Lowell George

Well I'm weak,
Worthless,
...can't make up my mind.

When they handed out ambition,
I was next
To last
In line.

...Lost little lamb...
'til I found that girl...

When she holds me in her arms,
I'm the champion of the world.

I was drunk
On Monday,
Standing at the bar,
When somebody said;
"Hey Mister,
Could you help me start my car?"

I wouldn't know a sparkplug
From the Duke Of Earl,

But when I drive home to my baby...
I'm the champion of the world.

People talk

Behind my back:
"How can she stay with a man like that?"

It ain't easy...
But Heaven knows she tries...

Ohh, They never see the sweetness
Of the love there is between us
When she holds my hand
And looks me in the eye.

I'm a creep, I'm a coward...

On my hands and knees I crawl.

I fall apart under pressure,

I've got no back bone at all.

Daddy always told me...
I throw a baseball like a girl,

But when my baby holds me,
I'm the champion of the world.

When my baby holds me, I'm the champion of the world.

I've seen the bright lights of Memphis and the Commodore Hotel
And, underneath a street lamp I met a Southern Belle
Well, she took me to the river where she cast her spell
And, in that southern moonlight she sang the song so well

If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb
And we can walk together down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland

Well, we made all the hot spots - my money flowed like wine
And then that lowdown southern whiskey began to fog my mind
And I don't remember church bells or the money I put down
On the white picket fence and boardwalk of the house at the edge of town
Oh, but boy do I remember the strain of her refrain
And the nights we spent together, and the way she called my name

If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb


And we can walk together down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland

Well, it's been a year since she ran away - guess that guitar player sure could play
She always liked to sing along - she's always handy with a song
Then one night in the lobby of the Commodore Hotel
I chanced to meet a bartender who said he knew her well
And as he handed me a drink he began to hum a song
And all the boys there at the bar began to sing along

If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb
And we can walk together down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland

All to do is done by you
(Don't you just know it?)
Baby, don't believe I wear 2 left shoes
(Don't you just know it?)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba
(Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba)
Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Hey, pretty baby, can we go strollin'?
(Don't you just know it?)
You got me rockin' when I should have been be rollin'
(Don't you just know it?)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba
(Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba)
Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Baby, baby, you're my blue heaven
(Don't you just know it?)
You got me pushin' when I ought be shovin'
(Don't you just know it?)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba
(Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba)
Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Heart of mine, better cool down, baby
(Don't you just know it?)
Young girls in trouble, the tighter the squeeze
(Don't you just know it?)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba
(Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba)
Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba
(Gooba, gooba, gooba, gooba)
Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)

Ah, ha, ha, ha
(Ah, ha, ha, ha)
Ey, eh, oh
(Ey, eh, oh)

Spotcheck Billy got down on his hands and knees
He said "Hey mama, hey let me check your oil all right?"
She said "No, no honey, not tonight.
Come back Monday, come back Tuesday, and then I might"

I said Juanita, my sweet Jaunita, what are you up to?
My Juanita
I said Jaunita, my sweet chiquita, what are you up to?
My Juanita

Don't want nobody who won't dive for dimes
Don't want no speedballs 'cause I might die trying
Throw me a line, throw me a line
'Cause there's a fat man in the bathtub with the blues
I hear you moan, I hear you moan, I hear you moan

Billy got so sad, dejected, put on his hat and start to run


Runnin' down the street yelling at the top of his lungs
"All I want in this life of mine is some good clean fun"
"All I want in this life and time is some hit and run"

I said Juanita, my sweet Jaunita, what are you up to?
My Jaunita
I said Jaunita, my sweet chiquita, what are you up to?
My Juanita

Put my money in your meter baby so it won't run down
But you caught me in the squeeze play on the cheesy side of town
Throw me a dime, throw me a line
'Cause there's a fat man in the bathtub with the blues
I hear you moan, I hear you moan, I hear you moan

They got a place down Kentucky
Right down near Ohio
Where you can watch the planes at night
People line up to watch each flight
I said watchin' them planes
I wish I was on one
I'm sittin' here thinkin' 'bout my red head dream
If I could only see her tonight

Oh Atlanta, Oh Atlanta!
I said yeah! yeah! yeah! Atlanta, got to get back to you

Well you can drop me off on Peachtree
I got to feel that Georgia sun
And the women there in Atlanta
They make you awfully glad you come
I said watchin' them planes
I wish I was on one
I'm sittin' here thinking 'bout my crazy dream
If I could only be there tonight

Oh Atlanta, Oh Atlanta!
I said yeah! yeah! yeah! Atlanta, got to get back to you

We make a day and how just you and me
But the music plays all night
They got the boogie band blowin' that's bound for hell
And when they get to movin' they never stop
You just keep on playin' that down home beat
You just keep on layin' it down hot

I wish I was on one
I'm sittin' here thinkin' bout my red haired dream
If I could only see her tonight

Oh Atlanta, Oh Atlanta!
I said yeah! yeah! yeah! Atlanta, got to get back to you

Lady in a turban, cocaine tree
Does a dance so rhythmically
She's cryin', and a singin' and having a time
and gee that cocaine tree look fine

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailing shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Jedidiah, he's got a dime
Says he catch a more fish, every time
Well I've got a line, and you've got a pole
And I'll meet you at the fishin' hole

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailing shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Doctor, doctor, I feel so bad
This is the worst day, I ever had
Have you this misery a very long time?
Well if you if, I'll lay it on the line

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailing shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Well, I saw my baby walkin' with another man today
Yes, I saw my baby walkin' with another man today
When I asked her what's the matter
This is what I heard her say

See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
Don't you know you're in my way now
Can't you see you cramp my style

When I though of what she told me, nearly made me lose my head
When I though of what she told me, nearly made me lose my head
Well, when she asked what's the matter
Reminded her of what she said

See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
Don't you know you're in my way now
Can't you see you cramp my style

I said wait a minute 'gator, I know you meant it just for play
I said wait a minute 'gator, I know you meant it just for play
But don't you know you really hurt me
And this is what I have to say

See you later alligator, well after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, well after 'while crocodile
Don't you know you're in my way now
Can't you see you cramp my style

She don;t look like her mother
Nothing like her father
How else can you explain it must be something in the water

Pig tails, overalls, freckles on her face
Skinny as a toothpick turned side ways,
Something happened to her when she turned sixteen,
From a little Dixie Chicken to a Mississippi Queen,

She spent her days a fishin with a bamboo cane
Every night skinny dippin in the Ponchatrain
IF you were living breatin, had two feet
You would be stalking that girl cause she looked so sweet

You could always find her when the night time fell,
Drinkin of a bucket from an old stone well,
Drinking from her hand,
Dancing to the moon,
She don't look like her mother, nothing like her father,
How else can you explain it must be something in the water.

I never will forget that look in her eye
The night she took me down to the riverside,
She wrapped herself around me like a honey suckle vine
An let me have a taste of wild cherry wine

You could always find her when the nighttime fell
Drinking of a bucket from an old stone well
Drinking from her hand
Singing to the moon
She dont look like her mother
Nothing like her father
Folks round here say it's something in the water

Two straight months without any rain
I never ever saw that girl again
But I still got her picture
Burning in my head
Dancing in a downpour
Soaking wet.
You could always find when the night time fell
Drinking of a buck of an old stone well
Drinking from her hand howling at the moon
She dont look like her mother nothing like her father
How else can you explain it must be something in the water
She dont look like her mother nothing like her father
Folks round here say it something in the water

Well the night that was high, we got into town
Was the night that the rain, it froze on the ground
Down the street I heard such a sorrowful tune
Comin' from the place they call the Spanish Moon

Well I stepped inside, and stood by the door
While a dark-eyed girl sang, and played the guitar
Hookers, and hustlers, filled up the room
I heard about this place they call the Spanish Moon

One false step, you get done in
It's a cold situation
If that that don't kill you soon
The women will down at the Spanish Moon

I pawned my watch, and I sold my ring
Just to hear that girl singing, (hear that girl sing)
Don't take long, to wake up ruined
The women will down at the Spanish Moon

Well they say time loves a hero
but only time will tell
If he's real, he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

Hear me well
Seein' ain't always believin'
Just make sure it's the truth that you're seein'
Eyes sometimes lie, eyes sometimes lie
They can be real deceivin'

I got an Uncle in Puerto Rico
Spends his days in the sun
his nights in the casinos
He left the States many years ago
Took a fishin' boat to Puerto Rico
Now my aunt, she is sad and lonely
She'll never know that she drove him away
As a coward I admire his courageous ways

Well they say time loves a hero
but only time will tell
If he's real, he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

Some say my uncle, that he's a zero
His life is as a shell, he left it back at Stateside
I'd say he's doin' pretty well, without his shell
Bumming 'round the beaches of Puerto Rico

The beauty of the sunrise and sunset
To his friends he wish he could tell
They're at home still runnin' for bells
Better San Juan than that blue collar hell

Well they say time loves a hero
but only time will tell
If he's real, he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

You yelled hey when your car wouldn't start
So you got real nervous and started to eat your heart out
Now you're so fat your shoes don't fit on your feat
You got trouble
And it's tailor made
Well mama lay your head down in the shade

'Cause your eyes are tired, and your feat are too
And you wish the world was as tired as you, whoa
Well I'll write a letter, and I'll send it away
And put all the trouble in int you had today

Oh your telephone ring and you went "oh ho"
You forgot about this, and you forgot about that
'Cause you got to get back to what you doing
Goodbye, click that, so and so
You're an island and on your own

You yelled hey when the stove blew up
Upset? why yes
And the footprints on your ceiling, they're almost gone
And you're wondering why?
Well mama lay your head down, don't you cry

I been warped by the rain, driven by the snow
I'm drunk and dirty don't ya know, and I'm still, willin'
Out on the road late at night, Seen my pretty Alice in every head light
Alice, Dallas Alice
I've been from Tuscon to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me: weed, whites, and wine
and you show me a sign
I'll be willin', to be movin'
I've been kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in, but I'm still on my feet and I'm still... willin'
Now I smuggled some smokes and folks from Mexico
baked by the sun, every time I go to Mexico, and I'm still
And I been from Tuscon to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me: weed, whites, and wine
and you show me a sign
I'll be willin', to be movin

It's so easy to slip
It's so easy to fall
And let your memory drift
And do nothin' at all
All the love that you missed
All the people that you can't recall
Do they really exist at all

Well my whole world seems so cold today
All the magics's gone away
And our time together melts away
Like the sad melody I play

Well I don't want to drift forever
In the shadow of your leaving me
So I'll light another cigarette
And try to remember to forget

It's so easy to slip
It's so easy to fall
And let your memory drift
And do nothin' at all
All the love that you missed
All the people that you can't recall
Do they really exist at all

There's a lady in a turban, in a cocaine tree
She does a dance so rhythmically
She's cryin', and a-singin' and having a time
And don't that cocaine tree look fine

You've got to put on your sailin' shoes
Put on your sailin' shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Jedidiah, he's got a dime
Says he catch a more fish, every time
Well I got a line, and you got a pole
And I'll meet you at the fishin' hole

You've got to put on your sailin' shoes
Put on your sailin' shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

[guitar solo]

Doctor, doctor, I feel so bad
This is the worst day I ever had
He said, have you this misery a very long time?
Well if you are ill, ball it on the line

You've got to put on your sailin' shoes
Put on your sailin' shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Well they say that time loves a hero
But only time will tell
If he's real he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

Hear me well
Seeing ain't always believing
Just make sure it's the truth that you're seeing
Eyes sometimes lie, eyes sometimes lie
They can be real deceiving

I got an uncle in Puerto Rico
Spends his days in the sun
And his nights in the casinos
He left the States many years ago
Took a fishing boat to Puerto Rico
Now my aunt she is sad and lonely
She'll never know that she drove him away
As a coward I admire his courageous ways

Well they say that time loves a hero
But only time will tell
If he's real he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he's a mouthpiece from hell

Some say my uncle that he's a zero
His life as a shell, he left it back at Stateside
I'd say he's doing well without his shell
Bumming 'round the beaches of Puerto Rico
The beauty of the sunrise and sunset
To his friends he wish he could tell
They're at home still running for bells
Better San Juan than that blue collar hell

Well they say that time loves a hero
But only time will tell
If he's real he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

(Live - Waiting for Columbus)

Well I was buffalo-ed in Buffalo
And I was entertained in Houston
New York, New York you gotta choose one

It's a tripe face boogie
Going to boogie my sneakers away yeah yeah

Well I, I don't want your money
And I don't want your time,
Please don't jive me Honey
And I'll give you, give you back your dime

It's a hype face boogie
Going to boogie my sneakers away yeah

I don't dig potato chips
And I can't take torts (?)
Got to tripe my guacamole baby
It's quackers and tripe my sauce

It's a hype face boogie
Going to boogie my scruples away yeah
Hype boogie, hype boogie
All night long...

(Solos)

You bring your guitar
I'll bring the wine
Gonna tripe my guacamole baby
Just a one more time

It's a hype face boogie
And I say 'lookout'!

I been warped by the rain
Driven by the snow
I'm drunk and dirty, don't ya know
And I'm still, oh, I'm still
I'm out on the road late at night
I see my pretty Alice in every headlight
Alice, Dallas Alice

I've been from Tucson to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Now I've driven the back roads
So I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me weed, whites, and wine
Then you show me a sign
I'll be willin' to be movin'

Now I smuggled some smokes
And folks from Mexico
Baked by the sun
Almost every time I go to Mexico
And I'm willin'

And I've been kicked by the wind
Robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in
But I'm still on my feet
And I'm willin', oh, I'm willin'

And I been from Tuscon to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads
So I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me weed, whites, and wine
And then you show me a sign
I'll be willin' to be movin'

Payne-Wray

You can open the window
Where the sunset meets the sea
Everything's for sale
Everything's for free

Sweet mother Mary
Sells her fortunes well
She's got all the answers
Just might save you from hell

Across the street at the bottomless cup
You can drink and drink but you can
Never get enough
You can have yours with sweet and low
You might even have the blues to go

One shot Johnny
Got a dog on a rope
Goin' from table to table
With a pocket full of hope

Rodeo riders and scarlet women
Lean against your walls
The show they're waitin' for
Is just three steps down the hall

The of king of jive looks like the queen of please
Makes his livin' on his hands and knees
You give and you give 'till you give it all
Oh, just think if these walls could talk, oh

I've climbed so high
And I've surely fell
Every story has a hero
Down at the Cadillac Hotel

El Dorado Slim
Works behind the desk
Either day or night
He can handle any request

J. C.'s screamin'
Bout turnin' water to wine
Got all in a big brown bag
In the lobby, just past nine, in an old Maytag

The homeless and haunted and street Van Gogh's
Lace their souls up tight
Hang your coat on a fin, you finally got in
Get ready for Cadillac night

Across the street at the bottomless cup
It's not about money, you can never get enough
A handful of honesty, a fist full of pride
It's not how you live, it's how you survive

I've climbed so high
And I've surely fell
Every story has a hero
Down at the Cadillac Hotel

I've climbed so high
And I've surely fell
Ten thousand feet to zero
Down at the Cadillac Hotel

There's a feelin' in the sky tonight
Tough as nails and I feel the cold wind start to bite
Folks I meet seem so cold
Blown like leaves their faces hard and set in stone
I'd just like to know
Cold and tired, hope all gone
Just how far this road goes on
I'd just like to see
All or nothin', high or low
Just how far this game can go

Plant my feet on foreign soil
No return I crossed that mil some time ago
Cast my eyes on streets that shine
Reflect my image and I know I'm livin' on borrowed time
I'd sure like to feel
Dreams I chased so long ago
Weren't wasted miles on empty roads
I'd just like to believe
All these desperate cries I hear
Are falling on a sympathetic ear

In world of illusions
All you're left with is your changin' luch
Kisses and tears and unanswered questions
Just a child of chance with your changin' luck
Changin' luck

A song I've heard since I was young
Sounds so sweet on this lonely street, makes me cry
Askin' myself why oh why
I'm such a fool to listen to this deadly kind of lullaby
I'd just like to know
Cold and tired, hope all gone
Just how far this road goes on
I'd just like to see
All or nothin', high or low
Just how far this game can go

In world of illusions
All you're left with is your changin' luch
Kisses and tears and unanswered questions
Just a child of chance with your changin' luck
Changin' luck

I've seen the bright lights of Memphis and the Commodore Hotel
And, underneath a street lamp I met a Southern Belle
Well, she took me to the river where she cast her spell
And, in that southern moonlight she sang the song so well

If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb
And we can walk together down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland

Well, we made all the hot spots - my money flowed like wine
And then that lowdown southern whiskey began to fog my mind
And I don't remember church bells or the money I put down
On the white picket fence and boardwalk of the house at the edge of town
Oh, but boy do I remember the strain of her refrain
And the nights we spent together, and the way she called my name

If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb


And we can walk together down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland

Well, it's been a year since she ran away - guess that guitar player sure could play
She always liked to sing along - she's always handy with a song
Then one night in the lobby of the Commodore Hotel
I chanced to meet a bartender who said he knew her well
And as he handed me a drink he began to hum a song
And all the boys there at the bar began to sing along

If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb
And we can walk together down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland

Show me the meaning of the word
Show me the meaning of the word
'Cause I've heard so much about it
They say, "Hey, you can't live without it"

Welcome to the human race
With its wars, disease and brutality
You with your innocence and grace
Restore some pride and dignity
To a world in decline

Welcome to a special place
In a heart of stone that's cold and gray
You with your angel face
Keep the despair at bay
Send it away, and

Show me the meaning of the word
Show me the meaning of the word
'Cause I've heard so much about it
I don't want to live without it
I don't want to live without it
Oh, I want love
I want love
I want love

Welcome here from outer space
The Milky Way is still in your eyes
You found yourself a hopeless case
One that's seeking perfection on earth
That's some kind of rebirth, so

Show me the meaning of the word
Show me the meaning of the word
'Cause I've heard so much about it
Don't make me live without it
Oh, love
I want love
I want
Love
I want love

Semi-smokin mama, you got to give me some
Heard you got the biggest hmm biggest truck in town
Right on through to Baltimore you got to love me now
Got to do me gently, ah feets don't fail me now
Don't fail me, feets don't fail me now

Don't the sunrise look so pretty
Never such a sight
Like a rollin' into New York City
With the skylight in the morning light
Roll right through the night
I said roll
Roll right through the night
I said roll
Roll right through the night
Roll right through the night
Roll right through the night
Roll, roll, roll
Roll right through the night
Roll right through the night
Roll right through the night
Roll right through the night
I said Roll
Roll right through the night
I said Roll
Roll right through the night
I said Roll
Roll right through the night

Oh, hello...give me missing persons, they say
What is it that you need?
I said oh, I need him so...She said you've
Got to stop your pleading

And no matter what I do,
Even pray to heaven above,
All I ever get from you is
Long distance love

I read the papers
And I got the blues
I was so sad to hear the news
Help wanted, but not enough
You know these times are gettin' rough

And no matter what I do
Even pray to heaven above
All I seem to get from you is long distance love
(Whoo-oo-oo)

Oh your toes were so pretty
And your life so sweet
I wonder do you know
Do you know you hurt me so

And no matter what I do
Even pray to heaven above
All I ever from you is
Long distance love
Long distance love
(oo-oo-oo

They got a place down Kentucky
Right down near Ohio
Where you can watch the planes at night
People line up to watch each flight
I said watchin' them planes
I wish I was on one
I'm sittin' here thinkin' 'bout my red head dream
If I could only see her tonight

Oh Atlanta, Oh Atlanta!
I said yeah! yeah! yeah! Atlanta, got to get back to you

Well you can drop me off on Peachtree
I got to feel that Georgia sun
And the women there in Atlanta
They make you awfully glad you come
I said watchin' them planes
I wish I was on one
I'm sittin' here thinking 'bout my crazy dream
If I could only be there tonight

Oh Atlanta, Oh Atlanta!
I said yeah! yeah! yeah! Atlanta, got to get back to you

We make a day and how just you and me
But the music plays all night
They got the boogie band blowin' that's bound for hell
And when they get to movin' they never stop
You just keep on playin' that down home beat
You just keep on layin' it down hot

I wish I was on one
I'm sittin' here thinkin' bout my red haired dream
If I could only see her tonight

Oh Atlanta, Oh Atlanta!
I said yeah! yeah! yeah! Atlanta, got to get back to you

If you walk in right off the street
You can take the load right off your feet
Mamma bring the menu to your seat
But the bill of fare be short and sweet
Won't find no etouffe
Mamma never ever could cook that way
She's all ancien regime
No nouvell cuisine

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

Now the heads and shells stay in the stock
She stirs her roux and really rocks
One gallon shellfish stock or water
Man this gumbo is made to order
Two toes of garlic finely chopped
Man this party just can't be stopped
Mamma's pots are boiling, the band starts to blow
Piano keys flying like Fats Domino

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

Oh no, no escargot, no cordon bleu
This ain't the place to go lookin' for beef stew
But if you like tender shrimp and rice
If ya think ya can stand the spice

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo

Now people comin from miles around
To see what Mamma's puttin' down
Everybody knows her name
She in the seafood hall of fame
I gotta get that recipe
If it means the death of me
Get my spyboy to sneak a look
Into Mamma's book

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

Gretta's flunky, some two fisted monkey, some wild-eyed Romeo
Winds up the mountain with Rio down below
Drives too slowly past a burning impromptu altar
Attended by no one of visible means
Could be a warning just shining us on, but we're far too gone
On our way to see some Johnny
Representing the mambo
Representing the mambo... mambo... mambo oooh.. mambo

Rounding the corner we come to a halt
Doors fly open as we prepare for assault
Out from the shadows step the dangerous boys
Hands holding weapons, they treat them like toys
A debutante Gretta, the taxidermist's daughter
She knows what to say
She knows how to mingle, she knows the lingo
Muchachos we're here to see Johnny
Representing the mambo
Representing the mambo... mambo... mambo oooh.. mambo

Gretta leads us through the stone carved archway
Into the school of samba, the place of sacred rites
We push through a gauntlet of limpwristed handshakes
An empty cotillion air kisses
Gretta smiles as we make our way to the bar
The new crowd says I remind them of Frank
Who died of excessive nymphets
In Barcelona... in Barcelona

Who's that with Gretta? Yeah You know how she is...
Never the same one twice
I say old chap, would you care for a piece of cake
No thanks, Paul, my ears are too sweet now

A strange choice of work, but forensically it's true
Sudden thunder clap drum roll
Gretta's on the stage... she's a honey of a hun
A blue-eyed angel girl
Announces proudly to everyone in the room
Senhores y senores here's Johnny
Representing the mambo
Representing the mambo... mambo... mambo oooh.. mambo

Gretta Gretta I've got to slip away
It just won't work between us
Your daddy runs the house of pain
You are the taxidermist's daughter, yeah

Lady in a turban, cocaine tree
Does a dance so rhythmically
She's cryin', and a singin' and having a time
and gee that cocaine tree look fine

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailing shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Jedidiah, he's got a dime
Says he catch a more fish, every time
Well I've got a line, and you've got a pole
And I'll meet you at the fishin' hole

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailing shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Doctor, doctor, I feel so bad
This is the worst day, I ever had
Have you this misery a very long time?
Well if you if, I'll lay it on the line

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailing shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin' shoes

Oh the siren song is strong sometimes... Texas radio
They sure do play it hard and fast - sell it soft and low
A silky voice she spoke to me from down in San Antone
"It's ladies night in Italy, and gentlemen should know"

When I saw that neon sign, knew just where to go
Her shoulders soft and I pulled off, her headlights all aglow
A bartender said to me, boy I want you to meet my sister
She's high-strung and a little young, but she's a real Texas twister
A real Texas twister

I said "How young is too young? How fast is too fast?
Whoa high is too high? Yah, how high is too high?"
She said "How long is this ride?" Well how long can you last?
You're gonna find out mister, when you meet that Texas twister

Oh now in the light she looked all right when we stepped outside
I knew that it was meant to be when she begged me for a ride
That bartender said to me, boy take your money back
Before you're done you're gonna need it son
You might have a heart attack

I seen the sights now, Paris, Rome, and I ain't sentimental
I still remember how she said, yes I do, "Is this a Continental?"
No babe it's just for flash and I paid cash, she hugged me up real tight
Lay back honey I'll drive you home 'round the world tonight

She knew where every roadhouse lies, clear down to the border
Long neck Lone Stars just her size, clearly made to order
Knew how to paint a cowboy town, long before I missed her
She picked me up; she put me down, she's a real Texas twister

I said "How young is too young? How fast is too fast?
Oh how high is too high? Yeah how high is too high?"
She said "How long is this ride?" Yeah how long can you last?
You're gonna find out mister, when you meet that Texas twister (yeah)

How high is too high?
How high is too high?
How high is too high

In 1966 I found my love
In 1967 I had all there was
And as my time went by I was satisfied
Until that situation took me by surprise

Now there's two trains runnin' - on that line
One train's me, and the other's a friend of mine
You know it would be all right, be just fine
If the woman took one train, and left the other behind

Illusion it is just the same conclusion
I don't know how to play the game
Of what it is or how it's going to be
When one train is my friend and the other train is me

Easy, Lord, I say easy, I can't push or shove that girl
So I guess I really care
Now I aint not one to hide my love behind a lock and key
But if things keep going the way they are there's no place left for me

Two trains runnin' - on that line
One train's me, and the other's a friend of mine
Be all right, be just fine
If this woman took the one train, and left the other behind

Two trains, (uh-huh yeah) two trains, (two) two trains, (keep on on) two trains
Two trains, (a little bit longer) two trains, two trains, two trains

I been warped by the rain, driven by the snow
I'm drunk and dirty don't ya know, and I'm still, willin'
Out on the road late at night, Seen my pretty Alice in every head light
Alice, Dallas Alice
I've been from Tuscon to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me: weed, whites, and wine
and you show me a sign
I'll be willin', to be movin'
I've been kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in, but I'm still on my feet and I'm still... willin'
Now I smuggled some smokes and folks from Mexico
baked by the sun, every time I go to Mexico, and I'm still
And I been from Tuscon to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me: weed, whites, and wine
and you show me a sign
I'll be willin', to be movin

Well the night that was high, we got into town
Was the night that the rain, it froze on the ground
Down the street I heard such a sorrowful tune
Comin' from the place they call the Spanish Moon

Well I stepped inside, and stood by the door
While a dark-eyed girl sang, and played the guitar
Hookers, and hustlers, filled up the room
I heard about this place they call the Spanish Moon

One false step, you get done in
It's a cold situation
If that that don't kill you soon
The women will down at the Spanish Moon

I pawned my watch, and I sold my ring
Just to hear that girl singing, (hear that girl sing)
Don't take long, to wake up ruined
The women will down at the Spanish Moon

Well the night that was high, we got into town
Was the night that the rain, it froze on the ground
Down the street I heard such a sorrowful tune
Comin' from the place they call the Spanish Moon

Well I stepped inside, and stood by the door
While a dark-eyed girl sang, and played the guitar
Hookers, and hustlers, filled up the room
I heard about this place they call the Spanish Moon

One false step, you get done in
It's a cold situation
If that that don't kill you soon
The women will down at the Spanish Moon

I pawned my watch, and I sold my ring
Just to hear that girl singing, (hear that girl sing)
Don't take long, to wake up ruined
The women will down at the Spanish Moon

Well they say time loves a hero
but only time will tell
If he's real, he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

Hear me well
Seein' ain't always believin'
Just make sure it's the truth that you're seein'
Eyes sometimes lie, eyes sometimes lie
They can be real deceivin'

I got an Uncle in Puerto Rico
Spends his days in the sun
his nights in the casinos
He left the States many years ago
Took a fishin' boat to Puerto Rico
Now my aunt, she is sad and lonely
She'll never know that she drove him away
As a coward I admire his courageous ways

Well they say time loves a hero
but only time will tell
If he's real, he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

Some say my uncle, that he's a zero
His life is as a shell, he left it back at Stateside
I'd say he's doin' pretty well, without his shell
Bumming 'round the beaches of Puerto Rico

The beauty of the sunrise and sunset
To his friends he wish he could tell
They're at home still runnin' for bells
Better San Juan than that blue collar hell

Well they say time loves a hero
but only time will tell
If he's real, he's a legend from heaven
If he ain't he was sent here from hell

Give my best to thosei I care for
With firends a simple nod will do
I bow to those who've come and gone before me
A handshake to the past
It gets me through
Been a little bit good and a little bit sad
Let the dirt and dust fall where it may

A distant thunder and it takes my breath away
Tumblin' in a whirlwind pullin' clouds from the sky
Pressure is a pyramid in a scream that no one hears
A thousand lifetimes couldn't cover my tears
Oh cover my tears

Measured distance through the heartbeats
Measured time holds all my beliefs
These shotgun visions are all I've ever lived with
A scattered mind from a reckless youth
I cover my ears, I cover my eyes
Still all the fears, still heard the lies

A distant thunder and it takes my breath away
Tumblin' in a whirlwind pullin' clouds from the sky
Pressure is a pyramid in a scream that no one hears
A thousand lifetimes couldn't cover my tears
Oh cover my tears

Took convention for a rough ride
A genius under glass set adrift
Direction all but fading
Like a kiss that leaves you floating in a trance
The rivers I cross the memories I keep
A minute to smile, forever to weep

A distant thunder and it takes my breath away
Tumblin' in a whirlwind pullin' clouds from the sky
Pressure is a pyramid in a scream that no one hears
A thousand lifetimes couldn't cover my tears
Oh cover my tears

A distand thunder, I feel like I'm slippin' under
Tumblin' in a whirlwind pullin' clouds from the sky
Of all those times that I've turned and looked away
A thousand lifetimes couldn't cover my tears
Oh cover my tears

Storm clouds all around me
There's a lightning at my back
But there's an angel on my shoulder
That's keepin' my on track
No matter how bad I stumble
She's there to catch me when I fall
My angel of forgiveness has been
Around to see it all

I wandered down from nowhere
It was a long time ago
With my images and dreams
My hopes for the best
Giving nothing away
Nothing yet lost

But now I'm going
Going over eden's wall
Won't be back
You can have it all
Take my chances make the run --
Finish standing tall
Cause I'm going, going, going over eden's wall

The heat pu an edge on things that Summer
The clock ticking away
Had all the world before me
Except for the ungodly war
Caught in a river, the current took me away
To a wilderness of reverance
Left me hanging by a thread

A splintered prayer an invocation
Born out of chance at dusk
The benediction at sunrise
It's a resonance ringing
Robbed me of my innocence
I'd run out of trust

Cause now I'm going
Going over eden's wall
Won't be back
You can have it all
Take my chances make the run --
Finish standing tall
Cause I'm going, going,
Going over eden's wall

I'm held to the faith
Feeling wounded
That the future unfolds
I could not cry
Like a conversation not always understood
A broken spirit dries the bones
It's architecture and intent revealed a little at a time
I am delivered gone without a trace
I'm running out of time
I've seen beyond the line
The question I weigh
It's not so much the cost
It's what I'm willing to pay

Going, going over eden's wall
Won't be back, no
You can have it all
Take my chances -- make the run --
Finish standing tall
Cause I'm going, going, going over eden's wall
Goin' over goin' under run right through it
Look out -- yeah yeah

I was a real live wire on a very loose wig
Not a good combination in the best of times
I had no real plans, no trouble in mind
Just a real fat wallet my modus operandi

Then I woke up - seatin' and lost
Ya know I sear that it's true
The sun was shining in my eyes
Reflectin' off a gold tooth
I said oh man... it was a ferocious morning

Well I remember the money quintessential moans
Yesterday's perfume tells me I ain't alone
Then I hear that fool's bellow pounding at the door
I had my heart in my mouth when my feet hit the floor

Taste of cotton - and gasoline
All down in my thirty two
No time for stoppin' - I gotta beat the scen
I think this window will do
I said oh man... what a ferocious morning

The heat was oppressive, ninety nine in the shade
I hit the bricks runnin', hip-hoppin' away
I needed some magic so I turned into a bar
Was the misery minute down at the happy hour

My head screamed for a cough syrup cocktail
But I settled on a deep well gin
Don't recall it all... I think it was fun
But I don't wanna go there again
Oh man... what a ferocious morning

It's steamin'
and I'm screamin' down
that red hot blacktop
on cruise control
and my tires are tired
but I still got such a
long way to go... 'till I'm

coastin' back to that west coast
north of movie town
where my baby's waitin'
holdin' down that home ground
holdin' down that home ground

when it's freezin'
so cold in the mornin'
ya know I really hate to go
don't need no stage door jennie, no bad luck penny
lookin' for a one night Romeo

was a time I was crazy
I played a fool... I was a clown
now I got my baby
Shes a holdin' down the home ground
holdin' down the home ground

This room service lifestyle
it's OK for a while
but a little homecookin' would sure bring a smile
there was a caterer in decatur
she once grabbed my eye
but I came to my senses
and passed on the my...my...my...

Now I'm dreamin'
bout that old coast highway
the castles made of stone
and the road through the mountain
that's where I'm countin' on makin my turn for home

I'm breakin' all the limits
way past the speed of sound
gettin' back with my baby
Shes a holdin' down the home ground
holdin' down the home ground
holdin' down the home ground

Back door sliders, narrow escapes
Busted gray wall, greasy embrace
Finances ailing, crawlin' down
The rain slicked alleys, ain't no escape in this town

Blood on the stone, blood on the rock
Consumed with the passion, that only time could unlock
One life wasted, another one gone
The streets are on fire, and I'm calling you home

Hoy hoy
Hoy hoy
Don't go there boy

Juanita's daughter got her kicks in the streets
And her mama's warning "you better duck the heat"
She's got a concrete body with candy cane hair
Razor balde business appearin' out of thin air

Stars fallin' down, snow on the ground
Chasin' the dragons all over the town
The dream catcher's wagon, lurkin' to loom
A one dance ducka, you know he's workin' the room

Hoy hoy
Hoy hoy
Don't go there boy

Preacher's on the corner wrapped in a heavenly light
But noise of the chopper drowns the message tonight
He says "you saucy senoritas take care where you swing
Cause the lords of the boulevard don't owe you a thing."

Hoy hoy
Hoy hoy
Don't go there boy

Hoy hoy
Hoy hoy
Hoy hoy
Hoy hoy

I'm out here standin' on the corner
Guess I'll shuffle down the street
My baby's gettin' kinda tasty
Freedom, oh it can't be beat

Wayward lawd lawd
Wayward oh no
Wayward oh no no
I got happiness

You know pressure seems to get me
Travelin' with my hat in my hand
Lookin' for a hand out
Hand out in no mans land

Wayward lawd lawd
Wayward oh no
Wayward oh no no
I got happiness

I might be down, but down don't bother me
I'm on the green side of the lawn
You see, I'm still kickin' yeah

Don'tcha ever get to thinkin'
This trap of life is gettin' tough
I raise my hands and get to walkin'
Sometimes I think I've had enough

Outside my hotel window, my eyes they spy the rails
While lost in the horizon, the mystic balley trail
Southwestern transportation tighten up the cotton belt
Those santa fe steamers, hot 'nuff to make me melt

Give me a big train... a big train rollin' all night long
Put me on the track that will take me back to you
Give me a big train.. big train' rollin' - loco mo
Got some loco motion
Got some loco mo
Got some loco motives I'm dyin' to try on you

Boring days... frantic nights
Sittin' round waitin' for delayed flights
Meters runnin' in brand new shoes
Sordid rhythms rockin' black and blues
Hometown drama, highway trauma
Phone bill's got at least one comma
Achin' skull at the end of my rope
Give me some money, send me some hope

Give me a big train... all night long
Put me on the track that will take me back to you
Give me a big train.. big train' rollin' - loco mo
Got some loco motion
Got some loco mo
Got some loco motives I'm dyin' to try on you

Steel wheel's singin' such a lonesome song
Engines whinin' been gone too long

Boiler burnin' - 'bout to burst
Like a drownin' man, I'm dyin' of thirst
When you hear the whistle moan
Means the southern pacific is bringing me home
Hey girl, get your new dress on
Big train's rollin' in at dawn
Oh baby don't you cry no more
Big train's a rollin' up to your door

Give me a big train... a big train rollin' all night long
Put me on the track that will take me back to you
Give me a big train.. big train' rollin' - loco mo
Got some loco motion
Got some loco mo
Got some loco motives I'm dyin' to try on you

Like a steamboat floatin' in a wild monsoon
Woulda' had a better chance to see me through
Tails are high and the winds are bearin' down
Cable touchin' cable, live wires on the ground

The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all

Diamonds rushing by in a pale gray light
Balck thunder rolling with the crack of steel white
Fever runnin' high, spirit ebbin' low
Caught on the highway with too many mile to go

Maladjusted malcontent
Deliberate deception with a wounded heart
Temptation...
Temptation in an empty world

The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all

It's a rumored affair
Something cheap in the air
You been playin' for luck
But you always get caught

Double rider on a rain streaked road
Thunder rippin', engine screamin' north
Can't escape a fool in terror
The kiss of death and now you're gone
And once again I'm all alone

The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all

The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all
The blues don't tell it all

I close my eyes and try to remember
Lookin back on it now it seems so much like a dream
All the places I ever wandered, all the kisses I ever stole
Yours are the ones I still remember, they never grow cold
They're just under the radar

My heart is a mountain, I'd walk on fire to get back to you
Reaching out for your touch, I'm clinging to your sould
Thought I'm not far from sight
No I'm not far from sight now
I'm just under the radar

Under the radar
It's a place where all is forgiven
Under the radar
Where love never grows old
It's lying just below the timber line
Under the radar
Where the spirit goes on and on

The time has come and gone, all my options blown to dust
When a gentle tap upon my shoulder left me reelin from my past
I was standing on a stretch of highway, going back to see a friend
Thought I'd reached the point of no return, but came back under the radar
I've been there ever since

Under the radar
It's a place where all is forgiven
Under the radar
Where love never grows old
It's lying just below the timber line
Under the radar
Where the spirit goes on and on

You can trace your thoughts of darkness with the movements of the sun
When you see what stands before you and allow yourself a dream
Though it's not far from sight now
No it's not far from sight
It's just under the radar

Under the radar
Where all is forgiven
Under the radar
Where love never grows old
Lying just below the timber line
Under the radar
Where the spirit carries on

Under the radar
Under the radar
Where love never grows old
It's lying just below the timber line
Under the radar
Where the spirit goes on and on and on and on and on

The TV cold fire burning
Been up all night
And the light has left your eyes
I was always runnin' to you
Not fast enough
My little boy blue
Ever get where you wanted to go?
You knew the way

The times, the good and the bad
Was all that we had
In the end it let us down
I'm tired and I feel the blame
All my prayers sound the same
Stranded here with no relief
Abandoned here beyond belief

Vale of tears
Empty room
Once was filled
Cold and still
This ragged town so desperate in the rain
Has no mercy, no shelter from the pain
Never mind the promised tomorrow
Given for a heartfelt sorrow
Always tomorrow the promise
In a vale of tears

The raucous sounds and shining lights
Weave their tales into the night
And the knowing lingers bright
All the love my sweet tender friend
It's still around, it never ends
The past is just an alibi
It's all the same

The weather's turning warmer every day
And I think the rains are done
At least that's what they say
Thought I saw you just the other night
I knew my eyes weren't seeing right
Then again I see you all the time
Everywhere

Vale of tears
Empty room
Once was filled
Cold and still
This ragged town so desperate in the rain
Has no mercy, no shelter from the pain
Never mind the promised tomorrow
Given for a heartfelt sorrow
Always tomorrow the promise
In a vale of tears

Even now this anger's replacin' faith
I somehow
The heart remembers you

Never mind the promised tomorrow
Given for a heartful of sorrow
Always tomorrow the promise
In a vale of tears
Tell me 'bout the promise tomorrow
Given for a heartful of sorrow
Always remember the promise
In a vale of tears

George-Kibbee-Parks

Rosarita
I laid on your beach
Dreaming and drinking Tequila
I came all the way from Marina del Rey
On a plane yesterday
From the gray LA air
Cheek to cheek
To cheek, Chiquiti-ita
Yo soy amoroso
What could be wrong with the hombre who sings so-so?
From uphill Californio
Rosarita
Forget that border, check please
You won't have to sneak
Two or three times a week
And your green card, da ga verde may never be strong
'Cause you've got my heart on permanent loan
Cheek to cheek
To cheek, Chiquiti-ita
Yo soy amoroso
What could be wrong with the hombre who sings solo?
From uphill Californio

Jones

There was a joe
Leanin’ on the back door
A couple jills with their eyes on a couple bills
Their eyes was statin’
They was waitin’
To get their hands on some easy money

They flipped a dime
One said ’ well, I’ll take heads this time’
One stepped up
One stepped back
One loosened her shoulder strap
She couldn’t speak,
Her knees got weak
She could almost taste that easy money

There was this old black cat
Sittin’ in a old black cadillac
The joe smelled sweet
She curled up at her boyfriend’s feet
She said ’i got a plan
Listen, sam, how’d ya like to make some easy money ? ’
He say, ’yes! oh yes!
Jus’ tell me what you want me to do ’
She said, ’baby, you can trust me
Baby, but you must be hidin’ in my room
At a quarter to two’
Well, the cat told the boy
’come up to the room and play with my toy’
But the jill set the bait
And she wasn’t gonna sit around and wait
But this guy was wise to all the lies
And he flies out the door
With the easy money

Because there ain’t no man
Who got the money in his hand
Who got any of that bread
Bein’ slow in the head
The easier it looks
The hotter it hooks
There ain’t no such thing as easy money
We say, ’yes! oh yes!’
Saturday night
There was a terrible, terrible fight
Between two dames who was losin’ the same game
It wasn’t clear,
But I hear somebody was lookin’ for some easy money

Find A River
(Composer: Fred Tackett)


Oh I wanna find a river
And take it down to the sea
And drift on by so slowly
Oh if you think about me
You know you could help me through
You know I would return in kind
Oh I wanna find a city

That's open wide
That's open all night
Where I could not hide
From it's burnin' light
So warm, so bright
Let me run so free and easily
Shelter me with its sweet mysteries
Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
Oh I wanna find my baby

But I do not know where he lies
And I do not know if he cries
Or laughs at me
Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
I wanna find my baby
Oh I wanna find a river

Bryant-Miller-Peebles

[Chorus 1]
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Bringing back, sweet memories
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Cause he ain't here with me

Hey window pane
Tell me, do you remember?
How sweet it used to be

When we were together
Everything was so grand
Now that we parted
There's just one sound
That I just can't stand

[Chorus 1]
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Bringing back, sweet memories
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Cause he ain't here with me

When we were together
Everything was so grand
Now that we parted
There's just one thing
That I just can't stand
I can't stand the rain (I can't stand the rain, I can't stand the rain)

[Chorus 1]
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Bringing back, sweet memories
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Cause he ain't here with me

When we were together
Everything was so grand
Yeah… I know you’ve got some sweet memories
But there's one sound
That I just can't stand

[Chorus 2]
I can't stand the rain, against my window
Bringing back, sweet memories
I can't stand the rain, against my window
It just keeps on hunting me

[Chorus 3]
Hey, hey rain - get off, of my window
Cause he ain't here with me
And I can't stand the rain, against my window
Bringing back, sweet memories

So you, you think the world looks crazy
And eats up your lies
Like it's good for her
Like apple pies
And she don't even cry

She is not a fool
She's just tryin' to do
What her heart says to
(To love you)
To love you

As you take to the wind
(To the wind again, my friend)
As she breaks down within
(Within, within, within)

She waits for you patiently
Hopin' that one day you'll see
All she really wants to be
Is yours and yours alone, eternally

What do you want the girl to do
Don't you know you're breakin' the child in two
What do you want that girl to do
All she really wants is you

She knows what you are
Still she'll be your queen
You say the words today
And build your world around her

Now and then you'll promise
All the way-out things you're goin' to get her
(You will see, you will be)
(So damn glad you found her)

(Free to go)
As she watched you come and go
(For your show)
And as she watched your promises erode
(Erode, erode, erode)

She waits for you patiently
Hopin' that someday you'll see
All she really wants to be
Is yours and yours alone, eternally

What do you want the girl to do, whoa
Don't you know you're breakin' the child in two
What do you want that girl to do, whoa
When all she really wants to be
Yours eternally

What do you want the girl to do
Don't you know you're breakin' the child in two
What do you want that girl to do
All she really wants is you

Movin' round the grand design
Gettin' stranger every day
Knowin' that our time will come
And it might not be so far away
Wonderin' where to draw the line
Believin' that the water just might turn to wine

You can get yourself in trouble
Livin' out other people's lies
When they tell you how the price is bound to double
Here's friendly word to the wise
There's a fine print on that guarantee
Things ain't what they appear to be

And we're living like there ain't no tomorrow
Dealin in some dangerouse times
And it comes right down to beg steal or borrow
To try and make the daily bread
And keep up with this daily grind

Never been much for givin' up
I take my chancesa as they come
But the days are long and the nights are gettin' rough
What's livin' when you're always on the run?

They'd have you think than you can choose
Tell you how you're sure to win you just can't lose
And if you think they can walk on water
You been listenin' to too many lies

'Cause we're living like there ain't no tomorrow
Dealin in some dangerouse times
And it comes right down to beg steal or borrow
To try and make the daily bread
And keep up with this daily grind

Well you know you're kinda cold-blooded
To come back beggin' to me
Like you never done me wrong
And I hate to be so hard-hearted
But I'm sick and tired o' talkin' to ya
And I've been without her lovin' too long

But if you think I'd be fool enough
To take you back you're all wrong
Just because you're sad and lonely
Don't come back cryin' to me
'Cause it broke my heart to see you go
And I have to say I used to love you so
But since you left me alone
The memory's here but the feelin's all gone

Well you ran around and lead me on
Denied you'd ever let me go
And then you let me down
You left me two kinds of broken-hearted
And I'm through tryin' to win your sympathy
So you'd better not come back around

But if you think I'd be fool enough
To take you back you're all wrong
Just because you're sad and lonely
Don't come back cryin' to me
'Cause it broke my heart to see you go
And I have to say I used to love you so
But since you left me alone
The memory's here but the feelin's all gone

You know I tried so hard to treat you right
Tried my best to make you see
But all you do is run around
Spend your evenings downtown
With your high handed friends in their finery

But if you think I'd be fool enough
To take you back you're all wrong
Just because you're sad and lonely
Don't come back cryin' to me
'Cause it broke my heart to see you go
And I have to say I used to love you so
But since you left me alone
The memory's here but the feelin's all gone
But since you left me alone
The memory's here but the feelin's all gone
But since you left me alone
The memory's here but the feelin's all gone

If you walk in right off the street
You can take the load right off your feet
Mamma bring the menu to your seat
But the bill of fare be short and sweet
Won't find no etouffe
Mamma never ever could cook that way
She's all ancien regime
No nouvell cuisine

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

Now the heads and shells stay in the stock
She stirs her roux and really rocks
One gallon shellfish stock or water
Man this gumbo is made to order
Two toes of garlic finely chopped
Man this party just can't be stopped
Mamma's pots are boiling, the band starts to blow
Piano keys flying like Fats Domino

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

Oh no, no escargot, no cordon bleu
This ain't the place to go lookin' for beef stew
But if you like tender shrimp and rice
If ya think ya can stand the spice

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo

Now people comin from miles around
To see what Mamma's puttin' down
Everybody knows her name
She in the seafood hall of fame
I gotta get that recipe
If it means the death of me
Get my spyboy to sneak a look
Into Mamma's book

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

She cook gumbo
A mighty Rad Gumbo
It's the only way she can go
Down at the Club Rad Gumbo

Gretta's flunky, some two fisted monkey, some wild-eyed Romeo
Winds up the mountain with Rio down below
Drives too slowly past a burning impromptu altar
Attended by no one of visible means
Could be a warning just shining us on, but we're far too gone
On our way to see some Johnny
Representing the mambo
Representing the mambo... mambo... mambo oooh.. mambo

Rounding the corner we come to a halt
Doors fly open as we prepare for assault
Out from the shadows step the dangerous boys
Hands holding weapons, they treat them like toys
A debutante Gretta, the taxidermist's daughter
She knows what to say
She knows how to mingle, she knows the lingo
Muchachos we're here to see Johnny
Representing the mambo
Representing the mambo... mambo... mambo oooh.. mambo

Gretta leads us through the stone carved archway
Into the school of samba, the place of sacred rites
We push through a gauntlet of limpwristed handshakes
An empty cotillion air kisses
Gretta smiles as we make our way to the bar
The new crowd says I remind them of Frank
Who died of excessive nymphets
In Barcelona... in Barcelona

Who's that with Gretta? Yeah You know how she is...
Never the same one twice
I say old chap, would you care for a piece of cake
No thanks, Paul, my ears are too sweet now

A strange choice of work, but forensically it's true
Sudden thunder clap drum roll
Gretta's on the stage... she's a honey of a hun
A blue-eyed angel girl
Announces proudly to everyone in the room
Senhores y senores here's Johnny
Representing the mambo
Representing the mambo... mambo... mambo oooh.. mambo

Gretta Gretta I've got to slip away
It just won't work between us
Your daddy runs the house of pain
You are the taxidermist's daughter, yeah

Every night she sits there TV blasting in her face
People runnin' runnin' to and fro, it's such a frantic pace
But in her hand she's got control, remote as that may seem
A certifiable obsession a broadcast malady
When all is said and done she's in love with the silver screen
With the silver screen

Video tape movies where she cashes in her dreams
Ghostly illuminations how they brighten up her scene
Her perception of reception is her lone reality
What to eat and what to wear she edits out without a care
The rest falls through the cracks, an unconscious stream
When all is said and done she's in love with the silver screen
With the silver screen

In a city full of wishes that she shut out long ago
If wishes were a penny we all know which way she'd go
Gvien choice 'tween perfect health and peace throughout the world
Apocalypse utopia or space not explored
When all is said and done she's in love with the silver screen

Gettin' it while you can
Before the fascination goes
Down to the very last man
Where it stops nobody knows

Nothin to hold you back when the feelin's right
Hidin' from the day and waitin' for the night
It's just a pretty hard thing
To keep gettin' back up after being knocked down

Ain't no backin' down
Ain't no turnin' of the other cheek
The rules of the rest of the town
Ain't the same ones out here on the street
Lookin' for anything that'll make your emotions stir
Like walkin' the street with some tight-skirt sister
It's just a pretty hard thing
To keep gettin' back up after being knocked down

I'm caught in a crossfire
Of a hopeless disillusion
Nothin' but chain link and barbed wire
Defining the confusion

Ain't really enough to hold back the winter wind
Really don't know if it's keppin you out or it's keepin' me in
It's just a pretty hard thing
To keep gettin' back up after being knocked down
It's just a pretty hard thing, A pretty tough town
Ya keep gettin' back up after being knocked down
It's just a pretty hard thing, a pretty tough town