Ed Pettersen -

The New Punk Blues

Gather the Family Round
(Ed Pettersen and Scott Kempner)

68 bucks to fill up my truck
My neighbor’s going down, I just wish him good luck
Some judge says they can take your land away
And force you to go without a say

I never thought I was left but something ain’t right
About what I’m seeing on the news tonight

(chorus)
Hey, gather the family ‘round
Hey, gather the family ‘round
High water 5 feet and rising, I don’t wanna’ drown
Hey, gather the family ‘round

My brother-in-law’s got a dark complexion
They took him away to ask some questions
I try to teach my kids between right and wrong
But it used to be so different when I was young

They say you can’t keep a good man down
Turns out you can, yeah, right down to the ground

(chorus)
Hey, gather the family ‘round
Hey, gather the family ‘round
High water 6 feet and rising, I don’t wanna’ drown
Hey, gather the family ‘round

Last night I had a dream for the first time in years
The fields were on fire and a mountain of tears
Couldn’t turn left and I couldn’t go right
So I spun on my heels and ran to the light

I do believe that in God we trust
But brothers and sisters it’s down to us

(chorus)
Hey, gather the family ‘round
Hey, gather the family ‘round
High water 7 feet and rising, I don’t wanna’ drown
Hey, gather the family ‘round
High water 8 feet and rising, we’re all gonna drown
Hey, gather the family ‘round

Jimmy Parker
(Ed Pettersen and Jeff Walter)

Have you seen ol’ Jimmy Parker
People call him Mister Blues
He ain’t been ’round for two long weeks now
Maybe no news is bad news

They come around asking lots of questions
Asking lots of where and when
They said things about Jimmy Parker
But I consider him a friend

(chorus)
He’s been known to get a little crazy
Disappear for days on end
Say what you will about Jimmy Parker
I consider him a friend

Everybody knows he likes his smoke and whiskey
Don’t walk on his fightin’ side
But he can blow a harp like no-one’s business
Bring a tear to your eye

When my ma fell and broke her hip
Jimmy Parker heard her scream
He picked her up and carried her to doc’s place
And never said a dog-gone thing

(chorus)

They found his car out by Route 60
Towed the piece of junk away
I pray, dear Lord, please let poor Jimmy
Live to see another day

Seems like the world just keeps getting darker
When’s the madness gonna end?
Say what you will about Jimmy Parker
I consider him a friend, I consider him a friend
Say what you will about ol’ Jimmy Parker
I consider him a friend

Tabitha
(Ed Pettersen)

I am Tabitha
And I didn’t hurt no-one
I was just a kid
Playing in the sun
In the sun, I would run

This is not a game
No game of hide and seek
Mama won’t you pray
For my soul to keep
For to keep, in my sleep

I miss the playground
And my dog Shelby too
He would chase that ball
Every time you threw
I miss you, my friends too

(bridge)
Holy waters, roll me home
Holy, muddy water
Take me home

I am Tabitha
And I’m not the only one
Many more like me
Lying in the sun
Ooooh, take me home-
Ooooh, take me home

Burning Up
(Ed Pettersen)

When I’m lonely and busted
And feeling twice as blue
As the day when you left me in two
I just wander in the darkness
Back to our old neighborhood
And I’m led to our fort
In Split Rock woods

It ain’t standing like it used to
But there’s still a bit of frame
And a heart with your initials etched in flame
And I’ve spent most of my life
Burning up

I’ve heard stories as a baby
The devil had my soul
And I would cry all night long out of control
So they took me to a lady
To take away my pain
But in me she could see fire and rain

And I’ve spent most of my life
Burning up
And I’ve spent most of my life
Burning up

Someone tell me it’s a bad dream
And make it go away
But it won’t, it never does, so they say
It always seemed you were the dark one
To almost everyone
But not me, I could see you were the sun

And I’ve spent most of my life
Burning up
And I’ve spent most of my life
Burning up

Been There Before
(Ed Pettersen)

Today I lost a little more self respect
I’m hoping that my conscience won’t object
I don’t want my life filled with regret
Anymore, been there before

(chorus)

You’re not wasting my time anymore
This is not what I went looking for
Sometimes I tell you I’m busy when I’m home alone
Sometimes I call you to tease you and lead on
Don’t you tell me about right and wrong

(chorus)
You’re not wasting my time anymore
This is not what I went searching for
Anymore, been there before
Anymore

(bridge)

You tell me you want me
Admit it, you need me too
Then why don’t you just tell me the truth
(spoken) And do us both a favor…

(repeat chorus twice)

You’re not wasting my time anymore
This is not what I went searching for

Chelsea
(Ed Pettersen)

I see summertime on Main Street
Cobblestones, parades, and fairs
I see her waiting on a park bench
Pretty ribbon in her hair

Ain’t goin’ back to Chelsea
Ain’t goin’ back that far
Ain’t goin’ back to Chelsea
Ain’t goin’ back no more

The road between is long and twisted
Hidden dangers everywhere
You get caught hiding in the shadows
Surely Satan’s waitin’ there

Ain’t goin’ back to Chelsea
Ain’t goin’ back that far
Ain’t goin’ back to Chelsea
Ain’t goin’ back no more

Some old-timers still remember
When big money ruled this town
You can almost hear ghosts whisper
Sonny lay your money down
Honey lay your body down

Well, I hear she’s doin’ better
Volunteering with her time
Pastor talks about forgiveness
But he’s never seen her cry

Ain’t goin’ back to Chelsea
Ain’t goin’ back that far
Ain’t goin’ back to Chelsea
Ain’t goin’ back no more
Ain’t goin’ back for sure

Magic Glasses
(Ed Pettersen)

People keep telling me
Always they’re selling me
Things that I don’t really need
You can deny it
But baby you buy it
You don’t always get what you see
And I know it’s not that funny at all

You couldn’t make up
This storybook break-up
Or could it be self-prophecy
You buy a gun
You say shoot it for fun
Unless you watch too much TV

And I know it’s not that funny at all
And I know it’s not that funny
Not so careless, not so sunny
And I know it’s not that funny at all

Everything’s going my way
Every day after day after day

Missing bandwidth
Tainted sandwich
Out from the shadows
Where truth lives
Every day

Cold molasses
Magic glasses
Shading the past
As time passes away
Every day

Everything’s going my way

Maybe the lesson
From all of this mess we’re in
Isn’t as strange as it dreams
Building a future
Without the minutia
Is like sewing without any seams
And I know it’s not that funny at all

June 1945
(Ed Pettersen)

She was working as a waitress at this tavern in D.C.
I was waiting on my papers after four years overseas
I was looking for some comfort, she was winking back at me
And I never gave a second thought to my lonesome family

A few days became a month and she was two weeks late
It was long before that kind of thing was legal in that state
We got us an apartment and furniture on rent
We pretended we were married and time just came and went

I often thought about home and how to explain why
But every draft I’d write them turned into a bigger lie
So I wired home some money and a quick telegram
I’ll see you soon enough I said, not sure of who I am

Months later she was at work and I packed my things to go
Returned what we had rented, it was in my name you know
Didn’t leave a note, never even tried
Caught a train back North, to this day I’m not sure why

My wife she never asked me about the missing time
Chalked it up to service or purposefully blind
Sometimes at night I wonder of the child I never saw
What he or she would think of me

I'm Not Coming Down
(Ed Pettersen)

Hey there Linda Lou
Little boy blue she’s calling you
I think you better go
I’m not taking sides on this
It’s your life you swing or twist
But keep it in the home

I see smoke from over the hill
I lay quiet, I stay still
It’s coming soon I bet
Locals they don’t come around
When the moon is full and the sun goes down
They ain’t seen nothing yet

Snow is piling up so high
I see white and clear blue sky
A good day to die
On my tombstone let it read
Here lies he not afraid to bleed
And bury me where I lie

Days are cool, night are too
I’ll miss days when I am through
So much here, so much left to do
No smoke and mirrors, who knows who
They won’t leave me alone
But I’m not coming down

Why do they bother me?
I’m not coming down
Soon we’ll all be gone
I’m not coming down
No-one has to hurt
I’m not coming down
They don’t understand, I’m happy here
I’m not coming down
I never asked for this
I’m not coming down
They won’t leave me alone
I’m not coming down

$500 Car
(Ed Pettersen)

Got a $500 car
It runs, that suits me fine
Maybe it don’t look like much
It gets me where I want to be
But the New Jersey State Trooper
Got a line on me

Said you can’t come ‘round here
Wearin’ rags and drivin’ that
Nice white boy like you
Should drive a Ford or Cadillac
Oh the New Jersey State Trooper
Got a line on me

Please don’t hurt me mister
Got a sister just like you
I see that you’re well trained
Got a job to do
Mr. New Jersey State Trooper
Got a line on me

Tell me why does it feel
Like I’ve been here before
Someone made a deal
Ask them how many more
Oh the New Jersey State Trooper
Got a line on me
The who ---

Top Ten
(Ed Pettersen)

You leaned on me, I gleaned from you,
through and through
Now we’re past the point of no return
I see you flinch, you watch me fall, after all
There’s at least one thing that I have learned

(chorus)
Top ten, all I really want is
Top ten, wanna’ hit the charts like
Top ten, then I’ll really know top ten
Top ten, all I wanna’ be is
Top ten, all I really need is top ten
Then I’ll really be top ten

You taught me to chang, you taught me to groove,
and who knew
That I’d pay attention like I did
I hope in the end you’re still my friend, maybe then
Even pass it on to some new kid
Just like you did

(chorus)

I see you standing in the dark
I know you think you’re all alone
You think a melody, oh yes
But it’s all wrong
Unless it inspires someone
Long after we’re gone
Chorus

Baghdad
(Ed Pettersen)

It’s one pm and they’re dropping bombs in Baghdad
Makes me think of all the things that we had
Rubble falls as nighttime calls in Baghdad
A pretty home like ours comes down, makes me so sad
About Baghdad

I’m not saying it’s right or wrong
It’s just my job to write a song about Baghdad

See the people watch them flee from Baghdad
One or two could be me or you on a jihad
Right there in Baghdad
I don’t think I like you any more than you like me
But as I stand before you I can’t help but look and see

Today they saved a pfc outside Baghdad
Her mom and dad were on tv they looked real glad
To not be in Baghdad
I’m not saying it’s right or wrong
It’s just my job to write this song

It’s one o’three and they’re dropping bombs
still in Baghdad

Spare Bedroom

Happy

Everybody knows we’re happy
But you and I know
It can never be

I can tell the world by looking in your eyes
You can’t hide the truth from me
Everybody knows we’re happy

No-one ever says they’re sorry
So don’t expect no
Sympathy from me

Everybody knows it
But you don’t wanna’ show it
Everybody else can see
Everything is fine
But read between the lines
What is there of you and me ?

Everything is fine
But read between the lines
What is there of you and me ?

Everybody knows we’re happy
Everybody thinks we’re groovy

Love 101

Been alone, been around
Been lookin’ in the lost and found
Been wanderin’ these halls
But I never seem to see you at all
I’ve been losing track of time
There’s no reason for my rhyme
Come little darlin’ sit by me
A little bit o’ knowledge gonna’ set you free

(chorus)
I look long and hard little girl
But you’re so out of reach
If I could hold you in my arms
I’d practice what I preach
And when we’re done
You will have learned
Love 101

I know I’m not what you expected
I can’t help but feel rejected
I look down at my heart in pieces
On every one it reads "Denises’"
You keep trying to be cool
Like you own the whole damn school
You’re the queen and I your pawn
Sitting in the corner with the dunce cap on

(chorus)

(bridge)
You know you’re such a teacher’s pet
The lesson isn’t over yet

Now I’m right back where I started
Another member of the brokenhearted
I’m sick of fighting your defenses
You’ve always got me climbing fences
You’ve resisted every pass
Now I’m falling back in class
But until that last bell rings
I’ll keep loving you and sing

(chorus)

Later

You think that I just love your thunder
The city beats enough for me
I don’t know what spell I’m under
I know I’m never free

When you kissed me it felt so new to me
You swore it was the same for you
But in the end you saw right through to me
The same way you do
The same way I never knew
The same way you do
The same way I never knew

I ask you why you give no reason
A glimpse inside too much to see
You change your moods like they are seasons
The same way you do
The same way you do to me
The same way you do
The same way you do to me

(bridge)
The same way you do
The same way you do to me
There’s nothing left to prove
You never could be true to me
Where did you go ?
No-one’s left to blame
With you or without
It’s all the same

(repeat to fade)
You say that I still love your thunder
Stay inside and pray for rain
Can’t escape this spell I’m under
But I can do without the pain……….

Out of the Past

You act so cool
You’re almost cold
And this living off the street
Is getting pretty old
When no rhythm on the radio
Can match these wiper blades
Or take away the sting
From these poison tears we made
I wasn’t first baby I won’t be last
Comin’ out of the past

You act as if we meet
To meet some need
Where every step’s a rung
On your ladder to succeed
Well your neon glows and fashion
Shows you to me as you are
Sailing through the great white way
On someone else’s star
Running in place going nowhere fast
Comin’ out of the past

(bridge)
This ain’t how I wanted it to be
If freedom’s just another word
Than why am I not free

When no rhythm on the radio
Can match these wiper blades
Or take away the sting
From these poison tears we made
I wasn’t first I know I won’t be last
Comin’ out of the past
Out of the past

The Harvesting

Well I’m coming home
The skies are dark and the fields’ on fire
But I’m not alone
Guided by my old desires

Careful when you speak my name
Some just still don’t wanna’ hear
It won’t ever be the same
Because the truth is still out there

(pre-chorus)
Someone’s home and the lights are dim
But I won’t answer ‘cause I’m not him
Now there’s no-one left to ask me where I’ve been

(chorus)
All we have are memories
These memories, bad memories
Can’t erase these memories
Bad memories of you
All we have are memories
These memories, bad memories
Please erase these memories
Bad memories from view

(pre-chorus 2)
The details all come back to me
The jagged edges still I see
Doubting if I ever will be free

(chorus)

A wise old man once said to me
Son let it go now set it free
Once you let your enemies
Into your heart they never leave

Foolish Things

There’s talk around this town
People saying that you’re through with us
I ain’t putting no-one down
But they got nothing to do with us
If I stay out all night and forget to call
I ain’t saying I’m right at all
But I don’t know why I do these foolish things

I see it in your eyes
You waited up all night again
You know I hate it when you cry
Even if it’s over where I’ve been
But you can’t forget the time
You walked home in the rain
And lately you think I’m insane

(chorus)
‘Cause you can run but I will find you
Only two steps right behind you
Why oh why do I do these foolish things
All these foolish things

(bridge)
They say that love is blind
But I don’t really mind
I’m not dissuaded by your actions
Seek and you may find
A better piece of mind
And maybe even satisfaction

(chorus)

In Our Own Little World

In the snow, in the rain
When the wind whispers your name
Trumpets in my brain begin to sound
Should have known, from the start
Every time when we’re apart
I think of you my heart begins to pound

‘Cause we’ve got love, we got love
We got love

You can hide in your soul
Grow cynical and cold
Faith harder to hold than giving in
Hanging on, after all
Even though they made us crawl
But not afraid to fall
Still now and then

(chorus)
‘Cause we’ve got love, we got love
It’s the only thing I’m sure of
Let ‘em all push and shove
‘Cause we got love
Babe it’s you and me
Together for eternity
Hopeless, wild and free
C’mon girl, we’re in our own little world

(bridge)
Every time it seems we try to get ahead
Something tries to push us back
Hold us back instead

(repeat chorus)

(tag)
Let the winds of change come sweeping
We’ll hold on you and me girl
Let them say that time is fleeting
We’ll survive in our own little world

Sandcastles

Took a drive to the other side
Headlights beam into my eyes
Caught a glimpse in my rear view
Shadows flash, she looks like you

Got to get it together

You break your neck to justify
Or break her heart and wonder why
If you build your castles in the sand
Waves wash away your life young man

(chorus)

Got to get it together….(repeat)
I can let it all fall so far
Before it just comes apart
In the morning light I greet
Rubble, ruins and dead-end streets

(bridge)

It only gets worse

(repeat chorus)

Justine

I thought I saw you just the other day
Another face among the crowd
But when I caught your eye you turned away
Even when I called your name out loud
Maybe the sunlight made you turn your head
Or was the truth too hard to face instead

Midnight rendezvous and alibis
Close reminders of the pain
I wave at promises that pass me by
Off-duty taxis in the rain
With every match that flickers in the wind
I think of summer nights and where you’ve been

(chorus)
Justine
Just a memory
Coming after me
Hauntingly Justine

(bridge)
Sparks once flew and danced between our fingers
The shock of losing you, the numbness lingers
Justine

Maybe that wasn’t you but I don’t care
There’s plenty others like you everywhere

(chorus)

Startin’ to Feel Like I Want My Mind

I hear there’s talk around the neighborhood
Some things’ll never change
Some people they’re just no damn good
And they’ll always be that way

I’m startin’ to feel like I want my mind
(3 times)

Mr. Big you look so smooth
With them eatin’ from your hands
A prison suit don’t look so cute
The latest fashion in the land

I’m startin’ to feel(3 times)

Information overload...

Broken Mirror

Drawn out days and endless nights
Lord please save me from the light
See my reflection everywhere
Come the evening I don’t care

I see you in the high noon sun
Almost gone, the lucky one
It breaks my heart to find you there
I led you to their poison air

(chorus)
I see the shame here in what I have done
A wanted man whose time has come
The name of the father is the name of the son
It’s in my blood what makes me run

(instrumental bridge)

Another night I didn’t dream
Or more a nightmare it may seem
I have reached the final door
For I will toil for you no more

(chorus)

Somewhere South of Here 10th Anniversary

If I Tell You
(Ed Pettersen/Janie Ross-Coulter)

It’s a time I’m not too proud of
I was really just a kid
And I didn’t think too highly of myself
I was trying to survive
And the world was closing in
It’s a part of me I never like to tell

Whenever we’re together
I try to say the words
Wishing I had told you this before
But I end up saying nothing
And it makes it even worse
Like keys rattling but still no open door

(chorus)
If I tell you will you still love me tomorrow
This secret that I’m afraid to share
Or will you look at me
And our love differently
If I tell you baby how much will you care

I’m just gonna’ say it
And stop living with this lie
Tell you in the best way I know how
If I trust the way you love me
How you always make me high
Well then all that matters is who I am now

(chorus)

(bridge)
I made a mistake
A ghost of regret
But the longer I hide
The harder it gets

(chorus)

What a Little Love Can Do
(Ed Pettersen)

I struggle for the words I really wanna' say
but one look in my eyes would give it all away
to you girl, if you only knew girl
I know you think you're sure you've been in love before
but whatever they could give you I could give you more
than they could, and you know I would

So look at me baby can't you see
I'm the one who can show you
what a little bit of love can do

You say I'm the kind who'll always let you down
the kind of a man who'll never be around
when you need me, but you misread me
I've taken abuse from a lot of your friends
even your family says i'll leave you in the end
but it ain't true, 'cause baby I need you

chorus
So look at me baby can't you see
I'm the one who can show you
what a little bit of love can do
can do, can do, what a little bit of love can do

And I know I'm asking for a lot
and there's many reasons why you'd rather not
But if you take a chance on this romance
I'm gonna' give it all I got, my best shot

I've seen you at the bars on the other side of town
smiling at the rich boys but leaving with a frown
'cause they don't see, baby what I see
I know you think you're sure you've been in love before
but you've never had a man who's gonna' walk the floor
like I could, and you know I would

Chorus

The Man I Left Behind
((Ed Pettersen/Scott Kempner)

Don't turn on the light
it hurts my eyes
I'll just stay here in the dark and hide
it's no mystery what's happened to me
look behind my disguise and you'll see

There were promises I meant to keep
at night I toss and turn, talking in my sleep
I keep walking around but I'm walking blind
running out of space I'm running out of time
looking for the man I left behind

I went away
three years come memorial day
but more than just a little piece of me stayed
and in the hole that remains is a cold, aching pain
tears on 5th avenue, old soldiers on parade

'Cause there were promises that I tried to keep
but this is not the way I thought that things would be
oh, I see familiar streets, familiar signs
I can still feel your little hand in mine
I've lost touch with the man I left behind

Last time I saw you
you were doing well
going places, I could tell
you wanted me to ask
what I already knew
I just hope he takes good care of you

And all those promises that I couldn't keep
they keep coming back, they haunt me in my dreams
maybe I should let it go, say nevermind
maybe I shouldn't even want to find
the remnants of the man I left behind
he's just a ghost, the man I left behind

DWIOU
(Ed Pettersen)

I was minding my own business
driving home late last night
when my mind began to wander
while sitting at a light
I lost all control of my motor skills
and there was nothing I could do
I was driving while intoxicated
intoxicated on you

Well, I got so distracted
I hadn't noticed the light had changed
when a policeman pulled me over
and said, "Son you're acting strange
your glassy eyes and silly smile
both make it plain to see.
You can't drive in your condition.
You're comin' in with me"

(chorus)
Baby you're the reason
I've landed here in jail
the least that you can do for me is
come post my bail
they're charging me with DWI
I admit that's partly true
'cause I was driving while intoxicated
intoxicated on you

Now a court appointed lawyer
said, son you're in a bind.
in all my years I've never seen a case
such as your kind.
but I do believe your story
and I think the judge will too.
if you can get your baby down here to show us all
that your tale is true

(chorus)

(bridge)
In all my years of driving
you're the sleekest I've ever seen
but after this experience
I'm travelling by limousine

So the moral of the story
for those who wish to stay alive
is fully endorsed by AAA
don't think and drive

(chorus)

Too Long Gone
(Ed Pettersen)

Number 9 rollin' down the line
watchin' the world blow past
familiar scenes and memories
goin' by so fast
I can almost see the station
the way it used to be
it's been so long
will they remember me ?

Streets I've walked a thousand times
seem strange to me today
I just can't find my way back in
the keys have been mislaid
could there really be so much time between
this place and these lonesome bones
I'm like a ghost
condemned to drift alone

(chorus)
Too long gone, too long gone
too long gone my friend
too long gone, too long gone
to ever make amends
you can talk about forgiveness
you can talk about the sin
but I'm too long gone, I'm too long gone
to ever care again

Welcome back home billy boy
I recognize the voice
you know everyone comes back
but not always by choice
whispers in the darkness
shadows in the light
my haunted past
surrounds me like the night

(repeat chorus)

The dormant truth awakes in me
I never can go back
a broken dream meandering
down a one-way track
a mournful whistle calls to me
and echoes in my brain
the wounds have healed
but the scars they still remain

Somewhere South of Here
((Ed Pettersen/Scott Kempner)

Lost in a dream
safe in heaven from this mortal coil set free
and in this dream
I am pursuer and pursued running from and after me
the faster I run the smaller I get
'till I all but disappear
I dream I awaken, frightened and shaken
with a voice in my ear
saying, "all things become clear.
somewhere south of here
somewhere south of here"

Will it ever stop raining
nighttime in the city shining like New Year's eve
Broadway is raging
there's a million ways in but just two ways to leave
I dive into that sea of broken hearts
and surf on the waves of fear
I dream I'm alone, finally home
with a voice in my ear
all things become clear
somewhere south of here
somewhere south of here
somewhere south of here
somewhere south of here

True love finds me up on the roof
with doubts about heaven I'm looking for proof
out near the edge I feel peace is near
I feel peace is near
somewhere south of here
somewhere south of here

I dive into that sea of broken hearts
and surf on the waves of fear
I dream I awaken, lost and shaken
with that voice in my ear
all things become clear
somewhere south of here

Lost in a dream
safe in heaven from this mortal coil set free

Deeper Waters
(Ed Pettersen)

Beat up but not beaten
dazed but not confused
solemnly awakened
to the cold, hard truth
but there's love among the ruins
with faith enough to lose

Can I get a witness
mercy walks with me
drowning in forgiveness
finding my own dream
I want to take you with me
farther on upstream

(chorus) Looking out upon the muddy waters
watch it carry all our sins away
take me down, let me drown
in that rolling, mighty river
in the cool, clear deeper waters
I will stay

Suffering in silence
playing by the rules
adrift without an anchor
on a ship of fools
another hard-won lesson
they didn't teach in school

(chorus)

(bridge)
You conform to suit your needs
but are you really who you want to be
you think it's your saving grace
when it's all just saving face

(chorus)

How I Lost You (The Official Record)
(Ed Pettersen)

New dreams they come easy
old dreams they die hard
I do my best to avoid the truth
to keep from being scarred
but as I walk through our meadow
I hear your voice calling me home
and I curse the day I walked away
and left our house to roam

Too long gone on the town
running with my friends
playing guitar all night in bars
like time would never end
but when I came back to see you
to deny my guilt and shame
there was no-one home
I was all alone
with no-one else to blame

(chorus)
I know I drove you crazy
I know I let you down
among the other reasons why
you don't want me around
but if they wonder how and when
and why our love is through
just let this be the official record
of how I lost you

Whatever made me think you'd wait
lord, I just don't know
when to your needs I paid no heed
and paved your way to go
now I'm left with only pictures
of how we used to be
and to remind myself I keep them on the shelf
staring back at me

(chorus)

Last night I had a dream
that none of this was true
when to my surprise right before my eyes
in our bed there was you
I begged for your forgiveness
laid to you my soul bare
but when I reached for you it was then I knew
it was more than a nightmare

(chorus)

Run Away
(Ed Pettersen)

Charlie and I got started on a wing and a prayer
modern-day pirates by sea and by air
it wasn't money or glory or anything else
we were just getting high and running from ourselves

But the business took over, we got caught in the game
ever changing locations, changing our names
we tried to cut loose but were in over our heads
our suppliers didn't care, it was them or the feds

(chorus 1)
We tried our best to let it all go
a dark cloud seemed to follow us though
caught in the shadows of the light of the day
you can hide but you can't run away
you can hide but you can't run away

Last year they busted Charlie, seized everything he owned
for carrying cash into the country from his St. Thomas home
they said he was guilty before he was tried
he said he was retired, they said he lied

(chorus 2)
We tried to forget what we did in the past
and tried to make our innocence last
but you know what they say
you play, you pay
you can hide but you can't run away
you can hide but you can't run away

(bridge)
From the canyons of plenty
to the trenches of fear
we bailed each other out
almost thirty years
but right now I just wanna' disappear

Charlie died in December on Christmas eve
pushed out the window of hope, they forced him to leave
well, I wish that I was with him and not here on my own
with hearings pending and a click on the phone

(repeat chorus 1 & 2)

Changing Faces
(Ed Pettersen/Scott Kempner)

Got home early this morning
I've been out all night
get to bed before the sunrise
get some sleep tonite, sleep tonitev

Telephone is ringing
devil's on the line
hey man, how ya' doin' ?
guess I'm doin' fine

Let me turn down the TV
got no remote control
nothing ever comes easy
what kind of price can I get tonite
for my soul

(chorus) I've thought about changing places, with you
so how about changing faces, with you
'cause I feel crazy enough for two
so what about changing faces, with you

Just give me the address
a number I can phone
tell me when she's sleeping
or when she's comin' home

tell me 'bout her boyfriend
do they do it every night ?
do they make those noises ?
I heard he's black and I heard she's white

(repeat chorus)

(bridge)
Walked with the devil in the house of love
talked with the devil in the house of love

Got home early this morning
I've been out all night
get to bed before the sunrise
get some sleep tonite, sleep tonite
sleep tonite

The Right Decision
(Ed Pettersen)

Morning, you know it seems so far away
But I know what lies in the light of day
You won’t find me under any bar I comb
Tonight I made the right decision
And chose to go on home

A neon blonde just beyond
The flashing High-Life sign
Winks and makes me think she could be mine
But loneliness and sorrow
Follow when I roam
Tonight I made the right decision
And chose to go on home

(bridge)
There are things that can’t be taught inside a school
But the man who fails to learn
He is but a fool

Like a ghost she haunts me
The one true love I’ve known
Tonight I made the right decision
And chose to go on home
Tonight I made the right decision
And chose to go on home

Desperate Times

Angels Fear to Tread
(Ed Pettersen)

It was years ago when I last saw my family
It scares me so how much they may have grown
Someday we’ll be reunited
But until then I walk these dirty streets alone

For now I don’t want them to see me
Broken down and battered and falling apart
I pray that they have love and mercy
For I still see their faces and feel them in my heart

(chorus)
You see charity towards me is not forsaken
For soon I will rise up from this dread
Salvation will someday have me taken
From this unholy place where angels fear to tread

I look to you Lord for an indication
A guiding light to lead my soul to thee
Safe haven from this lonely desperation
And these evil forces that keep surrounding me

(chorus)

Pray Morning Comes
(Ed Pettersen)

I wake to the sound of exploding shells
They’ve even blown our church to hell
We get down on our knees on Sunday
And pray morning comes

I haven’t seen my dad for weeks
My mother hardly ever speaks
It’s hard to turn the other cheek
And pray morning comes

(chorus)
And the dreams you seem to take for granted
Are at times the only thing we own
We have to take our fate into our own hands
It takes more than faith to reap the seeds we’ve sown

Our history in the records hall
Today it was a fiery ball
As the embers glow and evening falls
I pray morning comes

The soccer field is all but filled
With those of us who have been killed
Every day more blood gets spilled
Still, I pray morning comes

(chorus)

The darkness has become my friend
It seems the night will never end
I want to be a kid again
‘Till then, I pray morning comes

La Tragedia de Heraclio Bernal
(Ed Pettersen)

I'm leaving in the morning for the border
Many won't return and I may fail
Tonight I try to put my things in order
For what I fear lies not within a jail

The man that lies beside you is a stranger
Shadows follow long within my past
But what I say may put your life in danger
And to the wind your fate I cannot cast

(chorus)
If I told you darling all my secrets
Stories from so many years ago
Would you still love me tomorrow
If I told you, if I told you would you go

Forced into the path of most resistance
The price upon my head won't let me be
Persecuted only for my difference
Knowing that I never will be free

(chorus)

When I'm gone they'll say I was a bad man
But more than most I tell you I was fair
Brought food and pesos to the poor and children
Fought in the name of freedom everywhere

Poor Man
((Ed Pettersen/Alfred Reed)

(chorus)
How can a poor man stand such times and live
How can a poor man stand such times and live
How can a poor man stand it
I guess these times they demand it
How can a poor man stand such times and live

Going to the factory gonna’ get myself some work
Stand in line all day and end up feeling like a jerk
Crawl on my way home like a dog without a bone
How can a poor man stand such times and live

Went to my congressman to see if he could help me out
But he’s so high on the podium to hear me I had to shout
How can he care when he’s standing way up there
How can a poor man stand such times and live

(chorus)

(bridge)
I guess sometimes I just can’t help feeling so brokenhearted
Every time I get ahead I’m right back where I started

I’m going to the chapel gonna’ get myself a bride
And after the wedding we’ll go down to the riverside
We’ll throw ourselves right in
And wash away all original sin
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

(chorus)

Texas Tornado
(Ed Pettersen)

Crosswinds blow crossing my heart
Tearing my whole world apart
Simple and spare and devil may care
Are always how these things all start
Now my Texas tornado won’t let me go

The hot Texas sun has burned more than one
And sometimes hearts lose control
You pray for a breeze then you’re down on your knees
A gust takes hold and plays with your soul

(chorus)
Blow away all the heartache
Blow away all the pain
Blow away all the memories
Across The Great Plains
(Let me keep what remains)
My Texas tornado won’t let me go

I went to L.A. trying to run away
But you know she followed me there
But earthquakes and fire couldn’t cool my desire
She knows how to reach me and make me still care

(chorus)Blow baby blow..

Built to Last
(Ed Pettersen)

Don’t get so excited like a child on a swing
All this verbal sparring doesn’t mean a thing
There must be some sense to this
There must be something to be learned
‘Cause I’ve been through it all before
I’m aware you can get burned

Someone help me out here ‘cause I cannot comprehend
How something so exciting can burn out in the end
Should have seen it coming but when it comes to love I’m blind
That’s why I’m glad you’re leaving
Out of sight and out of mind

(chorus)
I never really knew just where I stood
And by the time I figured it out it was no good
There are diamonds in your future
There are shamrocks in my past
We were built for speed
We weren’t built to last

Spare me the consolation you’ll be happy on your own
With time and photo albums to gauge how much you’ve grown
But beware the unexpected it’ll hit on your blind side
Take you into the sunset you won’t enjoy the ride

(chorus)

High and Lonesome
(Ed Pettersen)

There’s a darkness that’s come over me
So deep that I can hardly see
In the pale light I hope my pain is gone
I don’t know if I can hold out that long

I’ve struggled to cope with my fears
But I haven’t felt the same for many years
It’s come to the point of letting go
These feelings that trouble me so

(chorus) All I ever wanted was to hear the crowd roar
Now I’m waiting for my spirit to soar
Where I won’t be high and lonesome anymore

I can’t believe in the man I’ve become
Why won’t they just let me be numb
Don’t chain my heart to my soul
I believe I’m now losing control

(chorus)

(bridge)
Time and reason try to intervene
But I’m too far gone from Aberdeen

(chorus)

This Hard Land
(Ed Pettersen)

I’ve always understood where I stand
Passed down through generations to my hands
By the grace of God it’s where it began
‘Till I die I’ll give my hand to this hard land

I’ve seen drought and flood take my crop away
But now the bank has called it’s loan and they want their say
I can’t blame the banker for where I’m at
Its not his fault the weather’s bad and the market’s flat
But we both go the same way in the end
I’ll see you again my friend in this hard land
I’ll see you again my friend in this hard land

Some nights I come in from the fields and my wife is crying
She says we can’t live like this what’s the use in trying
But I respect the rules of the land
The reward and pain it can bring
Everything else in my eyes doesn’t mean a thing
By the grace of God it’s where it began
‘Till I die I give my hand to this hard land
‘Till I die I give my hand to this hard land

Thirty years have passed since my daddy died
Laid him down went back to work I never cried
But if lose this farm I’ll get down on my knees
Pray and cry like a baby for some reprieve
By the grace of God since time began
‘Till I die I’ll give my hand to this hard land
‘cause we all go the same way in the end
I’ll see you again my friend in this hard land
I’ll see you again my friend in this hard land

Nowhere To Roam
(Ed Pettersen/Jeff Walter)

Well the days of Cheyenne are behind me
Oklahoma’s a pale memory
But the aches and the scars they remind me
How I once rode the range wild and free

I’ve given my heart to the flatlands
As for my soul in God I will trust
As I watch the age creep into my hands
And the past disappear into dust

I’m riding off into the sunset
In my mind I’m already gone
The West that I knew is broken in two
For too long I’ve been holding on

I’ve heard that there’s peace in the valley
I guess that’s where I’ll make my home
Away from the fray
Where they’ll no longer say
I’m a cowboy
With nowhere to roam

I’ve sung my last song by the campfire
Said goodbye to the old Western Trail
For they’re holding the herds now with barbed wire
And they’re moving them out on the Rail

I’m riding off into the sunset
In my mind I’m already gone
To destiny’s gate where heaven won’t wait
There’s no need to keep hanging on

I’ve heard of the peace in the valley
I guess that’s where I’ll make my home
Away from the fray
Where they’ll no longer say
I’m a cowboy
With nowhere to roam

Yeah, I’m a cowboy
Nowhere to roam

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