Flatbed
40 Miles * Big Winds Blow * Lame Excuse * Liver & Kidneys * Lonely Dispatch * Highwater * Ride * Roulette * To Sea
Scratches and Dents
All Hell * Burning Wind * Country Miles * In Flight * Last Song * Living Ghost * Pleases You * Reveille * Steeped In Darkness The Darkness * That Old Guitar * Truth Be ToldAll lyrics (P) 2007-2021 BLT Flatbedmusic (ASCAP), except where noted otherwise. All rights reserved.
Travelin' the country
All the state lines I cross
And all the time I feel so lost
Makin' the days seem long
But it's 40 more miles to my love
40 more miles to my love
Still workin' my way
All the strangers I see
But the one he waits for me
More confused than I was before
Will never quite erase the picture of that door
As it closed
Slammed upon my smile
Now it's 40 more miles and I'll be home
40 more miles and I'll be home
Never felt this far before
Let me find some comfort there
One year later and I'm movin' again
40 more miles to the site of my grave
Well the whiskey, didn't keep me warm at night
And the one timers left me wanting
Oh, the death of our love
Something I could not survive
40 more miles and I'll be gone
40 more miles and I'll be gone
40 more miles and I'll truly be home
Oh, truly be home
Top of Page
Liver and kidneys, liver and kidneys
doin' the work of five men
Liver and kidneys, liver and kidneys
gonna do it all over again
Don't quit now, can't live without
Get ready boys, cause I'm goin' out
Liver and kidneys, workin' the whole night through
(Well my) girlfriend calls me on the phone
And she asks if I'm sittin' home alone
I say, yes, oh yes, my body is tired
(She says) come on out, see this band
And if you're lucky, you'll meet a man
Doesn't take much, to twist my arm these days
(Well I) went downtown to find my peace
Favorite spot, familiar faces I see
The counterman waits with a question for me
(What'll it be) Jamison or Jack tonight
What will it take to make you feel all right
You can guess the kind of night
when the barkeep knows your sin
Liver and kidneys, liver and kidneys
doin' the work of five men
Liver and kidneys, liver and kidneys
gonna do it all over again
Don't quit now, can't live without
Get ready boys, cause I'm goin' out
Liver and kidneys, workin' the whole night through
Don't quit now, can't live without
Get ready boys, cause I'm goin' out
Liver and kidneys, workin' the whole night through
Top of Page
It's been good being here with you
and I'm grateful for that
But it's time to go, maybe I'll see you later
put my foot along side that radiator and ride
Time to go 'cause now they know
that I'm not quite who I am
Always try to live up to the life
but here I am failing again
Then I'll ride
'til they don't know who I am
Then I'll lie
and make them think that I'm a better man
Things I've done and things I haven't
have all turned out the same
Think I'll find a way to lead a better life
and then I'll go and buy a better name
Time's run short, map has too
I have no one left to blame
Someday soon I'll find a place to root
But as for now the travels will remain
Then I'll ride
'til they don't know who I am
Then I'll lie
and make them think that I'm a better man
A better man I know I could be,
if only those gates open and set me free.
I'll bet it's like I've been told,
you can forget the debts you've owed.
And, let that world blur by as you ride on down that road.
Then I'll ride
'til they don't know who I am
Then I'll lie
and make them think that I'm a better man
Transformer down-live wire dancing on the ground
Rubber necking mister Snap-on man
Missed the corner must have totaled his van
Sparks flying about everywhere
Yellow boots on a gravel drive
Ground shaking and the neighbor screamed,
"The willow tree looks like the fourth of July"
And all hell's breaking loose
Ball lightning hit the barn house
Blew the fuses and the lights went out
I was hiding by the well pump
With the cool potatoes and the dandelion wine
I heard a crying from the driveway,
"Locust tree's in the telephone wire"
Pipes breaking and the stove clock blew
Across the kitchen set the curtains on fire
The weather channel never warned
Of the impending electrical storm
But it was clear as the sky grew grey
That this was not your average, typical, run-of-the-mill, gonna sit around in the shade, sunny sort of summer afternoon
Oh, better get here quick
Cause all hell's breaking loose
Oh, hope they get here quick
Cause all hell's breaking loose
Left that puzzle on the lake
Another left I thought I'd take
The patterns made more sense out there
Back where they know what put me here
Spring comes late to desert land
Brown gives way to blowing sand
I feel the sun rise on my face
You'd think by now that we would see space
I don't wanna go home
But I can't stay up all night
If you're wondering where I've gone
I'm probably lost in flight
Pushed and pulled fume fever dreams
Tossed about the jet stream
The patterns made more sense out there
Back where they know what put me here
I don't wanna go home
But I can't stay up all night
If you're wondering where I've gone
I'm probably lost in flight
Honey if I was made of gold-
I'd be worth my weight to you.
You could turn me in to anything you wanted to-
whatever pleases you.
Singing with the hammer's sound-
laughing as I melted down-
you would find this metal true-
Honey if I were made of money-
I would sell my soul for you.
There's no end to the foolish things I'd do-
if it pleases you.
Dancing like a millionaire-
who lost it all and doesn't care-
I would be your simple fool.
Honey if I ruled the world-
I would lay it at your feet.
Choirs would sing you to sleep-
with diamond dust as your bed sheets-
and I would only be complete-
if it pleases you-
if it pleases you.
Let's keep this between you and I
The walls, the floor, the fading sky
The lamps are off, the sun is set
Our eyes haven't adjusted to it yet
If we take this as far as we can
Maybe then you'll know who I am
Shadows of doubt cast aside
No longer a need for a place to hide
If you're goin' my way, and you've got time
Take my hand and we'll find
The light of a new day
"She addressed her world honestly
searching for something deserving
of the volumes of love
she knew she had within her..."
(Jonathan Safran Foer-Everything is Illuminated © 2002)
Everything, everything's inspired
Don't let the darkness fool you
I'm reaching out, too
There's a light waiting to be found
Buried love, illuminating out
If you're goin' my way, and you've got time
Take my hand and we'll find
The hope of a new day
I spent my time waiting on glory
the coming of a promised day
Now I set my sights just a little bit lower
and take what comes my way
Yeah like a snake in the grass
the early bird gets the worm
So I'll eat my hat for Sunday brunch
and teach the lessons I've learned
What're you waiting for, what's your lame excuse
Yeah I've got mine but I'm not sharin'
'cause it's currently in use
It's a waste of time to sit and worry
or pace your life away
'cause back and forth just makes you dizzy
and tired at the end of the day
An old hawk by the side of the road
never works hard for its meals
It watches traffic from an old sign post
and cleans up after the wheels
What're you waiting for, what's your lame excuse
Yeah I've got mine but I'm not sharin'
'cause it's currently in use
It's not much but it's been working
and it's my lame excuse
I spent my time waiting on glory
the coming of a promised day
Now I set my sights just a little bit lower
and take what comes my way
What're you waiting for, what's your lame excuse
Yeah I've got mine but I'm not sharin'
'cause it's currently in use
It's not much but it's been working
and it's my lame excuse
It's not much but it's been working
and it's my lame excuse
The next door neighbor's been building an ark
the light from heaven invades my dark
But they don't know that I've overheard
that they're planning to lay low the whole world
I've been privy to things been said
and by morning we're all supposed to be dead
But I've got this l'il ol' fishing boat
It ain't much but I'll bet she floats
and I won't be around
I won't be there to see your face
as you attempt to plead your case
Just leave me a line when it all goes down
come hell or high water I won't be around
I'll never save this whole damn town
there's not enough of me to go around
When the water wants to make its way
and the angels hold judgment day
then I won't be around
I won't be there to see your face
as you attempt to plead your case
Just leave me a sign when it all comes down
come hell or high water I won't be around
Oh my love is going off to sea
Darling mother, bring him home to me
Keep him safe, keep him warm
For very soon our baby will be born
This day came word my love he cannot be
For stolen overboard by the rages by the sea
So I weep, for my love won't return
From now until forever, my poor heart will yearn
Despite my tears, a smile on my face
For one day again, my love I will embrace
His words do come, carried on the breeze
His touch it warms as the sun looks down on me
I can feel that hot breeze
In the sun
And it bakes the barrel
Of his gun
And the red is burning
In his neck
And I'm walking these lonely
Country miles
I'm on my way back home, I'm looking for you
I just came from town, I got a gun, I got a gun
Better call your momma
On the phone
Better tell your papa
Take you home
Cause the red is burning
In his neck
And I'm walking these lonely
Country miles
I'm on my way back home, I'm looking for you
I just came from town, I got a gun, I got a gun
You done me wrong
You done me so, so wrong
You done me wrong
Well, you done me wrong, so so wrong
I'm goin' downtown, get myself a gun!
The sun is climbing
In the sky
And the sheriff pulled over
Ask him why
Cause the red is burning
In his neck
And I'm walking these lonely
Country miles
I'm on my way back home, I'm looking for you
I just came from town, I got a gun, I got a gun
It came on rather suddenly -
happened unexpectedly -
and it soaked through my skin - like summer rain.
I felt a rush of blood again.
Damn near almost felt alive -
when I brushed up against -a faint outline.
Spent ten years or maybe more -
in a downward drunken stare -
but sunken eyes may see - what sober won't.
Back out on the street again -
several blocks from that green door -
I ran smack dab into - a living ghost.
Maybe we both had too much -
but you always looked good high -
when the rain played off that frame -
as the sun still shined.
As the crowd grew thick that day -
damn near almost swept me away -
until I ran smack dab into - a living ghost.
Steeped In Darkness
(Lyrics by Roy Gulfwater, Jr. © Roy Gulfwater Music)
My heart is full it runneth over
There ain't no room for any more
But there's no joy there is no whimsy
It's full of darkness forever more
I am the one who's steeped in darkness
I am the one who cannot love
My heart is once both full and empty
I'm steeped in darkness with no prayer nor hope
There is no room for friends nor family
There is no place for those who care
I've turned away all those who love me
For my darkness they could not bare
I am the one who's steeped in darkness
I am the one who cannot love
My heart is once both full and empty
I'm steeped in darkness with no prayer nor hope
There is no place for me in heaven
The threat of hell offers no fear
And when I die and lay there buried
No one will mourn me nor shed a tear
I am the one who's steeped in darkness
I am the one who cannot love
My heart is once both full and empty
I'm steeped in darkness with no prayer nor hope
Truth be told I may never forget -
though it was so long ago.
I haven't finished what we've started yet -
but I'm still working at it real slow -
though I've little to show.
The plans made on a twelve hour drive -
got us through the day.
But late at night they wouldn't survive -
and quietly faded away -
disappeared as we lay.
I hope you know that I took it all in -
remember every last line.
I've seen the edge where the shadow begins -
and I'm so far behind.
Truth be told as the lies peel away -
exposing the core.
Reactions slow at the end of the day -
as we quietly file through the door -
like so many before.
I hope you know that I took it all in -
remember every last line.
I've seen the edge where the shadow begins -
and I'm so far behind.
Big winds blow, my worries away
Carry me through yet another day
Stay at my back, and move me along
Keep me from doing all those things I do wrong
Sittin' on the porch in my underwear again
Watchin' the clouds as they walk by
Hidden from view, conversing with the trees
Givin' up all my cares to the breeze
Big winds blow, my worries away
Carry me through yet another day
Stay at my back, and move me along
Keep me from doing all those things I do wrong
Lyin' on the grass, my lover by my side
As a light rain is falling down
Tension floats away with the breeze
While we do whatever we please
Big winds blow, my worries away
Carry me through yet another day
Stay at my back, and move me along
Keep me from doing all those things I do wrong
Peoria, Illinois and Lake Charles, Louisiana
He's heard the names since he was a boy
like Palo Alto and ol' Texarkana
He sends out directions
on the citizen band wave
and he's your lonely dispatcher
he never goes anyplace
He steers you clear of construction delays
and don't use that global satellite tracking
He spends his days just reading his maps
knows the best ways around
the Rush City traffic
He hasn't missed one day in seventeen years
and he's your lonely dispatcher
won't you lend a lonely guy an ear'
That disembodied voice
coming through your dashboard
well it belongs to a four time divorcee
who knows he's missed the last train
bound for Memphis
He can't afford the gas
to up and run away
He's your lonely dispatcher
and you'll probably never see his face
He's your lonely dispatcher
and he never goes anyplace
Find myself, two-steppin' in Texas, all alone
Up comes a sweet cowboy from Memphis
wants to take me home
How can I pass up on this man, standing here
Holding his guns and a smile from ear to ear
Oh, how can I, oh, pass up on this chance
All I've got is one night to dance
The right choice is starin' me in the face
Don't you turn and walk away
Went to make my peace with Canada
Ohio got in my way
Find myself, oh so mesmerized
by the crooner on the stage
Just enjoyed, didn't think twice
Never thought that's how I'd end up my night
And start the next day
Next thing I knew, sippin' whiskey at the bar
He's at my house, he's strumming my guitar
The right choice is starin' me in the face
Well, I guess I'll let him play
Wouldn't it be sweet, if it all were true?
Would it make your day a little less blue?
If you knew there was a keeper
and a hundred foot wall, round the city zoo
Do you sleep at night, with one eye open?
For fear the locks on the door could be broken
Do you leave the light on all night
in case they break in to take your tokens?
You can build it to the sky
and pile barbed wire on it a hundred feet high
But you cannot stop the burning wind
When it begins to dry your eyes
Do we curse ourselves, by swearing others
are to blame for all the circling buzzards?
Will we repeat textbook history
until we reach the final cover?
You can build it to the sky
and pile barbed wire on it a hundred feet high
But you cannot stop the burning wind
When it begins to dry your eyes
You cannot stop the burning wind
When it begins to dry your eyes
When it begins to dry your eyes
When it begins to dry your eyes
Late at night, I'm thinkin' about you
I've been up all night and I'm still dreaming about you
Here it is, just before dawn
And I still can't figure out why it is you're gone, you're gone
And I know tonight that you'll come to me
And you'll look so damn good in my memory
Well, the blinds can't block the mornin' light
And it's far too light for me to catch my rest
Here I lay, still wrapped up in yesterday
More or less guilty I guess I must confess
If this is the last thing that I ever do
At least it's the last song that I write about you
I give up, get up, I guess I'll face another day
I'll put on my well worn million mile stare
Before long, I make my way back here again
It's a hard day's night, but I'm no worse for the wear
And I know tonight that you'll come to me
And you'll look so damn good in my memory
If this is the last thing that I ever do
At least it's the last song that I write about you
Can't you feel the pressure growing?
It comes from within
And there's no way sure of knowing
When it'll break the skin
Better batten down the hatches boys
Better throw the old deadbolt
The streets are full and they've lit matches and
They've decided not to vote
Yeah, it's there turn not to vote
Calling for a revolution
Everything old made new
They won't wait for evolution no
They're coming for me and you
It's your 3 am wake up call
Hope you kept your eye on the ball
And looked up from your work now and then
'cause the reveille is 'bout to end
Calling for a revolution
Everything old made new
They won't wait for evolution no
They're coming for me and you
The reveille is 'bout to end
The reveille is 'bout to end
My clothes are wearing out
and coming apart at the seams
Yeah, my whole wardrobe has gone thread bare
It takes a lifetime of work
to put holes in these jean
but I swear I just heard more fabric tear
That old guitar like me
is finally showing some age
Yeah, we're both starting to fill out nicely in the middle range
But do all these scratches and dents
really add up to character
or do they just boil down to time poorly spent?
Now do all these scratches and dents
really add up to character
or do they just boil down to time poorly spent?
Background Photo Credit: Thom Davis
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