Non-Album Tracks, Signature Covers & Collaborations: testi

Chronological order

STATE OF LOVE AND TRUST

(From ‘Ten’ reissue)

State of love and trust as I busted down the pretext
Sin still plays and preaches but to have an empty court, uh huh
And the signs are passin’, grip the wheel, can’t read ’em
Sacrifice receiving the smell that’s on my hands, hands, yeah

And I listen for the voice inside my head
Nothin’, I’ll do this one myself

Lay her down as priest does, should the Lord be accountin’?
Will be in my honour, make it pain, painfully quick, uh huh
Promises are whispered in the age of darkness
Want to be enlightened like I want to be told the end, end, yeah

And the barrel shakes aimed, oh, directly at my head
Oh help me, help me from myself
And I listen from both sides of the bed
Nothin’, I’ll do this one myself
Myself, myself

Hey, na-na-na-na, hey that’s something
Hey, na-na-na-na, hey that’s something
Hey, na-na-na-na, hey that’s something
Want it back, back it away, yeah yeah

And I listen for the voice inside my head
Nothin’, I’ll do this one myself
And the barrel waits, trigger shakes aimed right at my head
Won’t you help me, help me from myself, oh

State of love and trust, and a
State of love and trust, and a
State of love and trust, and a
State of love and, yeah

BREATH (BREATH AND A SCREAM)

(From ‘Ten’ reissue)

Oh, tonight began with anything
Shaft of a light, a warm breath and a scream
Oh, tamper if you like between the doors
Oh, can’t expect to go out, to go out with anything, anything more

Oh reach the door, a breath and a scream
Oh reach the door, I know I’ll never
Life ain’t what it’s worth
With a breath and a scream
Oh reach the door

All these reaching hands out grabbing things, grabbing me
Day in day out accumulating
Whoa, i suggest you step out on your porch
Hey, run away my son, see it all, see the world

Oh reach the door, with a breath and a scream
Oh reach the door, a la la la la yeah
Life ain’t what it’s worth
A breath and a scream
Oh reach the door

Come, here it comes, there it goes, when it comes
Where it goes, where it comes
Can’t see through the faith
Ooh, come, here it comes, there it goes
Grasp what you can
Don’t you know there’s something inside your head
Oh, if i knew where it was i would take you there
There’s much more than this
Ooh
Whoa, much more than this
See the world
Much more than

[1993]

CRAZY MARY

(Victoria Williams cover, from “Sweet Relief: A benefit for Victoria Williams”
also on “Vs./Vitalogy” reissue)

She lived on a curve in the road
In an old, tar-paper shack
On the south side of the town, on the wrong side of the tracks
Sometimes on the way into town we’d say:
“Mama, can we stop and give her a ride?”
Sometimes we did, but her hands flew from her side
Wild eyed, crazy Mary

Down a long dirt road, past the parson’s place
That old blue car we used to race
Little country store with a sign tacked to the side
Said “No L-O-I-T-E-R-I-N-G allowed”
Underneath that sign always congregated quite a crowd

Take a bottle, drink it down, pass it around
Take a bottle, drink it down, pass it around
Take a bottle, drink it down, pass it around

One night thunder cracked, mercy backed outside her windowsill
Dreamed i was flying high above the trees, over the hills
Looked down into the house of Mary
Bare bulb on, newspaper-covered walls
And Mary rising up above it all
Next morning on the way into town
Saw some skid marks and followed them around
Over the curve, through the fields, into the house of Mary

That what you fear the most, could meet you halfway
That what you fear the most, could meet you halfway

Take a bottle, drink it down, pass it around
Take a bottle, drink it down, pass it around
Take a bottle, drink it down, pass it around

[1995]

ACT OF LOVE

(Neil Young & Pearl Jam, from ‘Mirrorball’)

The fruit of love was in the future
Around the corner and over the hill
The act of love was slowly pounding
Slowly pounding, slowly pounding

The holy war was slowly building
Heroes leaving for the great crusade
Seek reward in the ever after
Ever after, ever after

Don’t wanna have to lose you baby
Don’t want to have to take you back
You know I’ll never lose you baby
Abuse you baby, use you baby

You know I’ll always help you baby
But I just can’t do that
I know I said I’d help you baby
Here’s my wallet, call me sometime

Act of love
Act of love
Act of love
Act of love

The fruit of love was in the future
Around the corner and over the hill
The act of love was slowly pounding
Slowly pounding, slowly pounding

Act of love
Act of love
Act of love
Act of love

DOWNTOWN

(Neil Young & Pearl Jam, from ‘Mirrorball’)

There’s a place called Downtown
Where the hippies all go
And they dance the charleston
And they do the limbo
Yeah the hippies all go there
‘Cause they want to be seen
It’s like a room full of pictures
It’s like a psychedelic dream

Downtown
Let’s go downtown
Downtown at night
Downtown
Let’s have a party
Downtown at night

Yeah it’s right around the corner
Up and down the hill
When you hear the band playin’
It’s gonna give you a chill
Give your money to the gateman
Young blood in his eye
Hold on to your baby
When you slip into the sky

Downtown
Let’s go downtown
Downtown tonight
Downtown
Hear the band playin’
Downtown all right

Jimi’s playin’ in the back room
Led Zeppelin on stage
There’s a mirror ball twirlin’
And a note from Page
Like a water-washed diamond
In a river of sin
Goin’ down like a whirlpool
When you get sucked in

Downtown
Let’s go downtown
Downtown tonight
Downtown
Hear the band playin’
Downtown all right

Downtown
Let’s go downtown
Downtown tonight
Downtown
Let’s have a party
Downtown all right

PEACE AND LOVE

(Neil Young & Pearl Jam, from ‘Mirrorball’)

Peace and love
Flying so high
Peace and love
Too young to die
Peace and love
Now you decide
Stay for the children
You don’t really want to go
Can’t feel it pulling like you did
Peace and love

Peace and love
Only a ride
Strength is gone
Dying inside
Tell me now
What did you find
Found love in the people
Livin’ in a sacred land
Found love in the people
Peace and love

(Vedder) Found love, found hate, saw my mistake
Broke walls of pain to walk again
I saw the dream, I saw the wake
We shared it all but not the take

Peace and love
Lennon’s goodbye
Over now
Living in time
A broken bell
A nursery rhyme
Deserted by heroes
Strangers in your own land
No way to deny you
No way to deny you
Peace and love

(Vedder) I took it all, I took the oath
I took it all ’til I had most
I took what’s left, I gave it breath
I had it all once, I gave it back
Gave it back

THROW YOUR HATRED DOWN

(Neil Young & Pearl Jam, from ‘Mirrorball’)

Here in the conscious world
We place our theories down
Why man must bring us to our knees
Before he sees the weakness of his sinful plan
The power in his hand
Will never touch a friend

Throw your hatred down
Throw your hatred down

Meanwhile in the underworld
The weaknesses are seen
By peasants and presidents
Who plan the counter-scheme
Children in the schoolyard
Finish choosing teams
Divided by their dreams
While a TV screams

Throw your weapons down
Throw your weapons down

The wheel of fortune
Keeps on rollin’ down
The street that’s paved with sinful plans
There but for circumstance may go you or I
Dressed in gold lame
Find a place to stay

Throw your hatred down
Throw your hatred down
Throw your hatred down
Throw your weapons down

CATHOLIC BOY

(Pearl Jam & Jim Carroll, from ‘The Basketball Diaries’ OST)

I was born in a pool they made my mother stand
And I spat on that surgeon and his trembling hand
When I felt the light I was worse than bored
I stole the doctor’s scalpel and I slit the cord

I was a Catholic boy
I was redeemed through pain
Not through joy

I was two months early, they put me under glass
I screamed and cursed at children when their nurses passed
I was convicted of theft as I slipped from the womb
They led me straight from my mother to a cell in the Tombs

I was a Catholic boy
I was redeemed through pain
Not through joy

They starved me for weeks, they thought they’d teach me fear
I fed on cellmates’ dreams, it gave me fine ideas
When they cut me loose, the time had served me well
I made allies in heaven, comrades in hell

I was a Catholic child
The blood ran red
The blood ran wild

I make angels dance and drop to their knees
When I enter a church the feet of statues bleed
I understand the fate of all my enemies
Just like Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane

I was a Catholic boy
I was redeemed through pain
An not through joy

I watched the sweetest salm stolen by our choir
I dreamed of martyrs’ bones hanging from a wire
I make a contribution, I get absolution
I make a resolution to purify my soul

I’m a Catholic boy
Redeemed through pain
Not through joy

And they can’t touch me now
I got every sacrament behind me
I got baptism, I got penance
I got communion, I got extreme unction
Man, I’ve got confirmation

I was a Catholic boy
Redeemed through pain
And not through joy

And now I’m a Catholic man
I put my tongue to the rail whenever I can

[1998]

UNTITLED

(Pearl Jam, from ‘Live On Two Legs’)

Got a car
I got some gas
Oh let’s get outta here, get outta here fast
Oh everyone’s confused, so I stay in my room
If I go, I don’t want to go alone
I hope you get this message, oh you’re not home?
I could be there in ten minutes or so
Oh I got my things, we’ll make it up as we go along
Oh with you I could never be alone
Never be alone

FUCKIN’ UP

(Neil Young cover, from ‘Live On Two Legs’)

Lonely drifter on the hill (why do i?)
One must have a heart of steel (why do i?)
It’s not how you look but how you feel (why do i?)
You must have a heart of steel (why do i?)
Why do i keep fucking up?

I can see you on the hill (why do i?)
All comatose but walking still (why do i?)
Allowing curves beneath your flowing gown (why do i?)
Oh, only i can bring myself down (why do i?)
Why do i keep fucking up?

Bowman’s pick and dogs that bite (why do i?)
Oh, dogs that howl through the night (why do i?)
Oh, broken leashes all over the floor (why do i?)
Keys left hanging in a swinging door (why do i?)
Why do i keep fucking up?

 

[2000]

TIMELESS MELODY

(La’s cover, from bootleg 05/29/2000, London, UK)

a melody always finds me
whenever the thought reminds me
a pulse and a chain inside my head
a melody chord unwinds me
a rhythm of life unties me
bustlin a silent time away

if you look with your mind
do you know what you will find?
open your mind…
even the words they fail me
oh quite but still they fill me
i never say what I want to say
it’s only a word believe me
if only the world could see me
i have a silent word to him…

if you look with your eyes
do you know what you will find?
open your mind…
the melody always finds me
whenever the thought reminds me
breaking a chain inside my head
a melody chord unwinds me
a rhythm of life unties me
burning a silent time away
if you look with your mind
do you know what you will find?
open your mind…
open your mind…
open your mind

MOON IMPROV

(Pearl Jam, from bootleg 06/11/2000, Rock Im Park, Nurnberg, Germany)

Take a ladder up to my room
Take a ladder up to the moon
I’m a light reflecting
Off of the moon to you
So far away, running out of room
Running out of time, meet me on the moon
On the moon
We’ll have it all to ourselves
We’ll be there, no one could tell
Ah, the hour so true
Sharin’ our kiss on the moon
Sharin’ our kiss on the moon
The german sky
Don’t ask me why
It’s ten o’clock and my only thought is of you and the moon
It’s ten o’clock and my only thought is of you and the moon
And the moon
And the moon
It’s ten…
I’ll share a kiss with you… on the moon

I GOT YOU

(Split Enz cover, from bootleg 06/20/2000, Verona, Italy)

I got you, and that’s all I want
I won’t forget, but that’s a whole lot
Where do they go, but that not easy
Won’t you show me, tell me you’re not teasing

I don’t know why sometimes I get frightened
You can see my eyes and tell I’m not lyin’

Where do thou, but when I’m with you
When I’m without, I stay in my room
Where do you go? I get no answer
Your owe me, you’re a pagaent

I don’t know why sometimes I get frightened
You can see my eyes and tell I’m not lyin’
I don’t know why sometimes I get frightened
You can see my eyes and tell I’m not lyin’

Where are thou, and they get outta
Won’t she show me, tell me you’re not teasin’
Where do you go, I get no answer
You’re always out… out… out, it gets on my nerves

I don’t know why sometimes I get frightened
You can see my eyes and tell I’m not lyin’
I don’t know why sometimes I get frightened
You can see my eyes and tell I’m not lyin’

I AM A PATRIOT

(Steve Van Zandt cover, from bootleg 08/29/2000, Mansfield)

And the rivers shall open for the righteous
And the rivers shall open for the righteous
And the rivers shall open for the righteous, someday

I was walking, with my brother
And he wondered, oh, how i am
I said what i believe with my soul
Ain’t what i see with my eyes
And there’s no turning back this time

I am a patriot, and i love my country
Because my country is all i know
I wanna be with my family
People who understand me
I got no place else to go
I am a patriot

I was walking, with my boyfriend
He looked so fine, i said “Baby what’s on your min?”
“I wanna run like the lions
Released from their cages
Released from the rages burning in my soul tonight”
I am a patriot

And i ain’t no communist, and i ain’t no socialist
And i ain’t no capitalist, and i ain’t no imperialist
And i ain’t no democrat, i sure as fuck ain’t no republican either
I only know one party, and that is freedom
I am, I am, I am

I am a patriot, and i love my country
Because my country is all i know

And the rivers shall open for the righteous
And the rivers shall open for the righteous
And the rivers shall open for the righteous, someday
Someday, someday, someday, someday, someday, someday

EVERYDAY

(Buddy Holly cover, from bootleg 10/18/2000, Lubbock)

everyday, seems a little closer
going faster than a roller coaster
love like yours will truly come my way
everyday, it’s a gettin’ faster
everyone says go on up and ask her
love like yours will truly come my way
everyday seems a little longer
every way, love’s a little stronger
come what may, do you ever long for true love from me?
everyday, it’s a gettin’ faster
everyone says go on up and ask her
love like yours will truly come my way
everyday seems a little longer
everywhere, love’s a little stronger
come what may, do you ever long for true love from me?
everyday, seems a little closer
goin’ faster than a roller coaster
love like yours will truly come my way
love like yours will truly come my way
love like yours will truly come my way

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

(The Who cover, from bootleg 11/06/2000, Seattle)

I don’t mind other guys dancing with my girl
That’s fine, i know them all pretty well
And i know sometimes i must get out in the light
Better leave her behind where the kids are alright
The kids are alright

Sometimes, i know i gotta get away
Bells chime, i know i gotta get away
And i know if i don’t, i’ll go out of my mind
Better leave her behind where the kids are alright
The kids are alright

I know if i go things would be a lot better for her
I had things planned but her folks wouldn’t let her
Sometimes, i know i gotta get away
Bells chime, i know i gotta get away
And i know if i don’t i’ll go out of my mind
Better leave her behind where the kids are alright
The kids are alright

I don’t mind other guys dancing with my girl
That’s fine, i know them all pretty well
And i know sometimes i must get out in the light
Better leave her behind where the kids are alright
The kids are alright
The kids are alright
The kids are alright

IT’S OKAY

(Dead Moon cover, ‘Daughter’ tag – from “Touring Band 2000” DVD)

It’s okay, you don’t have to run and hide away
It’s okay, you know i love you anyway
This is my chance, this is my life
And my hope in an alleyway
This is my chance, this is my voice
There may be no tomorrow, no
This is my plea, this is my need
And my time for standing free
This is my step, this is my day
And the world is never safe
It’s okay, you know i love you anyway
It’s okay, you don’t have to run and hide away
It’s okay, it’s okay
It’s okay…

ROCKIN’ IN THE FREE WORLD

(Neil Young cover, from “Touring Band 2000” DVD)

There are colors on the street
Red, white and blue
People shufflin’ their feet
People sleepin’ in their shoes
There’s a warnin’ sign in the road ahead
There’s a lot of people sayin’ we’d be better off dead
Don’t feel like Satan, but i am to them
So i try to forget it any way i can, yeah

Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world

I see a girl in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Oh, next to a garbage can
Now she puts the kid away, she’s gone to get a hit
She hates her life and what she’s done with it
That’s one more kid that will never go to school
Never get to fall in love, never get to be cool

Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world

There’s a thousand points of light for the homeless man
There’s a kinder, gentler police man’s hand
There’s department stores and toilet paper
Styrofoam garbage for the ozone layer
There’s a man of the people, says ‘keep hope alive’
Got fuel to burn, got roads to drive

Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world

[2003]

WHY CAN’T I TOUCH IT?

(Buzzcocks cover, ‘Wishlist’ tag – From ‘Live at The Garden’ DVD)

Well it feels so real I can feel it
And it tastes so real I can taste it
And it sounds so real I can hear it
And it is so real I can be it
But why can’t I touch it?
But why can’t I touch it?
So why can’t I touch it?
So why can’t I touch it?
So why can’t I touch it?
So why can’t I touch it?

FORTUNATE SON

(Creedence Clearwater Revival cover, from ‘Live at The Garden’ DVD)

Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Oh, they’re red, white and blue
And when they play “Hail to the chief”
Oh, they point the cannon at you

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no fortunate son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no fortunate one

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don’t they help themselves
And when the taxman knocks on their door
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yeah

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no fortunate son
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no millionaire’s son, no, no

Some folks are born star spangled eyes
Oh, they send you out to war
And when Australia asks “How much do we give?”
Oh, they just ask for more and more and more and more and more

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no millionaire’s son, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no fortunate one, one, one
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i ain’t no C.I.A.’s son, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, i’m no fortunate son, son, son

BABA O’RILEY

(The Who cover, from ‘Live at The Garden’ DVD)

Out here in the fields, I fight for my meals
I get my back into my livin’
I don’t need to fight to prove I’m right
I don’t need to be forgiven

Don’t cry, don’t raise your eye
It’s only teenage wasteland, yeah

Sally take my hand, we’ll travel south cross land
Put out the fire and don’t look past my shoulder
The exodus is here, t he happy ones are near
Let’s get together, before we get much older

Teenage wasteland, only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland, only teenage wasteland
They’re all wasted

SAVE IT FOR LATER

(English Beat cover, ‘Betterman’ tag – from bootleg 05/03/2003, State College)

Two dozen other dirty lovers
Oh, can’t be a sucker for it
Don’t mean to cry to my mother
But just let me come, come
To a decision on it

Sooner or later
You hit the deck, you get found out
Save it for later
Don’t run away, don’t let me down
Save it for later
You hit the deck, you get found out
Save it for later
Don’t run away, don’t run away, don’t let me down
Don’t run away, don’t run away, don’t let me down

I’ve loved you for as long as I’ve known you
I’ve loved you and I’ll always need you
I put my trust, I give you blood, give you everything that I love
Don’t let me down, don’t let me down, don’t let me down
Don’t let me down, don’t let me down, don’t let me down
Don’t run away, don’t run away, don’t run away,
Don’t run away, don’t run away, don’t run away
Run away, run away, run away, run away, run away…
Don’t let me down!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

(The Clash cover, from bootleg 07/09/2003, New York)

This is a public service announcement
With guitar!
Know your rights

Number #1
You have the right not to kill
Murder is a crime!
Unless of course it is done by a policeman
Or an aristocrat
Oh, know your rights

Number #2
You have the right to food money
Provided at cost
You don’t mind a little investigation, humiliation
And if you cross your fingers
Maybe a little retaliation
Know you rights
These are your rights!
These are your rights!

Number #3… are you ready for number #3?
You have the right to free speech
Provided at cost you’re not actually dumb enough to try it
These are your rights
Know your rights

And there are people, there are people in some quarters
And they say that this is not enough
So get up and scream, oh!
So get up and scream, oh!

GROWIN’ UP

(Bruce Springsteen cover, from bootleg 07/14/2003 – Holmdel)

Well I stood stone-like at midnight
Suspended in my masquerade
I combed my hair till it was just right
And commanded the night brigade
I was open to pain and crossed by the rain
And I walked with a crooked crutch
I strode all alone through the fallout zone
Came out with my soul untouched
I stood in the clouded wrath of the crowd
But when they said “Pull down” I stood up
Ooh, ooh, growin’ up

The flag of piracy flew from my mast
My sails were set wing to wing
I had a jukebox graduate for first mate
She couldn’t sail but she sure could sing
And I pushed B-52 and bombed ’em with the blues
With my gear set stubborn on standing
I strode all alone through the fallout zone
Never once gave thought to landing
I stood in the clouded warmth of the crowd
But when they said “Pull down” I pulled up
Ooh, ooh, growin’ up

I stood in the clouded warmth of the crowd
But when they said “Sit down” I threw up
Ooh, ooh, growin’ up

[2004]

25 MINUTES TO GO

(Johnny Cash cover, from ‘Live at Benaroya Hall’)

They’re buildin’ the gallows outside my cell
I got 25 minutes to go
And in 25 minutes I’ll be in hell
I got 24 minutes to go
Well, they gave me some beans for my last meal
With 23 minutes to go
And you know, nobody’s asked me how I feel
I got 22 minutes to go
So I wrote to the Gov’nor and the whole damned bunch
With 21 minutes to go
And I call up the mayor and he’s out to lunch
With 20 more minutes to go
And the Sheriff says “Boy, I wanna watch you die”
19 minutes to go
So I spit in his face and I kick him in the eye
With 18 minutes to go
Well, I call out to the warden to take my plea
With 17 minutes to go
He says “Call me back in a week or three
You’ve got 16 minutes to go”
Well, my lawyer says he’s sorry that he missed my case
Oh, 15 minutes to go
Well, if you’re so sorry, come up and take my place
With 14 minutes to go
Well here comes the father to set me free
With 13 minutes to go
And he’s talkin’ ’bout burnin’ but i feel so fuckin’ cold
With 12 more minutes to go
Now they’re testin’ the trap, and it chills my spine
With 11 more minutes to go
‘Cuz the goddamn thing seems to work just fine
With 10 more minutes to go
I’m waitin’ for the pardon, gonna set me free
With 9 more minutes to go
But this ain’t the movies, so to hell with me
With 8 more minutes to go
Now I’m climbin’ up the ladder with a scaffold peg
With 7 more minutes to go
I’ve betta’ watch my step or I’ll break my leg
With 6 more minutes to go
Yeah, with my feet on the trap and my head in the noose
I got 5 more minutes to go
Well, c’mon someone, cut me loose!
I got 4 more minutes to go
And i can see the mountains, i can see the sky
With 3 more minutes to go
And it’s too damn pretty for a man who’s gonna die
With 2 more minutes to go
I can hear the buzzards and i can see the crows
With 1 more minute to go
And now I’m swingin’ and here i gooooooooo….

MASTERS OF WAR

(Bob Dylan cover, from ‘Live at Benaroya Hall’)

Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build all the bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
We just want you to know
We can see through your masks

You that never done nothing
But build to destroy
You play with our world
Like it’s your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
Then you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly

Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But i see through your eyes
And i see through your brain
Like i see through the water that runs down my drain

You that fasten all the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you sit back and watch
While the death toll gets higher
You hide in your mansions
While young people’s blood
Flows out of their bodies and is buried in the mud

You’ve thrown the worst fear
That could ever be hurled
The fear to bring children, into this world
For threatenin’ my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain’t worth the blood that runs through your veins

How much do we know
To talk out of turn?
You might say that we’re young
You might say we’re unlearned
But there’s one thing i know
Though i’m younger than you
Even Jesus would never forgive what you do

Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good?
Will it buy you forgiveness?
Do you think that it would?
Oh, i think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made will never buy back your soul

And i hope that you die
And your death will come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And i’ll watch while you’re lowered
Into your deathbed
And i’ll stand o’er your grave till i’m sure that your dead

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

(The Ramones cover, from ‘Live at Benaroya Hall’)

I used to be on an endless run
Believed in miracles ’cause i’m one
Oh i’ve been blessed with the power to survive
After all these years i’m still alive
I’m out here kickin’ with the band
Suddenly i’m a solitary man
Every day my time runs out
Lived like a fool, that’s what i was about

Oh i believe in miracles
Oh i believe in a better world for me and you
Oh-oh, i believe in miracles
Oh i believe in a better world for me and you

Tattooed your name on my arm
I always said my girl’s a good luck charm
If she can find a reason to forgive
Then i can find a reason to live

Oh i believe in miracles
Oh i believe in a better world for me and you
Oh-oh, i believe in miracles
I believe in a better world for me and you
I close my eyes and think how it might be
The future’s here today
It’s not too late
It’s not too late, no!

Ooh i believe in miracles
Oh-oh i believe in a better world for me and you, you
Oh-oh, i believe in miracles
Oh-oh i believe in a better world for me and you, you, you…

[2005]

HARVEST MOON

(Neil Young cover, from bootleg 09/13/2005, Hamilton, Ontario)

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin’
We could dream this night away

But there’s a full moon risin’
Let’s go dancin’ in the light
We know where the music’s playin’
Let’s go out and feel the night

Because I’m still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I’m still in love with you
On this harvest moon

When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart

But now it’s gettin’ late
And the moon is climbin’ high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin’ in your eye

Because I’m still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I’m still in love with you
On this harvest moon

[2006]

I MUST NOT THINK BAD THOUGHTS

(The X cover w/Tim Robbins, from bootleg 07/10/2006, Inglewood, California)

The facts we hate, we’ll never meet
Walkin’ down the road everybody yellin’ “hurry up, hurry up”
But I’m waiting for you, I must go slow
I must not think bad thoughts
What is this world coming to?
Both sides are right, but both sides murder
I give up — why can’t they?

I must not think bad thoughts… (x3)

The civil wars and the uncivilized wars
Conflagrations leap out of every poor furnace
The food cooks poorly and everyone goes hungry
From then on it’s dog eat dog, dog eat body, body eat dog
I can’t go down there, I can’t understand it
I’m a no-good coward, an American too
A North American, that is, and I must not think bad thoughts
I must not think bad thoughts… (x4)
I’m guilty of murder of innocent men
Innocent women and innocent children
Thousands of ’em
My planes, my guns, my money, my soldiers
My blood on my hands, it’s all my fault

I must not think bad thoughts… (x3)

The facts we hate, you’ll never hear us
The radio’s finally gonna play 80’s music
You know, “computer FM”
But what about the Minutemen, Flesheaters, D.O.A.
Big Boys and the Black Flag?
Will the last American band to get played on the radio
Please bring the flag, please bring the flag, please bring the flag?
Glitter-disco-synthesizer-night-school
All this noble savage drum drum drum
Astronauts go back in time to hang out with the apes
It’s about time, it’s about space
It’s about some people in a strange place
Woody Guthrie sang about B-E-E-T-S not B-E-A-T-S

I must not think bad thoughts (x3)

MODERN GIRL

(Sleater-Kinney cover, ‘Not For You’ tag, from bootleg 09/20/2006, Pistoia, Italy)

My whole life
Like a picture
On a sunny day (x4)

 

 

 

THE AMERICAN IN ME

(The Avengers cover reworked, from ‘Live at Easy Street’)

It’s the American in me that makes me watch the blood
Flowing out of the bullethole in his head
It’s the American in me that makes me watch TV
See on the news, listen to what the man said

He said, ask not what you can do for your country
Ask what your country is doing to you
Ask not what you can do for your country
What your country’s been doing to your mind?

It’s the American in me that says it is an honor to die
In a war that’s just a politicians’ lie
It’s the American in me that makes wonder why
Kennedy was murdered by the FBI

Ask not what you can do for your country
Ask what your country is doing to you
Ask not what you can do for your country
What your country’s been doing to you?

In the USA!
In the USA!
In the USA!

It’s the American in me that makes me watch the blood
Flowing out of the bullethole in his head
It’s the American in me that makes wonder why
See what they did to the CIA

Ask not what you can do for your country
Ask what your country is doing to you
Ask not what you can do for your country
What your country’s been doing to you?

Ask not what you can do for your country
What your country’s been doing to you?
Ask not what you can do for your country
What your country’s been doing to you?

 

 

 

BLEED FOR ME

(Dead Kennedys cover reworked, from ‘Live at Easy Street’)

You’ve been hanging around
With an enemy of the state
Come with me to the building
Where fuckin’ no-one stops to watch

C’mon bleed!
C’mon bleed!
C’mon bleed!
Bleed for me

We’ll strap you to a pipe
Electrodes on your balls
C’mon scream!
C’mon writhe!
Face down in a pool of piss

C’mon bleed!
C’mon bleed!
C’mon bleed!
Bleed for me

In the name of world peace
In the name of world profits
America pumps up his secret police
America needs fuel
To get it, it needs puppets
So what’s ten million dead?
If it’s keeping out the Russians

We’re well trained by the CIA
With Yankee tax money in Ft. Bragg
The Peace Corps builds US labor camps
When they think they’re building schools

Ha Ha

When cowboy Georgie comes to town
Forks out his tongue at human rights
Have yourself an ethnic meal
Dine on some charbroiled nuns
Try a medal on
Smile at the mirror as the cameras click
And make big business happy

Anytime
Any place
Maybe you’ll just disappear

C’mon bleed!
C’mon bleed!
C’mon bleed!
Bleed

 

 

 

THE NEW WORLD

(The X cover, from ‘Live at Easy Street’)

Honest to goodness the bars weren’t open this morning
They must have been voting for a president of something
“Do you have a quarter?”, i said yes because i did
Honest to goodness the tears have been falling all over this country’s face

It was better before, before they voted for what’s his name?
This was supposed to be the new world
It was better before, before they voted for what’s his name?
This was supposed to be the new world

Flint Ford Auto, Mobil Alabama, windshield wipers Buffalo New York
Gary Indiana, don’t forget the Motor City
Baltimore and D.C. now all we need is
Don’t forget the Motor City
This was supposed to be the new world
Don’t forget the Motor City
This was supposed to be the new world

All we need is money, just give us what you can spare
Twenty or thirty pounds of potatoes or twenty of thirty beers
A turkey on Thanksgiving like alms for the poor
All we need are the necessities and more
It was better before they voted for what’s his name?
This was supposed to be the new world
It was better before they voted for what’s his name?
This was supposed to be the new world

Don’t forget the Motor City
This was supposed to be the new world

Don’t forget the Motor City
This was supposed to be the new world

[2007]

I WON’T BACK DOWN

(Tom Petty cover, from ‘Live at the Gorge’)

Well I won’t back down, well I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back down

No, I’ll stand my ground, no, I won’t be turned around
In a world that keeps on a-draggin’ me down
I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back down

Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I’ll stand my ground
And I won’t back down

Well I know what’s right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around
I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back down

Hey baby there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I’ll stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Hey baby there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I’ll stand my ground
And I won’t back down
I won’t back down
No I won’t back down

LITTLE WING

(Jimi Hendrix cover, from ‘Live at the Gorge’)

Well she’s walking through the clouds
With a circus mind that’s running round
Butterflies and zebras
And moonbeams and fairy tales
That’s all she ever thinks about
Riding with the wind

When I’m sad, she comes to me
With a thousand smiles, she gives to me free
It’s alright she says it’s alright
Take anything you want from me
Anything, anything

Fly on little wing
Yeah

[2009]

THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE

(Neil Young cover, from bootleg 08/23/2009, Chicago)

I caught you knockin’ at my cellar door
I love you, baby, can I have some more
Ooh, ooh, the damage done

I hit the city and I lost my band
I watched the needle take another man
Gone, gone, the damage done

I sing the song because I love the man
I know that some of you don’t understand
Milk-blood to keep from running out

I’ve seen the needle and the damage done
A little part of it in everyone
But every junkie’s like a settin’ sun

WALKING THE COW

(Daniel Johnston cover, from bootleg 10/03/2009, Austin City Limits)

Trying to remember
But my feelings can’t know for sure
Try to reach out
But it’s gone

Lucky stars in your eyes
I’m walking the cow

I really don’t know how I came here
I really don’t know why I’m stayin’ here
Oh, Oh, Oh I’m walking the cow

Tried to point my finger
But the wind keeps blowin’ me around
In circles… circles

Lucky stars in your eyes
I’m walking the cow

I really don’t know what I have to fear
I really don’t know why I have to care
Oh, Oh, Oh I’m walkin’ the cow
Lucky stars in your eyes

SO YOU WANT TO BE A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STAR

(The Byrds cover, from bootleg 10/09/2009, San Diego)

So you want to be a rock’n’roll star
Well listen now to what I say
Get yourself an electric guitar
And create a sound and learn how to play
And when your hair’s combed right and your pants fit tight
It’s gonna be all right

It’s time to go down town
Where the agent man, he won’t let you down
Sell your soul to the company
They are waiting there to sell plastic ware
And in a week or two you’re gonna make the charts
They’re gonna tear you apart

[EV speech] So can i take you back to 20 years ago?
Are you willing to go back to 20 years ago?
I was working in this petroleum company, midnight shift, 20 years ago…
And i had this boss, he might even still be here… oh shit, he’s here!
I had this boss, he was a great boss, he was a big man…
He’s a big, strong man, he was my boss, he was my good boss…
And when you went up to this boss, it was like climbing a fuckin’ oak tree!
If you had a question… and me, i was small, i was small as i am now,
but he’s that big…
So i went to him and i talked to him, i said, ” Tim…”
No, no, i didn’t, i didn’t say Tim… i said, “Mr Duane, i got a question for you”
I said: “See, i really appreciate my job and i know that you think i’m good.
I know that you even promoted me to supervisor of midnight shift security
and gas pump detail…
And I know you want me to do my job, I know you want to keep me around,
but you know that i play this music thing…
And i got this music thing, and it’s kind of a punk rock thing,
and if i do this punk rock thing…
I need to have a mohawk, you see, i need to have a mohawk…
I know that you put me in a position of responsibility,
but i still need a mohawk to play in this band, you see…
So i promise i’ll wear a hat and i promise
that we can do something with this music thing…
I swear to God, Mr Duane, i swear to God,
we can do something with this music thing…
I can promise you, i can guarantee you.”
And he said, “Well, i need to think about this”
He said, “Lemme think… i think… go ahead, do it! Go ahead, do it!
Wear you hat, take that earring out,
but you can have your mohawk, right?”
And i was so grateful, i said, “I promise you Tim, oh well i can’t promise,
but i think it could really go well, it could really go well…”
So all i want to ask you now, Mr Duane is…
What do you think of this now?
And I’d beg you to take me back and i wouldn’t mind to come back,
’cause it’s a great job and it was a great job…
But this job i got now… i’m never going to fuckin’ quit!

The price you pay for your riches and fame
Was it all a strange game
You’re a little insane
The money that came and the public acclaim
Don’t forget what you are
You’re a rock’n’roll star

Lalalalalalala

[2010]

OF THE EARTH

(Unreleased, from bootleg 06/22/2010, Dublin)

On the rise and rise and fall
What they’re sayin’ is nothin’ left at all

On the rise and catch and fall
All they’re sayin’ is somethin that I don’t like

On the edge of the earth
Of the earth

On the rise and rise and fall
All they’re sayin’ is coming back for more

On the rise and here to fall
All they say is something I don’t like

On the edge of the earth
Of the earth

On the rise and rise and fall
All they say is nothing I don’t like

On the rise and rise and fal
What they’re sayin’ is nothin’ I don’t mind

On the edge of the earth
Of the earth
Of the earth

[2011]

ARMS ALOFT

(Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros cover, from ‘Live On Ten Legs’)

Sometimes there’s no star shining
Scouting the edge of the universe
Sometimes you can’t see a horizon
Between the ocean and the earth

And just when you were thinking about slinkin’ down
I’m gonna pull you up – I’m gonna pull ya round
May I remind you of that scene?
The spirit is our gasoline
May I remind you of that scene?
We were arms aloft in Aberdeen
May I remind you of that scene?
Let a million mirror balls beam
May I remind you of that scene?

And you say ‘living ain’t nothing but hassles’
In a manilla envelope rain
And driving coal all-night to Newcastle
It’s getting to be a repetitive strain
And just when you thought you’re going down the drain …

May I remind you of that scene?
The spirit is our gasoline
May I remind you of that scene?
We were arms aloft in Aberdeen
May I remind you of that scene?
Let a million mirror balls beam
May I remind you of that scene?

I’m gonna pull you up – I’m gonna pull ya round

May I remind you of that scene?
The spirit is our gasoline
May I remind you of that scene?
We were arms aloft in Aberdeen

Let a million mirror balls beam
The spirit is our gasoline
May I remind you of that scene?
We were arms aloft in Aberdeen

They say the stars can’t see their rays
Nor can they count their numbered days
No flower can says what perfume is
We got all this and Bird and Diz
May I remind you of that scene?
We were arms aloft in Aberdeen

May I remind you of that scene?

PUBLIC IMAGE

(PIL cover, from ‘Live On Ten Legs’)

Hello, hello, hello (ha, ha, ha)

You never listen to a word that I said
You only seen me
For the clothes that I wear
Or did the interest go so much deeper
It must have been
The colour of my hair

The Public Image

What you wanted was never made clear
Behind the image was ignorance and fear
You hide behind this public machine
Still follow same old scheme

Public Image

Two sides to every story
Somebody had to stop me
I’m not the same as when I began
I will not be treated as property

Public Image

Two sides to every story
Somebody had to stop me
I’m not the same as when I began
It’s not a game of monopoly

Public image

Public image
You got what you wanted
The public image belongs to me
It’s my entrance
My own creation
My grand finale
My goodbye

Public image
Goodbye

WALK WITH ME

(Neil Young cover, from “Pearl Jam Twenty” OST)

I feel your love
I feel your strong love
I feel the patience
Of unconditional love
I feel your strength
I feel your faith in me

I’ll never let you down no matter what we do
If you just walk with me and let me walk with you
I’m on this journey, I don’t want to walk alone

Walk with me
Walk with me
Walk with me
Walk with me

Walk with me
Shine me a light
Walk with me
Walk with me

I lost some friends I was traveling with
I missed the soul and the old friendship

CHLOE DANCER/CROWN OF THORNS

(Mother Love Bone cover, from bootleg 09/11/2011, Toronto)

Chloe don’t know better
Chloe is just like me, only beautiful
A couple of years difference
But those lessons never learned, and you know?
Chloe danced the tables in the French Quarter
She’s always been given
So I can’t always make her laugh
But I’m proud to say
And I won’t forget
Time spent laying by her side
Time spent laying by her side
Dreams like these must die
A dream like this must die
Dreams like these must…

You ever heard the story of Mr. Faded Glory?
Say he who rides a pony must someday fall
I was talkin’ to my alter
Says life is what you make it
And if you make it death, well rest your soul away
Away, away

It’s a broken kinda feeling
She’d have to tie me to the ceiling
A bad moons-a-comin’, better say your prayers
I wanna tell you that i love you
But does it really matter?
I just can’t stand to see you draggin’ down again
Again, oh baby again

So i’m singing
This is my kinda love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s unkind and leaves me alone, yeah
Oh this is my kinda love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s unkind and leaves me alone

I used to treat you like a lady
Now you’re my substitute teacher
This bottle’s not a pretty, not a pretty sight
I owe the man some money, so i’m turnin’ over honey
See, Mr. Faded Glory is once again doin’ time, oh yeah

This is my kinda love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s unkind and leaves me alone, yeah
This is my kinda love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s unkind and, it’s unkind and
Leaves me alone, yeah
Like a crown of thorns
It’s all who you know
So don’t burn your bridges, woman
‘Cause someday, yeah

So i’m singing
This is my kinda love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s unkind and leaves me alone, yeah
This is my kinda love
It’s the kind that moves on
It’s unkind and leaves me alone

[2012]

MOTHER

(Pink Floyd cover, from bootleg 07/05/2012, Berlin, Germany)

Mother do you think they’ll drop the bomb?
Mother do you think they’ll like the song?
Mother do you think they’ll try to break my balls?
Mother should I build the wall?
Mother should I run for president?
Mother should I trust the government?
Mother will they put me in the firing line?
Ooo, is it just a waste of time?

Hush now baby, baby don’t you cry
Mama’s gonna make all of your nightmares come true
Mama’s gonna put all of her fears into you
Mama’s gonna keep you right here under her wing
She won’t let you fly but she might let you sing
Mama’s will keep baby cozy and warm
Oooh babe
Oooh babe
Oooh babe of course mother’s gonna help build the wall

Mother do you think she’s good enough for me?
Mother do you think she’s dangerous to me?
Mother will she tear your little boy apart?
Ooooh mother will she break my heart?

Hush now baby, baby don’t you cry
Mama’s gonna check out all your girlfriends for you
Mama won’t let anyone dirty get through
Mama’s gonna wait up until you get in
Mama will always find out where you’ve been
Mama’s gonna keep baby healthy and clean
Oooh babe
Oooh babe
Oooh babe, you’ll always be a baby to me
Mother, did it need to be so high?

[2013]

AIN’T TALKIN ‘BOUT LOVE

(Van Halen cover, from bootleg 11/30/2013, Spokane)

Yeah, I heard the news baby
All about your disease
Yeah, you may have all you want baby
But I got somethin’ you need. Oh, yeah!

Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love
My love is rotten to the core
Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love
Just like I told you before, before

You know you’re semi-good lookin’
And on the streets again
Ooh yeah, you think you’re really cookin’ baby
You better find yourself a friend, my friend

Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love
My love is rotten to the core
Ain’t talkin’ about love
Just like I told you before! Before! Before!

You know I’ve been to the edge
And there I stood and looked down
You know I lost a lot of friends there baby
I ain’t got time to fuck around

If you want it you’ve got to bleed for it, baby
You’ve got to bleed for it, baby
You’ve got to bleed for it, baby
You’ve got to bleed for it, baby

Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love
My love is rotten to the core
Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love
Just like I told you before! Before! Before!

[2014]

RAIN

(The Beatles cover, from bootleg 06/17/2014, Amsterdam)

If the rain comes, they run and hide their heads
They might as well be dead
When the rain comes, when the rain comes

When the sun shines, they slip into the shade
And drink their lemonade
When the sun shines, when the sun shines

Rain, I don’t mind
Shine, the weather’s fine

I can show you, that when it starts to rain
Everything’s the same
I can show you, I can show you

Rain, I don’t mind
Shine, the weather’s fine

Can you hear me, that when it rains and shines
It’s just a state of mind
Can you hear me, can you hear me

WAITING ON A FRIEND

(The Rolling Stones cover, from bootleg 06/29/2014, Oslo)

Watching girls go passing by, it ain’t the latest thing
I’m just standing in a doorway
I’m just trying to make some sense
Out of these girls that pass by, the tales they tell of men
I’m not waiting on a lady, I’m just waiting on a friend

A smile relieves a heart that grieves, remember what I said
I’m not waiting on a lady, I’m just waiting on a friend
I’m just waiting on a friend, just waiting on a friend
I’m just waiting on a friend

Don’t need a whore, don’t need no booze
Don’t need a virgin priest
But I need someone I can cry to
I need someone to protect

Making love and breaking hearts, oh it’s just s a game for youth
But I’m not waiting on a lady, i’m just waiting on a friend
I’m just waiting on a friend, i’m just waiting on a friend
I’m just waiting on a friend

OPEN ALL NIGHT

(Bruce Springsteen cover, from bootleg 10/09/2014, Lincoln)

I had the carburetor, baby, cleaned and checked with her line blown out
She’s hummin’ like a turbojet
Propped her up in the backyard on concrete blocks
For a new clutch plate and a new set of shocks
Down to the carwash check the plugs and points
I’m goin’ out tonight I’m gonna rock that joint

Early north Jersey industrial skyline
I’m a all set cobra jet creepin’ through the nighttime
Gotta find a gas station gotta find a payphone
This turnpike sure is spooky at night when you’re all alone
Gotta hit the gas ’cause I’m runnin’ late
This New Jersey ‘n the mornin’ like a lunar landscape

The boss don’t dig me so he put me on the nightshift
It’s an all night run to get back to where my baby lives
In the wee wee hours your mind gets hazy
Radio relay towers won’t you lead me to my baby
Underneath the overpass trooper hits his party light switch
Goodnight good luck one two powershift

I met Wanda when she was employed
Behind the counter at the route 60 Bobs Big
Boy fried chicken on the front seat she’s sittin’ in my lap
We’re wipin’ our fingers on a Texaco roadmap
I remember Wanda up on scrap metal hill
With them big brown eyes that make your heart stand still

5 A.M. oil pressure’s sinkin’ fast
I make a pit stop wipe the windshield check the gas
Gotta call my baby on the telephone
Let her know that her daddy’s comin’ on home
Sit tight little mamma I’m commin’ round
I got 3 more hours but I’m coverin’ ground

Your eyes get itchy in the wee wee hours
Sun’s just a red ball risin’ over them refinery towers
Radio’s jammed up with gospel stations
Lost souls callin’ long distance salvation
Hey Mr deejay, won’t you hear my last prayer
Hey, ho, rock ‘n’ roll, deliver me from nowhere

ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER

(Bob Dylan cover, from bootleg 07/08/2014, Leeds, UK)

“There must be some way out of here”, said the joker to the thief
“There’s too much confusion, I can’t get no relief”
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth

“No reason to get excited”, the thief he kindly spoke
“There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
But you and I, we’ve been through that, and this is not our fate
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late”

All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too

Outside in the cold distance, a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approachin’ and the wind began to howl

KICK OUT THE JAMS

(MC5 cover, from bootleg 10/16/2014, Detroit)

Right now… right now… it’s time… it’s time to…
Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!

Well i feel pretty good
And i guess that i could get crazy now baby
Cause we all got in tune
And when the dressing room got hazy now baby

I know how you want it child
Hot, quick and tight
The girls can’t stand it
When you’re doin’it right
Let me up on the stand
And let me kick out the jams
Yes, kick out the jams
I want to kick’em out!

Yes i’m starting to sweat
You know my shirt’s all wet
What a feeling
In the sound that abounds
And resounds and rebounds off the ceiling

You gotta have it baby
You can’t do without
When you get that feeling
You gotta sock’em out
Put that mike in my hand
And let me kick out the jam
Yes! Kick out the jams
I want to kick’em out

1,2… 1,2,3,4
So you got to give it up
You know you can’t get enough Miss Mackenzie
‘Cause it gets in your brain
It drives you insane
With the frenzy

The wailin’ guitars girl
The crash of the drums
Make you wanna keep-a-rockin’
Till the morning comes

Let me be who i am
And let me kick out the jams
Yes, kick out the jams
We done, kicked em out !!!

MOLINE

(New song, from bootleg 10/17/2014, Moline)

I knew there was trouble so I left Detroit
I left my old man for a plane full of boys
For he did leave me that son of a bitch Keith
Yeah home after dawn always smelling like pig
He took my share and still didn’t care
Yeah he probably would have killed me if I had stayed there
But I had a scheme so cool and so clean
I got me a ticket one way to Moline

Moline, Moline
How have you been?
Been here before
But it must have been a dream
Moline, you see
Your rivers turn green
The Mississippi rises and widens the sea
Moline, it seems that this is for me
My name is Nancy but here I’m Coleen
Yeah, Moline

Now I love paying rents and life on my own
Yeah everything’s better than in that bastard’s home
And someday I’ll buy, yeah lookin’ I’ve been
I got my eye in the Quad Cities, here in Moline
The place with the chapel on 4th avenue and 12th street

Moline, Moline
How have you been?
I probably been here before
But it must have been a dream
Moline, you see
Your rivers turn green
The Mississippi rises and widens the sea
Moline, it seems that this is for me
You call me Nancy and now I live in Moline

[2015]

COMFORTABLY NUMB

(Pink Floyd cover, from bootleg 11/11/2015, Porto Alegre)

Hello,
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me
Is there anyone at home?
Come on now,
I hear you’re feeling down
I can ease the pain
And get you on your feet again
Relax
I’ll need some information first
Just the basic facts
Can you show me where it hurts?

There is no pain, you are receding
A distant ship smoke under the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can’t hear what you are saying
When I was a child I had a fever
My hands felt just like two balloons
Now I’ve got that feeling once again
I can’t explain, you would not understand
This is not how I am
I have become comfortably numb

Ok
Just a little pin prick
There’ll be no more aaaaaaaah!
But you may feel a little sick
Can you stand up?
I do believe it’s working, good
That’ll keep you going through the show
Come on it’s time to go

There is no pain, you are receding
A distant ship smoke under the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can’t hear what you are saying
When I was a child
I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown
The dream is gone
And I have become
Comfortably numb

A SORT OF HOMECOMING

(U2 cover – intro – from bootleg 11/25/2015, Bogotà)

And you know it’s time to go
Through the sleet and driving snow
Across the fields of mourning
To a light in the distance

And you hunger for the time
Time to heal, ‘desire’ time
And the earth moves beneath
Your own dream landscape

Oh oh oh, on borderland we run
I’ll be there, I’ll be there… tonight

[2016]

SURRENDER

(Cheap Trick cover, from bootleg 05/02/2016, New York)

Mother told me, yes, she told me
I’d meet girls like you
She also told me,
“Stay away, you’ll never know what you’ll catch
Just the other day
I heard a soldier falling off some
Indonesian junk that’s going round”

Mommy’s alright
Daddy’s alright
They just seem a little weird
Surrender, surrender
But don’t give yourself away, ay, ay, ay

Father says,
“Your mother’s right, she’s really up on things
Before we married,
Mommy served in the WACS in the Philippines”
Now, I had heard the WACS recruited old maids for the war
But mommy isn’t one of those
I’ve known her all these years

Mommy’s alright
Daddy’s alright
They just seem a little weird
Surrender, surrender
But don’t give yourself away, ay, ay, ay

Whatever happened to all this season’s losers of the year?
Ev’ry time I got to thinking
Where’d they disappear?
When I woke up
Mom and dad are rolling on the couch
Rolling numbers, rock and rolling
Got my Kiss records out

Mommy’s alright
Daddy’s alright
They just seem a little weird
Surrender, surrender
But don’t give yourself away, ay, ay, ay

DRIVEN TO TEARS

(The Police cover, from bootleg 05/02/2016, New York)

Driven to tears, driven to tears

Hide my face in my hands, shame wells in my throat
My comfortable existence is reduced to a shallow meaningless party
Seems that when some innocent die
All we can offer them is a page in some fuckin’ magazine
Too many cameras and not enough food
‘Cause this is what we’ve seen

Driven to tears, driven to tears

Protest is futile, nothing seems to get through
What’s to become of our world?
Who knows what to do?

Driven to tears, driven to tears

[2017]

 

 

AGAIN TODAY

(Brandi Carlile cover, from ‘Cover Stories: Brandi Carlile Celebrates 10 Years Of The Story’)

Broken sticks and broken stones
Will turn to dust just like our bones
It’s words that hurt the most now isn’t it

Are you sad inside, are you home alone
If I could just pick up the phone
Maybe you could see a better day

And you won’t waste away
Under my watchful eye
Because I’m your hero and you’re my weakness

Who’s gonna break my fall
When the spinning starts
The colors bleed together and fade
Was it ever there at all
Or have I lost my way

The path of least resistance
Is catching up with me again today

I’m broken down, not good enough
The broken promises add up
To twice their weight in tears which I have caused

I’m afraid to sink, I’m afraid to swim
I’m sad to say I miss my friends
I know that I’m supposed to step away

But they need me to stay and keep a watchful eye
On all my heroes and all their demons
But who’s gonna break my fall
When the spinning starts

The colors bleed together and fade
Was it ever there at all
Or have I lost my way

The path of least resistance
Is catching up with me again
Not today
Not today

[2020]

GET IT BACK

(Good Music To Avert The Collapse Of American Democracy, Volume 2)

On the side of the road… Lost and alone… To get it back…
Much farther it goes… So far from home… To get it back…
Frozen in time… Turn on and die… To get it back…

Tried to reach you before winter comes…
Always a place for you in my heart…
You’re not alone… All used up…
I’ll give anything to talk to you…

You’re proud of the son… Only one… To get it back…
Mother and child… Lost for a while… They want you back…
Stare at the sun… Won’t hurt anyone… To get it back…

Tried to reach you before winter comes…
Always a place for you in my heart…
You’re not alone… All used up…
I’ll give anything to talk to you…

Since you went away… Hard to find my place…
Since you went away… Hard to find my place…
Since you went away…

Lyrics © www.pearljam.com