1. |
Golden Hill
03:05
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California, open up! Won't you let me see,
stand atop a golden hill to find:
what stills lies ahead of me
and what exactly do I leave behind.
The temperature is dropping and I smell the ocean breeze
that makes the many wildflowers sway;
the Ocean brings us to our knees,
so we bow and worship for the day!
She said she could stay with me if everything was right,
if just the right conditions could prevail;
if different stars could fill the night,
or a different wind could fill our sails.
California, lift me up! Raise me from the ground,
stand atop a golden hill to see:
once I take a look around,
I'll see all of life surrounding me!
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2. |
Flight
03:54
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The fields are still burning, tell Father not to come home!
The World has stopped turning, the morning sun bleaches our bones!
And you know that living in this place
just digs deeper lines on your face.
And I know that working this land
does nothing but blister my hands!
We once filled our platters, honey once flowed from the hives,
now none of that matters, we're happy to escape with our lives!
And you know that living in this place
just digs deeper lines on your face.
And I know that working this land
does nothing but blister my hands!
And we sing...
Now I'm growing colder, hold me like never before!
One last look o'er your shoulder, we won't be going home anymore!
And you know that living in this place
just digs deeper lines on your face.
And I know that working this land
does nothing but blister my hands!
We still sing...
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3. |
Johnny O.
05:35
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I've sailed sea and shining sea, but the Great Lakes call to me!
But before I go, I must make sure you know
the story of Johnny O!
In all my time upon the waves, I've never seen a man so brave!
He said, "Don't call me 'sir,' I'm Good John Oliver,
but call me Johnny O!"
He said, "What matters more than life is the love of my dear wife!"
He said, I love her so, please tell her if I go!"
I promised Johnny O!
Once we were under way, he received a letter every day.
"More precious than gold! These letters I will hold!"
so said Johnny O!
When the last November storm did come, we saw a wave that struck us dumb!
He said, "Boys, follow me! Ya know I'll keep you free!"
We followed Johnny O!
He said, "Check every hatch is tight, or else we'll have a long, long night!"
We made sure she was fast, we prayed that we would last,
we'd last with Johnny O!
But once the water did pour in, he turned to me and gave a grin;
He said, "Now I must go, there are still comrades down below!"
and so went Johnny O!
(and down went Johnny O!)
When I finally returned to shore, I knew I still had one thing more:
a promise must be kept, I watched her while she wept,
she wept for Johnny O!
(we wept for Johnny O!)
I've sailed sea and shining sea, but the Great Lakes call to me!
And now friends I can go, contented that you know
the story of Johnny O!
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4. |
The Southern Side
04:01
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You found it there, on the Southern side,
out of the wind, what a place to hide!
You took your pictures with the flash on bright
to pull the secrets from the night.
The Sheriff said, "Go back to bed!
I know a lot more, seen it all before!
The Hand of Boredom is not well hid
and has its grip on these damn kids!"
"But when the morning comes,
with the morning comes sunshine
and in the light, we'll see it in a different way!"
But the morning came
and the shadows remained...
Bits of bone, and shells and ships
from when the Lake loosens her grip,
collected there, on the Southern Side.
What other secrets does Superior hide?
The Sheriff said as he scratched his head,
"Yeah, this is new, I agree with you!
Could be sacred, maybe even a grave;
don't go digging, don't be brave!"
"But when the Spring comes,
with the Spring comes sunshine,
maybe in the light we'll see it in a brand-new way!"
But the springtime came
and the shadows remained...
There are strange things done beneath a lighthouse eye,
raging waves, or a granite sky;
Superior keeps them, and she will hold on
'til you and I are both long gone!
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5. |
Living like a Ghost
03:30
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It's got a half tank of gas,
and in your pockets there's a little bity of cash.
It's not a whole lot, I know
but It'll get ya down to Mexico!
The map will show you where to go
and you'll be safe there, in Mexico!
I've got all your papers folded up,
keep track of 'em or you'll be outta luck!
They'll stop you and they'll know
and you're not getting into Mexico!
So keep your head down low
and you'll be safe there, in Mexico!
You'll be living like a ghost
in a little town along the coast.
For how long, I don't know,
but I'll meet ya down in Mexico!
So find yourself a boat to row
and I'll meet you there,
down in Mexico!
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Stephen Schlaack Howell, Michigan
Acoustic singer-songwriter from Southeast Michigan with a head full of songs.
"Johnny O. and Other Stories" out NOW!
Stephen Schlaack recommends:
Great Michigan punk rock! I can't get enough of this EP.
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The Red Queen EP
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This is the punk band I play bass for. You'll hear me sing a little, too!
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