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BEACON LYRICS
©2014 All Words and Music by Dan May.
Except * - Words by Dan May. Music by Dan May and Tom Hampton
1. DRAGGING THAT CHAIN *
You hear thunder rolling
Over your head
You feel lightning under your skin
And the wolves are howling there at your door
Though you’ve seen ‘em before
You keep lettin’ them in
Run rabbit
Out in the woods
Dodging shots from the duck blind
And the bloodhounds they caught scent of your trail
And they’re hot on your tail
But you really you don’t mind
CHORUS
Abel turned the tables somehow
And killed his brother Cain
Your shackle’s good and loose now
Would you care to explain
Why you’re still dragging that chain?
VERSE 2
There’s a road that leads you
Out of the dark
But you don’t know where to begin
And the moon lights up the blood on your door
And you’ve seen it before
It’s original sin
Just one more
Jack-of-no-trades
Eating crumbs from the bread line
So you tiptoe through the scattering rats
"Cause you’re better than that
And you really don’t mind
CHORUS
Abel turned the tables somehow
And killed his brother Cain
Your shackle’s good and loose now
Would you care to explain
Why you’re still dragging that chain?
BRIDGE
Link by link
Yard by yard
You don’t have to work so hard
You paid you dues
Man, they cut you loose
CHORUS
Abel turned the tables somehow
Killed his brother Cain
The shackle’s good and loose now
Would you care to explain
Why you’re still dragging that chain?
Abel turned the tables somehow
Killed his brother Cain
The shackle’s good and loose now
Would you care to explain
Why you’re still dragging that chain?
VERSE THREE
You hear thunder rolling
Over your head
You feel lightning under your skin
2. CRAWLING TO CLEVELAND
I’ve been spending my nights
Down near Wilshire and Vine
Got a friend there I know
Don’t mind sharing his wine
After passing the bottle
And singing some songs
He tells me the good days are gone
I’m hoping that maybe he’s wrong
CHORUS
So I’m crawling to Cleveland
And not turning back
With some things that I saved
In an old cotton sack
Take a right at Sandusky
And follow the Lake
A good place to hide my mistakes
Till I can be a better man
VERSE TWO
I met a girl out in Tulsa
A pretty young thing
She was desperately pawning
Her grandmother’s ring
She was headed out West
In the morning and so
She asked me if I’d like to go
When I think back I should of said no
CHORUS
So I’m crawling to Cleveland
And not turning back
With some things that I saved
In an old cotton sack
Take a right at Sandusky
And follow the Lake
I'll stay there as long as it takes
Till I can be a better man
BRIDGE
But don’t tell my friends
I’m coming home
They’d only say
They’d always known
They’re still busy stealing my soul
VERSE THREE
We'd been hanging out down there
By Gene Autry’s star
When I fell asleep and she stole my guitar
If a trip back to Tulsa’s the price that it brings
I hope that she does the right thing
‘Cause it sure could use some new strings
CHORUS
So I’m crawling to Cleveland
And not turning back
With some things that I saved
In an old cotton sack
Take a right at Sandusky
And follow the Lake
I’ll stay there as long as it takes
Till I can
Be a better man
Till I can be a better man
3. VELCRO
I heard Grandad say that day
“Son, hand me down my walkin’ cane"
“With loads of time and miles to go
We can get there if we take it slow”
CHORUS
Underneath the velvet sky
Fate’s riding on the wind tonight
Stick with me and you’ll go far
Like Velcro on a shooting star
VERSE TWO
I knew this girl from Tennessee
She had wavy hair and pearly teeth
I said, “I can’t sing, but I can dance
If you’d only give me half a chance
CHORUS
Underneath the velvet sky
Fate’s riding on the wind tonight
Stick with me and you’ll go far
Like Velcro on a shooting star
BRIDGE
Someone tell me why
Do the years melt away?
Like winter ice on a warm April day
On a sinking ship
Holding one paper cup
We can bail like hell
But it’s never enough
VERSE 3
I said to my grandson, “Hey”
“Son, hand me down my walkin’ cane”
“With loads of time and miles to go
We can get there if we take it slow”
CHORUS
Underneath the velvet sky
Fate’s riding on the wind tonight
Stick to me and you’ll go far
Like Velcro on a shooting star
Underneath the velvet sky
Fate’s riding on the wind tonight
Stick to me and you’ll go far
Like Velcro on a shooting star
Just like Velcro on a shooting star
4. EASY
We tried to take Mohammed to the mountain
But he just didn’t want to go
So we’ll just bring the mountain to Mohammed
Nothing’s simple man, you know
CHORUS
Takes a lotta effort
Takes a lotta time
Takes a lotta insight
Open up your mind
Tell it to the mountains
Sing it to the sea
Listen when I tell you
Nothing good comes easy
VERSE TWO
We tried to build a castle at the seashore
But it just didn’t want to stand
Sometimes what you get, and what you paid for
Is a little different than you planned
CHORUS
Takes a lotta effort
Takes a lotta time
Takes a lotta insight
Open up your mind
Tell it to the mountains
Sing it to the sea
Listen when I tell you
Nothing good comes easy
BRIDGE
My father said one lesson I should learn
He said son,that you appreciate the things you earn
And I heard
VERSE THREE
Tried to take Mohammed to the mountain
But he just didn’t want to go
CHORUS
Takes a lotta effort
Takes a lotta time
Takes a lotta insight
Open up your mind
Tell it to the mountains
Sing it to the sea
Listen when I tell you
Nothing good comes easy
Nothing good comes easy
5. BEACON
When I was just a kid
A child of maybe three or four
You turned your head
And I went wandering out the kitchen door
Knee-deep in laundry
You lost sight of me for just a spell
I walked to the neighbors
Then right back, you must have taught me well
CHORUS
That when the shoreline has faded from view
I know I’ll still find my way back to you
You’ve been the lighthouse that I’ve always known
That beacon guiding me home
VERSE TWO
When I was nine or ten
I climbed aboard my bike and said,
“I’m heading West,” you said “OK”
And “Adios, my friend.”
I rode a mile, then did a U-turn
Like a bolt of light
‘Cause I remembered it was Thursday
Your spaghetti night
CHORUS
And when the shoreline has faded from view
I know I’ll still find my way back to you
You’ve been the lighthouse that I’ve always known
That beacon guiding me home
BRIDGE
And I’ve sailed the oceans and all Seven Seas
I’ve been separated by all Six Degrees
When breaking my bones or just skinning my knees
You’ve always been such a comfort to me
VERSE 3
I’m grown up now
And I have children of my own, you know
Lived East and West
But never found that place, my second home
So when I’m troubled
Or I’m lost out in the darkest night
It’s always nice to know
That you left on the front porch light
CHORUS
And when the shoreline has faded from view
I know I’ll still find my way back to you
You been the lighthouse that I’ve always known
Though it’s been ten years since your light has shown
It’s still you, guiding me home
And I’m never too far from home
6. THIS LAND
This land ain't your land, this land ain't my land
Not California, not the New York Island
We'll cut the Redwood forest and choke the Gulfstream Waters
Till we leave nothing for our sons and daughters
CHORUS
We don't own this land, you know
It is borrowed from our children, so
We owe them this, to give our best
To save this world, and nothing less
This land wasn't made for you and me
VERSE 2
As I went driving this ribbon of highway
Where once above us an endless skyway
With billboards rising one after another
Like stolen beauty, my sister and brother
CHORUS
We don't own this land, you know
It is borrowed from our children, so
We owe them this, to give our best
To save this world, and nothing less
This land wasn't made for you and me
Lai lai lai lai lai,
Lai lai lai lai lo
VERSE 2
I hear behind me, approaching footsteps
Soon to be memories, and only silence
The voices echo through empty canyons
And sing our song of reckless abandon
CHORUS
We don't own this land, you know
It is borrowed from our children, so
We owe them this, to give our best
To save this world, and nothing less
We manifested this destiny
But this land wasn't made for you and me
Lai lai lai lai lai,
Lai lai lai lai lo
EPILOGUE
("Can't get enough, keep filling our cup till we use it all up)
(Don't leave nothing at all…"
7. THE LESS WE KNOW
Life is a paper cup
Filled to the brim, but
There's still an ocean we don't see
And love is a grain of sand
Lost in the desert man
A "slip through your fingers"
Memory
CHORUS
Oh, it seemed so simple when
It was all a dream
The more we learn
The less we know, it seems
The less we know
It seems to me
The less we know
VERSE 2
More than a little tired
Caught in the crossfire
I'll take the lead
You cover me
We're in for a bumpy ride
Here on the landslide
When we're just a part
Of the debris
CHORUS
Oh, it seemed so simple when
It was all a dream
The more we learn
The less we know, it seems
The less we know
It seems to me
The less we know
BRIDGE
And it seems to me
If we build these walls so carefully
When we knock them down
We'll be buried in the rubble now
VERSE 3
Time's never slower than
Watching the clock, man
Each minute an eternity
And love is a sweet song
But it doesn't last long
Sing it again now with me
CHORUS
Oh, it seemed so simple when
It was all a dream
The more we learn
The less we know
Oh, it seemed so simple when
It was all a dream
The more we learn
The less we know, it seems
The less we know
It seems to me
The less we know
8. DOVE
There
Half a world away there waits a child
Whose eyes are filled with longing, but a smile
Knowing hope, and help are on the way
Here
We hold it in our hands and in our hearts
The power that we have to make a start
Promise made, of hope and better days
CHORUS
On the wings of a dove
We will rise high above
All our differences, so far in the past
Through the eyes of the children
See the bridges we’re building
Hope will find a way
Love will save the day
And peace will last
VERSE 2
Then
We were young and far away from home
Cast into a world we’d never known
In a time, so surreal
Now
There’s a chance to go back and repair
Damage that was done when we were there
Pain we feel, scars we heal
CHORUS
On the wings of a dove
We will rise high above
All our differences, so far in the past
Through the eyes of the children
See the bridges we’re building
Hope will find a way
Love will save the day
And peace will last
BRIDGE
And the chasm that we’re spanning
With peace and understanding
A chance for making right
What once was wrong
Friendship that will give us
Solace and forgiveness
And bonds we hope will last
Forever strong
CHORUS
On the wings of a dove
We will rise high above
All our differences, so far in the past
And the fences we’re mending
With the message we’re sending
Hope will find a way
Love will save the day
And peace will last
Hope will find a way
Love will save the day
And peace will last
9. MAGPIE
Holly gets her blackberries fresh as can be
Apples, ripe and juicy from the top of the tree
Chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, pecan
Lime custard, belt buster, need I go on?
CHORUS
Magpie, Magpie
Holly's got the Magpie
A slice of heaven, I guarantee
Magpie, Magpie
Gotta love the Magpie
Take a bite and you will agree
With me
VERSE TWO
She heard a voice call from the back of her mind
"Girl, you got The Gift, leave your old life behind."
"Down on South Street's your place in the sun."
"A rock solid promise, if you build it, they'll come…"
CHORUS
To Magpie, Magpie
Holly's got the Magpie
A slice of heaven, I guarantee
Magpie, Magpie
Gotta love the Magpie
Take a bite and you will agree
With me
INTERLUDE
Take a little sugar, take a little flour
Crack some eggs, bake half an hour
Take a little sugar, take a little flour
Pixie dust and magic power
BRIDGE
I want it sweet (I want it savory) 3X
Give it to me
Give it to me
I want it sweet (I want it savory) 3X
Give it to me
Give it to me
CHORUS
Magpie, Magpie
Holly's got the Magpie
A slice of heaven, I guarantee
Magpie, Magpie
Gotta love the Magpie
Take a bite and you will agree
Magpie, Magpie
Holly's got the Magpie
A slice of heaven, I guarantee
Magpie, Magpie
Gotta love the Magpie
Take a bite and you will agree
With me
(Magpie, Magpie, Holly's got the Magpie)
(Holly...)
10. SOME LOVE
Some love can break you down
And bring you to your knees
Some love can lock you up
And throw away the keys
Some love’s a swampland
And you’re waist-deep in the mire
Some love will burn you
And consume you in the fire
CHORUS
But when love rolls you nice and easy
Like summer, soft and breezy
And you can never get enough
When love will rock you slow and gentle
Warm and sentimental
Fit you like a glove
Then that’s some love
VERSE 2
Some love’s a cinder block
That’s tied around your waist
Some love’s a smorgasbord
But you never get a taste
Some love will strangle you
And hang you out to dry
Some love’s a sharp stick
That’ll poke you in the eye
CHORUS
But when love rolls you nice and easy
Like summer, soft and breezy
And you can never get enough
When love will rock you slow and gentle
Warm and sentimental
Fit you like a glove
Then that’s some love
BRIDGE
It’s not hard
It’s not tough
Throw in the towel when you’ve had enough
Don’t want no part
Of breaking hearts
In the name of love
VERSE 3
Some love will slice you, dice you, marinate you too
With a little fava bean, it’ll make a meal of you
Not trying to scare you, but you know I’ve seen a lot
Any love is good, but then again, well maybe not
CHORUS
But when love rolls you nice and easy
Like summer, soft and breezy
And you can never get enough
When love will rock you slow and gentle
Warm and sentimental
Fit you like a glove
Then that’s some love
That’s some love
(I wouldn’t lie)
11. FAST EDDIE
We'd run down Lawrence and walk down Monroe
We'd hide in the bushes, and nobody'd know
I swear some people are just born to run
Oh, you and me and Jerry, we just weren't the ones
CHORUS
Oh, Fast Eddie
The race just started
And you won already
Oh boys, don't you know
We might as well relax take it slow
We ain't got the wheels to catch Eddie-O
VERSE 2
While old Fast Eddie was running 'round the town
Oh, we'd lay low at my grandmother's house
He'd sprint by and we'd hear him shout
"Hey Dan and Jerry, you guys c'mon out."
CHORUS
Oh, Fast Eddie
The race just started
And you won already
Whoa boys, don't you know
We might as well relax take it slow
We ain't got the wheels to catch Eddie-O
BRIDGE
While Ed wins every race
We're back here in last place
Watching the scenery, nothing to lose
One great view of the back of Ed's shoes
VERSE 3
And we'd run down Lawrence and walk down Monroe
We'd hide in the bushes, and nobody'd know
I swear some people are just born to run
I'm telling you Edward you were the one
CHORUS
Oh, Fast Eddie
The race just started
And you won already
Whoa boys, don't you know
We might as well relax take it slow
We ain't got the wheels to catch Eddie-O
We ain't got the speed to win, place or show
And we ain't got the wheels to catch Eddie-O
Run on Eddie-O
12. MOTHER'S DAY
She wakes again from a restless night
Grabs a cigarette that she doesn’t light
But she likes the way it feels between her lips
Sees the sunlight dawn as she prays for rain
Pours her day-old coffee down the kitchen drain
Like a ticking clock she taps her fingertips
CHORUS
Hums lullabies, she won’t let go
For a daughter somewhere she’ll never know
But proudly held for one day way back when
And the dried up roses on the window sill
And the empty space that she’ll never fill
Silently remind her now and then
That she’ll cry alone on Mother’s Day again
VERSE TWO
She goes to work at the restaurant
With a heavy heart and a ghost that haunts her
Every waking hour of every day
Sees a family laughing in the corner where
She serves them silently, ‘cause she’s not there
Her mind it drifts a thousand miles away
CHORUS
Hums lullabies, she won’t let go
For a daughter somewhere she’ll never know
But proudly held for one day way back when
And the dried up roses on the window sill
And the empty space that she’ll never fill
Silently remind her now and then
That she’ll cry alone on Mother’s Day again
BRIDGE
And she dreams of a place where she can go
With a family of her own
But she wakes up all alone
VERSE 3
Morning after a restless night
Grabs a cigarette that she doesn’t light
But it gives her comfort there between her lips
CHORUS
Hums lullabies, she won’t let go
For a daughter somewhere she’ll never know
But proudly held for one day way back when
And the dried up roses on the window sill
And the empty space that she’ll never fill
Silently remind her now and then
That life is real and love is just pretend
And she’ll cry alone on Mother’s Day again
13. NOTHIN’
All your life you’ve had nothin’ to lose
You’ve had nothin’ to prove
You’ve had nothin’
You lay your head on a rock while you sleep
And you wake up and think
You’ll find somethin’
CHORUS
And raise your hand
If you think that life
Owes us a dime
It don’t
Oh, when all you gave your whole life is nothin’
You get back a whole lotta nothin’
VERSE
You take a knife and peel back your skin
And you look deep within
And find nothin’
Your heart and soul are hollow although
You’d a thought that you would have
Found somethin’
CHORUS
And say “Amen”
If you thought that life
Gives you a damn
It don't
Oh, when all you gave your whole life is nothin’
You get back a whole lotta nothin’
BRIDGE
And nothin' is what you earn
With every tie you cut
And bridge you burn
And nothin' is what
You have to show
For everything, you know
Nothin'
Nothin'
All your life you’ve had nothin’ to lose
You’ve had nothin’ to prove, and you’re nothin’
And I’m nothin’
And we’re nothin’
14. RING AROUND THE ROSIE
What’s the use in trying?
We tried everything
Still the rain pours in
As we drown again
In this loathsome lingering
Way back when we were children
The days were long and sweet
And we’d breathe them in
As if they’d never end
And life was so complete
CHORUS
We’d Ring around the Rosie
And then we’d all fall down
Stare into that big open sky
Then close our eyes and sigh
Bid innocence one last goodbye
VERSE TWO
You’re like golden oleander
Swaying in the breeze
Though the beauty’s true
It can poison you
Like it’s slowly killing me
Silent and unwilling
To touch the virgin snow
Which, once walked upon
Can’t undone
Like youth, so long ago
CHORUS
When we’d Ring around the Rosie
And then we’d all fall down
We'd stare into that big open sky
And watch the world pass by
Bid innocence one last goodbye
BRIDGE
Oh, the life we’re leading
So, so incomplete and no,
There’s nothing we can do
Oh, not what you wanted
So, the years undaunted go
Not waiting round for you
CHORUS
Let’s Ring around the Rosie
And watch it all fall down
We’ll stare into that big open sky
And watch the world pass by
We’ll Ring around the Rosie
And then we’ll all fall down
We’ll stare into that big open sky
Then close our eyes and cry
Nothing we can do, but sigh
And bid innocence one last goodbye
PROLOGUE
What’s the use in trying?
We tried everything
15. THINKING ‘BOUT YOU
Thinking ‘bout a sad old song
Wondering where the time has gone
When we were young and innocent
And days were heaven sent
The burden of the passing time
Laying heavy on my mind
Trying not to
What can I do?
I’m thinking ‘bout you
VERSE TWO
Sally, we were green and gold
Long before our dreams were sold
Fitting like a glove I guess
Forgetting all the rest
And surely as the sun would shine
And wake me up again to find
All I could do
All the day through
Was think about you
REPEAT CHORUS
Like a lighting bolt of emotion
Or the thunder shaking the sky
Or the North Star over the ocean
Winking its lonely eye
Thinking 'bout a sad old song
Wondering where the time has gone
Trying not to
What can I do
I'm thinking 'bout
VERSE THREE
The colors of the brightest days
Eventually they fade away
Hear it in your beating chest
Echoes of love I guess
Trying to relive the past
‘But good times, they never last
Trying not to
But what can I do
I’m thinking ‘bout you
CHORUS
And the emptiness of emotion
And the loneliness of goodbye
Like a full moon over the ocean
Winking its lonely eye
Thinking 'bout a sad old song
Wondering where the time has gone
Trying not to
What can I do
I'm thinking 'bout
BRIDGE
And I don’t really want to talk about it
After all that we have both been through
And do I think were better off without it?
I doubt it
But we’ve shouted
Until we were blue
REPEAT CHORUS
Thinking ‘bout a sad old song
Wondering where the time has gone
Trying not to
What can I do?
Thinking ‘bout you
Trying not to...
Thinking ‘bout a sad old song