MATT WALKER

[ WRITING ]

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.... a new season

in a humble peep ....

Songs by Matt Walker

(and others)

Deepest Valley

It was written in fire

On the dark sky of her mind

He’d give her tenderness

Most of the time

The deepest valley

The longest night

Endless depths of water

No dry land in sight

My soul is a witness to whatever I do

And baby I’d do it for you

The embers won’t go out

They can’t seem to be doused

The smoke from those coals

Sometimes stings her eyes

The deepest valley

The longest night

Endless depths of water

No dry land in sight

My soul is a witness to whatever I do

And baby I’d do it for you

(Soul Witness)

Green and Grey

I first saw you on the train platform

You were dressed in green and grey

We were eating chocolate and smoking cigarettes

After school that day

Broken glass in my left hand

Cuts and scrapes from travelling this land

But I run and I run and I run all the way home

I won’t let go

Can you understand?

I’ve never been the same

Since you said I was your man

Haze of uncertainty and moments of regret

But in this life there’s one thing that I know

To find your way in this big old world

It helps to have a good friend

Many’s the time that I close my eyes

And think of you running wild

Can you understand?

I’ve never been the same

Since you said I was your man

Green and grey

Those colours combined

Shall never fade

Broken glass in my left hand

Cuts and scrapes from travelling this land

But I run and I run and I run all the way home

I won’t let go

Can you understand?

I’ve never been the same

Since you said I was your man

Green and grey

Those colours combined

Shall never fade

(Soul Witness)

Dirty Fog

Dirty fog rolling on in

The parish mule, it spooked me again

I make the bed in which you lay

I follow the leader but they won’t let me play

I’ve been told since I can’t remember

I’ve been guided through a fix or two

Maybe when I’m a little bit older

I’ll realize that I should have listened to you

From north to south there’s a track so worn

Put my arms around you they’ll keep you warm

Your face is all full of rouge

I try to understand but it ain’t no use

I’ve been told since I can’t remember

I’ve been guided through a fix or two

Maybe when I’m a little bit older

I’ll realize that I should have listened to you

(Soul Witness)

Second Hand Luck

Lay your money down

You ain’t got much to spare

Ashtray change

A second hand car

I believe in second hand luck

It’s a fine thing when you ain’t got much

Handful of broken dreams

Wrapped up in my head

I’m packing all my junk

To go somewhere I’ve never been

I believe in second hand luck

It’s a fine thing when you ain’t got much

This track that I once knew

Is now an uncertain road to me

Leaning hard against the wind

Is that just where you want me to be?

I believe in second hand luck

It’s a fine thing when you ain’t got much

Over and out … Wish me well …

Over and out … Wish me well …

(Soul Witness)

Don’t Need Sunshine

There's a feeling between us
I can't drive away
You've opened my eyes
I've been asleep for days
I'm always learning
And you got ways of showing things
Things that are new
To someone like me
You won't like this town
You won't stay too long
Someone once told you that to be free
You must run

A time for song
A time for games
A time for new love
You're singing my name
You are I have now been soaked in time
Close the blind I don't need sunshine

From cloudy heights
We use broken tools
I sent out word to the necessary few
I had this dream again
I was listening
And everybody's talk is a faded tune
But you and I have now been soaked in time
Close the blind I don't need sunshine

Amongst the trees
We catch the breeze
And fill our pockets, collecting things

A time for song
A time for games
A time for new love
You're singing my name
You are I have now been soaked in time
Close the blind I don't need sunshine
You are I have now been soaked in time
Close the blind I don't need sunshine
I don't need sunshine
Close the blind
I don't need sunshine

(Matt Walker Live at the Continental)

Awake At Night

I had it planned so well

Save up some money and organize my time

I was sure that having that regular dough

Would turn things around and put ‘em right

I close my eyes and pretend you’re holding me tight

I’ve been working this day job

It’s keeping me awake at night

It’s not that I don’t like to work

I was brought up outdoors and I played in the dirt

So many people all over this world can’t be wrong

That’s what I told myself a hundred times

Now I get no sleep and I hate it when we fight

I’ve been working this day job

It’s keeping me awake at night

Seems I have to live a whole lifetime

Just to make it to 5

Don’t tell me what I’m thinking about

I don’t want no over-time

Now I get no sleep and I hate it when we fight

I’ve been working this day job

And it’s keeping me awake at night

(Navigational Skills)

Hard To Hide

I cast my eye over this procession

Of black and grey suits

All the trees have lost their leaves

They’re scattered ‘round my boots

There’s a reflection in your eye

And I’ve got a look that’s hard to hide

From my post I see little things

Then forget them

I’m not one to go talking

I keep thoughts in

What would you say to a girl

When you feel so sensible

I’m always finding myself

In the most unexpected places

I was gathering up my fortune when I misplaced it

Pockets of change and broken bills

I have no navigational skills

When you pulled up in the drive

I had a look that was hard to hide

Watch the crowd pouring out

Of the stadium

While I’m put on call-waiting

In a telephone booth

Scarves and patches on a stall

And what I was taught I can’t recall

I’m always finding myself

In the most unexpected places

I was gathering up my fortune when I misplaced it

Pockets of change and broken bills

I have no navigational skills

When you pulled up in the drive

I had a look that was hard to hide

(Navigational Skills)

Vacancy (All Around Me)

I hear you now

You’re close to me

You’re whispering lines that no one can hear

But me

I search for answers all around

I follow my heart underground

I wave goodbye to strangers

And my thoughts collide

Pour myself another drink

These feelings I just can’t define

My memory deceives me all the time

I could swear that we were talking

Just last night

Can you sense this vacancy?

‘Cause I can feel it all around me

Yeah, you know I’m talking to you

‘Cause you’re just like me and you can feel it too

Is it just my state of mind?

You know I’ve got the best intentions

But it seems there is no time

These people only have one dimension

You know you give ‘em an inch

And they take a mile

Out on the street I see ‘em every day

It seems they are forever in style

Can you sense this vacancy?

‘Cause I can feel it all around me

Yeah, you know I’m talking to you

‘Cause you’re just like me and you can feel it to

(Navigational Skills)

Into The Light

Where’re you going?

What’s your name?

Are you the kind who always ends up singing?

Or have you got a secret plan?

Let me tell you ‘bout a thing or two

Some things I’ve been through

There’ve been times when I really needed

Someone like you

But these things on your mind

Right now baby, they ain’t on mine

I just want you to hold me

Before we move into the light

I’ve shed my skin so many times

What does it matter

I’ve seen that look and I’ve heard those lines

Did you think I would know better?

I can pretend the whole damn night

That I got what I came for

You’ve got it coming to you

You’re going to see to that

But these things on your mind

Right now baby, they ain’t on mine

I just want you to hold me

Before we move into the light

(Navigational Skills)

Do You Remember Our Love

Do you remember our love?

Do you remember how we danced all night?

And they played our song

Do you remember our love?

Do you remember how we talked and talked and talked?

We had so much to share

One fleeting moment you said

And we just happened to be there

Do you remember our love?

And when your friends at the bar

Called out for another round

We filled our glasses up

Then we lost them

In the crowd

Do you remember our love?

Didn’t we connect?

Do you remember our love?

Or was it finished before it started

Do you remember our love?

Have you forgotten already?

Do you remember our love?

Baby I do

It seems we knew each other such a long time

But maybe it was just a few weeks

Those mornings we would wake together

In the afternoon sun

Sometimes there was no need to speak

Now every time I get to thinking back

And how we came to meet each other

Nothing seems to be where we left it

Can’t you see we were just keeping ourselves company?

Do you remember our love?

Didn’t we connect?

Do you remember our love?

Or was it finished before it started

Do you remember our love?

Have you forgotten already?

Do you remember our love?

Baby I do

(Navigational Skills)

Right From Wrong

We got talking at someone’s party

It was in their garage

The sky it seemed such a lonely place

But it’s full of planets and stars

So we took a drink and walked out into the night

Somebody strummed a guitar

The moon it rose from behind your shoulder

Constellations up above

What I did with my education

I just don’t know

But you could make me understand

Right from wrong

So we made a toast to the great unknown

Drank our beer from coffee cups

Music falling from the clouds

Like confetti in the dust

What I did with my education

I just don’t know

But you could make me understand

Right from wrong

It’s like when the stars seem so much clearer

When you turn away

It happens to me every night

That’s what you say to me

You say, for a while we shone so bright

But even stars can fade

We’re floating out in the atmosphere

And we’ve lost our way

What I did with my education

I just don’t know

But you could make me understand

Right from wrong

(Navigational Skills)

Easily Changed

I clean my teeth and whistle a tune

Dedicated to all the times

I’ve watched the sunrise from under the door

I’ve waited for deliveries due last month

You got me walking the floor

Was it just the shadows that woke me?

Or maybe you rang

The TV was on all night again

It must have been an ad

That woke me with a bang

I thought it was day but all around me was black

I pick my thoughts up off the floor

And send them to the moon

We’ve all got to have someone

To tell our secrets to

But if I had a little more time to think things through

I’d work out what you wanna hear

Then I’d just say it to you

But my mind is so easily changed

But my mind is so easily changed

But my mind is so easily changed

When it comes to you

(Navigational Skills)

Everyone Was Born To Love

Everyone was born to love

That is why we’re here on Earth

And everyone has a different god

But I believe we were born to love

When I look up into space

I can believe anything at all

And when I die don’t you shed a tear

‘Cause I found love while I was here

Everyone was born to love

That is why we’re here on Earth

And everyone has a different god

But I believe we were born to love

(Navigational Skills)

Once Again

I went down to the valley

Just to see what I could see

And there she was, my only sweetheart

And once again she set me free

Take my hand when you’re lonesome

Take my legs when yours are tired

All we want is each other

So once again we say goodnight

What’s that you’re saying?

Sometimes you feel so far from me

I had a dream and you were in it

And I said Would you be mine?

And I woke up the next morning

And once again you were by my side

I went down to the valley

Just to see what I could see

And there she was, my only sweetheart

And once again she set me free

(Navigational Skills)

I Won’t See You Again (Hours And Distance)

I won’t see you again

You couldn’t stay no more

Nothing in your pockets

But a number to call

I won’t see you again

I won’t see you again

When you find your destination

Won’t you write me a few of your lines?

And maybe then I’ll realize

With all this between us

The hours and the distance

May we see our way through

I’ve been down with the devil

Since you’ve been away

When you’re loose it’s so easy to stray

And to know what’s right

I’m taking my time

There’s no cause for disruption

I’m doing fine

It’s just a memory of you

That’s on my mind

I can’t sleep from my dreaming

And these night time friends that I’ve found

They do me no good

(chorus)

I could cry you a love song

Over mountains and divide

Just to move you a little closer

To me tonight

I’m in purgatory

And folks are staring at me

They say you forget what you leave behind

But I can’t stop reminding myself

Of all those good times

(Barb Waters - Rosa Duet)

Sleep Over

I never found myself
'Til I found you
You make me feel so good
That's what I like about you

Why don't you sleep over
You're my best friend
Why don't you sleep over
This don't have to end

I'm going to tell everybody
Don't call me at home
I'm going to get to know my baby
A little bit more

Why don't you sleep over
You're my best friend
Why don't you sleep over
This don't have to end

Sun will rise
Moon will hide
I can face anything
With you by my side
I never talked so much
Baby 'til I talked to you
I've made up my mind
I know exactly what I'm going to do

Why don't you sleep over
You're my best friend
Why don't you sleep over
This don't have to end
 

(Matt Walker and Ashley Davies – Self-titled)

Technological Advances

This wish I send out to you
I send it on a tune
It's going to float
Right offa the stage

And if my wish comes true
Everybody here in this room
Will be tappin' their feet
And shakin' their hips
Until the break of dawn

Technological advances I don't mind at all
But right now all I need I
Is some drums
And a steel guitar

Technological advances I don't mind at all
But right now all I need
Is some drums
And a steel guitar

Music is everything you hear
Music is everything you hear
Music is everything you hear
Music is everything - it's everywhere

There's nothing more natural
Than a melody in your head

This wish I send out to you
I send it on a tune
It's going to float
Right offa the stage

And if my wish comes true
Everybody here in this room
Will be tappin' their feet
And shakin' their hips
Until the break of dawn

Technological advances I don't mind at all
But right now all I need I
Is some drums
And a steel guitar

Music is everything you hear
Music is everything you hear
Music is everything you hear
Music is everything - it's everywhere
 

(Matt Walker and Ashley Davies – Self-titled)

On the Street Tonight

Gotta make a deal
With someone tonight
Gotta do your thing
On the street tonight
Gotta look straight
Maybe left to right
Gotta take care
On the street tonight
You know I said I'd never leave
God knows I tried
I'm a lucky guy
On the street tonight
On the street tonight
On the street tonight

You know some times I feel so blue
I wanna start a fight
It's the same old shit
On the street tonight
I can hear those station bells
I can see familiar lights
That's when I find my friends
On the street tonight

The 9.16
Will take you for a ride
And you may wind up there
On the street tonight
On the street tonight
On the street tonight

(Matt Walker and Ashley Davies – Self-titled)

Where You Been?

Where you been tonight?
Baby you seem up-tight
Did someone say something to you?
Did they make you cry?
You'll get by
You'll get by
You'll get by

You called them up
Then they come around
You showed them everything
They just put you down
Come around
So come around

Yeah I've got my own suspicious ways
I don't always believe
The things people say

So come on share this life
Baby you know it's worth the fight
We're only here for a while
So take it
And feel all right
Feel all right
Feel all right
Feel all right
Feel all right
Feel all right
Come on and feel all right
 

(Matt Walker and Ashley Davies – Self-titled)

Fife and drum

Let me tell you people

Something's been going on wrong

I’m gonna make a noise up and down the street

With my fife and drum

Today I’ll meet my maker

I won’t ask no questions

Yeah the things that I see

And it’s the way that I feel

Come on and take me

I won’t falter

I just ran out of time

And if I fade away

Baby you were never mine

I hear a rumble

Coming up through the floor

Everything is very strange

Much stranger then before

You can lose yourself

It’s so easy to do

More simple than falling in love

But that’s easy too

I won’t falter

I just ran out of time

And if I fade away

Baby you were never mine

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Back to the Hills

I’m going back to the hills

To the autumn leaves and chimney smoke

I’m going back to the hills

To the autumn leaves and chimney smoke

To the girl in the gypsy skirt

Who was a sleep when I awoke

By the light of Spanish candles

Our little world was made

By the light of Spanish candles

The world outside did fade

I smoked a pipe in my pyjamas

And in her eyes I saw the flicker of a flame

Well her hair is like golden honey

Flowing down to her knees

She drinks from crystal waters

And whispers to the trees

The speckled light of winter

It plays upon the ground

Then dances on the fronds so green

As the wind begins to howl

Through reeling clouds you climb

One thousand steps to her room

And in a voice so soft and gentle

She frees you from fields of gloom

I’m going back to the hills

To the autumn leaves and chimney smoke

I’m going back to the hills

To the autumn leaves and chimney smoke

To my green-eyed mountain mama

Whose spell on me just can’t be broke

You are my gypsy queen

And these mountains are my home

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

In Echoes of Dawn

In echoes of dawn

I enjoy my solitude

Before the sun

Before the rain

There’s no more black and white

So many colours. So bright

These things I never see

Until you shone your light

I don’t know how we found this place

Our path has been erased

And we both can’t remember

From where it was we came

You are the black screen

In my white night

You showed me my world

A cinder sprung to living fire

In the shadow of a smile

There’s no more black and white

So many colours. So bright

These things I never see

Until you shone your light

I don’t know how we found this place

Our path has been erased

And we both can’t remember

From where it was we came

In the land of all things sad

It took two years for a tear to fall

I’m just tired that’s all

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

I Can’t Sleep / If You Think it’s Not Too Late

I can’t sleep

I’m dreaming

Watch me

As I disappear

I can’t hear

Is the radio on?

Is the drummer drumming?

Has someone’s baby gone?

Now if you think it’s not too late

Because we’ve done a lot of talking

If only just to hold this moment

I hope it’s not too late

If you think it’s not too late

A note book

A hotel pen

Got my eyes open

So I can see you there

You got me so blue

In this hotel room

With the cars outside

Everything is real

Now if you think it’s not too late

Because we’ve done a lot of talking

If only just to hold this moment

I hope it’s not too late

If you think it’s not too late

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Veil of Night

Veil of night

Morning dew

Mysteries

I hold onto

Shadows fall

Children play

I cannot hate

I tried I failed

Ooooh…… (This is a melodic harmony chorus line with no lyric)

I’m just like bad news

On every word you hang

Touch my heart

Then I’ll tell the truth

Nothing is wrong

Nothing is right

I’m just picturing my life before me

Under moonlight

Maybe I’m a dreamer

And I wasn’t really there

I’m just trying to find the right thing

And the night is turning red

Oooh…

Veil of night

Morning dew

Mysteries

I hold onto

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Failed To Stop

Since when is it a crime

To be so scared

In dangerous times

Your life will not be spared

Every Morning Prayer is answered

With a mindful sad refrain

Don’t think about it all too much

It’ll only kill your brain

So when did everything turn

Was it before I was around

Now it’s riding through the night to me

I feel its heat coming down

Is there a clue we’ve over-looked?

I hear there’s another blown away

She could’ve had a bomb taped to her

I heard the checkpoint soldier say

But what does it really mean?

Where’s it gonna end?

News flash from CNN says

‘Failed to stop’ and now they’re dead

Of course I know the answer

Any one can see

But I find it to be so abstract

It just holds no meaning to me

And if I was there

You would hear me say

Just send me home

So I can blow my pay away

So when did everything turn

Was it before I was around?

Now it’s riding through the night to me

I feel its heat coming down

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Let’s Fall in Love Again

When I sleep

You get strong

When I cry

You sing along

Taste the fruit

Hanging on the vine but then

Let’s fall in love again

With just a memory

To get me by

If I’m not yours

Then who am I

I’m thinking how I’d comb your hair

Let’s fall in love again

Find someone new

Take some time

Learn to run

Dodge the knives

When everything has gone to hell

Let’s fall in love again

I’m a lonely boy

You are a child

Not scared of death

Breathless and wild

This world is convinced that you will never be mine

Let’s fall in love again

If I don’t see you till then

Let’s fall in love again

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Mama Go Tell Your Children

Mama go tell your children

To seek and they will find

'Cause you’ve been this whole world over

And so many people are blind

Everything in life

Must’ve been found by some one

The treasure is over a rainbow

And beauty is sublime

You never had it easy

Not a dollar to your name

Not everyone was kind

But mama tell you children

To seek and they will find

So now you are all grown up

With a family of your own

This world is for living

You can’t take it when you go

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Restless Heart

There’s an April moon rising

And I want to be alone

I’m gonna pick up my old guitar

Have a little strum

I know we kissed

I remember everything

But right now

I don’t need nobody next to me

I’m waiting

Restless heart

Your spirit

Will always fly

If you know me

You’ll know why

If you know me

You’ll let me say goodnight

I hear voices on the breeze

They tell me I’m crazy

They say why don’t you

Get a handle on reality

I’m waiting

Restless heart

Your spirit

Will always fly

There’s nothing

I can do

But sit here

In this room

(Matt Walker - In Echoes of Dawn)

Phantom Ride
(M. Walker / S. Reilly)

By a rusty iron tank
Where the maiden hair hangs
And all of the wind up in the trees
Is all that you hear
Come on down
Feel the heat
All around you timbers crack
There’s a storm rising
All dusty and blue
And the one that you love is in a void
Of black

Let go of the world
And ride this train
To the other side
Phantom ride

Chained to the grill of a moving train
Time and space collide
The eagle eye is on the ground
The rodent at the sky
Earth will quake
And wheels will shake
Tracks will buckle and crack
A carpet bagger in a mohair suit
Stops to tip his hat

Let go of the world
But always beware
Of your pride
Phantom ride

From the gulf and down
to desert sands
Over mountains and divide
When life is coming at you
It’s like a phantom ride

Let go of the world
But always beware
Of your pride
Let go of the world
And ride this train
To the other side
Phantom ride

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Self-made Man
(S. Reilly / M. Walker)

I’m a self-made man
I made myself do
All of those things
That I ought not do

I’m a selfish man
I thought you knew
It’s shouted in halls
And whispered in the pews

I got my pick and spade
I’m digging my own grave
One foot in the gates
And the other on the blade
I’ve been torn down
I’ve been humbled
And the roads that I paved
Have all washed away
I have torn out
All of your lessons
These are confessions
Of a self-made man

I’m a fire brand
All cinder and spark
On the open sea
Atop a burning ark

It was the devil’s plan
For a gambling man
When the ace is marked
And the dice are bad

I’ve been torn down
I’ve been humbled
And the roads that I paved
Have all washed away
I have torn out
All of your lessons
These are confessions
Of a self-made man

These are confessions
Of a self-made man

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Open Window

Stand near an open window
Lean a little closer
Come to me
Won’t you hear my whisper?

Like a drunken waltz
Or a promise made
Like a shining light
Or the smell of rain

I...I am the wind
When you can’t find the truth
I take truth away
If you just say my name

Stand near an open window
Lean a little closer
Come to me
Won’t you hear my whisper?

I...I am the wind
When you can’t find the truth
I take truth away
If you just say my name

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Hold On
(S. Burke / M. Walker)

You stood by the altar
A ring in your hand
Watching the seconds roll by
You’re thinking and dreaming
About the days of your life
Wondering how times go by

You stood by the flame tree
With a fire in your heart
Praying that good times might come
But there’s still some darkness
Left in this night
There’s still some darkness to come

Hold on
Hold on...

That fire is burning
Your life to the ground
But fuel is all you have for the flame
When it is over, only ashes remain
And you can put a price to the pain
Then you can buy back in the game

Hold on
Hold on...

This life can spin you round
It’ll chew you up
Then spit you out
And no one can understand
What you’re talking about

You stand with your family
With love in your heart
Times that you could not foresee
You’re thinking and dreaming about
those times in your life
Wondering how times go by
And you know it’s going to be alright

Hold on
Hold on..

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Johanna
(M. Walker / S. Reilly)

Get it over with
Speak your mind
And all memories
Will be revealed in time
It seems I didn’t understand
Well I thought I did
But I was wrong

You say it feels
So good to leave
To become someone unknown
They never see you coming
How were they to know?
Johanna...

I’m just a stranger
Left inside a dream
A burning cloud lights my day
I’m alone but for your name
So let me sing it one time
Again
Johanna...

I’m alone but for your name
So let me sing it one time
Again
Johanna...

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Lost Lover Blues
(M. Walker / S. Reilly)

Going down a lonesome road
The wind begins to howl
The stars have all gone to bed
Ain’t no friend around

You came from another world
Just out of view
When I set out I always wanted
To find a place like that too

But no two hearts can be the same
It’s just a chance you choose
When you play the wheel of love
You may find that you wake up
One day with the lost lover blues

Here upon my sorrow
Beneath the sky
I lost my love gambling
It’s just like the roll of the dice

But no two hearts can be the same
It’s just a chance you choose
When you play the wheel of love
You may find that you wake up
One day with the lost lover blues
 

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Dark Night
(M. Walker / S. Reilly)

It was a dark night
Silver turns to grey
Ancient skies of blue
Glimmer and fade

There’s a wild wind
Blowing through this town
When it’s gone, look around
What is lost, is found

Pack up all your sins and fly away

Who’s going to stop this fight?
Who’s going to wear the crown?
Siren song, take a bow
What is lost, is found

Pack up all your sins and fly away
 

(Lost Ragas - Phantom Ride)

Tonight (Everyone Gets High)

I woke up today with a half forgotten smile

Don't know how things came to be this way

Right now

As you travel through this world

You can hope to find your little Nirvana

And float above the sky

Tonight everyone gets high

I've walked many a street

With jokers and thieves

A place to make a blind man learn to see

Hands in my coat pocket

Cuttin across the frozen street with my friends

Tonight everyone gets high

Tonight everyone gets high

Everyone gets high

Everyone gets high

Everyone gets high

Everyone gets high

Tonight everyone gets high

Tonight

Tonight

(Lost Ragas - Trans Atlantic Highway)

Murderous and Insane

Blood like fire

Through her veins

She's gonna surprise you

No two times the same

Flame rises to her throat

She falls to her knees

I'm at her command

When she summons me

Babe you're murderous and insane

I don't want you to ever go and change

In this world of such cruelty

Others hide in shame

But I got a woman

Hallowed be her name

Babe you're murderous and insane

I don't want you to ever go and change

The shadows that woke me

Come again no more

I'm gonna protect you

That's what love is for

Babe you're murderous and insane

I don't want you to ever go

Babe you're murderous and insane

I don't want you to ever go and change

(Lost Ragas - Trans Atlantic Highway)

Those Wild Blue Eyes

Those Wild Blue Eyes

Are the envy of all the stars

Looking like you didn't care

In some kind a world

With nobody there

There's going to be warm days and sunshine

All bitter tears are behind you now

You'll never be afraid

Just walk outside in the world

Trade all your tears for those wild blue eyes

Like a river it flows

To a new dawn

Nobody knows

And I keep searching for those blue eyes

And hope to understand all that's been before

There's going to be warm days and sunshine

All bitter tears are behind you now

You'll never be afraid

Just walk outside in the world

Trade all your tears for those wild blue eyes

There's going to be warm days and sunshine

All bitter tears are behind you now

You'll never be afraid

Just walk outside in the world

Trade all your tears for those wild blue eyes

Those wild blue eyes

Those wild blue eyes

Those wild blue eyes

(Lost Ragas - Trans Atlantic Highway)

I Never Knew

Some people know everything

About the world, what makes it spin

Why an eagle flies into the sun

How a story ends when it's only just begun

But I cannot make that claim

And I wouldn't lie to you

Yours was a love I never knew

You can always find me

In some crowded bar

I just sit here by the window

Wondering where you are

Come back and I'll tell you

What makes me so blue

Yours was a love I never knew

Come back and I'll tell you

What makes me so blue

Yours was a love I never knew

Yours was a love I never knew

(Lost Ragas - Trans Atlantic Highway)

Where James Once Played

(Matt Walker / Neil Murray / Shane Reilly)

(Lost Ragas - Where James Once Played)

Just Wastin' Time

A harmonica is playing

It calls to you

Floating across

A field of sleep

Telling of

A prophecy

A new season

In a humble peep

Just like the poet

And all his jazz

No expectation

To understand

Secrets concealed

Just outside your brain

Just wastin' time

With you again

Reflections of

The things she said

It's all too much

To believe

How a love was found

How it is no more

Now I protect

What I am longing for

Just like the poet

And all his jazz

No expectation

to understand

Secrets concealed

Just outside your brain

Just wastin' time

With you again

(Lost Ragas - Just Wastin' Time - Digital only release)

----------------------

Also on This is Not a Dream album

I am Awakening

Mellow like gold
Pretty as sin
Leaving a clue
To be found again

No promises
As the earth just falls away
Standing at the edge of a vision
I can see my fate

I am awakening
Awakening
Awakening
I am awakening
Awakening
Now I see

Madness hunts you down
But you're not afraid to die
Such a funny feeling
What goes on in your mind

At the sleepy end of a time zone
It's over before you know it
And I never claimed to be
As honest as tomorrow

I am awakening
Awakening
Awakening
I am awakening
Awakening
Now I see

(Lost Ragas - This is Not a Dream)

People Funny

Ain't people funny, man
The funny things they do
Ain't people funny, man
Now you funny too

Ain't people funny, man
All over the place
Laughing when there ain't no joke
Shut a door in your face

Ain't people funny, man
The funny things they do
Ain't people funny, man
Now you funny too

When did my name get
Crossed off in your mind
How did you learn to
Be so unkind

(Lost Ragas - This is Not a Dream)

Morning Star

The bitter taste
Of contemplation's cup
Gazing up at the morning star
Always pushing too hard
Always down on the world
When will peace be enjoyed
Half completed
Half destroyed

Your heart is in the shadow
Of youth
Of which you never understood
A screen in the neon
Glistens with praise
Through this union
Truth slips away
Just like night turns to day

Why does it take such a long, long time
Waiting for a fool, to change his mind

The beauty of endlessness
Gazing up at the morning star

(Lost Ragas - This is Not a Dream)

Psychedelic Jungle

In a psychedelic jungle
Can't you see I'm not alone
In a deep, dark valley
Virtues unknown

Like a city of ruins
Both beautiful and sad
So too, is the story
Of a love, once had

This is not a dream
You are still here
And I am not lost anymore

No talk of lonesome highways
Or telling tales of woe
No trying to make sense
Of why your love had to go

Smoke is coming down
My brain, it is on fire
It's just the one thing
That's gonna keep me from crying

Tell me
This is not a dream
You are still here
And I am not lost anymore

Oooohhhhhh

(Lost Ragas - This is Not a Dream)

Head Up High
 

All eternity
Drinking burgundy
Shadows falling down on me

Here to be with thee
Here to set you free
Unlock the door and see

Leave your happy home
High wind'll blow
Surrender to your foe

Now it's time to go
Or else you'll never know
The lonely move so slow

So slow
So slow

Now you call my name
You want me back again
You want all things to stay the same

Wires catch the wind
Birds are gonna sing
Say goodbye to begin

Heads are gonna grow
Too big for halos
That's just the way it goes

Name your sacrifice
Hand upon the dice
And hold your head up high

Hold your head high
Hold your head high

All eternity
Drinking burgundy
Shadows falling down on me

Here to be with thee
Here to set you free
Unlock the door and see

(Digital only)

Pay the Devil's Due

(Matt Walker / Tex Perkins )

You don’t know where you’re going
You sure don’t know what you’re gonna do
Sometimes there’s just one thing
That you know is true
You gotta pay the devil his due

When you got no luck at all
It sure can leave you feeling blue
Try so hard to get ahead in your life
Paying the devil his due

This old world will break your heart
It’ll blow your tiny mind too
But you know that the greatest in history
All paid the devil his due

When you look back over your life
And all the shit that you been through
Maybe there’s just one thing you forgot to do

Pay the devil his due
Pay the devil his due
Pay the devil his due
When your saviour’s a fake
Your faith’s a mistake
Now you pay the devil his due

Pay the devil his due
Pay the devil his due
Pay the devil his due
Pay the devil his due

Danger Has Been Kind

(Matt Walker / Tex Perkins)

She’s the only one
Who understands my messed up mind
We met one day at an accident
So danger can be kind

Everyone gives me free advice
But it comes from where the sun don’t shine
I learned everything by getting it wrong
Danger has been kind
I’ve been a lucky man all my lifetime
I guess it shows
Trouble always come to me
Trouble always go
I had no home in this big city
I was countrified
My daddy never taught me all that much
Then he died
I’m so glad she understands
Who the hell it is that I am
Maybe when her time is free
She could sit down and explain it to me

I don’t care about yesterday
It was another place and time
And in the end I have to say
Danger has been kind

I probably have some deep regrets
But none really come to mind
I just play whatever hand I’m dealt
Danger can be been kind

It doesn’t matter what you’re into
I got the time
It may be wrong but it’s a natural fact
Danger has been kind

I’m so glad she understands
Who the hell it is that I am
Maybe when her time is free
She could sit down and explain it to me
You’re outa sight
The way you make me so the things you do
A little danger gonna make it alright
You’re love is like a broken rule

I don’t care about yesterday
It was another place and time
And in the end I have to say
Danger has been kind
Danger can be kind
Danger has been kind
Danger has been kind

In Another Lifetime

Here I stand
For all to see
In this place that I dwell
The place I’ve always been
You’ll always find me

But in dreams I go
To live far beyond
In a world so divine
A place that you can find
In another lifetime

Everybody telling me
The things I oughta know
How things should be
How the past will be erased
So the future may begin

But in dreams I go
To live far beyond
In a world so divine
A place that you can find
In another lifetime
How many worlds
In a single lifetime
Well, my mind is a blank
As I wonder who to thank
For all their pain and their toils

But in dreams I go
To live far beyond
In a world so divine
A place that you can find
In another lifetime
But in dreams I go
To live far beyond
In a world so divine
A place that you can find
In another lifetime

But in dreams I go
To live far beyond
In a world so divine
A place that you can find
In another lifetime

For a Love Long Gone

As I wake up
On this morning
The unknown is renewed
The world that turned
Lifetimes before
Is now draped in velvet dew

Like a snowflake
Drifting down
It falls into a stream
Only lasts a little while
Then it’s nowhere to be seen

You say it’s time to go
You never wait too long
Kiss me one more time
For a love
For a love
For a love
Long gone

Why don’t you just
Turn around
Or maybe I could just play dumb
I think time has it’s own plans for us
That might not be fun

You say you know what’s right
And I ain’t here to prove you wrong
Kiss me one more time
For a love
For a love
For a love
Long gone

You say it’s time to go
You never wait too long
Kiss me one more time
For a love
For a love
For a love
Long gone

Place in the Sun

(Matt Walker / Tex Perkins)

I may not look quite right to you
Some people see me and they run
Maybe I could use some surgery
But I got my place in the sun

I never took no charity
I make it work which way I can
My folks never sent no dough to me
To get my place in the sun

I never took me much from school
Some people even say I’m dumb
But did not need university
To get my place in the sun

I never had much luxury
I’m lucky if my water runs
But there’s no other place
they’ll let me be
I’m in my place in the sun
I got my own place in the sun
I got my place in the sun

Outa Our Hands

(Matt Walker / Tex Perkins)

I ain’t what you call a gambling man
But life is really like a game of chance
Ain’t much point in making plans
‘Cause everything is outa our hands
I know it seems like your in command
I know you look like you think you’re the man
But every dictator had the same grand plan
But it ends all outa their hands

Out of our hands
Out of our hands
Ain’t life cruel
Ain’t life grand
You catch a break
Now and then
But your either making money
or you’re making friends

Every woman
Every man
They do their thing then they do it all again
Something gonna happen
but they don’t know when
Cause it’s all outa their hand

You used to be so in demand
Your name was in lights
Now its in the can
You work wait and worry till you reach the end
It’s all outa your hands

Out of our hands
Out of our hands
The rich get the picture
The rest take a chance
You smile for a dollar and you do a little dance
Lady luck may be your lover
but she ain’t your friend

I tell you one more thing you won’t understand
You best be good to your family and friends
This whole world is coming to an end
And it’s all outa our hands

Trouble Goodbye
 

(Matt Walker / Tex Perkins)

Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye
Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye
Once I was down and out
Held my head in my hand
Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye
Goodbye trouble
Cause you ain’t no friend of mine

I’m gonna turn and walk away
Unconcerned with what they say

Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye
Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye

Gonna stay at home
Gonna stay inside
Live my life alone
I got a face that I should hide

I’m gonna turn and walk away
Unconcerned with what they say

Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye
Goodbye trouble
Trouble goodbye…

1Brand New Man
2Around The World
3Pretty Damn Close
4Nobody Owes You Nothin'
5(I Wanna Be) Close To You
6This Monin'
7Devil Ain't Buying
8The Last Drop
9Forgive Us Our Children
10Words Fall

writing

the duo feels good

history - the early days

the cognac diaries

navigational skills

america west coast

matt saved by a

 honky-tonk woman

the necessary few

dave mc comb

the rainbow hotel

band of brothers...alone

a new season

in a humble peep