
Oh yeah
Well you're innocent and so I do believe
You can do whatever you're dreaming
And I hope that you will blossom like a rose
With all your petals gleaming and
I know you will contradict that
It's a cruel, cruel world
You'll know it soon enough
Oh yeah
Vie vie vie vie vie
Who's your go-to guy whenever
Your windows are open wide
Whenever your roof becomes the sky
Vie vie vie vie vie
Royal blue and gold becomes you
Until that day it's just burnt umber
These crayons draw the line
Vie vie vie vie vie
Draw inside the lines
Don't tell me
Everything is fine
Don't tell me
You'll never be mine
Don't tell me
Have you seen the possibilities?
You close your eyes before you even see
What there is inside
Vie vie vie vie vie
I'm there for you without a question
Secret love I never mention
It's hidden deep inside
Vie vie vie vie vie
Draw inside the lines
Don't tell me
Everything is fine
Don't tell me
You'll never be mine
Don't tell me
Walking by Twos
We should be walking by twos, by twos
Not alone
Walking alone with the blues
Is no companion
We just keep paying our dues, our dues
And then some
I don't know how we'll get through
Or how this ends up
And there's no way I'm going to lose you
No way I know
No way I'm going to lose this love
And so
Welcome inside I've got room, it's no
Intrusion
Feels like we're cutting right through
This grand illusion
Give me your hand, I love you
There's no confusion
And there's no way I'm going to lose you
No way I know
No way I'm going to lose this love
And so
We should be walking by twos, by twos
Not alone
Monkey Bars
Swing set hide me you can't find me
I won't play your stupid games
We are stars on the monkey bars
And we don't want to know your name
Since you came here you don't play fair
Every day it's all the same
Sandbox rules say goodbye fools
So why don't you just go away?
You're telling jokes that you're not even in on
Jumping rope but you don't have the rhythm
Hopscotch drop what number did you land on?
Bullies cheaters bottom feeders
We can see you miles away
Tell your lies right to my eyes
I've got no time for you today
You're telling jokes that you're not even in on
Jumping rope but you don't have the rhythm
Hopscotch drop what number did you land on?
Honor Bound
You can try to find the way back home
Ask for help along the way
But you are honor bound you are honor bound
To share the secret some day
If someone could find the way back home
I think you could be the one
And you are honor bound you are honor bound
To open the gates to everyone
And I don't disturb your solitude
For just any old thing
And I hope what I whisper in your ear
Might some day reach the king
We're so busy living we forget
We are exiles in this land
And you are honor bound you are honor bound
To return us to what we had
We feel how little we have done
Share the burden of regret
But we are honor bound we are honor-bound
To never ever forget
And I don't disturb your solitude
For just any old thing
And I hope what I whisper in your ear
Might some day reach the king
Black-eyed Susans and Queen Anne's Lace
It took a while to make me smile
And now I can't stop laughing
You cornered me so carefully
I was yours for the asking
I crossed a field on my way here
Shortcut 'cause I couldn't wait
Here's a bouquet of Queen Anne's lace
and black-eyed susans from along the way
All the things I want to say to you just vanish when I see your face
Only thing that I can offer you is Black-eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace
Black-eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace
Which universe do I deserve?
It can't be this one 'cause you're here
But here I am and you're my man
A cosmic joke on you my dear
'Cause you deserve a universe
Where everyone's in love with you
And you're the king of everything
And no one is above you
All the things I want to say to you just vanish when I see your face
Only thing that I can offer you is black-eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace
Black-eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace
Oh what's the use? You are my muse
And I could never doubt you
I still don't see what you see in me
But I'm just lost without you
All the things I want to say to you just vanish when I see your face
Only thing that I can offer you is Black-eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace
Black-eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace
It took a while to make me smile
And now I can't stop laughing
Turning of the Zodiac
What are you looking at?
I was just doing that cause I was bored
Just delete that image and pretend that you don't
Even want me to be yours
Doesn't really bother me
If I don't hit the lottery - welcome to life
In the end Adam's curse will put me in the black hearse
For one final ride
Spinning hearse Cadillac turning of the zodiac
When are you coming back? Hey hey
To turn the zodiac? Hey Hey
You want me off your back? Hey hey
Well is that a fact? Hey hey
I don't think it's fair
That you keep all your love in there, at least give me a look
The universe if contemplating
Ways to make us all awaken
New Age gobbledygook
What are you waiting for?
Time is not forevermore, it sweeps us away
The nations rise and fall but you and I could rule them all
Just three words we must say
Spinning hearse Cadillac turning of the zodiac
When are you coming back? Hey hey
To turn the zodiac? Hey Hey
You want me off your back? Hey hey
Well is that a fact? Hey hey
Anything at All
I'm circling back to the things that I know
Because the things that life's been showing me are only so-so
And the race to the top is just a reason to die
Before you're in your grave you're a stiff waving goodbye
This is a dead end - I'm taking the wheel
I'm backing up onto the highway so I can feel
Anything at all
Anything at all
I used to know God and I used to know man
I used to think that everyone would someday understand
But the wisdom is gone, now it seems so unreal
I don't know if I'm capable of making you feel
Anything at all
Anything at all
So I'm circling back to the things that I know
Because the things that life's been showing me are only so-so
Anything at all
Anything at all
Crossing - Released 2/13/21
Stone Wall
You’re not getting any younger
So you’ve been told
You’re born with every sunrise
Then you’re bought and sold
You’re not getting any traction
In eternity
You’ve got to take some action
Before you’re history
You’re floating like a spirit
On and on
There’s someone floating with you
A guardian
You say you cannot be agnostic
After what you’ve seen
I got lost in Wikipedia
Searching for your dream
A stone wall on the forest floor
Dividing a field that is no more
Each day it tumbles down a little bit more
Been walking these bones so long
Home is like a far-off beautiful song
The music starts when you open the door
You say you hit the bottle
When your visions fled
You call it a soft landing
It’s like you’re already dead
You’re not getting any younger
Waves keep lapping the shore
You’re born with every sunrise
Now the day is yours
A stone wall on the forest floor
Dividing a field that is no more
Each day it tumbles down a little bit more
Been walking these bones so long
Home is like a far-off beautiful song
The music starts when you open the door
Stupid Child
Follow me not in their presence
Follow me not in the wild
Follow me not in my present state
I'm a man and a stupid child
Allow me not at your doorstep
Allow me not in your life
Allow me not in my present state
I'm a man and I'm sleep deprived
Well it proves once again
That I have no idea what I'm doing in my life
And I just want to know what you are doing on my mind
Trouble me not with your problems
Trouble me not with your spite
Trouble me not with your hesitation
I'm a man and I'm gonna fight
Embrace me not with affection
Embrace me not I'm defiled
Embrace me not in my present state
I'm a man and a stupid child
I'm a man and a stupid child
Toward the Light
Caught me off guard I stepped out of myself in a moment of deja vu
I could believe almost anything when I'm gaining altitude
I just discovered a protective cover, you won't infiltrate me tonight
Honestly I don't know why you keep trying
I'm always three steps toward the light
What I once craved keeps returning again, embellished and ever new
And I admit I prefer it this way because I'm feeling much less the fool
Got to believe all this counts against me in some unseen ledger of life
Nevertheless I am making progress
I'm somehow three steps toward the light
Silent Reverie
Some people seem so satisfied
Like they learned some secret that you've been denied
Wonder what it must be like to be that strong
Living in a world where you don't belong
But you pivot on a smile unexpectedly
And move into a new direction
Saying things that barely scratch the surface we
Try to find the words that will set us free
But there's a deeper rhythm that's going on
Only catch a glimpse or never feel it at all
But just to know it's there explains a lot
And moves you in a new direction
Well a song can hold a world
Or just a true facsimile
Of something you once said to me
In a silent reverie
Silent reverie
I Am Ready
Got my back now come to the front
Need to see the face that I want
Come on come on come on come on
The past is not a place we can dwell
If you've got a secret to tell
Go on go on go on go on
I'm ready
I'm ready
I'm ready
If you are
Worked up the nerve an finally said it
Immediately regret it
Of course of course of course of course
Not surprised by the rejection
Whole life has been de-selection
Oh well oh well oh well oh well
I'm ready
I'm ready
I'm ready
If you are
Got my back now come to the front
Need to see the face that I want
Come on come on come on come on
I'm ready
I'm ready
I'm ready
If you are
Not My Soulmate
Won't you be my valentine?
Nothing much to lose if we pretend for one day
Funny way to pass the time
Holding hands amusement park and cotton candy
And who are you anyway?
You're not my soulmate
But I want you anyway
I don't mind at all if we pretend for a day
You are not my concubine
You have never been one to be kept in bondage
You are free now to decide
Treat me with contempt or shower me with fondness
And who are you anyway?
You're not my soulmate
But I want you anyway
I don't mind at all if we pretend for a day
Games of chance and tests of skill
Win it for the lady well that's just what I did
I know it's just the fair but still
I am smiling like I am a ten year-old kid
And who are you anyway?
You're not my soulmate
But I want you anyway
I don't mind at all if we pretend for a day
Bumper cars and ferris wheels
When this day is over we'll remember always
How happiness really feels
It's almost a shame we're going our separate ways
And who are you anyway?
You're not my soulmate
But I want you anyway
I don't mind at all if we pretend for a day
I don't even mind if we pretend for a day
I don't mind at all if we pretend for a day
Inner Monologue
Drawn to your radiance
You've found an audience
Put me in your pocket you all you all you all you all
Destroy me
When your inner monologue turns to song
It won't last too long
Better write it down before it's gone
If that song is sounding true in your mind
Maybe you will find
It could be the start of something new
Drawn to your radiance
You've found an audience
Put me in your pocket you all you all you all you all
Destroy me
If your inner monologue tells you lies
Look em in the eyes
Take em by surprise and set them free
Everybody would thank you if they knew
The battle you just won
The party you just threw in your mind
Drawn to your radiance
You've found an audience
Put me in your pocket you all you all you all you all
Destroy me
Strange Destinies
Zeus threw down a lightning bolt last night
It seared my dreams, I sat bolt upright
His aim was good and it got my attention
Steered my dreams into her direction
Who’s got the key?
I don’t know but it seems so cruel
Time and time again you’ve got to push on through
Strange destinies to find the one that's true
There's a slow poison deep in my heart
There's no over-the-counter cure at Walmart
No island herbs no aroma therapy
Can lighten the load that's been put on me
Who’s got the key?
I don’t know but it seems so cruel
Time and time again you’ve got to push on through
Strange destinies to find the one that's true
Odysseys, journeys, destinations
Don't give me a map - I'll lose all patience
I'd rather walk tracks than wait for a train
I'd rather build a boat than take a bridge any day
Who’s got the key?
I don’t know but it seems so cruel
Time and time again you’ve got to push on through
Strange destinies to find the one that's true
The Good Side of Town
Why are we stopping?
What are we doing?
I don't see anyone around
Skeleton cars all stripped down
Here on the good side of town
Who is that figure
Off in the distance?
I say he's freaking me out
Why aren't we moving on now?
Here on the good side of town?
We're leaving a trail of diary pages
Tossing them up through the moonroof to heaven
Bye bye bye bye bye
Is this where our dreams met?
WTF?
Ah but the moon is shining here
Just like it does everywhere
Here on the good side of town
Don't cut your lights here
Darkness is waiting
Roll up your power windows now
We're gonna power through somehow
Here on the good side of town
We're leaving a trail of diary pages
Tossing them up through the moonroof to heaven
Bye bye bye bye bye
Concordia
I let the flame go through me it's no accident
I think it purified me but I won't pretend
That I have any idea about how this will end
I just want to know for certain that I'm into something good
You don't have to stay - I get it - I am rarely understood
I remember when the world was beautiful
Please tell me that this is not the new normal
Cause everybody's acting like an animal
Going to go up to the higher ground where the ocean will never reach
But first I must extract myself from this so carefully
Concordia, concordia
As I approach, you recede
Concordia, concordia
A mirage in a fever dream
And I've already re-enlisted in the search party
How about we end this on a positive?
You don't need permission to begin to live
And I'm about to pay you a high compliment
Because you are eliciting a certain kind of awe
There I said it, don't regret it and there will be nothing more
Concordia, concordia
As I approach, you recede
Concordia, concordia
A mirage in a fever dream
And I've already re-enlisted in the search party
Go - Released 9/16/22
Go
In my own way I'm transforming this little corner
And some day when I get it all together I'll invite you over
And that voice in your head that's telling you no
Is gonna shout "go"
In my own way I stay honest by never speaking
And some day maybe it'll all be in the book you're reading
But I can't tell stories I can't tell jokes
So I'll just go
I my own way I'm tying to be better braver wiser
And some day I'll lay me burden down at the horizon
And when everything's ready don't you know
I'm gonna go
Go
Go
Go
Go
Existential Dread
When the coffee wears off
And that existential dread returns
And all the things that I said I'd do they all seem impossible
When the drinking wears off
And that existential dread returns
And all the things that I promised you they all seem improbable
When the weed all wears off
And that existential dread returns
And all the dreams that I dreamed
They all seem unachievable
Drinking won't do it
Weed won't cut through it
I always knew it
When the adrenaline wears off
And that existential dread returns
And all the things I destroyed all seem so unfixable
When the endorphins wear off
And that existential dread returns
And all the dumb things I said all seem so insufferable
Drinking won't do it
Weed won't cut through it
I always knew it
What Are We?
What are we are the ones who were undefeated
The last ones standing ground
What are we are the enemies of your outrage
Conspiracies of sound
What are we?
What are we?
What are we are just waiting for the right moment
To send that message home
What are we are not making the rules here honey
You break them on your own
What are we?
What are we?
Remember where you found me
Underneath the stars
But your eyes and my eyes were locked and loaded
And your heart and my heart trigger pulled
What are we are so sick of this endless crazy
The lies that will not die
What are we are still trying to fight the power
The evil from inside
What are we?
What are we?
What are we?
What are we?
What I Want You to Want
What I want you to want
What I want you to want
To want to be in love
No starry-eyed romantic love
Talking about overcoming
The darkness all around us
What I want you to want
What I want you to want
To want to understand
Yes sometimes it hurts to know
It's easier to let it go
To bury it in the sand
I'm no saint I've done some sketchy things
But love's my aim my soul has wings
And I could fly if you teach me
What I want you to want
What I want you to want
Is an offramp from war
Neither of us wants to fight
It's not too late to make things right
Like they were before
What I want you to want
What I want you to want
Is to want me as I am
Could do better could do worse
But know this That I loved your first
Before the world began
I'm no saint I've done some sketchy things
But love's my aim my soul has wings
And I could fly if you teach me
What I want you to want
What I want you to want
Is beside the point
Tell me what do you want?
Then please tell me what
You think about me
I'm no saint I've done some sketchy things
But love's my aim my soul has wings
And I could fly if you teach me
Earth Shaker
Stop drop everything, a storm is about to start
Find your happy place and I'll meet you in the dark
Lock the doors behind you unbaricade your heart
Are you ready for an earth shaker?
Tumbling down the walls we made up
Everything we do will last forever
They can't save you now, I don't think they ever could
Best to let them all go like you know you should
You've got business with me and I think it's gonna be good
Are you ready for an earth shaker?
Tumbling down the walls we made up
Everything we do will last forever
Let's keep our secrets safe when we're up against the wall
Hold my hand if you need to - I won't let you fall
What we save tonight is nothing less than all
Are you ready for an earth shaker?
Tumbling down the walls we made up
Everything we do will last forever
Giants
All this time you thought I was kidding about dancing in the sun
You thought I knew there's no escape but I guess I thought there was
Got to admit at my age I'm carrying on like a fool
Like everyone else I've found a rut but I prefer to call it a groove
Standing on the shoulders of giants
Like there's nothing to invent anymore
Rifling through dead memories
Now what are you looking for?
You've spent too many years pretending
You've forgotten what you're living for
It's hard to tell where the image ends and the real thing begins
It never fit so I changed my life just like a snake sheds his skin
It's too late now to go back the past behind me has closed
I'm shaking down utopias just to recover a perfect rose
Standing on the shoulders of giants
Like there's nothing to invent anymore
Rifling through dead memories
Now what are you looking for?
You've spent too many years pretending
You've forgotten what you're living for
Of politics and government I'm sick and so I'll sing
About the beauty of a kiss because that is everything
But I know this soft delusion is just a commonplace love
And our enemies will not pause for our private utopias
Standing on the shoulders of giants
Like there's nothing to invent anymore
Rifling through dead memories
Now what are you looking for?
You've spent too many years pretending
You've forgotten what you're living for
Are We Going to Fly?
Are we going to fly or not?
We're standing at the cliff wound up
What's the hurry? We are free
What's the hurry for you and me?
Are we going to own the sky?
A spectacular goodbye
What's the hurry? We are free
What's the hurry for you and me?
Honestly don't compromise
We could do more than survive
Survive
Are we going to find our way?
Thought you said we had all day
Better hurry up and be free
Better hurry up for you and me
Honestly don't compromise
We should do more than survive
Survive
This is Not Even Rock and Roll
I'm a walking cliche with my guitar
I want to get rich and be a star
There's only one hitch: I'm getting too old
And this is not even
This is not even
This is not even rock and roll
Strange how estranged everyone's become
They can't understand what I am
And I'm not worthy of a microphone
And this is not even
This is not even
This is not even rock and roll
I'm thinking with guitar mind
Love to feel it unwind
Tell me are you inclined
To show me why you're do fine?
The hawk above the highway knows my name
The restaurant mirrors multiply my face
Back and forth to infinity I go
And this is not even
This is not even
This is not even rock and roll
Water Wings
High mark for water
Flooding the corridor
Why don't you hold your
Tongue until you see
How it's gonna be
Build a raft out of floaty things
I'll take my chances with water wings
Typhoons in winter
Tornadoes splinter
Now you begin to
Taste the ocean breeze
It's how it going to be
Build a raft out of floaty things
I'll take my chances with water wings
Build a raft out of floaty things
I'll take my chances with water wings
Suburbs of Paradise
Well the road not taken always beckons that's for sure
And the road you're on just leads you where you've been before
I don't know what's up or down
It doesn't matter in the end
I just want to go downtown
Where the lights are bright but I can't get in
Living in the suburbs of paradise
I tried to road of excess and the straight and narrow path
And the roads in between in the aftermath
But the roads they're all the same
They all just beat around the bush
And the voice that'll call your name
Might just be a whispered hush
Living in the suburbs of paradise
Down the street they sing in holy harmony
The air just breathes with the energy
But the cars keep a-rolling by
Blasting obscene radio
Oblivious drivers drive
And a mind thinks them as they go
Living in the suburbs of paradise
Cairn - Released 3/6/24
Ship on the Horizon
Inka binka ball of
Ink is in the water
There’s got to be a ship on the horizon
Cause here on the island
It’s cold and it’s violent
There’s got to be a ship on the horizon
The children they say it
In their rhyme games they play it
There’s got to be a ship on the horizon
Mother nature’s got the ocean
Put on your boots you’ve got the notion
To splash in the rain
I know you want to
Jump in every puddle of water
Tsunami is brewing
It could be our ruin
Don’t let it sink that ship on the horizon
Look up in the sky now
Children learn to fly now
You can up and fly right off this island
Inka binka ball of ink is in the water
There’s got to be a ship on the horizon
Mother nature’s got the ocean
Put on your boots you’ve got the notion
To splash in the rain
I know you want to
Jump in every puddle of water
Inka binka ball of ink is in the water
There’s got to be a ship on the horizon
Wandering Squandering
Wandering squandering dreams on a
Journey that more and more seems like an
Endless waste of my time
I think it's time to unwind
Wandering squandering years they've
Gone and they all disappeared hey
How many more did we have?
No one can turn the hands back
Guess I expected to be in control
Sure you were shocked to see me on the floor
Wandering squandering tears it's
Not at all as it appears
You've got me tied in a knot
But I am not giving you up
Guess I expected to be in control
Sure you were shocked to see me on the floor
Forest Giants
On and on and on and on and on
On and on and on and on and on
On and on and on and on and on
I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Hey loner
Come over
To my forest
It's getting warmer
Stay hidden
Forbidden
It's written on the wind
On and on and on and on and on
On and on and on and on and on
On and on and on and on and on
On
I'm on my way
I'm on my way
The World Won't Let Me Believe
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
But I don't believe the world
I want to believe that people they've got you
They'll do the right thing when nobody's watching
I want to believe we write our own story
That some day some way we're heading for glory
But the world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
But I don't believe the world
I want to believe there's nothing to fear
That the monsters are all in the rear-view mirror
I want to believe some day we'll be proud of
Our narrow escape from this trap we got out of
But the world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
But I don't believe the world
I want to believe that our time is not wasted
That life is delicious if only we taste it
I want to believe in a world without pain
Where justice comes down like the falling rain
But the world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
But I don't believe the world
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
The world won't let me believe
But I don't believe the world
No I don't believe the world
No I don't believe the world
Better
Shine a light on me and you will see what I've become
All my finest moments canceled out by what I've done
Still no place I'd rather be than standing in the sun
And I'm better
Better
better than what I've done
Better
Better
Better than I ever was
And here I come
Sun showers freak me out I don't know how to feel
Misty rainbows in the sky they seem so unreal
Like all the things I thought I wanted - things I tried to steal
And I'm better
Better
better than what I've done
Better
Better
Better than I ever was
And here I come
But I'm better
Better
better than what I've done
Better
Better
Better than I ever was
And here I come
Maddening Muse
You are so beautiful
Always so beautiful
You are so beautiful
Oh maddening muse
You give me hints of hope
Like anything is possible
You give me hints of hope
Maddening muse
Oh but you don’t care
You drive me to despair
Oh but you don’t care
Oh maddening muse
Well you’re watching watching watching the world go by
Waiting waiting waiting I don’t know why
I’m content to be your fool
Knowing that someday you will rule me
You are the reason I
Can’t get to sleep at night
You are the reason why
Oh maddening muse
Oh then you smile and then
There’s that false hope again
Oh then you smile and then
Oh maddening muse
Well you’re watching watching watching the world go by
Waiting waiting waiting I don’t know why
I’m content to be your fool
Knowing that someday you will rule me
Dragonflies
When your feet are off the ground
You feel the weightlessness of sound
And soon you will be homeward bound
Dragonflies by day. Fireflies at night
And soon you will be homeward bound
Vivid dreams of us.
I don't know what to so with this energy.
When your feet are off the ground
You feel the weightlessness of sound
And soon you will be homeward bound
And soon you will be homeward bound
After Everything That You've Done
Are you defiant after everything that you've done?
I'm through with crying after everything that you've done
After everything that you've done
Have you no shame now after everything that you've done?
Please leave the stage now after everything that you've done
After everything that you've done
Now everything has changed
You're led away in chains
And everybody
They all wish it on me
They all wish it on me
See how they follow
After everything that you've done
There's no tomorrow after everything that you've done
After everything that you've done
Call off your minions after everything that you've done
Your stupid opinions after everything that you've done
After everything that you've done
Now everything has changed.
You're led away in chains
And everybody
They all wish it on me
They all wish it on me
Child's Play
I'm just so beyond it all this is child's play to me
Think you're clever? I don't know. Let's just wait and see
Before you lay your trip on me let me lay my trip on you
I could be doing a million things but here I am with you
Hey hey hey
Try to get a little you can't get enough so you divert the stream
No more thirst you've got a flood watering your dreams
Before you try to probe me get get to know me on the street
The rumble of the highway bridge underneath your feet
Hey hey hey
I'm just so done with it all this is child's play to me
Walk away, it falls to ruin. What is that to me?
Before you put your trust in me there's something you should know
I'm in love with everything and everything must go
The Final Wager
Steer me in the right direction and I'll go
And I won't stop until I find
A bridge across the wind, passage through the rain
A workaround to buy us some more time
The final wager
We'll run the table
And love will win at last
Sort me out so I can be the kind of guy
That you would proudly call your own
The stupid things I do will not embarrass you
And you will never be alone
The final wager
We'll run the table
And love will win at last
Wind me up and I will walk the straightest line
A gauntlet of our enemies around
But just one look at me, they'll part like the red sea
And we will walk across the ground
The final wager
We'll run the table
And love will win at last
Miscellaneous music, novelty songs etc.
Billie Eilish Won't Follow Me
Finneas and his sister won't follow me I guess I don't
Care much but just the same
Would it be too much to hope that they'd think this song is dope
Or even just OK?
Judge me for a thousand things
But not for liking these siblings
A pleasure, but not guilty
It's not pop - no sedative
Relentlessly inventive
Just like music should be
Finneas and his sister won't follow me I guess I don't
Care much but just the same
Would it be too much to hope that they'd think this song is dope
Or even just OK?
Shopping at the dollar store
There's no pretending anymore
We have something to lose
I buy handfuls of cheaters there
Just a dollar for a pair
So I can read the news
But when I read it gotta think
The whole world is on the brink
Depressing isn't it?
There's a refuge I have found
A whole universe of sound
Ethereal music
Finneas and his sister won't follow me I guess I don't
Care much but just the same
Would it be too much to hope that they'd think this song is dope
Or even just OK?
Guess this is a stupid stunt
Riding coattails but guess what
No need to apologize
Gotta do something truly lame
To win the algorithm game
Don't begrudge me the prize
Finneas and his sister won't follow me I guess I don't
Care much but just the same
Would it be too much to hope that they'd think this song is dope
Or even just OK?
Wifi Kills Ghosts
Phones out for pictures as we propose toasts
After dessert we were detained by our hosts
Their seance produced no spine-tingling results
Because everybody knows that wifi
Everybody knows that wifi kills ghosts
Turn off your router don’t disturb the dead
Switch it back on if they’re filling you with dread
But be careful not to harm that ghost in your head
Because everybody knows that wifi
Everybody knows that wifi kills ghosts
It’s getting lonely when no one is near
Where are the voices that we used to hear?
And why is this silence causing such fear?
Well everybody knows that wifi
Everybody knows that wifi kills ghosts
Super Saiyan
You’ve got me mistaken for
everyone who every came before
I’ll let you know when I’m ready
to be your little fool
You’ve got quite a lot of nerve
telling me what I deserve
I’ll let you know when I’m ready
to settle for what you say
I don’t want to act my age
I don’t need to turn the page
I’ll let you know when I’m ready
to step into that cage
I’m like a super saiyan
I’m just saying
Look at all the energy
That’s washing over me
I’m like a super saiyan
I’m just saying
Up in the sky I’m free
Radiating
This song just came out this way
I don’t care what people say
I’ll let you know when I’m ready
to play that pandering game
My default setting is love
I can't ever get enough
Please let me know when you’re ready
to join me up above
I’m like a super saiyan
I’m just saying
Look at all the energy
That’s washing over me
I’m like a super saiyan
I’m just saying
Up in the sky I’m free
Radiating