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35 Millimeter Dreams by Garland Jeffreys
35 Millimeter DreamsMusic and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
From the album "Ghost Writer" (A& M Records, 1977) I got 35 Millimeter dreams
And Greta Garbo's here
Queen of the movie queens
She's playin' hard to get
She wants her tea and her toast
She hasn't got none yet
She just flew in from the coast
But she loves Broadway best
I got 35 Millimeter dreams
35 Millimeter dreams
35 Millimeter dreams
John Garfield cries out loud
And Humphrey Bogart smiles
Bette Davis she weeps
She plays the pure white slave
There goes her Rolls Royce car
Her loyal fans all wave
Here comes a full blown star
But Brando's still the rave
I got 35 Millimeter dreams
35 Millimeter dreams
35 Millimeter dreams
Bump into Orson Welles
Everybody says he's workin' on his script
They say it's rated X
Mae West will never tell
It's starring Cary Grant
And Valentino's vamps
And Charlie Chaplin's tramps
And Jolie Jolson he chants
I got 35 Millimeter dreams
35 Millimeter dreams
35 Millimeter dreams
GARLAND JEFFREYS Lead and Harmony Vocals
ALAN FREEDMAN Electric Guitar
STEVE GADD Drums
ANTHONY JACKSON Bass
DAVID SPINOZZA Electric Guitar and Piano |
Afrodiziak by Garland Jeffreys
Afrodiziak Music and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997) Baby, say you wanna spend the time
Say you wanna soon be mine
You say you wanna love divine
Ah, baby, you say you're gonna cross the line
You say you wanna pass some time
You say you want a love divine
Tempest in a B-cup fillin' me up
No jive talkin' gonna beam me up
Movin' round walkin' in your wonderbra Mojo working on a love bizarre
Afrodiziak, afrodiziak
Oh, oh, oh afrodiziak
Here we are together on a Saturday night What you gonna do with your sex drive
Earthquake weather better hold on tight Now or never this is sexual, sexual Don't forget to wear your new umbrella
And don't forget to wear your raincoat baby Afrodiziak, afrodiziak Afrodiziak, Afrodiziak oh, oh ,oh, baby
Baby, you say you wanna spend some time
You say you wanna soon be mine
You say you wanna cross the line
Oh, honey, you say you wanna pass the time
You say you wanna spend some time
You say you want a love divine
Make sure baby 'fore you get undressed
Make sure baby got a love expressed
Make sure baby'fore you reach the crest More than ever this is sex-sex-sexual And don't forget to wear your new umbrella And don't forget to wear your raincoat baby
Afrodiziak, afrodiziak
Afrodiziak, afrodiziak, oh, oh, oh
Baby
Baby, you say you wanna spend some time
You say you wanna pass the time
You say you wanna cross the line, oh, oh
Oh, honey, you say you wanna spend the time
You say you're gonna soon be mine
You say you want a love divine
Afrodiziak |
American Backslide by Garland Jeffreys
American Backslide
From the album Guts for Love
Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys How does it feel
In the morning shower
Will the great decision
Come before lunch hour
From the ivory tower
Like a proclamation
Who'll be the next to go
How does it feel
When you got no power
And your fate is shaky
Like your destination
And your future's empty
Full of just frustration
And you're searching high and low
One o'clock jump, one o'clock jump
One o'clock jump, one o'clock jump
How does it feel
When you got no job
And you got three kids
Nothin' much to eat
And you steal and you rob
Just to make ends meet
And you can't even stand on your own two feet
How does it feel
When your favorite player
Has been bought and sold
Before he gets too old
Leave him out in the cold
With a pension and a plaque
And a drug addiction for his sacroiliac
One o'clock jump, one o'clock jump
One o'clock jump, one o'clock jump
How does it feel
When you're driving' around
In your automobile
And they tell you it's real
On your radio
That they're makin' a deal
But you know in your heart it's a dirty deal
How does it feel
When everything you say
Seems to wash away
And is twisted like clay
And you stammer and you stutter
Every word you mutter
Like an echo in the dark
Is so ineffective
One o'clock jump, one o'clock jump
One o'clock jump, one o'clock jump
30 seconds 'fore the big strike
No one's riding down the turnpike
Everything is turning ghostlike
60 minutes after midnite |
American Boy & Girl by Garland Jeffreys
American Boy & GirlFrom the album American Boy & Girl (1979)
Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Hey little girl raised on main street
Sniffin' through a dollar bill
Just like Pearl gonna' wind up with cold feet
Don't you know that stuff will kill
Racin' 'round gettin' sick, sick, sick
It gonna' get the best of you
All you need is a little inspiration
Girl it's gonna' get you through
Honey please don't you let me down
Honey please don't you let me down
American son raised on main street
Wishin' from a window sill
Raised on reds and paralyzed by people
I can see you've had your fill
I sympathize with all your saddest feelings
But this is what I ask of you
Get yourself a little inspiration
Boy it's gonna' get you through
Sonny please don't you let me down
Sonny please don't you let me down
Hey little girl lookin' for a new day
You've got somethin' on your mind
Passin' out from swallowin' all those qualudes
Take you through the bumps and the grinds
Paradin' 'round tryna' fool yourself
It ain't gonna' let you be
All you need is a little inspiration
Girl it's gonna' set you free
Honey please don't you let me down
Honey please don't you let me down
Please don't you let me down
|
Bad Dream by Garland Jeffreys
Bad DreamFrom the album American Boy & Girl (1979)
Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Everybody keeps puttin' him down
Sayin' this and a sayin' that
Spreadin' little rumors
Like the talk of the town
Talkin' in shadows
Behind his back
But soon some day
They will say
I knew him well and I knew him when
Just like a bad dream
As if it never happened
Just like a bad dream
As if it never happened
One by one they stand in line
Open up their eyes to see
Two by two they find the time
Shake your hands
"Say hey can you use me?"
Soon some day
They will say
I knew him well and I knew him when
Just like a bad dream
As if it never happened
Just like a bad dream
As if it never happened
Soon come some day |
Ballad of Me by Garland Jeffreys
Ballad of Me
From the album Garland Jeffreys (1973)
Lyrics and Music by Garland Jeffreys
Oh what can I say?
It happened that way
I'm a freak in the family
Like a newborn child
With a frozen smile
I'm a jester emotionally
In the night, yeah
I dream of you
The sweetest dream
Of just we two
Holding each other
Only thirteen
Like a hawk in the night
I separate wrong from right
I'm a legend you see
Black and white as can be
And I give you this ballad of me
But in my way
I wish to say
I'm still afraid
Of all my friends
And mystery
of unknown things
And lifeline hands
And Scorpio
And old Mojo
And sidewalk queens
And rooftop fiends
Oh, whoa, whoa |
Bottle of Love by Garland Jeffreys
Bottle of LoveFrom the album Don't Call Me Buckwheat (1992) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys In the 1950’s
Eisenhower’s weisenheimers
Say hey kids, the Drifters
What it means to me
Ram a lam a ding dong
Take me back to my old school
Teach me about the golden rule
That’s what I need
A bottle of love, bottle of love
A touch of tenderness
Such a sweet caress
E-emotions away
Not just a mental thing
I heard a lot of people say
And I felt all the arrows they sling
Flexing up my whiskey muscle
Hoistin’ with the boys on the streets I guzzled
Bottle of poison it was never enough
‘Cause what I need, is a
Bottle of love, bottle of love
A touch a touch a touch of tenderness
Such a sweet caress
Two black jockeys on the white house lawn
Pink flamingo and a boot black shoe horm
Two white skinheads march across the land
Hate born out of the womb of Ku Klux Klan
We got the proclamation
Now where’s the real emancipation
We got the proclamation
Now where’s the real emancipation |
Boys and Girls by Garland Jeffreys and Peter Zizzo
Boys and GirlsMusic & Lyrics: Garland Jeffreys/Peter Zizzo From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997)
Boys and girls
Welcome to your world
How you find your vision
Where you get your wisdom
Everything you're feeling
All you are revealing
All your friends and lovers
Lead you to discover
They won't turn their back on you Boys and girls
We've got to find a future in this world
Boys and girls
We've got to find a future in this world Ordinary people
Extraordinary people
Some will come between us
Some will be deceivers
But even as we speak of
There will be believers
They won't turn their back on you Hey, hey, well, well
I don't know what the morrow brings
Hey, hey, well, well
You looked into the future
And you don't know what it is
And you don't know what it is
You looked into the future
And you don't know what it is
And you don't know what it is Hey, hey, well, well
I don't know what tomorrow brings
Hey, hey, well, well
You looked into the mirror
And you don't know who it is
And you don't know who it is Boys and girls
Welcome to your world How you find your vision
Where you get your wisdom
Everything you're feeling
All you are concealing
May all your friends and lovers
Lead you to discover
They won't turn their back on you Boys and girls
We've got to find a future in this world
Boys and girls
We've got to find a future in this world
Boys and girls
We've got to find a future in this world
Boys and girls |
Bring Back the Love by Garland Jeffreys
Bring Back the LoveFrom the Album American Boy & Girl
Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
I can't get no sleep
I got heartaches by the number
I keep countin' sheep
Thinkin' that you'll be home
Wishin' you were here
Postcard from Jamaica
My eye cry real tear
Yes I am so alone
Bring back the love, bring it on back
Bring back the love, bring it on back
Bring back your love, bring it on back
Bring back the love you have taken away from me
I can't get no rest
I got nightmares in my slumber
I've give you my best
And all I get is bad dreams
Wishin' you were here
I just received your letter
My days and nights
Are filled up with loneliness
Bring back the love, bring it on back
Bring back the love, bring it on back
Bring back your love, bring it on back
Bring back the love you have taken away from me |
Christine by Garland Jeffreys
ChristineFrom the album Escape Artist (1982) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
You caught my eye
When you came into view
I met you on some New York City avenue
I liked your smile
Your style and your grace
Your sexy walk could light up anyplace
You said to me
You just came in from Paris
I said to you
I'd like to get to know you
You said to me
I'm shy and a bit embarrassed
I said to you
There are some things I want to show you
Christine, Christine
I soon found out
It was more than fascination
I soon found out
She was much more than a cheap imitation
I held her hand
We got closer
Felt like a man
And not some kind of poseur
Yes it's true she just came in from Paris
Her French perfume I got to know it better
She talked of love and poetry and marriage
Then I discovered that love letter
Christine, Christine
She caught my eye
When she came into view
I met her on a New York avenue
I liked her smile
Her style and her grace
Her sexy walk could light up anyplace
She said to me
She must go back to Paris
I said to her
Please don't you do it to me
She said to me
I got another boyfriend
I said to her
Why the hell didn't you tell me
Christine, Christine
|
City Kids by Garland Jeffreys
City Kids From the album American Boy & Girl (1979). Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Well I'm walkin' down the walkin' street
And I'm only 13 years old
I could be black and I could be white
But for sure I'm young and bold
'Round about midnight and all that jazz
You can hear it on my radio
No mystery no razz-a-ma-tazz
I got no place to go
On the Boulevard of Crime
Stealin' for a dime
Better tell ya' just what I did
On the avenue of thieves
Delinquents and reprieves
Orphans and the City Kids
Better tell ya' just what I did
For a thrill I killed a cab driver
Better tell 'ya just what I did
For a laugh I raped an old survivor
Better tell ya' just what I did
Beat a girl, yes I really hurt her
Better tell ya' just what I did
Beat the rap for first degree murder
On the Boulevard of Crime
Stealin' for a dime
Better tell ya' just what I did
On the avenue of thieves
Delinquents and reprieves
Orphans and the City Kids
Uncle Nat was listenin' to that old music on the Hi-Fi
Lester Young and Louis Armstrong and everybody sittin' 'round gettin' high
Shootin' dope, shootin' dope, shootin' dope
Shootin' dope, shootin' dope, shootin' dope
Shootin' dope, shootin' dope, shootin' dope
Shootin' dope, shootin' dope, shootin' dope
Shootin' dope, shootin' dope, shootin' dope
'Long the Boulevard of Crime
Stealin' for a dime
Better tell ya' just what I did
The avenue of thieves
Delinquents and reprieves
Orphans and the City Kids
City Kids |
Color Line by Garland Jeffreys
Color LineMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys When you walk the color line better beware
They’re gonna stop and stare
When you cross that color line better take care
You’re gonna get your share
People some try to rule the world
Rejoicing while the weak ones fade
You can’t make the balck and tan
Be a prisoner in his own land
And turn him into a slave
Cross that color line oh oh oh oh oh
Cross that color line oh oh
Cross that color line oh oh oh oh oh
Cross that color line oh oh
Say hey Willie Mays
Say hey Cool Papa Bell say
Say hey to my Daddy Ray
Say say say say say
Say hey Sugar Ray
Say hey Jackie Robinson say
Say hey to Satchel Paige
Say hey say say hey
Calling on American and every sister and sir
To take freedom instead
Reverse the hearse and down the dread
Here’s a message daddy gave me to remember
Cross that color line oh oh oh oh oh
Cross that color line oh oh
Cross that color line oh oh oh oh oh
Cross that color line oh oh
Say hey Willie Mays
Say hey Cool Papa Bell say
Say hey to my Daddy Ray
Say hey to the Homestead Greys
Say hey to Sweetwater Clifton
To Jack Johnson
To Josh Gibson
To Shorty Bolden say hey
When you cross
When you cross
When you cross the
Color line, yeah |
Cool Down Boy by Garland Jeffreys
Cool Down Boy
Music and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
From the album "Ghost Writer" (A& M Records, 1977)
Oh little Willie John
He's been up all night
He's got his rockin' shoes on
Until broad daylight
He's been raisin' cane
With the pretty girls uptown
They've been raisin' cane
Unto the rock 'n' roll sound
So cool down boy, cool down
Cool down boy,
Everybody say, cool down,
cool down boy
Here comes the sun
There go the night
And like a silent gun
Oh out goes the streetlight
But no love is lost
Between the black and white
We got rock an' roll music
No sign of a streetfight
So cool down boy, cool down
Cool down boy
Everybody say, cool down boy,
cool down
Cool down boy
All the people say, cool down boy,
cool down
Cool down boy
Everybody gonna, cool down boy,
cool down
Cool down boy
Cool down boy
I say cool down boy
Cool down boy
That's what my father he tell me
most every night
Cool down boy
That's what my mother she tell me
most everyday
Cool down boy
That's what the teachers in school
they tell me they say
Cool down boy
Just when I wanna have my fun
they say
Cool down boy
I hear the same ugly words
from everyone
Cool down boy
Ever since I was five years old
they say
Cool down boy
Ever since I was six years old
they say
Cool down boy
GARLAND JEFFREYS - Lead and Harmony Vocals
ALAN FREEDMAN - Electric Guitar
STEVE GADD - Drums
DON GROLNICK - Electric Piano
ANTHONY JACKSON - Bass
HUGH McCRACKEN - Electric Guitar
LEON PENDARVIS - Clavinet
JAMES TAYLOR - Duet and Bass Vocal Harmonies
DAVID LASLEY - Harmonies
LYNNE PITNEY - Harmonies
ARNOLD McCULLER - Harmonies
|
Don't Call Me Buckwheat by Garland Jeffreys
Don't Call Me BuckwheatMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Don’t call me
This is a song about words
The power of words
Well it all takes place
In a big city
With a very small mind
Don’t call me buckwheat
Don’t call me eightball
Don’t call me jig jig jig jig…
Watch that word
Don’t call me Sambo
‘Cause it hurts
And that ain’t nice
And it sticks like white on rice
Don’t call me blackie boy, your nigra toy
Don’t call me Johnny O’Darkie
Don’t call me spic spic spic high yellow bird
Don’t call me coonskin
‘Cause it hurts
And that ain’t nice
And it sticks like white on rice
In 1976 you called my girlfriend a nigger lover
In 1966 you washed my face in the Mississippi mud
In 1956 you tore my pages from the history book
In 1946 you left my uncle on the chain gang
Don’t call me buckwheat
Don’t call me buckwheat
Don’t call me eightball
Don’t call me nig nig nig nig…
Watch that word
Don’t call me sambo
Don’t call me coonskin
Don’t call me mulanyan
Don’t call me spook spook spook spook
Spook spook spook
Don’t call me Johnny O’Darkie
Don’t call me buckwheat
Don’t call me buckwheat
Don’t call me buckwheat
Don’t call me buckwheat |
El Salvador by Garland Jeffreys
El SalvadorFrom the album "Guts for Love" (1982) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Lay me down
Fast asleep at night
Take me 'round
Hold me tight
Most of all
Please protect my child
Watch on her until the morning light
Danger lurks from behind the bush
Nerves will fray
Blood will rush
Victims of another terror style
Homeless angels on the run
El Salvador, El Salvador
El Salvador, El Salvador
Walking proud
On my wedding day
Memories I recall
Bride and groom go marching
Down the aisle
Celebrate with trumpet calls
Heartless crimes
Lately fill my dreams
Headlines scream 'cross the world
Lifelines end but fill an endless file
Widows writhe under the sun
El Salvador, El Salvador
El Salvador, El Salvador |
Evening by Garland Jeffreys
EveningWords & Music by Garland Jeffreys From the album Garland Jeffreys and Grinder's Switch
Does your guitar play
As it sits there against the shelf?
Does your silver flute
Cry out for somebody else?
Does your love light shine
So brightly on a winter's night?
Does your teacup hold
a liquid lightly? |
Fairweather Friend by Garland Jeffreys
Fairweather FriendMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Boy boy, boy boy, rolling down the road
Boy boy, boy boy, what have you been told
Do you wear your jeans of blue
Oh that way is paved with gold
Boy boy, boy boy what have you been sold
Boy boy, no boy, you don't have to use your head
It's alright boy, you can use your feet instead
You don't have to worry about the French emissary
You don't have to dread
Boy boy, boy boy, just listen to what I have said
You can ask my poor old fairweather friend
If the hills are hard to find
It's the misty mountain tops of May
That'll make us change their minds.
Boy boy, boy boy, rolling down the road
Boy boy, boy boy, what have you been told.
You can smell the means by which your secret signs do unfold
Boy boy, boy boy, rolling down the road. |
Ghost of a Chance by Garland Jeffreys
Ghost of a ChanceMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys They didn't have a ghost of a chance
When they started this new romance
She had the heart of a Siamese cat
And he played the part of an acrobat
He was always so illusive
Whirling dervish in a trance
She compulsively intrusive
Didn't like his batting stance
Ghost of a chance
Ghost of a chance
They didn't have the slightest notion
How to fix up a bad situation
She relied on her old religion
He believed in reincarnation
When it came to love and sex
He was a fan of the quick sensation
Carbon copy of his ex
Masochistic love and sdex
They were both two nervous wrecks.
Ghost of a chance
Ghost of a chance
Everybody's got the craze
Crazy for a true romance
In this so-called modern age
We could use a second chance
Ghost of a chance
Ghost of a chance
Ghost of a
Ghost of a chance |
Ghost Writer by Garland Jeffreys
Ghost WriterFrom the album "Ghost Writer"
Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Oh I used to stay up every night
I be so all alone
In my hand my trusty pen
I work it to the bone
Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
Everybody thinks I'm doing fine
Ghost writer, writer, writer
I'm gonna lay you down a line
I used to live down on Ludlow Street 1964
Then I was so innocent
But now I know the score
Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
That's what they call me by name
Ghost writer, writer, writer
For fortune and for fame
We got Shakespeare, Spencer,
Sydney too
We all know what they do
I'm a poet of a kind
I know that you are too
Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
Just tryina' make my way
Ghost writer, writer, writer
I'm gonna lay one down today
We got Chaplin with his funny face
Jolson with his mask
Movie stars all in a race
I'm going to Hollywood at last
Ghost writer, writer
Like a phantom on the trail
Ghost writer, writer, writer
Yesterday I paid back all of my bail
I got buffaloed down on Barrow Street
Everybody knows it's true
Now I'm standing on my two feet
You're with me and I'm with you
Ghost writer, writer
I'm a New York city son
Ghost writer, writer, writer
Just tryna' have my fun
I've been writing down these old stories now
For 'bout eighteen years or so
People are startin' to call me a genius
I gotta' tell 'em no, no, no, no
Ghost writer, writer
Tell me what do you have to do
Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
To get your story through |
Gotta Get Away From This World by Garland Jeffreys
Gotta Get Away From This WorldMusic and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997)
You gotta get away from this world
Runnin' from the rules and the gun
Gotta get away from this world
You're not foolin' anyone
I gave my heart to you
Gave up my world for you
Gave all my love to you
And it's true
Some days it's till the end
Somewhere beyond pretend
Some days you can't depend
You can't rely
You gotta get away from this world
Runnin' from the rules and the gun
Gotta get away from this world
You're not foolin' anyone
You gotta get away from this world
Gotta get away from this world
Gotta get away from this world
You're not foolin' anyone
In this place some can
Turn a face and run away
You're not like one of them
Maybe when you were unaware
You gotta get away from this world
Runnin' from the rules and the gun
Gotta get away from this world
You're not foolin' anyone
Gotta get away from this world
Runnin' from the rules and the gun
Gotta get away from this world
You're not foolin' anyone
Gotta get away from this world
Runnin' from the rules and the gun
Gotta get away from this world
You're not foolin' anyone
Gotta get away |
Graveyard Rock by Garland Jeffreys
Graveyard RockMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys They carried him away
In a Cadillac hearse
And what was worse
They showed no mercy
I remember that day
When he had the curse
After chapter and verse
He died an alcoholic
Graveyard rock
That's what they call it in the neighborhood
Graveyard rock
That's what they call it on the block
Graveyard rock
I bet you really never thought he would
Graveyard rock
I hear the ticking of the clock
It was so tragic
Another painful story
And just a-like magic
Out the 21st story
They say the deed was done
A when they sealed that coffin
It happened quite often
In the crash of '80 of '81
Graveyard rock
Mash it up
Now there was no glory
No ceremony
His epitaph told me
He was no phony
They buried that casket
It went six feet under
And rain nor thunder
Can hide nor mask it
There ain't no laughter
No hereafter
There ain't no big fun
In the crash of '80 of '81
Graveyard rock |
Hail Hail Rock 'N' Roll by Garland Jeffreys
Hail Hail Rock 'N' RollFrom the album "Don't Call Me Buckwheat" (1992) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Pockets of hate
Rockets of love
It's never too late
For change in the color of
The color of her
The color of him
It really does matter
What skin you're in
Big yellow taxi cab passed me by
Stop on the next corner to pick up a white guy
The color of you
The color of me
You can't judge a man
By lookin' at the marquee
Hail hail rock 'n' roll
Comes from R & B and soul
Don't leave me standing in the cold
Used to think I'd never grow old
Hail hail rock 'n' roll
Don't leave me standing on the beat
Leave me stranded on the street
I see the light, I feel the heat
Blame it on you
Blame it on me
Now let's the erase the wound
That's in our history
Pain in my heart
Won't let me be
Take it from me
But don't you take away my liberty
Father of coal, mother of pearl
Never too black to blush to pick up a white girl
The color of you
The color of me
You can't judge a man
By lookin' at the marquee
Hail hail rock 'n' roll
Comes from R & B and soul
Don't leave me standing in the cold
I used to think I'd never grow old
Hail hail rock 'n' roll
Don't leave me standing on the beat
Leave me stranded on the street
I see the light, I feel the heat
Little Richard
Chuck Berry
Bo Diddley
Fats Domino
Here come Elvis
Gene Vincent
Buddy Holly
And Jerry Lee
Hail hail rock 'n' roll
Comes from R & B and soul
Don't leave me standing in the cold
Used to think I'd never grow old
Hail hail rock 'n' roll
Don't leave me standing on the beat
Leave me stranded on the street
I see the light, I feel the heat |
Happiness by Garland Jeffreys
Happiness Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997)
How dare you bring up the subject
You want to ruin my reputation
Don't want to show it in public
Don't want to focus on this happy occasion
Oh now you're getting me nervous
I got a fear this feeling's going away
It's like I've lost an obsession
Confession, it chased my blues away
Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
They say that life is a blessing
Some days it feels like it's madness
Don't want to jinx my situation
Don't want to risk the emotion
Don't want to turn into a serious wreck
Don't want to turn into a serious wreck
And end up back on the couch
I got a reputation to protect
Happiness from the sadness
Happiness to the gladness
Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
And while you bring up the subject
No I don't need a vacation
Don't want to save the republic
Don't need a standing ovation
Don't want to turn into a serious wreck
Don't want to turn into a serious wreck
And end up back on the couch
I got a reputation to protect
Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
Happiness
From the sadness
To the gladness
Happiness |
Haunted House by Garland Jeffreys
Haunted HouseFrom the album One-Eyed Jack (1978) Music and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Livin' in a Haunted House
Nobody home, 'cept for me and the mouse
Baby shake, shake now
Baby shake
Lonely little planet boy
Lookin' for love
Lookin' for joy
Baby shake, shake now,
Baby shake
UFO go past my window pane
No-one to write, no-one to call
No-one to explain my troubles
Livin' in a lonely world
Isolation is in the world
Baby shake, shake now,
Baby shake
Lonely little planet girl
Desolation says you sink or you swim
Baby shake, shake now,
Baby shake
Somethin' flew across my window sill
Nobody home in the house 'cept me
But I'm ready for danger
I said I'm ready for danger
I'm ready for danger
I'm ready for the kill
Baby shake, shake, baby shake |
I May Not Be Your Kind by Garland Jeffreys
I May Not Be Your KindMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys I may not be your kind, baby baby
I may not be your kind, no no no no
I may not be your kind, mama mama mama
I may not be your kind
I’m a little boy lost
on the street one night
Looking for a woman
gonna set me right
Show me baby
everything you got
Then I’ll show you darlin’
everything I’m not
Oh now I may not be your kind, baby
baby
I may not be your kind, no no no no
I may not be your kind, mama mama mama
I may not be your kind, listen what
your papa say
I see a little white girl on a
downtown street
Searching for a lover man so fine and
sweet
Show me baby all those riches you got
A little black boy gonna tell you
thanks a lot |
I Was Afraid of Malcolm by Garland Jeffreys
I Was Afraid of MalcolmFrom the album Don't Call Me Buckwheat (1992) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys I was afraid of Malcolm
Just like any white man
Between the powder of the talcum
And the color of a black man
Fee fie fo fum
I was afraid of Malcolm
And the afro picks in the sand
Just like any white man
Now I see I was dumb
I bought the whole big shebang
White man afraid of Malcolm
Hit me like a boomerang
From the fire to the frying pan
I did the ostrich too
Cassius was the better man
But I took the white man’s cue
I was afraid of Malcolm
Just like any white man
Between the powder of the talcum
And the color of the man tan
Fee fie fo fum
I was afraid of Malcolm
And the afro picks in the sand
Just like any white man
Things got better each day
I landed on my own backbone
And when I think of all the hearsay
I’m standin’ in my own skin tone
Pictured as a man of distortion
Painted as a monster in monster proportion
Changing up with every bit of information
Painting like a master in God’s creation
Where each and every one and every body is equal
Where you don’t have to wait until
You see the sequel
I was afraid of Malcolm
Just like any white man
Between the powder of the talcum
And the color of a black man
Fee fie fo fum
I was afraid of Malcolm
And the afro picks in the sand
Just like any white man |
If Mao Could See Me Now by Garland Jeffreys
If Mao Could See Me NowFrom the Album American Boy & Girl Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
If Mao could see me now
He'd be rollin' over in his grave
See that I have become a man
That I am no longer a slave
Yes it's true I once was a child
And I remember all those sleepless nights
Naked orphans runnin' wild
Bathe in the warmth under the streetlights
Hometown boy, he's makin' good, now he's takin' a bow
If Mao could see me now
If Mao could see me now
He'd see a smile upon my face
Like a father he'd be so proud
To know I've joined the human race
And he would know it wasn't fake
And he would know it was for real
I got somethin' I can understand
Now show me somethin' I can feel
Hometown boy, he's makin' good, now he's takin' a bow
If Mao could see me now
If Mao could see me now
He could see those tender tears
And he would know the hurt and pain
That I've been goin' through for years and years
Workin' hard and tryna' be like you
Thinkin' it would set me free
But in my heart I know just what to do
And now I'm gonna' be like, like me
Hometown boy, he's makin' good, now he's takin' a bow
If Mao could see me now
If Mao could see me now |
Innocent by Garland Jeffreys
InnocentMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys You're so impressed
With the figures and the facts
You're so impressed
with the latest style
You tried your best
But you can't relax
You won't slow down
Before you take it to the max
'Cause you're innocent, not guilty
Innocent, we'll let you go this time
You're innocent, not guilty
You're so confused
With what comes up next
You're so confused
And you're so complex
You're so amused
When you're in the mood
When it comes to sex
You're using your special effects
'Cause you're innocent, not guilty
You don't need no jury
You don't need no trial
We won't take no chances
We're gonna' ruin all the
records in the fingerprint file
You're innocent, not guilty |
James Dean by Garland Jeffreys
James Dean was referenced in the book "James Dean, The Mutant King: A Biography" (1974, David Dalton) and quoted partial lyrics as: Hey James Dean, you're just a teenage dream
But the older folks too
They're tryin' to be like you.
|
Jump, Jump by Garland Jeffreys
Jump, JumpFrom the album Escape Artist (1982) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Here comes Victor Hugo
He's with me wherever I go
I'm walking Paris streets
Talking cobblestones
Feeling like I'm at home
And here comes Les Miserables
It's one of my favorite novels
But it's so serious
Hope I'm not too rude
But I'm not in the mood
Jump jump
Let's make the great escape
All due respect to art for art's sake
Jump jump
We're gonna have some fun
For you and me and everyone
Jump jump
To the rock 'n' roll Rimbauds
Jump jump
To the poets and verse
Jump jump
To the Venus de Milo
Jump jump
To the ones who came first
Here comes the ghost of V. Van Gogh
He follows me wherever I go
We pass Notre Dame
So much history
So much bigger than me
And here comes another museum
They pass so fast we hardly can see 'em
There goes a Claude Monet
and a Paul Cezanne
And I always been a fan
Jump jump
Let's make the great escape
All due respect to art for art's sake
Jump jump
We're gonna have some fun
For you and me and everyone
Jump jump
To the rock 'n' roll Rimbauds
Jump jump
To the poets and verse
Jump jump
To the Venus de Milo
Jump jump
To the ones who came first
|
Keep on Trying by Garland Jeffreys
Keep on TryingFrom the album One-Eyed Jack (1978) Music and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys I'm just a New York City kid
And I'm a' lookin' for love
Standin' out here on the street
Streelight up above
I'm stranded in the night
Just as clear as Black and White
Gotta work it if you wanna' do it right
You gotta' Keep on Tryin' baby
Keep On Tryin'
Keep on Tryin' baby
Keep on Tryin' Ooooo
I'm just a hometown boy makes good
And I'm lookin' for joy
Keep tryin' the best I could
Like any ordinary city boy
Standin' in the middle of the street
Dead tired on my feet
Pretty girl I'd love to meet
You gotta' Keep on Tryin' baby
Keep on Tryin'
Keep on Tryin' baby
Keep on Tryin' Ooooo
But I don't wanna hustle for love
No I don't wanna hustle for love
I don't wanna' hustle for love |
Lift Me Up by Garland Jeffreys
Lift Me UpMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys I’m the restless child
of the underground
And I met a lot of people
tryna’ keep me down
Oh step by step
Your love is gonna lift me
Step by step, higher and higher
Step by step your love
Is gonna life me, higher
Lift me up, higher and higher
Lift me up off of my knees
Lift me up, higher and higher
Lift me up I’m begging you please
Down so long like the underdog
Oh no no, but you’ll never,
never find me in the L.A. fog
I say step by step
your love is gonna lift me
Step by step, higher and higher
Step by step your love
is gonna lift me, higher
Lift me up, higher and higher
Lift me up off of my knees
Lift me up, higher and higher
Lift me up I’m begging you please
Oh step by step
your love is gonna lift me
Step by step, higher and higher
Step by step
your love is gonna lift me, higher |
Livin' For Me by Garland Jeffreys
Livin' For MeFrom the album American Boy & Girl (1979). Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
I've been caught in a battle
Between love and hate
And all my friends
They tell me
It's just my emotional state
But I know there's a difference
Between love and war
'Cause I am a first class veteran
And I been here once or twice before
I'm not livin' for you baby
I'm livin' for me
The wound it cuts so deep
And the hurt takes long to heal
And poets sing sweet the rhapsody
Everybody can feel
And lovers they will make-up
They will break-up they will make-up again
Some become such enemies
And some become such very best friends
I'm not livin' for you baby
I'm livin' for me
My love I got so much emotion
I'll bet you know what it's like
My tears could fill up the ocean
Gonna' cut some loose like Wilhelm Reich
I'm not livin' for you
I'm livin' for me
|
Lon Chaney by Garland Jeffreys
Lon ChaneyMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Oh Lon Chaney,
where you been so long?
Sit right down
and let me sing you a song.
I seen you on a movie in my room.
Oh Lon Chaney,
with the velvet touch,
a silver dagger and a black man's crutch.
Now's the time to come out from your tomb.
You look so sad,
with a face of stone,
with a hunchback's eye you live.
Oh Lon Chaney,
with the velvet touch,
a gypsy woman that you love so much.
Say goodbye,
you're cured,
you're free at last.
Oh Lon Chaney,
what's to hold you back?
The Wolfman's dead
and the old black cat is gone,
like a memory faded from your past.
You look so sad,
with a face of stone,
just skin and bone.
You're all alone,
with a hunchback's eye you live. |
Lonelyville by Garland Jeffreys
LonelyvilleFrom the album Don't Call Me Buckwheat (1992) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Boy meets girl in the usual place
Swept by love you can see it in their face
Lonelyville
Hand in hand and a kiss on the lips
Everything's grand in the video clips
In Lonelyville
It's the human kind that we want so much
The human hand with the human touch
In Lonelyville
The same old song all around the world
You can't buy love with your diamonds and pearls
In Lonelyville
Lonely, lonely
Don't wanna be here in Lonelyville
My one and only, you're all I need
Here in Lonelyville
Lonely
Heart beats fast I can feel the attack
A lonely past but I don't wanna go back
To Lonelyville
Lonely, lonely
Don't wanna be here in Lonelyville
My one and only, you're all I need
Here in Lonelyville
Don't, don't, don't wanna be here |
Love Jones by Garland Jeffreys/The Boilerhouse Boys
Love JonesMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys/The Boilerhouse Boys From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997)
Slippery when wet
What you give is what you get
No more time for pillow talk
You gotta walk, the walk, the walk
Slippery when wet
What you give is what you get
No more time for pillow talk
You gotta walk, the walk, the walk And when we first met
Romeo and Juliet
In my mind I picture the place and time
Just you and me, and how could we forget
I got the love jones, yeah
I got the love, love jones, gotta have it
I got the love jones, love jones, love jones
Got the love, love jones, ah, ah, ah, ah
Time will tell and the truth be told
All is fair in love and war
Like Samson and Delilah
Tell me babe what are, what are we fightin' for
I got the love jones, yeah
I got the love love jones, gotta have it
I got the love jones, love jones, love jones
Got the love jones, ah, ah, ah, ah
For all your love I try
I'm moving every mountain
Reach across the river wide
Far's the eye can see
I got the love jones, yeah
I got the love love jones, gotta have it
I got the love lones, love jones, love jones
Got the Love Jones, ah, ah, ah, ah
If you put your arms around me
Then I'll break your heart of stone |
Lovelight by Garland Jeffreys
LovelightMusic and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Just one moment in time
Don't you take me so seriously
Tried my very best
To see you through
Just one moment in time
No need, no need to worry
Worst part of breaking up,
It's very hard to do
Let your lovelight shine, shine on me
Let your lovelight shine, shine, shine on me
I'm learning fast what's it's all about
I'm learning fast I can't do without
Let your lovelight shine, shine on me
Oh, I'm learning fast what it's all about
I'm learning fast I can't do without
Let your lovelight shine, shine on me
Let your lovelight shine down, shine on me |
Lover's Walk by Garland Jeffreys
Lover's WalkWords & Music by Garland Jeffreys From the EP Escapades (1981)
You and I
We can't be friends
You saw to that
Back in Amsterdam
You were my first foreign affair
Just like a private eye
I found you there
A double date
With Nora and Nick
A toot, a tug
Could do that trick
We stopped a sec
At Suggy's house
Kaiser canal
It was so romantic
Lover's walk
Down lover's lane
Lover's walk
Two lovers
In the Rain
Lover's walk
Underneath the moon
Lover's walk
I hope it doesn't end too soon
Escapades and true amour
Odalisque and paramour
The Duchess and the Duke
We could name a few
Promenading down the avenue
Lover's walk
You and I
Would love to make a try
You and me
We're on parade
Not afraid
To live it free or die
Lover's walk
Now I'm back in the USA
Living out my life
The American way
It's happy hour
But I start to cry
I wish I could go back
And give it just another try
Lover's walk |
Matador by Garland Jeffreys
MatadorFrom the album American Boy & Girl (1979). Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Take me to the Matador
He will know just what it's for
He will help me with my life
He will open ev'ry door
When the bull is in the ring
I need all the help you can
And the Mariachis sing
With the lonely mandolin
See those people shout out loud
Give me more and give me more
And I'm thinkin' to myself
Take me to the Matador
Take me to the Matador
He will fill and ease my soul
He will give me confidence
When I think I've lost control
He will help me with my Muse
In the age of win and lose
With the ancient cup and swords
And a hundred Spanish lords
See one thousands violins
Golden trumpets soar on high
Waves and waves of joyful hymns
Silver sonnets reach the sky
Fight the battles and the blues
Wars of love and wars of art
Tonight the cape is what I choose
Goya's in my Spanish heart
He will help me with my love
Dance the dance that lovers do
Rhumba with the velvet glove
'Neath the Barcelona moon
See one thousands violins
Golden trumpets soar on high
Waves and waves of joyful hymns
Silver sonnets reach the sky
Take me to the Matador |
Miami Beach by Garland Jeffreys
Miami BeachMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
I was walkin' Miami Beach
I was feelin' so out of reach
It was not like the European nights
It was not like the Broadway lights
They like-a-separate-a-Black from a-Whites
They like-a-separate-a Black from his rights
I was feelin' so out of touch
I don't like this place very much
Walkin' down the road in the boilin' heat
The Miami sun in the middle of the street
See a cop with a club and a gun
The man say he no hurt anyone
He lies through his teeth
With a smilin' face
He cries to the judge and
They close up the case
Now 'ya know this a real and a-true ya' know
What ya' gonna feel and do
I was walkin' down the road in the blistering heat
A bomb explode on a hot concrete
It can happen in a broad daylight
It can happen in the middle of the night
Screech and a scream and a pistol shot
It can't be a dream if it sounds like that
It's a riot in a Liberty City
A race riot such a down right pity
Walkin' down the road one afternoon
Feelin' upset no I'm not immune
Let me tell you a story
Another painful story
What ya' think of a world like that
A clicky lickle world like that
What ya' think of a world like that
A world full a' dread like that
Think!!
|
Modern Lovers by Garland Jeffreys
Modern LoversMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys You gave me a red heart
On Valentine's Day
You called me sweetheart
What more could you say
If that's not loving
I don't know of any other way
If that's not loving
Well, then it must be a one-act play
Modern lovers, modern times
Times gettin' tougher but
love's not blind, no, no, no
Modern lovers, with their modern ways
So contemporary,
modern lovers
You gave me a big kiss
You were so sincere
I really couldn't resist
When you held me near
If that's not loving
Well then I'm not a man
If that's not loving
Well, then we better
get a better understanding
Modern lovers, modern times
Times gettin' tougher but
my love's not blind, no, no, no
Modern lovers, with their
modern ways
So contemporary, modern lovers
L.O.V.E.R.S |
Moonshine in the Cornfield by Garland Jeffreys
Moonshine in the CornfieldMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Moonshine in the cornfield
Yonder see the wonder wheel
Cyclone’s in the distance
Fore I reach eternal sleep
Sisters light a candle
Pictures on the mantel
Full of human kindness
Painted in a masterpiece |
Murder Jubilee by Garland Jeffreys
Murder JubileeMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
It could have been you
It could have been me
It could have been the end of my family
We could have been ancient history
A part of a murder jubilee
When I read in the paper it seems far away
But I worry 'bout my darlin' each and every day
When she leaves in the morning I say a little prayer
Hopin' when I come home she'll be there
Untouched, unscathed and not like before
When she was attacked outside our front door
Now I'm not balkin' ...I'm talkin' 'bout my Jennifer
Don't want to see another blood stained barrier
Don't wanna see another t.v. murder
Don't want to see another crackhead back here
Hookin' from a blowtorch day and night
One head black and the other one white
It could have been you
It could have been me
It could have been the end of my family
We could have been ancient history
A part of the murder jubilee
It could have been you
It could have been me
It could have been the end of my family
We could have been ancient history
Shot-gun drive-by shot-down
Terrified but wait until it comes into your home
Like a big city movie that filters down to Main Street
Godfather dollars from everyone on Pain Street
Steppin' on the genius of man is such a waste
You say you really care but you're really 2-faced
You laugh, you think you say it can't happen here
Till you see it on the outskirts too late to fear
Violent celebrated gangster slit
Any way you look at it it feels just like a hit
Invisible man no this ain't the promised land
‘Cause before you understand you're wasted in the waste land
It could have been you
It could have been me
It could have been you
It could have been me
It could have been you
It could have been |
Mystery Kids by Garland Jeffreys
Mystery KidsMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Marcellino Casanova
Little Angel from Laslow Street
Cinderella, she's a crossover
She got no father in her history
She got no good life
She got no love life
She got no future
Got no hopes or dreams
In the cool world
In the cruel world
You're a number
You're a mystery
Who are the mystery, mystery kids
the mystery kids, who are
The mystery, mystery kids
the mystery, mystery kids
I remember, it was late December
Crazy Michael, down on Jefferson Street
Johnny-one-arm, he's holding one hand
With his sister, it was bittersweet
She got no good life
They got no love life
Got no future
Got no hopes or dreams
In the cool world
In the cruel world
You're a number
You're a mystery
Who are the mystery, mystery kids
He's such a mystery kid
DOOM-DOOM-DOOM
I climb six flights
To the tenement heights
And there ain't no lights
In the darkest of nights
And the piss-stench smell
In the black stairwell
With the William Tell Overture
In the background
And across the floor
I see two big rats
In a world like that
They can't take anymore
They can't take it...
Come on let's go
The mystery kids |
New York Skyline by Garland Jeffreys
New York SkylineFrom the album Ghost Writer Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Baby Jean
Vaudeville queen
She love to ragtime in the night
I know I’m gonna miss my baby Jean
Cause she treats me oh so right
But the New York Skyline
it’s calling me home tonight
Female, feline, feminine,
she’s been making my world so bright
Hindsight, foresight
Sometimes we’ve got no sight at all
New love, true love
Sometimes we’ve got no love at all
But the New York Skyline it’s
calling me home tonight
Female, feline, feminine,
She’s been making my world so bright
New York Skyline, New York Skyline
I can see those city lights
And I can feel those neon signs
Bright lights, big city
Well it must be modern times
Yes it must be modern times
Well it must be modern times |
Night of the Living Dead by Garland Jeffreys
Night of the Living DeadFrom the album American Boy & Girl (1979). Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
It was the night of the living dead
Everybody was dead in their head
Everybody was dead
And the maid was in bed
And the butler he said “get up!”
The people were placid
So calm and collected
So utterly, utterly
So still and serene
They came in like zombies
Asleep and affected
They sipped from their cocktails
An incredible scene
Just a robot
Actin’ crazy
He’s so happy
‘Cause he’s got some clout
Just a robot
From the college
On vacation
Drinkin’ Dragon Stout
It was the night of the living dead
Everybody was dead in their head
Everybody was dead
And the maid was in bed
And the butler he said “get up! get up!
get up! get up! get up!”
There’s David and there’s Lisa
So cold and controlled
Like frozen emotion
Like ice on the ocean
The girls are all naked
And wet by the pool
And the boys are all part of the jet-set
Composed and so cool
Just a robot
Actin’ crazy
She’s so happy
‘Cause she’s got some clout
Just a robot
From the college
On vacation
Drinkin’ Dragon Stout
It was the night of the living dead
Everybody was dead in their head
Everybody was dead
And the maid was in bed
And the butler he said “get up! get up!
get up! get up! get up!”
I’m gonna’ take you higher and higher |
Nothing Big in Sight by Garland Jeffreys
Nothing Big in SightLyrics & Music by Garland Jeffreys
Nothing big in sight
I've been playin' all the clubs
Doing what I like
There's a lot of push and shove
Baby, there's nothing big in sight
All the critics love to say
Comin' on down to see you on Friday night
'Cuz I want to hear you play
There's nothing big in sight
Used to be a dishpan man
In a fancy restaurant
Now I'm here before you folks
And I'm doing what I want
But there's nothing big in sight
Seen my picture in the Post
with a Mona Lisa smile
Now I'm standin' right here before you folks
and I hope you like my style
Cuz' there's nothing big in sight
I've been playin' all the clubs
Doin' what I like
Doin' what I love
Baby, there's nothing big in sight
Every single critic loves to say
Comin' on down to see you on Monday night
'Cuz I love to hear you play
Comin' on down to see you on Tuesday night
Goin' see ya on Wednesday night
Gonna try to fit you in on Thursday night
Squeeze you in on a Friday
But there's nothing
Nothing big in sight |
Oceana by Garland Jeffreys
OceanaMusic and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys. From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997)
Roaming after dark underneath the railroad tracks
Waiting on the girl who lives above the cinema
Walking in the sand feeling like an hourglass
Counting up the footprints and the time
Oceana, baby let's take it slow
Oceana, take me down to the undertow
Kissing in the balcony, the Tuxedo balcony
Hiding in the seats deep in the midnight
Feels so good to hold you, your breasts and sexuality
Flashlight in our eyes in black and white
Oceana, baby let's take it slow
Oceana, take me down to the undertow
Doing what you want like you're in an Antonioni movie
I don't really know what's going on
I'll make believe I understand and sip some cappuccino
And hold your hand and act like we're in love
Oceana, baby let's take it slow
Oceana, take me down to the undertow
Oceana |
One-Eyed Jack by Garland Jeffreys
One-Eyed JackFrom the album One-Eyed Jack (1978) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Here comes the One-Eyed Jack
So cool, he says he on the case
He loves the Queen of Hearts
The fool, she loves his friend, the Ace
She's been working for a royal flush
She says she likes it plush
She says she's in a rush
Fortunately she's got two deuces wild
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here comes the Ace of Spades
Deep down you know he holds the trump
He says he's got it made
Too bad you fold into a slump
You're just a One-Eyed Jack
Sometimes White and sometimes Black
You say the cards are stacked
Unfortunately you're caught beteween
diamonds and clubs
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here he comes
Here comes the One-Eyed Jack
He loves the Queen of Hearts
She loves the Ace of Spades
oh, no
The Ace he's got it made
too bad |
Original Lust by Garland Jeffreys
Original LustMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys From the album "Wildlife Dictionary" (1997)
Touchin' and a feelin' or starin' at the ceiling The fan blows scents across the room
Overcome the crush of the monstro
And the blush of the bride and groom
Original lust, original sin
That's where I came in
But where does it end
Original lust
Goes all the way back
To ashes and dust
Original lust
In these times of passion violent crimes and fashion
A boy learns how to slap a girl
Everybody rush let's kill the b-word
With a shot heard round the world
Original lust, original sin
That's where I came in
But where does it end
Original lust
Goes all the way back
To ashes and dust
But who can you trust
I don't wanna ban the body
I just wanna ban the bomb
I don't wanna hurt anybody
I just wanna sound the alarm
Touchin' and revealin' or starin' at the ceiling
A man blows smoke across the room
Overcome the crush of the maestro
And the blush of a maid in bloom
Original lust, original sin
That's where I came in
But where does it end
Original lust
Goes all the way back
To ashes and dust
Original lust
Ooh lust, sin
Goes all the way back
To ashes and dust
Ooh trust
That's where I came in
All the way back
But where does it end
Original lust
Original |
R.O.C.K. by Garland Jeffreys
R.O.C.K.Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
All of the kids where I come from
Tell the same old story
They want to be in a rock 'n' roll band
Get them a piece of the glory
You can feel it in a heartbeat
You can feel it like a soul beat
You can hear it in the bass line
You can feel it in the backbeat
R.O.C.K. rock
It's sweeping across the nation
R.O.C.K. rock
It's coming from my generation
R.O.C.K. rock
It's giving me a great sensation
R.O.C.K. rock
Wanna hear it on the radio station
It rescued me from a fate
That's worse than death
Just like a destiny
It gives me new breath
You can feel it...R.O.C.K. rock...
Turn it up |
Racial Repertoire by Garland Jeffreys
Racial RepertoireMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Before I go out on the street
Put on my armor of defense
I never know who I’m gonna meet
To me it never did make much sense
You don’t have to go too far
Riding in a subway car
Walk inside a cocktail bar
To feel the racial repertoire
Ever since I was a child
Eyes on me in the grocery store
Maybe it was just a style
Never could figure out what it was for
Lightning bugs in a jelly jar
Driving in my father's car
Even priests and movie stars
They got a racial repertoire
Racial repertoire
Racial repertoire oh oh oh oh
Racial repertoire
Racial repertoire oh oh oh oh
It’s become unconscious
Deep within the psyche
Generations stymied
A permanent scar
Even on the beach
When you think you’re out of reach
Eyes are back on you
Like you’re tainted residue
Even in your neighborhood
When you think you been understood
A walk in a whiskey bar
Feel that racial repertoire
You don’t have to go too far
Riding in a subway car
Even priests and movie stars
They got a racial repertoire
Racial repertoire
Racial repertoire oh oh oh oh
Racial repertoire
Racial repertoire oh oh oh oh
Even on the beach
When you think you’re out of reach
Eyes are back on you
Like you’re tainted residue
Even in your neighborhood
When you think you been understood
A walk in a whiskey bar
Feel that racial repertoire
Blood spit out on the streets
Blood splatter on the walks
Blood spit out on the streets
Blood splatter on the walks |
Real Man by Garland Jeffreys
Real ManMusic and Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
From the album Guts for Love
I've had trials and tribulations
Just to name a few
Good times and the bad times
And the times I don't know what to do
Celebrations I've been down
Hooked on fame and destiny
Big flirtations, confidences, insecurity
I'm a real man, I'm a real man
I'm a real man, yes, I'm a real man
Sensitive, artistic
Sometimes I can't make up my mind
I can't take the humdrum
Pure excitement gets me all the time
Love can calm me, false alarm me, pacify me
I get angry when I'm wronged
Have fits of jealousy
I'm a real man, I'm a real man
I'm a real man, I'm a real man
I'm only human, I'm only human
I'm only human, I'm only human
I'm a real man, I'm a real man
I'm a real man, I'm a real man |
Rough and Ready by Garland Jeffreys
Rough and ReadyMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
From the album “Ghost Writer” (A & M Records, 1977)
Star of stage and screen
Live and well on the pop scene
You know your number's due
A teenage fantasy come true
Rough and you're ready
Rough and you're ready
I said you're rough and you're ready
Oh you're rough, tough
Rough, tough, rough
Waiting' long long time
Breakin' through's been on my mind
Ain't nothin nothin' holding me back
you can see now
Finally finally, finally found the right track
Rough and you're ready
Oh you're rough and you're ready
I said you're rough and you're ready
Oh you're rough, tough
Rough, tough, rough
Sick sick of takin' a back seat
Takin' a back street
Playing it cool
I'm sick sick sick of bein' mistreated
Bein' defeated
And playing the fool
I'm rough and ready
I said I'm rough and ready
Oh I'm rough and ready
I said I'm rough and ready
Know my time has come
Know just where it's comin' from
I'm bursting at the seams
Livin' out my wildest dreams
Rough and ready
I said rough and ready
Oh rough and ready
I said rough and ready
Oh rough and ready
I said rough and ready
GARLAND JEFFREYS – Lead and Harmony Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
ALAN FREEDMAN – Electric Guitar
STEVE GADD – Drums
DON GROLNICK – Clavinet
ANTHONY JACKSON – Bass
DAVID SPINOZZA – Fuzz, Slide Guitars and Harmony |
Sexuality
SexualityMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Caught up in the rapture
Baby you're my capture
You're the gangster
And I'm your prisoner
Sexuality, sexuality
Mouth to mouth
Cheek to cheek
Baby you're my loving
And I cannot speak
Sexuality, sexuality
Sexuality, sexuality
And I want to believe you
And I want to receive you
And you want to believe me
And you want to receive me
Sexuality, sexuality
Sexuality, sexuality
Sexuality, sexuality
Sexuality, sexuality |
She Didn't Lie by Garland Jeffreys
She Didn't LieFrom the album One-Eyed Jack (1978) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Each and every word of wisdom
That my father said
Is passing through a hidden chamber
Inside of my head
Childhood dreams have faded yeah, yeah
But soon they will return
Memories and lessons that I learn
Oh She didn't lie,
He didn't lie, no, no, no
She didn't lie,
He didn't lie
Mama mama mama mama mama
Do you hear me call
Oh I'm your favorite son
The one you love the most of all,
The one you love the most of all
What about the time we're all passing through
It kills me in my throat
All the people in the city
Tryna' stay afloat
Oh She didn't lie,
He didn't lie, no no, no
She didn't lie,
He didn't lie |
Ship of Fools by Garland Jeffreys
Ship of FoolsFrom the album American Boy & Girl (1979). Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
I'm sailin' away
On the ship of fools
In this cafe
I'm gonna' sing the blues
Some folks say that I'm here for them
That I'm here for you
But I'm here for me
And that's true
On the ship of fools
My friends they lied
Behind my back
New ones come
I'm so confused
My mind's made up
I won't compromise
I'm all mixed up
And my eyes can't see the truth
On the ship of fools
I know I've been here once before
Gonna' see that ship again
From whence I don't know when
I'm caught up here again
On the ship of fools
I may be right and I may be wrong
But right or wrong
You can bet that I'm gonna' be
Strong, strong, strong
On the ship of fools |
Spanish Blood by Garland Jeffreys
Spanish Blood Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Identities crisscrossing into a masquerade
Who do you think you are
Is this a mass charade
Another taste of life
Another Mardi Gras
What did you have to do
For it to get this far
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood
You pass on black for white
Now who do you think you are
You say you're Spanish
But how'd you let it to
Passing in a lighter shade
Passing in a silent parade
Passing like ships in the night
Passing and pretending you're white
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood
Say you're Spanish, yeah yeah yeah yeah, say
you're Spanish blood
You say you're Spanish, you say you're
Spanish blood
Father comes from Harlem
And your mother's name is Rosebud
She wants you to be white
But it's not your natural race
She says times are hard, and tough tough
tough
You could pass with a lighter face
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood
Passing in a lighter shade
Passing in a silent parade
Passing like ships in the night
Passing and pretending you're white
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood
Say you're Spanish, say you're Spanish blood |
Spanish Town by Garland Jeffreys
Spanish Town Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Oh Signorita
When the evening sun go down
I come to serenade you
From another part of town.
Rafaella is my mother's name.
She loves her Juan Jose
My mother is a matriarch
Oh what more can I say
Together they raised three children
Mario Carmen and Ray
They live near de Janeiro
on Mona da Vinci Bay
I'm gonna eat my rice and beans
I'm gonna suck on a chili dog
Way down in Spanish Town
In the Spanish fog
Oh I love you to meet my friend Don Juan
He loves to play the mandolin
Signoritas they gather 'round'
Cause they think that he's a Mexican
But I know so much better
I'm holding here the proof
Don Juan is a gringo boy
He's not telling us the truth
But he loves his rice and beans
He's gonna suck on a chili dog
Way down in Spanish Town
In a Spanish fog
I love you to meet Margarita
Margarita she is calling me
And I love to hear my name
Out the lights and bring on the wine
It's Fiesta time again
You know I love my Portugal
'cause she shows me what to do
All the roads lead to Mexico, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
but they bring me back to you
She's gonna eat her rice and beans
She's gonna suck on a chili dog
Way down in Spanish Town
In the Spanish fog
Revolution is in the street
I can feel it in my blood
I can see Allende still crying out
But they nip him at the bud
Oh they're talking in the alleys
of Old San Juan, Old San Juan
All the soldiers gonna walk the trail
Big sombreros see them everywhere
Zapata lands in jail
Ain't gonna eat no rice and beans
Ain't gonna suck on nobody's chili dog
Way down in Spanish Town
In a Spanish fog
Way down in Spanish Town |
Sunday Kind of Love
Sunday Kind of Love
Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
Unreleased track, reportedly performed in Japan circa 1988. |
Surrender by Garland Jeffreys
SurrenderFrom the album Guts for Love (1982) Words & Music by Garland Jeffreys
Surrender
Hold me tight
Never let me go
Oh surrender
I want you tonight
Girl I love you so
Surrender
To my touch
Let me know your heart
Oh surrender
I want you so much
Now that love is
Beginning to start
Surrender, surrender,
Surrender, surrender
The hurt told me
That you'd be
Coming to my rescue
My heart told me
And now I'm hoping
That it comes true
It's destiny
You love me and I love you
So surrender
Hold me near
Never let me fade
Oh surrender
Have no fear
The best laid plans
Have already been made
Surrender, surrender,
Surrender, surrender, surrender
You're holding back your feelings
You're cool to me and more
But I know that you're bold enough
To open up that door
So surrender
Hold me tight
Never let me go
Oh surrender
I want you tonight
I'm on my knees baby
Don't say no
Surrender, surrender
Surrender, surrender
|
The Answer by Garland Jeffreys
The AnswerFrom the album "Don't Call Me Buckwheat" (1992) Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Everybody, everywhere, everyone
All around the world
Calling all you people
Calling every boy and girl
You can be everything, anything
You really want to be
But you can't play the victim
Got to put an end
To this self-fulling prophecy
Give it up and kick it out
Lift yourself up and you find the answer
Can't judge another by the color
By the color of his skin
Can't live on the surface
Got to give it from the places within
Ain't no preacher gonna teach us
'Bout the meaning of love
It's up to you and me
To give what we got plenty of
Give it up and kick it out
Life yourself up just like a dancer
Give it up, pick it up
And keep it up
Lift yourself up and you find the answer
Everybody, everywhere, everyone
All around the world
Calling all you people
Calling every boy and every single girl
You can be everything, anything
You really want to be
And it's right here for you
The answer ain't no great big mystery
Give it up and kick it out
Life yourself up just like a dancer now
Give it up, pick it up
And keep it up
Lift yourself up and find the answer |
True Confessions by Garland Jeffreys
True ConfessionsMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys I think of you periodically
Underneath those city lights
Do you ever think of me
In the midst of sleepless nights
I think of you from time to time
You could always make me laugh, ha, ha
Baby you're still on my mind
I still have your photograph
True confession
True confession
True confession
I think of you on winter nights
Underneath the quarter moon
Kisses tender, in the night
From my Parisian hotel room
I think of you and what you said
And then I go out onto the streets
You keep rollin' around my head
Like a magnum that repeats
True confession
Passing slowly home from work
People think I'm in a dream
Passing slowly down the block
Breathing out the winter steam
Put the key inside the lock
Taking off my leather gloves
Hear the tick-tock of the clock
Darling you're my, my one,
my one true love
True confession |
True To Me by Garland Jeffreys
True To Me Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys from the album "Garland Jeffreys"
Shut the shade
Out the light
My baby's cookin' up a storm tonight
Sweet sweet cakes
and the finest stew
Over here sittin' by the window babe
Drinkin' my brew
One day it'll happen
Just you wait and see
Will you be true to me?
Yeah yeah yeah
Rock and roll's on the radio
Winter time's comin' babe
You better drive on slow
A-reelin' and a-rockin' like a long-haired freak
Motor cars comin' down the highway,
Sound goes beep-beep
Brake man on the D-train
says he wants to be me, but I say,
Will you be true to me?
Yeah yeah yeah
Be true to me babe
Ah, you be true to your poppa all night long
Rich or poor
You can shake it up
Pour a little taste in my empty cup
Ah, don't be shy
Pour it right in
Fancy whiskey, wine, bourbon, scotch, vodka or gin
You can pour that bottle, it can be even cheaper
What I want to know is
Will you be true to me?
Rock and roll, rock and roll's on the radio
Winter time's comin' babe
You better drive on slow
A-reelin' and a-rockin' like a long-haired freak
Motor cars comin' down the highway, sound goes beep-beep
Brake man on the D-train
says he wants to be free, but I say,
Will you be true to me?
|
We the People by Garland Jeffreys
We the PeopleMusic & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Up from the trenches
Back on the street
Fist full of clenches
Like steel & concrete
Pretenders of tough
Fakers of real
Open your heart
Show me what you really feel
We the people
Sometimes we're strong
We overcome our past
Sometimes we're weak
And we break, we break like glass
Sometimes we speak
With our head up our ass
Sometimes we shriek
But we're only human
We the people
Love is miracle
That's for sure
You and I
We're gonna take that cure
Defenders of soul
Make a mass appeal
Open up your heart
Show me what you really feel
We the people |
Welcome to the World by Garland Jeffreys
Welcome to the World Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
Coney Island on my mind
Brighton Beach is calling me
From another time
Listen to the radio
Bringing waves across the color line
Each and every song is
The color of music
On my way to school
I'm passing one more time
Sheepshead Bay disguised
I'm walkin' color blind
Listen to the radio
Frankie Lymon's no J.D.
Believe in every single word
It's the color of music
Welcome to the world of black and white
Welcome to the world of love and hate
Welcome to the birth of a nation
Of segregate, there's still a separation
Blacker than a 100 midnights
Whiter than white on white
Livin' in a virtual behind the color curtain
Now that ain't right, that ain't right
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world of opposites
Welcome to the world of inequality
Welcome to the world of human rights
Where they're all for you
None for me
Blacker than a 100 midnights
Colder than a soul on ice
Police are kickin' out the livin' daylights
Now that ain't right, that ain't right,
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
In a world of cliché
Where violence is golden
Where the king of glove
Meets the genius of persuasion
Silenced for what you say
Censored if you’re old and grey
This thing called love
Is saved for the occasion, yeah
We know you're startin' up
Your reign of bigotry
On every main street
A secret society
You better beware
Louisiana Metairie
You been ku kluxxed
The tactics of a Nazi
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
We want no more Negro bashing
No more black and white clashing
No more white on black crime
No more black on black on white crime
No more guns and roses
No more police and firehoses
No more gutter sniping
No more black and white stereotyping
No more for colored only
No more for whites only
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world
Welcome to the world |
Why-O by Garland Jeffreys
Why-O Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys If I were a little black boy
say five years old
I'd ask my mommy please
what's goin'on
And if I were a little white girl
say six years old
I'd beg my daddy please, do I belong
Tell me why-o
Tell me why
Tell me tell me why-o
Tell why-o
Won't you tell me
Oh the governor tell me sonny boy
If you want to stay with us
You must ride to school on Monday son
In a big black bus
Oh the governor tell me girlie
You must stay in school you must
You must ride to school on Tuesday,
now
Don't Ja-make-a fuss
Tell me why-o
Tell me why
Tell me tell me why-o
Tell why-o
Won't you tell me
Oh if I were a little black boy
I'd be so confused
I'd feel a pain inside my heart
I'd feel so much abuse
And I were a little white girl
I'd be so uptight
Cause there's trouble in the U.S.A.
It's as clear as black and white
Tell me why-o
Tell me why
Tell me tell me why-o
Tell me why
Tell me tell me why-o
Why-o why-o won't you tell me
Tell me why-o
Tell me why oh now oh now
Why there trouble down in Boston town
Why there trouble South in Louisville
Why there trouble up in Detroit now
Why there trouble out in L.A. now
Why there trouble here in New York town
Trouble in my home town
Trouble in my home town
Trouble in my home town
Trouble in my home town |
Wild in the Streets by Garland Jeffreys
Wild in the StreetsSingle written and released in 1973. Also on the album "Ghost Writer" (A & M Records, 1977) and reissued on the album "I'm Alive" (Universal International, 2006). Music & Lyrics by Garland Jeffreys
In the heat of the summer
Better call up the plumber
And turn on the street pump
To cool me off
With your newspaper writers
And your big crime fighters
You still need a drugstore
To cure my cough
Running wild in the streets
We got a gang called “Shady”
And a midnight lady
And two transvestites
To beat the band
You better not touch us You best believe us
Your teenage Johnny’s
Gonna be a man
Runnin’ wild in the streets
Mrs. America
Tell me how is your favorite son
Do you really care
What he has done
Runnin’ wild in the streets
Garland Jeffreys: Lead vocal and acoustic guitar
John Boudreaux: Drums
Rick Marrotta: Drums
Johnny Ace: Bass
Alan Freedman: Acoustic electric guitar
Sugarbear: Electric guitar
Dr. John: Clavinet
Michael Brecker: Tenor sax
Randy Brecker: Trumpet
David Sanborn: Soprano sax
Phil Messina: Trombone
David Peel and Friends: Background vocals
Produced by Roy Cicala and Garland Jeffreys
Arranged by Garland Jeffreys and Dr. John
Recorded and mixed by Roy Cicala at Record Plant, 1973
Mastered at Atlantic
|
96 Tears
96 Tears by Rudy Martinez Too many teardrops for one heart to be cryin'
Too many teardrops for one heart to carry on
You're way on top now
Since you left me
You're always laughin'
Way down at me
But watch out now
I'm gonna get there
We'll be together
For just a little while
And then I'm gonna put you
Way down here
And you'll start cryin'
Ninety-six tears
Cry
Cry
And when the sun comes up
I'll be on top
You'll be way down there
Lookin' up
And I might wave
Come up here
But I don't see you
Wavin' now
I'm way down here
Wonderin' how
I'm gonna get you
But I know now
I'll just cry, cry, I'll just cry
Too many teardrops for one heart to be cryin'
Too many teardrops for one heart
To carry on
You're gonna cry ninety-six tears
You're gonna cry ninety-six tears
You're gonna cry cry, cry, cry, now
You're gonna cry cry, cry, cry
Ninety-six tears c'mon and lemme hear you cry, now
Ninety-six tears (whoo!) I wanna hear you cry
Night and day, yeah, all night long
Uh-ninety-six tears cry cry cry
C'mon baby, let me hear you cry now, all night long
Uh-ninety-six tears! Yeah! C'mon now
Uh-ninety-six tears! |
I'm Not a Know-It-All
I'm Not a Know-It-All by Kaye/Speilman I'm not a know-it-all,
don't know why the grass is tall.
don't know why there's morning dew,I only know that I love you.
I'm not a know-it-all,
don't know why the raindrops fall.
don't know what's beyond the blue,I only know that I love you.
with things that are not of you alone,
I'm not so wise.
and still I could write a book of my own,
when I look in your eyes!
I'm not a know-it-all,
yet I know I'll run to you,
the very moment that you call.I love you, know you know it all! |
No Woman No Cry
No Woman No CryMusic & Lyrics by Vincent Ford |
Streets of Philadelphia
Streets of PhiladelphiaMusic & Lyrics by Bruce Springsteen |
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