Smackdowns and Gratitude

And the songs keep coming... I just keep on digging through my old notepads, and they're still there, patiently waiting their turn.

Third Grade Smackdown

Now let me take you back, take you back to third grade

When life was chilly chill like some ice in the shade

Under the tree of life where the children play

And where I learned the lessons that are helping me today

So I, I’m easy swingin’ on the swing-set, see?

When this snotty-faced kid named Josh runs up to me

And says, “Come on Dillon, me and you gone fight!”

Not exactly in dem words but he followed with strong right

Hook to the eye, I hit the ground, didn’t cry

But wondered why he’d wanna beat up such a likeable guy

I shuffled home and my dad was like “What happened to you?”

“I fell out of a tree, dad, cuz dat’s what I do”

You gotta grow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so small

You gotta growowow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so cold.

The next day we sittin’ round playin’ cards goin’ fishin’

When I catch three dudes in my peripheral vision

Decisions decisions, should I stay or should I run?

Should I stand up for everyone’s rights to have fun?

I was still thinkin’ like Lincoln when they caught me

And made my other eye blacker than I like my coffee

Daddy wasn’t buying my story the second time

So we conversed mono y mono and I laid it on the line

My pops was cool like the other side of my feather pillow

Big and strong, very mellow, but never yellow

Now, he looked me square in my dotted eyes and spoke,

“Stand up for yourself, be strong and don’t choke!

Go for broke, with my permission hit the guy in the jaw.

Kill or be killed, that’s the playground law.”

You gotta grow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so small

You gotta growowow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so cold.

Day three, easy breezy confident was me,

as I blessed the pavement with my brand new sneaks

looking for trouble cuz I knew that I’d get off scot-free

because my daddy had my back, brah, know what I mean?

Anyways, first break came and went like the Flock of Seagulls

My senses dulled and I settled into the lull… of class

Some reading-riting-rithmatic at last

The second bell, round 1, let’s get on with it

It didn’t take me long to catch Josh in my snare

As I was winning lunch money flipping quarters on the stairs

Here he comes with enough snot to fill a sippy cup

It was running from his nose like a scared lost pup

The background blurred, the noise dissipated

As I cocked my arm back to attack what I hated

Everything was gone but his face it hung

Motionless in front of me, and then I swung.

His jaw shot sideways and his face soon followed

And then he started screaming like there wasn’t a tomorrow

He ran and told a teacher while my friends all cheered

I got a paddling but my conscious was clear

You gotta grow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so small

You gotta growowow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so cold.

So I hope you learned you learned something bout dem grade school tactics

When you talk to your kids be cool and not erratic

If you don’t stand up, you’ll live your life on your knees

While the Josh’s run wild and they do what they please

Be straight up about the playground law

To put a bully in his place, unhinge his jaw

And learn to stand up, proud and tall

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so small

You gotta grow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so small

You gotta growowow… Up.

To face a big buncha bullies in a world so cold. 2X

Gratitude

I met a man today, so frail and weak

His lips were crusted, he could barely speak

I gave my soft drink, with a little bit left

And his eyes welled up, as he drew a breath

A chorus of angels, flew out of his mouth

And a great wave of wisdom, came cascading down

A golden reminder of all the do’s and the don’ts

He said the more that you listen, the less that you won’t

So I’m listening, for the angels, and I’m, watching the signs

It’s all about remembrance, in these trying times

It’s pointless to dwell on, all the things that we’ve lost

Because gratitude, for what we have, makes up the cost

Gratitude for what we have makes up the cost

I walked a hard road, got rocks in my feet

Just barely getting by, and accepting defeat

It wasn’t til I noticed, the big flashing sign

It said get on with livin’, stop wasting your time

Now I feel a bit lighter, cuz I know I’ve been blessed

With a certain understanding, and some air in my chest

And everything around me, can bend towards my soul

If I hold it dear to my heart, as a fool and his gold.

So I’m holding on, for the angels, and I’m, watching the signs

It’s all about remembrance, in these trying times

It’s pointless to dwell on, all the things that we’ve lost

Because gratitude, for what we have, makes up the cost

Gratitude for what we have makes up the cost

I hear there’s some angels, that’re hand-picked by heaven

They number one thousand, one hundred and eleven

Their mission is guidance, but they’ve been known to play tricks

They’re some fun loving allies, out there getting their kicks

Gotta cut through the mischief, and realize the truth

We’re one big ole person, not a bunch of me’s and you’s.

That old man on the sidewalk, might as well have been me

And I say, the more you go lookin’, the less you won’t see

And I’m lookin’, for the angels, and I’m, watching the signs

It’s all about remembrance, in these trying times

It’s pointless to dwell on, all the things that we’ve lost

Because gratitude, for what we have, makes up the cost

Gratitude for what we have makes up the cost

Bums, Carrot Trees, and Beer

Here's three more songs from the vault. As I'm compiling these old songs, I'm really starting to feel like I should be recording them... All in good time. I guess that's a good goal to have... Recording all of these before I die and shooting them into outer space to be found later...

I’m Yo Bum, Baby!

Chords: E, A7, B7

I got alcohol, flowin’ through my veins like cholesterol.

Scratching on my balls through my piss stained overalls.

Holding up my sign, getting visions of a cheeseburger, baby, I want cha

Cuz I ain’t had none, in a while

My crooked smile’s all I gotta give away

cuz the man’s been fucking my plans up since the first day.

But every time I see you, I give you my soul,

while you’re digging out change from your middle console..

I’m your bum, baby. I’m begging for your love.

I’m sleeping under bridges and I’m shakin’ my cup.

And maybe one day when I run into some luck

then I’ll be handin’ out the change to some unfortunate fuck...

Every day I’m watching you when you pull up to the light,

but sometimes I’m too damn drunk to even stand up right.

I wish I knew your name, cause on my sign I’d write it

as I mime to the people that I’m hungry on the highway.

Hungry for your kisses, and itching for your hugs,

but it might just be that fungus, that feels like crawling bugs.

So I’m a crawl my ass back up on the curb and take a swig,

then go behind the dumpster think of you and jerk my twig..

I’m your bum, baby. I’m begging for your love.

I’m sleeping under bridges and I’m shakin’ my cup.

And maybe one day when I run into some luck

then I’ll be handin’ out the change to some unfortunate fuck...

So gimme all your pennies and look in my eyes

and see the sorrow and the years of tears that I cried.

I just lied. Lied to you to the whole time.

The brand new Benz around the corner is mine.

I make about five hundred dollars a day,

just waiting on you silly mothafuckas to pay me

So how ya like me now babe. I’ll make your day,

now that I’m rich from all the money you’ve been giving away.

And I’ll gladly give it back if you do one thing.

It’s been a long coming if ya know what I mean…

I’m your bum babe and I’m a begging you please.

You got me drinking everyday because I know you’ll never need me.

But maybe one day, if I live that long,

then you’ll see that in my arms is where you’ve always belonged.

Yeah, I’m your bum baby. I’m begging for your love.

I’m sleeping under bridges and I’m shaking my cup.

Cause maybe one day if I run into some luck

then I’ll be handing out the change to some unfortunate fuck. What!

The Carrot Tree

Today, I’m walking like a king, the church bell sings, halleluiah...

And my brain doesn’t feel too heavy in my head…

And my heart feels kinda like a jingling thing, 

like change in the pocket of a gypsy king. 

And I really hope I feel this good again.

Singing la la laaaa... 
Singing oh yeah yeaaah...

Singing nah nah na nah na nah nah nah nah boo boo... 2X

And your face it dangles it front of me, 

you’re a flying bunny rabbit in a carrot tree, 

and I live for you to visit me in the sun.

And the same three chords are running through my head, 

as I place my monkey slippers down by my bed. 

The world is my oyster, and you’re my little pearl.

Singing la la laaaa... 
Singing oh yeah yeaaah... 

Singing nah nah na nah na nah nah nah nah boo boo... 2 X

As days fly by I remember you, 

with your shiny little smile and your cute hairdo, 

while you made my eggs all smiley faced in the morning. 

Sparkling diamonds, sunset lake, 

I belly flop into my bed to wake up, 

happy still to say you were by my side.

Singing la la laaaa... 
Singing oh yeah yeaaah... 

Singing nah nah na nah na nah nah nah nah boo boo... 2 X

As soon as the doctors let me out of here, 

Girl, imma track you down cuz my mind is clear. 

I'll just stash these pills and break free from this bed.

And today I’m walking like a king, the church bell sings, halleluiah...

And my brain doesn’t feel, to heavy in myyyy….. head.

Two Beers

It’s a, lazy Sunday, two beers to my name, so I’m sipping, enjoying them slowly

Gotta find enough dough before Monday, to pay the man, to come and turn my lights back on

Got extension cords hangin’ out the windows,

stretchin’ to the neighbors, laundry room down below

The radio and fridge are plugged in,

not that I have any food to protect within

Just some condiments and some pickled okra,

and two beers but I’m drinking them right now, brah.

Lazy Sunday, two beers to my name, so I’m sipping, enjoying them slowly

Gotta find enough dough before Monday, to pay the man, to come and turn my lights back on

I had to write a bad check to get a job done,

but I know it won’t hit until Tuesday

I headed out last night to have a ton of fun,

and drank up my last little bit of change

I feel like I might be losing my touch,

tomorrow’s coming for me, and I’m a running from it

I expect now, not to expect too much,

I’m down to one beer now and I’m loving on it.

Lazy Sunday, two beers to my name, so I’m sipping, enjoying them slowly

Gotta find enough dough before Monday, to pay the man, to come and turn my lights back on

Generally speaking, I always get what I need

and never ever get what I deserve

Until I figure out exactly what that is,

I’ll perpetually be pumpin’ at the self-serve

You gotta dollar come and place it in my ball cap

Unwind, allow your mind to let your hands clap

Hook me up and drop some cash before you go home

Cuz I’m outta beer and it’s time to get my lights turned on

Lazy Sunday, two beers to my name, so I’m sipping, enjoying them slowly

Gotta find enough dough before Monday, to pay the man, to come and turn my lights back on 2X

Moon Tans, Lookers, and Happy Feet...

Hello Earthlings,

    Here's Part 2 of many. I'll be digging up songs I've written over the last 15 years and posting them here to preserve them. Some of them are crappy. Some are good. They run the gamut from happy to depressing. From contemplative to retarded. Tiny moments from throughout my life when I happened to have a pencil, a piece of paper, and a guitar laying about at the same time.

Today, we'll do 3 more...

Moon Tan

Verse: C, F, C, G, C, F, C, G, C

You can’t stop the waves, of the sun’s radiant light.

It bounces off objects, and enters the night.

It loses it’s strength, as it cuts through the gloom

And you can’t get a tan from the moon.

And my love is a sunbeam, so pure and so true

But I can’t fall in love, with reflections of you

You stay out all night, tell me what can I do

You can’t get a tan from the moon.

You can set up a funhouse, to confuse and distract me

Dive in a pool, to bend and refract me

But I doubt if I will, be seeing you soon

Cuz you can’t get a tan from the moon

And my love is a sunbeam, so pure and so true

But I can’t fall in love, with reflections of you

You stay out all night, tell me what can I do

You can’t get a tan from the moon.

Even if you had panels, to harness the light

Or turned on a flashlight, to cut through the night

Try as you may, you’ll never light up this room

Cuz you can’t get a tan from the moon.

You can’t stop the waves, of the sun’s radiant light.

It bounces off objects, and enters the night.

It loses it’s strength, as it cuts through the gloom

And you can’t get a tan from the moon.

 The Looker

She grew up to be a looker, pretty as can be,

struttin’ up and down the drag with equal company.

Some friends flew the coop, and went to have their fun, and

Some got into mischief, and they’re still on the run.

But her mind was sharply focused and it soon became her quest

To find herself a rich man and be better than the rest.

So one hot day, she tripped one up, pounced and chewed away

Like a hungry lioness hunkered down to guard her prey.

(CHORUS)

She was looking for the money and a trail into the hills

Now she’s gazing over Austin looking forward to the thrills

As the city lights lay twinkling above the frantic crowds

She smiles and sips her wine in her mansion in the clouds.

A couple years and she’s progressed, she’s learning all the tricks.

Among her peers she’s best dressed, her smile is always fixed.

They marveled at the rags to riches hometown beauty queen. But they’re

Jealousy was never quenched for she was seldom seen.

Husband’s up and off to golf with a few of his good chaps.

Talking bout the stocks they bought and sharing shallow laughs.

While she’s wrapped on the leather couch horny and alone.

As lonely sobs like tennis balls bounce through her spacious home.

(CHORUS)

She was looking for the money and a trail into the hills

Now she’s gazing over Austin and missing all the thrills

She had back when she was wishing to rise above the crowds

in her shabby little loft in the city ‘neath the clouds.

Living up by Red Bud, admiring the view

Tapping on the marble in her thousand dollar shoes

Wishing she could find a dive and have a drink or two

And maybe talk to someone down to earth like me and you.

All the brunches and the formals and the places that they meet

Just don’t seem to satisfy when you’re longing for the street.

To get back all the good times and all the friends she lost,

would mean the world to the pretty girl no matter what the cost.

She was looking for the money and a trail into the hills

Now she’s gazing over Austin and missing all the thrills

She had back when she was wishing to rise above the crowds

in her shabby little loft in the city ‘neath the clouds.

She grew up to be a looker, pretty as can be,

struttin’ up and down the drag with equal company….

Happy Feet

Chords: G, Em, C, D

I see the future and it’s stretching out in front of me

And it’s calling me to be just what I want to be.

My happy feet are used to living like a refugee

My soul is steady looking for a way to set them free.

Now all your quotes and anecdotes they don’t mean shit to me

I tried to give my heart but it don’t travel lightly

That’s ok I treasury of memories

And every song I sing about my life is therapy.

(chorus)

I’m traveling with happy feet

The world is mine, mine to meet

How are you? I’m feeling well.

Hoist the anchor, let’s set...

Now I’m a step into this world and make myself known

Every country that I’ll travel to I’ll call my own

Feeling better every time I cross a time zone

Cuz I’m a king and I’m a keep on looking for my thrown.

I got nothing but myself to live for anyway

It took a while to figure out but baby that’s ok.

I’m feeling like a kid that’s ready to go out and play

In a world of faces and new places to see everyday.

(chorus)

I’m traveling with happy feet

The world is mine, mine to meet

How are you? I’m feeling well.

Hoist the anchor, let’s set...

The politicians on a mission that is ill conceived

The corporations copulating with the war machine

The trepidation of this nation makes me want to leave

So my happy feet are moving I ain’t got the time grieve.

You can stick around and do what you thinks right for you

Make a peachy life and earn a dollar bill or two.

Have some kids and go to work and drop ‘em off at school

And every now and then go see some nature at the zoo.

(chorus)

I’m traveling with happy feet

The world is mine, mine to meet

How are you? I’m feeling well.

Hoist the anchor, let’s set...

I put the offer on the table and it still stands

Our time is slipping like a waterfall through open hands

Anyone without the heart to go I’ll understand

But happy feet is itching for some sand in foreign lands

The time is now so hurry hurry no I can’t be late

To much to do and see and learn and lick up off my plate

The world is turning and I’m burning just to fly away

And grab my luggage with some friends at the arrival gate

I’m steady reaching as I’m teaching myself how to live

My mind is strong I’m on my way and I’m a play to win

I’m standing on a mountain to the world my heart I give

Never expect to get some lovin' in return again

See I been dreamin' every evenin' since my day of birth

To unravel mysteries and travel til I turn to dirt

The past is history and I’ve only found one thing of worth

And that’s the nurturing from my beloved Mother Earth. 

(chorus)

I’m traveling with happy feet

The world is mine, mine to meet

How are you? I’m feeling well.

Hoist the anchor....

Fare thee well....

Let the songs out. Part 1

Howdy. I've written hundreds of songs. Hundreds. Today, as I lay in bed with an injured back, I'm feeling I should start storing them here instead of the pile of notebooks in the corner. I feel that they may be safer out here in the ether. Right?

I don't even know where to start, so... I guess over the next few months I'll be adding two or three a day, in no certain order. If anyone reads this, let me know which ones you like and I'll record them. Most of these are around 10 years old... So, yeah, 3 a day until they run out. Enjoy...

 

Another Day Above Ground

Chords: C#m aug 5, Bb aug5, Bm, Dm5

We know what it means now, and we won’t forget again.

We’ve seen friends and family, scattered to the wind.

Feels like we’re detached now,

Wandering, through a big 'ole lost and found.

Waiting on one sweet morning,

When that trumpet sounds.

Another Day above Ground.

We need our daily bread, We drinking booze instead

Lift up our weary heads, Another day above ground.

No thoughts of suicide, Open your mouth up wide

Fill it with your pride, Another day above ground

Brother drop your gun, Recognize we’re one

Step into the sun, Another day above ground

Cuz one day you and me, Will shake hands in the street

Sweet synchronicity, Another day above ground

It’s easy to give up, and settle for less than we’re worth.

But it’s just an illusion, that we’re all separate on Earth.

So just, sing out a song,

For the day the world came unwound

And we can join hands and laugh

In the face of the aftermath

Of what went down

Another day above ground

All the life we tasted, all the time we’ve wasted

Take all the guilt erase it, Another day above ground.

We takin’ no more bets, might as well forget

All those old regrets, Another day above ground

Like Noah with the dove, guided from above

Light your path with love, Another day above ground

With love our hearts are filled, our city will rebuild

As fruits of labor yield, Another day above ground

 

GUTTER SHOES.

Bm7, Gm7, F#m7

(whistling intro) (chorus)

I wake up every morning when the sun rises.

I go tru my routine dey ain’t no surprises.

I start a whistlin’ the worn out sole blues.

Because the liquor store it owes me some new shoes.

I start a walkin’ and I shuffle my feet yeah.

Down thru esplanade cuz dat’s my street yeah.

I slide my way down to da corner liquor store.

Cuz what I need I just ran out I gotta get some more.

Dey know my name the bell jingles when I enter.

Dey know me every time of year from Spring to Winter.

I pour my change out cuz I know the right amount.

Give it to me Give it to me Slide the bottle cross the counter, I…(chorus)

I hang out with me, myself, and my other friend.

We shares a smoke and a bottle every now and then.

People say we should jus put the bottle on the shelf

Cuz when you see talking to my friend I’m talking to myself, now.

I ain’t looking for no handout pity.

I walk the streets and help the folks of Crescent City.

I’m a tell ya something that you didn’t know I knew.

Jus give a dollar and I’ll tell you where you got your shoes.

(spoken) Dey on your feet mothafucka! Now give me dat dolla!

You bitch you. You heard me?! You wanna know why because I..(chorus)

Now you may think I’m just some worthless scum.

Stuck to streets just like an old-assed piece of gum.

But I’m a tell ya I gots nuthin to lose.

Just give me all your change and I’ll stop buggin’ you.

I serve as a reminder; better listen to your mother.

A walking public service: An announcement from the gutter.

I suck the city like I’m suckin’ on an udder

First I grabs it then I churns it then I turns it into butter. I..(chorus)

(whistle outro)

Distance

Verse: Am, E, Dm, Am

Chorus: C, F, C, G, C, F, Am

Polarized like the magnets, that hold down our feet

Separated by oceans, that make us complete

If we could be steam, we finally would meet, in the distance.

And guilt is only a phone call away

Your voice is electric, it travels all day

Through wires, over mountains it finally decays in the distance.

(chorus)

How could I hold myself (3X)

Accountable to you my love.

Far away like the planets, but pulled by the sun

Barely in orbit, and you are the one

Like Holy Communion forgives the next day I see you play, in the distance.

And time is our money, the seconds we save

Hoping we both, can cash in someday

And sit on the porch while our rockin’ chairs sway in the distance.

(chorus)

And the truth it works in mysterious ways

If I told I did it, would it lead you astray
Would you exit the highway, keep driving away in the distance?

So if our far away love’s to be real

And coincide with the feelings we feel

The truth should not harm, but sweeten the deal in the distance.

(Chorus)