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Elevation Road

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Crazy Inside

Words by Jerry Hedrick

Music by John DuRant Jr


Everybody’s just a little crazy inside

Some keep it secret, but some they can’t hide

Some days are like a crazy carnival ride,

But everything’s gonna be okay.


There’s crazy in the closet and crazy in the street

Crazy with your family or the strangers you meet.

If you’re dancin’ to the drum of a different beat,

Well, that’s okay, because…


     Chorus

     I’m just crazy inside.

     I’m just crazy inside.


There’s crazy ‘bout cars, crazy for shoes

If you’re crazy in Love, then I’m crazy for you

If you’re crazy depressed, just singing the blues

Everything is gonna be okay, because…


     Chorus


Some kinds of crazy are easy to see

I see that you’re a touch crazier than me.

Today will be as normal as crazy can be

And that’s okay, because…


     Chorus


Everybody’s just a little crazy inside

Some keep it secret and some you can’t hide.

Some days are like a crazy carnival ride

And that’s okay, because…


     Chorus

The Gentle Arms of Eden

Words and music by Dave Carter

  

On a sleepy endless ocean when the world lay in a dream

There was rhythm in the splash and roll, but not a voice to sing

So, the moon shone on the breakers and the morning warmed the waves

‘til a single cell did jump and hum for joy as though to say


     Chorus

     This is my home, this is my only home

     This is the only sacred ground that I have ever known

     And should I stray in the dark night alone

     Rock me Goddess in the gentle arms of Eden


Then the day shone bright and rounder, the one turned into two

The two into ten thousand things, and old things into new

And on some virgin beach head, one lonesome critter crawled

He looked about and shouted out in his most astonished drawl


     Chorus


Then all the sky was buzzin’ and the ground was carpet green

The wary children of the wood went dancing in-between

And the people sang rejoicing when the fields were glad with grain

This song of celebration from their cities on the plain


     Chorus


Now there's smoke across the harbor, and there's factories on the shore

This world is ill with greed and will and enterprise of war

But I will lay my burden in the cradle of your grace

And the shining beaches of your love and the sea of your embrace


     Chorus


Rock me Goddess in the gentle arms of Eden.


     This is my home!

Amy

Words and music by John DuRant Jr


Tender words without sound reach for memory.  

In this place where your voice was found stands a giving tree.

Acorns thrown at hearts of stone score the fragile shell.

As these patient seeds are sown, we restore the well.


     Chorus

     Amy, I can see your pain.

     Amy, how do I explain?

     Amy, let your tears fall down like rain.


Sky azure over Dusty fields, the distant sunset grows.

Practiced as a pantomime, this recitation owned.

Smile grinding to a halt, lips to match the heart.

This great weight is coming down, my world is torn apart.


     Chorus


Kindred glances, kindness grown, encircles quiet clay.

All I yearn is to see his face and then to hide away.

Rivers run, mountains talk, until the tears flow dry.

Excuses now they're wearing thin, it's time I said goodbye.


     Chorus

Face 2 Facebook

Words by John DuRant Sr

Music by John DuRant Jr  


Well, every day I walk right up to strangers on the street

And tell them things about my life I think are really neat

I tell them what I’ve eaten and what I’ll do today,

And as I pour my soul out, they turn and walk away.


I follow them and offer up some pictures of my dog

And pictures of a bear cub with its head stuck in a log.

I offer my opinions, tell them what I dream,

And as I share this recipe, they run off with a scream.


It’s face to Facebook

‘cause you do it face to face

Your social network’s out your door, it’s called the human race.

It’s just like Facebook

But the worst part of it all

Is when some guy unfriends you with your face into a wall


On private conversations, I always listen in

Then I give them “two thumbs up” and a “wink emoji grin”

I ask them please “like me”, but they don’t understand,

They call the cops, file complaints, and try to get me banned.


It’s face to Facebook

And I’m gettin’ lots of hits

When I meet up with a pretty girl and post about her … eyes.

It’s just like Facebook

But the worst part of it all 

Is when some girl unfriends you with a foot into your shin.


So, I’ll keep honing my techniques with strangers that I meet 

But not a soul will friend me, though I chase them down the street

But just today I got the word that I have three new followers

A lovely psychotherapist and a pair of officers.


It’s face to Facebook

My social network’s disappeared 

My girlfriend and my family say I’m getting pretty weird

It’s just like Facebook

But it’s becoming quite absurd

So, all that’s left to do is friend request Mark Zuckerberg.

Are You Happy Now?

Words and music by Richard Schindell  


You took the toaster when you went, you never paid your half the rent

You took the spices from the rack, but you don’t have to put them back

Cause in your haste on Halloween, you left your camera on the bed

Where we played roles in black and white, you left a roll of black and white

I set the timer, thought of you. Put the lens up to my head.

I took a photograph for you. What comes out grey is really red.


     Chorus

     Are you happy now?

     Are you happy now?

     Are you happy now?


I smashed your pumpkin on the floor, the candle flickered at my feet

As goblins flew across the moon, the children peered into the room.

A cowboy shivered on the porch. Cinderella checked her watch.

A hobo waited in the street. An angel whispered, trick-or-treat.

What was I supposed to do, but to sit there in the dark?

I was amazed to think that you, could take the candy with you, too.


     Chorus


I’ve sat all night and now it’s dawn and I cannot believe my eyes

There’s garbage strewn across the lawn where we once stared up at the sky

Streams of paper fill the tree that hovered over you and me.

Shaving cream covers the car that we picked up in Baltimore.

Although I know it’s hard to tell, I hope that what’s-his-name treats you well.

I still maintain that he’s a bum, but it’s your money have some fun.


     Instrumental


You always asked why I had not written you a verse or two

Since that’s the one thing I regret, I dedicate this one to you.


     Chorus


Napoleon's Last Stand

Words and music by Janie Meneely

Arrangement by John DuRant Jr

 

Oh, me name’s Napoleon Bonaparte, I’m the conquerer of nations

I’ve vanquished German legions and sent kings from their thrones

I’ve banished dukes and earls and glorious congregations,

But now I am transported to downtown Baltimore…


It happened on a Wednesday, it was at the Warf Rat Bar.

Jake and me and Tom McGee, each knocking down a jar.

And telling blonde jokes don’t ya know and generally keeping score

When in walks this here dandy from uptown Baltimore.

He says his name’s Napoleon and he plops down right beside.

Hand jammed in his pocket like there’s something there to hide.

He orders up a brandy and he downs it in one swill,

We’d never seen the likes of him this side of Federal Hill.


     Chorus

     He said his name’s Napoleon and we said what the heck.

     You’ll always find it takes all kinds to keep the world in check.

     If someone offers up a round, well who are we to fuss.

     He said his name’s Napoleon, that’s good enough for us.


Jake gives Tom the elbow, calls out howdy do

Napoleon gives us a grin and starts to parle vous.

We can’t decipher half a word, it’s really quite the show

‘til some guy up from Dundalk jumps in to have a go.

You’re a froggy ain’t ya, he says in terms uncouth

Well, we don’t like no froggies here, now boys ain’t that the truth.

And whether it’s the truth or no, we don’t have time to say,

Cause Dundalk up and clocks him and the fight is underway


     Chorus


Well, Dundalk swung to the right, just missing Tom McGee

And Frenchie kicks him in the shin and takes a poke at me

I’m not on to spectate when the going gets so close

But I swing wide and land upside the old bartender’s nose.

It was over in a minute, that Frenchman sure could fight,

Feisty little bugger, he was at it left and right.

The fist that he was hiding carried knuckles made of brass,

In no time mister Dundalk there was flat upon his ass.


     Chorus


Viva la France we heard him cry before we all set to,

With bodies strewn across the room, it looked like Waterloo.

But someone called the cops out, and they showed up sure enough.

They take one look at Frenchie and slap him in some cuffs.

Seems he’s just some looney gone AWOL from his bin,

But before he goes he takes a bow and gives us all a grin

“My name’s Napoleon Bonaparte, to St Helena bound”,

Then he emptied out his wallet and said, “drinks all around”.


     Chorus

Cold Missouri Waters

Words and music by James Keelaghan

  

My name is Dodge, but then you know that

It's written on the chart there at the foot end of the bed

They think I'm blind, that I can't read it

But I've read it every word, and every word it says is death

So, Confession - is that the reason that you came

Get it off my chest before I check out of the game

Since you mention it, well there's thirteen things I'll name

Thirteen crosses high above the cold Missouri waters


August 'Forty-Nine, north Montana

The hottest day on record, the forest tinder dry

Lightning strikes in the mountains

As crew chief at the jump base, I prepared the boys to fly

Picked the drop zone, C-47 comes in low

Feel the tap upon your leg that tells you go

See the circle of the fire down below

Fifteen of us dropped above the cold Missouri waters


Gauged the fire, well I'd seen bigger

So, I ordered them to sidehill. We'd fight it from below

We'd have our backs to that river

We'd have it licked by morning even if we took it slow

But the fire crowned, jumped the valley just ahead

There was no way down, we headed for the ridge instead

Too big to fight it, we'd have to fight that slope instead

Flames one step behind above the cold Missouri waters


Sky turned red, the smoke was boiling

Two hundred yards to safety, death was fifty yards behind

I don't know why, but I just thought it

I struck a match to waist high grass running out of time

Tried to tell them, step into this fire I’ve set

We can make it, this is the only chance you'll get

But they cursed me, ran for the rocks above instead

I lay face down and prayed above the cold Missouri waters


And when I rose, like the phoenix

In that world reduced to ashes there were none but two survived

I stayed that night and one day after

Carried bodies to the river, wondering how I stayed alive

Thirteen stations of the cross to mark to their fall

I've had my say, I'll confess to nothing more

I'll join them now, those that left me long before

Fifteen of us dropped above the cold Missouri waters


Thirteen crosses high above the cold Missouri shore


Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter

Away, you rolling river

Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter

Away, I’m bound to go, ‘cross the wide Missouri

My Ex Came Back

Words by Donna Korn

Music adapted from The Cat Came Back (Traditional)


You know my ex-wife had troubles of her own,

She showed up at my doorstep and she wasn’t going home.

I told her, and I told her that she couldn’t stay

And when she left I thought she’d finally gone away… But


     Chorus

     My ex came back, the very next day

     Yeah, my ex came back, I thought she was a goner,

     But my ex came back… she just wouldn’t go away.


She said, “I’m really sorry, I know I was a jerk,

But you’re the best I’ve ever had, can’t we try to make this work?”

Well, the best she’s ever had wasn’t so hot in my eyes,

Cause when she asked me for a threesome, I didn’t think she meant two guys … But


     Chorus


She asked me why this romance had to end.

I reminded her, “honey, you slept with my best friend.

Then you got intoxicated and you smashed my guitar  

And when you threatened to leave, I hoped you’d go really far” …  But


     Chorus


She asked me then for help, but it was clear I couldn’t save her.

I went to court, the judge ruled in my favor

When it looked like I’d no longer have to court her

She blew right through that restraining order…  And 


     Chorus


So, distract her please, I’m getting out of this mess

And if anybody asks, I’ve got no forwarding address.

I think it’s time I take a permanent vacation

Cause my ex is back and she’s off her medication ...  And 


     Chorus

Dog for a Day

Words and music by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers


I’m rushing off into the morning

My eyes hanging down

Waiting for the coffee to slap me around

I hear a thumping on the sidewalk

And look up to see a dog face smile

But I’m off to work as he naps for a while


And then I’m planning a career or

I’m planning for play

Planning for a mortgage on some distant day

You know I’m planning for a kid and for dinner

Planning to plan no more

When I hear paws scratching at the door


     Chorus

     If I could shed my skin

     Alter the shape I’m in

     I’d fill out with fur and grow a long tail

     If I could be that way

    Whoa, I would be a happy man

     And a dog for a day


I’d scare a squirrel to a treetop

or mangle your shoes

Chase a stick into the water or I’d simply refuse

I’d bark my head off if I wanted

Whenever I heard the mailman call

Or I would sleep, contented, through it all


     Chorus


But I am stuck inside this body

With my two feet

But there are human consolations here

In the front seat

You know I never wear a collar, eat dog chow

And I’m allowed on the bed

But I wonder what my life could be instead


     Chorus

Down in the Valley

Traditional


Down in the valley, the valley so low,

Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow.

Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.


Roses love sunshine, violets love dew,

The angels in heaven know I love you;

Know I love you, dear, they know I love you,

The angels in heaven know I love you.


If you don't love me, well, love whom you please,

Throw your arms round me, give my heart ease.

Give my heart ease, love, give my heart ease,

Throw your arms round me, give my heart ease.


Build me a castle forty feet high,

So, I can see her as she rides by;

As she rides by, dear, oh as she rides by,

So, I can see her as she rides by.


Send me a letter, send it by mail

Send it in care of the Baltimore jail.

Baltimore jail, dear, the Baltimore jail.

Send it in care of the Baltimore jail.

 

Down in the valley, the valley so low,

Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Healing Time

Words and music by John Denver


Let the mountains talk, let the rivers run

There's a wisdom here, there is much to learn

There is much to know, much to understand

In this healing time across the land


You have heard my songs, oh so many years

You have laughed with me, washed away my tears

You have shared my joy, you have felt my pain

In this healing time, walk with me again


Through these darker days on this narrow line

Help me find my way, help me see the signs

I am not afraid, I am not alone

You have taught me well, you have brought me home


Let the mountains speak, let the rivers run

As the world awakes to the rising sun

In each brand-new day, in our own rebirth

In this healing time on our mother earth


Let the mountains talk, let the rivers run

As the world awakes to the rising sun

In each brand-new day, in our own rebirth

In this healing time on our mother earth

In this healing time for our mother earth.

From Braddock Heights

Words by Thomas Chalmers Harbaugh

  

I gaze afar from Braddock toward the glowing west

Where with a matchless brush the sun paints old South Mountain’s crest

‘Neath beetling crag and dark ravine, ‘neath bush and hoary tree

Thro’ daisied meads and poppied fields, Catoctin hunts the sea;

I look across a valley entrancing in my eyes

As lovely as the gardens fair of storied paradise—

Not lovelier than Canaan old which Moses saw afar,

When he led God’s chosen children under the Orient sun and star.


I see beneath my feet a restless highway leading down.

To where arise with sacred pride the spires of Middletown.

Deep in the valley like some gem set in a crown of old,

And round it in their beauty lie the harvest fields of gold;

The turnpike, winding in and out, now peeps, now disappears

Until beyond the town it finds the mountain rich in years—

Rich in years and old in story, burdened with its ghostly lore,

Crowned with legends wild, pathetic that will live forevermore.


I see the gap among the hills, blue-circled, far away,

Where Harper’s Ferry nestles ‘neath its towering walls of gray—

Where Shenandoah’s crystal tides Potomac’s ripples wed

And Maryland Heights in grandeur rise above the nuptial bed;

I turn away a moment to a landscape lovelier still

Where bloom the fields that circle ‘round historic Myersville,

And far beyond the village fair the mountains lift again,

The blue peaks rising high above the rich and fruitful plain.


There’s Jefferson, then far away the Peaks of Otter show

And in the east of storied fame the spires of Frederick glow;

Among the trees through fertile fields the white road wanders down

‘til lost among the happy homes of Barbara Fritchie’s town

Methinks I hear the tuneful bells that chime above the street,

To prayer the people calling in their accents low and sweet,

And yonder old Monocacy, once crimson, seaward flows,

Through haunt of Jack and timid hare, thro fields of rye and rose.


O What a matchless landscape from old Braddock can be seen,

The fields in summer’s harvest garb, the woods in living green

The creeks like threads of silver winding thro’ the valleys fair.

While scents of bloom and garnered hay perfume the ambient air;

Has not the hand of genii opened ‘neath the vaulted skies

For me the wondrous gates of gold that lead to paradise?

The heart grows still a moment as I gaze from Braddock’s throne.

And then the soul with rapture cries, “Tis Maryland, my own!”

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