1. |
Silver Clouds
02:48
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[v1]
I sold my soul at the crossroads last night
I wonder can you even tell
I’m supposed to be sharp
I’m supposed to be tight
I’m supposed to wind up in hell
Maybe the devil took pity on me
Maybe God stood in his way
But the reason I’m here is to tell you my dear
Some clouds are silver not grey
[v2]
My boots were once new now the soles have worn through
And they talk with each step I take
It sure ain’t too funny when your stomach grumbles
And the guy next to you orders steak
Maybe if I told him I’m a long lost cousin
I could convince him to pay
But while I’m still here allow me to make clear
Some clouds are silver not grey
[v3]
Well I met a soldier just home from the war
He told me there’s new vacancies
For people like you patriotic and true
Liberating them oil companies
Maybe we’ll evolve above and beyond
Then look back with pity someday
Still it’s easy to find when it’s clear in your mind
Some clouds are silver not grey
Yeah some clouds are silver not grey
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2. |
Morning Train
03:18
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[v1]
My life has been tainted with sadness
My life has been tarnished by pain
It’s a year to the day since I drifted away
Left town on the first morning train
I never heard silence like it
While waiting upon the platform
Then the mist of the dawn did swallow me whole
And when it dispersed I was gone
[v2]
I should not have run from my problems
They followed me from coast to coast
I thought I was free till my problems
Robbed me of what I cherish most
Robbed me of what I cherish most
By the time I arrived I was weary
I had nowhere to lay my head
At last I discovered a dusty old cupboard
Four hundred up front for the rent
[v3]
I told ‘em all I was an artist
And that’s how I’d make ends meet
But it didn’t work out ‘cause I gave in to doubt
So none of my works were complete
So I buried my worries with beer cans
And ashtrays filled to the brim
That kind of lifestyle only works for a while
Till sorrow escapes from your skin
Till sorrow seeps out from your skin
[v4]
The next thing I knew I was running
Before long I ran out of breath
If only I’d known which direction to go
Always second guessing myself
My life ain’t as bad as I make out
I’ve really no cause for complaint
But like you predicted I bought me a ticket
I’ll come back on the first morning train
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3. |
Public Nuisance Blues
04:45
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It was sunny in the morning
That’s how it all began
I was hoping to go busking
That had always been the plan
So I set off for town
Now listen close to what ensued
This here’s just the story of how I got those public nuisance blues
I had hardly started strumming
Nah I’d barely sung a word
When along came confrontation
Not enjoying what he heard
He told me I was over
How I had no right to play
If you ain’t got a license boy you’d better be going on your way
Now he wasn’t a policeman or a lawyer or a judge
Just another little Hitler with a temper and a grudge
He wore a walkie-talkie
Part of mall security
But that was half way up the street
So what the hell had that to do with me?
I never thought I’d ever be accused
But no what I tried to say or do
I was a public nuisance
I got those public nuisance blues
I was a public nuisance
I got those public nuisance blues
So I went to the town hall to validate the news
Do I really need a permit just to sing the blues?
I asked in each department
I even asked the Mayor
Who responded “To be honest you’re free to play the guitar anywhere”
But she wouldn’t let me quote her cause it was only a hunch
So she said to leave it with her and she’d call me after lunch
But as the afternoon past by I didn’t hold out much hope
Am I already too late? Am I already on that slippery slope?
Well I ain’t no shoplifter
My arms aren’t strong enough
I don’t vandalize or loiter
Harass hustle or bluff
All I do is sing for loose change from people passing by
I know the world’s gone crazy lately but how is that a crime?
I never thought I’d ever be accused
But no matter what I tried to say or do
I was a public nuisance
I got those public nuisance blues
The next time I see that guy I’ll speak the truth
He’s got it back to front and misconstrued
It’s him! He’s a public nuisance
He’s got those public nuisance blues
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4. |
Bat Country
02:46
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Riding through the desert singing this twisted song
With so much stuff hiding in my trunk
Doesn’t matter which side of the road I’m on
I’m a slave to the craving
I’ve got it bad
No-one can save me now I know
I really should have listened to Mum and Dad
My body is breaking
My heart is aching
But my mind long ago gave up complaining
And it’s only a matter of time before I’m
Lost forever in Bat Country
The kinda place I never thought I’d be
Walls closing in on me
Fighting back devils you can’t see
All the health warnings I keep ignoring
Soon I’ll be living proof
Every morning ugly story
Clinging on to lies instead of the truth
And I swear if I ever make it outta here I’ll change my ways
But as I stare in the mirror my reflection smiles and says
You know I wasn’t born yesterday
I don’t dare pay the bill come check out time
I must have lost my wallet when I lost my mind
The same excuse I always use ‘cause I’m
Lost forever in Bat Country
The kinda place I never thought I’d be
Last opportunity to try and reclaim a little sanity
Can’t see the wood or even the trees for all these horrific memories
Oh Lord won’t you please save me from Bat Country
Well since I bought the ticket guess I’ll take the ride
I wonder what it’s like on the other side
One more for the road I fear and loathe
Leading all the way to
Bat Country
Bat Country
Bat Country
Bat Country
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5. |
When Bob Was Still A Boy
02:44
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[v1]
Back before our folks were born when microphones were basic
When there was only analogue
No digital replacement
The phonograph was all we had to play music on
It’s funny now we walk around with an iPod full of songs
[v2]
When making a recording it was all done on the spot
You had to get it right first time
One take was all you got
And though it wasn’t perfect at least it was sincere
I miss the muddy water now the river runs so clear
[v3]
The demise of private enterprise wreaked havoc in my town
Since the corporate record store forced the others to close down
Now everywhere is nowhere and the roads all look the same
But no-one seems to notice and shareholders don’t complain
[v4]
Not long ago tobacco was thought to be okay
Giving all the jazz bars a real authentic haze
Now people run for cover when I ask ‘em for a light
You know I recon soon all smokers will be shot on sight
[v5]
There’s changes in the ocean
There’s changes in the sea
There’s people keeping charts of nautical cartography
They’ve done it for a long while
There’s libraries of archives
Still it keeps on changing as millennia go by
[v6]
Some ask what’s with the accent?
You sound like a hillbilly
Don’t you know that’s my intention
I do that deliberately
I’ve found it’s where my heart is
No parody or ploy
I just pretend I’m singing
Back when Bob was still a boy
Back when Bob was still a boy
Back when Bob was still a boy
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6. |
Cold Shoulder Blues
02:22
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[v1]
Well I can tell a-fairly well that you can see me clearly
So don’t pretend I’m someone else when everyone can hear me
Singin’ homemade music on the street corner each day
Wondering out loud why you don’t reply
Whenever I call your name
[v2]
I’ll waste no time a-clarifying how close I was to winning
Until the day I’as led astray by alcohol and women
Well actually no that’s not true allow me to explain
I smoked them freaky cigarettes repeatedly
And ran right down the drain
[Br]
A lone songwriter in a one-man band
You have my word that’s not what I’d planned
I tried the handle but the door was jammed
At least I realize I’m a grain of sand
[v3]
Well I may be slow but I still know that you don’t love me dearly
So don’t pretend I’m still your friend whenever you get near me
I’ve not forgotten how you was I doubt that you have changed
I’m all for second chances but your attitude is too deeply ingrained
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7. |
Three Chord Song
03:36
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[v1]
It’s just three chords to play as I speak
To steady my nerves
To prevent me causing a scene
It’s been a while since I saw your eyes look so volatile
They practically melted ice cream
I know it’s not much this worthless three chord song
But in context it means three chords to say I was wrong
[v2]
Tangos take two yet I’m always right
It’s black it’s not white
My ego don’t like to be bruised
Now I’ve lost count of how many years
I’ve lived with these fears
Forgetting I’ve nothing to lose
Please don’t dismiss this simple three chord song
It’s harder than it seems playing three chords to say I was wrong
[v3]
Gale force discourse causing windows to shake
The walls resonate
I never could stifle a sneeze
The final rhyme to complete the verse to lift off the curse
To help make amends so we remain as friends
I’ve no room for new enemies
I hope this works
I’ve given it my all
Will you wipe the slate clean?
With one more chord to say I was wrong
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8. |
Subordinate
03:27
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Thursday came and went
I was meant to go collect
Every shred of evidence from her
But I must have overslept
Maybe vaguely I just dreamt
I went to see her briefly after work
I sure do wish I could recall more of it
Remember what I said or who I was
I sure do wish I could recall more of it
But I don’t and I guess it’s all because
I sent my subordinate
Someone to take my place
I sent my subordinate though he wore exactly the same face
My understudy called
Read his lines and problem solved
Months of planning instantly fell through
Not that I’d recommend blatantly deceiving friends
But when I’m in the mood its all I do
Unaware I wasn’t even there
I was nothing but a silhouette
A time and place I couldn’t bear to face
Far easier to just send someone else
I sent my subordinate
Someone to take my place
I sent my subordinate though he wore exactly the same face
Was I paranoid or was I concussed?
No memory for me to trust
Thursday came and went
How the hell could I forget unless
I sent my subordinate someone to take my place
I sent my subordinate though he wore exactly the same face
I sent my subordinate now I really wish that I had not
I sent my subordinate don’t believe anything he said or thought
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9. |
Dolbro Dan's Lament
03:27
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Don’t ask me how my day went
Don’t ask about the weather
The only answer I can give is Spanish boots of leather
The record groove is worn right through
I’ve played it so much now
And even when it’s all turned off I still hear that song somehow
I know babe I know
My memory is fading like a dream
Although I wish it weren’t so I know you know exactly what I mean
Don’t tell me all those stories about boys you met at parties
Don’t tell me you get lonely late at night
Don’t ask if I remember the last time we were together
I couldn’t forget even if I tried
But I know babe I know
My memory is fading like a dream
Although I wish it weren’t so I know you know exactly what I mean
Don’t ask me how my day went
Don’t ask about the weather
The only answer I can give is Spanish boots of leather
The record groove is worn right through
I’ve played it so much now
And even when it’s all turned off I still hear that song somehow
I know babe I know
My memory is fading like a dream
Although I wish it weren’t so I know you know exactly what I mean
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10. |
Song For Jane & John
04:37
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[v1]
There goes Jane
Has she gone insane?
She left John high and dry
No word of warning
Shared their last morning
Then left without saying goodbye
While John slept on Jane got dressed
Then stole from him all she could find
By the time he awoke she’d already left
Though he’d never understand why
Why there must be something in the water
Dissolving all sense of honor
There must be something in the air
You breathe in deceit and breathe out despair
[v2]
So much for together forever
I’ll not make that mistake again
Said John to himself
Meanwhile someone else
Was already moved in on Jane
And if by chance their paths should cross
I don’t know if John will restrain
From teaching this punk a thing when he’s drunk
Make a fist to pass on the pain
Ah there must be something in the water
Dissolving all sense of honor
There must be something in the air
You breathe in defeat and breathe out “I don’t care”
[v3]
All these silly squabbles
Self-centered problems
Look small when viewed from above
But now a storm rages
Fuelled by their hatred
Where once there only was love
Oh John won’t you show understanding?
Oh Jane give the guy some respect
Try to recognize all reality’s lies
And the tie that keeps it all in check
Yeah, there’s something else in the water
Connecting us all with each other
There’s something else in the air
Circulating everywhere
There’s something all over the earth
Too pure to define what it’s worth
The power source of the Universe
Sometimes it’s a joy
Sometimes it’s a curse
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11. |
Four Leaf Loser
02:45
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I’ll start building a house for you in June
I’ll start building a house for you in June
I’ll start building a house for you in June
Maybe by next May it’ll be ready to move in to
I do it all on the eleventh hour
It’s a wonder I’ve even come this far
I’ll save for a rainy day in June
I’ll save for a rainy day in June
I’ll save for a rainy day in June
Maybe by next May I’ll have enough to survive the monsoon
I’ve looked high and I’ve looked low
Checked under a hundred stones
Searching for my four leaf clover
If you find it please let me know
I’ll quit all my bad habits in June
I’ll quit all my bad habits in June
I’ll quit all my bad habits in June
But long before May I’ll be howling at the next full moon
Born in October well I’m a Scorpio
But don’t ask me what that means cause I swear I don’t know
All I know for sure is I won’t go very far
Because I lost my four leaf clover
If you find it please let me know
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12. |
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Drums drumming in the deep
Aren’t you afraid?
Homicidal rivals on a misguided crusade
A chain reaction to be felt for centuries
Hand grenades, barricades and burning effigies so I say
Let the dead bury the dead
Let the dead bury the dead
It’s not me just something Jesus said
Down the road they go marching to their own beat
Stand aside or you’ll get crushed under their feet
Tunnel vision nihilism
It’s all the rage
As I pass by another shallow grave I mutter
Let the dead bury the dead
Let the dead bury the dead
It’s not me just something Jesus said
There’s dead men walking almost everywhere you go
The sub-Sahara to the cold white Arctic snow
They bide their time to bleed and bathe in all the red
I wish they’d dig a hole and climb inside instead and just
Let the dead bury the dead
Let the dead bury the dead
It’s not me just something Jesus said
Drums
Drumming in the deep (x8)
Drums drumming in the deep
Aren’t you afraid?
Homicidal rivals on a misguided crusade
A chain reaction to be felt for centuries
Just one fucking button brings the whole world to its knees
Let the dead bury the dead
Let the dead bury the dead
It’s not me just something Jesus said
Let the dead bury the dead
Let the dead bury the dead
It’s not me just something Jesus said
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Dolbro Dan Northern Ireland, UK
Alt Country, Americana, Blues, Alternative Folk.
Recommended if you like Bob Dylan,Neil
Young, Phil Ochs, Arlo Guthrie.
Folk Dope is Dan's new album - a labour of love (and labour pains) pressed to vinyl by US Indie, Feedbands.
Dan is a Northern Irish singer/songwriter, locally championed and flying under the radar since 2008.
... more
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