Mr Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come followin’ you.
Though I know that evenin’s empire has returned into sand
Vanished from my hand
Left me blindly here to stand but still not sleeping
My weariness amazes me, I’m branded on my feet
I have no one to meet
And the ancient empty street’s too dead for dreaming.
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come followin’ you.
Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin’ ship
My senses have been stripped, my hands can’t feel to grip
My toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heels
To be wanderin’
I’m ready to go anywhere, I’m ready for to fade
Into my own parade, cast your dancing spell my way
I promise to go under it.
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come followin’ you.
Though you might hear laughin’, spinnin’ swingin’ madly across the sun
It’s not aimed at anyone, it’s just escapin’ on the run
And but for the sky there are no fences facin’
And if you hear vague traces of skippin’ reels of rhyme
To your tambourine in time, it’s just a ragged clown behind
I wouldn’t pay it any mind, it’s just a shadow you’re
Seein’ that he’s chasing.
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come followin’ you.
Then take me disappearin’ through the smoke rings of my mind
Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves
The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow.
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey ! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come followin’ you.
Dear Mamma by 2Pac
When I was young me and my mama had beefs
Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time, I never thought I’d see her face
Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place
Suspended from school; and scared to go home, I was a fool
with the big boys, breakin all the rules
I shed tears with my baby sister
Over the years we was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddy’s, the same drama
When things went wrong we’d blame mama
I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell
Huggin on my mama from a jail cell
And who’d think in elementary?
Heeey! I see the penitentiary, one day
And runnin from the police, that’s right
Mama catch me, put a whoopin to my backside
And even as a crack fiend, mama
You always was a black queen, mama
I finally understand
for a woman it ain’t easy tryin to raise a man
You always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how ya did it
There’s no way I can pay you back
But the plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated
[Chorus: Reggie Green & “Sweet Franklin” w/ 2Pac]
Lady…
Don’t cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
Dear mama
Place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated
Don’t cha know we love ya?
[second and third chorus, “And dear mama” instead of “Dear mama”]
[Verse Two: 2Pac]
Now ain’t nobody tell us it was fair
No love from my daddy cause the coward wasn’t there
He passed away and I didn’t cry, cause my anger
wouldn’t let me feel for a stranger
They say I’m wrong and I’m heartless, but all along
I was lookin for a father, he was gone
I hung around with the thugs, and even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love
I moved out and started really hangin
I needed money of my own so I started slangin
I ain’t guilty cause, even though I sell rocks
It feels good puttin money in your mailbox
I love payin rent when the rent’s due
I hope ya got the diamond necklace that I sent you
Cause when I was low you was there for me
And never left me alone because you cared for me
And I could see you comin home after work late
You’re in the kitchen tryin to fix us a hot plate
Ya just workin with the scraps you was given
And mama made miracles every Thanksgivin
But now the road got rough, you’re alone
You’re tryin to raise two bad kids on your own
And there’s no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated
[Chorus]
[Verse Three: 2Pac]
Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, cause through the drama
I can always depend on my mama
And when it seems that I’m hopeless
You say the words that can get me back in focus
When I was sick as a little kid
To keep me happy there’s no limit to the things you did
And all my childhood memories
Are full of all the sweet things you did for me
And even though I act craaazy
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me
There are no words that can express how I feel
You never kept a secret, always stayed real
And I appreciate, how you raised me
And all the extra love that you gave me
I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it through the night there’s a brighter day
Everything will be alright if ya hold on
It’s a struggle everyday, gotta roll on
And there’s no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Quality Shoe by Mark Knopfler
You got your toecaps reinforced with steel
Hard-wearing sole and heel
Make those tired feet feel like new
Take your pick, black or Brown
Great for the country or the man in town
You’re gonna need a quality shoe
You don’t want no stand-by pair
‘Cos these’ll take the wear and tear
Made to take good care of you
For that trip by road or rail
For extra grip on those rocky trails
You’re gonna need a quality shoe
Now they maybe ain’t too hot for dancing
But I don’t foresee too much of that
You ain’t exactly gonna be prancing
Around in the moonlight
With a cane and a top hat
If you could use a change of pace
And be excused from the rat race
Just take a look at what’s on view
Lace ’em up, walk around
I guarantee you can’t wear ’em down
You’re gonna need a quality shoe
Now I wish you sunny skies
And happiness wherever you may go
But you got to realise
There’ll be wind, there’ll be rain
And occasional snow
You’re gonna want to smile in them
If you’re gonna walk a mile in them
There’ll be times when you’ll be blue
To laugh at rainy days and then
Make your getaways in them
You’re gonna need a quality shoe
You got your toecaps reinforced with steel
Hard-wearing sole and heel
Make those tired feet feel like new
Take your pick, black or Brown
Great for the country or the man in town
You’re gonna need a quality shoe
Whistles the Wind by Flogging Molly
Whistles the wind, blowing my way
Sweeping me back, back here to stay
Can winners be losers running on the same track?
Some head for glory, others refresh
Well it breaks my heart to see you this way
The beauty in life, where’s it gone?
And somebody told me, you were doing okay
Somehow I guess they were wrong
My isolation, now there’s a sobering thought
A minute alone, a lifetime too long
See the face in this mirror, so pale it could crack
Desperately wanting the color it lacks
Well it breaks my heart to see you this way
The beauty in life, where’s it gone?
And somebody told me, you were doing okay
Somehow I guess they were wrong
So you drank with the lost souls for too many years
Time to be right cause they’ll cripple with fear
Never been righteous, though seldom we’re wrong
Life’s only life with you in this song
Now there’s an ocean between us
Where I am and where I want to be
So you prayers in doubt, doubt not for me
Well it breaks my heart to see you this way
The beauty in life, where’s it gone?
And somebody told me, you were doing okay
Somehow I guess they were wrong
Well it breaks my heart to see you this way
The beauty in life, where’s it gone?
And somebody told me, you were doing okay
Somehow I guess they were wrong
Whistles the wind
Whistles the wind
Whistles the wind
Whistles the wind
Oh you’ll find your way out, but there’s no going now
Every woman and child drags you down for the dive
It’s not safe being free, can’t give back what you feel
You said you’ll always be in heaven with me
She Used To Love Me A lot by Johnny Cash
I saw her through the window today
She was sittin’ in the Silver Spoon cafe
I started to keep going
But something made me stop
She used to love me a lot
She looked lonely and I knew the cure
Old memories would win her heart for sure
I thought I’d walk on in
And I give it my best shot
She used to love me a lot
I sat down beside her and she smiled
She said where have you been it’s been awhile
She was glad to see me
I could almost read her thoughts
She used to love me a lot
She used to love me with a love that wouldn’t die
Looking at her now I can’t believe I said good-bye
It would only take a minute to turn back the clock
She used to love me a lot
I remember how good it was back then
And I said it’s not to late to start again
We could spend a night together
Take up where we left off
She used to love me a lot
But I panicked as she turned to walk away
As she went out the door I heard her say
Yes I’m in need of something
But it’s something you ain’t got
But I used to love you a lot
I thought she loved me with a love that wouldn’t die
Looking at her now I can’t believe she said good-bye
She just left me standing in there, I never been so shocked
She used to love me a lot
She used to love me a lot
She used to love me a lot ..
Tennessee by John Cash
Momma I guess you heard
I got married Tennessee
I got a blue eyed girl
Who thinks the world of me
We got a cabin in the country
And a creek that rolls near by
And a dog that won’t even bark at a firefly
Our clothes lines hang just outside our back door
And there’s a tire that swings in the air 10 feet or more
There’s a church I can’t seem to find on Sunday morning
But I sure found the place I belong in
[Chorus:]
And we wear blue jeans and big green beans
Spend the summer time naturally high
By chopping wood for next winters fire
Saving our money for the county fair
George Jones is supposed to be there
We got, forty acres of corn on the ground
Tennessee taters we sell by the pound
Proud as we can be, to live in Tennessee
Momma you and Dad gotta come stay with us sometime
I know you’ll love that sweet little gal of mine
You and her could take about babies
Make some homemade apple pie
While me and Dad take a walk, maybe talk about old times
And we wear blue jeans and big green beans
Spend the summer time naturally high
By chopping wood for next winters fire
Saving our money for the county fair
George Jones is supposed to be there
We got, forty acres of corn on the ground
Tennessee taters we sell by the pound
Proud as we can be, to live in Tennessee
If I Ever Leave This World Alive by Flogging Molly
If I ever leave this world alive
I’ll thank for all the things you did in my life
If I ever leave this world alive
I’ll come back down and sit beside your
feet tonight
Wherever I am you’ll always be
More than just a memory
If I ever leave this world alive
If I ever leave this world alive
I’ll take on all the sadness
That I left behind
If I ever leave this world alive
The madness that you feel will soon subside
So in a word don’t shed a tear
I’ll be here when it all gets weird
If I ever leave this world alive
So when in doubt just call my name
Just before you go insane
If I ever leave this world
Hey I may never leave this world
But if I ever leave this world alive
She says I’m okay; I’m alright,
Though you have gone from my life
You said that it would,
Now everything should be all right
She says I’m okay; I’m alright,
Though you have gone from my life
You said that it would,
Now everything should be all right
Yeah should be alright
I’d Rather Be Dancing by Jim Page ( A Tribute to Rachel Corrie )
You know I was always the one
I could never stand idly by
and watch while the bullies beat up on the weaker ones
I had to do something to try
and I never gave up on people
that we could be better somehow
morality’s compass, you gave it to me
I still follow it now
well, I couldn’t stop thinking about it
I couldn’t get it out of my mind
the pictures, the stories, the plight of the people
in occupied Palestine
how my government makes me complicit
with the political aid that they send
so I packed up my bags and I headed to Rafa
to work with the ISM
and I’d rather be dancing, dancing and falling in love
but if I just just watch from a distance then what am I made of
mama these people are so good to me
they treat me like one of their own
they feed me and see to my needs
and let me sleep in their home
papa their lives are so hard
the gun shots night
the road blocks, the strip searches, the humiliations
papa it just isn’t right
I can feel my white skin privilege
it’s there in my American face
I could wave my passport around like a flag
and I would be safe in this place
for these child soldiers of Israel
they look like the boys back home
and if it wasn’t for American money
they’d have to leave these people alone
and I’d rather be dancing, dancing to Pat Benatar
but somebody has to do somethin’ about it and here we are
the tractors are coming today
they’re like tanks with bulldozer blades
the name on the side says Caterpillar
that means they’re American made
well, I am American too
and I’ll be where everybody can see
so if they want to run over these houses today
they’re gonna have to run over me
it’s dangerous takin’ a stand
but it’s dangerous running away
sometimes you have to face up to the danger
there is just no other way
for there are such beautiful dreams
I have seen the eyes of a child
and if I can just make one little difference
then I think my life is worth while
and I’d rather be dancing, but instead I’m saying goodbye
but we’ll meet again when it’s over, don’t cry
and I’d rather be dancing, and surely we’d all rather be
and one day we’ll dance in a world that’s peaceful and free
Annie Mae by Peter Stevens
From the land of Mi’kmaqs
From the land of Sioux
Rose a young Mi’kmaq woman
Named Annie Mae Pictou
Reservation where she grew
Where everybody knew
Where life could be so rough
And sometimes do (not clear about this line)
Oh oh Annie Mae
Here’s where you belong
Even today.
We hope that our people
Remember you.
Oh, oh Annie Mae
Oh, oh Annie Mae
You went off to Boston
To start a new life
Got educated
And started fighting for our rights
You promoted our culture
Gave us a new life
With hopes and dreams
And new tools to fight
Oh oh Annie Mae
Here’s where you belong
Even today.
We hope that our people
Remember you.
Oh, oh Annie Mae
Oh, oh Annie Mae
Wounded knee is where you were
Showed the people how you kept
Fighting for a cause you believed
They called you a radical
Even a militant.
We didn’t know the wolves that deceived you.
We still don’t know the wolves that deceived you.
Oh oh Annie Mae
Here’s where you belong
Even today.
We hope that our people
Remember you.
Oh, oh Annie Mae
Oh, oh Annie Mae
Danny Boy
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer’s gone, and all the roses are falling
‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
‘Tis I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
But when he come, and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
You’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an “Ave” there for me.
And I shall hear, tho’ soft you tread above me
And all my grave will warm and sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.
Shenandoah
Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, I’m bound to go
‘Cross the wide Missouri
Shenandoah, I took a notion
Away, you rolling river
To sail across the stormy ocean
Away, I’m bound to go
‘Cross the wide Missouri
‘Tis seven long years since last I see thee
Away, you rolling river
‘Tis seven long years since last I see thee
Away, I’m bound to go
‘Cross the wide Missouri
Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, I’m bound to go
‘Cross the wide Missouri
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/paul-robeson/shenandoah-lyrics/#fxz1jVGmssQKe6ym.99
The Ballad of Joe Hill
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I “But Joe, you’re ten years dead”
“I never died” said he,
“I never died” said he.
“The Copper Bosses killed you Joe,
they shot you Joe” says I.
“Takes more than guns to kill a man”
Says Joe “I didn’t die”
Says Joe “I didn’t die”
“In Salt Lake City, Joe,” says I,
Him standing by my bed,
“They framed you on a murder charge,”
Says Joe, “But I ain’t dead,”
Says Joe, “But I ain’t dead.”
And standing there as big as life
and smiling with his eyes.
Says Joe “What they can never kill
went on to organize,
went on to organize”
From San Diego up to Maine,
in every mine and mill,
Where workers defend their rights,
it’s there you find Joe Hill,
it’s there you find Joe Hill!
I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,
alive as you and me.
Says I “But Joe, you’re ten years dead”
“I never died” said he,
“I never died” said he.
Corporations Are People Too, by David Rovics
A corporation doesn’t have to feed a familyA corporation cannot be unemployed
A corporation can’t get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Heart disease, brain tumors or hemorrhoids
A corporation is set up with one motive And that is not to judge what’s right or fair
A corporation’s only goal is making money That’s why a corporation doesn’t care
A corporation can never sense the breeze upon its skin
Never know what it’s like to miss a meal
A corporation doesn’t have to worry Because a corporation cannot feel
A corporation can never know the beauty
It cannot wake up in a grove of ancient trees
It only sees a hundred thousand dollars And some mill jobs it can ship out overseas
A corporation can’t care for a child Sickened by a toxic oil spill
A corporation only stands to profit From interest on the loan for the hospital bill
A corporation never goes to funerals Of any victims who may die along the way
A corporation cannot feel remorse A corporation never really has to pay
A corporation doesn’t have a mouth But it often has many a mouthpiece
A corporation cannot shoot a gun But it can employ an army of police
A corporation can never go to prison No matter how horrible the crime
But a corporation can send lobbyists to Congress
To make sure more of us are doing time
A corporation doesn’t feel the pain Of a child raised by a TV set
And the corporations will just get bailed out
If their clients fall too deeply into debt
Corporations can’t be rounded up and shot
A corporation can’t be tortured through the night
A corporation can’t be blown up by an IED A corporation cannot ever see the sight
A corporation can’t be killed by a tsunami
A corporation cannot drown beneath the tide
A corporation doesn’t care who wins the war
If they can just sell weapons to both sides A corporation exists only to make money
A corporation never questions why A corporation doesn’t suffer consequences
Because a corporation doesn’t live and doesn’t die
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