1. |
Golden Hill
03:18
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California, open up! Won't you let me see,
stand atop a golden hill and find:
What still 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 and see:
once I take a look around, I'll see all of life surrounding me!
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2. |
Good John Oliver
05:48
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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! You 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!
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!
Now friends, I must go, contented that you know
the story of Johnny O!
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3. |
The Southern Side
03:56
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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 Sharrif said, "Go back to bed!
I know a lot more, I've seen it all before!
The Hand of Boredom is not well hid
and has its grip on these damn kids!"
"And when the morning comes,
with the morning comes sunshine!
And in the light you'll see it in a different way!"
But morning came, and the shadows remained.
Morning came...
Bits of bone and shells and ships
from when the Lake loosens her grip
collected here, on the Southern side;
what other secrets can Superior hide?
The Sherrif 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, ya know I'm not that 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 springtime came, and the shadows remained.
Springtime came...
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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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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