Shingle Creek Music
The Music of John Casolary
(A bouzouki-disguised love song )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1997 ℗2012
Don't you want to take a long vacation?
Don't you need some rejuvenation?
I can show you a place you can chill in the sun
Kerkira, Kerkira
That's what I'd do
I'd be roaming the streets of Corfu
Don't you want to try a new sensation?
Don't you want to stop the aggravation?
I know of an island that can slow your time
Kerkira, Kerkira
With nothing to do
I'd be drinking Retsina with you
Yanni's is the place for moussaka
Look in his oven and there you are
Your biggest decision: how much can you eat?
And there we'll meet
Don't you want to break your vicious cycle?
Don't you need a break from your son, Michael?
I can point on the map where you ought to be
Kerkira, Kerkira
Being with you
I'd be drunk on the streets of Corfu
Still with you
I'm dreaming the streets of Corfu
(A cry for help)
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1988 ℗2012
I used to think I knew what life's about
I used to think that things would all work out in time
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
I used to move ahead without a doubt
I used to smile at people who would shout and say
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
There must be someone who can change my life
There must be someone who can shake me out of this dream
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
There must be someone who can shine a light
On the things I fear tonight
I used to think that it was all a joke
I used to laugh at God until He spoke to me
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
There must be someone who can change my life
There must be someone who can shake me out of this dream
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
There must be someone who can shine a light
On the things I fear tonight
I used to think I knew what life's about
I used to think that things would all work out in time
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
There must be someone who can change my life
There must be someone who can shake me out of this dream
(There must be someone. There must be someone)
There must be someone who can shine a light
On the things I fear tonight
There must be someone...
( Tires spinning in the mud )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1981 ℗2012
Always ahead of it, always lagging behind
You play it in the middle, and get stuck on the sidelines
Tires spinning in the mud
Tires spinning in the mud
Caution gets you nowhere, but gets you there alive
They teach you to be meek, although the strong survive
Tires spinning in the mud
Tires spinning in the mud
You're born to be truthful. You're taught to tell lies.
They say you're too sensitive as they tyrannize.
Life is almost over, yet it's just begun
Thinking you're a big man, still you're no one
Tires spinning in the mud
Tires spinning in the mud
Tires spinning...
( For my old band-buddies )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1992 ℗2012
I remember back when we had plans
We were playing in a four-man band
We revived "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"
Then things started changing
I can only speak to what's gone on
I can't quantify the right and wrong
We'd have sold our souls for one hit song
Now where would we sell them?
Rap is crap Rap is crap
Rap is crap and I don't wanna play it
I like the tunes that make you move your feet
And R&B that comes from city streets
But bad poems to a drumbox beat
That just doesn't thrill me
Rap is crap Rap is crap
Rap is crap and I don't wanna play it
Now the radio's playing rap, hip-hop
Nothing I can do to make `em stop
They say they rap because they feel the pain
But those who listen haven't got a brain
Rap is crap Rap is crap
Rap is crap and I don't wanna play it
(It’s all about bitches and ho’s It’s all about bitches and ho’s)
(Violence, violence…)
Rap is crap... and I'm not gonna play it
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1980 ℗2012
Take my money, it only makes me worry
Take my time, I'm in no hurry
Take my thoughts. Take my pride
Take me anywhere you want but take me inside
Nothing's the same, except that I want you, I want you
I'm so afraid of this life I have made
And if I should fade, you'll know that I loved you, I loved you
Bring me anywhere you want but bring me peace of mind
Bring me your problems. I'll bring you mine
Bring me a map of the path that we're on to keep me in line
Nothing's the same, except that I want you, I want you
I'm so afraid of this life I have made
And if I should fade, you'll know that I loved you, I loved you
Give me the knowledge it takes to make them grow
Give me your patience. I'll give you mine
Give me your silence, but give me a sign
Nothing's the same, except that I want you, I want you
I'm so afraid of this life I have made
And if I should fade, you'll know that I loved you, I loved you...
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1981℗2012
I believe in sharing light
You've gotta have it all around you even in the night
But sometimes it gets dark and cold
And right now I'm fadin' 'cause there's no one to hold
And I'm in need, need, need of a friend
I'm in dire need in Dyersburg again
What are you doin' in Tennessee?
I don't know lady. Are you talkin' to me?
I guess I'm hopin' I'll survive
Please take me home. Get me out of here alive
I'm in dire need in Dyersburg again
I'm tryin' to be brave but I've got shaky knees
Please accept my apologies
I've been livin' for the moment but now the future's scarin' me
I 'm in dire need in Dyersburg again
Need, need, need of a friend
I'm in dire need in Dyersburg again
I'm in dire need in Dyersburg again
( A cowboy’s dream )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary © 2004℗2012
He's mendin' fences. There's no open range
They've cut the whole up into parts
Now there's a restaurant, in the old home Grange
That cowboy needs a new start
He wants a love like Ronnie & Nancy's
He wants to say, "till death do us part"
Even though just tryin' is chancy
He wants to love someone with all of his heart
He met a cowgirl, by the compost pile
Riding like a rodeo queen
He tipped his hat. She gave a sunny smile
The best he'd ever seen
He wants a love like Ronnie & Nancy's
He wants to say, "till death do us part"
Takin' a swim with him could be kinda chancy
'Cause he would dive in with all of his heart
Behind every good man is a woman
And he might have found his today
When the preacher asks for their commitments
This is what they'll say
We want a love like Ronnie & Nancy's
We want to stay, "till death do us part"
We want to fill each other's fancies
We're gonna love with all of our hearts
A love ( like Ronnie & Nancy's )
We want a love ( like Ronnie & Nancy's )
We're gonna love ( like Ronnie & Nancy )
It's a cowboy's dream ( like Ronnie & Nancy's )...
You Never See Me (When I Cry)
(Desperation to a Reggae beat )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1981 ℗2012
I want out, but I can't find the door
I need hope that I can make it
I want peace that I had once before
I need joy, but I can't fake it
Everybody's asking me the questions
But somehow I don't know how to lie
If you only cared for me the way I care for you
I wouldn't have to make you cry
Let me go; let me sail away
Let me try a new direction
Steal the boat I can't buy anyway
Free me from the old connections
Everybody's asking me the questions
But somehow I don't know how to lie
If you only cared for me the way I care for you
I wouldn't have to make you cry
Take your aim. Fire your last poisoned dart
Your friends are there. The air is humming
Go ahead; go and tear me apart
You might as well; I know it's coming
'Cause everybody's asking me the questions
And somehow I don't know how to lie
If you only cared for me the way I care for you
You wouldn't have to make me cry
You never see me when I cry. You never see me when I cry...
( Responsibility anyone? )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1980 ℗2012
You quit your job, you quit your wife
It's no business of mine; it's your life
You're playin' in a rock band, tryin' to make it. I know you can but
One small question: What about the kids man?
What about the children when they're crying for you?
What about their feelings when there's nothing you can do?
What about their questions you've never heard before?
And what about your time when you can't give anymore?
Sweet young mother, at seventeen
How can you teach 'em, when you don't know what you mean
You're acting so grown up; it's just a game you're tryin' to play but
One small question: Do you know the price you pay?
What about the children when they're crying for you?
What about their feelings when there's nothing you can do?
What about their questions you've never heard before?
And what about your time when you can't give anymore?
I know there's a need to replace yourself
But if you're not ready, put that need up on the shelf
You don't have to prove nothin' to nobody
You change your husband, you change your dress
You know you're pretty, but your life's a mess
You're goin' back to school, livin' on a maybe but
One small question: What about your baby?
What about the children when they're cryin' for you?
What about their feelings when there's nothing you can do?
What their questions you've never heard before?
And what about your time when you can't give anymore?
What about it? What about your baby?
What about it Mama? What about it Daddy?
Tell me, what about your baby?...
( A young man’s dilemma )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1981 ℗2012
I've got two women on the line
One is loose, and one is mine
Can I afford to share my time?
No, no, no, this is the borderline
I'm at the point of no return
Searchin' for proof that I won't get burned
I'm in a high crossfire
Hopin' the truth won't prove me a liar
There've been rumors goin' `round
That you and some boys have been paintin' town
But I don't believe that's true
So why am I tryin' to prove it to you
Out on the point of no return
Searchin' for proof that I won't get burned
I'm in a high crossfire
Hopin' the truth won't prove me a liar
Now there's you, she, and me
Such a deal. Such a fantasy
But I don't think that I can last
`Cause she wants my future and you own my past
I'm at the point of no return
Searchin' for proof that I won't get burned
I'm in a high crossfire
Hopin' the truth won't prove me a liar
I'm at the point of no return
Searchin' for proof that I won't get burned
I'm in a HIGH crossfire!
( A self-penned epitaph )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary © 2005℗2012
I tried to find my better angels, and have them teach me how to fly
Lying face-down on the sidewalk, they finally showed up in the sky
I’m on time but nobody’s here
Safe in the morning, hiding my fear
I’m on time, but where are you dear?
It’s getting hard to keep a smile on. It really hurts to live a lie
I’m tired of fighting all these strangers but if I stop I’m sure I’ll die
I’m on time but everyone’s late
My light is dimming from shadows of hate
I’m on time, but is this the right date?
Responsibility (Man up, son)
Generosity (Give till it hurts)
Integrity (Do your best, son)
Punctuality (Be on time!)
Down the path of all these choices, right or wrong or just a joke
Now my life has spun out like a wheel and I’m a hub without its spokes
But I was on time. You said you’d be there
Out on the line, taking the dare
I was on time. I was on time
I was on time. Does anybody care?
( Doctor, my brain hurts! )
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1997 ℗2012
I woke up on the Internet
Did I forget to close the line before I fell asleep?
I'm wonderin' what did they get?
Did they sell my soul or just my life to some cyber-creep?
There's too much information
There's too much information and I can't think!
I saw a song on the video
Did I like the show or just the tune without the crutch?
Heard a man on the radio
He let me know what I did not know and now I know too much
There's too much information
There's too much information and I can't think!
I took a drive down the Inter-State
I couldn't wait to see my lover but my love was gone
And so I had to hesitate
Her letter states that she's sorry and I should carry on
There's too much information
There's too much informacione
There's too much information and I can't, I can't, I can't THINK!
( A mother and son)
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1997 ℗2013
Who's this man dancing with me?
Is he a prince, or a star on TV?
My husband's watching without jealousy
At this man who's dancing with me
Who is this guy in my arms?
Moving so smooth and charming the charmed
I recognize his Daddy's eyes
Who's this guy dancing with me?
This is the day; we’ve waited so long
And now that it’s here, I must be strong
For my son, he’s dancing with me
Who's this man waltzing the floor?
Close to my heart, yet needing more
The world is his oyster, his destiny
But right now he's dancing with me
This man loves dancing with me
℗2018 John Casolary All Rights Reserved
(Things are looking up)
words and music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1975 ℗2018
It's near the end of spring
I'm swamped with work
Scrapin' dirt
Man it hurts
Yet I'm feelin' very free
My mind is driftin'
To the time soon to arrive
I'm gonna come alive
This summer is, it's gonna be
The best summer of my life
This summer is, it's gonna be
The best summer of my life!
The winter skies are clearin'
But I'm still wet
From rain and sweat
My eyes are red
But I'm sure that I can see
My mind is driftin'
To the time soon to arrive
I'm gonna come alive
This summer is, it's gonna be
The best summer of my life
This summer is, it's gonna be
The best summer of my life!
My mind is driftin'
To the time soon to arrive
I'm gonna come alive hey yeah
This summer is, it's gonna be
The best summer of my life...
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1981 ℗2018
You look like an angel falling down on me
I'm blinded by your light that's all I can see
I didn't need a savior 'till I looked into your eyes
I'm not sure where I am I just know I'm hypnotized
Angel love me
Don't fly above me
Angel love me
You smile like the angel that I saw those times in Rome
She persuades non-believers from her place on St. Peter's dome
And though she's just a fresco she's like you in many ways
Giving hope to the peasants strength to naiveté
Angel love me
Don't fly above me
Angel love me
You look like an angel falling down on me
I'm blinded by your light that's all I can see
I didn't need no savior 'till I looked into your eyes
I'm not sure where I am I just know I'm hypnotized
Angel love me
Don't fly above me
Angel love me
(Cut me some slack!)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary © 1995 ℗2018
You're shakin' your head, wonderin' why
I'm drinkin' my wine while the world's on fire
Livin' my life, settin' my goal
Your ruinin' my plans, breakin' my soul
Leave me alone. Don't call the cops.
I'm just howlin' at the moon
A Renaissance man, a lover of life
A father and son, and a husband with a wife
I'm doin' it right, doin' it straight
So teach me to cheat, teach me to hate
Leave me alone. Don't call the cops.
I'm just howlin' at the moon
You're forcing me to play
And you're the only game in town
You need to break me
to rehabilitate me
You're makin' the rules and change `em at will
Expect me to smile while I'm footin' the bill
You're stealin' my pay but you want me to work
And follow your plan like some anal jerk
Leave me alone. Don't call the cops.
I'm just howlin' at the moon
Leave me alone. Please make `em stop.
Cause I'm just howlin' at the moon
I'm just howlin' at the moon
(Poetry from the pity potty)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1996 ℗2018
There's a story or is it a rumor
That luck is finally on its way
Seems the dog-days have found a new groomer
But the judges keep them at bay
Hope, where are you today?
Hope, smilin' the same way
I've traveled the world to nowhere
And I'm just about at my last straw
Hope, was that you I saw
There's a ticket I bought to forever
But I'm not sure if it's good
If I use it in this endeavor
Will it take me where it should?
Hope, where are you tonight?
Hope, I've been searchin' with all my might
From the mountains through my valleys
And the cities along the way
Hope, won't you come to stay
Aren't you gonna pick me up where you left me
You know I can't drive this car
I'm sure we'd get along if you met me
And you wouldn't have to ride that far
Hope, are you watching me?
Hope, seeing what I see
I don't think I can wait 'til tomorrow
Cause I'm not sure where I'll be
Hope, come and set me free
Hope, keep me company
(I don't wanna go)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary © 1995 ℗2018
Hey Mister, it's my turn tonight
I said I wouldn't, but then again I might
It's what I wanted, I've wanted it so long
The door is open, my faith is not that strong
I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go.
I don't wanna go unless you carry me.
Hey Mister, I think I'm falling prey
To somethin' evil that stole my yesterday
I'm in a coma, but I can't close my eyes
It's getting closer, what's that strange surprise?
I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go.
I don't wanna go unless you carry me.
I've been waitin', I've been waitin' for you
I've been thinkin', what would I do?
I've been hopin' against all hope
But now that debt's come due
Hey Mister, won't you take my hand
This psycho-logic is more than I can stand
I thought I knew it, I knew everything
But this is knowledge that only death can bring
I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go.
I don't wanna go unless you carry me...home
John Elias Casolary ©1994 ℗2018
I don't think I can hold you like I used to
I don't think it's gentle like before
But if you think it's over let me tell you, there's more
You are loved
When you feel the world's against you, you are loved
When your touch becomes insensed, you are loved
When your heart is being broken, you are loved
I don't think I was trained for this adjustment
How did all those years just slip away
If you think we lack communication, let me say
You are loved
When you're shocked to find there's hatred, you are loved
When you try your best and lose, you are loved
When your mind is being broken, you are loved
Everybody says it, and some of them mean it
But I feel it a hundred times more
You are loved
When they criticize you Son, you are loved
When it's hard to carry on, you are loved
When my earthly life is done, you are loved You are loved.
(Trying to stay married)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1984 ℗2018
We're talkin' female persuasion
Some kind of alien invasion
I tell myself "I'm a loner" still I phone her at a quarter to three
`Cause alone is a lie
So why should I try
To fight the things I cannot see
She loves me so
I can't let go
She loves me so I stay
I lay awake in the nighttime
Searching the dark for the right line
To tell her being a husband is a job unintended for me
But the night is a lie
It spits in my eye
And brings out the demon in me
She loves me so
I can't let go
She loves me so I stay
I know a glamorous talker
Tells me to clear out my locker
She says the things that I've fought for, wanted, needed
She can give me for free
But the lady's a liar
She can't match the fire
Of someone who's still waiting for me
She loves me so
I can't let go
She loves me so I stay
(Demolition, circa 1980)
Come here son I wanna tell you some stories
you've never heard
Ain't many of us ol'-timers left
so you better hear every word
Used to be a set of swingin' doors hangin'
right where you are
Today ends an era boy
they're tearin' down Marty's Bar
Southern Pacific,
that's how me n' my pals used to earn our wages
As long as that ol' building's standing there
seems like none of us ever ages
Now the trains just carry freight
and everyone drives a car
But who'd of thought the day would come
they'd be tearin' down Marty's Bar
Ya see that sewer of a creek
well salmon used to run
And after me n' the Boys had caught our share
we'd come in here to Marty's and have ourselves some fun
Drinkin' nickel beers we'd talk about fishin'
hell I've been comin' here since Prohibition
It's gettin' hard to remember back that far
but I sure do remember Marty's Bar
There was a whore named Alice who lived out back
just about where that Cat's wreckin' that ol' wooden shack
And sometimes when I'd fight with the Mrs.
she'd ease my pain with quarter kisses
Yeh pretty soon this whole corner
gonna be covered with tar
I kinda wish I hadn't lived to see it
there tearin' down Marty's Bar
Sure am glad the Boys didn't live to see it
they're tearin' down Marty's Bar
(Miss Barfly USA)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1982 ℗2018
Here you come
Struttin' `cross the dance floor
Wink your eye
You want to take me home
Sorry babe
I've been there before
You tricked me once
I'd rather sleep alone
Who are you foolin' tonight?
Who's the lucky one who gets to
turn out the light?
Who are you foolin' tonight? Not me
A single's apartment
You seen one you seen`em all
Dark and romantic
I'm not that impressed
I don't need those candles
The writing is on the wall
Cheap conversation
Then we'll get undressed
Who are you foolin' tonight?
Who's the lonely sap who gets to feel
alright?
Who are you foolin' tonight? Not me
You're so in style
You wear the latest fashions
You're made up right
Like in a magazine
Got no cash
So you sell your passion
All-time loser
Who thinks she's a queen
Who are you foolin' tonight?
Which of these strangers will lose
the fight?
Who are you foolin' tonight? Not me
Who are you foolin' tonight? ...
(True Friendship)
words and music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1980 ℗2018
Running with the light brigade
We talked till we were sleepy-eyed
Our senses told us not to hide
The feelings of our souls
And as the sun arose
We rushed to say our late "hellos"
I guess nobody ever knows
The meaning of this life
Yet we're the lucky ones
To have shared this space so many years
Laughed each other's laughter
Cried the other's tears
For we are friends
Yes we're the lucky ones
Who have the gift to find the answers
Then turn around and ask more questions
And share the things we've found
My, how our lives have changed
Our faces show that we have aged
It's not our fault that we've been caged
In bodies spent by time
And as the years fly by
We pretend to ask the reason why
Yet knowing, grin a gentle sigh
Ah, tomorrow's a new day
'Cause we're the lucky ones
Known each other for so many years
Shared our projects
Shared our deepest fears
For we are friends
Yes we're the lucky ones
Who know some things are timeless
Yet certain life will end
We'll still be friends
(Mars vs Venus)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1995 ℗2018
Always, never the same; sometimes, forever
Sometimes a criminal is a hero
Should a man reach and recognize his goal?
Should he hold it or let it go?
Always, never the same
Sometimes, forever
He hears you calling his name
Far apart, together
Sometimes the criminal is the man
Sometimes the bad guy's the lady
If he swears that he's doin' all he can
Do you believe him? Well that might be crazy
Always, never the same
Sometimes, forever
He hears you calling his name
Far apart, together
Sometimes he feels like a fool
Sometimes he's nothing short of genius
She cries out; "Baby, don't be cruel!"
He thinks she's talkin'`bout his penis
Always, never the same
Sometimes, forever
He hears you calling his name
Far apart, together
Always, never the same; sometimes, forever
(With love, Johnny)
words & Music by:
John Elias Casolary © 1981 ℗2018
Mama played piano like a queen
Don't you know that's what she should have been
But raising all those kids sure took its toll
She showed me all the ropes and taught me one great goal
Thanks for the music
It's the lover's art
Thanks for the music
It's the captain's chart
to go through living hell
with a song in your heart
Mama liked the finer things in life
But she never got to take them without strife
And that's what sent her to an early grave
A debutante teaching children to behave
Thanks for the music
It's the lover's art
Thanks for the music
It's the captain's chart
to go through living hell
with a song in your heart
And the night she died I had to play some sleazy bar
Oh I tried to call in sick but couldn't get that far
Cause I knew she'd rather have me proving I'm her star
Mama bought me beer and cigarettes
She probably knew I'd steal what I couldn't get
So I'd bring her flowers from my yard
And now I bring them to her grave and sign the card
Thanks for the music
It's the lover's art
Thanks for the music
It's your baby's chart
So I go through living hell
with your song in my heart
Thanks for the music...
(For the workin' man)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary © 1980 ℗2018
Not many people doin' what they really wanna do
You're punchin' time while the welfare line takes it back from you
You're creative. You know you can do it
You're waitin' for the moment you can say
"Just screw it, I quit!"
I quit!
You hate your job but you put in eight hours a day
Do overtime and get a raise but the Feds take it away
He got the money. He buys your time
He's got his people slavin' for a dime but I quit!
I quit!
He's so patronizing
Keeps on compromising
Taking credit, till I quit!
He's got the power to make me beg and scream
Got me doin' things I never dreamed
So I quit, I quit!
He's got my paycheck
He is the king
He don't want much
He wants everything
So I quit, hey I quit!
I quit yeah...
I quit!
Almost Hits & Dubious Demos Song Lyrics
℗ 2022 John Casolary All Rights Reserved
Piece Of Cake
(For my racing buddies)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1984 ℗2022
I've been runnin' but not hidin', and no one seems to understand why
I've been chasin' a rainbow, but not the one you see on the sky
There's no use in askin' how it's goin',
`Cause I'll tell you it's a piece of cake
I've been losin' and winnin', but the difference barely matters to me
`Cause I'm drivin' with the Big Boys, and doin' it so naturally
There's no use in askin' how it's goin',
`Cause I'll tell you it's a piece of cake
And when they say you're not qualified
Don't you make their same mistake
Say, "It's a piece of cake"
There's no use in askin' how it's goin',
`Cause I'll tell you it's a piece of cake
The Monster
(Mr. Hyde's inside)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1982 ℗2022
I made you cry last night, I said some mean things
I don't know about you Babe, but this is all so new to me
I'm used to living alone and dreaming crazy dreams
And I was only talking in my sleep
They say a madman lives in everybody's soul
And while you're in slumber, he takes complete control
I've got anger in me, far too much to keep
So I was only talking in my sleep
Oh, the monster is sleeping next to you
He's inside me and there's nothing I can do
Ooo, the monster is lying in your bed
So the man you love can rest his weary head
He whispered softly, "I love the way you feel"
Calling someone else's name, he made it feel so real
I had nothing to do with that, but still it made you weep
Lover, he was only talking in my sleep
Oh, the monster is sleeping next to you
He's inside me and there's nothing I can do
Ooo, the monster is lying in your bed
So the man you love can rest his weary head
Oh, the monster, yeah, yeah, yeah
Mr. Hyde's inside, yeah, yeah, yeah...
You're Comfortable
(Crazy as me)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1980 ℗2022
I go to parties and I sit alone
Wishin' I could borrow someone's telephone
Prayin' you could see how bored I am
Call you up and tell you that I'm your man
'Cause you're comfortable, you're crazy as me
You're comfortable, baby can't you see
That no one ever loved me like you do
I'm fakin' it without you, you're comfortable
A lovely lady stops and winks her eye
I'd like to help her but I just can't lie
My time is precious and I'm getting old
There's just one fire that can warm this cold
You, you're comfortable, you're crazy as me
You're comfortable, baby can't you see
That no one ever loved me like you do
I'm fakin' it without you, you're comfortable
And when the day comes that I settle down
If I'm lucky you'll still be around
I won't forget you gave me so much space
I won't forget the beauty of your face
And that you're comfortable, you're crazy as me
You're comfortable, baby can't you see
That no one ever loved me like you do
I'm fakin' it without you, you're comfortable
Made In China
(Zhōngguó zhìzào)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary © 2012/2022 ℗2022
We've got a monkey on our back
Besides the Fentanyl in cocaine
It's a devious attack
Coursing through my brain
Everything's made in China
Even the pills for Mom's Angina
I hope she won't need them today
She'd better throw them away
They've got a fifty-year plan
While we're surfin' on the Highway
We're not building what we can
We check our phones and play
Everything's made in China
Except my boots from Carolina
I had to search on-line all day
To buy U.S.A.
Trading with the devil is a big mistake
How much more are we gonna take?
We've got our asses in debt
Buying crap they sell to you
We should never forget
They thanked us with Bat Flu
Everything's made in China
I think I'll have to check my wife's vagina
To see if all down there's OK
Or did they clone it away
Everything's made in China....x4
The Past Is A Luxury
(Put down that torch)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1982 ℗2022
Oh Baby, it's so many years since I kissed your face
I guess there are things time cannot erase. I still remember you
And Baby, it took me so long to get over you
Like the sun through the clouds you come strolling through
Here we go again
The past is a luxury we can't afford
And though people try they can't deny it
The things I could lose just can't be ignored
But you know I wish we could try it
Oh Baby, you and the man with the heavy hand
Now that he's hurt you, you understand how it should have been
And Baby, me with my dreams and my gentle touch
I should've been harder but I thought too much
Head over heart again
The past is a luxury we can't afford
And though people try they can't deny it
The things I could lose just can't be ignored
But you know I wish we could try it
Turn it back! Turn back the hands of time and lead me where I want to go
But what's the use? Monday quarter-backing's always easy
So what's a man to do?
Oh Baby, I wrote my first song cryin' over you
And cut my first teeth before I could chew those dusty memories
So Baby, I'm writing these words so you'll know I care
And that in my heart there's a place somewhere
Chosen just for you
The past is a luxury we can't afford
And though people try they can't deny it
The things I could lose just can't be ignored
But you know I wish we could try it
You know I wish we could try it
Singin' My Heart Out
(Music you're bitter-sweet)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1980 ℗2022
There were times I was rockin' and a rollin'
Felt so good I could fly all night
And there were times I was funkin' and a soulin'
Doin' pretty good for bein' white
Now I'm singin' my heart out
Sellin' my whole life
Puttin' my soul out on the line
Makin' a livin' singin' them good ol' love songs
Talkin' `bout a dream that is a fight
Music you're bitter-sweet
Lover I can't meet
Double-edged sword that's cuttin' me
You're my destiny
Ah, but can't you see
A man has got to eat
I've been travelin' most of my grown life
Takin' my songs out to the street
You always send me, ah but will you defend me
In the battle of the beat
Ooh I'm singin' my heart out
Sellin' my whole life
Puttin' my soul out on the line
Makin' a livin' singin' them good ol' love songs
Talkin' `bout a dream that is a fight
Singin' my heart out...
Terri-Anne
(I'm still your man)
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©2004 ℗2022
We made love like two champions
We lived life with a burning desire
We had a flame but now it's smoldering
I've tried everything to bring back that fire
Terri-Anne I still wanna be your man
Terri-Anne help me if you can
Terri-Anne, I'm still your man
We shopped around, we're what we wanted
Non-conformists, partners and friends
We faced the wind, and time kept blowing
I built a shelter where we could not pretend
Terri-Anne I still wanna be your man
Terri-Anne help me understand
Terri-Anne, I'm still your man
We had a dream, a silent contract
The only proof was written in a song
We had a home filled with laughter
I can't remember when, it's been so long
Terri-Anne I still wanna be your man
Terri-Anne help me with our plan
Terri-Anne, I'm still your man
I've wracked my brain to find your source of darkness
To shed some light on that sad place you hide
With all my failings I'll still fight resentment
But to fix you Baby, I'm not qualified
We made love
Terri-Anne I still wanna be your man
Like two chanpions
Terri-Anne help me if you can Terri-Anne I'm still your man
Cold Out Here
(Take me inside)
words & music by
John Elias Casolary ©1994 ℗2022
Take me away to the place I forgot
Render my heart to a thing that's not bought
You can only hold me for so long
Sooner or later I'll be gone
Don't you ever tell me you know how I feel
And don't you just pretend and then say it's for real
I'm on the outside while you're living inside
I'm on the outside. It's gettin' cold out here
Take me away to the land I once worked
Callous these hands where my happiness lurked
Don't forget to tell me I'm home
`Cause given no direction I'll roam
But don't you ever tell me you know how I feel
And don't you ever say that my pain isn't real
I'm on the outside while you're living inside
I'm on the outside. It's gettin' cold out here
I'm fighting over nothing for the last time
Who said you couldn't sing it if the words don't rhyme
I'm on the outside while you're living inside
I'm on the outside. It's gettin' cold out here...
(Take me inside...)
Danielle
(She wants to travel light)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary© 1990 ℗2022
Danielle, why do you have to be so free?
Spreading your love so evenly
Living your life in spite of me
Danielle, where are you now? I just don't know
I was a fool to let you go
Working your way to Mexico
She wants to travel light, travel light, travel light with a heavy load
She wants to travel light, travel light, travel light with a heavy load
But she carries baggage in her heart
Danielle, how could you make me feel this way
Turning my back on yesterday
I should have known you wouldn't stay
She wants to travel light, travel light, travel light with a heavy load
She wants to travel light, travel light, travel light with a heavy load
But she carries baggage in her heart
Spending your time so desperately
Trying to run away from me
Danielle, why do you have to be so free?
Spreading your love so evenly
Living your life in spite of me
Livin' On Dreams
(A poet's quest)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary© 1980 ℗2022
I've been runnin' for so long. Roads keep comin' then they're gone.
How much can I carry on dreams?
A wino asked me for a dime. I gave it to him just to hear his line.
He's says he's travelin', well I'm travelin' too
Livin' on dreams
Don't you know I'm getting bored of wanting things that I can't afford
Who said I had to be a king?
A big man says I'll go real far. If my luck holds out I'll be a star.
They say he's livin' high, well I'm livin' too
Livin' on dreams, livin' on dreams
I thought I was movin' up but now it seems
I'm livin' on dreams
And if you find me in your life, and I use your lovin' arms
Just remember I'm a dreamer who never meant you any harm
Guess it's time that I was gone. When the rain comes I'll be movin' on
But when the snow chills my very soul I'll be thinking
Thinkin' `bout the life I've lead. I'm getting older but I'm still not dead.
Oh no, I've got borrowed time that I'm spending
Livin' on dreams, livin' on dreams
I thought I was movin' up but now it seems
I'm livin' on dreams
Look Out World
(I'm tired of crying)
words & music by:
John Elias Casolary ©1972 ℗2022
If you only knew my mind then things wouldn't be so bad
There's no use in tryin' to change you 'cause your whole viewpoint is sad
I've tried and lost at love many times in my lonesome life
I keep on hopin' yeah, everythings's gonna turn out right
I'm throwin' away my pain, Honey
Ain't gonna go insane
Look out world, I'm tired of crying
I've had my fill of you yes and I'm goin' flying
Now what's the sense at living a life of tears
When I just realized I've got another few more years
It's about time to find
A little bit of peace in my mind
Look out world, I'm tired of crying
I've had my fill of you yes and I'm goin' flying
Look out!
I'm goin' flying, flying
