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PALE VANILLA MOON
PALE VANILLA MOON
Copyright: 2023 Bill Dake ASCAP
Lyrics and Music: Bill Dake
A PALE VANILLA MOON
Peekin' through the branches
Silver shadow dances
Lights the path
That leads to your front door
Makes my spirits soar
PALE VANILLA MOON
Crickets by the creek
Rubbin' wings together
Lovin' the warmer weather
Sing a song
That says “I'm almost there”
Soon I'll get to share
This PALE VANILLA MOON
Old shoes polished
New shirt pressed
Words well practiced
Hidden in my vest
I'll check my pocket
For that precious stone
That's hopin' to find a home
We'll be sittin' on the porch
Hearts and minds combinin'
Fingers intertwinin'
Makin' plans
That only we can know
Soakin' up the glow
Of this PALE VANILLA MOON
Soft Breeze
A starry veil
Sweet kiss 'neath this
PALE VANILLA MOON
--- END ---
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NORTHERN CLIMES
NORTHERN CLIMES
(1st person)
(revised)
Lyrics and Music by: Bill Dake
(c) 2014 billdakemusic ASCAP
Copper cool and nickel bright
Frozen moon framed in anthracite
With two ruddy faces we taste the breeze
Blowin' winter sharp
Through the skeleton trees
A good excuse for sippin' whiskey teas
Most of our friends have eased away
Off to the dessert for their final days
To bleach their bones in the cactus sun
Trustin' the heat to keep them ever young
'Till their dancin' dreams are done
But, you and I
We'll stick it out in these Northern Climes
Where the mountains hold court
Over the valley pines
And rivers speak in crystal tongues
Of grizzly bears and midnight suns
Where stars that set cold hearts aflame
Flood the skies with silver rain
Huddled together in our weathered skin
Laughin' while starin' down the bitter wind
You're a snow princess, I'm a troubadour
Caught up in magic, can't ignore
The aurora borealis kissin' heaven's door
So we'll finish it up in these Northern Climes
Where the mountains hold court
Over the valley pines
And the rivers speak in crystal tongues
Of grizzly bears and midnight suns
Where stars that set cold hearts aflame
Flood the skies with silver rain
When our time finally ends, as it does for us all
Hope they'll scatter our dust, pray they'll let it fall
High
In these Northern Climes --- END ---
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MAYBE IT'S LOVE
MAYBE IT'S LOVE
Lyrics by: Bill Dake & Amelia Blake
Music by: Bill Dake
(c): 2008 billdakemusic ASCAP
Maybe it's just a trick of the mind
Little random thoughts
I haven't yet defined
Since you've offered this new equation
It's required close consideration
Been adding it up
MAYBE IT'S LOVE
Maybe
Maybe I'm not fully immune
Easily caught off guard
Trapped by the pull of the moon
Seems I've got this “You” fixation
And realize it's pure speculation, but
If I had to guess
MAYBE IT'S LOVE
Detecting changes in my attitude
Feeling resistance slowly fade away
Out on this limb
Throwing caution to the wind
There's a chance, I'll make it
I'm willing to take it
MAYBE IT'S LOVE, Maybe it's not
Maybe it's just some sneaky virus
That I've caught
Some form of rare psychosis
That up 'till now
I've refused to notice
But then again,
MAYBE IT'S LOVE
Maybe
Just Maybe
--- END ---
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CARAMEL AND CREAM
CARAMEL & CREAM
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake
(C) BILL DAKE (ASCAP)
CARAMEL & CREAM
LITTLE PUPPY DREAM
ROMPIN' THROUGH THE GRASS
SWEET AS SASSAFRASS
PERFECT BARREL ROLL
MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
FEARLESS BOMBARDIER
TRIPPIN' ON AN EAR
GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE TO MISS
THIS LITTLE BIT OF DOGGY BLISS
THIS PERFECT DAY
WITH CARAMEL & CREAM
ROLLIN' IN THE DEW
CHEWIN' ON A SHOE
HIDIN' IN A SHRUB
NEEDS A TUMMY RUB
SNOOZIN' IN A CHAIR
THEN GOIN' ON A TEAR
BARKIN' UP A TREE
SHE'S HUNTIN' PEDAGREE
HOW CAN SOMETHIN' BROWN AND WHITE
TURN YOUR DAY FROM DARK TO LIGHT
IT'S JUST A TRAIT OF
CARAMEL & CREAM
I'VE HEARD RUMORS
THAT LIFE'S TOO SHORT
TO SPEND YOUR TIME
FEELIN' DOWN
IT AIN'T NO SECRET
SOME FOUR LEGGED CRITTER
CAN GET THE JUICES FLOWIN'
THAT'S A TRUTH WORTH KNOWIN'
CARAMEL & CREAM
LITTLE PUPPY DREAM
ROMPIN' THROUGH THE GRASS
SWEET AS SASSAFRASS
PERFECT BARREL ROLL
MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
FEARLESS BOMBARDIER
TRIPPIN' ON AN EAR
IN THIS WORLD OF CHANGE
I'VE FOUND
IT'S NICE TO HAVE A FRIEND AROUND
A FURRY PAL LIKE
CARAMEL & CREAM
--- END ---
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HUNTIN' IN THE DARK
HUNTIN' IN THE DARK
Originally written in 1974 Bill Dake
Re-write 2020 Bill Dake ASCAP
Driftin' in and out of shadows at night she goes
Who's to say if she's wrong or right
Depends upon the way the wind blows
Depends upon the way the wind blows
Try though you might
You'll never catch sight of her heart
Search all you can through the thick and thin
You'll end up back at the start
Beware the point of her dart
She can't come out in the light to play
She'd turn to dust and just blow away
So it's in the shadows where she seeks her prey
She does her HUNTIN' IN THE DARK
Livin' on the blood of the ones she's loved to death
Best you avoid all her physical charms
And her honey breath
She's got a sweet tooth
She loves to share
She can't come out in the light to play
She'd turn to dust and just blow away
So it's in the shadows where she seeks her prey
She does her HUNTIN' IN THE DARK
Driftin' in and out of shadows at night she goes
When she's HUNTIN' IN THE DARK
--- END ---
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CHAINSAW WEATHER
CHAINSAW WEATHER
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake
Copyright: Bill Dake ASCAP
It's a mean skied night
Transformers poppin', see the flashes in the skylight
Night
It's a sight
We're in for a real good blow
A limb snappin', wall crackin'
Watch the picture windows bow, blow
Might be havin' some CHAINSAW WEATHER
It's a green skied night
No time for cruisin' with the top down
Or dancin' in the moonlight
Not tonight
Getting' ready for CHAINSAW WEATHER
Scare up some candles
Stoke up the fire
Slip beneath those wrinkled covers
With your heart's desire
Listen for the thunder
As it shouts down the wind
It's CHAINSAW WEATHER
CHAINSAW WEATHER
Streets are deserted
Not a sane soul in sight
Plywood on the windows
All the stores locked up tight
Cats and dogs hidin' out
Lookin' terrified
Man and beast together know it's pure suicide
To dance with this devil
Better show some respect
'Cause CHAINSAW WEATHER
Can be a real mean architect
So,
Scare up some candles
Stoke up the fire
Slip beneath those wrinkled covers with your heart's desire
Listen for the thunder
As it shouts down the wind
It's CHAINSAW WEATHER
CHAINSAW WEATHER
CHAINSAW WEATHER
CHAINSAW WEATHER
--- END ---
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COAST CITY
COAST CITY
WORDS AND MUSIC BY BILL DAKE (ASCAP)
(c) BILL DAKE MUSIC
I WAS STRANDED IN A SMALL COAST CITY
OLD WHEELS HAD UP AND DIED
FOUND SOME SHELTER AND A NICE COLD BEER
TO KEEP ME MELLOW
SUN WAS LOW
WINDOWS WERE GOLDEN
THOUGHT I'D STAY AWHILE
STARTED ROAMIN' THROUGH THE CRISP COOL EVENIN'
IN SEARCH OF SALTY AIR
FOUND A PATH THAT LED TO FOLKS COOKIN'
SEAFOOD GUMBO
FRIENDLY SOULS, ASKED ME TO SHARE SOME
SWEET NECTAR FROM THE GRAPE VINE
STEAMED TREASURES FROM A LOW TIDE
SOON THE STARS WERE WINKIN'
MAKING A BED FOR THE CRESCENT MOON
NAKED TOES WERE SINKIN'
INTO THE GREY-SILVER SAND DUNES
SOFT LANDED IN A SMALL COAST CITY
RELAXED AND SLEEPY EYED
DANCIN' CRAZY WITH SOME GIRL
IN HER AUTUMN COLORS
SPARKS FLOATIN' UP TO MEET THE HEAVENS
MARS EMBERS BURNIN' BRIGHT
WARMING SHADOWS AS THE TIDE
SLOWLY EASES EVER CLOSER
LAUGHTER MELTS TO WHISPERS
SOLO GUITAR PAINTS A LATIN THEME
MUSIC'S SWEET ELIXIR
FLAVORS THE BREEZE IN MY SEA DREAM
I WAS STRANDED IN A SMALL COAST CITY
Instrumental outro
--- END ---
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FIRST LIGHT ON THE PRAIRIE
Instrumental --- END ---
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GETAWAY
1
GETAWAY
Words and Music by: Bill Dake
Copyright: billdakemusic ASCAP
Lookin' left, steppin' right
Across the sunburned grass
Down a wooden flight
Of stairs worn smooth by a million soles
Searchin' for solitude
Finds a spot down by the water's edge
Under pale-green willows,
Shakes his head
As he wonders if she's wondered where his life has led
Since they were,
Two hearts entangled, two souls at play
Two kids plannin' for their GETAWAY
Not sure why he's relivin' that dance
It was a long time ago
A cosmic circumstance
A brief sweet moment in a place called “Home”
Small town vision
With saltwater chromosomes
They found each other in a waking dream
Shared their secrets 'neath the evergreens
Promised love forever, like in a movie scene
They were,
Two hearts entangled , two souls at play
Two kids plannin' for their GETAWAY
Two kids plannin' for their GETAWAY
But that's the past, it's gone
Another corner turned
Another lesson learned
Another wound that healed
It's the past, it's gone
You see,
She flew west over that slate-grey sea
To an island nest
His blue-eyed chickadee
Took her smile, took her harmonies
And after all these years and all the love he's found
Sometimes the breeze brings her ghost around
And carries him back to that yesterday
And
Two kids plannin' for their GETAWAY
Plannin' for their GETAWAY
--- END ---
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I REALLY LOVE YOUR MIND
I REALLY LOVE YOUR MIND
Lyrics and music by Bill Dake; (c) 2004 billdakemusic ASCAP
I was captured by your smokey eyes
Your killer smile had me hypnotized
Took some time before I realized
That what I really love is your mind
Somewhat affected by your sweet perfume
The way you move as you cruise a room
I find your packagin' is all well tuned
But what I Really Love Is Your Mind
I Really Love Your Mind
Might get distracted by your honey flavored kissin'
Sometimes I'll linger there awhile
But in your absence, when I'm left to reminiscin'
It's your fertile mind that brings the biggest smile
I'm kinda noticin' the candle light
Won't complain 'bout those soft love bites
I like the way you feed my appetite
But, what I really love
What I really love
What I really love is your mind
I Really Love Your Mind
I love the way it's designed
I love the way it's so refined
I love the way it's inclined
I Really Love Your Mind --- END ---
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BEFORE MY FALL
BEFORE MY FALL
(C) BILL DAKE (ASCAP)
Slumped in a chair
Feet in a pair
Of tired sneakers
Glass full of stout
Blues flowin' out
Of old speakers
Room full of folks
Laughin' and tellin'
Tall stories
Off-colored jokes
Tales of new schemes
And old glories
I'll nurse this cold one
While I think of you
Peruse our picture on the wall
You're whisperin' in my ear
I'm grinnin' 'cause you're near
But that was all
BEFORE MY FALL
I see the scars in the wood
Carved by the good
And the wicked
Most are long gone
Sang their swan song
Punched their ticket
But their ghosts are still here
If I drink enough beer
I just might see 'em
Cruisin' the room
Sheddin' cocoons
In this museum
Where I keep pretendin'
That you'll still return
To this old table meant for two
And we will reunite
And set the story right
Let the past rewind
Back to a warmer time
When all our differences
Were small
Before the end
BEFORE MY FALL from grace
Before I lost my place
Before I slipped and fell
And it all went to hell
BEFORE MY FALL.....BEFORE MY FALL.....BEFORE MY FALL --- END ---
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IN THE BEGINNING
IN THE BEGINNING
Music and lyrics by: Bill Dake 2004 ASCAP
In The Beginning there was nothing at all
Then a flash of light signaled the call
For the dance to begin
Churnin' and swirlin' with forces unknown
Making something from nothing
New places to roam
New voices to sing
Ever expanding, it'll never stand still
We're all connected, all part of the thrill
And the wonder of it all
In these vast and changing rhythms
Somewhere hearts collide
Through some tender mercies, join the ride
And In The Beginning as the earth finally cooled
And the oceans were formed so the fish could be schooled
A stew full of creatures
Filled up the bleachers
Some evolution
Fine execution
And In The Beginning
When I was nothing at all
Yours was the spark
That answered my call
For the dance to begin
And you thrill me still
--- END ---
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CAROLINA MOON
CAROLINA MOON
(c) Music and lyrics by: Bill Dake ASCAP
Carolina Moon
Peekin' through the branches
Silver shadow dances
Lights the path
That leads to your front door
Makes my spirits soar
Carolina Moon
Crickets by the creek
Rubbin' legs together
Lovin' the warmer weather
Sing a song
That says I'm almost there
Soon I'll get to share
This Carolina Moon
Old boots polished
New shirt pressed
Words well practiced
Hidden in my vest
Check my pocket
Pat that precious stone
That's hopin' to find a home
Now we're sittin' on the porch
Hearts and minds combinin'
Fingers intertwinin'
Makin' plans
That only we can know
Soakin' up the glow
Of this Carolina Moon
Carolina Moon
Soft breeze and a cozy glyder
Sweet kiss and this
Carolina Moon --- END ---
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RISE AGAIN
RISE AGAIN
Music and Lyrics by : Bill Dake
Copyright: billdake music.
It's by the grace of God
That we walk this earth
This tiny thought in a universe
Of unimagined time and space
Sometimes it's hard to find your place
And sometimes, it's just hard
When your faith seems lost
And your heart's unsure
Colors bleed and the edges blur
Into visions you can't defend
Know, it's the beginning
Just the beginning
And not the end
You'll Rise Again
Though the dark will visit
Now and then
Trust, and believe
You'll Rise Again
Instrumental verse
From the scattered bones
Of your shattered dreams
You'll build anew, resurrect the themes
That will free you from the devil's grip
To Rise Again, and again and again and again
Knowin'
It's just part of this earthly trip
You'll Rise Again
You'll Rise Again
--- END ---
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SAME OLD
page 1
SAME OLD
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake
Copyright 2014 : billdakemusic ASCAP
Same Old, Same Old
Tired of this conversation
Truth be told, I think it's over
This chapter's done
This story's come to a closure
Same lies, same chill
Don't like the taste of this
I've had my fill, enough with this side show
Here's food for thought
I'll be gone by tomorrow
I'll see you later, or not at all
I've watched your fall
Threw you some lines to hold onto
Answered your call
But now you're too far gone
We were like family, now we're not even friends
So to save my soul,
I've just gotta let go
Of your,
Same song, same dance
You've played your last recital
No more, no chance, it's time for the “Final Curtain”
No flower bouquet
No tears, now that's for certain
We're done, I'm gone
There was a time
When the sunrise knew your smile
Bitter words were not your chosen style
Before you,
Sold your pride
Killed your dreams
Traded love for some magic beans
Instrumental verse
SAME OLD page 2
I've watched your fall
Threw you some lines to hold onto
Answered your call
But now you're too far gone
We were like family, now we're not even friends
So to save my soul, I've gotta just let go
I've gotta let go of it
Of your,
Same Old, Same Old
Same Old, Same Old
--- END ---
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SCORCHER
SCORCHER
(C) 2007 BILL DAKE (ASCAP)
WE'VE BEEN MOVIN' KINDA SLOW IT SEEMS
IT'S A TEMPERATURE THING
HOW I WISH IT WAS SPRING
OR AUTUMN, WITH IT'S FOOTBALL AIR
BUT IT'S NOT SO WE'RE COASTIN'
'CAUSE BABY, IT'S ROASTIN'
TOASTIN'
IT'S HOTTER THAN HADES
IT'S TOUGH ON OLD LADIES
IT'S A SCORCHER OUTSIDE
YOU CAN JOIN MY PARADE
TO SEEK SOME SYCAMORE SHADE
BEFORE OUR SENSES GET FRIED
WITH OUR BACKS TO A TREE
WE'LL SIP SOME SWEET CLOUDY TEA
AND TOAST THIS MEAN SUMMER SUN
WHILE WE PRAY FOR A BREEZE
TO KNOCK THE HEAT TO IT'S KNEES
GOTTA BE A HUNDRED AND ONE PLUS ONE PLUS ONE
I'VE CONTEMPLATED MOVES TO COOLER CLIMES
BUT I KNOW FROM THE PAST
THIS HEAT JUST CAN'T LAST
SO COPIN' IS THE BEST I CAN DO
I'LL SUSPEND MY DEBATIN'
WHILE PATIENTLY WAITIN'
EVAPORATIN'....
IT'S HOTTER THAN HADIES ETC...........
--- END ---
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SEMI-SWEET
SEMI-SWEET
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake ASCAP
(c.): billdakemusic
Spunky was the way her friends described her
Pretty country girl talkin' bigger than her size
And though she knew the ways of a proper lady
There was always a bit of mischief in her eyes
She was SEMI-SWEET
A little girl with restless feet
SEMI- SWEET
One early mornin' servin' “joe” at the the local diner
She took a break to catch a glimpse of the crimson sky
Dropped her keys and apron on the counter
Let her hair down slow
And kissed that life “Goodbye”
Bought a funky truck, filled it with some memories
Drove it south to get a taste of the salty coast
And though she found the destination friendly
She knew she loved the “getting' there” the most
She was SEMI-SWEET
A little girl with restless feet
SEMI-SWEET
A little ice and a little heat
SEMI-SWEET
Not too rough and not too neat
SEMI-SWEET
She'd been dreamin' of serpentine roads
Of eighteen wheelers with mysterious loads
Seein' this country of red white and blue
Learnin' the secrets that were just out of view
She got a gig ridin' shotgun out of Houston
With a boy named Earl and his rig dubbed “A Little Mo'”
Earl gave her lessons in servivin'
In a long haul world with a short amount of dough
A year later they got hitched in a church in Reno
Honeymooned flyin' low on the interstate
Gave “A Little Mo'” a brand new paint job
And a brand new name written in electroplate
It reads
SEMI-SWEET
For that little girl with restless feet
SEMI-SWEET
Who's not too rough and not too neat
SEMI-SWEET
Who's lookin' at the world from the catbird seat
SEMI-SWEET
Makin' the road her home
Makin' the road her home
Makin' the road her home
--- END ---
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SPEED OF LIFE
SPEED OF LIFE
Music and lyrics by: Bill Dake ASCAP
She's been travelin' at The Speed of Life
A Roman candle burnin' fast and bright
With a constant , endless appetite
She toasts a cool setting sun
Left the hi-rize, left the “perfect deal”
That city scene had lost it's curb appeal
Too many edges, too much glass and steel
She needed open skies
Listened to that quiet voice inside
Whisper gently “Let's enjoy this ride”
At the Speed of Life
Never questions what the day will bring
Knows she's done with chasin' fame and bling
Simply seekin' sweeter songs to sing
Keepin' her soul alive
Found a boy who's into harmony
Who matches her style
Now they're
Blending voices by a silver sea
At The Speed of Life
Two bodies dancin' 'neath the Milky Way
So many stars
Might keep on dancin' 'till the break of day
Movin'
At The Speed of Life --- END ---
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BABY SAID BYE, BYE
BABY SAID "BYE, BYE"
music and lyrics by: Bill Dake
(C) BILL DAKE ASCAP
CRUISIN' PAST FAMILIAR WINDOWS
HE FEELS HIS PULSE START TO RACE
WANTS TO STOP, BUT THIS JOINT'S OFF LIMITS
SINCE HIS BABY SAID "BYE, BYE"
HE'D LIKE TO PEEK THROUGH THOSE SMOKEY CURTAINS
CATCH A GLYMPSE OF HIS PAST
GOD ONLY KNOWS,HIS FUTURE'S UNCERTAIN
SINCE HIS BABY SAID"BYE, BYE"
"BYE,BYE"
SHAKES HIS HEAD, HITS THE THROTTLE
LEAVES THE VISION BEHIND
SOON HE'S SEARCHIN' FOR TRUTH IN A BOTTLE
SINCE HIS BABY SAID "BYE, BYE"
SAME ROUTINE, SAME OLD ENDING
ANOTHER DAY IN THE DARK
ANOTHER LIFETIME NOT COMPREHENDING WHY
HIS BABY SAID "BYE, BYE"
"BYE, BYE"
STRUGGLIN' THROUGH ALL THE RESIDUE
SINCE HIS BABY FLEW
SINCE HIS BABY SAID "BYE, BYE"
FAREWELL, ADIOS, SAYONARA
--- END ---
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DOOMED
DOOMED
(C) BILL DAKE (ASCAP)
AM I DOOMED?
DOOMED TO BE SQUARE
WENT TO THE COOLEST SCHOOLS
TO LEARN THE RULES
BUT IT'S BEEN GETTIN' ME NOWHERE
AM I CONDEMNED
TO LIVE A LIFE OF "JUST FAIR"
THOUGH I'VE HUNG WITH THOSE
OTHER CATS
WHO KNEW WHERE IT'S AT
STILL, I COULDN'T GET THERE
SOME PEOPLE GET IT RIGHT
THE FIRST TIME
I NEVER SEE THE LIGHT 'TILL
EVERYONE'S LEAVIN'
AND I'M BARELY BREATHIN'
AM I DOOMED?
SOMETIMES I FEEL LOST
DOUBLECROSSED
CONSUMED WITH THE DOUBT
THAT THIS LIFE WILL WORK OUT
AS PLANNED
JAMMED
IN A RUT THAT'S SO DEEP
I LOOK UP, I SEE FEET
IS THERE A TONIC
SOME MAGIC BREW
OR MAYBE A PILL
THAT CAN HELP ME BREAK THROUGH
THIS FOG I'VE BEEN IN
FOR SO LONG, TOO LONG
SOME PEOPLE GET IT RIGHT
THE FIRST TIME
I NEVER SEE THE LIGHT 'TILL
EVERYONE'S LEAVIN'
AND I'M BARELY BREATHIN'
AM I DOOMED?
GOTTA FIND A WAY
TO REVERSE THIS TREND
OR I'M
DOOMED --- END ---
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I KNOW
I KNOW ( Power ballad )
Music and Lyrics by Bill Dake
Originally written in 1976
Rewrite 2020 Bill Dake ASCAP
I KNOW what you're thinkin'
I can read that look, you're an open book
I KNOW what you're plannin'
You can't hide behind those innocent eyes
I KNOW what's been cookin'
I can name that dish that's been growin' cold
I KNOW what you're thinkin'
And it's not good
I KNOW where you've been goin'
It's no big surprise, not hard to analyze
You've been recently driftin'
Into another place where there isn't space for we two to tango
Seems a different band has taken to the stand
I KNOW what you're thinkin'
I've known all along
That you'ld slip away to sing your siren song
To someone new
But it won't be long
'Till you sneak back to me
Like you've done nothin' wrong
I KNOW
Alone in the quiet
Workin' out my revenge
Seein' a vision
Of you're dark and empty bitter end
I may not pull the trigger
But you'll never know for sure
If you knew what I' thinkin'
It's not good
--- END ---
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I THINK OF YOU
I THINK OF YOU
Lyrics and Music by: Bill Dake
Copyright 2014 billdakemusic ASCAP
When the road gets kinda blurry
And I find myself
Driftin' off into the weeds
There's a compass that I use
Helps to steer me through the blues
I Think Of You
When the lines get sorta fuzzy
And the journey seems a waste of time
There's a prescription that I write
Helps to clear my foggy site
I Think Of You
Never fails to cure a fever
Clouds of gray don't stand a chance
Just the thought of you is all I need
To clear away the rubble
And pull me out of trouble
I've become a true believer
Now that I know what real love can do
You put the heart back into me
With some delicious surgery
You know it's true
So let's review
When I need some sweet upliftin'
I let my thoughts start driftin'
Back to you
Instrumental verse
Never fails to cure a fever
Clouds of gray don't stand a chance
Just the thought of you is all I need
To clear away the rubble
And pull me out of trouble
2
I THINK OF YOU (cont.)
I've become a true believer
Now that I know what real love can do
You put the heart back into me
With some delicious surgery
You know it's true
So let's review
When I need some sweet upliftin'
I let my thoughts start driftin'
Back to you
Baby, I Think Of You
Instrumental ride-out
--- END ---
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IN THE GARDENS OF MRS. B
Instrumental --- END ---
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LIFE GOES ON
LIFE GOES ON
WORDS AND MUSIC BY: BILL DAKE (ASCAP)
COPYWRITE 2010 BILL DAKE MUSIC
WHEN YOU'VE LOST THE VISION
AND LOST THE WILL
LOST DIRECTION
AND LOST THE THRILL
GOT NO MOTIVATION
LOTS OF TIME TO KILL
YOU MAY WONDER WHY LIFE GOES ON
WHEN YOU'RE LOOKIN' OUT
'STEAD OF LOOKIN' IN
AND ALWAYS WAITIN'
TO BEGIN
PROCRASTINATIN' WHILE THE LIGHT GROWS DIM
AMAZED THAT LIFE GOES ON
YOU'LL MAKE MISTAKES
MAKE MILLIONS
TRYIN' TO LEARN THE SCORE
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT
YOU'D FOUND THE KEY
THEY'LL CHANGE THE LOCKS
ON THE DOOR
BUT DON'T GET DISCOURAGED
AND DON'T BE DISMAYED
DON'T BE TOO ANGRY
WITH THE CHOICES YOU'VE MADE
KNOW THAT TOMORROW
JUST MIGHT BE THE DAY
YOU REMEMBER WHY LIFE GOES ON
BE THANKFUL
THAT LIFE GOES ON
--- END ---
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LIFE WITH BLURRED VISION
Instrumental --- END ---
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LITTLE JOURNEY
LITTLE JOURNEY
Music and lyrics by : Bill Dake 2012 ASCAP copyrite: 2012 billdakemusic
I'm cookin'
Popcorn and chips for dinner
You're lookin'
For the perfect complimentary wine
In stocking feet
On a cold and wet and windy evening
Single file
To a friendly couch we'll shuffle
Fire's blazin',
The cat's dreamin' dreams of Egypt
She thinks she's Persian
But she's really just a mutt
You share your theory
On the current local situation
I try to listen
But your smile takes me someplace else
A Little Journey to
A silver beach 'neath a crescent moon
Toes buried deep
In a sand dune
I never stood a chance
You had me captured in advance
I fell
I fell easy
Instrumental solo
We took a Little Journey to
A grey cafe with a golden view
Sat and watched the seagulls duel
In swing time
When I finally made my plea
Think I did it brilliantly
'cause, you fell
And, we got started
On our Little Journey
On our Little Journey
Think it's gonna last a long time.......
This bottle's empty, maybe we should retire.......
You know......take a little...... “ Journey?”......
Do you think we've spoiled this cat?.......
--- END ---
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LOONEY TOONS
LOONEY TOONS
(C) Bill Dake ASCAP
THERE WAS A CLOUD THAT FOLLOWED ME
IT DOGGED MY STEPS, IT RAN THE SHOW
A FOGGY, MISTY EMPTY SEA
ALL KINDA DREARY, DON'T YA KNOW
HAD ME ON MY WAY TO RUIN
HAD ME BARKIN' AT THE MOON
HAD ME GOIN' LOONEY TOONS
IT DIDN'Y MATTER HOW I TRIED
COULDN'T SEEM TO READ MY LINES
WAS ALWAYS DRIFTIN' WITH THE TIDE
NOT ONE TO HEED THE WARNIN' SIGNS
IT WAS LIKE I WAS CAUGHT IN A TYPHOON
MY LIFE WAS BLOWIN' PAST HIGH NOON
AND I WAS SHURELY LOONEY TOONS
SHOULD HAVE ASKED TO BE COMMITTED
WOULD HAVE SAVED SOME PEOPLE GRIEF
LIFE'S NOT A SUIT THAT'S SIMPLY FITTED
STYLES KEEP CHANGIN'
AND TIME'S A THIEF
THAT'S FOR SURE
NOW THERE'S A MUSE THAT VISITS ME
IT WHISPERS MUSIC SWEET AND CLEAR
IN A LANGUAGE KNOWN TO BE
WHAT THIS SOUL HAS LONGED TO HEAR
NO MORE PREACHIN' DOOM AND GLOOM
NO MORE THOUGHTS OF PADDED ROOMS
NO MORE GOIN' LOONEY TOONS --- END ---
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LOVE STORY
LOVE STORY
Music & Lyrics: Bill Dake ASCAP
(1975-1998)
It was a routine flight for Dan
A decorated veteran of Vietnam
But things were soon to get scary
And just a little bit hairy
Yes they were
On this particular excursion it seems
There was a girl named "Shirl"
Who wore the tightest blue jeans
Our Dan was duely impressed
With the denim and all the rest
Yes he was
About an hour or so into the flight
The plane lost power
Began to sink in the night
Sink in the night
Our Dan said, "Don't you worry"
I'm gonna save us Shirley
Surely
Yes he did
In a stirring exhibition of skill
Dan deftly planted the nose
Into a side of a hill
And in a crash like thunder
The plane was smashed asunder
Yes it was
When Dan finally opened his eyes,
He had two busted legs
But he was still alive
He was still alive
Our Girl Shirl she didn't make it
It seems her ticker couldn't take it
No, no
On the ninety-eighth day he was found
But our girl Shirl she was nowhere around
She hadn't paid for her ride
Dan took it out of her hide
Yes he did
--- END ---
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MAGGIE'S BRIGHT
MAGGIE'S BRIGHT
(C)2008 Bill Dake ASCAP
verse
MAGGIE'S BRIGHT
ALWAYS KNOWS WHEN THE TIMIN'S RIGHT
MAGGIE'S QUICK
NEVER MISSE A TRICK
MAGGIE'S SMOOTH
WHEN I'M FELLIN ' DOWN SHE KNOWS THE WAY TO SOOTH
AND BRING ME BACK AROUND
I'M A SUCKER FOR THE SOUND
verse
OF MAGGIE'S VOICE
SWEET AS THE PURR OF A FINE ROLLS ROYCE
(IT GOES WITH) MAGGIE'S LIPS
LOVE THE WAY SHE SHARES HER POTATO CHIPS
(THEN THERE'S) MAGGIE'S EYES
GREENER THAN THE GREENEST GREEN YOU COULD VISUALIZE
CAN'T FORGET HER SMILE
LIGHTS MY ROAD, MILE AFTER MILE
bridge
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED
I'VE DEVELOPED QUITE A START
ON A FINE ADDICTION
GUESS IT'S TRUE
JUST A SIMPLE CHAIN REACTION
A COLLISION OF MY HEART
WITH A BREATHIN' WORK OF ART
JUST MY OPINION
verse
MAGGIE'S COOL
SHE'S THE FAVORITE RIDE OF THE MOTOR POOL
MAGGIE'S HIP
SHE KNOWS WHEN TO LET IT RIP
MAGGIE'S HOT
SHE CAN CHARM THE BADGE OFF THE TRAFFIC COP
AND SEND HIM ON HIS WAY
WITH HIS HEAD IN TOTAL DISARRAY
THAT'S MAGGIE
instr. verse
bridge
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED
I'VE DEVELOPED QUITE A START
ON A FINE ADDICTION
GUESS IT'S TRUE
JUST A SIMPLE CHAIN REACTION
A COLLISION OF MY HEART
WITH A BREATHIN' WORK OF ART
verse
MAGGIE'S BRIGHT
ALWAYS KNOWS WHEN THE TIMIN'S RIGHT
MAGGIE'S QUICK
NEVER MISSES A TRICK
MAGGIE'S SMOOTH
WHEN I'M FEELIN' DOWN SHE KNOWS THE WAY TO SOOTH
AND BRING ME BACK AROUND
I'M A SUCKER FOR THE SOUND OF
MAGGIE
MAGGIE'S BRIGHT ETC....fade
--- END ---
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MONEY CAN'T
Instrumental --- END ---
|
MOSTLY BLUE
1
MOSTLY BLUE
Lyrics and Music by: Bill Dake (c.) billdakemusic ASCAP
MOSTLY BLUE
Just aimless wanderin' since
Your “Adieu”
Has left me ponderin' my
Waterloo
And feeling MOSTLY BLUE
Same heartbreak
They named the hotel after
Cool handshake
Last kiss and final chapter
Huge earthquake
That left me MOSTLY BLUE
Friends tell me I should savor
Some new exotic flavor
A little candy
To sweeten up my mood
I must admit to tryin'
Tasty morsels, while denyin'
I miss your warm and friendly soul food
Cloudy skies
The perfect cover for these
Bloodshot eyes
I've cultivated longing
For your sighs
While feeling MOSTLY BLUE
Instrumental solo
Friends tell me I should savor
Some new exotic flavor
A little candy
To sweeten up my mood
I must admit to tryin'
Tasty morsels while denyin'
I miss your hot and tangy, sexy soul food
If I knew
The way to get it back to
Me and you
Somewhere to bivouac and
Start anew
I'd have a rosy view
Instead of
MOSTLY BLUE --- END ---
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MOTIVATOR
MOTIVATOR
Music and Lyrics: 2010 Bill Dake ASCAP
Boy was havin' trouble walkin'
One too many beers
Headin' for that intersection where one bad step
In the wrong direction
Could mean the end of what might have been
Might have been
But this will be his lucky night
With planets all aligned
A blue eyed girl's brief introduction
Will clear his mind for some sweet instruction
On how things might be
If he could only break free of his old addictions
He'll find that
Love's a potent MOTIVATOR
A rapid heartbeat activator
Can get you hotter than a steamy radiator
Love's a MOTIVATOR
Soon she's got him eatin' veggies
And drinkin' H2O
Workin' late to make the payents
On their SUV and the bungalo
Just to add to the fun
She's got a bun in the oven
A little nipper
To show that
Love's a potent MOTIVATOR
A rapid heartbeat activator
Can get you hotter than a steamy radiator
Love's a MOTIVATOR
Love can be the perfect brew
To cure a man, you know it's true
MOTIVATOR --- END ---
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MOVIE THEME
Instrumental --- END ---
|
NEW DOG, OLD TRICKS
Instrumental --- END ---
|
PAPA DON'T MIND
PAPA DON'T MIND
Music and Lyrics by : Bill Dake
Copyright 2016: billdakemusic ASCAP
This Papa Don't Mind
You knockin' on my back door at night
Long as you keep the ruckus down, don't give those cats a fright
Bring us somethin' nice to warm us from the inside
And I'll be your fool
As we huddle 'neath the evenings blanket
Playin' It cool
Papa Don't Mind, Papa Don't Mind
This Papa Don't Mind
You speakin' those words he's been longing to hear
Whispered sweet somethin's
Lips caressing these ol' fuzzy ears
Hot juicy-fruit breath, thrills me to death
Brings a smile to my eyes
There's no denyin' you can get this boy sighin'
When you............. improvise
We'll travel the stars from our lawn chairs
There'll be no cause for alarm
If we just bundle up warm
Push ignition and hold on tight
Rev our motors, and start the flight
Papa Don't Mind
You feedin' his fancy
Puttin' thoughts in his head
Notable dishes that exceed all his wishes
You bake some mean gingerbread
Though this is no “Camelot”
Still, I'm absorbed in the plot with all it's turns and twists
And the plans and the schemes as we rehearse the next scenes
Leaves no will to resist
You know this,
Papa Don't Mind
Papa Don't Mind
--- END ---
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POLKA DOT BLUE
1
POLKA DOT BLUE
Lyrics and Music by: Bill Dake
Copyright: billdakemusic ASCAP
I've got this strange affliction
That's turning my life inside out
Don't know my left from my right
Been changed from mean to polite
It's confusing without a doubt
What's got me in this kerfuffle
Like I've been drinkin' too much zinfandel
It's not a “what” it's a “who”
And I'm confessin' to you
This could be trouble, or somethin' else
Polka Dot Blue
Not You're average little ingenue
She's wearin' Polka Dot Blue
And servin' up her brand of country stew
Can't shake this spell I'm under
That's got me puttin' on these mismatched shoes
And when I open my mouth
All my brilliance goes south
Seems my brain's taken off on a cruise
All my friends think I've lost it
Their spreadin' the word it might be straight jacket time
'Cause they all knew me when
I was cool just like them
But now I'm crossin' that “crazy” line
Polka Dot Blue
She's not your average little ingenue
She's wearin' Polka Dot Blue
And servin' up her brand of country stew
Was doin' just fine shufflin' along my own crease in the road
Ignorin' the signs
Not havin' a clue, just a free buckaroo
If this was just a fever
A couple of aspirin and I'd be O.K.
But it's not my head, it's my heart
And some tender upstart
That's got my life in this disarray
Polka Dot Blue
Not your average little ingenue
She's wearin' Polka Dot Bl;ue
And servin' up her brand of country stew
Polka Dot Blue
Polka Dot Blue
Polka Dot Blue
Love that dress and all the rest
--- END ---
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STRANGE FRUIT
STRANGE FRUIT
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake
Copyright 2014, billdakemusic ASCAP
They say that love is blind
Well, it might be true
But, it's got a taste to it
And a feel to it, too
Sometimes it's peaches
Grapes from the vine
Or maybe, cantaloupe
With a squeeze of Kiwi lime
French strawberries
Ginger root
It's always changing
Like some
Strange Fruit
That's got
Different textures
Each time it's found
Might be smooth as new puppies
Might be wrinkled,
Wrinkled like an old huntin' hound
Or rough on the outside
But hidden within
Mystery, magic
Just under that skin
Might last forever
Might spoil in a week
Whenever you find it
It's best to keep
And savor the moments
Enjoy the touch
Know you can never, ever have too much
Of that
Strange Fruit
Love is a miracle
An absolute
That grows in the heart
So, nurture that feeling
Relish the taste
Store it and share it
Always save a place
To plant that
Strange Fruit
--- END ---
|
THE GIRL WHO SAVED ME
Instrumental --- END ---
|
THE ONLY ONE
THE ONLY ONE
Words and Music by: Bill Dake
Copyright: 2021 Bill Dake ASCAP
His family thinks he's crazy
A duck of odd persuasions
A man who'll seldom bend to a social trend
He won't pretend
A strange anachronism prone to claim a major schism
'Tween the way things were
And the way they just might end
Sometimes he questions his own sanity
Could it be
He remembered it all wrong?
Were those “Good old days” just fantasies
Played on bright marquees
Songs with melodies
Is he THE ONLY ONE
Who still recalls all the battles won
And won't retreat and watch his world undone...
Used to be the neighbors
Would often stop and chat the weather
Now he doesn't see them much at all
They never call
They've joined some congregation
A strict denomination
Of cloth covered faces
Kids and all
Perhaps they've forgotten all the lessons learned,
Just lost sight
Of the light that guides us all
He'll pray that close harmonies
Will soon return
And set them free
And that,
He's not THE ONLY ONE
Who still recalls all the battles won
And won't retreat and watch this world undone...
--- END ---
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THINK IT'S TIME
THINK IT'S TIME
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake ASCAP
Copywrite: 2010 billdakemusic
THINK IT'S TIME
TO LIVE A LIFE PAST DUE
LOSE THESE SHADOWS
CATCH A BREEZE
RIDE THE CURRENTS
SIMPLY SAIL ON THROUGH
CRUISE THE SOUTHERN SEAS
THINK IT'S TIME
THINK IT'S TIME
TO TELL THE PAST “FAREWELL”
TIRED OF CHASING
MEMORIE'S KISS
RATHER SEEK AGENTLE OCEAN SWELL
SIMPLE ISLAND BLISS
THINK IT'S TIME
THINK IT'S TIME
THINK IT'S TIME
THINK IT'S TIME
THINK IT'S TIME
--- END ---
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TIME TRAVELING
TIME TRAVELIN'
music and lyrics by: Bill Dake
(C) 2009 BILL DAKE ASCAP
STREET'S EMPTY, IT'S 5 A.M.
SUN'S BARELY AWAKE
COOL SHADOWS AND SOLITUDE
MY COMPANIONS IN THIS STRANGE LANDSCAPE
A CLEAR WINDSHIELD'S BEEN MY LOOKIN' GLASS
THROUGH SUN AND STARS AND HIGHWAY GREY
NOW, CLOUDY MEMORIES HAVE LED ME BACK
TO THESE REMNANTS OF AN ANCIENT DAY
I'M TIME TRAVELIN'
UNRAVELIN' THE SMOKEY PAST
TIME TRAVELIN'
DOWN SOME OLD ROADS
GRASS GROWS THROUGH THE CONCRETE STEPS
PAINT'S GONE FROM THE WOOD
MOSS COVERS THE CRUMBLIN' ROOF
THERE'S A HOLE WHERE THE CHIMNEY ONCE STOOD
FRONT DOOR'S JUST KINDA HANGIN' THERE
WON'T BE NEEDIN' MY KEY
NOT SURE WHAT I'LL FIND INSIDE
MAYBE GHOSTS WHO'VE BEEN WAITIN' FOR ME
TO DO SOME
TIME TRAVELIN'
UNRAVELIN' A SMOKEY PAST
TIME TRAVELIN'
DOWN SOME OLD ROADS
JUST WANTED TO TOUCH THE PLACE
WHERE THE OLD MAN'S WORLD BEGAN
MAYBE FIND A PIECE THAT GIVES A CLUE
TO WHO I AM
GLASS SHARDS AND SOME BLOOD RED RUST
NOT MUCH LEFT TO RETRIEVE
I'LL FILL A POCKET WITH MEMORY'S DUST
AND KEEP IT CLOSE
AND LET IT FEED
MY
TIME TRAVELIN'
UNRAVELIN' A SMOKEY PAST
TIME TRAVELIN'
DOWN SOME OLD ROADS --- END ---
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TOUCH DOWN
TOUCH DOWN
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake
Copyright 2016 billdakemusic ASCAP
I've spent some time near heaven
Checkin' out the view
Soakin' up some inspiration
And thinking of you
Out among the stars I've traveled
Far away from the sun
A trillion lights fill the broad horizon
But for me, there's only one
So, I'll catch a ride to that shiny world
Where my life began
And make
Touch Down
Onto the earth of my birth
Touch Down
Put my feet on some solid ground
Touch Down Back to a sky that's blue
Touch Down
Home to you
So many moons, so many planets
In this infinite dark
Are we alone, or are we cousins
To some ancient, distant spark
I'm sure the world awaits the answer
Maybe someday we'll know
But this searching has left me weary
Time for me to go
So, I'll catch a ride to that shiny world where my life began
And make Touch Down, onto the earth of my birth
Touch Down, put my feet on some solid ground
Touch Down, Back to a sky that's blue
Touch Down, home to you
I'm coming home... --- END ---
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TURTLE NECK
TURTLE NECK
Music and Lyrics by: Bill Dake
Copyright 2014 billdakemusic ASCAP
Just doin' nothin'
Kinda hangin' out
Ensconced on the couch
With a bag of take-out and a glass of stout
Punched in the numbers
Got my big screen to light
That's when it happened
That's when I first caught sight
of that
Honey haired honey
Movin' slow and lookin' quick
I mean, this girl was packin'
All the proper arithmetic
Sure got my attention
All hands on deck
To check out the chick in the TURTLE NECK
I'm usually calm in most situations
Not one to get lost in a fantasy
But in that sweet vision, seemed an invitation
To lose some dignity
It was just an add
On the T 'n' V
What they were sellin'
Has alluded me
Might'a been somethin'
High brow or high tech
All I remember is that TURTLE NECK
Instrumental Verse
I'm usually calm in most situations
Not one to get lost in a fantasy
But in that sweet vision, seemed an invitation
To lose some dignity
They're tryin' to seduce me
With all their glamorous noise
Get me to part with some of my green
For some of their toys
Wouldn't be problem
I'd gladly mail 'em a check
If they'd just
Send me that chick in the TURTLE NECK
--- END ---
|
WAITIN' FOR A SIGN
WAITIN' FOR A SIGN
(revised)
Lyrics and Music by : Bill Dake ASCAP
Copywrite: 2011 billdakemusic
NERVOUS PEOPLE CLOSE TO TEARS
SEE THEIR NEST-EGGS DISA PPEAR
GONE IN A SINGLE FLASH
HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN
ALL THAT EFFORT
AND ALL THAT PAIN
TO MAKE A LIVIN'
AIN'T WORTH A GRAIN
OF SAND
OR SO IT SEEMS
SO NOW THEY'RE HOLDIN' THEIR COLLECTIVE BREATH
WAITIN' FOR
WAITIN' FOR A SIGN
HONEST FOLKS WHO FOLLOWED RULES
FIND THEY'RE FIGHTIN'
SOME CLUELESS FOOLS
WHO SEEM TO THINK THEIR WAY
IS SO MUCH BETTER
AND IF WE SPEND JUST A TRILLION MORE
ALL OUR WOUNDS WILL HEAL
AND ALL OUR SOULS WILL SOAR
WE'LL FIND UTOPIA
A WORKERS HEAVEN
BUT WHILE THEY'R PUSHIN' THEIR COLLECTIVE DREAM
WE'RE TIRED OF WAITIN' FOR
WAITIN' FOR A SIGN
BUREAUCRATS WITH TENURE
AND FACELESS CZARS
THINK OUR TREASURE IS THEIR OWN
PARTY HACKS WITH PENSIONS
ACT LIKE COMMISSARS
LIVE LIKE MOVIE STARS
GETTIN' READY TO BEGIN
GONNA CLEAN THIS HOUSE
TEACH SOME DISCIPLINE
CLEAR OUT THE HALLOWED HALLS
OF ALL THE TAKERS
I'M NO PROPHET
THAT'S A FACT
BUT I'M TIRED OF WAITIN'
THINK IT'S TIME TO ACT
LIKE WE OWN THIS PLACE
'CAUSE THAT'S THE TRUTH OF IT
PUTTIN' SOME FAITH IN THE COMMON MAN
NO MORE WAITIN' FOR
WAITIN' FOR A SIGN
NO MORE WAITIN' FOR A SIGN
--- END ---
|
WIDE EYED CHILD
WIDE EYED CHILD
Lyrics and music by: Bill Dake
Copywrite 1998: billdakemusic ASCAP
Sittin' by the river, coolin' my heels
Tryin' to remember how the good life feels
Droppin' a line, skippin' a stone
Thinkin',
“This is much better than some lives I've known”
It's better than popcorn
And better than beer
Where everything is possible, there's nothin' to fear
With the heart of a dreamer who's a little bit wild
I'll surrender my life to a wide eyed,
Give my life to a Wide Eyed Child
I'm gonna wiggle my fingers
And wiggle my toes
Know the secrets that no one knows
Float on my back with my face to the sun
And thank the stars above for a job well done
Well you can wiggle your fingers
And wiggle your toes
Know the secrets that no one knows
Remember the visions that made you smile
And live your life like a Wide Eyed Child
Like a Wide Eyed Child
Wide Eyed Child
Wide Eyed Child --- END ---
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SPACE IN BETWEEN
SPACE IN BETWEEN
Music and lyrics: (c.) 2023 Bill Dake ASCAP
Chilly early morning
Frosty silver ground
Trees are getting naked
Just a few leaves still hangin' 'round
But, you're warm and toasty
Snuggled 'neath those covers
While I'm here watching you sleep
I'm not drunk, I'm not sober
I'm in some SPACE IN BETWEEN
Where the sound of your breathin'
Has me believin'
That the world's not as crazy as it seems
Scrambled eggs and sausage
Brandy in our coffee
Friendly food to feed the soul
Then, wrapped in autumn colors
We'll venture through the hillside
And let the woodlands take control
Here beneath a sunburned sky
Above a painted valley
In this SPACE IN BETWEEN
Where trees have full dominion
The winds hold no opinion
Where we're free to shed the the voice of the machine
And as we listen carefully
Ignore that cold cacophony
Of noise meant to divide us into tribes
We'll touch the earth and breathe the air
Forget the tech and the billionaires
Remember what it means to be alive
As we wander back with lighter steps
Thankful for our home
Glad for friends who've stayed the course
And friends still now unknown
We'll lend a steady shoulder
A place for them to lean,
Practice ancient lessons learned
From a SPACE IN BETWEEN --- END ---
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