New Band Of The Day: Razorblade Smile
Boisterous Glaswegian punk band Razorblade Smile have been around since 2008 but have yet to receive much attention (or even a label) – until now.
Not a new band as such (they’ve been going in a variety of line-ups since 2008), but one that’s been happily underground in the vibrant Scottish punk scene since their inception.
Razorblade Smile are non-conformist in the extreme. They don’t play the game. They don’t sell out. They exist in a world that Simon Cowell probably doesn’t even know exists.
Their songs are short, sharp, angry and embittered. This is a band that takes a stance against what they see wrong with the world around them and rail against it. Coming from areas of Glasgow that have seen their fair share of depravation, RS pull no punches in their onslaught. This isn’t a pop-punk band. This isn’t a career choice. This isn’t a fashion statement.
These people mean it, maaaaan.
Originally a four-piece with a drum machine that sounded like a division of tanks rolling over the M8, the then two-vocalist line-up & honed their sound into the assault that they have now.
Now with a “real” drummer and Kate Martin taking care of vocals alone, they’re a slightly more 3-dimensional beast than of old. Guitarist Shoddy Roddy’s kamikaze chords have given a multi-layered, metallic blaze to the songs nowadays.
Pass The Buck sees RS slow down their typical manic blur and is all the better for it. There’s even a little dub reggae feel to a couple of break-downs in their set.
Don’t be mistaken, this is not a band that normally takes any prisoners. Underground is a shout-along Ramones-esque pogo-fest. Beneath the wild abandon, there’s also a melodic sensibility. Witness Bought And Sold. Kate’s impassioned vocal has something of Eve Libertine’s lonely end-of-times poetry to it.
Keynote song, Govanhell (about their neighbourhood, Govanhill), is a Demob-like strafing run on social injustice. Censored Society sees sampled soundtrack parts amongst the punk carnage.
Bands like RS aren’t around for your entertainment. This is real world stuff.
Razorblade Smile are playing the GGI Festival in Ireland and play regularly around Scotland. They’re also opening for The Lurkers on 7/9/12 in Glasgow.
Razorblade Smile are on Facebook and you can stream some of their songs from Soundcloud here.
AlienpigC’mon thr Razors, keepin’ it real ;@)
They’ve stolen the name from another band called Razorblade Smile. Watch out guys the lawyers have been alerted.
WE GOT THE NAME FROM A FILM CALLED RAZOR BLADE SMILE IN 2008…THE ACTRESS IN THE FILM, WHO ALSO OWNS THE NAME, KNOWS US AND HAS ALLOWED US THE USE OF THE NAME SO BRING ON THE LAWYERS IT WILL GET US EVEN MORE PUBLICITY AND ONCE IT IS DONE WE CAN ALL MEET OUTSIDE THE COURT AND FIGHT OVER IT LIKE MEN AND NOT PUSSIES USIN LAWYERS TO FIGHT FOR YA..
and just to clarify….we are playing the G.G.I. in glasgow this year on 28+29 sept….and we played ireland G.G.I. 2 years ago..
ill dae aw the fighting wae lawyers…lol….FUCK EM……
calm down, troops. Thanks for clarity on shows, Roddy.
Words for RAZORBLADE SMILE
GREETINGS:
I AM A SIXTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD FACTORY WORKER WHO LIVES NEAR GARDEN PRAIRIE, ILLINOIS. I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED WRITING, MOSTLY POLITICAL OR HISTORICAL STUFF. BEGINNING IN 2013, I BEGAN TO WRITE A BUNCH OF POEMS. INSIDE, YOU’LL FIND A FEW OF MY EARLIEST COMPOSITIONS, ALONG WITH MY LATEST EFFORTS. IT’S BEEN FUN! SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN ON A SEARCH TO FIND SOMEONE WHO LIKES MY WORDS ENOUGH TO “MUSIC-IZE” THEM.
HERE’S HOPING THAT YOU ARE THE ONE.
BEST WISHES,
TIM MILLS
8259 GRANGE HALL ROAD
GARDEN PRAIRIE, ILLINOIS
61038
USA
CELL (815)871-6272
A FOOL WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS OWN CHAINS
HE STANDS BEFORE THE WHITE HOUSE AND HEAVES A HAPLESS HOLLER
HE WAVES THE SLAVERY FLAG; IN A LOVE TO HATE HE WALLERS.
HE’S A FOOL WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS OWN CHAINS
MISTA BIG STUFF BEAMS AT HIM WITH PRIDE
HE WON’T DEPEND UPON HIS OWN BRAINS
WHATEVER NEEDS DOIN’ BIG STUFF DECIDES.
MISTA BIG STUFF ROUNDS UP FOOLS LIKE HIM FROM NORTH SOUTH EAST & WEST
AND PICKLES THEM IN TUBS OF PEKOE RIGHT UP TO THEIR CHESTS.
HE’S A FOOL WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS OWN CHAINS
MISTA BIG STUFF BEAMS AT HIM WITH PRIDE
HE WON’T DEPEND UPON HIS OWN BRAINS
IN BIG STUFF’S REALM HE SHALL RESIDE.
HE’LL SHINES UP BIG STUFF’S GOLF CLUBS INTO A GORGEOUS HUE
HE’S BETTER THAN ALL THE OTHER FOOLS; HE GETS TO CADDY’EM, TOO.
HE’S A FOOL WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS OWN CHAINS
MISTA BIG STUFF BEAMS AT HIM WITH PRIDE
HE WON’T DEPEND UPON HIS OWN BRAINS
WHATEVER NEEDS DOIN’ BIG STUFF DECIDES.
HE TRUSTS MISTA BIG STUFF’S CLAPTRAP AND SWALLOWS EVERY WORD
HE ‘GURGITATES WITH GUSTO AS HE CLAMORS TO BE HEARD.
HE’S A FOOL WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS OWN CHAINS
MISTA BIG STUFF BEAMS AT HIM WITH PRIDE
HE WON’T DEPEND UPON HIS OWN BRAINS
IN BIG STUFF’S REALM HE SHALL RESIDE.
“THESE PEOPLE DON’T BELONG!” HE BARKS. “THEY’RE FRUIT OF A POISONOUS TREE!”
I WISH THAT HE’D JUST RECOGNIZE WE’RE ALL ONE PEDIGREE.
I’D TELL HIM:
YOU’RE A FOOL TO FIGHT TO KEEP US CHAINED
YOU GOTTA CHANGE YOUR TACK
WE ALL WANT TO GO FORWARD
BUT YOU WILL HOLD US BACK.
HE CLAIMS THAT HE’S A PATRIOT AND WE’RE THE ENEMY
CAN’T SEE BEYOND MISTA BIG STUFF TO OUR COMMONALITY.
HE’S A FOOL WHO FIGHTS FOR HIS OWN CHAINS
MISTA BIG STUFF BEAMS AT HIM WITH PRIDE
HE WON’T DEPEND UPON HIS OWN BRAINS
WHATEVER NEEDS DOIN’ BIG STUFF DECIDES.
ONE DAY HE’LL ABSORB MY WORDS, I HOPE IT WON’T BE LONG
HE’LL GIVE BIG STUFF A MIGHTY SHOVE AND THEN HE’LL SING THIS SONG:
“I WAS A FOOL TO FIGHT FOR MY OWN CHAINS
MISTA BIG STUFF ALWAYS LIED
FROM NOW ON I’LL USE MY OWN BRAINS
AND JOIN MY BROTHER’S SIDE.” [2013]
AIN’T GONNA PLAY NO BLUES ANYMORE
WELL I AIN’T GONNA PLAY NO BLUES ANYMORE
AIN’T GONNA PLAY NO BLUES ANYMORE
AIN’T GONNA PLAY NO BLUES ANYMORE
‘CAUSE IT DON’T DO ME NO GOOD – NO GOOD
IT DON’T DO ME NO GOOD.
WELL I AIN’T GONNA DRINK NO BOOZE ANYMORE
AIN’T GONNA DRINK NO BOOZE ANYMORE
AIN’T GONNA DRINK NO BOOZE ANYMORE
‘CAUSE IT DON’T DO ME NO GOOD – NO GOOD
IT DON’T DO ME NO GOOD.
WELL I AIN’T GONNA WEAR THESE RUNNIN’ SHOES ANYMORE
AIN’T GONNA WEAR THESE RUNNIN’ SHOES ANYMORE
AIN’T GONNA WEAR THESE RUNNIN’ SHOES ANYMORE
‘CAUSE IT DON’T DO ME NO GOOD – NO GOOD
IT DON’T DO ME NO GOOD. [1977]
BETTER WITH YOUR STUPID FACE COVERED
I SAW YOU ON TV YELLIN’ AT KIDS SHROUDED CROWDED ON A BUS
RIGHT THEN IT SEEMED AS YOU SCREWBALLS JUST SCREAMED
THAT LADY LIBERTY’S GOT LUNGS FULL OF PUS
‘CAUSE THEY’RE YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE
TO BE SAFE IN THE ARMS OF THEIR FAMILIES
BUT YOU SAID USA USA GO AWAY
YOU CAN’T STAY IN THE ALAMO TODAY
MUCH LESS FOUR SCORE N SEVEN YEARS
THE GUV SAYS HE’S THE GUY WHO STEERS
SEGREGATION NOW TOMORROW FOREVER
EYES N EARS DON’T SEE DON’T HEAR THE LEVER
WHAT’S REALLY GOIN’ ON WHILE THOSE SPONGES YOU SALUTE
LAUGHIN’ ALWAYS TO THE BANK OF ILL-REPUTE
AS YOUR 7TH INNING STRETCH AWAITS
YOU’RE STILL A SECTION EIGHT TREND-SETTER
N YOU’D LOOK A WHOLE LOT BETTER
WITH YOUR STUPID FACE COVERED UP BY UNDERPANTS
WHILE FEARLESS RED THE ELEPHANT RANTS
‘BOUT ‘PEACHIN’ THE PREZ SINGIN’ GLORY GLORY HALLELUJAH
HIS RUTHLESS MARCHIN’ ON-N-N-WARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
MORE WORRIED ‘BOUT THEIR FOLGER’S
THAN KIDS WHO RIDE THE BEAST THRU MEXICO JUST TO MEET
NEW N INTERESTING GRINGOS WHO EAT LOS VENDEDORES TREATS
N OPEN CARRY THEIR KIMBER GUNS OF NAVARONE
HECKUVA MOVIE DONTCHA KNOW YOU NEED LEATHER HANDS TO HOE
WHICH WAY THE HATE GROWS UP TO BE A WIDE-EYED
BOLL WEEVIL STATE SENATOR SON OF A ‘PLIANCE SALESMAN
N NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COMMANDER DAMN GOOD RIGHT HANDER
WHO KEPT AN EYE OUT FOR THEM TADPOLES ON THE BLOCK
TICK TOCK TICK TOCK TICK TOCK
MORE SOONER THAN LATER HUNGER AWAKENS
THE FORSAKEN UNSEEN UNSUNG DEMEANED AMONG
ALL OTHERS SO NUMBERED AS COMMON LIVESTOCK
THAT ONCE UNCHAINED WE BLAST OFF EARTHSHAKEN
FROM A VISIONARY FAST TO A SIT-DOWN
FUNK-DRIVEN DINNER AT LAST [2014]
BIG TOE KNUCKLE
THROWIN’ UP GRAVEL IN A SIXTY-SIX JIMMY
PASSIN’ ‘ROUND THE CONTRABAND WHEN HE SAYS GIMME
BEEN KNOWN TO KNOCK YOUR LIGHTS OUT
WITH A SOCK FULL OF BUCKLES
GOTTA LONG TRAIN OF KIDS TO PLAY
WITH BABIES WHO SUCKLE
WE CALL HIM
BIG TOE KNUCKLE
CALL HIM BIG TOE KNUCKLE
CALL HIM BIG TOE KNUCKLE
N SHIRLEY HIS WIFE KNOWS WHY
‘MEMBER THAT TIME WHEN THE KLUXERS RODE IN
WITH THE LOUISVILLE SLUGGERS N THE BOTTOM SHELF GIN
BIG TOE JUMPED OUT IN FRONT
WITH A SAWED-OFF TEN
N WHEN IT WAS DONE NO ONE WAS STANDING BUT HIM
N THE ONLY LIVIN’ SOUND WAS THE MEN WHO COULD RUCKLE
IT SOUNDED LIKE
PLEASE MISTER KNUCKLE
MISTER BIG TOE KNUCKLE
BIG TOE KNUCKLE
OH PLEASE DON’T LET ME DIE
‘MEMBER THAT TIME WHEN BIG TOE MET SHIRLEY
BEFORE THEY GOT HITCHED
HER MAIDEN NAME WAS SURLY
THEY HADDA LOTTA STUFF IN COMMON
BOTH OF THEM WERE BURLY
PUT A BOTTLE IN BETWEEN ‘EM
IT WON’T BE VERY LONG
BEFORE THEY’RE LAUGHIN’ N SINGIN’
N THE BOURBON IS GONE
MISTER BIG TOE KNUCKLE
HIS MAMA CALLED HIM CURLEY
‘TIL HE MARRIED SHIRLEY SURLY
WHO RUBBED HIS BIG TOE KNUCKLE
ON HER UNDULATIN’ THIGHS
WE HADDA UNION MEETIN’ ‘BOUT HALF PAST EIGHT
TOE EMPTIED THE BAR
N SHOUTED DON’T BE LATE
WE COUNTED ALL THE BALLOTS
N THEN THERE WAS A CHUCKLE
THAT PALOOKA WITH THE CHARMS
WILL BE OUR SERGEANT AT ARMS
WE VOTED FOR
BIG TOE KNUCKLE
BIG TOE KNUCKLE
WE VOTED FOR BIG TOE
N THAT’S NO LIE
WE CALL HIM BIG TOE KNUCKLE
WE CALL HIM BIG TOE KNUCKLE
WE CALL HIM BIG TOE KNUCKLE
N SHIRLEY HIS WIFE KNOWS WHY [2014]
BOTTLIN’ BLUES
PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M SICK.
WON’T YA PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M ILL.
I’M SICK OF BOTTLIN’ THESE VITAMINS – BOTTLIN’ THESE PILLS
YA GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW THAT I’VE HAD MY FILL.
MY EYES ARE HYPNOTIZED AS THE PILLS GO DANCIN’ BY.
MY EYES ARE HYPNOTIZED AS THE PILLS GO DANCIN’ BY.
WHILE THE BOTTLES KEEP THE RHYTHM
CATCH THE VITAMINS ON THE FLY.
PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M SICK.
WON’T YA PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M ILL.
I’M SICK OF SMELLIN’ THESE VITAMINS – SMELLIN’ THESE PILLS
YA GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW THAT I’VE HAD MY FILL.
SEVENTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND FORTY-FIVE CENTS.
THEY GIMME SEVENTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND FORTY-FIVE CENTS.
IT’LL BUY GROCERIES & WHISKEY.
IT’LL JUST ABOUT PAY THE RENT.
PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M SICK.
WON’T YA PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M ILL.
I’M SICK OF HAULIN’ THESE VITAMINS – HAULIN THESE PILLS
YA GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW THAT I’VE HAD MY FILL.
YA BETTER WATCH WHAT YOU SAY, MAN; KEEP YER VOICE DOWN LOW.
BETTER WATCH WHAT YOU SAY, MAN; KEEP YER VOICE DOWN LOW.
BETTER KEEP IT TO YERSELF, MAN
‘FORE THE SUPER SAYS YA GOTTA GO – GOTTA GO – GOTTA GO – GOTTA GO.
OH WON’T YA PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M SICK.
PLEASE CALL THE DOCTOR ‘CAUSE I THINK I’M ILL.
I’M SICK OF BOTTLIN’ THESE VITAMINS – BOTTLIN’ THESE PILLS
I SAY IF YOU CAN AFFORD ‘EM – YOU DON’T NEED ‘EM.
BUT I WON’T STEAL ‘EM – SO I WON’T EAT ‘EM.
YA GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW – GOTTA KNOW – YA GOTTA KNOW THAT I’VE HAD MY FILL. [1977]
CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
IF YOU WANNA ALTERCATE WITH ME
SAINT PETE HE’S WAITIN’ AT THE GATE YOU SEE
SO YOU BETTER GET IT STRAIGHT IN THIS LIFE – SON
I’M A BUSTED FLUSH AIN’T NO FORTUNATE ONE
I GOTTA FOLDING KNIFE BUT IT’S JUST FOR FUN
IN MY BOOT I GOTTA SUPER-LITE THIRTY-EIGHT GUN
WHEN THE SHOOTIN’ STARTS BE TOO LATE TO RUN
DONTCHA KNOW IT’S A DOUBLE ACTION ONLY
THERE’LL BE JUST ONE LESS
LITTLE LORD CALVERT
N I WON’T BE LONELY
WHEN I BEEN CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
WHEN I BEEN CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
BOUND TO WIN NOT FAIL
I KNOW I GOT MY STYLE
HOLLYWOOD FOLKS DRINKIN’ IN A CADILLAC CAR
TIP THE BI-LINGUAL DRIVERS WHO PLAY THE GUITAR
HERE’S A RIGHTEOUS LIBERAL WHO JUST CAN’T BE LATE
BE GRATEFUL THAT HIS WARDROBE HAS LOST SOME WEIGHT
JOIN HIS ENTOURAGE AT THE WHITEWALL GARAGE
OR THE SHOE-SHINE CREW AT THE EYEBALL MASSAGE
NOT TOO FAST YOU GOTTA YEARN TO STOOP
TO ENJOY THE BOSS’S MEAL
YOU GOTTA SAVOR THE POOP
LET IT SIMMER IN YOUR HEAD THEN GIVE IT A CHURN
HIS CERTIFIED PET MONKEY’S GOTTA LOT TO LEARN
WHEN YOU’RE DRIVIN’ HIS CAR
PLAYIN’ HIS GUITAR
WHEN YOU CAN’T BE LATE
HIS SHIT AIN’T LOST NO WEIGHT
HE’S A MIGHTY LONG WAY FROM STYLE
MEET PALM READERS PARAPLEGIC FEEDERS
CELEBRITY STALKERS ZIP CODE TALKERS
WHO GREET HERMAN THE GERMAN DOORMAN
WITH A TURQUOISE VEST
MEET THE GUY WHO WE ALL CALL THE BEST-DRESSED
BROWN BANANA EATIN’ ARMY SURPLUS’D SOLDIER
KEEPS HIS CORNED-BEEF HASH IN A EMPTY CAN OF FOLGER’S
WHO PUSHES THAT CART N POUNDS HIS CHEST
THAT THEIR IN-HOCK WAGES CAN’T INVEST
FETCH A FURNISHED ROOM IN A JUNKIE’S NEST
TO RUMINATE A RUMMAGE SALE
GUARANTEE A GARBAGE PAIL
A RUMMAGE SALE
A GARBAGE PAIL
N THEY STILL GOT THAT STYLE
DONTCHA KNOW IT’S A DOUBLE ACTION ONLY
THERE’LL BE JUST ONE LESS
LITTLE LORD CALVERT
N I WON’T BE LONELY
WHEN I BEEN CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
WHEN I BEEN CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
BOUND TO WIN NOT FAIL
I KNOW I GOT MY STYLE [2014]
DESIGNATED DRIVER
YOU WON’T FEEL LOWDOWN ‘TIL YOU PICK YOURSELF UP
IT COULD BE THAT YOUR LIPS GOT ATTRACTED TO THE CUP
YOU WON’T HEAR THE SILENCE ‘TIL YOU MAKE A BIG NOISE
YOU CAN’T SPOT THE HATFIELDS ‘TIL YOU KNOW THE REAL MCCOYS.
DESIGNATED DRIVER
EVERYBODY NEEDS ONE
IF YOU’RE AT HOME IN YOUR OWN HEAD
YOU DON’T HAVE TO RUN
DESIGNATED DRIVER
NOT THE JUDGE AND NOT THE JURY
FORGIVE YOURSELF AND ME, TOO
FOR HEALTH AND NOT FOR WORRY.
YOU WON’T FEEL SICKLY ‘TIL YOU START TO GET WELL
WON’T SEE A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN ‘TIL YOU’VE SEEN A LOTTA HELL
YOU LEARN ABOUT THE CHASE WHEN THE GUM BALLS FLICKER
‘CAUSE THE RED HOT CHAMPIONS, THEY HAUL CORN LIQUOR.
DESIGNATED DRIVER
EVERYBODY NEEDS ONE
IF YOU’RE AT HOME IN YOUR OWN HEAD
YOU DON’T HAVE TO RUN
DESIGNATED DRIVER
NOT THE JUDGE AND NOT THE JURY
FORGIVE YOURSELF AND ME, TOO
FOR HEALTH AND NOT FOR WORRY.
‘CAUSE YOU GET THE SCOOP FROM MY WORDS LEFT UNSPOKEN
AND BROTHERHOOD MEANS MORE TO YOU THAN FAKE HOLLOW TOKENS
I TRUST YOU AT THE TILLER SAME AS BEFORE AND HEREAFTER
WE’LL NAVIGATE THE BUMPY ROADS AND WE’LL SHARE ALL THE LAUGHTER.
DESIGNATED DRIVER
EVERYBODY NEEDS ONE
IF YOU’RE AT HOME IN YOUR OWN HEAD
YOU DON’T HAVE TO RUN
DESIGNATED DRIVER
NOT THE JUDGE AND NOT THE JURY
FORGIVE YOURSELF AND ME, TOO
FOR HEALTH AND NOT FOR WORRY. [2014]
D-O-D TEN-THIRTY-THREE ON ME
O WHAT A BLOODY SIGHT
FOR THE LACK OF BEIN’ SUFFICIENTLY WHITE
TO SEE THE YOUNG MAN DIE – SIX TIMES SHOT
FOR GRABBIN’ ILL-GOTTEN GAINS THE CAMERA DISPLAYS HE GOT
IN AFTERLIFE HIS REPUTATION STAINED FOR DOIN’
WHAT LOVIN’ BROTHERS SAY MATTERS NOT
WHAT THE HELL WE DOIN’ TO YOUNGSTERS ANYMORE
MAKES A GUY WANNA TEAR UP HIZZONER’S ASS
TO EVEN UP THE SCORE
O HEAR MY WARNING YOU KIDS ‘ROUND HERE
‘CAUSE THE MAN THESE DAYS COMES LOADED FOR BEAR
N HE AIN’T FOOLIN’ OR TRYIN’ YOU OUT – JUST TO SCARE
N FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE DONTCHA RUN AWAY FROM THE COPS
IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
OR TALK BACK TO A BADGE WHEN YER ALL ALONE
IN THE DARK OF NIGHT
MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY
DONTCHA LAY YOUR D-O-D TEN-THIRTY-THREE ON ME
O WHAT DIDYA THINK WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THE D-O-D
STARTED HANDIN’ OUT ALL OF THAT MILITARY SHIT FOR FREE
ALL IN THE NAME OF THE WAR ON DOPE
THE INCARCERATION INDUSTRY
THE DEPARTMENT OF FATHERLAND SECURITY
N THEY CALL IT PROGRAM TEN-THIRTY-THREE
THIS NEIGHBORHOOD’S NOT ONE OF YER PRIVATE COLONIES
SO YA BETTER WAKE UP N PAY ATTENTION TO ME
‘CAUSE WE’RE GONNA DO WHAT WE GOTTA DO
TO MAKE OURSELVES FREE
JUST YOU WAIT N SEE SERGEANT HAMBURGER HANK
YOU’LL HAVE NOBODY BUT YERSELVES TO THANK
WHEN WE HAVE TO START ALL OVER FROM SCRATCH
SO IF YOU WANNA HANG ONTO THAT SHERMAN TANK
YOU BETTER LOCK N LOAD N BUTTON UP THE HATCH
MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY
DONTCHA LAY YOUR D-O-D TEN-THIRTY-THREE ON ME [2014]
DON’T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY
I’M TELLIN’ YOU NOW
YOU’RE GONNA PAY
IF YOU THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY
‘CAUSE IF YA DO
YOU’LL BE SORRY SOMEDAY
YOU’LL BE SORRY SOMEDAY.
I KNEW THIS GIRL
IT MAKES ME FROWN
JUST THINKIN’- JUST THINKIN’
HOW SHE HAD ME DRIVE MY TRUCK NEARLY ALL OVER TOWN
BUT I DID IT
I JUST THREW MY LOVE AWAY
I JUST THREW IT ALL AWAY.
I SAW HER LAST NIGHT
IN A ROCK & ROLL BAR
SHE WOULDN’T LOOK INTO MY EYES ANY MORE
BUT THAT’S OK
I HAD NOT A THING TO SAY
I HAD NOT A THING TO SAY ANYWAY.
NOW ALL YOU COLLEGE BOYS
COMIN’ INTO TOWN
YOU’RE LOOKIN’ FOR GOOD TIMES
GOOD TIMES – GOOD TIMES
AND THERE AIN’T NONE AROUND
WELL I HOPE YOU FIND THEM
JUST DON’T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY
DON’T YOU THROW IT ALL AWAY. [1975]
FULL SCALE
WHEN RUTH’S UNFAILING FAITH N STALWART FRIENDSHIP BUYS A FOOL’S GOLDEN TOOTH
N THE QUEUE AT THE PORT-O-POTTY SPELLS COMIC RELIEF FROM THE THRIVING WIENER CONCESSION IN THE VIRTUOUS CONFESSION BOOTH
N YOU SPEND LIFE’S LAUGHTER CARRYIN’ TO RETRIEVE AN EMPTY PAIL
YOU KNOW IT’S TIME – IT’S TIME – HIGH TIME TO GO FULL SCALE.
YOU NEED REVOLTING RUDIMENTS TO GO FULL SCALE
N UNFLINCHING TESTAMENTS FOR JOSHUA’S SOULFUL WAIL
THAT JERICHO’S WALLS WOULD CRUMBLE BY DIGGIN’ FOR UNHOLY GRAIL
THAT YAHWEH READS – A LOS POBRECITOS – FROM SUBATOMIC HOLY BRAILLE.
SAMSON GETS DELILAH HAMMERED FROM TWENTY CHEAP WARM BEERS
N GIVES HER HAIR A SHEPHERD’S CUT WITH DULL N RUSTY SHEARS
COULD BE PORNO THAT YOU’RE WATCHING ‘LONG WITH DRUNKEN NAVIGATORS
COULD BE THE SOCIAL SCHEME’S TURNED DOWNSIDE UP FOR SUNKEN VACILLATORS.
YOU NEED REVOLTING RUDIMENTS TO GO FULL SCALE
N UNFLINCHING TESTAMENTS FOR JOSHUA’S SOULFUL WAIL
THAT JERICHO’S WALLS WOULD CRUMBLE BY DIGGIN’ FOR UNHOLY GRAIL
THAT YAHWEH READS – A LOS POBRECITOS – FROM SUBATOMIC HOLY BRAILLE.
RABBI LENNY PLAYED HARD SHROUDED N WINDOWED FROM WORRIED GENTILE EYES
WITH SHADES IN SHADOWS HIS FLOCK THEY’D PRANCE IN SODOMITE DISGUISE
RAINCOATED WITHOUT PANTS HE CHANTS “JUDGE ME NOT IF EXODUS MEANS BROOKLYN TO WHITE PLAINS”
DEMOTED N ERODED HE RANTS “GRUDGE ME NOT IF PASSOVER MEANS SQUARES PASSED-OVER FOR BRAINS.”
YOU NEED REVOLTING RUDIMENTS TO GO FULL SCALE
N UNFLINCHING TESTAMENTS FOR JOSHUA’S SOULFUL WAIL
THAT JERICHO’S WALLS WOULD CRUMBLE BY DIGGIN’ FOR UNHOLY GRAIL
THAT YAHWEH READS – A LOS POBRECITOS – FROM SUBATOMIC HOLY BRAILLE.
DON THE BAPTIST SHOUTED LOUD N PAINTED SMOKED N BOWED WHEN HE JOKED WITH THE BUZZING FLIES
RHYTHM WITHOUT FEAR HE EMIGRATED THRU THE MIRROR THEN WAVED TO WOLF WHO HOWLS N CRIES:
“DID GOD’S FISH WRESTLE WITH NOAH’S VESSEL? DID JONAH GET ‘GURGITATED BY THE WHALE?”
DON FARTED PROUD N FAINTED ‘WOKE N SPOKE KOWTOWED:
“GOD’S AROMATIC SPHINCTER TROUT WITH OSCILLATING POROUS TAIL?”
YOU NEED REVOLTING RUDIMENTS TO GO FULL SCALE
N UNFLINCHING TESTAMENTS FOR JOSHUA’S SOULFUL WAIL
THAT JERICHO’S WALLS WOULD CRUMBLE BY DIGGIN’ FOR UNHOLY GRAIL
THAT YAHWEH READS – A LOS POBRECITOS – FROM SUBATOMIC HOLY BRAILLE. [2014]
GOTTA BE THERE
THERE’S A BIG SALE ‘CROSS TOWN AT THE GIDDY-UP-N-GO
THEY GOT MAC N CHEESE
FROZE CARROTS N PEAS
GONNA PUSH A CART DOWN TO THE BUS STOP GOTTA BLOW
YA GOTTA BE-E-E THERE DONTCHA KNOW MY UNCLE
WENT N CHANGED HIS NAME TO SCAM
HE GETS TO TELL ME
WHO I AM WHAT I AM
HOW I’M FREE TO RAKE IN
ALL OF THAT PAY
AT ONLY TWO PART-TIME JOBS A DAY
FOR THE EAGLE TO FLY
YA DON’T NEED TO SAY
YEAH YA GOTTA BE-E-E THERE DONTCHA KNOW THEY HADDA
BIG MEETIN’ OF THE PTA
WHERE HIZZONER DROPPED IN
HADDA A LOT TO SAY
‘BOUT THE SHOOTIN’ GOIN’ ON
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
I SAID YER GAWDAMN RIGHT
IF IT’S UNDERSTOOD
YA DON’T LIVE WHERE I LIVE
WHERE THE BULLETS TAKE AWAY
N THEY ALWAYS LEAVE A SIEVE
‘CAUSE YA GOTTA BE-E-E THERE DONTCHA KNOW I GOTTA
LETTER IN THE MAIL TODAY
HOW TO BE A GO-GETTER
THE AMERICAN WAY
IF I’D ONLY STUFF MORE IN MY 401-K
N THE SKY’LL BE THE LIMIT
WITH EVERY DOLLAR IN IT
TROUBLE IS GOT NO SUCH THING
GOT NO DOUGH IN THE BANK
GOTTA CHEESE-EATIN’ CHECK CASHER TO THANK
SO YA GOTTA BE-E-E THERE DONTCHA KNOW I HOPE YA
TOP-SHELF TOOLS LEARN THE SHORT SHRIFT
FROM THE EARLY SHIFT
NEAR THE ELEVATED
YOU GET UNDERRATED
N PROSTRATED
N DOMESTICATED
N RETAILED BY THIRD RAIL WANNABE KINGS
CAN YOU FOOLS HEAR THE CHIMES OF FREEDOM RING
THEN YA GOTTA BE-E-E THERE DONTCHA KNOW THERE’S A
BIG SALE ‘CROSS TOWN AT THE GIDDY-UP-N-GO [2014]
HACKS N HACKTRESSES
NO MATTER FROM WHICH SIDE OF THE ISLE
THEY MANAGE WITH PRETENTIOUS GUILE
THEY SUFFER SO FUCKIN’ WELL FROM SELFISH PITY
ALTHOUGH IT’S THEIR VERY OWN CAPITOL-IST CITY
THEY CUMULATE HEAVY CORPORATE SACKS
WE DODGE THE RADII OF THE PENDULUM AX
BECAUSE THEY PERCH ON DYNASTIC MATTRESSES
WE’LL CALL THEM SIMPLY HACKS N HACKTRESSES
HE’S MISSPOKEN JIM CROW’S NOT JOKIN’ ‘BOUT THE SUN-DOWN TOWNS N THE KLAN
SO FOLKS BACK HOME CAN PLAINLY SEE A CHAMPION NATURAL GOD-FEARING TAN
IN A SHIRT WITH NO TIE BORN N RAISED AT THE LOCAL TV STATION
HE’LL CIVILIZE OUR AGITATION TO MAKE IT FITTING FOR FACE THE NATION
AFTER ALL “THE PEOPLES’ BUSINESS” IS ONLY A HOBBY
HE MAKES A WHOLE LOT MORE HANGIN’ OUT IN THE LOBBY
BECAUSE THEY PERCH ON DYNASTIC MATTRESSES
WE’LL CALL THEM SIMPLY HACKS N HACKTRESSES
SHE STRUTS ABOUT LIKE AN ARTISAN WHO MENDED A GREAT BIG CRACK
BUT IT WAS OUR KIDS WHO CARRIED THE TORCH N SHE JUST WANTS TO SEND THEM BACK
THE YOUNGSTERS GAVE THE JOB THEIR BEST PUT THEIR SPARKLIN’ BRAND NEW LIVES RIGHT IN IT
HELL NO NOT MORE DROP OF BLOOD HELL NO NOT ONE MORE BULLET HELL NO NOT ONE MORE MINUTE
I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO STRAIGHTEN THIS PLANET OUT
BUT DON’T DELIVER UP OUR KIDS AGAIN TO WIN THE TITLE BOUT
BECAUSE THEY PERCH ON DYNASTIC MATTRESSES
WE’LL CALL THEM SIMPLY HACKS N HACKTRESSES
SO YOU CHOSE WORKING-CLASSROOM STRUGGLE WITH A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
BUT WOUND UP AT A CAMP MEETIN’ WITH A K STREET HACK WHO PARODIES A PREACHER
MAKE THE REPAIR DON’T LET THEM DEFEAT YOU
ACCOMMODATE THE DARE DON’T ALLOW THEM TO DELETE YOU
DIG IT MAN DIG IT UP N RETURN THE DEFECATION
SET THE SPARK MAN LIGHT IT UP N BREAK THROUGH OBFUSCATION
WHEN WE FINALLY OVERTHROW THEIR DYNASTY OF MATTRESSES
WE’LL ISSUE WORK BOOTS TO ALL THE HACKS N HACKTRESSES
HONEST LABOR IS THE DOORWAY TO PROSPERITY N PEACE
SO WE’LL DISH OUT LOAVES N FISHES IN TRADE FOR ELBOW GREASE
IN TRADE FOR ELBOW GREASE
TRADE FOR ELBOW GREASE
FOR ELBOW GREASE
ELBOW GREASE [2014]
HANDS
THEY READ OUR E-MAIL THAT THEY SCAN
ALL THE RICH PEOPLE ARE THEIR FANS
THEY TREAT THE REST OF US LIKE WE’RE SPRING LAMBS
THEY WANT THE WHOLE WORLD IN THEIR HANDS
FOR GOD’S CREATION THEY GOTTA BIG PLAN
FOR GAS STATIONS AT THEIR COMMAND
FOR PROVOCATION OF TRAFFIC JAMS
THEY WANT THE WHOLE WORLD IN THEIR HANDS
THEY WANT THEIR MONEY UNFURLED IN EVERY LAND
THEY TURN FRUITED PLAINS INTO HOT DOG STANDS
THEY STAMP EVERYTHING WITH THEIR OWN BRAND
THEY WANT THE WHOLE WORLD IN THEIR HANDS
THEY PUT THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN A GARBAGE CAN
THEY PLUG UP THE AIRWAVES WITH THEIR DEMANDS
THEY SAY THEY’RE TOO BIG TO FAIL LIKE THE HOOVER DAM
THEY WANT THE WHOLE WORLD IN THEIR HANDS
THEY WANT THEIR MONEY UNFURLED IN EVERY LAND
THEY TURN FRUITED PLAINS INTO HOT DOG STANDS
THEY STAMP EVERYTHING WITH THEIR OWN BRAND
THEY WANT THE WHOLE WORLD IN THEIR HANDS
IF WE LAY OUR BODIES DOWN TO SLEEP
WE KNOW AS WE SOW SO SHALL WE REAP
WHEN WIDE AWAKE WE CAN MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP
A NEW WORLD’S POSSIBLE FOR ALL TO KEEP
WE’LL HAVE THE WHOLE WORLD IN OUR HANDS
WE’LL HAVE THE WHOLE WORLD IN OUR HANDS
WE’LL HAVE THE WHOLE WORLD IN OUR HANDS
WE’LL HAVE THE WHOLE WORLD IN OUR HANDS [2014]
I CALL HIM MY OLD MAN
I HUNTED RABBITS, RATS AND POP CANS IN MY YOUNGSTER YEARS
WHERE SADLY, NOW, A NORTH-SOUTH FLYWAY RUNS THRU THE COUNTY
I DROVE A JIMMY ‘CROSS CORN ROWS THE WAY A YOUNGSTER STEERS
MY OLD MAN AND I MADE FIREWOOD AND STACKED UP ALL THE BOUNTY.
I CALL HIM MY OLD MAN ‘CAUSE HE WAS RUFF ‘ROUND THE EDGES
LIKE A CORD OF SEASONED OAK FOR A FRANKLIN STOVE
WITH LONELY FARM BOY MANNERS AND U.S. NAVY BLUES
HE BROUGHT HOME A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER’S PAY…
AND SERVED AS YOUTH ADVISOR OF THE BELVIDERE FFA.
OUR CHAIN SAW WAS A-RING-RING-RINGIN’ WHEN WE FELT
A WIZZER WAVE GOOD-BYE YE-E-E-OW BEFORE IT WAVED HELLO
MY OLD MAN HOLLER’D SHUT IT DOWN AND THEN CAME ANOTHER WIZZER
IT TWENTY-TWO’D A SAPLING AND LEFT A BUTTON-HOLE.
I CALL HIM MY OLD MAN ‘CAUSE HE WAS RUFF ‘ROUND THE EDGES
LIKE A CORD OF SEASONED OAK FOR A FRANKLIN STOVE
WITH LONELY FARM BOY MANNERS AND U.S. NAVY BLUES
HE BROUGHT HOME A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER’S PAY…
AND SERVED AS YOUTH ADVISOR OF THE BELVIDERE FFA.
WALKIN’ THE RAILROAD TRACKS WERE TWO KIDS RIFLE PLINKIN’
MY OLD MAN HE LIT INTO THEM LIKE A COW CHOIR BAWLIN’
THEY SAID THEY DIDN’T SEE US IN THAT STAND OF TREES
MY OLD MAN JUST GLARED AND REALLY CRANKED UP THE VOLUME.
I CALL HIM MY OLD MAN ‘CAUSE HE WAS RUFF ‘ROUND THE EDGES
LIKE A CORD OF SEASONED OAK FOR A FRANKLIN STOVE
WITH LONELY FARM BOY MANNERS AND U.S. NAVY BLUES
HE BROUGHT HOME A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER’S PAY…
AND SERVED AS YOUTH ADVISOR OF THE BELVIDERE FFA.
MY OLD MAN TOLD THOSE KIDS THAT HE HAD HALF A MIND
TO TAKE AWAY THEIR TWENTY-TWOS N BUST THEM ON THE RAILS
HEADIN’ BACK TO THE PICK-UP TRUCK MY OLD MAN BARKED AT ME
IF YOU SHOOT AT WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE I’LL PUT YOURS UP FOR SALE!
I CALL HIM MY OLD MAN ‘CAUSE HE WAS RUFF ‘ROUND THE EDGES
LIKE A CORD OF SEASONED OAK FOR A FRANKLIN STOVE
WITH LONELY FARM BOY MANNERS AND U.S. NAVY BLUES
HE BROUGHT HOME A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER’S PAY…
AND SERVED AS YOUTH ADVISOR OF THE BELVIDERE FFA. [2014]
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY
I DREAMT ‘BOUT THE RENAISSANCE N A GUY NAMED MIKE.
BACK THEN THEY MASTERED THE MUSKET N SURPLUS’D THE PIKE.
HE PAINTED THE CEILING OF A BIG FANCY CHURCH.
HE MUSTA HADDA LADDER OR HE MUSTA BEEN A LURCH.
BEEN LOTS OF ARTISTS OF EVERY STRIPE
N SOME HOLY HYMNS ARE TISSUES FIT TO WIPE.
BUT I DO RECALL WHAT MIKE SAID TO ME
THAT THE COMMONWEAL LENDS BALANCE AS RARE AS JUBILEE:
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY, SHALL WE KEEP THE EARTH BEFITTING?
SHALL WE BUILD A RIGHTEOUS SETTLEMENT?
TAKE LESS – GIVE MORE FOR BETTERMENT?
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY?
MY DAD CAME BACK IN MY HEAD ONE NIGHT.
WALKED OUT OF THE FOG N INTO THE LIGHT.
SAID IT’S NUTHIN’ LIKE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE
BUT IT’S SO-O-O-O GREAT THAT I CAN STILL BE ME!
IT MAKES ME QUESTION WHAT LIES IN STORE
FOR AN UNCROWNED INGRATE WHO COVETS ALL BUT STILL WANTS MORE
WHEN HE STEPS ON SOMEONE ELSE’S CRACK
FLIES ASS-OVER-APPETITE N BREAKS HIS OWN BACK:
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY, SHALL WE KEEP THE EARTH BEFITTING?
SHALL WE BUILD A RIGHTEOUS SETTLEMENT?
TAKE LESS – GIVE MORE FOR BETTERMENT?
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY?
I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT A SWEAT LODGE WAS LIKE.
DO YOU EXERCISE YOUR POWER THE WAY A BLIND MAN TAKES A HIKE?
CALL ME HIP SEMANTIC WITH A RED-HOT PENTECOSTAL VISION
WHO BREAKS THE NIHILISTIC KNIVES OF HOLOCAUSTAL CIRCUMCISION.
WHEN I WAS A YOUNGSTER I RODE THE METHODIST TRAIN.
COULD’VE BEEN A MINISTER BUT WIGGLED ‘WAY TO PROCREATE MY INDIGO REFRAIN.
RATHER THAN TAKE A LIFE-LONG KNEE I STOOD UP TO GRAB THE CELESTIAL KEY.
EITHER WAY CAN SET YOU FREE IF YOU STILL ABIDE THE REVEILLE:
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY, SHALL WE KEEP THE EARTH BEFITTING?
SHALL WE BUILD A RIGHTEOUS SETTLEMENT?
TAKE LESS – GIVE MORE FOR BETTERMENT?
IF GOD PAINTS THE SKY? [2014]
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
READING FROM THE PODIUM HIZZONER PUFFS AND SWEATS
OF LIFE LIBERTY & HAPPINESS HE HAS NO REGRETS
THE COURTHOUSE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT – AS WE TAKE THE BANNERS DOWN
THE CITY FATHERS’ POSSE QUELLS THE MUTINY IN OUR TOWN.
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
YOU COULD WIND UP A GONER WHEN YOU PLEDGE YOUR SACRED HONOR
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY.
WHEN ALL THE HOT DOG WRAPPERS ARE THROWN IN THE TRASH
WHEN HIZZONER TAKES A LIMO RIDE HOME FROM THE BASH
WHEN ALL THE RABBLEROUSERS ARE NEATLY LOCKED AWAY
REST ASSURED THAT THERE’S GONNA BE ANOTHER BUSINESS DAY.
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
YOU COULD WIND UP A GONER WHEN YOU PLEDGE YOUR SACRED HONOR
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY.
NO DOUBT THAT JOHN BROWN’S BODY LIES MOLDERING IN THE GRAVE
BUT ON THE WAGES TREADMILL RUNS ANOTHER KIND OF SLAVE
HE’LL SPLURGE ON BRATS N BEANS N BEER THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY
COME TOMORROW – TO MAKE ENDS MEET – HE’LL BE HUSTLING FOR HIS PAY.
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
YOU COULD WIND UP A GONER WHEN YOU PLEDGE YOUR SACRED HONOR
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY.
IF YOU’RE AN INSIDER TRADER – CLOSE A DEAL THEN PULL UP STAKES
AND YOU HEDGE YOUR BETS ON WALL STREET – GUARANTEE THE PILE YOU MAKE
WAYWARD PILGRIMS MAY GO FISHIN’ ON HIZZONER’S PRIVATE LAKE
TAKE HEART THAT ON THE NEXT DAY – IT’S THEIR HUMBLE CATCH HE’LL TAKE.
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY
YOU COULD WIND UP A GONER WHEN YOU PLEDGE YOUR SACRED HONOR
IT HAPPENS EVERY FIFTH OF JULY. [2013]
JOHN AND THE HANDYMAN
I DON’T STUDY THIS BOOK TOO MUCH
BUT THIS IS WHAT I FOUND
JOHN SOAKED OUR HEADS N WARNED US ALL
THAT THE HANDYMAN WAS IN TOWN.
COUNTER CLOCKWISE COUNTER CLOCKWISE THIS AIN’T NO CUTESY POEM
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU WERE BEGAT AND CARRY THE PEOPLE HOME.
JOHN STOOD AMIDST THE CIRCLING CROWDS N HE WOULD SHOUT TO ALL:
“MEAN N NASTY DRUNK OR DEAD THE HANDYMAN’S HERE ‘TIL DAD MAKES A CALL
HOW BLESSED ARE THE MEEK – HE’LL GO WHERE NO MAN’S GONE BEFORE
NO JOB TOO BIG – NO JOB TOO SMALL – FOR THE HANDYMAN IT’S NARY A CHORE.”
COUNTER CLOCKWISE COUNTER CLOCKWISE THIS AIN’T NO CUTESY POEM
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU WERE BEGAT AND CARRY THE PEOPLE HOME
THE HANDYMAN CLIMBED UP A HILL
THEN TO THE THRONG HE SPOKE:
“IF YOU PUT YOUR HANDS IN MY HANDS
DAD’S LOVE FOR YOU HE’LL NE’ER REVOKE.”
COUNTER CLOCKWISE COUNTER CLOCKWISE THIS AIN’T NO CUTESY POEM
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU WERE BEGAT AND CARRY THE PEOPLE HOME.
“DAD SENT ME TO ERASE THE FACES OF JOHN WAYNE GACY’S CLOWNS
REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOUR COMPASS FAILS OR YOUR WAGON’S BROKEN DOWN
THAT I MAY STEER THE WARRING TRIBES FROM PEACE THAT’S NEVERLASTING
THAT I LOWER MY SHIELD ‘ROUND HUMBLE FOLK AGAINST A TYRANT’S LASHING.”
COUNTER CLOCKWISE COUNTER CLOCKWISE THIS AIN’T NO CUTESY POEM
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU WERE BEGAT AND CARRY THE PEOPLE HOME
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE CLOCK
HE SAID “TICK-TOCK’S A MORTAL CHAIN
DAD’S TIME MACHINE IS THE WAY TO FLY
TO FINAL REST IN HIS DOMAIN.”
COUNTER CLOCKWISE COUNTER CLOCKWISE THIS AIN’T NO CUTESY POEM
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU WERE BEGAT AND CARRY THE PEOPLE HOME.
COUNTER CLOCKWISE COUNTER CLOCKWISE THIS AIN’T NO CUTESY POEM
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU WERE BEGAT AND CARRY THE PEOPLE HOME. [2013]
LINCOLN’S BATTALION AGAIN
IT’S BEEN GOIN’ ON FOR FAR TOO LONG
THIS REARVIEW OF HISTORY
WITH TOO MUCH MYSTERY
STARCH STIFFENS UP
FOR LACK OF USE OUR FORWARD MARCH
GOT WEAK NOT STRONG
BEFORE THESE BACKWARD BANANA PEELS
TRIP US UP WITH THE SAME OL’ DEAL
N DRAG US ALL ALONG
DONTCHA THINK ITS TIME WE CALL UP
THE HARDY MUTINEERS N THE PATRIOTS SO DEAR
TO SING THIS SONG
LET’S JOIN
JOIN
JOIN
JOIN LINCOLN’S BATTALION AGAIN
WE SERVED IN IT SO IT SERVED US WELL
‘GAINST THE SIEG HEIL TRIO’S SPANISH HELL
WHILE THE LORDS ALMIGHTY OF EVER’Y STATE
MAY CONSUMMATE WITH ALL THE SWELLS
LET’S POPULATE N BUST THE SWORDS OF HATE
WHO PREY UPON OUR LIBERTY BELL
HOW MANY TIMES
MUST THEIR SLOP BUCKET DROP INTO OUR WELL
BEFORE WE HAIL THE VERY BLEMISH WHERE THE FOOLS N BIGOTS FELL
‘TWILL BE THE GLAD FOUNDATION OF OUR SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC COIN
SO LET’S JOIN
JOIN
JOIN
JOIN LINCOLN’S BATTALION AGAIN
WHEN CAMO’D SALTY RIFLERS WHO CARRY
JOIN WITH STILTED STIFLERS N IT’S THE BILL OF RIGHTS THEY BURY
N GERMINATE THE DEGENERATE CONFEDERATE MOLD
CASTING THE K-K-KLANISH COCK-O-MAMMY SPITTLE THAT’S DOLED
OUT TO LOWLY CANNON FODDER
WHO WOULD DEFEND THE HONOR OF PURITY’S ARYAN DAUGHTER
N PERPETRATE THE APPROACHING SLAUGHTER
WHEN ARMOR PLATE SURROUNDS EVERY GUVNOR’S GRAND ESTATE
WHEN HIS LOYAL HIRED HANDS ARE COMMANDEERED TO CONFISCATE
EXORCISE OR OTHERWISE PURLOIN
OUR COAST-TO-COAST-PILLAR-TO-POST
PEOPLE’S REVOLUTIONARY PORK ROAST
WE CAN’T WAIT SO LET’S JOIN
JOIN
JOIN
JOIN LINCOLN’S BATTALION AGAIN [2014]
MORE THAN A BLACK CAT BONE
THE WORSE THING TO DO
IS BURN YER OWN ASS
THOUGH THE FIRE DIES OUT
BE A WHOLE LOT LONGER
FOR STUPIDITY TO PASS
SOMETIMES THE BEST THING TO DO
IS LOCK YER ARMS
N JUST SIT STILL
WHEN YOU BEND NOT TO BREAK
YOU MAY OFFEND THE MAN IN BLUE
BUT HE’LL HAFTA LOOK A LONG TIME
TO FIND A REASON JUST TO KILL
TAKES A WHOLE LOT MORE
THAN A BLACK CAT BONE
OR A BUNCHA NOISY KIDS
OR A BLOGGER ALL ALONE
TAKES STRONG-HEADED PEOPLE
ALL TOGETHER LIKE STONE
TAKES A WHOLE LOT MORE
THAN A BLACK CAT BONE
DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO EXPOUND
THAT POWER COMES FROM A BARREL
YA WON’T EVEN HEAR THE SOUND
OF THAT XMAS CAROL
IF THERE COMES A TIME
WHEN IT’S RIFLES WE GOTTA SHOULDER
WE BETTER BE A LOT BIGGER NOT BOLDER
BUT DIGNIFIED THAT WE SIGNIFIED FREE SPEECH HARDER
NOT TO GET SCAMMED BY EQUESTRIANS
WHO MASQUERADE AS WANNABE MARTYRS
WE CAN LOSE EV’RY BATTLE
N STILL WIN THE WAR
IF OUR PRINCIPLES DON’T RATTLE
WE CAN OPEN EV’RY DOOR
TAKES A WHOLE LOT MORE
THAN A BLACK CAT BONE
OR A BUNCHA NOISY KIDS
OR A BLOGGER ALL ALONE
TAKES STRONG-HEADED PEOPLE
ALL TOGETHER LIKE STONE
TAKES A WHOLE LOT MORE
THAN A BLACK CAT BONE [2014]
NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME
I, WHO STUDIED THE PROPHETS WITH WISE MEN AT MY SCHOOL,
EXPRESSED MY LOVE FOR SWIMMIN’ IN THE COMPANY OF HANDSOME WOMEN,
‘TIL A BIGOT’S REWARD GOT ME BASHED WITH A BOARD N BLOODIED,
LEFT FACELESS-DOWN IN AN OPEN CESS POOL.
I WAS A LOYAL HIBERNIAN WHO SANG BASS IN THE WORKMEN’S CHOIR,
WHO GOT INTO A SCRAPE WITH THE COAL POLICE
WHEN THEY BUSTED ME FOR LIFTIN’ THE BOSS’S VALISE.
I DISAPPEARED, THE STORY GOES,
‘CAUSE I WAS MARKED A MOLLY MAGUIRE.
THERE ARE NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME
IN A DUSTY VOLUME ON A SHELF AT THE HALL OF RECORDS.
THIS SPOT’S RESERVED FOR ME THAT MY LIFE’S WORK
SHALL NEVER RESIDE AT THE HALL OF FAME.
THERE ARE NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME.
I WAS DOPED N SMUGGLED IN N LANDED AT THE SAN FRANCISCO DOCKS.
HUNTING FOR A BOARDING HOUSE,
I FOUND A WHORING ONE CALLED BAWDY.
I DIDN’T SPEAK GOOD ENGLISH BUT GRADUATED SUMMA CUM LAUDE-E-E
WITH CLASSMATES OF THE DROP-OFF LAUNDRY SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS.
I, YOUR GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-GREAT GRANDMA LEFT AFRICA N CHAINS.
WHEN I DIED IN THE SLAVE SHIP’S HOLD FROM POX
THEY TOSSED ME OVER TO CHAT WITH GULLS WHO SQUAWK.
BUT MY HARDY SISTER SURVIVED HER
KIDS N FORTY YEARS OF SUGAR CANE.
THERE ARE NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME
IN A DUSTY VOLUME ON A SHELF AT THE HALL OF RECORDS.
THIS SPOT’S RESERVED FOR ME THAT MY LIFE’S WORK
SHALL NEVER RESIDE AT THE HALL OF FAME.
THERE ARE NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME.
LIKE EVERY HARD-SCRABBLE RANCHER RAISED AROUND HERE,
I WAS BORN A TRUE-BLUE TEXIAN.
BUT WHEN TEXAS GOT FREE IT WAS NOT FOR ME,
‘CAUSE BY THEN I WAS JUST ANOTHER MEXICAN.
I ARRIVED AS A YOUNGSTER FROM THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN.
PEARL HARBOR’S UNFORGOTTEN
THOUGH IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE THE RAID WAS DONE.
I NEVER KNEW TOKYO ROSE
BUT I LEARNED ALOT ‘BOUT MUSSOLINI,
WHEN WE THE HYPHENATED JAPANESE,
MARCHED THROUGH THE LAND OF FETTUCCINE.
THERE ARE NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME
IN A DUSTY VOLUME ON A SHELF AT THE HALL OF RECORDS.
THIS SPOT’S RESERVED FOR ME THAT MY LIFE’S WORK
SHALL NEVER RESIDE AT THE HALL OF FAME.
THERE ARE NO FOOTNOTES BENEATH MY NAME. [2014]
NOT FOR US
I LAY MY BEDROLL DOWN TO REST
AS OFFICIALS RIDE IN LIMOS TO HOMES
WITH RUNNING WATER N A REAL ADDRESS
THEY GOT TWENTY POUNDS OF MONEY
STAPLED TO THEIR CHESTS
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
AMERICANS CALL IT SOCCER
WHILE WE CALL IT FUTEBOL
THAT’S OK NO MATTER WHAT IT’S CALLED
OUR FORWARD MARCH HAS SURELY BEEN STALLED
ALTHOUGH IT BRINGS IN A BIG BANK ROLL
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
WHO WINS WHO LOSES
IT’S THE BOSS WHO CHOOSES
TO BANKERS IT MATTERS LESS
WHEN WE PLAY IN THE STREET
THAN WHEN SPECIAL PEOPLE MEET
AT FANCY STADIUMS FARAWAY
IN THE WILDERNESS
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
WE NEED GOOD HOSPITALS HOMES N SCHOOLS
BUT THE RICH MAKE UP ALL THE RULES
THEY TREAT US AS IF WE’RE FOOLS
BUT WE ALONE OPERATE THE TOOLS
SO WE’RE NOT BLIND TO GREED
N WE’RE NOT AFRAID TO FEED
THE UPHEAVAL
OF THEIR BIFURCATED STEALTH
OUR GREAT RETRIEVAL
OF THEIR CUMULATED WEALTH
UNTIL THE HAPPY DAY
WE’LL NO LONGER HAVE TO SAY
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US
NÃO PARA NÓS
NOT FOR US [2014]
NOT YOUR AVERAGE GOOD SAMARITAN
SIGHTSEEIN’ ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF TOWN ONE DAY
BELLYBLOATIN’ N RAINCOATIN’ WITH A FINE BOUQUET
APPREHENDED IN THE LIBRARY BY CUTTING EDGE CONSTABULARY
FOR PREMEDITATED PROCRASTINATION WITH FISTICUFF VOCABULARY.
INSPIRED THEN CAUGHT FIRED BY A SCREW CAP NOT CORK
I LIFTED HIGH A LEG FART N SMARTED OFF ABOUT PORK
IN A FLASH I GOT A CRASH COURSE – A LESS-LETHAL LESSON
IN THE BILLY CLUB OF RIGHTS BUT THEY GOT NO CONFESSIN’:
DON’T BE SO QUICK TO SMACK MY DEMEANOR
DON’T KNOCK ME ‘CAUSE MI CULO COULD BE CLEANER
I’M NOT YOUR TYPICAL ALLEY NAVIGATOR
I’M A GENUI-I-INE LOVEBOATER NOT A HATER.
WASN’T MADE A GUEST OF OUR FAIR CITY
GOT SHIT THROUGH A GOOSE OUTTA STILLBORN PITY
SO I DIZZY’D AWAY TO THE HANDLE OF A DOOR
FELL UP THE DOWN STAIRS TO A TAVERN FLOOR.
SAM STANDS O’ER ME GOBBLIN’ EGGS FROM A JAR
I GAPE AT GOBS OF GUM STICKIN’ ‘NEATH THE BAR
A GREEN SOCK HAT UPON HIS DOME – A FACE SO RED N RUDDY
TROMBONED A BIG BURP SMILE HE SAID “YOU OK – BUDDY?”
DON’T BE SO QUICK TO WEIGH HIS SOUL’S WORTH
YOUR EYES BETRAY TO BEHOLD HIS REAL GIRTH
HE’S NOT YOUR AVERAGE GOOD SAMARI-TA-A-AN
HE’LL COMFORT THE DISCOMFORTED WHEREVER HE CAN.
HE PLANTS ME IN THE STOOL N POURS A THIRSTY BEER
I CIRCLED UP THE WAGONS IT SO IT WOULDN’T DISAPPEAR
HE OFFERS ME A PUBLIC SLICE OF PEPPERONI FUNKY
‘N TREATS ME LIKE EL BUSCADOR WHO’S JUST ANOTHER DUNKY.
SAM UNFURLS A BEDROLL AS HE SINGS LIKE IT WAS THE TORAH
A FIELD & STREAM LEAPS OUT OF HIS HOLY-MOLY PLETHORA
“TRUCK’S OUT BACK – I GOTTA CANOE – YOU WANNA GO ALONG?”
I SAID YES…
NOT TO DONATE MY MELON SO THE COPS CAN PLAY PING PONG.
DON’T BE SO QUICK TO WEIGH HIS SOUL’S WORTH
YOUR EYES BETRAY TO BEHOLD HIS REAL GIRTH
HE’S NOT YOUR AVERAGE GOOD SAMARI-TA-A-AN
HE’LL COMFORT THE DISCOMFORTED WHEREVER HE CAN.
NO MATTER WHAT BRAND OF FACE YOU WEAR, SAM HAS NO ILL REGARD
HE’S BLIND ENOUGH TO SEE YOU N STRONG-HEARTED BUT NOT HARD
SO I’LL BE POPEYED THEN N CURED OF CANAAN’S HAM
THAT I MAY ROAR AGAIN FROM THE BULWARK I AM WHAT I AM:
DON’T BE SO QUICK TO SMACK MY DEMEANOR
DON’T KNOCK ME ‘CAUSE MI CULO COULD BE CLEANER
I’M NOT YOUR TYPICAL ALLEY NAVIGATOR
I’M A GENUI-I-INE LOVEBOATER NOT A HATER.
DON’T BE SO QUICK TO WEIGH HIS SOUL’S WORTH
YOUR EYES BETRAY TO BEHOLD HIS REAL GIRTH
HE’S NOT YOUR AVERAGE GOOD SAMARI-TA-A-AN
HE’LL COMFORT THE DISCOMFORTED WHEREVER HE CAN. [2014]
OUTLAST THEM ALL
I HEARD THAT YA MADE LOVE TO A STRANGER FROM VIRGINIA.
NOW YA GOTTA TINGLE FOR THE NEIGHBOR NEXT DOOR.
I WONDER WHO YOU’LL FANCY ‘PON THE NEXT TIME THAT I CALL.
YEAH BUT ME AND THE WHISKEY WILL OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
ME AND A FIERCE REMINDER IN BACK OF MY HEAD
I KNOW THAT I CAN OUTLAST THEM ALL.
IF I HANG AROUND TOO LONG, THE REPLAY WON’T BE GOOD.
RECKON I CAN’T DELAY HERE LIKE A POKY MAILMAN WOULD.
IN RAIN, IN SLEET, BUT I’M NOT PRAYIN’ FOR T-BONES FROM HEAVEN TO FALL.
AN EARTHLY BREAK WILL BUY MY OWN STEAK; I KNOW I CAN OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
ME AND A FIERCE REMINDER IN BACK OF MY HEAD
I KNOW THAT I CAN OUTLAST THEM ALL.
YOU ONLY CHOSE MY SKIN WHEN YOUR SHIP HAD RUN AGROUND.
YOU NAG THAT I GOT TEPID FROM COOLIN’ AT THE LOST AND FOUND.
THE LONELY THEY WILL TWIDDLE AND THEY’LL DAWDLE AND THEY’LL DIDDLE.
I’LL PLEASE MYSELF – I’LL PLAY FIRST FIDDLE – I’LL OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
ME AND A FIERCE REMINDER IN BACK OF MY HEAD
I KNOW THAT I CAN OUTLAST THEM ALL.
THE HERO ALWAYS FREES THE DAME FROM THE RAILROAD TRACKS.
I GOT MY DOUBTS YOU’D RESCUE ME – YOUR EMPATHY’S GONE LAX.
I’LL HAFTA GET MY OWN SELF LOOSE – WON’T BANK ON THE DIESEL TO STALL.
‘CAUSE FATTER IS BETTER THAN FLATTER IF YA WANNA OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
OUTLAST THEM ALL.
ME AND A FIERCE REMINDER OF YOU IN BACK OF MY HEAD
I KNOW THAT I CAN OUTLAST THEM ALL. [1977]
PLAYIN’ THE DOZENS
FOR JAMIL ABDULLAH AL-AMIN AKA H. RAP BROWN
WON’T PRETEND TO BE INSIDE OF YOUR LIFE
WON’T PRESUME THAT YOU’RE NATURALLY GOOD WITH A KNIFE
DON’T KNOW HOW YOU GOT TO FEELIN’ THAT OLD SO FAST
OR BY WHAT WRETCHED DESIGN YOUR DIE WAS CAST
BUT WHILE I WAS IN SCHOOL READIN’ ABOUT JACK HORNER
IT SEEMS THAT YOU WERE UP AGAINST IT OUT THERE ON THE CORNER
YOU SAID THAT POVERTY’S AN INHERITED AFFLICTION
THAT LEADS YOU TO WALKIN’ THE TIGHTROPE ADDICTION
THAT PULLIN’ YOUR BOOTSTRAPS IS A JIVE PRESCRIPTION
THAT IT STINKS IN BOOKER T’S SHRINKWRAP CONSCRIPTION
THAT A 12-LINE RAP WORKS YOUR MEN-N-NTAL MOUSETRAP
KEEP ON CALLIN’ ME COUSIN KEEP ON PLA-A-AYIN’ THE DOZENS
KEEP ON CALLIN’ ME COUSIN KEEP ON PLA-A-AYIN’ THE DOZENS
YOU SAY YOU KNOW THAT OUTTA TOWN MAN
WHO’S HEAD NEGRO IN CHARGE OF YOUR GARBAGE CAN
N IT’S THAT DUDE ON TV WHO DOES THE FLIRTIN’
WITH EVERYBODY’S SISTER BEHIND THE CURTAIN
AT THE BLOCK PARTY AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
NOBODY OWNS NOTHIN’ N WE ALL JUST RENTERS
N THE BEST JOB ‘ROUND HERE IS CARRYIN’ THE MAIL
N A TOUCH DOWN HERE IS YOUR UNCLE’S OUTTA JAIL
ON SUNDAY WE GO TO CHURCH FOR THE VIBES
A FUN DAY FOR FIVE-O’S WHEN THEY SEARCH FOR THE TRIBES
SHALL I DO ANOTHER TWELVE FOR THE UH-UH-UTHER BROTHERS
KEEP ON CALLIN’ ME COUSIN KEEP ON PLA-A-AYIN’ THE DOZENS
KEEP ON CALLIN’ ME COUSIN KEEP ON PLA-A-AYIN’ THE DOZENS
YOU SAY THE WORN-OUT SIGN THAT’S HUNCHED OVERHEAD
WITH ALL THE BALLOONS ‘BOUT PLAIN WHITE BREAD
IT WON’T MUSCLE UP YOUR BABY GIRL TWELVE WAYS
‘CAUSE OF ALL THAT PAINT THAT SHE ATE WHICH LAY
ON THE WINDOWSILL IT WAS CHOCK FULL OF LEAD
MAKES YOU ‘MEMBER ‘BOUT FREE INJUNS OF YESTERDAY
THE ARMY MADE SURE THE ONLY GOOD ONE WAS DEAD
CUT THE ‘BILICAL CORD FROM THE EVENGELICAL LORD OF FOOLS
WHERE SKIRTED PSALMS AIN’T HOT SHIRTED SERMONS AIN’T COOL
TO KILL THE MIND OF THE BROTHER TO SMOTHER THE MAN
WHO PLAYS FOLLOW THE PREACHER WHEN-N-N-EVER HE CAN
KEEP ON CALLIN’ ME COUSIN KEEP ON PLA-A-AYIN’ THE DOZENS
KEEP ON CALLIN’ ME COUSIN KEEP ON PLA-A-AYIN’ THE DOZENS [2014]
PREOCCUPIED
I GOT MY HEAD CHOPPED OFF IN THE ‘82 DIVE
THOUGH I WAS JUST ONE OF THE ONE OUT OF FIVE
WE STOOD IN LINE FOREVER OUT ON THE STREET
WE BURNT LIPS ON COFFEE AND SHUFFLED OUR FEET
WE WERE BENT ON TRYING TO KEEP OUR BODIES WARM
WE BUNDLED UP OUR DIGNITY AWAY FROM THE SCORN.
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED
DEMOCRACY FILLETED IS DEMOCRACY DENIED
THEM THAT’S CUT – THEM THAT’S NOT – THAT’S THE GREAT DIVIDE
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED.
BUT THERE CAME A ROTTEN DAY WHEN THEY STARTED HIRIN’ SCABS
THOUGH I NEVER MET A WORKER WHOSE BACK THAT I WOULD STAB
I HEAR A PENCIL-NECKED WOMAN WHO WADDLES SNORTS AND SCOFFS
“YOU THINK YOU’RE TOO GOOD TO WORK – THEY SHOULD JUST CUT YOU OFF
I SURE HOPE THEY STOP YOUR CHECK IF YOU NIX THIS JOB”
SO I GAVE HER A WINK AND MISBEHAVED A BIG YANK – ON MY THINGAMABOB.
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED
DEMOCRACY FILLETED IS DEMOCRACY DENIED
THEM THAT’S CUT – THEM THAT’S NOT – THAT’S THE GREAT DIVIDE
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED.
BEDRAGGLED BY UNWANTED ADS – SOMEHOW THE FAMILY MADE IT
IT’S OUR BLUE CROSS TO BEAR THE BABY – UNLESS WE PREPAID IT
WE HAGGLED WITH THE KAISER FOR MATERNAL BENNIES
THANKSGIVING FROM THE BIGHEARTED BOSS – WE JUGGLED EVERY PENNY
THEY SAY “JUST TELL US ONCE AGAIN – WHAT DAY WAS SHE CONCEIVED?”
THAT GOT ME WEARIN’ AND LAISSEZ FAIRE-IN’ MY COLORS ON MY SLEEVES.
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED
DEMOCRACY FILLETED IS DEMOCRACY DENIED
THEM THAT’S CUT – THEM THAT’S NOT – THAT’S THE GREAT DIVIDE
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED.
IT’S A RICH MAN’S DIVERSION OF CHEATIN’ AND STEALIN’
IT’S UP TO US NINETY-NINERS TO COMMENCE WITH THE HEALIN’
WE’LL GET TOGETHER – SET UP OUR OWN SHOPS
WE’LL HONOR THE WEATHER AND DIVVY UP THE CROPS
WE WON’T GET FIXED IN HIS EMERGENCY ROOM
‘CAUSE THE WHOLE DAMNED SYSTEM’S EN ROUTE TO THE TOMB.
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED
DEMOCRACY FILLETED IS DEMOCRACY DENIED
THEM THAT’S CUT – THEM THAT’S NOT – THAT’S THE GREAT DIVIDE
THAT’S WHY WE BEEN PREOCCUPIED. [2013]
REFRAIN OF ADMONITION
I WATCHED THE ROYALS SERMONIZE A WORKERS’ CONGREGATION
I HEARD THEM SPEW A FLATULENT TALE – A THICK METHANE DONATION
THEIR ARSEHOLES BLOWN THEY DID EXPEL RANK GAS FOR GRAND ORATION
WE FEARED A SPARK AS THE HALL GREW DARK FROM SHROUDS OF OBFUSCATION.
HOW MOCK HEROIC IS THEIR OATH TO WALK INSIDE OUR SHOES
THEIR BACKSLAPPIN’ IS ONE HAND CLAPPIN’ AND NUTHIN’ BUT A SHMOOZE
THE BUMPTIOUS ROYALS WHO GET RUB DOWNS WITH OILS STAY FLESHY AND WELL-HEALED
THEY SNOOZE IN CABANAS AND GORGE ON BANANAS WHILE WE JUST GET WELL-PEALED:
HERE’S OUR REFRAIN OF ADMONITION TO THE SELFISH FEW
EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK – THAT’S HOW WE ACCRUE
IF YOU ARE A BURDEN – THEN LIKEWISE WE’LL BE YOURS
AND ONE MORE THING REMEMBER – WE DON’T TRAVEL ON ALL FOURS.
A HIGH STATION OF CUSHION THEY COMMAND – WE ARE THE BUFFERING
LIKE AN ACTOR STEEPED IN THROES – THEY FEIGN THE SUFFERING
TO POSE AS ON THE SAME PLANE WITH THEIR WORKING CLASS KIN
YET THEY DEIGN THAT WE ALONE MUST WEAR A SERVILE SKIN.
WE’LL GET FREE THE DAY WE SHED THE HARNESS N THE REINS
TO COLLECT THE DEBT LONG OVERDUE WE’LL GRAB THE GRAVY TRAIN
ELEVATE THE WORKERS’ FLAG WHERE SPINS OUR WEATHERVANE
SHOUT THE FINAL STANZA AS WE SOOTHE EACH OTHER’S PAIN:
HERE’S OUR REFRAIN OF ADMONITION TO THE SELFISH FEW
EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK – THAT’S HOW WE ACCRUE
IF YOU ARE A BURDEN – THEN LIKEWISE WE’LL BE YOURS
AND ONE MORE THING REMEMBER – WE DON’T TRAVEL ON ALL FOURS. [2013]
SIX – OH
WHEN YOU’RE WAY MORE THAN HALF-WAY TO THE OTHER SIDE
YOU FIGURED OUT LONG AGO THAT MISTA BIG STUFF LIED
YOU GOT ARITHMETIC GROWLIN’ BOWELS N OPERATIC HOWLIN’ VOWELS
YOU’VE GROWN NAKEDLY NONDESCRIPT WITH YOUR PARENTHETIC SCOWL.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
YOU WANT YOUTH TO MAGNIFY EACH OTHER N OUTSHINE US NOT REVERSE
BUT SOWS’ EARS HIRED MOUSEKETEERS TO TRAP THE SILKEN PURSE
IT’S GETTING’ MIGHTY MICKEY BUT YOU CAN GRAB IT BY THE SCRUFF
N CARRY HOME A DYNAMO DOOHICKEY N THAT’S JUST ENOUGH.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
YOU’RE WAITIN’ FOR THE GATHERING ‘ROUND THE BURNING BARRELS OF GLORY
N YOU’RE STILL HOOK BAITIN’ FOR A VISIONARY FISH STORY
N YOU’RE STILL TAILGATIN’ IN GOD’S WAKE OF TWINKLIN’
N YOU’RE RANKLED ‘BOUT THE REVOLUTION’S RIP VAN WINKLIN’.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
IF YOUR DOT COM SITS BACK BENCHING IN AHISTORIC QUANDARY
PICK A SPOT UNWRENCHING – ARM N HAMMER YOUR NOGGIN’S LAUNDRY
WHEN SLAKED N FREE OF HEADY BAGGAGE RISE UP AGAIN N START ANEW
HEED WHAT FLOWS FROM SUNDAY’S WASH: YOU STILL GOT STUFF TO DO!
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH.
SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH SIX-OH. [2014]
SO WHAT IF
SO WHAT IF WE GOT
WUNDERKIND WHO REALLY DO ADMIRE
CYCLONE FENCERS WHO STRUT THE STUFF OF RAZOR WIRE
N THE GENTRY’S SMART PHONE GLOCKISH ESCALADE ATTIRE
IN THIS NEW-FANGLED CENTURY
WE DOWN WITH FIVE-O’S TÊTE-À-TÊTE
KEEPIN’ IT REAL BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT
TO THE PENITENTIARY
SO WHAT IF THEY GOTTA
DISPENSARY FOR SERENITY
IMMUNITY IMPUNITY
ELITE SELECTION VITAMIN INJECTION
‘CAUSE THEY’RE SUPERRICH EVEN RICHER
WE GOT
THE WILDEST CARDS N FASTEST PITCHERS
TO BUILD A BRIDGE OVER INCONGRUITY
DISUNITY INOPPORTUNITY
TO LEAD US FAR AWAY
FROM EXTENDED STAY
N LOCKDOWN TWENTY-THREE HOURS A DAY
SO WHAT IF THEY GOTTA
“TEN-ONE-O-EIGHT” TO SAY
N TASER CONTESTS COMPLETE WITH MASS ARRESTS
BY GAGGLES OF GANGLY GOONS WEARING KEVLAR VESTS
WITH REVEALED CARRY OF LETHAL DEVICES
FULFILLING THE KILLING
N PERFECTLY UNWILLING TO BEWARE
WE GOTTA
HORIZONTAL VISION OF A COUNTY FAIR
WHERE A ZILLION FACES GOBBLE UPPITY PIE
THAT OUR HEARTENING NEW GIRTH
BE SHED OF HOLLOWING HUNGER’S DEARTH
THAT THE PEOPLE’S FERTILE ASCENSION
STIRS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
INTO GIVING BIRTH
SO WHAT IF WE GOT
THAT INTRINSIC WORTH
WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK
A BUMPTIOUS HANDFUL’S GOT THE RIGHT TO SHIRK
CELEBRATION COLLIDES WITH ALIENATION
INCORPORATED STRAITJACKETS OF SUBJUGATION
WE UP AGAINST IT GOTTA
PROPHESY OF CREATION
A FREE MUTUAL SOCIETY
WITHOUT THE GRANDEUR OF THEFT
N THE SHAM OF FRONT PEW PIETY
WE GOTTA
BRAND NEW SENSE OF PROPRIETY
WE GOTTA SAY WE OWN
THE SUM TOTAL OF WHAT WE CONDONE
‘CAUSE OWNERSHIP WITHOUT CONDONER-SHIP
IT AIN’T NO SHIP AT ALL
AIN’T NO SHIP AT ALL
NO SHIP AT ALL
SO WHAT IF WE AIN’T GOT NO SHIP AT ALL… [2014]
SONS OF LEON
THERE WAS A BODY OF MEN WHO MET A GREAT OBLIGATION
N AMONG THEM WAS LEON WHO LED THE CONGREGATION
KNOWN THEN AS AN ABSCONDER
HE LEFT HIS JAILERS DAZED OUT YONDER
N CALLED UPON THE FAITHFUL TO GATHER FEED N FATHER NOT SQUANDER
LEON PASSED N WAS LAID IN A GRANITE VAULT
TO HINDER RUINATION N CARNAL ASSAULT
BUT FOR REASONS UNCLEAR HE WAS JUMPSTARTED
THEN LEAPT UP N LOUDLY FARTED
AS THE PEOPLE LAUGHED N PLEDGED TO MAKE GOOD IN SOLID EMULATION
HIS DEEDS N SET IN STONE THE OBLIGATION
WE ARE THE SONS OF LEON GLOBAL REVOLVERS
AWAKENERS HAND SHAKERS SEASONED RESOLVERS
TRANSFIXED TO HAMMER HELL’S CHAINS INTO UNIVERSAL WINGS
COMMONERS ALL WHO SHARE THE BOUNTY THAT BEATITUDE BRINGS
WE THE VENERATED BRETHREN YET UNKNOWN
ARE GESTATING WHAT WE TOGETHER HAVE SOWN
ALBEIT EMPTIED OUT AS VINTAGE SO UNSAVORY WE DO THE LOWLY POURING
OH YES WITH TEMPORAL BODIES TETHERED
WE’VE LOFTY SOULS STILL FEATHERED N SOARING
WE ROLLED AWAY OUR PROPHET’S MAUSOLEUM STONES
‘COMPANIED BY A NAZARITE SWINGIN’ ASS JAWBONES.
THEN WE WITH BLISTERED FACES FELT THE MESSIANIC SPARKS
SWAM THE BLASPHEMY OF SHARKS
HEARD HIS FULL METAL NEHRU JACKET ROAR
OH YES WITH REBEL ZEAL WE’LL GLADLY LEVEL
UNTIL THE HAPPY DAY WE REVEL
UPON AN EVEN EVERLASTING EARTHLY FLOOR
WE ARE THE SONS OF LEON GLOBAL REVOLVERS
AWAKENERS HAND SHAKERS SEASONED RESOLVERS
TRANSFIXED TO HAMMER HELL’S CHAINS INTO UNIVERSAL WINGS
COMMONERS ALL WHO SHARE THE BOUNTY THAT BEATITUDE BRINGS
WE POUNDED OUT N PROMULGATED IRON-CLAD THE LEGIONS
CRASHED THROUGH THE BREASTWORKS REGION BY REGION
BARREL-CHESTED WE TESTED N BESTED SHOULDERS BOUNCING BOULDERS
N SPECIAL SPACIAL SPECTRAL TECHNOLOGY
OH YES WE’RE CANTANKEROUS BUT KIND
WE MINISTERED TO THE BLIND
N JOURNEYED WELL-ARMED TO DELIVER NOT HARM
OUR GIFT TO YOU OF SIGHTED SOCIOLOGY
WE BROADCASTED THE SEED OF OUR RIGHTEOUS FOLK LORE
WE MADE OURSELVES AT HOME WITH YOU BUT ALWAYS KNOCKED FIRST ON THE DOOR
WE CARD-CARRYIN’ CREDENTIALED GRUNTS WORE REVELATION ARMY CLOTHES
OH YES WITH SACRED PATCHES ON OUR COATS N SEE-THROUGH SOCKS FROM LOYAL CALLOUSED HEELS N TOES
WE ARE THE SONS OF LEON GLOBAL REVOLVERS
AWAKENERS HAND SHAKERS SEASONED RESOLVERS
TRANSFIXED TO HAMMER HELL’S CHAINS INTO UNIVERSAL WINGS
COMMONERS ALL WHO SHARE THE BOUNTY THAT BEATITUDE BRINGS [2014]
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS
WINEHEADS PASSIN’ NIGHT TRAIN ‘ROUND N PISSIN’ IN THE SNOW
FRESH OUT ON THEIR RECOGNIZANCE N LOOKIN’ FOR FUN THEY GO
AWAY FROM THE GATED COMMUNITY THAT’S OPEN DAY N NIGHT
WHERE FLAMIN’ ROLLS OF TP MAKE A LOVELY HOLIDAY LIGHT.
SITTIN’ AT THE KITCHEN TABLE I’LL POUR ANOTHER SHOT
N LOOK BACK OVER FORTY YEARS AT WHAT I DID THAT MADE ME HOT
A THRIVIN’ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WAS OUTTA THE TRUNK OF MY CAR
I KEPT LOOKIN’ OVER MY SHOULDER FOR THE MAN WITH THE SILVER STAR.
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS – THE CLOCK’S RUN OUT – THAT’S ALL
IF THERE’S A WARRANT THAT HAS YOUR NAME – WON’T BE NO CURTAIN CALL
I TOOK LIBERTIES THAT’S ALL TRUE – BUT I NEVER HARMED A SOUL
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS – BLOW THE WHISTLE AT THE RASCAL BOWL.
THOSE FELONIOUS FACES ALL IN A ROW ON THE CRIMESTOPPERS NEWS
REMIND ME OF THE CREW I SWUNG WITH BUT NEVER GOT ACCUSED
A WOMAN ‘WOKE SCREAMIN’ I GRABBED HER PURSE N FLEW OUT THE FRENCH DOORS
DOVE INTO THE BACK AS MY CHAUFFEUR MADE TRACKS – WON’T B&E THERE NO MORE.
I’M POUNDIN’ ON A DOPE HOUSE DOOR PAST CLOSIN’ TIME – LIGHTS OFF – CAN’T SEE
MY PARTNER’S DRUNK BUT I’M CARRYIN’ TWO BARRELS N IT’S LIKELY ONE’S STARING BACK AT ME
THERE’S BIG FRONT MONEY – A THOUSAND DOLLARS – THAT’S OWED TO ME N MY BROTHER
BUT I WAS THE DUMB-ASS WHO GAVE THE DOUGH TO THIS LOW-LIFE-SKIN-HEADED MUTHER.
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS – THE CLOCK’S RUN OUT – THAT’S ALL
IF THERE’S A WARRANT THAT HAS YOUR NAME – WON’T BE NO CURTAIN CALL
I TOOK LIBERTIES THAT’S ALL TRUE – BUT I NEVER HARMED A SOUL
STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS – BLOW THE WHISTLE AT THE RASCAL BOWL. [2013]
STEPHEN FOSTER’S CHILDREN
WHEN PALE SARAH SWOONS AT J. CALHOUN N SERMONIZES FROM HIS SCROLL
WHEN RADICALS GET RIFLED FOR REBUKING STRATOSPHERIC CRUISE CONTROL
WHEN YOUR CAMPGROUND BECOMES A COMPOUND THAT CONFEDERATES YOUR SOUL
THIS AIN’T YOUR LAND – TAKE OFF YOUR ARM BAND N ANTE UP YOUR TOLL.
WHEN STEPHEN FOSTER’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR PRAISES AYN RAND’S APPARITION
DON’T YOU CRY FOR ME – WE’LL BUILD THE HIGHWAY CALLED MODERN ABOLITION
TODAY – TODAY – TODAY – TODAY
UNTIL THE ANTE BELLUM MAESTROS HAVE ALL GONE AWAY.
WHEN THE NEEDS OF NINETY-NINE ARE TO SUBJECT TO THE WEALTH OF ONE
WHEN THE CAPITOL IS FOR CAPITALISTS TO HAVE LOTS OF FUN
WHEN CAESAR’S POWER SQUELCHES ALL WITH A ZILLION BARRELS OF OIL
OUR REVOLUTION BELCHES STEAM FROM TROUBLED WATER ON THE BOIL.
WHEN STEPHEN FOSTER’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR PRAISES AYN RAND’S APPARITION
THE OLD FOLKS AT HOME JOIN HANDS TO MAKE ONE FIST FOR MODERN ABOLITION
TODAY – TODAY – TODAY – TODAY
UNTIL THE ANTE BELLUM MAESTROS HAVE ALL GONE AWAY.
WHEN THEIR EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF JUST WHEN N WHERE WE FLEW
WHEN DIGITAL DENOMINATORS CIPHER HOW WE SCREW
WHEN GORDIAN GENERALS BUGLE KIDS TO MAKE A CRIMSON SCORE
WE’LL CROSSCUT THE IMPERIAL KNOT N SPRING THE TRAP DOOR.
WHEN STEPHEN FOSTER’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR PRAISES AYN RAND’S APPARITION
HARD TIMES COME AGAIN NO MORE WALK TALL WITH MODERN ABOLITION
TODAY – TODAY – TODAY – TODAY
UNTIL THE ANTE BELLUM MAESTROS HAVE ALL GONE AWAY.
BUT IF YOU CAN’T SET THE HOOK IN WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT
YOU AIN’T BEEN CALLED LOW DOWN OR PUT DOWN LOW
DAY IN N DAY OUT – WE GOT RED ELEPHANTS N BLUE DONKEYS
IN THESE DIVIDED STATES – WE’LL THROW OUR OWN PARTY SO THAT WE CAN CELEBRATE.
WHEN STEPHEN FOSTER’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR PRAISES AYN RAND’S APPARITION
NO PASARÁN – CLOSE RANKS N TIP THE SCALES TOWARD MODERN ABOLITION
TODAY – TODAY – TODAY – TODAY
UNTIL THE ANTE BELLUM MAESTROS HAVE ALL GONE AWAY. [2014]
THE STRANGER LOST HIS BEANS
WE’RE HANGIN’ ‘ROUND THE LOBBY OF THE FINEST HOTEL
LISTENIN’ FOR MISSION COOK TO RING THE SUPPER BELL
THEN THE PREACHER’LL BECKON US TO BOW OUR HEADS AND PRAY
BUT WE’LL GOBBLE ALL THE BEANS UP WHILE HIS HEAD IS TURNED AWAY.
AND THAT’S HOW THE STRANGER LOST HIS BEANS
THAT’S HOW THE STRANGER LOST HIS BEANS
HE WAS LOOKIN’ FOR THE HOLY GHOST THEN THERE WAS NUTHIN’ LEFT BUT TOAST
AND THAT’S HOW THE STRANGER LOST HIS BEANS.
LIGHTS OUT AT THE MISSION AND WE CRAWL IN THE SACK
OUR SHOES UNDER THE BED LEGS, OUR DOUGH TUCKED IN BACK
BUT WHEN YOU LEARN THE HARD WAY, YOU NEVER WILL FORGET
YOU’LL BE WALKIN’ ‘ROUND BAREFOOT WITH NO DOUGH FOR CIGARETTES.
AND THAT’S HOW THE STRANGER LOST HIS SHOES
THAT’S HOW THE STRANGER LOST HIS SHOES
HE STUFFED HIS MONEY IN HIS SOCKS AND HIS SOCKS IN HIS SHOES
AND THAT’S WHY THE STRANGER SINGS THE BLUES.
BUT WE WON’T LET HIM STRAY BEYOND THE PALE
WE WON’T LET HIM WALK ON THE THIRD RAIL
DESPITE ALL THE COLD TALK, WE WON’T LET HIM FREEZE
FROM CHILBLAIN OF THE RIGHT BRAIN AND HIS PANTS BENEATH HIS KNEES.
OH, HERE’S HOW THE STRANGER LIVES IT DOWN
HERE’S HOW THE STRANGER LIVES IT DOWN
HE’LL JOIN US ON A FROLIC WHILE WE RATE HIS METABOLIC
OH, HERE’S HOW THE STRANGER LIVES IT DOWN.
HE SESAME’D THE DOOR TO LIFT A PRIZE
HIS REJOINDER TO THE COPS WAS A DISGUISE
IT WAS HIS FIRST OFFENSE, BUT IN OUR FUTURE TENSE
MORE WILL FOLLOW NOW THAT HE’S BEEN CANONIZED.
AND THAT’S HOW HIS HOLINESS GETS BY
THAT’S HOW HIS HOLINESS GETS BY
WE’LL CARRY HIM TO THE BAR THEN WE’LL OVERFLOW HIS JAR
AND THAT’S HOW HIS HOLINESS GETS HIGH.
AND THAT’S HOW THE STRANGER LOST HIS BEANS… [2013]
THERE COMES A TIME
THERE COMES A TIME TO APPLY GOOD-OLD-FASHIONED SOIL CONSERVATION
THAT WORKERS MAY SPROUT THEIR OWN SEEDS FROM DEEP WITHIN THE WHOLE CREATION
TO GROW STRONG SYMPHONIC NEW ROOTS OF ROOSTER-CROWED ELATION
KINDRED SOULS WHO TORQUE THE NUTS N BOLTS OF LIBERATION
UP-RIGHT BUT NOT UP-TIGHT RADICAL RANGE RIDERS
WHO BUST THE BRONCO BOURGEOISIE N BRASS KNUCKLE THE BACKSLIDERS.
THERE COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
THERE COMES A TIME.
THERE COMES A TIME TO SHOW THE PEOPLE HOW WE MAKE A GREAT BIG FIST
FROM HUDDLES OF FORGOTTEN FOLKS WHO NEVER WOULD BE MISSED
N MUD-PUDDLES-FULL OF LONELY KIDS WHO NEVER HAVE BEEN KISSED
THEN WE’LL CHEER THE REVOLUTION’S ARDOR HOWEVER UNRULY YET HOME-MADE
WHEN WE BATTLE EVEN HARDER BREAK THE AUTOCRATIC BLADE
UNTIL SEDITION YIELDS NUTRITION
THANKS TO SAVVY IN OUR CAVALCADE.
THERE COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
THERE COMES A TIME.
THERE COMES A TIME TO SETTLE ALL THE BOOKS
SEARCH IN EACH N EVERY BUREAUCRATIC NOOK
WITH SHERLOCK’S GLASS IF NECESSARY
TO LEVITATE THE COMMISSARY
TO INNOVATE THE FIDUCIARY
CALL IN THE CONSTITUTION’S PROMISSORY
PARDON THE UNFORTUNATE N CLOSE DOWN THE PURGATORY
IT’S THE PEOPLES’ SPAGHETTI SINCE FINALLY NOW
THAT WE RUN THE KITCHEN WE COOK THE CHOW.
THERE COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
THERE COMES A TIME.
THERE COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
COMES A TIME
THERE COMES A TIME. [2014]
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
GIVE US ALL THE STORE CLERKS N ALL THE TRAFFIC COPS
WE’LL TAKE ALL THE BARTENDERS N JANITORS WITH MOPS
ALL EX-HUSBAND TRUCK MECHANICS PAYING CHILD SUPPORT
EVERY PEACEFUL EX-OFFENDER HEADED BACK INTO COURT.
GIVE US ALL THE SCHOOL TEACHERS N THE MERCHANT MARINES
WE’LL TAKE ALL THE TOOLMAKERS N THE JACKS WHO PUMP LATRINES
ALL EX-BOXERS TURNED PRO-WRESTLERS EX-EMPLOYEES NOW RETIRED
EVERY SOOTHSAYIN’ SAD SACK WHO FELL ASLEEP AND GOT FIRED.
‘CAUSE THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
TO MAKE A REVOLUTION.
GIVE US ALL THE BOOK BINDERS THE CLOCKWINDERS N RUMRUNNERS
WE’LL TAKE ALL THE FREEHANDERS THE FIREBRANDERS N GOODFUNNERS
ALL EXTRAORDINARY GARDENERS WHO LOVE PLANTING TREES N FLOWERS
EVERY SHARP-ELBOWED STEVEDORE WHO’D STORM THE PALACE TOWER.
GIVE US BRICKLAYERS DRAGONSLAYERS CARDPLAYERS – FORMING SQUADS OF THREE
WE’LL TAKE ALL THE DEBTOR SLAVES WHO CONJURE PARTING OF THE SEA
ALL EX-LAWYERS TURNED BUS DRIVERS EX-FEMALES TURNED INTO MEN
EVERY BRIGHT-EYED SMITHY WHO HAMMERS SWORDS OUTTA FOUNTAIN PENS.
‘CAUSE THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
TO MAKE A REVOLUTION.
GIVE US DIGITAL WIZARDS GOURMETS WITH GIZZARDS HARD-BARK GRENADIERS – SET TO IGNITE
WE’LL TAKE OVERFLOWED UNION HALLS CLERICS SEWING COVERALLS HAM-FISTED SCRAPPERS WHO LAST ALL NIGHT
ALL WINDSWEPT WANTON EQUESTRIAN WOMEN WHO’D FLIP OFF HIS HIGHNESS N TRAMPLE HIS AMBITION
EVERY UNSHORN LOWBORN LOCK-JAWED LEVELER WHO’D CONVENE THE CONGRESS N COMMENCE THE ABOLITION.
GIVE US ALL THESE STAND-UP PEOPLE — THOSE WHO WANT A FAIR DEAL
WE’LL WELCOME ALL THE INJURED SICK N TIRED WHO KEEP AN EVEN KEEL
ALL THE UNDERLINGS FOOTSTOMPERS SWORD SWALLOWERS N HIP CATS
EVERY NOISY DISCONTENTED HEART-ATTACKED WORKER WHO’S GNAWING THROUGH THE SLATS.
‘CAUSE THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES
TO MAKE A REVOLUTION. [2013]
THIS WORKING LIFE
OF ALL THE MONEYED SQUIRES N PUNDITS WHO DOUBLE AS LIARS
I’M JUST ANOTHER SHOP MONKEY WHO EARNED HIS RIGHT TO RETIRE.
SPENT FORTY YEARS IN A FUNKY QUAGMIRE.
NEVER GOT TO DRIVE A JAGUAR.
I WAS A HAND AMONG MANY ON THE LOOKOUT TO BE HIRED-OUT
IN THIS WORKING LIFE.
LIFT THE TYRANT’S CURSE OF SHAKIN’ DOWN
THE PEOPLES’ TINY PURSE.
DRINK A REBEL’S DOSE OF BREAK-HIM-DOWN
ISSUED BY OUR WARRIOR NURSE
WHOSE HEADY LIQUOR GENTLY RAINS
UPON THIS WORKING LIFE.
I’LL IMPART TO YOUNGSTERS ALL THAT I KNOW
‘BOUT DUCKIN’ MY HEAD N STEELIN’ MY TOES:
WHEN WE PLANTED STEWARDSHIP’S GARDEN WHERE STOOD A KANGAROO COURT
WE SHOWED WE’RE NEITHER UNTOWARD NOR THE BACKWARD RUEFUL SORT.
‘TWAS OFTEN A LONG N RANCOROUS ROW
BUT WE KEPT IT ALTOGETHER N TOOK TURNS WITH THE HOE
IN THIS WORKING LIFE.
LIFT THE TYRANT’S CURSE OF SHAKIN’ DOWN
THE PEOPLES’ TINY PURSE.
DRINK A REBEL’S DOSE OF BREAK-HIM-DOWN
ISSUED BY OUR WARRIOR NURSE
WHOSE HEADY LIQUOR GENTLY RAINS
UPON THIS WORKING LIFE.
WHEN BOSSES GET THE ITCH
TO THROW THE METRONOMIC SWITCH
HOW FAST THEY WANT US ALL TO GO
SHOW’EM YOU’RE NOT ONE TO BITCH
BUT YOU’LL KEEP THE BEAT BY GOIN’ SLOW.
IF YOUR MEATLOAF PORTION
IS NOTHING BUT EXTORTION
GO SPLIT IT UP FOR ALL TO SHARE.
HAND OUT THAT EXTRA COAT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO WEAR
IN THIS WORKING LIFE.
LIFT THE TYRANT’S CURSE OF SHAKIN’ DOWN
THE PEOPLES’ TINY PURSE.
DRINK A REBEL’S DOSE OF BREAK-HIM-DOWN
ISSUED BY OUR WARRIOR NURSE
WHOSE HEADY LIQUOR GENTLY RAINS
UPON THIS WORKING LIFE. [2014]
TOWER OF BABEL
WE CONDEMNED AS AGITATORS AGGREGATORS MARTIAN RABBLE
WON’T COWER TO ASCEND THE TOWER OF BABEL SO CURSED
WE’LL NO LONGER PRETEND THAT RIGHTEOUS THIRST
IS QUENCHED FROM THE GENTRY’S DEEPEST WELL
N WE OF LIKE MUSCULAR MINDS THAT SHOW N TELL
CAN KNOW THE END OF NIMROD’S EDIFICE OF HELL.
WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL STANDS LONELY N UNDONE
N EMPTIED FULL TO THE FIERY BRIM OF FAITHLESS COSTLY OVERRUN
WE’LL CELEBRATE THE PROPHESY OF REVOLUTION’S RISING SUN
N SHARPEN UP OUR DULLEST WITS ‘CAUSE RECONSTRUCTION’S JUST BEGUN.
WE SHAVEN LEFT FACELESS BY OVERLORDS DEMANDING WE GROVEL N SHOVEL
A KNAVE’S NEW WORLD – THIS TOWER – A GODLESS HOVEL
SHALL ANSWER AS STALWARTS COMFORT A MOTHER IN SORROW
FOR UNIVERSAL ANALGESIC PROMISE OF TOMORROW
THAT OUR GOSPEL BE STOKED N DAVID’S STONES BE HURLED.
WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL STANDS LONELY N UNDONE
N EMPTIED FULL TO THE FIERY BRIM OF FAITHLESS COSTLY OVERRUN
WE’LL CELEBRATE THE PROPHESY OF REVOLUTION’S RISING SUN
N SHARPEN UP OUR DULLEST WITS ‘CAUSE RECONSTRUCTION’S JUST BEGUN.
WE TURTLE-SHELLED WELDED INTO ONE AGAINST NIMROD’S HEINOUS PISTON
REMAIN FOURSQUARE AGAINST HIS PENTHOUSE – A SEPTIC SOCIAL SYSTEM
WHERE THE SEDENTARY SEGREGATED TAX-ABATED VOLUMINOUS MAY DWELL
WHILE YESTERYEAR ENCASED IN HIGH RISE CINDER BLOCKS WE STOCKADED
WOULD FEAST UPON EACH OTHER LIKE RAGING CANCER CELLS.
WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL STANDS LONELY N UNDONE
N EMPTIED FULL TO THE FIERY BRIM OF FAITHLESS COSTLY OVERRUN
WE’LL CELEBRATE THE PROPHESY OF REVOLUTION’S RISING SUN
N SHARPEN UP OUR DULLEST WITS ‘CAUSE RECONSTRUCTION’S JUST BEGUN.
OUR FATHERS DID HARDY LABOR FOR NIMROD’S SHIRKERS WHO COMMANDED
YET STILL WE GOT LASSOED AT THE RODEO BY BERSERKERS WHIP-HANDED
SO WE REBORN REUPHOLSTERED POUNDERS PRAY DELIVERANCE BE WON
WHILE WE SHOULDER-HOLSTERED STRIKERS SAY WE’RE BOUND FOR HISTRIONIC FUN
LET NIMROD’S BRAIN BE STUNNED LET HIS SHIRKERS BE SHUNNED
N HIS BERSERKERS BELLY DANCE OR JUST HAUL-ASS RUN.
WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL STANDS LONELY N UNDONE
N EMPTIED FULL TO THE FIERY BRIM OF FAITHLESS COSTLY OVERRUN
WE’LL CELEBRATE THE PROPHESY OF REVOLUTION’S RISING SUN
N SHARPEN UP OUR DULLEST WITS ‘CAUSE RECONSTRUCTION’S JUST BEGUN.
WE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER-WAVED WAGE-ENSLAVED HAVE LONG PURSUED PERCOLATED
N BOOT-SCOOT-BOOGIE’D A SECULAR RAVE SO WRANGLING RUDE YET LIBERATED
FROM BIFURCATED BARNACLES OF DISUNITED FIFTY-STATED BUREAUCRAZY CORPORA-A-A-TED
THAT WE’LL CHRISTEN THIS TOWER THE FIXER-UPPER NO TOP NO BOTTOM WE SHARE THE SUPPER
NO GENTRY WE RENT FREE BUT BRING ALONG YOUR HAMMER
NO SHIRKERS OR BESERKERS THIS AIN’T THE SLAMMER.
WHEN THE TOWER OF BABEL STANDS LONELY N UNDONE
N EMPTIED FULL TO THE FIERY BRIM OF FAITHLESS COSTLY OVERRUN
WE’LL CELEBRATE THE PROPHESY OF REVOLUTION’S RISING SUN
N SHARPEN UP OUR DULLEST WITS ‘CAUSE RECONSTRUCTION’S JUST BEGUN. [2014]
UNAUTHORIZED
FOR GIL SCOTT-HERON
YOU’LL NOT BE ABLE TO STAY HOME MY SISTERS N BROTHERS.
YOU GOTTA PLUG IN N NOT TURN AWAY FROM ONE ANOTHER.
YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A BRAND NEW BAG
‘CAUSE THE CHANGE YOU CHANNEL IS A BODACIOUS FLAG:
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE UNAUTHORIZED.
THE REVOLUTION COMES TO YOU RAW-BONED N UNWRAPPED MY SISTERS N BROTHERS.
RADIO FREE ROCKEFELLER IS RING-TONED N BOOBY-TRAPPED BY CORPORATE MUTHERS.
WHEN THE PEOPLE DECLARE A GENUINE ERUPTION
THEIR VOICES WILL ORBIT ‘ROUND RADICAL GUMPTION:
THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE COLONIZED.
AT CIRCUS MAXIMUS WE VIE FOR THE MUD BALL ALMIGHTY
MY SISTERS N BROTHERS. FACED OFF WITH FLUNKIES
OF DRUNKEN ELITES BORN N BRED IN BOX SEATS
WHO’D SMOTHER METTLE N DELETE EVERY DADA DRUM BEAT
OF OUR REBEL-RIGHTEOUS FISTICUFFS.
WITH TELEPHONIC CANS N STRING N APOSTOLIC
JAZZ OF SPRING WE’LL ANTIQUATE THEIR STUFF:
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE POLARIZED.
THAT’S YOU STIRRIN’ THE REVOLUTIONARY BREW GONE VIRAL
MY SISTERS N BROTHERS. HEAR THE HIP CATS PURRIN’
EVER LOUDER A PULMONARY BLUES OF SPIRALING DRUTHERS.
THAT’S YOU LIBERATIN’ THE LOAD
OF AN OVERFED BOLL WEEVIL N THAT’S YOU
AGITATIN’ WITH BANTY ROOSTERS
N DEFIBRILLATIN’ THE UPHEAVAL:
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE GALVANIZED.
THE RAUCOUS SHOT HEARD ‘ROUND THE WORLD WON’T
FIRE FROM THE FLASH OF FASHION-CONSCIOUS FLINGERS.
THAT’S YOU PAINTIN’ SOCIAL GRACE ‘BOUT GENTLE PEOPLE CLUBBED N MACED
FOR BEIN’ RAINBOW SINGERS N THAT’S YOU VACCINATIN’ FOLKS
WHO SUFFER VITRIOLIC POKES FROM MISTER CAT SCRATCH FEVER
N THAT’S LADY LIBERTY YOU KISSED HER CALLED HER YOUR SISTER
N SAID YOU’D NEVER LEAVE HER:
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE HUMANIZED
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE SUPER-SIZED.
SISTERS N BROTHERS, THERE WILL BE NO REVOLUTIONARY RE-RUNS.
THERE MAY BE REVOLUTIONARY SUDDEN DEATH BY SMART GUNS.
THERE WILL BE NO REVOLUTIONARY TIME-OUTS ‘TIL WE’VE FINALLY WON
‘CAUSE THE REVOLUTION WILL BE UNAUTHORIZED. [2014]
VANDALIA
VANDALIA. VANDALIA.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
VANDALIA. VANDALIA.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.