LYRICS

Flew back into town

On the red eye last night

Not a dollar in my pocket

But I'm feelin' alright

Got to see my daughter

She means the world to me

Enough for me to pack my stuff

And head back to Tennessee

All these Radio Stations

They won't play my songs

They'll be back one day

When I'm old and gray

To try and right their wrongs

It only took 40 writers

To pen your masterpiece

I saw you takin' credit

Sittin' pretty on TV

This outlaw act

If you can call it that

May help to draw a crowd

Yet you're in debt up to your neck

I'll bet your label's proud

All these Radio Stations

They won't play my songs

They'll be back one day

When I'm old and gray

To try and right their wrongs

This city is an empty husk

Of what it used to be

What happens when money lust

trumps real artistry

To the West

a country graveyard

With neon tombstones

In the East

artists are leavin'

As they're priced out

Of their homes

All these Radio Stations

They won't play my songs

They'll be back one day

When I'm old and gray

To try and right their wrongs

See I don't have the money

To hire a publicist

To grease the palms of DJ's

Bloggers, and critics

If you give a damn about music

And you like what you hear

Then play this loud

Share it around

Lend me your ear

All these Radio Stations

They won't play my songs

They'll be back one day

When I'm old and gray

To try and right their wrongs

I was warned

Never to dream

Dreamin' is a dyin' art

It's the only art worth doin'

But it ain't

For the faint of heart

I've been told

Countless times

Don't you know

You'll never be known

But I know myself just fine

Sometime you gotta

Walk Alone

Ohhhh

Walk Alone

You gotta fight in this life

For everything you want

What you let pass you by

Tomorrow returns to haunt

There are a million sob stories

Waitin' to be told

The universe don't give a damn

What you think you're owed

Ohhhh

Walk Alone

Don't let the cards you're dealt

Be the only hand you play

Bitter people just project

The sorry things they say

I know who the hell I am

And where I'm bound to be

Gonna lose all your money

If you're bettin' against me

Ohhhh

Walk Alone

Hang my head

off the edge of the bed

Tryin' to find the nerve

Sometimes it's best not to speak

'Cause it only makes things worse

The words don't exist

To cut the abyss

I sink slowly into

When the sun's early rays

Slip from my gaze

And the darkness

Come into view

These nights I wake up reachin'

Trying to pull you close

There ain't a class for teachin'

How to let go of a ghost

I see you in my wins

And I see you in my losses

I see you on each highway

In Tiny Wooden Crosses

I remember when we were seven

Playin' on the swings

I hope I’s wrong about heaven

And you somehow found your wings

I find myself just coastin'

Down these old lamplit streets

Unable to talk

Still in shock

Just shufflin' my feet

These nights I wake up reachin'

Trying to pull you close

There ain't a class for teachin'

How to let go of a ghost

I see you in my wins

And I see you in my losses

I see you on each highway

In Tiny Wooden Crosses

So many things I wish I'd said

But never found the time

If you could see inside my head

You're always on my mind

I'm gettin' it together

I know you'd want me to

Even in this stormy weather

There's livin' left to do

These nights I wake up reachin'

Trying to pull you close

There ain't a class for teachin'

How to let go of a ghost

I see you in my wins

And I see you in my losses

I see you on each highway

In Tiny Wooden Crosses

My mind drifts and strays

Through the old alleyways

Of my life

I recount the days

And the friends

Who stood by my side

I cannot travel now

Though I haven't lost the spark

The dusty boots of old pursuits

Lay retired in the dark

Found a new way

Though I've received no sign

Haven't lost it

I'm feelin' fine

I'm Travelin'

in My Mind

Seen much of this country

Through a weathered

Pane of glass

Now I travel light, late at night

Into these old photographs

Mountains rise on either side

Like waves in mid crest

The highway winds serpentine

Like braids upon her breast

Found a new way

Though I've received no sign

Haven't lost it

I'm feelin' fine

I'm Travelin'

In My Mind

I wrote you this letter

I hope it finds you well

Someday my old friend

We'll meet again

With countless tales left to tell

We'll make it through somehow

We always do

When the chips are down

I'll buy you the next round

On the other side

Found a new way

Though I've received no sign

Haven't lost it

I'm feelin' fine

I'm Travelin'

In My Mind

Let the moonlight carry me

O'er the rivers through the trees

Into my lover's waitin' arms

Curse my ramblin' heart

For keepin' us apart

I've only memories

To keep me warm

Beatin' on these jailhouse bars

Starin' at the midnight stars

Slowly wearin' 'way at the seams

If this is the price I pay

I'll sleep in this bed I've made

And live what could have been

In my dreams

On a killin' floor in Omaha

Got word of a job out West

They picked me up

Three weeks ago

I guess you know the rest

Never meant it to go that far

You know I'm a peaceful man

Everyone has a breakin' point

I found mine in Cheyenne

Beatin' on these jailhouse bars

Starin' at the midnight stars

Slowly wearin' 'way at the seams

If this is the price I pay

I'll sleep in this bed I've made

And live what could have been

In my dreams

Never been good at goodbyes

so I'll just tell it to ya quick

don't wait for me honey

I ain't gettin' out of this fix

It brings me a smile

that for a short while

I was able to walk the line

May each vision you see

When you look back at me

Slip free from

The cruel hands of time

Each night I am graced

With maidens of lace

And feasts that are fit

For a king

Then I open my eyes

As the sun starts to rise

And the dove on my sill

Warms its wings

Beatin' on these jailhouse bars

Starin' at the midnight stars

Slowly wearin' 'way at the seams

If this is the price I pay

I'll sleep in this bed I've made

And live what could have been

In my dreams

There's a sad wind been blowin'

And It's blowin' here still

They all want your allegiance

When it's time to go and kill

To my boss I am a number

To my country I'm one too

You might be their favorite pen

Until the ink is through

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

They teach their version of history

And indoctrinate with hate

Then they point their crooked fingers

While they're swiping from your plate

But every immigrant

That you blame for your place

Stares into your eyes

With your grandfather's face

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

You may claim it's your right

To stockpile ammo

And enough weapons

To destroy a small town

Well I say it's my right

To raise my daughter

In a country

Where classrooms

Are not gunned down

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

There are billions in the treatment

There's no mansion in the cure

It's the crowning achievement

Of some CEO I'm sure

When the preacher's passin' 'round

That ol' collection plate

Do you reach into your pocket

And pay the subscription for your fate

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

Money or Blood

They all want Money or Blood

Got a dirty-blond child

With a blackberry smile

Back home in Tennessee

And I miss her like hell

When I'm gone for a while

Out pursuing my dreams

This winding road

Of life I'm told

Never ends

Just where it seems

When I arrive

There are tears in her eyes

She thinks the world of me

Thinks the world of me

Thinks the world of me

How am I gonna live up to that

She Thinks The World of Me

Now I think it's true

The things you do

When you're young

Come back again

What your parents dealt with

Manifest in your kid

And the tables start to spin

It's only right I apologize

To mom and dad

For back then

It might seem in the end

You got your revenge

But I feel like I still win

Thinks the world of me

Thinks the world of me

How am I gonna live up to that

She Thinks The World of Me

Half my life

I sold away

So some rich man

Could buy a plane

Or whatever they do, anyway

Can't take it with you

When you leave this place

Well that's alright

You live and learn

Ain't got money

But love to burn

And It's all hers

There's nothin' to earn

Just a big ol' hug when I return

Thinks the world of me

Thinks the world of me

How am I gonna live up to that

She Thinks The World of Me

Headin' down the coast

With Kerouac's ghost

To the land of

The redwood tree

Just tryin' to outrun

The settin' of the sun

I got a dark cloud

Followin' me

Give me coffee in the morning

And sleeping pills at night

I'll be on the road

Before the cold

Is thawed by mornin’ light

Seen the sun go down

In so many different places

Study lines like roadmaps

On all these stranger's faces

My heart breaks leavin'

So I'll give you a piece

Hold on to it honey

When I head Back East

The lights of long-haul truckers

Passin' by on the lost highway

Like fireflies, synchronized

Just lookin' for a mate

Fogged up cars

'Neath the stars

And the smile

Of an endless summer

I'd like to dedicate this one

To all you late night lovers

Seen the sun go down

In so many different places

Study lines like roadmaps

On all these stranger's faces

My heart breaks leavin'

So I'll give you a piece

Hold on to it honey

When I head Back East

It's a hard pill to swallow

It's one we all learn

When you're lookin'

In the rearview

At the bridges

You've burned

You can stand

In a crowd of people

And never feel more alone

You can sleep

Where you're expected

But it may never be your home

Seen the sun go down

In so many different places

Study lines like roadmaps

On all these stranger's faces

My heart breaks leavin'

So I'll give you a piece

Hold on to it honey

When I head Back East

Down in New Orleans

They got a place I like

It's called the Mystic Queen

And they'll treat you right

Got a gold-toothed woman

Takin' money by the door

Got a sign at the bar

Says "Thirst No More!"

Gotta get back to my

Mystic Queen

You know that girl

Put a spell on me

When the joint gets jumpin'

She sways from side to side

You can feel her rockin'

To the rhythm of the tide

Some say she used to be a boat

On the Mississippi shore

'Til she was carried by a storm

Over to the Seventh Ward

Gotta get back to my

Mystic Queen

You know that girl

put a spell on me

You know they got that Jambalaya

And that Crawfish Etouffee

And don't you dare forget

The catch of the day

There's a party going down

Up on Frenchman street

Have you doin' the soft shoe

Jumpin' out of your seat

Gotta get back to my

Mystic Queen

You know that girl

Put a spell on me

Thought it might be nice to settle down

Somewhere with stars in the sky

Far from the neon lights uptown

With a well to draw from when I get dry

The water-heater broke

And it smells like smoke

Whenever the AC turns on

This week I replaced it

Now there's a leak in the basement

Who the hell did I do wrong?

Being rich might be nice

But for me it ain't the dream

Spare me all the financial advice

I'm Building Paradise

Piece by piece

For some it may be hard to see

The statue that lies 'neath the stone

It's the promise I see in you

That will make this house a home

The pantry door

Couldn't take it anymore

And he jumped right off the track

I won’t lie, it gets tough sometimes

But I'll tell ya, I ain't lookin' back

Being rich might be nice

But for me it ain't the dream

Spare me all the financial advice

I'm Building Paradise

Piece by piece

Push my desk against the window

So I may gaze across the plain

Take a walk through the woodland

Greet each plant by its name

Finally found

The solid ground

My feet were missing all along

The perfect site

On a moonlit night

To sit and write these silly songs

Being rich might be nice

But for me it ain't the dream

Spare me all the financial advice

I'm Building Paradise

Piece by piece

SONGS OF THE HIGHWAY

Say senorita won't you pour one for me

It's been a long hard road from Nashville, Tennessee

Each border I cross an unseen line

Reminds me what I've left behind

All my friends

So many miles away

So I'm singin'

To the wind

These Songs of the Highway

Late nights spent writing

Lost in a haze

Scan the horizon

To glimpse the green ray

Eye of Poseidon

It beckons to me

Carry my hardships on out to sea

There ain't no regrets

Beatin' in my chest

Wouldn't have it any other way

So I'm singin'

To the wind

These Songs of the Highway

It's true you don't know

What you had 'til it's gone

It haunts you like the ghost

Of a high lonesome song

I yearn to hold her close

When the autumn leaves fall

As the inmate yearns

To scale the prison wall

A day don't pass

Where I won't ask

Does she remember my name?

So I'm singin'

To the wind

These Songs of the Highway

TAKE HER BY THE HAND

There ain't no romance on the open road

It's like ridin' towards the sunset in search of gold

Heart's been trampled 'neath a lifetime of dust

Foolish I'm searchin' for a soul I can trust

Days spent dreadin' the nights so long

Walkin' in the verses of same sad song

Believe me when I find her gonna make my stand

Bend in her shadow and take her by the hand

We all share a sentence we ponder at night

We all have scars you can't see in the light

Wander this world as if we're alone

One in the river as she whispers her poem

Days spent dreadin' the nights so long

Walkin' in the verses of same sad song

Believe me when I find her gonna make my stand

Bend in her shadow and take her by the hand

But will I ever find her

The one in my dreams

Will she elude me

Like so many it seems

the heart is a compass

It points out the way

Has mine broken

And led me astray

She entered the room, time it slowed

My heart awoke like a seed 'neath the snow

Well they say love's blind, when you see it you'll know

It ages like wine from the bloom of a rose

Days spent dreadin' the nights so long

Walkin' in the verses of same sad song

Believe me when I find her gonna make my stand

Bend in her shadow and take her by the hand

MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS

I was walking by the trains

In the cold November rain

Thought I'd stop and grab a bite

Before callin' it a night

When I saw her standin' there

Runnin' fingers through her hair

Our eyes met across the room

Knew right then that I was doomed

Well I still remember you

And our midnight rendezvous

'Neath that old Maryland moon

What began ended too soon

Do you ever think of me?

Though it wasn't meant to be

Well you know I had to try

Babe with love it's do or die

There are people you will meet

Walkin' solemn down the street

There are secrets and deceits

There are wants and there are needs

There's a road to paradise

And I've seen it in her eyes

But that road it ain't for me

I'm still searchin' for that dream

Well I still remember you

And our midnight rendezvous

'Neath that old Maryland moon

What began ended too soon

Do you ever think of me?

Though it wasn't meant to be

Well you know I had to try

Babe with love it's do or die

There are so many things

I'd like to say to you

go on and spread your wings

And though our time is through

Don't dare think I'll ever forget about you

Don't dare think I'll ever forget about you

Are you still in that small town

Being held there by your doubts

If our paths they cross again

Would you see me as a friend

Well I ask myself sometimes

On these cold November nights

If you saw me 'cross the room

Would you let me go so soon?

Well I still remember you

And our midnight rendezvous

'Neath that old Maryland moon

What began ended too soon

Do you ever think of me?

Though it wasn't meant to be

Well you know I had to try

Babe with love it's do or die

ALL OUT WAR

I can feel the heat on this Texas street

Burnin’ holes in the soles of my shoes

Surrounded by men in darkened dens

Communin’ with bottles of booze

There’s a picture of you at twenty-two

In the breast pocket of my coat

I turn it over when I’m not sober

And shed tears to the words you wrote

I said open your eyes

Raise your fists

Show me that we’re worth

More than this

I know it ain’t easy

But it’s worth fightin’ for

Love ain’t a battle

It’s an All-Out War

This old guitar carries the scars

Of a thousand bar room nights

My fingers they trace the lines on her face

As she sings ‘neath the fluorescent lights

I cradle each word like a newborn bird

Fallen from the nest

I was too blind to see you had to be free

Or else be laid to rest

I said open your eyes

Raise your fists

Show me that we’re worth

More than this

I know it ain’t easy

But it’s worth fightin’ for

Love ain’t a battle

It’s an All-Out War

Been chasin’ my breath since the day you left

Twelve long years ago

It’s the snap of the bone as the blade finds it’s home

Where love once flourished and flowed

I’ve know the sacrifice of a reclusive vice

Though many an angel has tried

If you asked me today I’d just have to say

I guess that I’m doin’ alright

I said open your eyes

Raise your fists

Show me that we’re worth

More than this

I know it ain’t easy

But it’s worth fightin’ for

Love ain’t a battle

It’s an All-Out War

DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

Can we care about our neighbors

Instead of asking for their papers

And think about what we do to this world?

'Cause human life's more precious

Than a blood diamond necklace

Or any flag that's ever been unfurled

It's time to climb from 'neath the covers

And stand up for each other

In this the hour of truth

When you opt for silence

Those swallowed by violence

Won't be there when it comes for you

Oh my friends

This ain't a sad song

Keep marchin'

Though the road is long

We'll prevail

For love is strong

It's always Darkest Before the Dawn

Another mass killin'

Celebrity villain

Face on the TV screen

They won't call him a terrorist

We all get the gist

It ain't in line with their white supremacy

We vote in these leaders

And watch them impede us

Every step of the way

Self serving cowards

Growing empowered

With cash from the NRA

Oh my friends

This ain't a sad song

Keep marchin'

Though the road is long

We'll prevail

For love is strong

It's always Darkest Before the Dawn

Every orientation and gender deserves equality

You ain't savin' souls trying to control

The lives of those you've never seen

Let's stop arrestin'

For minor possession

If this is the land of the free

Ban private prisons

That enslave millions

Because they don't look like me

Oh my friends

This ain't a sad song

Keep marchin'

Though the road is long

We'll prevail

For love is strong

It's always Darkest Before the Dawn

SECOND CHANCES

I saw him standing there

So dirty and disheveled

When I said Hi

His eyes grew wide

Like he’d see the devil

He said oh pardon me my friend

Most tend to pass me by

They’d rather wish I didn’t exist

Than ever try and wonder why

I stand here on this corner

Just tryin’ to survive

While they avoid my glances

Life don’t favor second chances

I asked to buy him a drink

He said thanks I think I’ll pass

But keep me in your thoughts

And promise me you’ll raise a glass

For all the ones forgotten

For all the ones ignored

‘Cause in the end we’re all human

And virtue is its own reward

GHOSTS

Sweet Maria of the southern wilds

Patron saint of this lonesome mile

Got evicted and lost her child

Try as they might they can't

Take her smile

Six-string Joe used to play the blues

Down on Beale and Union avenue

Pawned his guitar for a plate of food

Got a lot of soul but none on his shoes

These are some people you're likely to meet

If you ever look up when you're shufflin' your feet

Can the richest nation afford empathy?

For the ghosts of this American dream

Sarah sells street papers by the interstate

Her husband beat her 'til the day she ran away

Started drinkin' heavy to push aside the pain

Sober now, ya ask her how

Says I take it day by day

Old John lost his arm to a bomb in the war

Been tryin' to find a job since 1974

No address and post traumatic stress

Shut many a door

Came home an unknown

Sayin' what are we fightin' for?

These are some people you're likely to meet

If you ever look up when you're shufflin' your feet

Can the richest nation afford empathy?

For the ghosts of this American dream

And I don't know the reason why

So many turn a blind eye

Maybe they don't wanna see

Don't wanna see

When we hit hard times

It comes to mind

Maybe that could be me

Maybe that could be me

WOODLAND ROSE

There's a comfort that's come

From knowin' you're near

Though I don't hear your voice

We've drifted apart

Like ships in the dark

My darling it was never by choice

Words said in anger

That turned us to strangers

Tears that stain the path of dreams we chased

A moment's lapse of trust

Can never define us

Or lay this castle that we've built to waste

I want so to hold you

Though I don't deserve to

And doors once open lie closed

It's always been a fault of mine

Rememberin' only the good times

It's one of the many you know

My sweet little Woodland Rose

My sweet Woodland Rose

If what I've heard's true

You're with someone new

It was only a matter of time

Took many moons to overcome my wounds

And I buried that sword called pride

No amount of distance

Or time's slow persistance

Can sever the bond we share

If you're feelin' alone

And your mind starts to roam

Know that I'll always be there

I want so to hold you

Though I don't deserve to

And doors once open lie closed

It's always been a fault of mine

Rememberin' only the good times

It's one of the many you know

My sweet little Woodland Rose

My sweet Woodland Rose

We've drifted apart

Like ships in the dark

My darling it was never

By choice

BORN IN TENNESSEE

Sultry-eyed siren runnin' wild and free

Pretty as a peach in the orchard tree

Hot as summer and sweet as tea

Must've been born in Tennessee

Hands on her hips smirkin' at me

Says Yankee boy my love ain't free

Opens her heart, hands you the key

Must've been born in Tennessee

Hold me like a river holds it's polished stones

From the mighty Mississippi to Clingman's Dome

You're in my heart everywhere I roam

Give me one kiss for the endless road

Says some things are worth more than gold

Leads you down to the honeysuckle grove

Pulls you close 'neath the poplar trees

Must've been born in Tennessee

One day we'll have that island in the sun

Together like Two Hearts on the run

'Til then she leaves a light on for me

Sweet lady from Tennessee

Hold me like a river holds it's polished stones

From the mighty Mississippi to Clingman's Dome

You're in my heart everywhere I roam

Give me one kiss for the endless road

TWO HEARTS

Came to a stop one night on a dark and dusty road

Thirty-one miles from the place I'd planned to go

Walked the white line 'til I did find a neon glow

Sign said Welcome to the Desert Rose

I walked on in and pulled a stool up to the bar

Saw her sittin' there and I forgot about my car

She slid right over with a drink I said hey there how'd you know?

She smiled you kept me waitin' it's about time that you showed

And I said

Looks like you and I

Are gonna have some fun

'Cause you and me babe

We're Two Hearts on the run

Just then two men walked in from the hard drivin' rain

One had a knife and just my luck one had a chain

One with the knife said that's my wife you gonna meet your end

Now you all know I had no way of knowin' that my friends

I turned to her and said you gonna help me outta this mess?

She reached right down and pulled a gun from 'neath her dress

Her man said wait a minute think it over Rosalee

She turned as bridges burned and said this right to me

She said

Looks like you and I

Are gonna have some fun

'Cause you and me babe

We're Two Hearts on the run

Ran out the back door hopped into her little truck

She shifted gears we disappeared in a trail of mud

Down a maze of sidestreets and backroads we did drive

Hollerin' with adrenalin just happy to be alive

Lookin' back they hadn't followed at the time I thought it strange

Right then in the rearview mirror headlights shone through the rain

One day I know I'll burn hot as the settin' sun

Right then I was the king, she handed me the gun

And we sang

Looks like you and I

Are gonna have some fun

'Cause you and me babe

We're Two Hearts on the run

Rolled down the window as they rammed us from the side

The truck fishtailed to the left and then the right

A loud crack lit the sky, something in me changed

They barelled through the storm like a runaway freight train

Levelled the gun and I started to unload

Smoke poured from the hood and I saw a tired explode

They swerved into a ditch and the car burst into flames

They hopped on out and started to shout all kinds of names

And we sang

Looks like you and I

Are gonna have some fun

'Cause you and me babe

We're Two Hearts on the run

We drove a hundred miles and found a cheap motel

Holed up there for the night and uh had some fun as well

Like a dream when I awoke the truck and her were gone

And though she never said goodbye she at least left me this song

From time to time she comes to mind my Desert Rosalee

And in a note you know she wrote these simple words to me

We cannot return blindly from whence we've come

I know one day you'll find me

We are

Two Hearts

On

The run

EASE YOUR PAIN

When one day the spark

In my eyes goes dark

Shed not a tear in my name

Let our love live on

In the words of this song

To bring you calm

And ease your pain

Said I'd never leave you lonesome

Oh my love

Wish it was a promise I could keep

Sailin' for the darkest ocean

Into the greatest mystery

Though I know your heart's a breakin'

Oh my love

Standin' strong by my side

Leavin' ain't easy for those taken

It's hardest on those left behind

When one day the spark

In my eyes goes dark

Shed not a tear in my name

Let our love live on

In the words of this song

To bring you calm

And ease your pain

You wear my pride upon your finger

Oh my love

Many happy years we've spent

Lovin' names we gave each other

Honored to have been called your friend

Hear that train whistle callin'

Oh my love

Wheels rollin' down the track

When I enter that long tunnel

Know there ain't no lookin' back

When one day the spark

In my eyes goes dark

Shed not a tear in my name

Let our love live on

In the words of this song

To bring you calm

And ease your pain

THE OUTLAW

Staring out the window at a mountain range

Speeding down the track on a one way train

Cop at my side

They say tomorrow I'll hang

Longing for my freedom like a dog on a chain

Never found no comfort in Caroline

Got sweet Mary on my mind

Don't you cry for me

Just lay me down where the river meets the sea

Robbed a bank in Baltimore and River city too

Got lucky in Kentucky yeah you know how I do

Posse caught up with me down in Tennessee

They said come out with your hands up

I said hold on let me finish my tea

Ran to the bed grabbed my boots and my gun

Hopped from the window and away I run

Ran for the station and almost made it too

Sometimes you make plans and life has other plans for you

If I had a boy you know I'd tell him son

Don't be like me don't live by the gun

You think a man's free just 'cause you seen him roam

Well that man ain't free he's just a man without a home

So walk me to the gallows up those creakin' steps

Hood on my head and a noose around my neck

Yell to the coppers do what you gotta do

Done more livin' in my short life than you could do in two

HEART LIKE AN OCEAN

Her eyes are the light that shines

Between the blinds and warms the room

To wake you soft from slumber

On a Sunday afternoon

Her arms hang at her sides

Like the boughs of a willow tree

'Til they raise outstretched to say

Babe come on home to me

Her heart's like an ocean

Too vast to swim

But it's better to die tryin'

Than regret not jumpin' in

Her smile's a wildflower

Watch out boys she'll take your breath away

Expect nothing less from the girl

With a name like a holiday

Her long legs carry her graceful

Through the crowd as a summer breeze

Two feet above the ground

So careless and free

Her heart's like an ocean

Too vast to swim

But it's better to die tryin'

Than regret not jumpin' in

MORTALITY BLUES

Let me get old before I die

and I'll never ask a thing no more

Let me get old before I die

'cause I feel like I'm knocking on death's door

You were young when you came here

You may be young when you breathe your last breath

If you take my advice you will leave here

You'll find no mercy in the one they call death

Let me get old before I die

and I'll never ask a thing no more

Let me get old before I die

'cause I feel like I'm knocking on death's door

All the time that you have use it wisely

Make amends, say all you need to say

Those who don't they come to despise me

My name is death and I take no holiday

Let me get old before I die

and I'll never ask a thing no more

Let me get old before I die

'cause I feel like I'm knocking on death's door

And you know no one can resist me

When I lay my claim on them

Try to be at peace when you meet me

When you walk that lonesome valley my friend

Let me get old before I die

and I'll never ask a thing no more

Let me get old before I die

'cause I feel like I'm knocking on death's door

STAND TOGETHER

Get pulled over for nothing

They got their quotas to fill

Now you're out ninety dollars

Down the street someone's getting killed

The city's on fire mama

They say we've lost our minds

I guess that's just what happens

when you stoke a fire too many times

We know what's right and

We know what's wrong

Gotta stand together

or fall alone

New York City's got it's arms around my throat

We were in Oakland on the platform

when they shot Oscar Grant like a dog

Got their military weapons

Like they're going to war

Seems like they forgot

Who the hell they're working for

We know what's right and

We know what's wrong

Gotta stand together

or fall alone

Well they got a new dance

in Ferguson Missouri

It's call the serve and protect

So don't you worry

Put your hands in the air

'cause the cops don't care

Just move real slow

Or you'll be the first to go

We know what's right and

We know what's wrong

Gotta stand together

or fall alone

What have we learned

In this history of hate

Attica, Orangeburg, Kent and Jackson State

Body cameras do nothing

When you can just turn them off

We need to lock up the judges

Who don't lock up corrupt cops

We know what's right and

We know what's wrong

Gotta stand together

or fall alone

BALLAD OF BRADY

Old Brady was a mean man

A tyrant some would say

He loved his women and his drink

Up to his dyin’ day

His woman was a gentle soul

She ran the country store

Worked her fingers to the bone

While old Brady walked out the door

One day a stranger arrived in town

With stars upon his boots

He asked where Brady could be found

They said the red saloon

Upon the doors a partin’ wide

Saw Brady sittin’ there

Drunk off cheap liquor boys

And slumped back in his chair

Oh Brady, Oh Brady

What have I done

Once called me the light of your life

But now I’ll shine for no one

Oh Brady, Oh Brady

What am I to do

You weren’t the best man

But oh how I miss you, how I miss you

He served Brady his warrant sheets

And led him to the train

Handcuffed and disheveled

In the unforgiving rain

Brady’s wife ran and ran

She screamed her husband’s name

She spied them by the platform there

And so she took her aim

She pulled the cold trigger tight

Until no more remained

All missed ‘cept for the one

That freed Brady from his chains

He slipped from the stranger’s grasp

Fell face down in the mud

The last words he ever spoke

You got me my love

You got me my love

Oh Brady, Oh Brady

What have I done

Once called me the light of your life

But now I’ll shine for no one

Oh Brady, Oh Brady

What am I to do

You weren’t the best man

But oh how I miss you, how I miss you

She ran quick from the station

Shocked by what she’d done

Tossed clothes in a suitcase

And threw away the gun

The sun broke through the clouds that day

As the rain it then died down

She cried a lonesome melody

As she walked on out of town

She came passin’ on through

Ten years to the day

To say goodbye to her love

And lay flowers on his grave

Some say if you listen close

At night you’ll hear the sound

Of his woman cryin’ out

How she shot old Brady down

Oh Brady, Oh Brady

What have I done

Once called me the light of your life

But now I’ll shine for no one

Oh Brady, Oh Brady

What am I to do

You weren’t the best man

But oh how I miss you, how I miss you