Garfield County
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© 2011
1 “Garfield County” Verse 1 The snow on Mount McCreary casts a chill when the day is dreary. But the people in this town don’t let the grey skies get them down. And Minor Creek divides more than just the Methodist and Baptist Church. Ask Ole Granny Coleman for the lowdown as she sits upon her perch. Chorus Garfield County, Land that I love. Where friends are friends forever til they ascend to God above. Garfield County. Beware the pack. Cause your friends just might deceive you with a smile that burns and leaves you with a knife stuck in your back. Garfield County… Verse 2 The Courthouse is full of history and a little bit of mystery because justice isn’t blind. But the people don’t seem to mind. They come together every fall to support the local football team. The wealthy, the poor, huddled together clinging to lost dreams. Chorus Garfield County, Land that I love. Where friends are friends forever til they ascend to God above. Garfield County. Beware the pack. Cause your friends just might deceive you with a smile that burns and leaves you
2 with a knife stuck in your back. Garfield County… Bridge I don’t mean to judge. I always try to be nice. But small town life can be ugly, and everything has a price… Chorus Garfield County, Land that I love. Where friends are friends forever til they ascend to God above. Garfield County. Beware the pack. Cause your friends just might deceive you with a smile that burns and leaves you with a knife stuck in your back. Garfield County…
16 July 2011
3 “The Widow’s Mite” Verse 1 “God bless Etta Mae,” the people always seem to say, as she putters down the street. Craggy-faced, sorrow lined, one lone thought runs through her mind and guides her weary feet. A limestone grave worn sixty plus years greets her each and every day. A husband lost and a lifetime of tears mars this merry month of May. Chorus She leaves behinds the Widow’s Mite for a brave and valiant man who lived and died for her. To memories sweet she still holds tight and does the best she can when fears begin to stir. She heaves a rose and an airy sigh and in her heart longs to die but Etta Mae remains. And the Widow’s Mite weighs heavy. And her grief the warm earth stains. Verse 2 “Hold tight, Etta Mae,” her husband paused to say when he left to join the War. “Love you, girl. See you soon.” He left at half past noon with a cause worth fighting for. He died at sea in a fiery blaze when his convoy got attacked. His wife got word
4 from a telegram that he was never coming back. Chorus She leaves behinds the Widow’s Mite for a brave and valiant man who lived and died for her. To memories sweet she still holds tight and does the best she can when fears begin to stir. She heaves a rose and an airy sigh and in her heart longs to die but Etta Mae remains. And the Widow’s Mite weighs heavy. And her grief the warm earth stains. Bridge Etta Mae had a dream one night. Her husband came and held her tight, and brushed her fears aside. A few days passed before they found her, at peace, in love from death’s encounter, and there she would abide. Chorus She leaves behinds the Widow’s Mite for a brave and valiant man who lived and died for her. To memories sweet she still holds tight and does the best she can when fears begin to stir. She heaves a rose and an airy sigh and in her heart longs to die but Etta Mae remains. And the Widow’s Mite weighs heavy. And her grief the warm earth stains. 25 July 2011
5 “The Bus Stop” Verse 1 Saturday night comes once a week and if by chance you should steal a peek in the Garfield County Bus Stop, you know just who you’ll see. Waylon Burns sits on a bench, suitcase packed, fingers clenched round a ticket to some far-off place that he would rather be. The Greyhound pulls up. The people get in. Waylon doesn’t budge. He’s lost his will again. Chorus He would’ve gone to San Fran or wintered in the Keys. He would’ve seen the Great Lakes or eaten ribs in Tennessee. All he had to do was step inside the bus. He would’ve romanced a dame in a bar in Santa Fe. He would’ve pulled off a heist at a bank in San Jose. But fantasies like those can get the best of us. So Waylon sits and he plans as the janitor mops. Maybe one day he’ll leave the bus stop. Verse 2 Waylon was born in this small town, a quiet child fixed with a frown because he always longed to see places he read about in books. At forty-eight, he’s never left, lonely and a bit bereft of adventures he never claimed and trips he never took.
6 And the Greyhound returns. And more people take off. But Waylon sits still. And those who know him scoff. Bridge And then one night, one Saturday, Waylon didn’t come to pay for the ticket or his dreams. And people on the street would say, “Ole Waylon Burns done flew away!” But nothing’s what it seems. And Waylon was never heard from again. Still folks round town remember when… Chorus He would’ve gone to San Fran or wintered in the Keys. He would’ve seen the Great Lakes or eaten ribs in Tennessee. All he had to do was step inside the bus. He would’ve romanced a dame in a bar in Santa Fe. He would’ve pulled off a heist at a bank in San Jose. But fantasies like those can get the best of us. Maybe we all sit and plan and never think to hop the ride that will carry us away from the bus stop. 26 July 2011
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“The Last Flight” Verse 1 Jimmy waited most his life to climb aboard a plane, he'd lived his first three decades traveling on a bus. Jimmy strapped into his seat and patiently he doodled out some lyrics to a song so that he wouldn't make a fuss. The Captain made pre-flight announcements. And Jimmy had a pre-flight drink. His stomach made its own pronouncements. And Jimmy's soul began to sink. Chorus But when you walk the straight and narrow, and you've always played it safe, you yearn to spread your wings and fly. And when you face your fears and triumph, though it almost seems in haste, you want to laugh, to feel, to cry. You think of time you spent alone. Instead you turn your thoughts ahead. Your future seems uncertain in the night. The world around you fades out of sight. You take a breath… On the last flight. Verse 2 Jimmy chatted to some young thing seated next to him. He found it hard to sit still gliding through the sky. Jimmy had a gig to play in some smoky, New York dive, he knew an agent there that might give him a try. The flight attendant read instructions. And Jimmy's mouth went hot and dry. The plane had seemed of solid construction.
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Yet Jimmy knew they all would fry. Chorus For when you walk the straight and narrow, and you've always played it safe, you yearn to spread your wings and fly. And when you face your fears and triumph, though it almost seems in haste, you want to laugh, to feel, to cry. You think of time you spent alone. Instead you turn your thoughts ahead. Your future seems uncertain in the night. The world around you fades out of sight. You take a breath… On the last flight. Bridge Jimmy prayed to his maker, didn't scream, didn't panic. as they screeched towards the land. Jimmy couldn't help but sigh. It wasn't time… but if he had to go… what a way to die! Chorus Cause when you walk the straight and narrow, and you've always played it safe, you yearn to spread your wings and fly. And when you face your fears and triumph, though it almost seems in haste, you want to laugh, to feel, to cry. You think of time you spent alone. Instead you turn your thoughts ahead. Your future seems uncertain in the night. The world around you fades out of sight. You take a breath… On the last flight. 7 May 2005
9 “Friday Nights” Verse 1 Ben, Scott, John, and Russ weren’t like the rest of us. They didn’t play ball, just studied hard and made the grade. Not a care at seventeen, often crass but never mean. When faced with life’s challenges, they never seemed afraid. But once a week, they all let loose, wrestled free from childhood’s noose, and loaded up a tent… Chorus Friday nights, high and tight on Mount McCreary, crescent moon and eyes so bleary, from a six of Schlitz and a bag of weed. What more could four friends need? Friday nights, gave way to talks of conquests, college plans and near arrests, like the time the Sheriff got so pissed, but they just got a slap on the wrist. When you’re young, you don’t think of consequence. The moon can blur wrong from right. So throw another log on the fire and wash away another Friday night. Verse 2 Ben, Scott, John, and Russ aged just like the rest of us. Thirty years vanished, and they were living in a rut. Teacher, lawyer, doctor, lush, yesteryear seemed such a rush.
10 They rarely talked, but shared a common longing in their gut. And then one night they met again to celebrate a missing friend and the times they once spent… Chorus Friday nights, high and tight on Mount McCreary, crescent moon and eyes so bleary, from a six of Schlitz and a bag of weed. What more could four friends need? Friday nights, gave way to talks of conquests, college plans and near arrests, like the time the Sheriff got so pissed, but they just got a slap on the wrist. When you’re young, you don’t think of consequence. The moon can blur wrong from right. So throw another log on the fire and wash away another Friday night. Bridge Russ was gone. That much they knew. And Russ’s time on earth was through, thanks to bourbon and some pills. They choked back sobs, and nursed their beers, share some laughs and quieted fears, but nothing soothed their ills… Chorus Friday nights, high and tight on Mount McCreary, crescent moon and eyes so bleary, from a six of Schlitz and a bag of weed. What more could four friends need? Friday nights, gave way to talks of conquests,
11 college plans and near arrests, like the time the Sheriff got so pissed, but they just got a slap on the wrist. When you’re young, you don’t think of consequence. The moon can blur wrong from right. So throw another log on the fire and wash away another Friday night. 4 August 2011
12 “Cross Burning” Verse 1 Hate’s not a crime til somebody dies. That’s how it was with Willy and Nate. Friendship so strong til tainted by lies. Willy was strong, but Nate took the bait. We should probably go back, not start at the end. Beginnings are much sweeter. They just always are. But keep in mind that though they were friends, by the song’s final measure one of them will be scarred. Chorus The Lord wasn’t nailed to a tree for His health. He died for you and me. If you’re achin’ to torch the Old Rugged Cross, you’ll burn eternally. So turn the other cheek. Obey the Golden Rule. Love your enemies, even if they’re fools. When the anger boils inside and starts a’ churning, remember what happened to two friends at a cross burning. Verse 2 Nate was born to privilege and wealth, and Willy on the wrong side of the tracks. Nate’s folks were nice and wished Willy health, though they didn’t approve of their son with the blacks. This went on for years til the two were grown men. Nate met Felicia one night at the bar.
13 But Felicia chose Willy with a wink and a grin. And the two drove away in Willy’s old car. Chorus The Lord wasn’t nailed to a tree for His health. He died for you and me. If you’re achin’ to torch the Old Rugged Cross, you’ll burn eternally. So turn the other cheek. Obey the Golden Rule. Love your enemies, even if they’re fools. When the anger boils inside and starts a’ churning, remember what happened to two friends at a cross burning. Verse 3 Nate was on his fifth shot of Jack when some men came and pulled him aside. “That shit ain’t right!” “You best get him back!” So they loaded Nate up and went for a ride. Next thing Nate knew they’d planted a cross. They doused it with gas, and Nate lit the match. When the gunshot rang out, the men all got lost. But Nate staggered off to Willy’s strawberry patch. Bridge Willy found his friend face down, blood pouring out his chest. He pleaded and he begged, but it was too late. Willy cradled Nate to his breast. Chorus The Lord wasn’t nailed to a tree for His health.
14 He died for you and me. If you’re achin’ to torch the Old Rugged Cross, you’ll burn eternally. So turn the other cheek. Obey the Golden Rule. Love your enemies, even if they’re fools. When the anger boils inside and starts a’ churning, remember what happened to two friends at a cross burning. 5 August 2011
15 “The Ballad of Harland Garner” Verse 1 In all of Garfield County, there was not a man like he. Brawny, burly, virile, stout, all masculinity. And then one day he lost his love when she bungeed off Stone Bridge. Her soul got trapped inside him. Now he’s nutty, just a smidge. Chorus They call him Janice! Someone ought to shave his chest. He window shops down Main Street drawing stares and wild protests. Bless sweet, old Janice! She’s a diamond in the rough. Don’t let the sundress fool you. In a fight she’s pretty tough. Verse 2 Harland went to the Baptist Church to have Janice’s soul cast out. They laid hands on him, wagged their tongues with righteous, fervent shouts. But nothing worked, so they went away, both Harland and his other. Though folks who know him all agree now he looks just like his mother. Chorus They call him Janice! Someone ought to shave his chest. He window shops down Main Street drawing stares and wild protests. Bless sweet, old Janice! She’s a diamond in the rough. Don’t let the sundress fool you. In a fight she’s pretty tough.
16 Bridge Then Harland met a therapist, a Frenchman named Sardou. Sardou and Janice hit it off, and they had a manage a’ deux! Chorus They call him Janice! Someone ought to shave his chest. He window shops down Main Street drawing stares and wild protests. Bless sweet, old Janice! She’s a diamond in the rough. Don’t let the sundress fool you. In a fight she’s pretty tough. 8 August 2011
17 “Smokes and Brew” Verse 1 The Boneyard Tavern on Wednesday night is quite the sight to see. The Methodists cross the street in droves for a little debauchery. If they play the music any louder, they just might wake the dead. Cause Grace Point Cemetery’s right next door, where Ritchie Simpson’s gettin’ head! Chorus Smokes and a brew. Smokes and a brew. Wash away your cares with some smokes and a brew. Old Tom will keep your mug full if your credit card goes through. So come on in any time of day. You’re welcome here, so long as you pay. It’ll always be five o’clock for you. Smokes and a brew. Verse 2 Kelly Jo Farmer pulled Danny Giles onto the floor to dance. Her husband watched them from the bar, and pulled a pocket knife from his pants. The whole town knew they’d messed around and rubbed it in his face. So Kelly Jo’s man slit Danny’s tires and drove off from that place. Chorus Smokes and a brew. Smokes and a brew. Wash away your cares with some smokes and a brew. Old Tom will keep your mug full if your credit card goes through. So come on in any time of day. You’re welcome here, so long as you pay.
18 It’ll always be five o’clock for you. Smokes and a brew. Bridge When Kelly Jo got home that night, her clothes still drenched with sweat, she found her bags all packed out front and an angry note worse yet. “Get on, you whore! Good luck with Dan. I hope he gives you crabs!” Well that would explain the burning pain and her itchy, oozing scabs… Chorus Smokes and a brew. Smokes and a brew. Wash away your cares with some smokes and a brew. Old Tom will keep your mug full if your credit card goes through. So come on in any time of day. You’re welcome here, so long as you pay. It’ll always be five o’clock for you. Smokes and a brew. 9 August 2011
19 “A White Clover Ring”
Verse 1 He was eight years old when she moved across the street there on Cherry Lane. She was picking flowers, climbing hills and throwing rocks at his window pane. Hey, whatcha doin'? Hey, don't ya see? My folks and me just moved here. Come on out and play with me! They were riding bikes on an open country road at the end of May. She wore overalls, had her hair up in a bun when she stopped to say, Let's wade the river. Let's roll in sand. They parked their bikes and set off, and she reached and took his hand. Chorus They ran through fields of lilacs, honeysuckle sweet upon their lips. They swam in Old Man Thompson's pond, catfish dancing round their hips. She didn't see it coming, those pretty green eyes that seemed to sing, when he gave her love's first promise, a white clover ring. Verse 2 He was eight years old. She surprised him with a kiss. It was on his cheek. Then she slugged his arm, picked a stone and skipped it twice down in Miller's Creek.
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Man, she was gorgeous. Man, she was tough. Don't let those gold locks fool ya, in a fight his girl was downright rough! They were cooking out, both their families, now best friends, when he heard the news. She was shipping out, said her daddy got a job he could not refuse. When are you leaving? When are you coming home? A single tear shone in her eye, as she turned her gaze to Heaven's dome. Chorus They ran through fields of lilacs, honeysuckle sweet upon their lips. They swam in Old Man Thompson's pond, catfish dancing round their hips. She didn't see it coming, those pretty green eyes that seemed to sing, when he gave her love's first promise, a white clover ring. Bridge He watched her and her folks drive off, felt something in him wince. It was pain that changed the way he loved, and he hasn’t seen her since. Chorus They ran through fields of lilacs, honeysuckle sweet upon their lips. They swam in Old Man Thompson's pond, catfish dancing round their hips. She didn't see it coming, those pretty green eyes that seemed to sing, when he gave her love's first promise, a white clover ring.
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There's a part of him that's waiting to let her memory take wing. as he clings to love's first promise, a white clover ring. 28 February 2005 revised: 16 July 2011
22 “Most Likely” Verse 1 Goodbye, my friend. Take my hand. In this our brightest hour, I know you’ll understand. The road stretches out before us. Twelve years was not enough. And on our graduation day, I find moving on is rough. Chorus Most likely we will succeed in all our hopes and all our deeds. And through clenched teeth we’ll persevere. And things unknown we will not fear. Most likely I will not see you again. And if that is what will be, I hope you won’t forget me. Because most likely I’ll forget you, even though I don’t mean to. Most likely. Verse 2 Don’t cry, my friend. Remember when… we ditched the spring assembly and got caught by Violet Wren? But now we have to grow up, go to college, get a life. Things will get complex with children and a wife. Chorus Most likely we will succeed in all our hopes and all our deeds. And through clenched teeth we’ll persevere. And things unknown we will not fear.
23 Most likely I will not see you again. And if that is what will be, I hope you won’t forget me. Because most likely I’ll forget you, even though I don’t mean to. Most likely. Bridge I don’t want to move forward. Let’s stay frozen in time. We won’t have to get older. We won’t have ladders to climb. Why do we have to do this? Spread our wings and leave the nest. You’re all I’ve ever known. You’re the one who knows me best. Chorus Most likely we will succeed in all our hopes and all our deeds. And through clenched teeth we’ll persevere. And things unknown we will not fear. Most likely I will not see you again. And if that is what will be, I hope you won’t forget me. Because most likely I’ll forget you, even though I don’t mean to. Most likely. 9 August 2011
© 2011
1 “Garfield County” Verse 1 The snow on Mount McCreary casts a chill when the day is dreary. But the people in this town don’t let the grey skies get them down. And Minor Creek divides more than just the Methodist and Baptist Church. Ask Ole Granny Coleman for the lowdown as she sits upon her perch. Chorus Garfield County, Land that I love. Where friends are friends forever til they ascend to God above. Garfield County. Beware the pack. Cause your friends just might deceive you with a smile that burns and leaves you with a knife stuck in your back. Garfield County… Verse 2 The Courthouse is full of history and a little bit of mystery because justice isn’t blind. But the people don’t seem to mind. They come together every fall to support the local football team. The wealthy, the poor, huddled together clinging to lost dreams. Chorus Garfield County, Land that I love. Where friends are friends forever til they ascend to God above. Garfield County. Beware the pack. Cause your friends just might deceive you with a smile that burns and leaves you
2 with a knife stuck in your back. Garfield County… Bridge I don’t mean to judge. I always try to be nice. But small town life can be ugly, and everything has a price… Chorus Garfield County, Land that I love. Where friends are friends forever til they ascend to God above. Garfield County. Beware the pack. Cause your friends just might deceive you with a smile that burns and leaves you with a knife stuck in your back. Garfield County…
16 July 2011
3 “The Widow’s Mite” Verse 1 “God bless Etta Mae,” the people always seem to say, as she putters down the street. Craggy-faced, sorrow lined, one lone thought runs through her mind and guides her weary feet. A limestone grave worn sixty plus years greets her each and every day. A husband lost and a lifetime of tears mars this merry month of May. Chorus She leaves behinds the Widow’s Mite for a brave and valiant man who lived and died for her. To memories sweet she still holds tight and does the best she can when fears begin to stir. She heaves a rose and an airy sigh and in her heart longs to die but Etta Mae remains. And the Widow’s Mite weighs heavy. And her grief the warm earth stains. Verse 2 “Hold tight, Etta Mae,” her husband paused to say when he left to join the War. “Love you, girl. See you soon.” He left at half past noon with a cause worth fighting for. He died at sea in a fiery blaze when his convoy got attacked. His wife got word
4 from a telegram that he was never coming back. Chorus She leaves behinds the Widow’s Mite for a brave and valiant man who lived and died for her. To memories sweet she still holds tight and does the best she can when fears begin to stir. She heaves a rose and an airy sigh and in her heart longs to die but Etta Mae remains. And the Widow’s Mite weighs heavy. And her grief the warm earth stains. Bridge Etta Mae had a dream one night. Her husband came and held her tight, and brushed her fears aside. A few days passed before they found her, at peace, in love from death’s encounter, and there she would abide. Chorus She leaves behinds the Widow’s Mite for a brave and valiant man who lived and died for her. To memories sweet she still holds tight and does the best she can when fears begin to stir. She heaves a rose and an airy sigh and in her heart longs to die but Etta Mae remains. And the Widow’s Mite weighs heavy. And her grief the warm earth stains. 25 July 2011
5 “The Bus Stop” Verse 1 Saturday night comes once a week and if by chance you should steal a peek in the Garfield County Bus Stop, you know just who you’ll see. Waylon Burns sits on a bench, suitcase packed, fingers clenched round a ticket to some far-off place that he would rather be. The Greyhound pulls up. The people get in. Waylon doesn’t budge. He’s lost his will again. Chorus He would’ve gone to San Fran or wintered in the Keys. He would’ve seen the Great Lakes or eaten ribs in Tennessee. All he had to do was step inside the bus. He would’ve romanced a dame in a bar in Santa Fe. He would’ve pulled off a heist at a bank in San Jose. But fantasies like those can get the best of us. So Waylon sits and he plans as the janitor mops. Maybe one day he’ll leave the bus stop. Verse 2 Waylon was born in this small town, a quiet child fixed with a frown because he always longed to see places he read about in books. At forty-eight, he’s never left, lonely and a bit bereft of adventures he never claimed and trips he never took.
6 And the Greyhound returns. And more people take off. But Waylon sits still. And those who know him scoff. Bridge And then one night, one Saturday, Waylon didn’t come to pay for the ticket or his dreams. And people on the street would say, “Ole Waylon Burns done flew away!” But nothing’s what it seems. And Waylon was never heard from again. Still folks round town remember when… Chorus He would’ve gone to San Fran or wintered in the Keys. He would’ve seen the Great Lakes or eaten ribs in Tennessee. All he had to do was step inside the bus. He would’ve romanced a dame in a bar in Santa Fe. He would’ve pulled off a heist at a bank in San Jose. But fantasies like those can get the best of us. Maybe we all sit and plan and never think to hop the ride that will carry us away from the bus stop. 26 July 2011
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“The Last Flight” Verse 1 Jimmy waited most his life to climb aboard a plane, he'd lived his first three decades traveling on a bus. Jimmy strapped into his seat and patiently he doodled out some lyrics to a song so that he wouldn't make a fuss. The Captain made pre-flight announcements. And Jimmy had a pre-flight drink. His stomach made its own pronouncements. And Jimmy's soul began to sink. Chorus But when you walk the straight and narrow, and you've always played it safe, you yearn to spread your wings and fly. And when you face your fears and triumph, though it almost seems in haste, you want to laugh, to feel, to cry. You think of time you spent alone. Instead you turn your thoughts ahead. Your future seems uncertain in the night. The world around you fades out of sight. You take a breath… On the last flight. Verse 2 Jimmy chatted to some young thing seated next to him. He found it hard to sit still gliding through the sky. Jimmy had a gig to play in some smoky, New York dive, he knew an agent there that might give him a try. The flight attendant read instructions. And Jimmy's mouth went hot and dry. The plane had seemed of solid construction.
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Yet Jimmy knew they all would fry. Chorus For when you walk the straight and narrow, and you've always played it safe, you yearn to spread your wings and fly. And when you face your fears and triumph, though it almost seems in haste, you want to laugh, to feel, to cry. You think of time you spent alone. Instead you turn your thoughts ahead. Your future seems uncertain in the night. The world around you fades out of sight. You take a breath… On the last flight. Bridge Jimmy prayed to his maker, didn't scream, didn't panic. as they screeched towards the land. Jimmy couldn't help but sigh. It wasn't time… but if he had to go… what a way to die! Chorus Cause when you walk the straight and narrow, and you've always played it safe, you yearn to spread your wings and fly. And when you face your fears and triumph, though it almost seems in haste, you want to laugh, to feel, to cry. You think of time you spent alone. Instead you turn your thoughts ahead. Your future seems uncertain in the night. The world around you fades out of sight. You take a breath… On the last flight. 7 May 2005
9 “Friday Nights” Verse 1 Ben, Scott, John, and Russ weren’t like the rest of us. They didn’t play ball, just studied hard and made the grade. Not a care at seventeen, often crass but never mean. When faced with life’s challenges, they never seemed afraid. But once a week, they all let loose, wrestled free from childhood’s noose, and loaded up a tent… Chorus Friday nights, high and tight on Mount McCreary, crescent moon and eyes so bleary, from a six of Schlitz and a bag of weed. What more could four friends need? Friday nights, gave way to talks of conquests, college plans and near arrests, like the time the Sheriff got so pissed, but they just got a slap on the wrist. When you’re young, you don’t think of consequence. The moon can blur wrong from right. So throw another log on the fire and wash away another Friday night. Verse 2 Ben, Scott, John, and Russ aged just like the rest of us. Thirty years vanished, and they were living in a rut. Teacher, lawyer, doctor, lush, yesteryear seemed such a rush.
10 They rarely talked, but shared a common longing in their gut. And then one night they met again to celebrate a missing friend and the times they once spent… Chorus Friday nights, high and tight on Mount McCreary, crescent moon and eyes so bleary, from a six of Schlitz and a bag of weed. What more could four friends need? Friday nights, gave way to talks of conquests, college plans and near arrests, like the time the Sheriff got so pissed, but they just got a slap on the wrist. When you’re young, you don’t think of consequence. The moon can blur wrong from right. So throw another log on the fire and wash away another Friday night. Bridge Russ was gone. That much they knew. And Russ’s time on earth was through, thanks to bourbon and some pills. They choked back sobs, and nursed their beers, share some laughs and quieted fears, but nothing soothed their ills… Chorus Friday nights, high and tight on Mount McCreary, crescent moon and eyes so bleary, from a six of Schlitz and a bag of weed. What more could four friends need? Friday nights, gave way to talks of conquests,
11 college plans and near arrests, like the time the Sheriff got so pissed, but they just got a slap on the wrist. When you’re young, you don’t think of consequence. The moon can blur wrong from right. So throw another log on the fire and wash away another Friday night. 4 August 2011
12 “Cross Burning” Verse 1 Hate’s not a crime til somebody dies. That’s how it was with Willy and Nate. Friendship so strong til tainted by lies. Willy was strong, but Nate took the bait. We should probably go back, not start at the end. Beginnings are much sweeter. They just always are. But keep in mind that though they were friends, by the song’s final measure one of them will be scarred. Chorus The Lord wasn’t nailed to a tree for His health. He died for you and me. If you’re achin’ to torch the Old Rugged Cross, you’ll burn eternally. So turn the other cheek. Obey the Golden Rule. Love your enemies, even if they’re fools. When the anger boils inside and starts a’ churning, remember what happened to two friends at a cross burning. Verse 2 Nate was born to privilege and wealth, and Willy on the wrong side of the tracks. Nate’s folks were nice and wished Willy health, though they didn’t approve of their son with the blacks. This went on for years til the two were grown men. Nate met Felicia one night at the bar.
13 But Felicia chose Willy with a wink and a grin. And the two drove away in Willy’s old car. Chorus The Lord wasn’t nailed to a tree for His health. He died for you and me. If you’re achin’ to torch the Old Rugged Cross, you’ll burn eternally. So turn the other cheek. Obey the Golden Rule. Love your enemies, even if they’re fools. When the anger boils inside and starts a’ churning, remember what happened to two friends at a cross burning. Verse 3 Nate was on his fifth shot of Jack when some men came and pulled him aside. “That shit ain’t right!” “You best get him back!” So they loaded Nate up and went for a ride. Next thing Nate knew they’d planted a cross. They doused it with gas, and Nate lit the match. When the gunshot rang out, the men all got lost. But Nate staggered off to Willy’s strawberry patch. Bridge Willy found his friend face down, blood pouring out his chest. He pleaded and he begged, but it was too late. Willy cradled Nate to his breast. Chorus The Lord wasn’t nailed to a tree for His health.
14 He died for you and me. If you’re achin’ to torch the Old Rugged Cross, you’ll burn eternally. So turn the other cheek. Obey the Golden Rule. Love your enemies, even if they’re fools. When the anger boils inside and starts a’ churning, remember what happened to two friends at a cross burning. 5 August 2011
15 “The Ballad of Harland Garner” Verse 1 In all of Garfield County, there was not a man like he. Brawny, burly, virile, stout, all masculinity. And then one day he lost his love when she bungeed off Stone Bridge. Her soul got trapped inside him. Now he’s nutty, just a smidge. Chorus They call him Janice! Someone ought to shave his chest. He window shops down Main Street drawing stares and wild protests. Bless sweet, old Janice! She’s a diamond in the rough. Don’t let the sundress fool you. In a fight she’s pretty tough. Verse 2 Harland went to the Baptist Church to have Janice’s soul cast out. They laid hands on him, wagged their tongues with righteous, fervent shouts. But nothing worked, so they went away, both Harland and his other. Though folks who know him all agree now he looks just like his mother. Chorus They call him Janice! Someone ought to shave his chest. He window shops down Main Street drawing stares and wild protests. Bless sweet, old Janice! She’s a diamond in the rough. Don’t let the sundress fool you. In a fight she’s pretty tough.
16 Bridge Then Harland met a therapist, a Frenchman named Sardou. Sardou and Janice hit it off, and they had a manage a’ deux! Chorus They call him Janice! Someone ought to shave his chest. He window shops down Main Street drawing stares and wild protests. Bless sweet, old Janice! She’s a diamond in the rough. Don’t let the sundress fool you. In a fight she’s pretty tough. 8 August 2011
17 “Smokes and Brew” Verse 1 The Boneyard Tavern on Wednesday night is quite the sight to see. The Methodists cross the street in droves for a little debauchery. If they play the music any louder, they just might wake the dead. Cause Grace Point Cemetery’s right next door, where Ritchie Simpson’s gettin’ head! Chorus Smokes and a brew. Smokes and a brew. Wash away your cares with some smokes and a brew. Old Tom will keep your mug full if your credit card goes through. So come on in any time of day. You’re welcome here, so long as you pay. It’ll always be five o’clock for you. Smokes and a brew. Verse 2 Kelly Jo Farmer pulled Danny Giles onto the floor to dance. Her husband watched them from the bar, and pulled a pocket knife from his pants. The whole town knew they’d messed around and rubbed it in his face. So Kelly Jo’s man slit Danny’s tires and drove off from that place. Chorus Smokes and a brew. Smokes and a brew. Wash away your cares with some smokes and a brew. Old Tom will keep your mug full if your credit card goes through. So come on in any time of day. You’re welcome here, so long as you pay.
18 It’ll always be five o’clock for you. Smokes and a brew. Bridge When Kelly Jo got home that night, her clothes still drenched with sweat, she found her bags all packed out front and an angry note worse yet. “Get on, you whore! Good luck with Dan. I hope he gives you crabs!” Well that would explain the burning pain and her itchy, oozing scabs… Chorus Smokes and a brew. Smokes and a brew. Wash away your cares with some smokes and a brew. Old Tom will keep your mug full if your credit card goes through. So come on in any time of day. You’re welcome here, so long as you pay. It’ll always be five o’clock for you. Smokes and a brew. 9 August 2011
19 “A White Clover Ring”
Verse 1 He was eight years old when she moved across the street there on Cherry Lane. She was picking flowers, climbing hills and throwing rocks at his window pane. Hey, whatcha doin'? Hey, don't ya see? My folks and me just moved here. Come on out and play with me! They were riding bikes on an open country road at the end of May. She wore overalls, had her hair up in a bun when she stopped to say, Let's wade the river. Let's roll in sand. They parked their bikes and set off, and she reached and took his hand. Chorus They ran through fields of lilacs, honeysuckle sweet upon their lips. They swam in Old Man Thompson's pond, catfish dancing round their hips. She didn't see it coming, those pretty green eyes that seemed to sing, when he gave her love's first promise, a white clover ring. Verse 2 He was eight years old. She surprised him with a kiss. It was on his cheek. Then she slugged his arm, picked a stone and skipped it twice down in Miller's Creek.
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Man, she was gorgeous. Man, she was tough. Don't let those gold locks fool ya, in a fight his girl was downright rough! They were cooking out, both their families, now best friends, when he heard the news. She was shipping out, said her daddy got a job he could not refuse. When are you leaving? When are you coming home? A single tear shone in her eye, as she turned her gaze to Heaven's dome. Chorus They ran through fields of lilacs, honeysuckle sweet upon their lips. They swam in Old Man Thompson's pond, catfish dancing round their hips. She didn't see it coming, those pretty green eyes that seemed to sing, when he gave her love's first promise, a white clover ring. Bridge He watched her and her folks drive off, felt something in him wince. It was pain that changed the way he loved, and he hasn’t seen her since. Chorus They ran through fields of lilacs, honeysuckle sweet upon their lips. They swam in Old Man Thompson's pond, catfish dancing round their hips. She didn't see it coming, those pretty green eyes that seemed to sing, when he gave her love's first promise, a white clover ring.
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There's a part of him that's waiting to let her memory take wing. as he clings to love's first promise, a white clover ring. 28 February 2005 revised: 16 July 2011
22 “Most Likely” Verse 1 Goodbye, my friend. Take my hand. In this our brightest hour, I know you’ll understand. The road stretches out before us. Twelve years was not enough. And on our graduation day, I find moving on is rough. Chorus Most likely we will succeed in all our hopes and all our deeds. And through clenched teeth we’ll persevere. And things unknown we will not fear. Most likely I will not see you again. And if that is what will be, I hope you won’t forget me. Because most likely I’ll forget you, even though I don’t mean to. Most likely. Verse 2 Don’t cry, my friend. Remember when… we ditched the spring assembly and got caught by Violet Wren? But now we have to grow up, go to college, get a life. Things will get complex with children and a wife. Chorus Most likely we will succeed in all our hopes and all our deeds. And through clenched teeth we’ll persevere. And things unknown we will not fear.
23 Most likely I will not see you again. And if that is what will be, I hope you won’t forget me. Because most likely I’ll forget you, even though I don’t mean to. Most likely. Bridge I don’t want to move forward. Let’s stay frozen in time. We won’t have to get older. We won’t have ladders to climb. Why do we have to do this? Spread our wings and leave the nest. You’re all I’ve ever known. You’re the one who knows me best. Chorus Most likely we will succeed in all our hopes and all our deeds. And through clenched teeth we’ll persevere. And things unknown we will not fear. Most likely I will not see you again. And if that is what will be, I hope you won’t forget me. Because most likely I’ll forget you, even though I don’t mean to. Most likely. 9 August 2011
