Dave's Picks Volume 45 (Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR 10/1/77 & 10/2/77) Album Lyrics by Grateful Dead


Grateful Dead Lyrics

Dave's Picks Volume 45 (Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR 10/1/77 & 10/2/77) Lyrics
(Lyrics to the Full Album on one page)

Promised Land

I left my home in Norfolk Virginia, California on my mind.
Straddled that Greyhound, it rode me past Raleigh, and on across Caroline.

Stopped in Charlotte and bypassed Rock Hill, and we never was a minute late.
We was ninety miles out of Atlanta by sundown, rollin' 'cross the Georgia state.

Had motor trouble it turned into a struggle, half way 'cross Alabam,
The 'hound broke down left us all stranded in downtown Birmingham.

Straight off bought me a through train ticket, right across Mississippi clean
And I was on the midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smoking into New Orleans.

Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just help me get to Houston town.
People are there who care a little 'bout me
And they won't let the poor boy down.

Sure as she bore me, she bought me a silk suit, put luggage in my hands,
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised land.

Workin' on a T-bone steak a la carte,
Flying over to the Golden State,
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
We'd be headin' in the terminal gate.

Swing low sweet chariot, come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone,
Cut your engines, cool your wings,
And let me make it to the telephone.

Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia,
Tidewater four ten oh nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land callin'
And the poor boy's on the line.



Top▲  

They Love Each Other

Merry run around, sailing up and down
Looking for a shove in some direction
Got it from the top, it's nothing you can stop
Lord, you know they made a fine connection

They love each other, Lord you can see it's true
Lord you can see it's true, Lord you can see it's true

He could pass his time around some other line
But you know he chose this place beside her
Don't get in the way, there's nothing you can say
Nothing that you need to add or do

They love each other, Lord you can see it's true
Lord you can see it's true, Lord you can see it's true

Its' nothing, they explain it's like a diesel train
Better not be there when it rolls over
And when that train rolls in, you won't know where it's been
You gotta try to see a little further

They love each other, Lord you can see it's true
Lord you can see it's true, Lord you can see it's true

Though you'll make a noise, they just can't hear your voice
They're on a dizzy ride on you're cold sober

They love each other, Lord you can see it's true
Lord you can see it's true, Lord you can see it's true

Hope you will believe what I say is true
Everything I did, I heard it first from you

Heard your news report, you knew you're falling short
Pretty soon won't trust you for the weather
When that ship comes in, you won't know where it's been
You got to try to see a little further



Top▲  

Mexicali Blues

Laid back in an old saloon, with a peso in my hand
Watchin' flies and children on the street
And I catch a glimpse of black-eyed girls who giggle when I smile
There's a little boy who wants to shine my feet

And it's three days ride from Bakersfield and I don't know why I came
I guess I came to keep from payin' dues
So instead I've got a bottle and a girl who's just fourteen
And a damn good case of the Mexicali Blues Yeh

Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
When the devil wants to take it all away?
Cherish well your thoughts, and keep a tight grip on your booze
'Cause thinkin' and drinkin' are all I have today

She said her name was Billy Jean and she was fresh in town
I didn't know a stage line ran from hell
She had raven hair, a ruffled dress, a necklace made of gold
All the french perfume you'd care to smell

She took me up into her room and whispered in my ear
Go on, my friend, do anything you choose
Now I'm payin' for those happy hours I spent there in her arms
With a lifetime's worth of the Mexicali Blues, yeh

Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
When the devil wants to take it all away?
Cherish well your thoughts, and keep a tight grip on your booze
'Cause thinkin' and drinkin' are all I have today

And then a man rode into town, some thought he was the law
Billy Jean was waitin' when he came
She told me he would take her, if I didn't use my gun
I'd have no one but myself to blame

I went down to those dusty streets, blood was on my mind
I guess that stranger hadn't heard the news
'Cause I shot first and killed him, Lord, he didn't even draw
And he made me trade the gallows for the Mexicali Blues,yeh

Is there anything a man don't stand to lose
When he lets a woman hold him in her hands?
He just might find himself out there on horseback in the dark
Just ridin' and runnin' across those desert sands



Top▲  

Dire Wolf

In the timbers of Fennario, the wolves are running round
The winter was so hard and cold, froze ten feet 'neath the ground
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

I sat down to my supper, 'twas a bottle of red whisky
I said my prayers and went to bed, that's the last they saw of me
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

When I awoke, the Dire Wolf, six hundred pounds of sin
Was grinning at my window, all I said was come on in
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

The Wolf came in, I got my cards, we sat down for a game
I cut my deck to the Queen of Spades, but the cards were all the same
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Don't murder me

In the backwash of Fennario, the black and bloody mire
The Dire Wolf collects his dues, while the boys sing 'round the fire
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Don't murder me
I beg of you don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
No no no don't murder me

I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me



Top▲  

Cassidy

I have seen where the wolf has slept by the silver stream.
I can tell by the mark he left, you were in his dream.
Ah child of countless trees, ah child of boundless seas.

What you are, and what you're meant to be
Speaks his name, though you were born to me,
Born to me, Cassidy.

Lost now on the country miles in his Cadillac.
I can tell by the way you smile, he is rolling back.
Come wash the nighttime clean, come grow the scorched ground green.

Blow the horn, and tap the tambourine.
Close the gap of the dark years in between
You and me, Cassidy.

Quick beats in an icy heart, catch colt draws a coffin cart,
There he goes and now here she starts, hear her cry.

Flight of the seabirds
Scattered like lost words,
Wield to the storm and fly.
Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by it's own design.
Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, I'm done with mine.
Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by it's own design.
Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, I'm done with mine.



Top▲  

Deal

Since it cost a lot to win
And even more to lose
You and me bound to spend some time
Wondering what to choose

It goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play
And play it slow

Wait until your deal come round
Don't you let that deal go down

I been gambling hereabouts
For ten good solid years
If I told you all that went down
It would burn off both your ears

It goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play
And play it slow

Wait until your deal come round
Don't you let that deal go down

Since you poured the wine for me
And tightened up my shoes
I hate to leave you sitting there
Composing lonesome blues

It goes to show that you don't ever know
Watch each card you play and
Play it slow

Wait until your deal come round
Don't you let that deal go down

Don't you let that deal go down
Don't you let that deal go down



Top▲  

Passenger

Firefly, can you see me?
Shine on, glowing, brief and brightly
Could you imagine? one summer day,
That same night be on your way

Do you remember? Hearts were too cold
Seasons have frozen us into our souls
People were sayin' the whole world is burning
Ashes have scattered too hard to turn

Upside out or inside down
False alarm, the only game in town
No man's land, the only game in town
Terrible, the only game in town

Passenger, don't you hear me?
Destination seen unclearly.
What is a man deep down inside,
What a raging beast with nothing to hide.

Upside out or inside down
False alarm, the only game in town
No man's land, the only game in town
Terrible, the only game in town



Top▲  

Tennessee Jed

Cold iron shackles, ball and chain
Listen to the whistle of the evenin' train
You know you bound to wind up dead
If you don't head back to Tennessee Jed

Rich man step on my poor head
When you get back you better butter my bread
Well, do you know it's like I said
You better head back to Tennessee Jed

Tennessee, Tennessee, there ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby won't you carry me back to Tennessee

Drink all day and rock all night
The law come to get you if you don't walk right
Got a letter this morning, baby all it read
You better head back to Tennessee Jed

I dropped four flights and cracked my spine
Honey, come quick with the iodine
Catch a few winks, baby, under the bed
Then you head back to Tennessee Jed

Tennessee, Tennessee, there ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby won't you carry me back to Tennessee

I run into Charlie Fog
Blacked my eye and he kicked my dog
My doggie turned to me and he said
Let's head back to Tennessee Jed
I woke up a felin' mean
Went down to play the slot machine
The wheels turned around, and the letters read
You better head back to Tennessee Jed

Tennessee, Tennessee, there ain't no place I'd rather be
Baby won't you carry me back to Tennessee



Top▲  

New Minglewood Blues

I was born in a desert
Raised in a lion's den
I was born in a desert
Raised in a lion's den
Well, well, my number one occupation
Is stealing women from their men

Well, I'm a wanted man in Texas
Busted jail and I'm gone for good
Yes, I'm a wanted man in Texas
Busted jail and I'm gone for good
Well, well, the sheriff couldn't catch me
But his little girl sure wish he would

Now the doctor called me crazy
Some says I am, some says I ain't
Yes and the doctor called me crazy
Some says I am, some says I ain't
Yes and the preacher man called me a sinner
But his little girl called me a saint

Well a couple of shots of whiskey
Women 'round here start lookin' good
Yes and a couple of shots of whiskey
Women 'round here start lookin' good
Couple more shots of whiskey
I'm goin' down to Minglewood

Yes, I was born in a desert
Raised in a lion's den
I was born in a desert
Raised in a lion's den
Yes, and my number one occupation
Is stealing women from their men
And I'll do it, do it again

Yes, and my number one occupation
Is stealing women from their men

I was born in a desert
Raised in a lion's den
I was born in a desert
Raised in a lion's den



Top▲  

Peggy-O

As we rode out to Fennario
As we rode out to Fennario
Our captain fell in love with a lady like a dove
And he called her by name pretty Peggy-O

Will you marry me, pretty Peggy-O
Will you marry me, pretty Peggy-O
If you will marry me, I will set your cities free
And free all the ladies in the area-O

I would marry you, sweet William-O
I would marry you, sweet William-O
I would marry you, but your guineas are too few
And I fear my mama would be angry-O

What would your mama think, pretty Peggy-O
What would your mama think, pretty Peggy-O
What would your mama think if she heard my guineas clink
And saw me marching at the head of my soldiers-O

If ever I return, pretty Peggy-O
If ever I return, pretty Peggy-O
If ever I return, all your citie



Top▲  

The Music Never Stopped

There's mosquitoes on the river
Fish are rising up like birds
It's been hot for seven weeks now
Too hot to even speak now
Did you hear what I just heard?

Say it might have been a fiddle
Or it could have been the wind
But there seems to be a beat now
I can feel it in my feet now
Listen here it comes again

There's a band out on the highway
They're high steppin' into town
It's a rainbow full of sound
It's fireworks, calliopes and clowns
Everybody's dancin'

Come on children, come on children
Come on clap your hands

The sun went down in honey
And the moon came up in wine
You know stars were spinnin' dizzy
Lord the band kept us so busy
We forgot about the time

They're a band beyond description
Like Jehovah's favorite choir
People joining hand in hand while
The music played the band
Lord they're setting us on fire

Crazy rooster crowin' midnight
Balls of lightin' roll along
Old men sing about their dreams
Women laugh and children scream
And the band keeps playin' on

Keep on dancin' through the daylight
Greet the mornin' air with song
No ones's noticed, but the band's all pack and gone
Was it ever there at all?
But they keep on dancin'

Come on children, come on children
Come on clap your hands

Well, the cool breeze came on Tuesday
And the corn's a bumper crop
And the fields are full of dancin'
Full of singin' and romancin'
But the music never stopped



Top▲  

Bertha

I had a hard run, runnin' from your window
I was all night running, running, Lord, I wonder if you care
I had a run in, run around and run down
Run around the corner, Lord, run smack in to a tree

I had to move, really had to move
That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees
Bertha, don't you come around here anymore

Dressed myself in green, I went down unto the sea
Try to see what's goin' down, try to read between the lines
I had a feelin' I was fallin', fallin', fallin', I turned around to see
Heard a voice callin', you were running back to me

I had to move, really had to move
That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees
Bertha, don't you come around here anymore

Ran into a rainstorm, I ducked back into a bar door
It's all night pourin', but not a drop on me
Test me, test me, test me, test me
Why don't you arrest me? Throw me in to the jail house
Lord, until the sun goes down, 'til it goes down

I had to move, really had to move
That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees
Bertha, don't you come around here anymore

I had to move, really had to move
That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees,
Bertha, don't you come around here anymore

I had to move, really had to move
That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees,
Bertha, don't you come around here anymore

I had to move, really had to move
That's why if you please, I am on my bendin' knees,
Bertha, don't you come around here anymore
anymore, anymore, anymore, anymore, anymore, anymore



Top▲  

Good Lovin

Well, I was feelin' so bad, asked my family doctor 'bout what I had,
I said, "doctor, doctor, mister md, can you tell me, what's ailing me?"

He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'

So come on baby, squeeze me tight
Don't you want your daddy to be all right?
I said baby, now it's for sure,
I've got the fever, you got the cure

He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'

Hey, got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Well, you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Come on now and give me good lovin' (good lovin')

Well, I was feelin' sort of bad now,
Asked my family doctor 'bout what I had,
I said, "doctor, doctor, mister M.D.,
Can you tell me, what's ailing me?"

He said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah"
All you need, all you really need: good lovin'
Because you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Everybody got to have lovin' (good lovin')
A little good lovin' now baby, good lovin'

Come on now, everybody get right, (got to have lovin)
You may be weak or you may be blind (got to have lovin')
But even a blind man knows when the sun is shining (got to have lovin')
So turn it on now (got to have lovin')
Turn on, turn on your light (got to have lovin')

Gimme, gimme, gimme some lovin' (good lovin')
Hey, now you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
You need it, I need it, well you got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Say it again now, good lovin'

Well turn on your light, you won't regret it (good lovin')
You got to go for the good and get it (good lovin')
Everybody, they got to have lovin' (good lovin')
Hey, now you got to have lovin'



Top▲  

It Must Have Been the Roses

Annie laid her head down in the roses.
She had ribbons, ribbons, ribbons, in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.

I don't know, it must have been the roses,
The roses or the ribbons in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.

Ten years the waves roll the ships home from the sea,
Thinkin' well how it may blow in all good company,
If I tell another what your own lips told to me,
Let me lay 'neath the roses, till my eyes no longer see.

I don't know, it must have been the roses,
The roses or the ribbons in her long brown hair.

I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.

One pane of glass in the window,
No one is complaining, no, come in and shut the door,
Faded is the crimson from the ribbons that she wore,
And it's strange how no one comes round any more.

I don't know, it must have been the roses,
The roses or the ribbons in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.

Annie laid her head down in the roses.
She had ribbons, ribbons, ribbons, in her long brown hair.
I don't know, maybe it was the roses,
All I know I could not leave her there.



Top▲  

Estimated Prophet

My time coming, anyday, don't worry about me, no
Been so long I felt this way, I'm in no hurry, no
Rainbows and down that highway where ocean breezes blow
My time coming, voices saying they tell me where to go.

Don't worry about me, nah nah nah, don't worry about me, no
And I'm in no hurry, nah nah nah, I know where to go.

California, preaching on the burning shore
California, I'll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I'm gonna shine.

My time coming, any day, don't worry about me, no
It's gonna be just like they say, them voices tell me so
Seems so long I felt this way and time sure passin' slow
Still I know I lead the way, they tell me where I go.

Don't worry about me, no no no, don't worry about me, no
And I'm in no hurry, no no no, I know where to go.

California, a prophet on the burning shore
California, I'll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I'm gonna shine.

You've all been asleep, you would not believe me
Them voices tellin' me, you will soon receive me
Standin' on the beach, the sea will part before me
Fire wheel burning in the air!

You will follow me and we will ride to glory, way up, the middle of
The air!

And I'll call down thunder and speak the same and my work fills the
Sky with flame
And might and glory gonna be my name and men gonna light my way.

My time coming, any day, don't worry about me, no
It's gonna be just like they say, them voices tell me so
Seems so long I felt this way and time sure passin' slow
My time coming, any day, don't worry about me, no

Don't worry about me, no no no, don't worry about me, no
And I'm in no hurry, no no no, don't worry about me, no.



Top▲  

Eyes of the World

Right outside this lazy summer home
You ain't got time to call your soul a critic no
Right outside the lazy gate of winter's summer home
Wondering where the nut-thatch winters
Wings a mile long just carried the bird away

Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world
The heart has it's beaches, it's homeland and thoughts of it's own
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings
But the heart has it's seasons, it's evenings and songs of it's own

There comes a redeemer, and he slowly too fades away
And there follows his wagon behind him that's loaded with clay
And the seeds that were silent all burst into bloom, and decay
And night comes so quiet, it's close on the heels of the day

Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world
The heart has it's beaches, it's homeland and thoughts of it's own
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings
But the heart has it's seasons, it's evenings and songs of it's own

Sometimes we live no particular way but our own
And sometimes we visit your country and live in your home
Sometimes we ride on your horses, sometimes we walk alone
Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own

Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world
The heart has it's beaches, it's homeland and thoughts of it's own
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings
But the heart has it's seasons, it's evenings and songs of it's own



Top▲  

Dancing in the Street

Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets

Calling out around the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the streets

They're dancing in Chicago
Down in New Orleans
New York City

All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
And dancing in the streets

It doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
Come on, every guy grab a girl
Everywhere around the world

Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets

This is an invitation, across the nation
The chance for folks to meet
There'll be swinging and swaying, music playing
Dancing in the streets

Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore and D.C. now
Can't forget that Motor City

All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
And dancing in the streets

It doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy grab a girl
Everywhere around the world

Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets

Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets



Top▲  

Drums

[Instrumental]



Top▲  

Not Fade Away

I wanna tell you how it's gonna be
You're gonna give your love to me
I wanna love you night and day
You know my love will not fade away
You know my love will not fade away
Not fade away

My love's bigger than a Cadillac
I try to show you but you drive me back
Your love for me has got to be real
You're gonna know just how I feel
Love's real, not fade away
Not fade away



Top▲  

Black Peter

All of my friends come to see me last night
I was laying in my bed and dying
Annie Beauneu from Saint Angel
Say "the weather down here so fine"

Just then the wind
Came squalling through the door
But who can
The weather command?
Just want to have
A little peace to die
And a friend or two
I love at hand

Fever roll up to a hundred and five
Roll on up
Gonna roll back down
One more day
I find myself alive
Tomorrow
Maybe go
Beneath the ground

See here how everything
Lead up to this day
And it's just like
Any other day
That's ever been
Sun goin up
And then the
Sun it goin down
Shine through my window and
My friends they come around
Come around
Come around

The people may know but
People don't care
That a man could be
As poor as me
Take a look at poor Peter
He's lying in pain
Now let's go run
And see

Run and see
Run and see
Run, run, and see
Hey, hey, run and see



Top▲  

Around and Around

Well the joint was jumpin', going 'round and 'round,
Hey! Reelin' and a rockin', what a crazy sound,
Well they never stopped rockin' till the moon went down.

Well it sounds so sweet I had to take me a chance,
I rose out of me seat Lord, I had to dance,
Started moving my feet, well a clapping my hands.

Well I kept on dancin', going 'round and 'round,
Hey! Reelin' and a rockin', what a crazy sound,
Well they never stopped rockin' till the moon went down.

Well at twelve o'clock Lord, the place was packed,
The front doors was locked Lord, the place was packed,
When the police knocked, those doors they flew back.

Well I kept on dancin', going 'round and 'round,
Hey! Reelin' and a rockin', what a crazy sound,
Well they never stopped rockin' till the moon went down



Top▲  

Casey Jones

Driving that train, high on cocaine,
Casey Jones you better watch your speed
Trouble ahead, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

This old engine makes it on time
Leaves Central Station 'bout a quarter to nine
Hits River Junction at seventeen two
At a quarter to ten you know it's travelin' again

Driving that train, high on cocaine
Casey Jones you better, watch your speed
Trouble ahead, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

Trouble ahead, Lady in red
Take my advice you'd be better off dead
Switchman's sleeping, train hundred and two is
On the wrong track and headed for you

Driving that train, high on cocaine
Casey Jones you better watch your speed
Trouble ahead trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

Drive your train, whoo
Trouble with you is the trouble with me
Got two good eyes but you still don't see
Come round the bend, you know it's the end
The fireman screams and the engine just gleams

Driving that train, high on cocaine
Casey Jones you better, watch your speed
Trouble ahead, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

Driving that train, high on cocaine
Casey Jones you better, watch your speed
Trouble ahead, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

Driving that train, high on cocaine
Casey Jones you better, watch your speed
Trouble ahead, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

Driving that train, high on cocaine
Casey Jones you better, watch your speed
Trouble ahead, you know, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

And you know that notion just cross my mind



Top▲  

Jack Straw

We can share the women
We can share the wine
We can share what we got of yours
'Cause we done shared all of mine

Keep a-rolling
Just a mile to go
Keep on rolling, my old buddy
You're moving much too slow

I just jumped the watchman
Right outside the fence
Took his ring, four bucks in change
It ain't that heaven-sent?

Hurts my ears to listen
Burns my eyes to see
Cut down a man in cold blood, Shannon
Might as well be me

We used to play for silver
Now we play for life
One's for sport and one's for blood
At the point of a knife
Now the die is shaken
Now the die must fall
There ain't a winner in the game
You don't go home with all
Not with all

Leaving Texas
Fourth day of July
Sun so hot, clouds so low
The eagles filled the sky

Catch the Detroit Lightning out of Santa Fe
Great Northern out of Cheyenne
From sea to shining sea

Gotta get to Tulsa
First train we can ride
Got to settle one old score
One small point of pride

Ain't no place a man can hide, Shannon
We'll keep you from the sun
Ain't no bed will give us rest, man
You keep us on the run

Jack Straw from Wichita
Cut his buddy down
Dug for him a shallow grave
And laid his body down

Half a mile from Tucson
By the morning light
One man gone and another to go
My old buddy you're moving much too slow

We can share the women, we can share the wine



Top▲  

Sunrise

Gazing at the fire, burning by the water
Before he speaks the world around us quiets.

With eyes as sharp as arrows and turning to the fire
He clears the air and cuts it with a feather.

Many in a circle slowly 'round the fire
When he is gone I want to know him better.

No one is forsaken, no one is a liar,
He plants the tree of life on our foreheads with water.

He hums, there are drums, four winds, rising suns,
We are singing and playing, I her him saying.

I remember breezes from winds inside your body
Keep me high, like I told you, I'll sing to them this story and know why.



Top▲  

Brown Eyed Women

Gone are the days when the ox fall down
Take up the yoke and plow the fiends around
Gone are the days when the ladies said' "Please
Gentle Jack Jones won't you come to me"
Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin' down
And it looks like the old man's gettin' on
1920 when he stepped to the bar, drank to the dregs of the whiskey jar
1930 when the wall caved in, he paved his way selling red-eyed gin
Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin' down
And it looks like the old man's gettin' on
Delilah Jones was the mother of twins
Two times over and the rest were sins
Raised eight boys, only I turned bad
Didn't get the lickin's that the other ones had
Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin' down
And it looks like the old man's gettin' on
Tumble down shack on Big Foot country
Snowed so hard that the roof caved in
Delilah Jones went to meet her God
And the old man never was the same again
Daddy made whiskey and he made it well
Cost two dollars and it burned like hell
I cut hick'ry just to fire the still
Drink down a bottle and be ready to kill
Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin' down
And it looks like the old man's gettin' on
Gone are the days when the ox fall down
Take up the yoke and plow the fiends around
Gone are the days when the ladies said' "Please
Gentle Jack Jones won't you come to me"
Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin' down
And it looks like the old man's gettin' on



Top▲  

El Paso

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Nighttime would find me in Rose's Cantina
Music would play and Felina would whirl

Black as the night were the eyes of Felina
Wicked and evil while casting a spell
My love was strong for this Mexican maiden
I was in love, but in vain I could tell

One night a wild young cowboy came in, wild as the West Texas wind
Dashing and daring, a drink he was sharing
With wicked Felina, the girl that I love

So in anger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
My challenge was answered, in less than a heartbeat
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor

Just for a moment I stood there in silence
Shocked by the foul evil deed I had done
Many thoughts ran through my mind as I stood there
I had but one chance and that was to run

Out through the back door of Rose's I ran, out where the horses were tied
I picked a good one; he looked like he could run
Up on his back and away I did ride

Just as fast as I could from the West Texas town of El Paso
Out through the badlands of New Mexico
Back in El Paso my life would be worthless
Everything's gone in life nothing is left

But it's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger that my fear of death
I saddled up and away I did go, riding alone in the dark
Maybe tomorrow a bullet may find me
Tonight nothing's worse than this pain in my heart

And at last here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso
I can see Rose's Cantina below
My love is strong and it pushes me onward, down off the hill to Felina I go

Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys
Off to my left ride a dozen or more
shouting and shooting; I can't let them catch me
I've got to make it to Rose's back door

Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel a deep burning pain in my side
It's getting harder to stay in the saddle
I'm getting weary, unable to ride

But my love for Felina is strong and I rise where I've fallen
Though I am weary, I can't stop to rest
I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle
I feel the bullet go deep in my chest

From out of nowhere, Felina has found me
Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side
Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for
One little kiss and Felina good-bye



Top▲  

Dupree's Diamond Blues

When I was just a little young boy,
Papa said "Son, you'll never get far,
I'll tell you the reason if you want to know,
'Cause child of mine, there isn't really very far to go"

Well baby, baby wants a gold diamond ring
Wants it more than most any old thing
Well when I get those jelly roll blues
Why I'd go and get anything in this world for you.

Down to the jewelry store packing a gun,
Says "Wrap it up. I think I'll take this one"
"A thousand dollars please," the jewelry man said
Dupree he said, "I'll pay this one off to you in lead"

Well you know son you just can't figure,
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad -
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

Judge said "Son, this gonna cost you some time"
Dupree said "Judge, you know that crossed my mind"
Judge said "Fact it's gonna cost you your life"
Dupree said "Judge, you know that seems to me to be about right"

Well baby, baby's gonna lose her sweet man
Dupree come out with a losing hand
Baby's gonna weep it up for awhile
Then go on out and find another sweet man's
Gonna treat her with style

Judge said "Son, I know your baby well
But that's a secret I can't never tell"
Dupree said "Judge, well it's well understood,
And you got to admit that that sweet, sweet jelly's so good"

Well you know son you just can't figure,
First thing you know you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad,
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

Same old story and I know it's been told,
Some like jelly jelly - some like gold
Many a man's done a terrible thing
Just to get baby that shiny diamond ring



Top▲  

Let It Grow

Morning comes, she follows the path to the river shore,
Lightly sung, her song is the latch on the morning's door.
See the sun sparkle in the reeds, silver beads, pass into the sea.

She comes from a town where they call her the woodcutter's daughter,
She's brown as the bank where she kneels down to gather her water, and
She bears it away with a love that the river has taught her.

Let it flow, greatly grow, wide and clear.
Round and round, the cut of the plow in the furrowed field,
Seasons round, the bushels of corn and the barley meal,
Broken ground, open and beckoning to the spring,
Black dirt live again!
The plowman is broad as the back of the land he is sowing,
As he dances the circular track of the plow ever knowing
That the work of his day measures more than the planting and growing

Let it grow, let it grow, greatly yield.
What shall we say, shall we call it by a name,
As well to count the angels dancing on a pin.
Water bright as the sky from which it came,
And the name is on the earth that takes it in.
We will not speak but stand inside the rain,
And listen to the thunder shouting "i am! i am! i am! i am."

Nothin' more, the love of the women, work of men.
Seasons round, creatures great and small, up and down as we rise and fall.



Top▲  

Deal

Since it cost a lot to win
And even more to lose
You and me bound to spend some time
Wondering what to choose

It goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play
And play it slow

Wait until your deal come round
Don't you let that deal go down

I been gambling hereabouts
For ten good solid years
If I told you all that went down
It would burn off both your ears

It goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play
And play it slow

Wait until your deal come round
Don't you let that deal go down

Since you poured the wine for me
And tightened up my shoes
I hate to leave you sitting there
Composing lonesome blues

It goes to show that you don't ever know
Watch each card you play and
Play it slow

Wait until your deal come round
Don't you let that deal go down

Don't you let that deal go down
Don't you let that deal go down



Top▲  

Samson and Delilah

If I had my way
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this whole building down

Delilah was a woman, she was fine and fair
She had good looks - God knows and coal black hair
Delilah she gained old Samson's mind
When first he saw this woman, she looked so fine

Delilah she climbed up on Samson's knee
Said tell me where your strength lies, if you please
Then she spoke so kind, she talked so fair
That Samson said, Delilah you cut off my hair
You can shave my head, cleanse my hand
My strength comes as natural as any other man

You read about Samson, all from his birth
He was the strongest man ever had lived on earth
One day while Samson was walking along
Looked down on the ground he saw an old jaw bone
Then he stretched out his arm and his chains broke like threads
And when he got to move, ten thousand were dead

Now Samson and the lion, they got in attack
And Samson he walked up on the lion's back
You read about this lion, he killed a man with his paw
Samson got hands up round the lion's jaw
He ripped that beast, killed it dead
And the bees made honey in the lion's head



Top▲  

Johnny B. Goode

Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back in the pines among the evergreens
There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
He never learned to read or write so well,
But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell

Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode

He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track
The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made
People passin' by would stop and say
"My my, but that little country boy can play!"

Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode

His mamma told him "someday you will be a man"
You will be the leader of a big old band
Many people comin' from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
And Johnny B. Goode tonight

Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode

Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode



Top▲  

Scarlet Begonias

As I was walkin' down Grosvenor Square
Not a chill to the winter but a nip to the air
From the other direction she was calling my eye
It could be an illusion
But I might as well try, might as well try

She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes
And I knew without asking she was into the blues
She wore scarlet begonias
Tucked into her curls
I knew right away
She was not like other girls, other girls

In the thick of the evening when the dealing got rough
She was too pat to open and too cool to bluff
As I picked up my matches and
Was closing the door
I had one of those flashes
I'd been there before, been there before

Well I ain't often right
But I've never been wrong
It seldom turns out the way it does in the song
Once in a while
You get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right

Well, there ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves
Or scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues
And there's nothing wrong with
The look that's in her eye
I had to learn the hard way
To let her pass by, let her pass by

The wind in the willows played tea for two
The sky was yellow and the sun was blue
Strangers stopping strangers
Just to shake their hand
Everybody's playing
In the Heart of Gold Band
Heart of Gold Band



Top▲  

Fire on the Mountain

Long distance runner, what you standing there for?
Get up, get out, get out of the door
You're playing cold music on the barroom floor
Drowned in your laughter and dead to the core
There's a dragon with matches that's loose on the town
Takes a whole pail of water just to cool him down

Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!

Almost ablaze still you don't feel the heat
It takes all you got just to stay on the beat
You say it's a living, we all gotta eat
But you're here alone, there's no one to compete
If mercy's a business, I wish it for you
More than just ashes when your dreams come true

Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!

Long distance runner, what you holding out for?
Caught in slow motion in a dash to the door
The flame from your stage has now spread to the floor
You gave all you had. why you wanna give more?
The more that you give, the more it will take
To the thin line beyond which you really can't fake

Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!
Fire! Fire on the mountain!



Top▲  

Playing in the Band→

Some folks trust to reason
Others trust to might
I don't trust to nothing
But I know it come out right

Say it once again now
Oh I hope you understand
When it's done and over
Lord, a man is just a man

Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land

Some folks look for answers
Others look for fights
Some folks up in treetops
Just look to see the sights

I can tell your future
Look what's in your hand
But I can't stop for nothing
I'm just playing in the band

Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land

Standing on a tower
World at my command
You just keep a turning
While I'm playing in the band

If a man among you
Got no sin upon his hand
Let him cast a stone at me
For playing in the band

Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak Daybreak on the land



Top▲  

Drums

[Instrumental]



Top▲  

The Wheel

The wheel is turning and you can't slow down,
You can't let go and you can't hold on,
You can't go back and you can't stand still,
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will.

Won't you try just a little bit harder,
Couldn't you try just a little bit more?
Won't you try just a little bit harder,
Couldn't you try just a little bit more?

Round, round robin run round, got to get back to where you belong,
Little bit harder, just a little bit more,
A little bit further than you gone before.
The wheel is turning and you can't slow down,

You can't let go and you can't hold on,
You can't go back and you can't stand still,
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will.
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod,

Big wheel turn by the grace of God,
Every time that wheel turn 'round,
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
The wheel is turning and you can't slow down,

You can't let go and you can't hold on,
You can't go back and you can't stand still,
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will.
Won't you try just a little bit harder,

Couldn't you try just a little bit more?
Won't you try just a little bit harder,
Couldn't you try just a little bit more?



Top▲  

Truckin'

Truckin', got my chips cashed in
Keep truckin', like the do-dah man
Together, more or less in line
Just keep truckin' on

Arrows of neon and flashing marquees out on Main Street
Chicago, New York, Detroit and it's all on the same street
Your typical city involved in a typical daydream
Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings

Dallas, got a soft machine
Houston, too close to New Orleans
New York got the ways and means
But just won't let you be

Most of the cats that you meet on the street speak of true love
Most of the time, they're sittin' and cryin' at home
One of these days they know they better be goin'
Out of the door and down to the street all alone

Truckin', like the do-dah man
Once told me, "You've got to play your hand"
Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime
If you don't lay 'em down

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me
Other times, I can barely see
Lately, it occurs to me
What a long, strange trip it's been

What in the world ever became of sweet Jane?
She lost her sparkle, you know she isn't the same
Livin' on reds, vitamin C, and cocaine
All a friend can say is, "Ain't it a shame?"

Truckin', up to Buffalo
Been thinkin', you got to mellow slow
It takes time, you pick a place to go
And just keep truckin' on

Sittin' and starin' out of the hotel window
Got a tip they're gonna kick the door in again
I'd like to get some sleep before I travel
But if you got a warrant, I guess you're gonna come in

Busted, down on Bourbon Street
Set up, like a bowlin' pin
Knocked down, it gets to wearin' thin
They just won't let you be

You're sick of hangin' around and you'd like to travel
Get tired of travelin', you want to settle down
I guess they can't revoke your soul for tryin'
Get out of the door and light out and look all around

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me
Other times, I can barely see
Lately, it occurs to me
What a long, strange trip it's been

Truckin', I'm a goin' home
Whoa, whoa, baby, back where I belong
Back home, sit down and patch my bones
And get back truckin' on



Top▲  

The Other One

Spanish lady come to me, she lays on me this rose
It rainbow spirals round and round, it trembles and explodes
It left a smoking crater of my mind I like to blow away
But the heat came round and busted me for smiling on a cloudy day

Coming, coming, coming around
Coming around, coming around, in a circle
Coming, coming, coming around
Coming around, coming around, in a circle

Escaping through the lily fields, I came across an empty space
It trembled and exploded, left a bus stop in its place
The bus came by and I got on, that's when it all began
There was Cowboy Neal at the wheel of the bus to never ever land

Coming, coming, coming around
Coming around, coming around, in a circle
Coming, coming, coming around
Coming around, coming around, in a circle



Top▲  

Wharf Rat

Old man down
Way down, down, down by the docks of the city
Blind and dirty
Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee
I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story
My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine
More than my wine
More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine

Everyone said
I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them
Half of my life
I spent doin' time for some other f*cker's crime
The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine

But I'll get back on my feet again someday
The good Lord willin'
If He says I may
I know that the life I'm livin's no good
I'll get a new start, live the life I should
I'll get up and fly away,
I'll get up and fly away, fly away

Pearly's been true
True to me, true to my dyin' day he said
I said to him
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been"
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you"

I got up and wandered
Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around
I've got a girl
Named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me
I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me



Top▲  

Sugar Magnolia

Sugar Magnolia blossom's blooming
Head's all empty and I don't care
Saw my baby down by the river
Knew she'd have to come up soon for air

Sweet blossom come on under the willow
We can have high times if you'll abide
We can discover the wonders of nature
Rolling in the rushes down by the riverside

She's got everything delightful
She's got everything I need
Takes the wheel when I'm seeing double
Pays my ticket when I speed

She come skimming through rays of violet
She can wade in a drop of dew
She don't come and I don't follow
Waits backstage while I sing to you

She can dance a Cajun rhythm
Jump like a Willys in four wheel drive
She's a summer love in the spring, fall and winter
She can make happy any man alive

Sugar magnolia
Ringin' that blue bell
Caught up in sunlight
Come on out singing
I'll walk you in the sunshine
Come on honey, come along with me

She's got everything delightful
She's got everything I need
A breeze in the pines in the summer night moonlight
Crazy in the sunlight yes indeed

Sometimes when the cuckoo's crying
When the moon is halfway down
Sometimes when the night is dying
I take me out and I wander round
I wander round

Sunshine daydream
Walking through the tall trees
Going where the wind goes
Blooming like a red rose
Breathing more freely
Light out singing
I'll walk you in the morning sunshine
Sunshine daydream
Walk you in the sunshine
Top▲  


Soundtracks / Top Hits / One Hit Wonders / TV Themes / Song Quotes / Miscellaneous