MUMBO JUMBO
ANNIE B.
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
BACK IN '93,
MY UNCLE, JOSEPH, WENT TO SEA.
IN OUR FAMILY,
MEN WOULD WORK THE ABLE "ANNIE B."
OUT ON THE BANKS,
PULLING COD AND MACKEREL
FROM THE SEA.
BACK IN '03,
JOE AND SHARON MADE A FAMILY.
FIRST CAME LITTLE MARY.
THEN WAS BORN MY COUSIN, CHARLIE.
IN THE AFTERNOONS,
AFTER SCHOOL WE'D SCRUB
THE "ANNIE B."
BACK IN '13,
MY UNCLE, JOE, WAS LOST AT SEA.
I GOT THE WORD,
WORKING DOWN AT THE CANNERY.
IN A SUMMER SQUALL,
THE COLD ATLANTIC CLAIMED
THE "ANNIE B."
BACK IN '23,
MY COUSIN, CHARLIE, WENT TO SEA.
IN OUR FAMILY,
MEN WOULD WORK THE NEW "ANNIE B."
OUT ON THE BANKS,
PULLING COD AND MACKEREL
FROM THE SEA.
BATTLE OF BLUE WATER
donald mccrea
@2018 mechanical arts/bmi
IN THE LAND OF THE GREAT LAKOTA
IN THE BLACK HILLS OF THE DAKOTAS
NEAR THE PLATTE RIVER'S SOURCE
IN THE LAND OF CRAZY HORSE
IN THE LAND WHERE THE LONG GRASS GROWS
IN THE LAND OF THE BUFFALO
IN THE LAND WHERE CLEAR WATER FLOWS
IN THE LAND OF THE SNAKE AND CROW
IN THE LAND WHERE THE EAGLE FLIES
IN THE LAND OF ENDLESS SKIES
IN THE LAND WHERE THE HEART IF FULL
IN THE LAND OF SITTING BULL
IN THE LAND OF OUR NATIVE SONS
IN THE LAND OF OUR NATIVE DAUGHTERS
CUT DOWN IN THE SENSELESS SLAUGHTER
IN THE BATTLE OF BLUE WATER
BEBOPBEAT
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
NEVER WORK FROM 9 TO 5,
OR BUY INTO THAT BOURGEOIS JIVE.
NEVER WEAR A SUIT AND TIE,
AND WORK IN A CUBICLE
UNTIL YOU DIE.
NEVER SHINE THOSE
FLORSHEIM SHOES.
DON’T PAY TAX
OR UNION DUES.
DON’T START A
NUCLEAR FAMILY.
JUST KEEP IT REAL,
AND KEEP IT FREE.
BEBOPBEAT,
CAN YOU DIG IT?
DIG IT!
BEBOPBEAT,
CAN YOU DIG IT?
DIG IT!
NO MADRAS SHIRTS,
OR FLAT TOPHAIR.
NO RIN TIN TIN,
OR YOGI BEAR.
NO SHAG CARPETS
WALL TOWALL.
NO GOLF CLUBS,
OR BOWLING BALLS.
NO STATION WAGON
WITH FAKE WOOD PANELS.
NO BLACK AND WHITE T.V.
WITH JUST ONE CHANNEL.
NO SUBURBAN HOUSE
WITH FRESH MOWED LAWN.
JUST KEEP IT COOL,
AND GET REAL GONE.
NO UGLY EDSELS,
OR DOIN’ THE TWIST.
NO HOUSE UNAMERICAN
COMMIE LIST.
NO GREEN STAMPS,
OR HULA HOOPS.
NO HOWDY DOODY,
NO BOY SCOUT TROOP.
NO TRICKY DICK,
OR I LIKE IKE.
NO CARDS IN THE SPOKES
OF YOUR BIKE.
NO FIVE AND DIME,
NO DRIVE-IN MOVIE.
JUST GET REAL GONE,
AND KEEP IT GROOVY.
BEBOPBOOGIE
DONALD McCREA
©2023 mechanical arts/bmi
I WENT TO BED
LATE LAST NIGHT
CRAWLED UNDER THE COVERS
AND TURNED OUT THE LIGHT
BUT, SOON THERE WAS
A CRASH AND A CLATTER
SO, I SPRANG FROM BED
TO SEE WHAT WAS THE MATTER
THERE WAS A RAGING PARTY
AT THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR
THAT RATTLED THE WINDOWS
AND RUMBLED THE FLOOR
IT WAS THE BEBOPBOOGIE
PLAYIN’ ALL NIGHT LONG
BEBOPBOOGIE
PLAYIN’ ALL NIGHT LONG
THE NEXT DAY,
I WENT SHOPPING
FOR FOOD
I WAS SLEEP DEPRIVED
AND IN A DEEP DARK MOOD
THE STORE P.A. WAS
PLAYIN’ BOOMER MUSIC
AND, BABYBABYBABYBABY
BABYBABYBABYBABY
WAS PLAYIN’ ALL DAY LONG
WITH TOP FORTY REASONS
WHY AMERICA WENT WRONG
I STAGGERED BACK HOME
AND, FELL INTO BED
WITH THAT PLASTIC POP
HIT PARADE ECHOING
IN MY HEAD
SO, WHEN THE NEIGHBORS
STARTED HOWLIN’ AT THE MOON
THAT BEBOPBOOGIE
HAD NOW CHANGED MY TUNE
CUZ THAT FUNKY BEAT
AND THOSE HONKIN’ HORNS
SOUND SO MUCH BETTER
THAN ALL THAT COMMERCIAL CORN
AND, THE BEBOPBOOGIE
IS PLAYN’ ALL NIGHT LONG
LOUIS ARMSTRONG
AND SIDNEY BECHET
DEVOLVED INTO
SWING AND SWAY
WITH SAMMY KAYE
LITTLE RICHARD
WAS COVERED
BY PAT BOONE
ELVIS AND ARETHA
REPLACED
BY RAPPERS
WHO CAN’T CARRY
A TUNE
AND, BEBOPBOOGIE
IS NOW MY FAVORITE SONG
BEBOPBOOGIE
PLAYIN’ ALL NIGHT LONG
BLUE MOUNTAIN
donald mccrea
©2020 mechanical arts / bmi
THE DAYS ARE LONG IN CALIENTE
AS THE SUN IS BURNING UP THE SKY
AND, I'M WAITING AT THE CROSSROADS
WITH THAT DISTANT EAGLE IN MY EYE
WANDERING 'ROUND BLACK ROCK DESERT
RAMBLING DOWN BY FURNACE CREEK
EXPLORING THE SIERRA DE LOS CUCAPAH
'TIL I FIND ALL THAT I SEEK
I'M GOIN' BACK TO BLUE MOUNTAIN
TO SIT ON THAT SACRED STONE
GOIN' BACK TO BLUE MOUNTAIN
AND LIVE THERE ALL ALONE
BLUE YODEL #6
donald mccrea
©2022 mechanical arts/ bmi
WELL, IT'S T FOR TAXES
T FOR TYRANNY
T FOR TROUBLE
THAT JUST WON'T LET ME BE
BIG CIGAR MEN
A&R MEN
BIG FAT CZAR MEN
MADE A POOR BOY
OUTTA ME
SOLD MY SOUL
TO THE STREAMERS
GAVE ITUNES
ALL MY TRACKS
NOW, I'M RIDIN' ON A BONEY MULE
GOIN' BACK TO MUSIC SCHOOL
THEY PLAYED ME FOR A FOOL
WHILE THEY CRUISED
IN THEIR CADILLACS
IF I WAS MUDDY WATERS
SITTIN' ON A HOLLOW LOG
IF I WAS MUDDY
SITTIN' ON A HOLLOW LOG
WITH NO SYNTHESIZER
NO AUTO-TUNE
NO HARMONIZER
I'D LAY IT DOWN ANALOG
AND HOWL AT THE MOON
I'M GOIN' DOWN
TO TIN PAN ALLEY
AND SING ABOUT
LONG TALL SALLY
PLAYIN' THE BEBOP BLUES
IN MY BLUE SUEDE SHOES
I DE OH LAY ME
I DE OH LAY ME WHO
WELL, IT'S M FOR MUZAK
M FOR MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
M FOR MADONNA
M FOR MANILOW
M FOR McCREA
WHO NEVER LEARNED TO PLAY
I'D THROW IT ALL AWAY
BUT, I JUST CAN'T LET IT GO
I CAN'T LET IT GO
I CAN'T LET IT GO
I DE OH LAY ME
I DE OH LAY ME WHO
I'M GONNA BE
A ROCK STAR
IF I CAN TUNE
THIS OLD GUITAR...
YEAH, YEAH
SAY WHAT? DO TELL
ALL THIS NOIZE
MAKES ME WANNA YELL
HEY!
BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
HEADIN’ OUT OF MEMPHIS,
WITH THE SETTING SUN.
DRIVIN’ THROUGH THE DELTA,
ON HIGHWAY 61.
THIS FLATHEAD FORD IS KNOCKIN’,
THESE OLD TIRES SING A TUNE,
AND THE COTTONFIELDS GLOW LIKES GHOSTS
IN THE LIGHT OF THE MOON.
AND WE’RE ROLLIN’, WE’RE ROLLIN’…
WE’RE GONNA BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET,
WITH THE WILD TCHOUPITOULAS AND DR. JOHN.
BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET,
WE’RE GONNA PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG.
COME ON! COME ON!
ON THE BANKS OF THE BIG MUDDY,
ON A STEAMY SUMMER NIGHT.
BARGES PLY THE RIVER,
AND SWEEP THE SHORES
WITH THEIR SPOTLIGHTS.
ME AND GEORGE DICKEL,
JUST WATCHIN’ THAT RIVER FLOW,
ON DOWN TO NEW ORLEANS,
AND THE GULF OF MEXICO.
AND IT’S ROLLIN’, IT’S ROLLIN’…
WE’RE GONNA BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET,
WITH LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND SIDNEY BECHET.
BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET,
WE’RE GONNA PARTY ‘TIL THE BREAK OF DAY.
WE’RE GONNA BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET
WITH ALLEN TOUSSAINT AND FATS DOMINO.
BOOGALOO DOWN BOURBON STREET,
WE’RE GONNA PARTY,
C’MON, LET’S GO! LET’S GO!
BRAND NEW SHADE OF BLUE
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
YOU AND ME,
WE’VE TRAVELED DOWN THIS ROAD BEFORE.
TRYING TO KEEP
THESE LIES FROM COMING TRUE.
ONCE AGAIN,
WE’RE STANDING AT THIS OPEN DOOR,
TRYING TO KEEP
OURSELVES FROM WALKING THROUGH.
AND, AS THE SHADOWS FALL
ON THE AVENUE.
THIS STRANGE SAD NIGHT
TURNS A BRAND NEW SHADE OF BLUE.
YOU AND ME,
WE’VE SAILED UPON THIS STORMY SEA.
CHARTING EVERY ROCK,
AND EVERY HIDDEN REEF.
ONCE AGAIN,
WE’RE STRANDED ON SOME DISTANT SHORE,
RUN AGROUND,
MAROONED HERE WITH OUR GRIEF.
AND, AS THE SIRENS CALL
AND BECKON HEARTS ONCE SO TRUE,
THIS SEA OF LOVE
TURNS A BRAND NEW SHADE OF BLUE.
AND, AS THE ANGELS FALL
FROM GRACE, AND START ANEW,
EVEN HEAVEN
TURNS A BRAND NEW SHADE OF BLUE.
AND, AS THE ANGELS FALL
FROM GRACE, AND START ANEW,
EVEN HEAVEN
TURNS A BRAND NEW SHADE OF BLUE.
CALIFORNIA CRUISIN’
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
TRIPPIN' THROUGH THE VALLEY
IN AN EL CAMINO
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
PLAY THE PALOMINO
DRIVE PAST NUDIES
UP TO MULHOLLAND
GROKIN' THE LIGHTS
THEN RUN DOWN HIGHLAND
STRUNG OUT STARLETS
STAGGER FROM LIMOUSINES
STUMBLE DOWN SUNSET
TO THE SKYBAR POOL SCENE
JIM OUT ON THE LEDGE
OF HIS MARMONT MADNESS
TRYING TO FLY AWAY
FROM HIS WHISKEY SADNESS
HOUSE OF BLUE MEANIES
VIPER ROOM VAMPIRES
FLOATING THROUGH THE HAZE
OF THIS SURREAL SATIRE
CALIFORNIA CRUISIN’
CALIFORNIA CRUISIN’
LEAVING L.A.
GOTTA GET AWAY
HEADIN’ FOR THE CITY
BY THE BAY
CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE
BIG SUR SUMMERTIME
TASSAJARA SESSHIN
NEPENTHE CHILL SCENE
HANGIN’ WITH JACK
IN BIXBY CANYON
DANCE AROUND THE FIRE
IN WILD ABANDON
NORTH BEACH
TO THE SCENE IN SOMA
FRISCO’S LOST
IN A SIXTIES’ COMA
HIPPIES IN THE HAIGHT
AIRPLANE AT THE FILLMORE
ACROSS THE GATE
TO A HOUSEBOAT ON THE SHORE
IN THE FLOW
AND ON WE GO
UP THE COAST
TO MENDOCINO
RUNNIN' WILD
AND FEELIN' FREE
WANDER THE WOODS
DOWN TO THE SEA
FLOATING IN SERENITY
EXPLORE THE HEART
OF THE MYSTERY
CALIFORNIA CRUISIN’
CALIFORNIA CRUISIN’
CITY OF ANGELS
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
YOU WERE BORN TO PLAY THIS PART
A LEADING MAN WITH A BROKEN HEART
STARRING IN THIS SHADOW PLAY
YOUR WHOLE LIFE IS TRÈS PATHÉ.
HIT YOUR LINES AND HIT YOUR MARK
TRY TO FIND THAT MAGIC SPARK
A SCREEN TEST, A CURTAIN CALL,
A FLICKERING IMAGE ON THE WALL
ALL THE STARS ARE SHINING BRIGHT
STANDING IN THIS BIG SPOTLIGHT
MAY YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE TONIGHT
IN THE CITY OF ANGELS
IN THE CITY OF ANGELS.
CIVILIZATION
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
WADING IN THE RIVER,
MOONLIGHT THROUGH THE TREES.
THE BIRDS ARE ALL ASLEEP,
SMELL THE ORCHIDS ON THE BREEZE.
FLOATING IN THE STREAM,
A SHINY METAL CAN.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A THING SO STRANGE,
I CATCH IT IN MY HAND.
IT'S THE FIRST SIGN OF...
CIVILIZATION.
MODERNIZATION.
COMPLETE DECIMATION
OF THE AMAZON BASIN.
CIVILIZATION.
CIVILIZATION.
RESTING IN THE BRUSH,
SUNLIGHT ON THE GRASS.
WATCHING ALL THE CLOUDS,
AS THEY FLOAT ON PAST.
SUDDENLY APPEAR
THE MIGHTY JAWS OF DEATH.
THE GRINDING OF THE GEARS,
SMELL THE OILY BREATH OF…
CIVILIZATION.
DEFORESTATION.
LAND RECLAMATION.
ANNIHILATION.
CIVILIZATION.
CIVILIZATION.
ON A MONKEY HUNT,
AS HE SCRAMBLES OVERHEAD.
FARTHER FROM THE TRIBE,
I AM BEING LEAD.
COME UPON A CLEARING,
WONDER FILLS MY EYES.
THERE'S A MILLION PEOPLE,
HEAR THE ANGUISHED CRIES OF…
CIVILIZATION.
OVERPOPULATION.
CRIME AND STARVATION.
THE CRUSH OF CREATION.
CIVILIZATION.
CIVILIZATION.
COALTOWN BABIES
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
COALTOWN BABIES
STRUTTIN’ THEIR STUFF.
ACTING SO COOL,
LOOKIN’ SO TOUGH.
COALTOWN BABIES
HANGIN’ AROUND
THE DARK AND DIRTY
POOR PART OF TOWN.
SHE STANDS IN FRONT
OF THE LAUNDROMAT,
NEXT TO THE YORK HOTEL.
NEAR THE ALLEY
WITH THE YOWLING CATS.
DOWN BY THE RIVER
WITH THE GARBAGE SMELL.
AND AS THE CARS CRUISE BY.
SHE SEARCHES EVERY FACE
THAT SHE MEETS.
WITH THAT GLAZED LOOK
IN HER EYE,
SHE TRIES TO KEEP FROM
PASSING OUT IN THE STREET.
HE SITS IN A
BIG BLACK CADILLAC.
HIS SPEAKERS PUMPIN’ OUT
A BOOMING BEAT.
HIS SILKY SLEEVES
HIDE THE TINY TRACKS.
HE'S PLAYIN’ IT COOL,
BUT HE'S PACKING HEAT.
AND AS THAT DEAL GOES DOWN,
HE COUNTS THE SCRATCH
OUT ON THE SEAT.
HE RUNS THE TRAFFIC
IN THIS TOWN,
WHILE HIS STRING
WORKS THE STREET.
THE HOMELESS HUDDLE
IN THE RAIN,
THEIR WHOLE WORLD
IN A SHOPPING CART.
BUT THERE'S NO SHELTER
FROM THE PAIN,
THERE'S NOWHERE TO
HIDE A BROKEN HEART.
SHE STANDS IN THE
DARKENED DOORWAY,
TRYIN’ TO KEEP
FROM GETTING WET.
HER RAVAGED FACE TELLS
AN ANCIENT STORY.
IN THE SMOKY HALO
OF HER CIGARETTE.
COALTOWN BABIES
STRUTTIN’ THEIR STUFF.
ACTING SO COOL,
LOOKIN’ SO TOUGH.
COALTOWN BABIES
HANGIN’ AROUND
THE DARK AND DIRTY
POOR PART OF TOWN.
COCONINO
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
IT’S A LONG WAY
TO HOLLYWOOD.
THIS CHANGE OF PACE
WOULD DO SOME
MOVIE STARS GOOD.
EVERYBODY’S SLEEPING
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY.
NOTHING EVER HAPPENS,
AND NO ONE CARES ANYWAY.
IT’S A LONG WAY
TO PARIS, FRANCE.
NO ONE HERE
WANTS TO DANCE.
THE ROAD’S ARE
ROUGH AND DUSTY,
THE CARS ARE
RUSTED OUT.
THE JOBS ALL LEAD
TO NOWHERE.
THERE'S NO WAY
OF GETTING OUT.
BUT HERE
IN COCONINO,
WE’VE GOT
BUZZIN’ FLIES.
WE’VE GOT
SLEEPIN’ DOGS,
AND THE WEATHER’S
HOT AND DRY.
HERE IN COCONINO,
I’M SITTIN’
LIKE A BUMP ON A LOG,
JUST THINKIN’ OF YOU.
IT’S A LONG WAY
TO MIAMI BEACH.
THE GOOD LIFE
IS OUT OF REACH.
THE STOP SIGNS ARE
SHOT FULL OF HOLES.
THE SHACKS
ARE FALLIN’ DOWN.
THERE AIN’T
NO PEST CONTROL.
COYOTES PROWL
ON THE EDGE OF TOWN.
IT’S A LONG WAY
TO NEW YORK CITY.
IT’S A THOUSAND MILES
TO ANYWHERE PRETTY.
IT’S A LONELY OLD TOWN,
WHEN THAT SUN
IS GOIN’ DOWN.
AND THE GIRL
THAT DRIVES
YOU CRAZY,
IS NOWHERE
TO BE FOUND.
COUNTY LINE
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
IN THE MORNING,
WHEN THE TIME HAS COME,
I’LL LOOK FOR THE SIGN.
IN THE MORNING,
I’LL TAKE DOWN MY GUN,
AND CROSS THAT COUNTY LINE.
I’LL FOLLOW THE WINDING ROAD,
‘TIL I COME TO THE OLD OAK TREE.
IN THE MORNING,
WHEN THE TIME HAS COME,
I WILL BE FREE.
IN THE MORNING,
WHEN THE DAY IS HOT,
I WILL FIND THE PLACE.
IN THE MORNING,
YOU WILL HEAR A SHOT,
AND YOU WILL SEE MY FACE.
WE’LL CROSS THE RAGING RIVER,
‘TIL WE REACH THE OTHER SIDE.
IN THE MORNING,
WHEN THE DAY IS HOT,
YOU WILL BE MY BRIDE.
THAT WOMAN WENT TO WAYCROSS.
SHE CAUGHT THAT MIDNIGHT TRAIN.
LEFT ME STANDING AT THE STATION,
CRYIN’ IN THE POURING RAIN.
THAT WOMAN WENT TO WAYCROSS.
SHE HAD TO LEAVE THIS TOWN.
CAN’T YOU HEAR THAT WHISTLE BLOWIN’,
MAKIN’ THAT MOURNFUL SOUND.
THAT WOMAN WENT TO WAYCROSS,
AND SHE AIN’T NEVER COMIN’ BACK.
NOW I’M STANDING IN THE RAIN,
LOOKIN’ DOWN THE TRACKS.
COYOTE FROM CENTRAL PARK
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
I CAME ACROSS THE G.W.B.
LAST NIGHT ABOUT THE HOUR OF THREE,
JUST ANOTHER WEARY IMMIGRANT,
YEARNING TO BE FREE.
NOSED AROUND CHINATOWN,
SEARCHING FOR SOME SCRAPS.
FOUND A PARK IN THE VILLAGE,
AND STOPPED THERE FOR A NAP.
STANDING IN TIMES SQUARE,
STARING AT THE NEON LIGHTS.
HAD TO DODGE A GYPSY CAB,
RACING THROUGH THE NIGHT.
FOLLOWED A LADY UP
PARK AVENUE,
IN HER CHINCHILLA COAT,
WITH LEOPARD PANTS,
AND A ZEBRA SCARF AROUND HER THROAT.
I’M THE COYOTE FROM CENTRAL PARK,
AND I’M ONLY PASSING THROUGH.
WHILE GERSHWIN PLAYS THE OPENING THEME
FROM RHAPSODY IN BLUE.
OUT IN FRONT OF THE PLAZA,
HANSOM CABS WAITING FOR A FARE.
THE PERFUME OF WEALTH AND POWER,
LINGERING IN THE AIR.
MY APPROACHING SCENT
SPOOKS THE TIRED HORSES.
FOR, EVEN IN HIGH SOCIETY,
THERE ARE GREATER FORCES.
BACK BEHIND THE DAKOTA,
RUMMAGING THROUGH THE GARBAGE CANS.
JOHN WAS THE WALRUS,
BUT TONIGHT, I AM THE EGGMAN.
GOO GOOG A CHOO! AHOOOOO!
I’M THE COYOTE FROM CENTRAL PARK,
AND I’M ONLY PASSING THROUGH.
WHILE GERSHWIN PLAYS THE OPENING THEME
FROM RHAPSODY IN BLUE.
CRESCENT CITY
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
DRIVIN' DOWN A DUSTY ROAD
HAULIN' A HEAVY LOAD
GOIN' BACK TO EMMALENE
WAY DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS
SLEEPIN' IN A BIG BRASS BED
WITH THAT MOJO MAMA IN MY HEAD
DREAMIN' OF EMMALENE
MY LITTLE CREOLE QUEEN
IN THE CRESCENT CITY
IN THE CRESCENT CITY
GOIN' TO THE HOODOO BALL
DOWN AT THE CONGO HALL
GONNA DANCE WITH EMMALENE
AND DO THE MERENGUE
GONNA WED MON CHERI, TOUT SUITE
DOWN ON BOURBON STREET
AND LIVE WITH EMMALENE
IN THE VIEUX CARRE
GONNA PLAY SOME BOURE HANDS
MIGHT WIN SOME MONEY
MIGHT WIN SOME LAND.
TAKE IT HOME TO EMMALENE
AND STUFF IT UNDER THE MATTRESS
IN THE CRESCENT CITY
IN THE CRESCENT CITY
DANCE ALL NIGHT
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
SOME PEOPLE WORK
SOME PEOPLE PLAY
SOME PEOPLE LIE AROUND
IN BED ALL DAY
WELL, THAT'S ALL RIGHT
WE CAN DANCE ALL NIGHT
SOME PEOPLE LAUGH
SOME PEOPLE CRY
SOME PEOPLE WAIT AROUND
UNTIL IT'S TIME TO DIE
WELL, THAT'S ALL RIGHT
WE CAN DANCE ALL NIGHT
DANCE ALL NIGHT
DANCE 'TIL THEY COME
AND TAKE THE MOON AWAY
DANCE ALL NIGHT
SHAKE YOUR BODY
SHAKE YOUR SOUL
MOVE YOUR FEET
AND LOSE CONTROL
AND DANCE ALL NIGHT
SOME PEOPLE CHANT
SOME PEOPLE PRAY
SOME PEOPLE SIT
AND MEDITATE ALL DAY
WELL, THAT'S ALL RIGHT
WE CAN DANCE ALL NIGHT
SOME PEOPLE MAKE WAR
SOME PEOPLE MAKE LOVE
SOME PEOPLE SEARCH FOR
A MESSAGE FROM ABOVE
WELL, THAT'S ALL RIGHT
WE CAN DANCE ALL NIGHT
THIS WORLD IS FULL OF TROUBLES
THIS WORLD IS FULL OF HATE
WE CAN'T FORGET THAT LIFE
IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD CELEBRATE
LET'S MOVE OUR BODIES
LET'S MOVE OUR FEET
LET'S MOVE THIS CELEBRATION
OUT INTO THE STREET
DANCE ALL NIGHT
'TIL THEY TAKE THE SUN
AND THE STARS ABOVE
CREATE A WORLD
OF PEACE AND LOVE
SHINE YOUR LIGHT
AND DANCE ALL NIGHT
SHINE YOUR LIGHT
AND DANCE ALL NIGHT
DEAD MAN
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
YOU MIGHT THINK
THIS MAN HAS A LIFE
HE'S GOT A HOUSE,
HE'S GOT A CAR
HE DRINKS CHAMPAGNE
AND DRINKS CAVIAR
BUT, HE'S A DEAD MAN
YOU MIGHT THINK
THIS MAN HAS IT ALL
HE'S GOT A PLANE,
HE'S GOT A BOAT
HE'S GOT THE MONEY
TO KEEP IT ALL AFLOAT
BUT, HE'S A DEAD MAN
HE'S GOT NO DREAMS,
AND HE'S GOT NO DESIRES
YOU CAN SEE IN HIS EYES
THAT HE'S GOT NO FIRE
HE'S GOT NO PURPOSE,
AND HE'S GOT NO PASSION
HIS ENTIRE WAY OF THINKING
IS COMPLETELY OUT OF FASHION
HE'S A DEAD MAN
HE'S A DEAD MAN
YOU MIGHT THINK
THIS MAN HAS GOT IT MADE
HE NEVER STRUGGLES
HE NEVER SWEATS
HE STRETCHES OUT
AND SLEEPS IN THE SHADE
BUT, HE'S A DEAD MAN
YOU MIGHT THINK
THIS MAN HAS GOT IT LICKED
HE'S GOT STOCKS
HE'S GOT BONDS
HE'S GOT THE POWER
TO GET THE JOB DONE
BUT, HE'S A DEAD MAN.
ONLY LOVE
CAN GET THIS MAN
BACK ON HIS FEET
ONLY LOVE
CAN PUT A SMILE
BACK ON HIS FACE
ONLY LOVE
CAN MAKE HIS HEART
BEGIN TO BEAT
ONLY LOVE
CAN SAVE
THE HUMAN RACE
DIXIE DAWN
©2018 donald mccrea
mechanical arts/bmi
GOT A 'BAMA MAMA
AND A CRACKER PA
DIGGIN' IN THE DIRT
DOWN IN ARKANSAS
THEY RAISED ME RIGHT
BUT I TURNED OUT WRONG
SOLD MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL
FOR A COUNTRY SONG
OUT ON THE CORNER
'NEATH A NEON SIGN
PLAYED FOR A NICKEL
SANG FOR A DIME
WORKED THOSE STRINGS
'TIL MY FINGERS BLED
PLAYED EVERY SONG
THAT WAS IN MY HEAD
STRANDED AT THE CROSSROADS
SEARCHIN' FOR THE LIGHT
A CHOIR OF FALLEN ANGELS
SINGIN' IN THE NIGHT.
DOWN ON THE LEVEE
THE RIVER ROLLS ON
HOWLIN' AT THE MOON
IN THE DIXIE DAWN
STRAPPED THE BASS
TO THE ROOF
OF THE CADILLAC
GOT THE BOYS IN THE BAND
AND THE AMPS IN BACK
AT MUSCLE SHOALS
WE CUT SOME TRACKS
AND MIXED 'EM DOWN
AT SUN AND STAX
WITH POMADE POMPS
AND SHARKSKIN SUITS
BLACK STRING TIES
AND ALLIGATOR BOOTS
WE ROCKED THE RYMAN
AND THE HONKY TONKS TOO
WITH THE BOURBON STREET BOOGIE
AND THE BEALE STREET BLUES
PUT THE PEDAL
TO THE METAL
AND GOT REAL GONE
DROVE THROUGH THE DELTA
TOWARD THE RISING SUN
DOWN ON THE LEVEE
THE RIVER ROLLS ON
HOWLIN' AT THE MOON
IN THE DIXIE DAWN
JUMP IN
LET'S TAKE A RIDE
DOWN TO THE RIVER
TO DROWN OUR SORROWS
WHILE THE DIXIE DAWN
BRINGS A NEW TOMORROW
DO THE THING
DONALD McCREA
©2023 mechanical arts/bmi
I WAS LOST
AND FULL OF MISERY
I HAD NO FRIENDS
I HAD NO FAMILY
AND, AS I WANDERED
THIS WORLD ALONE
I COULDN’T FIND MY
WAY BACK HOME
BUT, ONE DAY
I FOUND THE KEY
TO LIVE IN PEACE
AND HARMONY
I LEARNED TO GET DOWN
AND DO THE THING
DO THE THING
DO THE THING
DO THE THING
JOIN OUR SISTERS
AND OUR BROTHERS
LOVE YOUR FATHER
LOVE YOUR MOTHER
EVERYBODY BECOMES
OUR LOVERS
WHEN WE CAN GET DOWN
AND DO THE THING
DO THE THING
DO THE THING
THIS WORLD IS HEAVEN
A PERFECT PARADISE
BUT, IT WILL PERISH
IF WE DON’T TREAT
IT NICE
THE FLOWERS BLOSSOM
THE BIRDS ALL SING
WHEN WE GET DOWN
AND DO THE THING
DO THE THING
DO THE THING
DREAMTIME
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
WHEN THE SUN IS BEATING
DOWN UPON ON YOUR HEAD
AND YOU CAN'T FIGURE OUT
IF YOU'RE LIVING OR DEAD
YOU'RE IN DREAMTIME
WHEN YOU'RE WALKING
AROUND IN YOUR SLEEP
WITH YOUR EYES OPEN WIDE
BUT, YOU'RE STILL COUNTING SHEEP
YOU'RE IN DREAMTIME
WHEN YOU FALL INTO THE CRACK
BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAY
AND YOU FIND THE PATH,
BUT YOU'VE LOST YOUR WAY
WHEN YOU SLIP IN BETWEEN
THE SHADOWS AND THE LIGHT
AND YOU SOAR LIKE A GOLDEN
EAGLE IN FLIGHT
YOU'RE IN DREAMTIME
DREAMTIME
WHEN THE BLACK CROW
IS CALLING YOUR NAME
AND THE RULES START TO CHANGE
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME
YOU'RE IN DREAMTIME
WHEN THE MIRROR BECOMES A MIRAGE
AND THE CLUTTER OF YOUR LIFE
IS A HOPELESS COLLAGE
YOU'RE IN DREAMTIME
DANCE AROUND THE FIRE
DRIVE AWAY YOUR FEARS
DANCE AROUND THE FIRE
MAKE THE SHADOWS DISAPPEAR
DANCE AROUND THE FIRE
DRIVE AWAY YOUR FEARS
DANCE AROUND THE FIRE
MAKE THE SHADOWS DISAPPEAR
AS THE WORLD GOES UP IN SMOKE
AND THE STARS SHINE LIKE TEARS
YOU'RE IN DREAMTIME
DREAMTIME
DROP OF RAIN
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
YOU'RE A DROP OF RAIN
FALLING FROM THE SKY
FORGET ABOUT YOUR PAIN
YOU WILL NEVER DIE
FLOATING IN A CLOUD
YOU'RE A DROP OF RAIN
YOU'RE A FROZEN LAKE
SLEEPING IN THE SNOW
WAITING IN THE WINTER
FOR THE SPRINGTIME THAW
UNTIL THE ICE CAN BREAK
YOU'RE A FROZEN LAKE
YOU'RE A MOUNTAIN STREAM
ON A SUMMER DAY
TUMBLING TO THE SEA
YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY
FLOATING THROUGH THIS DREAM
YOU'RE A MOUNTAIN STREAM
YOU'RE THE OCEAN BLUE
ON AN AUTUMN DAY
WHEN THE SUN BREAKS THROUGH
YOU EVAPORATE
RISING THROUGH THE AIR
THEN YOU FLY AWAY
YOU'RE A DROP OF RAIN
FALLING FROM THE SKY
FORGET ABOUT YOUR PAIN
YOU WILL NEVER DIE
FLOATING IN A CLOUD
YOU'RE A DROP OF RAIN
DRYGULCH
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
GOIN' DOWN TO DRYGULCH,
ON THE TRAIL TO TURKEY FLAT.
GOIN' DOWN TO DRYGULCH,
AND I MIGHT NOT BE COMIN' BACK.
GONNA FIND ANGEL GOMEZ,
AND DISCUSS SOME WATER RIGHTS.
AND, I'VE GOT THIS SINKIN' FEELIN',
THERE'S GONNA BE A FIGHT.
GOT THE DEED TO CASA ROBLES,
RIGHT HERE IN MY HAND.
BUT, I BROUGHT MY .30-30,
IN CASE MAKE A STAND.
I HEARD FROM JOHNSON JONES,
THERE WAS POACHING IN THE DRAW.
THEY TOOK A COUPLE YEARLINGS,
AND RODE OFF FOR TOPAWA.
GOIN' DOWN TO DRYGULCH,
ON THE TRAIL TO TURKEY FLAT.
GOIN' DOWN TO DRYGULCH,
AND I MIGHT NOT BE COMIN' BACK.
EL BRAINO NO BUENO
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
SOUTH OF THE BORDER IN TIJUANA.
TRYING TO IMPORT A KEY OF MARIJUANA.
I GOT BUSTED BY THE FEDERALES.
THEY TOOK MY MONEY, MY MARIJUANA,
AND LOCKED ME IN THE DUNGEON.
IN A HOT COURTROOM IN MEXICALI
MY LAWYER TOOK A SIESTA,
AS THEY THREW THE BOOK AT ME.
THE SOUND OF THEIR LAUGHTER
ECHOED DOWN THE HALLWAY.
SENTENCED TO THE PENATENTURIA
FOR LIFE PLUS MANANA.
EL BRAINO NO BUENO.
DONDE ESTA EL BANO, POR FAVOR?
EL BRAINO NO BUENO.
VAYA CON DIABLO, SENOR.
AFTER YEARS OF HARD LABOR,
WITH NO MARGARITAS.
I ESCAPED THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS
WITH THE HELP OF JUANITA.
IN A SHACK ON THE PLAYA
IN TODOS SANTOS.
NOW WE SPEND OUR DAYS
LOST IN A HAZE, AND WE SAY…
EMILY
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
EMILY STAYS IN HER ROOM.
EMILY STAYS IN HER ROOM.
SHE STANDS BY THE WINDOW,
AND WATCHES THE WORLD
PASSING BY.
SHE SITS AT HER DESK,
AND PONDERS EACH WORD
THAT SHE WRITES.
SHE LIES ON HER BED,
AND STUDIES THE PATTERNS
ON THE WALL.
FUNK SHUI
©2018 donald mccrea
mechanical arts/bmi
WE KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE BEAT,
TO MOVE YOUR BODY AND MOVE YOUR FEET.
AND, WE KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE SOUND,
WHEN THE ELEVATOR GOES UP AND DOWN.
WE KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE HOOK,
TO MATCH YOUR SOFA'S BRAND NEW LOOK.
AND, WE KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE QI,
TO GIVE YOUR LIFE GOOD ENERGY.
FUNK SHUI.
FUNK SHUI.
WE KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE SWING,
SO YOU CAN DANCE AND YOU CAN SING.
AND, WE KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE CHORDS,
TO BRING GOOD FORTUNE AND BIG REWARDS.
GIT DOWN
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
GIT HIP / GIT A CLUE
GIT A GRIP / GIT YOUR DUE
GIT IT ON / GIT IN GEAR
GIT GONE / GIT OUTTA HERE
GIT READY / GIT REAL
GIT STEADY / GIT A DEAL
GIT NAKED / GIT AROUND
DON'T FAKE IT / GO TO TOWN
AND GIT DOWN / GIT DOWN
GIT HUNGRY / GIT LEAN
GIT TOUGH / GIT CLEAN
GIT HAPPY / GIT STRONG
GIT CURED / GIT ALONG
GIT A HOUSE / GIT A CAR
GIT A GUITAR / BE A STAR
GIT FAMOUS / GIT A NAME
GIT AN AGENT / PLAY THE GAME
AND GIT DOWN / GIT DOWN
GIT THE PICTURE / GIT A PLAN
GIT A HAIRCUT / GIT A TAN
GIT LUCKY / GIT RICH
GIT STUFFED / GIT YOUR WISH
GIT A WIFE / GIT SOME KIDS
GIT AN ULCER / FLIP YOUR LID
GIT A MORTGAGE / GIT IN DEBT
GIT INSURANCE / GIT DEAD
AND GIT DOWN / GIT DOWN
FOLLOW THAT DREAM
INTO THE NIGHT
REACH FOR THE STARS
SHINE IN THE LIGHT
RUN DOWN THE ROAD
ROLL IN THAT BED
OPEN YOUR HEART
FILL UP YOUR HEAD
LAY DOWN A GROOVE
GET IN THE ZONE
SHAKE IN YOUR SKIN
RATTLE YOUR BONES
FLY TO THE FUTURE
BURY THE PAST
GIT IN THE MOMENT
AND MAKE IT FAST
AND GIT DOWN
GIT DOWN
HEADIN’ WEST
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
GOODBYE TO THIS TIRED OLD TOWN
FAREWELL TO THESE SAD OLD FACES
I’M HEAVEN SENT AND GLORY BOUND
GOT TO FIND WIDE OPEN SPACES
I’M RUNNIN’ DOWN THIS NEW ROAD
HEADIN’ WEST
GOODBYE TO THESE KINGS AND QUEENS
FAREWELL PETTY POTENTATES
NO REGAL ROBES OR HOLY RINGS
NO PLUTOCRATS OR POLICE STATES
I’M SAILING THOUGH A STRANGE SEA
HEADIN’ WEST
FOLLOWING THE SUN
FOLLOWING THE MOON
FOLLOWING THE STARS
THAT LIGHT THE WAY
FOLLOWING THESE HOPES
FOLLOWING THESE DREAMS
FOLLOWING MY HEART
TO A BRAND NEW DAY
I’M FLYING THROUGH
THESE BLUE SKIES
HEADIN’ WEST
HEY JOLENE!
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
HEY JOLENE,
WHERE YOU GOIN’
WITH THAT CELLPHONE
IN YOUR HAND?
HEY JOLENE,
WHERE YOU GOIN’
WITH THAT CELLPHONE
IN YOUR HAND?
I JUST SHOT MY NEW MOVIE,
AND THE PAPARAZZI
CAUGHT ME FOOLIN’ AROUND
WITH MY LEADING MAN.
HEY JOLENE,
WHERE YOU GOIN’
WITH THAT LAPTOP
IN YOUR HAND?
HEY JOLENE,
WHERE YOU GOIN’
WITH THAT LAPTOP
IN YOUR HAND?
I’M GONNA EMAIL MY AGENT,
AND HAVE HIM SELL
MY CAMEL RANCH
IN AFGHANISTAN.
HEY JOLENE,
WHERE YOU GOIN’
WITH THAT CREDIT CARD
IN YOUR HAND?
HEY JOLENE,
WHERE YOU GOIN’
WITH THAT CREDIT CARD
IN YOUR HAND?
I’M GOIN’ TO THE
HERMES BOUTIQUE
TO BUY THE SAME SCARF
THAT JIMI WORE
ON ELECTRIC LADYLAND.
HEY JOLENE,
WHATCHA GONNA DO?
HEY JOLENE,
TELL ME, WHATCHA GONNA DO?
I’M GOIN’ WHERE
A WOMAN CAN BE FREE.
I’M GONNA JET ON BACK
TO MALIBU.
HUNTED BY MACHINES
donald mccrea
©2019 mechanical arts/bmi
TAPE RECORDED VOICES
ARE CALLING UP MY PHONE
WHY WON’T THESE ROBOTS
LEAVE ME ALONE?
THEY’RE PROBING IN MY CLOSET
AND UNDERNEATH MY BED
THEY’RE SCANNING EVERY THOUGHT
THAT’S RUNNING THROUGH MY HEAD
MY RAZOR TRIES TO CUT
AND MY TOASTER TRIES TO SHOCK
MY CLOCK HAS ALARMED
EVERY MOTOR ON THE BLOCK
AND, I'M...
HUNTED BY MACHINES
HUNTED BY MACHINES
THEY'RE WORKING
NIGHT AND DAY
TO KEEP THIS PLANET
SAFE AND CLEAN
THEY'VE GOT MY NUMBER,
AND MY FACE UP ON THE SCREEN...
COMPUTERS CALCULATE
EVERY CENT I'VE EVER MADE
THEY PLOT THEIR CHARTS AND GRAPHS
TO SEE IF I MAKE THE GRADE
SATELLITES IN SPACE
WATCH ME WHILE I SLEEP
THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE
IS BEING HERDED LIKE SHEEP
I TRY TO CROSS THE STREET
AND THEY RACE TO RUN ME DOWN
I HEAR THE ANGRY ENGINES
GROWLING ALL OVER TOWN
AND, I'M...
HUNTED BY MACHINES
HUNTED BY MACHINES
THEY'RE DIGGING THROUGH THE EARTH
AND THEY'RE FLYING OVERHEAD
THEY WON’T REST ‘TIL EVERY
RED BLOODED CREATURE’S DEAD
HUNTED BY MACHINES
IN RUINS
donald mccrea
2018 mechanical arts/bmi
IF YOU SEE MY LOVE
COME TUMBLING DOWN
LIKE AN ANCIENT CASTLE
THAT FALLS TO THE GROUND
IF YOU SEE MY FACE
TURNING INTO STONE
AND MY SOUL FLYING FREE
FROM THIS SKIN AND BONES
IF YOU SEE MY HEART
GOING UP IN FLAMES,
EVERY TIME THAT SOMEONE
SAYS YOUR NAME
WHEN YOU FEEL THE WIND
HOWLING IN YOUR FACE
EVERYTIME YOU CLIMB UP
TO THIS LONELY PLACE
THEN YOU'LL KNOW
I'M IN RUINS
YOU'LL KNOW
I'M IN RUINS
I KNEW RIGHT FROM THE START
THAT YOU WOULD ONLY
BREAK MY HEART IN TWO
WHEN YOU CAPTIVATED ME
I KNEW THAT I WOULD
NEVER BE FREE OF YOU
I'M IN RUINS
IN RUINS
IRON
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
THE OGEECHEE RIVER
FLOWS THROUGH TUSCULUM
WEST OF SAVANNAH
WATCH THAT RIVER RUN
FARTHER SOUTH
IT JOINS THE CANOOCHEE
AND WANDERS OUT
TO THE WAITING SEA
WHILE THE COTTON GROWS
ON THIS SUMMER DAY
THE RIVERBED ERODES
THAT RED GEORGIA CLAY
MADE OF IRON
IRON
STEEL MILL STACKS
DOWN IN BIRMINGHAM
BELCH BLACK SMOKE
THAT SMOTHERS ALL THE LAND
RED HOT SLAG
MAKES COLD HARD STEEL
FOR BRIDGES
AND BUILDINGS
AND AUTOMOBILES
AND WHILE THE TRAFFIC
ROLLS ALONG
I'M PLAYIN'
THIS SIMPLE SONG
ON STRINGS
MADE OF IRON
IRON
CHLOROPHYLL FLOWS
THROUGH THE TREES
AND PLANTS
WHILE BIRDS AND BEES
DO THAT PRIMAL DANCE
RED BLOOD FLOWS
THROUGH OUR VEINS
WHILE WE
LEARN TO LOVE
AND DEAL
WITH PLEASURE
AND PAIN
AND THE THING THAT
SEPARATES US
FROM THE TREES
AND FLOWERS
IS THE ELEMENT
THAT CREATES
THIS STEELY STRENGTH
AND POWER
IRON
WE'RE MADE
OF IRON
I'M BROKE
donald mccrea & mark schecter
©2021 mechanical arts/bmi
BOUGHT A CAR
NO MONEY DOWN
I USED TO DRIVE
ALL OVER THIS TOWN
PICK UP MY BABY
AND GO FOR A RIDE
LEAVE HER ON THE CORNER
SO SATISFIED
BUT, ONE DAY,
I WENT OUTTA CONTROL
I WRAPPED THAT CAR
AROUND A PHONE POLE
THE FRAME IS BENT
AND THE ENGINE'S BLOWN
AND IT'S A LONG
LONG WALK BACK HOME, AND...
I'M BROKE, I'M BROKE
ALL MY MONEY'S
GONE UP IN SMOKE
AND, I'M BROKE
BOUGHT A HOUSE
UP ON THE HILL
WITH A POOL
AND A COUPE DE VILLE
AND I SWEAR
I'D BE LIVIN' THERE STILL
IF IT WASN'T FOR THE TAXES
AND THE UNPAID BILLS
I BOUGHT A COLDWATER FLAT
ON MISERY STREET
WITH A LEAKY ROOF
AND IT HAD STEAM HEAT
BUT, I SMOKED IN BED
AND I BURNED 'ER DOWN
AND NOW I'M SLEEPIN' OUT
ON THE GROUND, AND...
I'M BROKE, I'M BROKE
I'D LAUGH, BUT IT'S NO JOKE
AND, I'M BROKE
MET A GAL
SHE WAS THE SWEETEST THING
DRESSED IN FURS AND DIAMOND RINGS
SHE COULD MAKE A JAYBIRD SING
AND MAKE THE DEAD OF WINTER
SEEM LIKE SPRING
BUT, SHE SPENT MY MONEY
LEFT AND RIGHT
AND, ONE DAY WE HAD
A TERRIBLE FIGHT
PINNED TO MY PILLOW
WAS A NOTE THAT READ
"MONEY'S GONE,
HONEY'S GONE,
DROP DEAD, AND...
IT'S A JOKE
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
GOD HAS ORANGE HAIR,
AND A BIG RED RUBBER NOSE.
HE DOES CARTWHEELS IN THE AIR,
AS HE SQUIRTS YOU WITH A HOSE.
AND, YOU ARE JUST A PROP
THAT HE USES IN HIS SHOWS.
IF YOU MISS THE PUNCHLINE,
BACK AROUND THE RING YOU GO.
IT'S A JOKE. IT'S A JOKE.
IT'S ALL HELD UP BY MIRRORS,
AS THE TENT FILLS UP WITH SMOKE.
IT'S A JOKE.
GOD WEARS BIG SLAP SHOES,
AND HONKS A LITTLE HORN.
HE STANDS OVER YOU,
AND LAUGHS WHEN YOU ARE BORN.
HE SLAPS YOU ON THE BOTTOM,
AND HE SENDS YOU ON YOUR WAY.
AND, HE TRIES TO MAKE A JOKE
OUT OF EVERYTHING YOU SAY.
IT'S A JOKE. IT'S A JOKE.
AS YOU STAGGER ON THE TREADMILL,
TRYING TO KEEP FROM GOING BROKE.
IT'S A JOKE.
THE TIGER'S PACING IN HIS CAGE.
THE CLOWN IS BURNING UP WITH RAGE.
THE BEARDED LADY'S HOWLING AT THE MOON.
THE BARKER BEATS A BIG BASS DRUM.
THE ELEPHANT SUCKS UP THE CRUMBS.
THE BRASS BAND'S BLARING OUT A BROKEN TUNE.
YOU WALK THE HIGH WIRE.
JUMP THROUGH A RING OF FIRE.
YOU'VE GOT YOUR HEAD
IN THE LION'S MOUTH.
AS THEY SHOOT YOU FROM THE CANNON,
AND YOU EMERGE FROM YOUR MOTHER,
YOU THINK, "IS THIS WHAT THIS LIFE IS ALL ABOUT?"
IT'S A JOKE. IT'S A JOKE.
AS YOU WITHER IN YOUR WHEELCHAIR
AFTER SUFFERING A STROKE.
IT'S A JOKE.
IT'S A JOKE. IT'S A JOKE.
IT'S ALL HELD UP BY MIRRORS,
AS THE TENT GOES UP IN SMOKE.
WHY AREN'T YOU LAUGHING?
IT'S A JOKE.
JUNKYARD DOG
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
I’M DRUNK AS A SKUNK,
LONELY AS A TRAIN.
I’M LIKE A HERD OF BUFFALO
LOST OUT ON THE PLAINS
PALE AS A PENSIONER,
WHITE AS A GHOST.
THIRSTY AS A PIRATE
ON THE BARBARY COAST.
SLIMY AS A POLITICIAN,
SLIPPERY AS A SNAKE.
BUCKING LIKE A BRONCO
YOU CAN NEVER BREAK.
FEASTING LIKE A FRENCHMAN
ON FOIE GRAS AND FROGS.
I’M CHAINED TO THIS FENCE,
AND SNARLING LIKE A JUNKYARD DOG.
I’M RATTLED AS A BRIDEGROOM
FUMBLING FOR THE RING.
NAKED AS A JAYBIRD,
WHO’S FORGOTTEN HOW TO SING.
HOT AS A PISTOL, SHARP AS A KNIFE.
HENPECKED AS A HUSBAND,
WITH A HARPY FOR A WIFE.
HARANGUING LIKE A HUCKSTER
IN A CIRCUS FULL OF FLEAS.
TESTY AS A TEETOTALER
TASTING TEPID TEA.
I NO LONGER CUT A RUG
CUZ I’M FALLIN' OFF THIS LOG.
I’M PUNCHDRUNK AS A PUG,
AND RABID AS A JUNKYARD DOG.
I’M WOOZY AS A WINO
WAKING FROM THE DEAD.
A PARADE OF PINK PACHYDERMS
POUNDING IN MY HEAD.
I’M SQUIRMING IN THE LINEUP
DOWN AT THE COUNTY JAIL.
TWISTING IN THE WIND,
‘CUZ I CANNOT GO THE BAIL.
I’M CHATTERING LIKE A MONKEY,
HOLDING OUT HIS HAT.
JITTERY AS A JUNKIE.
BLIND AS A BAT.
HOLLERING LIKE A HAYSEED
FOR HIS HAPPY HERD OF HOGS.
I’M HOWLIN' AT THE MOON,
AND LOVESICK AS A JUNKYARD DOG.
LABORATORY OF LOVE
donald mccrea
©2019 mechanical arts/bmi
IN THE LABORATORY OF LOVE
THEY ARE EXPERIMENTING
WITH YOUR LIFE
ALL THE DOCTORS AND PRETTY NURSES
HOVER OVER YOU WITH A KNIFE
WHAT IS HE THINKING?
WE’VE GOT TO KNOW
HIS HEART IS BROKEN
IT HAS TO GO
GOT TO KEEP
YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT
AND KEEP YOUR DATE WITH FATE
DOCTORS OF DESIRE
OPERATE LATE
IN THE LABORATORY OF LOVE
THEY’VE GOT YOU STRAPPED
TO THE OPERATING TABLE
SHOWING YOU PICTURES
OF MARILYN MONROE
AND BETTY GRABLE
WHY IS HE CRYING?
WE'VE GOT TO SEE
WE MUST TERMINATE
ALL THOSE FANTASIES
DREAMS ARE DANCING
WITH DESIRES
FANTASIES FLOAT
IN A FIELD OF FLOWERS
MEMORIES DIVE DEEP
INTO THE SEA
LOOKING FOR LOVE
THAT WILL SET US FREE
LOVE...
OOOH LOVE...
LOVE...
LIVE AND NEVER LEARN
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
SOME BRIDGES YOU CAN NEVER BURN.
SOME HEARTS WERE MEANT TO BE BROKEN.
SOME UNKIND WORDS WERE MEANT TO BE SPOKEN.
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
I'VE BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE,
AND I SHOULD KNOW THE SCORE.
I SHOULD KNOW ALL THAT LOVE CAN DO.
I'VE GOT THE BATTLE SCARS
FROM THE ROMANTIC WARS.
BUT, I FORGOT THAT ALL
WHEN I MET YOU.
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
SOME LONG LOST FEELINGS CAN RETURN.
YOUR LOVE WAS MEANT TO BE TASTED,
BUT, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT
THESE FEELINGS WOULD BE WASTED.
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
NOW, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS,
THE HEARTACHES AND THE TEARS,
SOME LOSERS STILL FEEL THEY CAN WIN.
FOR I KNOW ALL TOO WELL,
THAT I WOULD MARCH THROUGH HELL,
FOR A CHANCE TO FIND
THAT SWEET HEAVEN ONCE AGAIN.
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
SOME BRIDGES YOU CAN NEVER BURN.
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
SOME PEOPLE LIVE AND NEVER LEARN.
LOTUS
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
LOVE IS JUST A LOTUS BLOSSOM,
SIGNIFYING GRACE.
RESTING IN A BUDDHA'S HAND,
A SMILE UPON HIS FACE.
SITTING IN A WOODEN SAMPAN,
DRESSED IN CAMOUFLAGE.
A LOTUS BLOSSOM IN MY HAND,
IS THIS A MIRAGE?
OPEN UP YOUR FLOWER
FOR ME.
WRAP YOURSELF AROUND ME
FOR ETERNITY.
LOVE IS JUST A LOTUS BLOSSOM,
FLOATING IN A STREAM.
LOVE CAN CARRY YOU AWAY,
IN A MAGIC DREAM.
FLOATING IN THE MEKONG DELTA,
CLOUDS REFLECTED IN MY EMPTY EYES.
WILL WE EVER LEARN THIS LESSON,
DOES LOVE HAVE TO DIE?
OPEN UP YOUR FLOWER
FOR ME.
WRAP YOURSELF AROUND ME
FOR ETERNITY.
LOVE YOURSELF
donald mccrea
©2019 mechanical arts/bmi
LOVE THE EARTH
AND YOUR FELLOW MAN
LOVE THE WATER
LOVE THE LAND
LOVE THE BIRDS
AND LOVE THE BEES
LOVE THE FLOWERS
AND LOVE THE TREES
AND LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE YOUR UNCLES
LOVE YOUR AUNTS
LOVE TO SING
AND LOVE TO DANCE
LOVE JESUS
AND BUDDHA TOO
LOVE MOHAMMED
AND IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
TO LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE THE HIPPIES
LOVE THE PUNKS
LOVE THE SNAKES
AND LOVE THE SKUNKS
LOVE CHINA
AND RUSSIA TOO
BE SURE
TO SAVE SOME
LOVE FOR YOU
LOVE YOUR MOTHER
LOVE YOUR WIFE
LOVE YOUR BROTHER
LOVE YOUR LIFE
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS
AND YOUR ENEMIES
DO US A FAVOR
AND FEEL FREE
NO MORE HATRED
NO MORE WARS
WHAT IS ALL THIS
FIGHTING FOR?
LET YOUR POWER
FIND RELEASE
HELP THIS PLANET
FIND SOME PEACE
AND, LOVE YOURSELF
LOVE YOURSELF
MAGIC
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
IN A TANK OF WATER,
SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN.
SHACKLED BY THESE CHAINS,
TRYING NOT TO DROWN.
I'M A MASTER OF ILLUSION,
AND A MASTER OF DISGUISE.
SO, WHILE I'M UNDERWATER,
YOU CAN'T SEE ME CRY.
CAN'T SEE ME CRY.
FLOATING IN THE SPOTLIGHT,
IN A CLOUD OF DRY ICE.
I'M LEVITATING ABOVE THE TABLE,
IN A TUXEDO SO NEAT AND SO NICE.
BUT, AS THE CURTAIN COMES DOWN,
I FALL BACK TO THE GROUND.
AND, BACKSTAGE IN MY BATHROBE,
I HANG MY HEAD AND PACE AROUND,
JUST PACE AROUND.
I CAN SAW A MARRIAGE IN HALF.
I CAN MAKE A WIFE DISAPPEAR.
BECAUSE THE MAGIC'S ALL GONE,
AND LOVE HAS DISAPPEARED IN THIN AIR.
NO MORE ACES UP MY SLEEVE,
THAT WAS JUST A NASTY OLD HABIT.
NOW, WHEN I REACH INTO MY TOP HAT,
I'VE RUN OUT OF RABBITS.
THE SUN COMES UP EVERY MORNING,
AND, THE MOON SHINES EVERY NIGHT.
I'VE STILL GOT MY HEALTH,
AND I CAN GET AROUND ALL RIGHT.
FLOWERS BLOOMING IN THE YARD,
AND BIRDS ARE SINGING EVERYWHERE.
I BUILT A FENCE TO KEEP OUT THE RABBITS,
AND THERE'S MAGIC IN THE AIR.
THERE'S MAGIC,
MAGIC IN THE AIR.
MALIBU
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts / bmi
THE MOON DANCES ON THE SURFACE
OF THE PACIFIC BLUE.
STARS ARE SHINING BRIGHTLY
OUT IN MALIBU.
ROARING UP THE PCH
IN A DIABLO LAMBORGHINI,
WITH AN ETHEREAL AMAZON
IN A STRING BIKINI.
SPEAKERS BLASTING A MEGAGROOVE
MASHUP OF JAMES BROWN.
“I FEEL GOOD, LIKE I KNEW I WOULD”,
AS THAT SUMMER SUN’S GOING DOWN.
BURSTING INTO BAMBU
WHERE THE SCENE IS RAGING,
LIKE SOME SET OF SPIELBERG’S
WITH THE LIGHTING AND THE STAGING.
THE ENTIRE ROOM IS BUZZING
WITH THE SEDUCTIVE SOUND
OF POWER TALK, AND POWER PLAYS,
AND PRODUCTION DEALS GOIN’ DOWN.
OUT IN MALIBU.
OUT IN MALIBU.
STANDING ON THE SAND
IS A GOLDEN MAN,
WAITING BY THE OCEAN
WITH A SURFBOARD IN HIS HAND.
OUT TO CATCH A PERFECT SET
ON A PRISTINE SEA.
AND RIDE THE BUCKING BRONCO POWER
OF AN OCEAN WILD AND FREE.
AS A GOLDEN WOMAN
SITS LOTUS ON THE SHORE.
WITH DANCING DREAMS AND DEEP DESIRES
IN HER HEART ONCE MORE.
SOAKING UP THE SUMMER SUN
IN SWEET SERENITY.
WHILE FLOATING IN A TIMELESS TRANCE
OF TRUE TRANQUILITY.
OUT IN MALIBU.
OUT IN MALIBU.
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
FROM THE TREETOP PERCH
TO THE PENTHOUSE SUITE
FROM SQUATTING IN THE DIRT
TO THE PLUSH BOX SEATS
LIFE HERE ON EARTH
HAS GOTTEN OH, SO SWEET
BUT, MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
FROM SWINGING ON A VINE
TO ROCKETING TO MARS
FROM SNIFFING FOR A SCENT
TO NAVIGATING BY THE STARS
WE STILL GESTURE WILDLY
AS WE'RE DRIVING IN OUR CARS
CUZ, MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
SAYS THE TEACHER IN HIS TALK
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
AS HE DIAGRAMS WITH CHALK
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
OBSERVE THE WAY HE WALKS
HE'S STILL A MONKEY
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
SAYS THE KEEPER OF THE ZOO
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
THOUGH HE'S LEARNED
A TRICK OR TWO
MAN IS STILL A MONKEY
MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO
HE'S STILL A MONKEY
MISSISSIPPI
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
I FEEL SO BAD,
I COULD FILL THE MISSISSIPPI
FULL OF TEARS.
I FEEL SO BAD,
I COULD FILL THE MISSISSIPPI
FULL OF TEARS.
FOLKS DOWN IN ST. JAMES PARISH
WOULD SAY THEY AIN’T SEEN
NOTHIN’ LIKE IT IN YEARS.
SINCE THAT GIRL’S BEEN GONE,
I’VE BEEN OVERFLOWING MY BANKS.
SINCE THAT GIRL’S BEEN GONE,
I’VE BEEN OVERFLOWING MY BANKS.
IF SHE EVER COMES BACK HOME,
EVERYONE IN MEMPHIS
WOULD FALL DOWN ON THEIR KNEES
AND GIVE THANKS.
I’VE BEEN CRYIN’ SO LONG,
I FLOODED THE TOWN OF DELACROIX.
I’VE BEEN CRYIN’ SO LONG,
I FLOODED THE TOWN OF DELACROIX.
IF SHE’D JUST BE MY WOMAN,
ALL THOSE WEARY PEOPLE,
WOULD JUMP FOR JOY.
RAIN’S COMIN’ DOWN,
AND BEATS A RHYTHM ON MY ROOF.
THAT OLD RAIN’S COMIN’ DOWN,
AND BEATS A RHYTHM ON MY ROOF.
MY HEART IS DROWNIN’
IN A RAGING RIVER THAT’S 100 PROOF.
MOJAVE
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
THE DRUNKEN MOON
STAGGERS ACROSS THE SKY,
AND CRASHES TO THE GROUND.
AFTER A NIGHT
OF DRINKING MESCAL
IN A MESTIZO BORDER TOWN.
AND, WHILE THE WHIRLING PLANETS
BEAR WITNESS TO THIS SCENE,
I LIE SLUMBERING ON THE SAND,
AND DREAM THE STRANGEST DREAM.
A MIRAGE OF CORONADO
APPEARS IN THE SHIMMERING HEAT,
WITH HIS BAND OF CONQUISTADORS
EXPLORING A GOLDEN STREET.
TO THE SEVEN CITIES OF CIBOLA,
IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT TREASURE,
AND MORE WEALTH
THAN THE ROYAL COURT OF SPAIN
COULD EVER MEASURE.
AND, WHILE I LIE SLEEPING,
IN THIS VALLEY OF JOSHUA TREES,
THE STARS SHINE DOWN
LIKE CASTILIAN SILVER,
ON THE MOJAVE.
ON THE MOJAVE.
MOVIE STARS
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
MOVIE STARS
MOVIE STARS
HANGIN' OUT IN CLUBS
DRIVIN' IN THEIR CARS
THIS WHOLE TOWN'S CRAWLIN'
WITH MOVIE STARS
IN HOLLYWOOD
HOLLYWOOD
STANDIN' ON THE STREET CORNERS
LOOKIN' SO GOOD
THERE ARE LOTS OF MOVIE STARS
IN HOLLYWOOD
IN BEVERLY HILLS
BEVERLY HILLS
DRINKIN' LOTS OF VODKA
POPPIN' LOTS OF PILLS
TRYIN' TO FIGURE OUT
HOW TO PAY THOSE BILLS
IN BEVERLY HILLS
IN MALIBU
MALIBU
LYIN' ON THE BEACH
WONDERIN' WHAT TO DO
TO KEEP IT ALL AFLOAT
IN MALIBU
NAKED
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
YOU CAN WEAR A SUIT
AND YOU CAN WEAR A TIE,
BUT YOU'RE NAKED WHEN YOU'RE BORN,
AND YOU'RE NAKED WHEN YOU DIE.
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU WEAR,
IT'S THE LOOK IN YOUR EYE
THAT LEAVES YOU NAKED.
YOU CAN DRESS UP LIKE A WOMAN,
YOU CAN DRESS UP LIKE A MAN,
BUT, THERE'S REALLY NO WAY
YOU CAN FAKE IT.
PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE
BY THE WAY THAT YOU STAND,
CUZ YOU'RE NAKED.
YOU CAN WEAR A TUTU,
OR A TEN GALLON HAT.
DRESS IN A DIRTY BATHROBE,
OR A SHINY SILK CRAVAT.
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU WEAR,
PEOPLE KNOW WHERE YOU'RE AT,
CUZ YOU'RE NAKED.
EVERYTHING YOU'RE THINKIN',
EVERYTHING YOU FEEL,
WHEN YOU'RE TALKIN' TO A LOVER,
OR TRYIN' TO MAKE A DEAL.
THEY ALWAYS KNOW IF YOU'RE A PHONY,
OR IF YOU ARE FOR REAL,
CUZ YOU'RE NAKED.
NAKED.
WE'RE ALL NAKED.
NAKED.
WE'RE ALL NAKED.
YOU CAN WEAR A SUIT OF ARMOR,
OR A PAIR OF BOWLING SHOES.
DRESS UP LIKE A FARMER,
OR A MONK FROM KATHMANDU.
BUT PEOPLE KNOW IF YOU'RE IN BLISS,
OR IF YOU'VE GOT THE BLUES,
CUZ YOU'RE NAKED.
WE'RE AS NAKED AS THE CREATURES
LIVIN' IN THE ZOO.
AS NAKED AS THE DANCER
DOIN' THE HOOCHY KOO
WE'RE AS NAKED AS A JAYBIRD,
AND THERE'S NOTHIN' WE CAN DO,
CUZ WE'RE NAKED.
YOUR TEACHERS,
AND YOUR PREACHERS,
THE JUDGE UPON THE BENCH.
THE DOCTORS,
AND THE LAWYERS,
THE MECHANIC
WITH HIS WRENCH.
THE SOLDIERS,
AND THE SAILORS,
THE BUMS
OUT ON THE STREET.
YOUR MOTHER
AND YOUR FATHER,
AND EVERYONE YOU MEET,
ARE ALL NAKED.
NAKED.
ODYSSEY
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
IT'S A LONG WAY
ACROSS THE SAND,
WHEN YOU'RE A LOST
AND LONELY MAN.
AND YOU'RE SEARCHING
FOR THE
LAND OF LOVE.
IT'S A LONG WAY
ACROSS THE SEA,
WHEN YOU'RE SAILING
FOR ETERNITY.
AND NAVIGATING BACK
TO THE ONE
WHO WAITS
SO PATIENTLY.
NO MATTER
WHO YOU ARE,
OR WHERE YOU
MAY BE.
IF YOU'RE
REACHING FOR A STAR,
YOU ARE A PART
OF THE ODYSSEY.
IT'S A LONG WAY
OUT INTO SPACE,
TRAVELING WITH
THE HUMAN RACE.
AND, LONGING
TO SEE
THE SHINING
FACE OF LOVE.
ONE WORLD
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
WE'RE TRIBAL, AND WE'RE GLOBAL.
WE'RE PETTY, AND WE'RE NOBLE.
WE'RE SAVAGE, AND WE'RE SO SOPHISTICATED.
WE'RE STRANGERS, BUT WE'RE RELATED.
WE'RE SISTERS, AND WE'RE BROTHERS.
DON'T YOU THINK IT'S TIME WE LEARNED
TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER?
AND, MAKE IT…
ONE WORLD.
ONE WORLD.
MAKE IT
ONE WORLD.
ONE WORLD.
WE'RE CHRISTIAN, AND WE'RE COMMIE.
WE'RE HINDU, AND ISLAMI.
WE'RE SHINTO, SUFI, AND SIKH.
WE'RE BLACK, BROWN, AND YELLOW,
WE'RE RED AND PINK
WE'RE EVERY COLOR OF THE RAINBOW,
AND WE'RE SEVEN BILLION STRONG.
AND, THERE'S NO EARTHLY REASON WHY
WE CAN'T GET ALONG.
AND, MAKE IT…
ONE WORLD.
ONE WORLD.
MAKE IT
ONE WORLD.
ONE WORLD.
TAKE ALL THE POLITICIANS,
AND PUT 'EM TO WORK!
TAKE ALL THE KINGS AND QUEENS,
AND PUT 'EM TO WORK!
TAKE ALL THE PEOPLE,
AND SET THEM FREE!
SET THEM FREE!
SET THEM FREE!
COME ON, PEOPLE.
STAND UP.
JOIN HANDS.
SPEAK OUT.
MAKE LOVE,
NOT WAR.
BECAUSE LOVE,
IS WHAT
WE'RE HERE FOR.
MAKE IT
ONE WORLD.
ONE WORLD.
ONE WORLD.
ON THE RUN
donald mccrea
©2020 mechanical arts/bmi
MY NAME IS JOHN
AND THIS IS BABY FACE
IN THE EARLY DAWN
G MEN ARE GIVIN' CHASE
BULLETS FLYIN'
PAST THIS OLD FLIVVER
THIS BUGGY'S TRYIN'
TO MAKE THE RIVER
WE'RE ON THE RUN
ON THE RUN
WE'RE ON THE RUN
WITH TOMMY GUNS
THIS IS BONNIE
MY NAME IS CLYDE
JUMP IN THIS FORD
GO FOR A RIDE
WE'RE HEADIN' DOWN
TO BLACK LAKE
TO LAY LOW
AND TAKE A BREAK
MY NAME IS AL
I RUN CHICAGO
FROM CITY HALL
DOWN IN CICERO
HEADLINES SCREAM
IN THE EVENING EDITION
ABOUT THE BOOTLEGGERS
AND PROHIBITION
PHANTOM LIMB
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
WE ARE CASTING SHADOWS
THAT ARE HIDING FROM THE SUN
BUT WHEN OUR BODIES FADE AWAY
THE SHADOWS WILL BE GONE
YOU AND I WERE DANCING
ON THE SURFACE OF A DREAM
WHEN THE DAY SLOWLY DRIFTED AWAY
AND WE WOKE UP ONCE AGAIN
BUT I CAN STILL SEE YOU
BURNING BRIGHT WITHIN
AND I CAN STILL FEEL YOU
LIKE A PHANTOM LIMB
WE ARE MERELY HYDROGEN
SENT HERE FROM THE SUN
GLOWING IN THIS HALF-LIFE
SUSPENDED IN THIS MEDIUM
YOU AND I WERE LAUGHING
AT THE COSMIC JOKE
WHEN THE PROJECTOR FLICKERED
AND SOMEBODY SPOKE
BUT I CAN STILL SEE YOU
BURNING BRIGHT WITHIN
AND I CAN STILL FEEL YOU
LIKE A PHANTOM LIMB
PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
donald mccrea
©2019mechanical arts/ bmi
DRIVING IN MY TANK
CRASHING THROUGH THE TOWNS
I AM GIVING THANKS
FOR THIS CONVENIENT WAY
TO RUN THE PEASANTS DOWN
FLYING IN MY PLANE
DROPPING LOTS OF BOMBS
THEY’RE SCREAMING IN PAIN
BUT I’M A BIG HERO
AND I’M HAVING LOTS OF FUN
PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
THESE MACHINES HAVE SET US FREE
WE LOVE OUR PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
IT’S A BETTER LIFE FOR YOU AND ME
WE’RE SENDING ROCKETS TO THE MOON
SENDING ROCKETS TO THE STARS
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT PRETTY SOON
WE CAN WRAP UP OUR GARBAGE
AND SEND IT OFF TO MARS
WE’RE MANUFACTURING POLLUTION
WE ARE AN ENDANGERED MAMMAL
WE’D BETTER FIND A SOLUTION
OR THE WORLD WILL BE A DESERT
AND WE’LL ALL BE RIDING CAMELS
QUARTER
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
THE HOMESTEAD ACT OF 1862,
GAVE A QUARTER SECTION
TO ANYONE WHO
COULD STICK IT OUT
FOR FIVE FULL YEARS,
AND BRAVE THE HEARTACHES
AND THE TEARS,
ON A QUARTER.
LAND AS FLAT
AS A FRYIN' PAN.
SCRAPIN' OUT A LIVING
WITH YOUR HANDS.
THERE'S NOT A HILL,
OR A TREE
FOR AS FAR
AS THE EYE CAN SEE,
ON A QUARTER.
IT'S A HARDSCRABBLE LIFE
FOR A MAN AND A MULE.
IT'S A TEN MILE WALK
TO A ONE ROOM SCHOOL.
WHEN THE WINTER WINDS
WHIP ACROSS THE PLAINS,
THEY BRING THE DRIVIN' SNOW,
AND THE FREEZIN' RAIN,
ON A QUARTER.
ON A QUARTER.
PLANTIN' THE SEEDS.
OUT ON A QUARTER
PULLIN' THE WEEDS.
ON A QUARTER.
THE DRY YEARS
WERE THE ACID TEST.
IN THE DIRTY THIRTIES,
FOLKS DRIFTED WEST.
PULLIN' UP STAKES,
AND ROLLIN' DOWN THE ROAD,
TO CALIFORNIA.
ON FIFTH STREET
IN DOWNTOWN L.A.,
THERE'S A FLOPHOUSE
WHERE A MAN CAN STAY.
DRINKIN' IN A DIVE,
ON A DEAD END STREET,
AND DROWNIN'
IN HIS DEFEAT.
ON THE NICKEL.
HOLDIN' UP A SIGN.
ON THE NICKEL.
STANDIN' IN A SOUP LINE.
AND WISHIN' HE WERE BACK
ON A QUARTER.
TIMES ARE GETTIN' TOUGH.
BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?
ROADKILL BLUES
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
I'M LYIN' OUT HERE
ON HIGHWAY 50
STARIN' UP
AT THE DESERT SKY.
GREY WOLVES GNAWIN'
AT MY BONES
BLACK CROW'S PECKIN'
OUT MY EYES.
DUNG BEETLE CRAWLIN'
UP MY ARM.
SCORPIONS SLEEPIN'
IN MY SHOES
AND, SOMEWHERE MY SOUL
IS TRYIN' TO REMEMBER
THE WORDS TO THESE OLD
ROADKILL BLUES.
CUZ, I'M ROADKILL
THIS OLD HIGHWAY
IS MY BED.
I'M ROADKILL
BUZZARDS CIRCLIN'
OVERHEAD
I'M ROADKILL
SINCE YOU LEFT ME
HERE FOR DEAD
I'M ROADKILL.
I HEADED OUT
FROM WINNEMUCCA
TRYIN' TO TRACK YOU DOWN
ONE MORE TIME.
I WAS LAST SEEN
JUST EAST OF ELKO,
BUT I NEVER MADE IT
TO THE COUNTY LINE.
YOUR LETTER'S STILL
CLUTCHED IN MY HAND
WHILE LIZARDS LICK THE SALT
FROM THE TEARS I CRIED.
MY WALLET'S BURIED
SOMEWHERE IN THE SAND,
SO NO ONE WILL KNOW
WHO I WAS,
OR HOW I DIED.
CUZ I'M ROADKILL,
AND YOU'RE IN SOMEONE
ELSE'S BED.
I'M ROADKILL,
BUZZARDS CIRCLIN'
OVERHEAD
I'M ROADKILL
SINCE YOU LEFT ME
HERE FOR DEAD.
I'M ROADKILL.
SOME FOLKS WERE BORN
TO FIND TRUE LOVE,
WHILE OTHERS LEARN
TO JUST MAKE DUE.
NOW, WHILE MY HEART
IS FEEDING
A FAMILY OF FRUIT FLIES,
I'M STILL DREAMIN' OF YOU
I'M STILL DREAMIN' OF YOU
I'M STILL DREAMIN' OF YOU.
SAVAGE MAN
donald mccrea
©2023 mechanical arts/bmi
RUNNING THROUGH THE JUNGLE
IN YOUR POWER SUIT
TRYIN' TO CATCH A BUCK
HOT IN THE PURSUIT
SWEAT GLISTENS ON YOUR BODY
YOUR HEART IS PUMPING HARD
STEAM RISES FROM THE TAR PITS
AT WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
YOU SPY A COUPLE JAGUARS
RESTING IN THE SHADE
YOU THINK OF ALL THE FAT CATS
WHO HAVE GOT IT MADE
YOU'RE A SAVAGE MAN
IN A STRANGE STRANGE LAND
STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE
ANY WAY YOU CAN
A SAVAGE MAN
IN A STRANGE STRANGE LAND
WORKING YOUR WAY UP
SINCE THE DAY THAT TIME BEGAN
AT THE CONFERENCE TABLE
GNAWING ON A BONE
WRESTLING WITH A TIGER
ON THE TELEPHONE
HUNKER BY THE FIRE
THAT'S GLOWING ON THE SCREEN
VOLCANOS ARE ERUPTING
IN THE TRADE MAGAZINES
THE WOLVES ARE AT YOUR DOOR
THEY'RE HOWLING FOR YOUR BLOOD
YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE A SCORE
OR THEY'LL DRAG YOU
THROUGH THE MUD
YOU'RE A SAVAGE MAN
IN A STRANGE STRANGE LAND
STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE
THE PRESSURE AND THE STRESS
A SAVAGE MAN
IN A STRANGE STRANGE LAND
WORKING YOUR WAY UP
THE LADDER OF SUCCESS
YOU'RE TIRED AFTER HUNTING
MAMMOTH DEALS ALL DAY
DRAWINGS ON THE CAVE WALLS
PICASSO AND MONET
REST BENEATH THE PALM TREES
WHERE IT'S NICE AND COOL
WATCH THE YOUNG PIRANHA
SWIMMING IN YOUR POOL
YOU'VE DRAGGED HOME
FROM FRESH MEAT
HIT ON HER AT THE CLUB
TASTE THE COOKING NATIVE
THAT SIMMERS IN YOUR TUB
YOU'RE A SAVAGE MAN
IN A STRANGE STRANGE LAND
STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE
AND MAKE IT THROUGH
THE NIGHT
A SAVAGE MAN
IN A STRANGE STRANGE LAND
WORKING YOUR WAY UP
AND INTO THE LIGHT
SHADOWPLAY
donald mccrea
©2022 mechanical arts/bmi
YOU CAN ABSORB
AND RADIATE THE LIGHT
WHILE SHINING EVERY DAY
AND GLOWING EVERY NIGHT
DREAMING IN YOUR BED
AND FORMING FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
YOU ARE BUT A SHADOW
CAST DOWN UPON THIS LAND
CAPTURE IT IN PHOTOS
CONVEY IT ALL IN RHYME
LAUNCH IT INTO OUTER SPACE
IMPRISON IT LIKE A CRIME
EXPLORE THE ETERNAL LINK
BETWEEN YOU AND THE SUBLIME
WHILE YOUR FLEETING SHADOW
IS RUNNING OUT OF TIME
CRY OUT TO YOUR ANCESTORS
AND BEG THEM TO INTERVENE
AND PROPOGATE NEW GENERATIONS
TO POPULATE THE SCENE
OR YOU’LL BE STRANDED ALL ALONE
PONDERING THIS DREAM
WHILE YOU TRY TO MAKE SOME SENSE
OUT OF ALL THAT YOU HAVE SEEN
IN THE SHIMMERING SUMMER HEAT
AND ON THE BLEAKEST WINTER DAY
WHEN THE SUN IS BLAZING DOWN
AND THE MOONS ARE COLD AND GREY
WHEN ALL THE WORDS ARE WRITTEN
THERE’LL BE NOTHING LEFT TO SAY
BUT, YOU WILL STILL REMAIN THE STAR
OF THIS SHADOWPLAY
SILENT IN SEVEN LANGUAGES
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD
IN SOME STRANGE MARKETPLACE.
SWIMMING IN A SEA OF VOICES,
DROWNING IN A SEA OF FACES.
AND FLYING ALL AROUND ME,
LIKE A FLOCK OF EXOTIC BIRDS,
ARE A THOUSAND DISEMBODIED THOUGHTS,
AND A MILLION DISCONNECTED WORDS.
I'M SILENT IN SEVEN LANGUAGES,
WITHOUT A THOUGHT IN MY HEAD.
WHILE EVERYONE IS TALKING,
WITHOUT A THING BEING SAID.
I'M SILENT IN SEVEN LANGUAGES,
AND CONVERSANT IN ONLY THREE,
IN THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE,
IN THE LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL,
AND IN ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU AND ME.
WASHED UP ON SOME UNMAPPED ISLAND,
IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME UNCHARTED SEA.
PADDLING UP THIS JUNGLE RIVER,
INTO THE HEART OF THE MYSTERY.
WITH THESE CHATTERING MONKEYS,
AND ALL THESE SQUAWKING BIRDS,
THIS TROPICAL WORLD IS TALKING,
WITHOUT USING ANY WORDS.
SO HERE
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
I WAS IN MADRID
DOWN IN SUNNY SPAIN
YOU WERE IN BRAZIL
DANCING IN THE RAIN
FLOATING IN LOVE'S PLEASURES
DROWNING IN LIFE'S PAIN
WE DROVE THROUGH THE DAYS
RAN THROUGH THE MAZE
AND FOUND OURSELVES
TOGETHER AGAIN
I WAS OFF IN EGYPT
PADDLING DOWN THE NILE
YOU WANDERED THE STREETS OF PARIS
NOUVEAU AS A CHILD
FLIRTING WITH WILD FANTASIES
WRESTLING WITH GHOSTS
NOW WE ARE FREE
SIPPING TEA
AT LES DEUX MAGOTS
SO HERE
SO HERE
WE ARE SO HERE
WE ARE SO HERE
THE PAST HAS FADED
THE FUTURE IS SHADED
BUT THIS ETERNAL MOMENT
WILL NEVER DIE
AS THE ICE HAS MELTED
EMBERS FAN THE FLAMES
AND WE ARE CONSUMED
BY THE LOVE THAT HAS NO NAME
TRAVELING THROUGH TIME
FLOATING THROUGH SPACE
EXPLORING EVERYWHERE
UNTIL WE'RE FACE TO FACE
ONCE WE WERE SO FAR
THEN WE WERE SO NEAR
NOW YOU AND I
ARE SO HERE
SONG OF THE SOUTH
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
I’M GONNA RIDE THAT BIG OLD MUDDY,
ON THE DELTA QUEEN.
GONNA MAKE M Y FORTUNE
DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS.
MIGHT MEET SOME CAJUN GIRL,
OR SOME SWEET CREOLE.
MAKE LOTS OF BABIES,
AND SATISFY MY SOUL.
MIGHT MOVE IN WITH MY BROTHER,
UP IN ABERDEEN.
HELP HIM PICK THAT COTTON,
AND WEED OUT ALL THOSE BEANS.
GO FISHIN’ IN THE CREEK,
ON A SUMMER’S DAY.
REST BENEATH THAT BIG OAK TREE,
AND WHILE THE TIME AWAY.
WELL, SHUT MY MOUTH.
SINGIN’ ASONG OF THE SOUTH.
TRAVELIN’ DOWN THE NATCHEZ TRACE.
THINKIN’ OF ALL THOSE THINGS
THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE.
GONNA GO SEE MISS ROSA B..
GOIN’ BACK TO GADSDEN
AND FIND SAM BURNEY.
HOUND DOGS ARE HOWLING,
UP IN TENNESSEE.
THEY’VE GOT A POSSUM CORNERED.
THEY’VE GOT HIM UP A TREE.
AND DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS,
SOME POOR SOUL HAS PASSED AWAY.
YOU CAN JOIN THAT SECOND LINE,
YOU CAN HEAR THAT BRASS BAND PLAY.
THE MOON SHINES ON THE WATER,
OUTSIDE THIBIDOUX.
ALLIGATORS SLEEPING
IN THE STILL BAYOU.
AND DOWN IN THE DELTA,
ON A DUSTY COUNTRY ROAD,
THE GHOST OF ROBERT JOHNSON RAMBLES,
MOANIN’ SOFT AND LOW.
WELL, SHUT MY MOUTH.
SINGIN’ A SONG OF THE SOUTH.
SURFIN’ THE SUNSET STRIP
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
I WAS A HODAD FROM HUNTINGTON
SURFIN’ IN THE SUMMER SUN.
WHEN ALONG CAME JIMI
IN MY YOUNGER DAYS,
AND I GOT LOST
IN THAT PURPLE HAZE.
LOST MY DEWEY WEBER BOARD,
LOST MY TAN.
LOST MY CHERRIED OUT
WOODY VAN.
NOW I’M SURFIN’
THE SUNSET STRIP.
DUDE, IT'S BEEN
A LONG STRANGE TRIP.
RIDIN’ THE ROXIE,
RIDIN’ THE RAINBOW.
RIDIN’ THE WILD
WHISKEY-A-GO-GO.
I’M SURFIN’
THE SUNSET STRIP.
SURFIN’
THE SUNSET STRIP.
GET LOST IN THE LIGHTS,
DANCE IN THE NIGHT.
FOLLOW THE VOICES THAT CALL.
YOU CAN BE HIGH,
AND YOU CAN BE LOW,
YOU CAN BE NOWHERE AT ALL.
NOWHERE AT ALL.
NOWHERE AT ALL.
TOO MANY DAYS IN MISERY.
GOT TO FIND MY WAY
BACK TO THE SEA.
TELEPHONE LINE
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
THERE'S A TELEPHONE LINE,
STRETCHING ACROSS THE PLAINS.
BLACK CROW PERCHED ON THE WIRE,
WAITING FOR THE RAIN.
THERE'S A TELEPHONE LINE,
STRETCHED ACROSS THE PLAINS.
ALL THE WAY TO CALIFORNIA,
TO THE RECEIVER IN YOUR HAND.
FOLLOWING THIS TWO LANE ROAD,
THROUGH THESE FIELDS OF GRAIN.
ALONG THE WINDING RIVER,
FLOWING AROUND THE BEND.
NEAR THE SILOS AND ELEVATORS,
CASTING SHADOWS ON THE LAND.
PAST THE FARMER ON HIS TRACTOR,
WHEAT WAVING IN THE WIND.
BY THE ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE,
KIDS AT RECESS PLAYING GAMES.
PAST THE HOMESTYLE CAFE,
THE SIGN SAYS, "THANKS AND COME AGAIN".
PHONE POLES REACH TO THE HORIZON,
LIKE A WESTBOUND TRAIN.
PAST THE WATER TOWER THAT SAYS,
"HOME OF THE STATE CHAMPIONS".
THROUGH THE SMALL TOWN SQUARE,
WHERE OLD MEN SIT AND COMPLAIN.
PAST THE LOT OF USED COMBINES,
DOWN AT MASSEY FERGUSON.
NEAR THE ABANDONED FARMHOUSE,
THE MAILBOX WITH NO NAME.
BY THE LOCAL GRAVEYARD,
MOURNERS SINGIN' IN THE RAIN.
THERE'S A TELEPHONE LINE,
STRETCHING ACROSS THE PLAINS.
BLACK CROW PERCHED ON THE WIRE,
HUNKERED DOWN IN THE RAIN.
THERE'S A TELEPHONE LINE,
STRETCHING ACROSS THE PLAINS.
GOT THIS BUSY SIGNAL,
ECHOING IN MY BRAIN.
TEST PATTERN
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
SHE IS NOT THE MONA LISA
SHE'S JUST A PICASSO
WITH STRANGE CUBIST EYES
AND, THIS IS NOT
THE LEANING TOWER
OF PISA
IT'S JUST A FLOPHOUSE
WHERE DREAMERS
COME TO DIE
THIS IS NOT
THE TUNNEL OF LOVE
IT'S JUST A RIVER
SEARCHING FOR THE SEA
AND, THIS IS NOT WHAT
DREAMS ARE MADE OF
IT'S JUST WHATEVER
YOU WANT IT TO BE
IT'S A TEST PATTERN
AND YOU'RE AN INDIAN
FROZEN IN TIME
IT'S A TEST PATTERN
IT FEELS LIKE LOVE
BUT, IT'S NOT
THE REAL KIND
THIS IS NOT THE FUTURE
IT'S JUST ANOTHER
MOMENT FROM THE PAST
AND, THIS IS NOT
THE KAMA SUTRA
IT'S JUST A
COMIC BOOK
SOME KIND OF
ROMANCE NOVEL TRASH
SHE IS NOT LADY LUCK
SHE'S JUST ANOTHER
SIDE SHOW FAKE
SO, DON'T YOU BE
A SITTING DUCK
AND WAIT LIKE A DECOY
OUT ON A DRIED UP LAKE
THIS IS NOT PARIS
IN SPRING
IT'S DEATH VALLEY
IN JULY.
AND, THIS IS NOT
A DIAMOND RING
IT'S JUST A LUMP OF COAL
AND SOME FOOL'S GOLD
THAT ANY FOOL COULD BUY
THIS IS NOT
REALLY HEAVEN,
CUZ, THERE ARE TOO MANY SOULS
GOIN' UP IN FLAMES
AND SHE IS NOT
AN ANGEL
SHE'S JUST ANOTHER FEAR
THAT YOU CAN'T NAME
IT'S A TEST PATTERN
AND, YOU'RE NOT GOIN' CRAZY,
JUST OUT OF YOUR MIND
IT'S A TEST PATTERN
IT FEELS LIKE LOVE
BUT IT'S NOT
THE REAL KIND
THE AMERICAN DREAM
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
SAILING OUT ON WOODEN WAVES
IN AN UNCHARTED SEA
SCANNING THE FAR HORIZON
OF THIS POORLY PAINTED SCENERY
DRIVEN EVER WESTWARD
BY THIS WIND MACHINE
SEARCHING FOR A BRAVE NEW WORLD
AND A BRAND NEW DREAM
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
AWAKENING WITH A SCREAM
WE FALL OUT OF THE NIGHTMARE
INTO THE AMERICAN DREAM
EXPOSING ALL MY HOPES AND FEARS
UP ON THE SILVER SCREEN
I AM CRYING TEN FOOT TEARS
I'M THE LEADING MAN
IN THE AMERICAN DREAM
WEARING A TON OF MAKEUP
AND A COSTUME PINNED IN BACK
PORTRAYING, FOR THE TWENTIETH TAKE,
A MAN TRYING TO WIN YOU BACK
I TAKE YOU IN MY ARMS
AND HOLD YOU CLOSE TO ME
AND, IN THIS INTIMATE MOMENT
SOMEONE COUGHS IN THE BALCONY
SHOULDERING A FAKE RIFLE
AND MARCHING OFF TO WAR
EXTRAS WAVE AT THE STATION
AND FANS WAIT BY THE STAGE DOOR
THE PRODUCER ACCEPTS THE OSCAR
AND THANKS HIS SUPPORTING TEAM
WE ARE THE CONTRACT PLAYERS
IN THE AMERICAN DREAM
EXPOSING ALL MY HOPES AND FEARS
UP ON THE SILVER SCREEN
I AM CRYING TEN FOOT TEARS
I'M THE LEADING MAN
IN THE AMERICAN DREAM
THE CALL OF THE WILD
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
RAISED IN A SLEEPY OLD SOUTHERN TOWN.
NOTHIN’ BUT COTTON FIELDS ALL AROUND.
EVERY TIME THEY’D RING THAT SCHOOLHOUSE BELL,
I’D WANNA RUN THE OTHER WAY,
AND RAISE SOME HELL.
BOUGHT A GUITAR AT AGE THIRTEEN.
STARTED TO HAVE THOSE HONKY TONK DREAMS.
EVEN AT NIGHT LYIN’ IN MY BED,
I COULD HEAR THOSE DRUMS
POUNDING IN MY HEAD.
IT’S THE CALL OF THE WILD.
LIKE THE SOUND OF A FREIGHT TRAIN
PULLIN’ OUT OF TOWN,
AND PICKIN’ UP STEAM.
IT’S THE CALL OF THE WILD.
IF YOU FEEL THAT RHYTHM,
LET IT INTO YOUR HEART,
LET IT INTO YOUR DREAMS.
JOINED MY FIRST LITTLE COUNTRY BAND.
THE WORLD LOOKED DIFFERENT
FROM ON THE BANDSTAND.
EVERY TIME THEY’D GIVE US HALF A CHANCE,
WE WOULD TURN IT UP LOAD,
AND LET THE LITTLE GIRLS DANCE.
ALL WE EVER WANTED TO DO
WAS GET AWAY.
SO WE PACKED UP THE VAN,
AND HEADED ON OUT,
AND WENT ROLLIN’ ON DOWN
THAT LONG HIGHWAY.
WORKIN’ ON THE ROAD,
JUST TO GET SOME KICKS.
PLAYED EVERY TOWN OUT IN THE STICKS.
ROLLIN’ DOWN THE HIGHWAY,
WITH THE RADIO ON,
HANK SINGS THE BLUES
IN THE EARLY DAWN.
IT’S THE CALL OF THE WILD.
LIKE THE CRY OF A LONELY WOLF
CALLIN’ TO HIS MATE
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.
THE CALL OF THE WILD.
IF YOU FEEL THAT RHYTHM,
LET IT INTO YOUR HEART,
AND EVERYTHING’S ALL RIGHT.
THE MEANING OF THE SACRIFICE
donaldmccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
DANCE AROUND THE FIRE
WITH PAINT UPON YOUR FACE
CALL OUT ALL THE SPIRITS
THAT INHABIT THIS PLACE
DRIVE AWAY THE CLOUDS
THAT COVER UP THE MOON
CHANT THE WORDS OUT LOUD
AND SING THE ANCIENT TUNE
THIS LIFE IS AN EVERBURNING FIRE
DO YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH
TO PAY THE PRICE?
THIS WORLD IS AN EMBER OF DESIRE
CAN YOU FIND THE MEANING
OF THE SACRIFICE?
WANDER THROUGH THE DESERT
FOLLOWING THE TRACKS
CHASE THE FADING SUNLIGHT
UNTIL THE WORLD TURNS BLACK
SUMMON UP THE POWER
THAT’S SLEEPING IN YOUR BONES
WAIT UNTIL THE HOUR
WHEN THE SECRETS
LEAVE THE STONES
EXPLORE ALONG THE RIVER
WHERE THE RAPIDS RUN THEIR COURSE
CLIMB UP ON THE MOUNTAIN
AND FIND THE WATER’S SOURCE
ON THE EDGE OF THE VOLCANO
WHERE THE EARTH WAS BORN
STAND NAKED IN THE SUNLIGHT
ON A JANUARY MORN
TIME MEANS NOTHING
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
MINUTES CREEP DOWN THE HALL,
WHILE I MARK OFF
ANOTHER LONELY HOUR.
THE CLOCK HAS FALLEN FROM THE WALL,
AND I DON'T KNOW
IF I HAVE GOT THE POWER
TO MAKE IT THROUGH ANOTHER DAY.
THE YEARS ARE PASSED OUT ON THE STAIRS,
LIKE SOME BUMS
WHO'VE BEEN OUT ON A BENDER.
BUT I DON'T EVEN CARE,
AND I FIND THAT
IT'S HARD TO REMEMBER
HOW IT FELT WHEN YOU WERE HERE.
TIME IS PUMPING THROUGH
THE VEINS OF ETERNITY.
BUT I AM JUST A FOOL IN LOVE,
WHO WILL NEVER BE FREE,
SO TIME MEANS NOTHING TO ME.
TIME MEANS NOTHING TO ME.
THE SUNDIAL STANDS IN THE RAIN,
WHILE THE WEATHERMAN
S DROWNING HIS SORROWS.
TODAY IS CLOUDY WITH PAIN,
AND I'M WAITING TO SEE IF TOMORROW
THE SUN IS GONNA SHINE AGAIN.
TIME IS PUMPING THROUGH
THE VEINS OF ETERNITY.
BUT I AM JUST A FOOL IN LOVE,
WHO WILL NEVER BE FREE,
SO TIME MEANS NOTHING TO ME.
TIME MEANS NOTHING TO ME.
TINSELTOWN
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/bmi
PLATINUM BLONDE
IN A GOLD CADILLAC
RACING DOWN A ROAD
WHERE THERE’S NO
TURNING BACK.
MONOGRAMMED SCARF
BLOWING IN THE BREEZE.
FLYING THROUGH THE SHADOWS
OF THE EUCALYPTUS TREES.
DRIVING THROUGH THE DUSK,
HEADING FOR THE SEA,
RUNNING
ON THE SILVER SCREEN
IN THE GOLDEN STATE.
THE FAN MAGAZINES
CALL YOU THEIR DREAM DATE.
A REFUGEE FROM
A MIDWEST TOWN.
NOW YOU’RE SO LOST,
YOU CAN’T BE FOUND.
ON AN ALABASTER CHEEK,
THERE’S AN INDIGO TEAR, RUNNING.
AS THE SUN
GOES DOWN
ON TINSELTOWN.
THERE’S A LITTLE MAN
WITH A BIG CIGAR
TALKING ON THE PHONE
IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS.
PACING THE FLOOR
AND WAVING HIS HANDS.
TRYING TO FIND THE FLAW
IN HIS WELL-MADE PLANS.
AND ON THE BACK LOT,
THERE’S A CAMERA THAT’S NOT
RUNNING.
AS THE MOON
SHINES DOWN
ON TINSELTOWN.
SO, IF YOU MAKE YOUR MARK
AND YOU MAKE YOUR NAME
DON’T GET BURNED
BY THE CANDLE’S FLAME.
ON AN EMPTY BEACH
IN THE EARLY DAWN,
THERE’S A COUPE DE VILLE
WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON.
AND LYING THE SURF,
A GOLD WATCH HAS STOPPED
RUNNING.
AS THE SUN
COMES UP,
THE STARS
BURN OUT
IN TINSELTOWN.
TWO RIDERS
donald mccrea
©2023 mechanical arts/bmi
TWO RIDERS ONCE RODE THROUGH HERE
WILLIAM DAWES AND PAUL REVERE
TIRED HORSES FROM A MIDNIGHT RIDE
AWAKENING THE COUNTRYSIDE
ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA
DREAMING OF DEMOCRACY
TWO RIDERS CAME ACROSS THE PLAINS
COLE YOUNGER AND JESSE JAMES
TIRED HORSES FROM AN ALL NIGHT RIDE
SEARCHIN' FOR A PLACE TO HIDE
TWO MORE RIDERS RODE THROUGH THE RAIN
DETECTIVES FROM THE GLENDALE TRAIN
TWO RIDERS, TWO RIDERS
TWO THOUSAND RIDERS CAME OUT IN FORCE
WITH SITTING BULL AND CRAZY HORSE
PAINTED PONIES DRANK FROM THE STREAM
TASHUNKE WITKO HAD A VISIONARY DREAM
OF CUSTER'S CAVALRY RIDING FAST
TOWARD THE SEVEN NATIONS AT GREASY GRASS
TWO RIDERS, TWO RIDERS
TWO RIDERS, TWO RIDERS
TWO RIDERS CREATE THE STRESS AND STRIFE
THAT PLAGUE THIS PILLAGED PARADISE
CONSTELLIS AND THE WAGNER GROUP
ARE MARCHING IN THEIR HOBNAILED BOOTS
WILL THIS MADNESS EVER CEASE?
SO, THIS PLANET CAN EXIST IN PEACE
TWO RIDERS, TWO RIDERS
WADDY
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
I'M AN OLD WADDY,
SORE FROM THE SADDLE.
DRIVIN' THEM DOGGIES ALONG.
ACROSS THE RED RIVER,
THROUGH THE PANHANDLE,
SINGIN' THIS SAD COWBOY SONG.
THE TRAIL'S HOT AND DUSTY.
THE CATTLE ARE BAWLIN'.
THE SUN'S SINKIN' LOW IN THE WEST.
AT NIGHT BY THE CAMPFIRE,
COYOTES ARE CALLIN'.
I KEEP YOUR PICTURE IN MY VEST.
WAKE UP!
donald mccrea
©2019 mechanical arts/ bmi
WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
DREAMING IN YOUR FEATHER BED
DREAMS ARE DANCING IN YOUR HEAD
FANTASIES WITH FLAMES OF FIRE
MEMORIES BURN WITH DESIRE
BUT, WHEN THE MORNING SHINES
UPON YOUR SLEEPY FACE
IT'S TIME TO EMERGE
FROM THIS PRIMITIVO PRIMAL PLACE
AND WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
WTFU
WAKE UP!
WAKE UP!
EVOLUTION
REVOLUTION
A NEW SOLUTION
FOR PLANETARY POLLUTION
LIBERATION
EMANCIPATION
A NEW GENERATION
RADIATING LOVE
THROUGHOUT THE NATIONS
SWIMMING IN A PLASTIC SEA
DROWNING IN HUMANITY
DOG EAT DOG AND CAT EAT RAT
A SYSTEM FULL OF PLUTOCRATS
ICE FLOES MELTING, JUNGLES BURNING
CREATURES LOST AND NOT RETURNING
CHANGING THIS SWEET HEAVEN INTO HELL
PEACE
LOVE
AND HARMONY
CONNECT WITH YOURSELF
EACH OTHER
AND THIS PLANET
FOR ETERNITY
WTFU
WTFU
WTFU
WTFU
WILD BILL
donald mccrea
©2018 mechanical arts/ bmi
I LEFT A WIFE BACK IN ST. LOUIS.
LEFT THOSE CREATURE COMFORTS BEHIND.
RODE A STAGECOACH ACROSS THE PRAIRIE,
OUT TO DEADWOOD TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND.
THEY’RE DIGGIN’ GOLD OUT OF THESE BLACK HILLS.
THERE’S GOLD IN THIS ROUGH AND TUMBLE TOWN.
AND WHEN THESE FOOLS AND THAT GOLD ARE PARTED,
I’LL BE HOLDIN’ ALL THE CARDS WHEN THAT DEAL GOES DOWN.
MY NAME IS JAMES, AND I CAN’T BE TAMED.
IF YOU CROSS ME, I WILL SHOOT TO KILL.
I’M A RAMBLER AND A GAMBLER.
I WAS GENERAL CUSTER’S SCOUT.
AND MOST FOLKS KNOW ME AS WILD BILL.
WILD BILL.
I DRINK MY WHISKEY WITH MY LEFT HAND,
ALWAYS KEEP MY RIGHT HAND FREE.
SIT WITH MY BACK AGAINST THE WALL,
DON’T WANT ANYONE SNEAKIN’ UP ON ME.
WHEN PLAYIN’ YOUR HAND IN THE WORLD OF MAN,
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU’RE TEMPTING FATE.
UP AGAINST A FULL HOUSE, A WILD CARD MIGHT WIN OUT,
AND YOU’RE LEFT HOLDING ACES AND EIGHTS.
MY NAME IS JAMES, THAT’S HOW IT REMAINS
ON THE STONE UP ON BOOT HILL.
I WAS A UNION SOLDIER, I WAS SHERIFF OF ABILENE,
AND MOST FOLKS KNOW ME AS WILD BILL.
WILD BILL.
I LEFT A GRIEVING WIDOW IN ST. LOUIS,
AND I LEFT THIS LEGEND BEHIND.
NOW EVERYTHING’S CHANGED, AND ALL THAT REMAINS
IS MY STORY UP ON THIS SIGN.
MY NAME WAS JAMES, I WAS A FRIEND OF CALAMITY JANE’S,
BACK WHEN THE ONLY LAW WAS THE STRENGTH OF A MAN’S WILL.
I WAS A QUIET MAN WITH A SURE AND STEADY HAND,
AND MOST FOLKS KNEW ME AS WILD BILL.
WILD BILL.
YELLOW MOON
donald mccrea
©2020 mechanical arts/bmi
A MAN NAMED WAN HU
IN THE MING DYNASTY
WAY BACK IN
THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY
STRAPPED SOME ROCKETS
ONTO A CHAIR
ALL HELD TOGETHER
BY A WING AND A PRAYER
AND, WHEN HE EXPLODED
IN A WHITE LIGHT
HE DISAPPEARED
INTO THE NIGHT
NOW, ON THIS NIGHT
TO AN ANCIENT CHINESE TUNE
WAN HU IS SINGING
ON THE YELLOW MOON
TUNING INTO YANGTZE NN
TRYING TO DISCOVER
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
THE REDS SENT A ROCKET
OUT INTO SPACE
AND HIT THE MAN IN THE MOON
RIGHT IN THE FACE
NOW, THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE
AND THE BIG BROWN COW
HAVE JUST BEEN JOINED
BY CHAIRMAN MAO
SO, ON THIS NIGHT
AFTER SOARING LIKE
A LOON
A TAIKONAUT IS SLEEPING
ON THE YELLOW MOON
DRIVING ALONG
IN MY SHANGHAI CHEVY
I KICKED A GONG
AND THINGS GOT HEAVY
THERE’S A SITUATION
IN THE WORLD'S
SECOND LARGEST NATION
THEY SENT A BILLION PEOPLE
TO THEIR NEW
SPACE STATION
AND, ON THIS NIGHT
WITHOUT A FORK OR A SPOON
THEY'RE FEASTING
ON MANDARIN DUCK
ON THE YELLOW MOON
NOW, ON THIS NIGHT
TO AN ANCIENT CHINESE TUNE
WAN HU IS DANCING
ON THE YELLOW MOON