1. |
Barely Hangin' On
02:59
|
|||
|
a pawn to the bureaucracy
often lacking in autonomy
so ridiculous it's comedy,
the callousness of authority
in sleep I wander office ghettoes
dreams overcome by errant memos
while the C-suite in their gilded penthouse
dine on broken dreams and innuendo
barely hanging on
barely hanging on
pulled in so many directions
I don't know what task I'm on
Barely hanging on
barely hanging on
they all want a piece of me
treat me like an automaton
pushing the paper day after day
tilt the windmills, come what may
though I try to stay above the fray
sometimes you gotta fight for the payday
barely hanging on
barely hanging on
pulled in so many directions
I don't know what task I'm on
Barely hanging on
barely hanging on
they all want a piece of me
treat me like an automaton
As a working stiff I hold to pressure
cope with frustration and depression
long since absorbed the object lesson
it's not worth aceding to agression
I work so I can live my life
food and shelter, kids and wife
try to leave the stressors far behind
so when I log out my life is mine
barely hanging on
barely hanging on
pulled in so many directions
I don't know what task I'm on
barely hanging on
barely hanging on
but never fear, i'll persevere
even broken, I'll press on
|
||||
2. |
||||
|
the world was wise enough
to know itself, brave enough
to be itself
and wild enough to change
The answers that it holds
diferent sizes different shapes
none quite right
but give it so much weight
for the slow regard of silent things
is better carried on air
blowing moist,
through the Underthing
the world it has it's Way
and if it strays off the path
nothing perfect
nothing beautiful nothing true
She knew the Underthing
like she knew the world's true shape
full of magic
simply for magic's sake
this world it knows its shape
it tells her in the wind,
it knows
true names, even if they're hidden
in the true way of things
those things they find their names
even if
the thing is to shy to reveal it
He he would be here soon
sweet and shatterd, brave and kind
roughly fit,
but meshed with the design
They were everything they ought to be
nothing else, no corner out of place
seek the way of things
the names are on the wind
An-swers important but not easy
take the time, do things the proper way
you'll find the world
a quite uncommon pleasant place
first set yourself
to rights and then your house,
and then
your corner of the sky
After that you hope
the world runs itself
for a while
A great gear-watch of proper fit
Full of answers true
of love, and of heartlight
it was beautiful
proper turning in delight
They were everything they ought to be
nothing else, no corner out of place
seek the way of things
the names are on the wind
An-swers important but not easy
take the time, do things the proper way
you'll find the world
a quite uncommon pleasant place
you'll find the world
a quite uncommon pleasant place
|
||||
3. |
Bass Clef Cat Tattoo
02:25
|
|||
|
You and I, we get on pretty well,
Ride or die, we'll always give 'em hell
On the question of ranking our relative shine
There's one thing that carries me to the head of the line!
The thing that makes me better than you
is that I have a bass-clef cat tattoo!
Topping that is something you'll never ever do,
Nobody beats the bass-clef cat tattoo!
Your voice may be sweet as a choir of angels
when you tread the boards, there are no better portrayals
your needlecraft garners exquisite appraisals
But are you inked with a cat with a clef for a tail?
The thing that makes me cooler than you
is that I have a bass-clef cat tattoo!
Topping that is something that I bet you can't do,
Nobody beats the bass-clef cat tattoo!
In dancing you move with a delicate grace
Your manner of manner of dressing shows elegant taste
In the kitchen, no question, you grill excellent steaks
Yet my primacy's plain as the nose on your face!
The thing that makes me cooler than you
is that I have a bass-clef cat tattoo!
Topping that is something that I bet you can't do,
Nobody beats the bass-clef cat tattoo!
You're genius at carrying deep conversation
Always quick of wit with a barb or quotation
You can express any number in scientific notation
but that can't beat my musical feline ornamentation!
The thing that makes me cooler than you
is that I have a bass-clef cat tattoo!
Topping that is something that I bet you can't do,
Nobody beats the bass-clef cat tattoo!
The thing that makes me cooler than you
is that I have a bass-clef cat tattoo!
Topping that is something that I bet you can't do,
Nobody beats the bass-clef cat tattoo!
|
||||
4. |
80 Years of Ghosts
04:15
|
|||
|
unlit office, quiet space
sunlight through the dust is brightening
alone in history's embrace
for some, this would be frightening
The timbers groan, the floor is weak
there are places I know not to walk
a human lifetime, aged but not bleak
in leg'cy's midst, the walls, they talk
Eight decades of humanity have wandered through this room
a near century of countless lives, each adding to the mystery
So many lives and stories, so many memories to exhume
The many souls that wander here build an intoxicating tapestry
Eighty years' of ghosts inhabit
this place's old and storied stage
I know not names, but feel kinship
each creak and noise a soul upon the page
Among the sagging walls and floorboards
stalk voices of the storied past
spirits of heroes, rakes, and lovers
insist to being, their essence lasts
Eight decades of humanity have wandered through this room
a near century of countless lives, each adding to the mystery
So many lives and stories, so many memories to exhume
The many souls that wander here build an intoxicating tapestry
I learned today that history
is due to turn another page
Time's been hard on this poor building
Alas, it's too much to maintain
As I leave this place on final time
I look once more into this hall
the ghosts remain, forever drifting
Myself now part of the spirit's pall
Eight decades of humanity have wandered through this room
a near century of countless lives, each adding to the mystery
So many lives and stories, so many memories to exhume
The many souls that wander here build an intoxicating tapestry
|
||||
5. |
Choose Not To Be Chosen
03:16
|
|||
|
We read the stories, sing the songs
of heroes destined to right wrongs
turn the world toward brighter dawns
but in real life, they're mostly pawns
you show potential, elders see
make you what they need you to be
appeal to your need to please
convince you you've got destiny
I was inspired, there was no doubt
I bought it all, my faith devout
trained hard, I tried to do them proud
set off and and settle their accounts
When I ventured out to seek my call
found reality didn't match at all
the legends taught in hallowed halls
that world described was just too small
when I was young, I was told
that I was chosen, my fate foretold
but now at forty-six years old
It feels unlikely I'll change the world
For years I struggled to reconcile
what I was taught with the world outside
I felt betrayed by their painted smiles
teachings laced with half-truths, spite and guile
Eventually in confrontation
with those who shaped my early station
whose goals I shared, took inspiration
changed my worldview, cracked my foundation
I'd seen too many things out there
that did not align with what they'd declared
it took all my strength, and some despair
I cast off destiny for which I'd prepared!
At first I felt strange and alone
mourned the loss of everything I'd known
but found new allies, made life my own
embraced the freedom of the unknown
I've adopted my own destiny
shouldered my own responsibilities
chosen family and identity
know nothing is perfect, but know I'm free!
to be who *I* need to be.
when I was young, I was told
that I was chosen to fill a specific role
took years of struggle to break the mold
I'm ready now to help shape the world!
|
||||
6. |
Walls
03:37
|
|||
|
Living a life is hard enough
when we can't touch, can't breathe, can't play
we lack the spoons to serve the vigor
we need to navigate our days
Endless days of calls and meetings
no chance to share things face to face
Stuck at home, behind my mask
broke and mourning the lost embrace
This once-a-lifetime circumstance
builds many roadblocks on our path
people talk of "six month walls"
when facing dire circumstance
these barriers will fall in time
Tom Petty and experts assure
we must give ourselves permission
to be less productive as we endure
Reassuring as it's meant to be
it's hard to overcome the stress
anxiety and frayed emotions
as ramparts bar us from success
I told a friend what I was feeling
she showed me through a different lens
These bricks provide a space to lean on
A chance to regroup and to rest
maybe I need an education
control my thoughts for the time ahead
this wall, here to test my mettle
and provide a place to catch my breath
life's obstacles they are a classroom
I learn from friends along the way
their wisdom and their dark sarcasm
have rarely led feelings astray
(another brick in the wall)
(another brick in the wall)
(another brick in the wall)
(another brick in the wall)
maybe I need an education
control my thoughts for the time ahead
this wall, here to test my mettle
and provide a place to catch my breath
life's obstacles they are a classroom
I learn from friends along the way
their wisdom and their dark sarcasm
have rarely led feelings astray
(another brick in the wall)
(another brick in the wall)
(another brick in the wall)
(another brick in the wall)
|
||||
7. |
Chaos, Art, Science
04:41
|
|||
|
We know dear child, you are a Source
natural of talent, short of control
your acts in days to come little one
may indeed chart the fate of the world
Your knack for the influence of force
must be tempered with understanding
it's nature cryptic and complex
but key to avoiding gross mishandling
----
Magic, say some, is chaos,
the key to open doors forbidden
doors hiding nightmares, fear and horror
enemies poised to anihillate hidden
fear of a mistake being made
is the bane of those of this mind
unleashed chaos will destroy all
the final undoing of mankind
and those who believe this are right.
-------
Magic, say some, is art
a talent to create tremendous beauty
granted to but a chosen few
spreading splendor their duty
those not able to create this art
recognize without it the world would be poorer
find the blessing of art within themselves
they achieve enlightenment through her
and those who believe this are right.
--------
Magic, say some, is science
requiring discipline study and work
knowledge and learning to push the boundaries
of enlightened minds to earn worth
progress, change, evolution
advancement and raising of bars
these minds say that one day magic
will allow us to reach the stars
and those who believe this are right.
---------
Movement and Change,
Annihilation and Rebirth.
Destined and destiny
----------
will you be an agent of progress?
birth art, inspire captivate?
or will be an ally of chaos
Sand in the gears of the Clock of Fate?
magic extends its hand toward you
child of destiny, elder blood
upon your dreams so much does depend
your choices will shape the things to come
Will shape, shape all things to come
will shape, shape all things to come
|
||||
8. |
January Exception
03:48
|
|||
|
At East Capitol and 1st Northeast
they did their duty as is written
to certify the vote, ensure
the Executive's peaceful transition
Across the Mall, at the Ellipse
He blustered on about "the steal"
under Red Hats, he lit a fire
and sent them storming to the field
They climbed over the barricades
(except when allies held them open)
they overran the People's House
Encouraged by the words he'd spoken
Shamelessly they burst inside
they mocked the sacred seat of power
the place was wrecked, and people died
the elected forced to hide and cower
------
He fanned the flames of insurrection
then hid behind his gilded fences
but there is no January Exception
to protect him from the consequences!
------
The dust cleared and they acted quickly
sent Articles from South to North
The upper house, in sympathy
delayed 'til he was out the door
Not until the regime changed
in accordance with instruction
did they take upon themselves the task
but laid foundation for obstruction
Eventually he obtained counsel
their case obscure 'ven to his caucus
claimed they could not act against him
as he'd already abandoned office
No denial of his words and actions
but rambling technicalities
and flattery of judge and jury
out of touch with stark reality
-------
He fanned the flames of insurrection
then hid behind his gilded fences
there is no January Exception
to protect him from the consequences!
--------
As I write, things are ongoing
we cannot know the final outcome
Though if partisanship wins the day
The action was still worth the effort
If he is not held to account
for the high crimes of his waning days
The next one, likely much more able
will use precedent to make his play
For no one is above the law
not even one in high position
justice cannot be avoided
through strategic timely resignation
we must hope hist'ry will remember
the circumstances of this time and place
if not, this noble experiment
risks self-sown failure in disgrace
-------------
He fanned the flames of insurrection
then hid behind his gilded fences
there is no January Exception
to protect him from the consequences!
when words beget an insurrection
from the power-mad beyond his senses
should be no January Exception
no protection from the consequences!
|
||||
9. |
Latchkey
03:29
|
|||
|
this talisman of brass
feels cold against your skin
hangs 'round your neck on piece of yarn
grandma left behind in a cookie tin
trudging up the sidewalk
backpack hanging by one strap
thoughts letting go of dull assignments
'bout filling in countries on a map
the key slides in, opens up the portal
burdens dropped inside the door
half-assedly take out the trash
stake out your space on the rec room floor...
tv on to channel 8
but not too fast or the knob will break
as the tube warms up the timer dings
on the hot pocket in the microwave
--------------
Mom's at work for the next three hours
dad'll pick you up on the weekend
you carry so much on your shoulders
but on your abilities they depend
-----------------
the latch key generation
you hold your heads up high
you were on your own, from the get go
you got it done you didn't cry
wrapped up in their own issues
they left you to do or die
you did the work, with a sarcastic smirk
independence is your battle cry!
------------
They all say they tried their best
trickle down was just a rumor
but they never missed a happy hour
or chance to play model consumer
life's lessons came from television
Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers
Knowing things was half the battle
learned stranger-danger from Transformers
You stepped up, were responsible
took care of all that needed doing
kept the house and little kids in line
all with fatalistic gallows humor
your independence was imposed
left to establish your own future
barely time to begrudge struggles left
by materialistic boomers!
----------
Homework's done, and dinner's made
no time for trouble, too much to do
cat's been fed, paperboy's paid
so much of it depends on you
--------------
the latch key generation
you hold your heads up high
you were on your own, from the get go
you got it done you didn't cry
wrapped up in their own issues
they left you to do or die
you did the work, with a sarcastic smirk
independence is your battle cry!
--------
mom needs you to pay the plumber
you're only twelve, for goodness sake
if it's not one thing it's the other
no slack is cut for your mistakes
---------------
the latch key generation
you hold your heads up high
you were on your own, from the get go
you got it done you didn't cry
wrapped up in their own issues
they left you to do or die
you did the work, with a sarcastic smirk
independence is your battle cry!
|
||||
10. |
Make It So, Engage!
03:34
|
|||
|
stoke the fires
basement chic
serve the fat-cats
five times a week
pump the water
dispersing steam
rack and stack 'em
keep things clean
clear the clutter
dump the dross
it don't spark joy
toss it in the box
spread the butter
toast the bread
purge bad feelings
out your head
----
It's time to kick 'em out
it's time sweep the stage
prop the door, in with the new
tap into that teenage rage
It's time to clear the boards
It's time to make a change
open space for new ideas
make it so, engage!
----
blow the white stuff
from the drive
doesn't matter
still stuck inside
purge the valves
burn it off
spike the punch
turn your head, cough
shear the wool
harvest wheat
show the bastards
you can feel the heat
damn the man
stick it to 'em
call the lightning
they all go boom
----
It's time to kick 'em out
it's time sweep the stage
prop the door, in with the new
tap into that teenage rage
It's time to clear the boards
It's time to make a change
open space for new ideas
make it so, engage!
make it so, engage!
make it so, engage!
make it so, engage!
make it so, engage!
|
||||
11. |
Ice Storm Shanty
04:11
|
|||
|
Batten down the hatches, mate
The ice has coated everything
The trees and cars and powerlines
And all the flotsam in between
And all the flotsam in between
The storm has left us stranded, boys
Some time until a fix is coming
Grab a blanket, light a candle
There's little left apart from waiting
There's little left apart from waiting
The power's out the clocks are blank
The white noise of the house is missing
The air is cold, no warmth to find
Best get settked for some shivering
Best get settled for some shivering
We could be drifting here for days
A week or two is not unheard of
Make peace with precious screens gone dark
snacks be cold, the windows frosted
Snacks be cold and windows frosted
Ye might as well get used to it
And don't expect a change soon coming
The weather is a fickle lass
So spare us your infernal whining
So spare us your infernal whining
Find yeself a willing partner
To share with you their warmth and comfort
You,re in this for the longhaul mates
He best take pleasures as they're offered
He best take pleasures as they're offered
If he find yourself alone
As many do in these arrangements
The spirits get you just as sloshed
As theydo in better circumstances
As they do in better circumstances
Ye might as well get used to it
And don't expect a change soon coming
The weather is a fickle lass
So spare us your infernal whining
So spare us your infernal whining
|
||||
12. |
The Underlying Meaning
04:18
|
|||
|
We all seek seek the meaning
of the messages before us
concealed in the shadows
Hidden in plain sight
The world is full of secrets
we need only to listen
To find the metadata
that organizes life
See Sharp, Mind your manner,
Be the change you wish for
A special kind of feeling
Be A part of something
See a half step further
Become something for someone
A deeper connection
Begin to approach the
Eternal
The universe is endless
No beginning and no ending
Every moment just another
point along the curve
We all come from star stuff
We are part of something larger
Our visions of the future
Lie within our past
See Sharp, Mind your manner,
Be the change you wish for
A special kind of feeling
Be A part of something
See a half step further
Become something for someone
A deeper connection
Begin to approach the
Eternal
There are patterns upon patterns
Laid out before our senses
We need only be open
To see the grand design
So seek the underlying substance
move past the surface details
Find structure to the notion
that all details are signs
See Sharp, Mind your manner,
Be the change you wish for
A special kind of feeling
Be A part of something
See a half step further
Become something for someone
A deeper connection
Begin to approach the
Eternal
|
||||
13. |
||||
|
A man struggles with the feeling
that he's never good enough
He feels he's an imposter
any talent is but bluff
Never matter that he's often praised
for contributions to the whole
draws good results from chaos
he's but a pretender to the role
----
A ball of insecurities,
self doubting, brimming with unease
For whatever reason he can't see
that he's not what he perceives to be
it's a never-ending struggle
with self-sourced causality
------
The inverse of the study
Of Doc Kruger and Doc Dunning
Objective competence is evident
yet sees himself as nothing
the lack of confidence a barrier
to perceived success and esteem
his maladjusted self-impression
feels impossible to redeem
-----
A ball of insecurities,
self doubting, brimming with unease
For whatever reason he can't see
that he's not what he perceives to be
it's a never-ending struggle
with self-sourced causality
------
On some level he's aware
this perception is misplaced
he struggles to discard it
but it's buried deep, innate
he contemplates the source
of his sense that he's unworthy
drawing from an awkward childhood
or early failures on his journey
----
Is he a tragic hero
struggling against the tide
or would he just rather feel so
blaming factors from outside
the distinction would be simpler
if evidence was on his side
verifiably he's good enough
yet he can't feel that way inside!
-----
A ball of insecurities,
self doubting, brimming with unease
For whatever reason he can't see
that he's not what he perceives to be
it's a never-ending struggle
with self-sourced causality
-----
|
||||
14. |
Cut the Q(ueue)
03:16
|
|||
|
climb down off that throne
you're on your own
with those strange opinions
there's no conspiracy
no coming tyranny
sometimes a storm's just weather
--
You're digging in the dirt
it's going to hurt
when you hit the bottom
There's nothing there to find
why can't you clear your mind
of this prophetic nonsense
--
Things rarely go as planned
you've got to understand
that some prankster's having you on
it's just an echo chamber
i fear you're in danger
of saying something you can't take back
---
Wish you'd come back to me
why can't you see
that people love you out there
Please try to clear your head
it's all discredited
The world keeps moving on
Q.....it ain't true.....
|
||||
Chuck Parker Virginia
A performer for more than 35 years, Chuck has filled many musical roles: heavy metal guitarist, singer/songwriter, jazz
sideman, open mic host, filk circle regular, and World’s Okayest Bassist™.
A regular on the con circuit, find him at open mics and backing up the Blibbering Humdingers!
... more
If you like Chuck Parker, you may also like:
Positively Gruntled, a collection of non-sequitur ditties
by The Blibbering Humdingers
supported by 5 fans who also own “The Blanket Fort Demos (FAWM '21)”
go to album
The Long Road
by Rhiannon's Lark
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Blanket Fort Demos (FAWM '21)”
Excellent songs by an excellent artist!
go to album
You're Not Cleared For This
by D.J. McGuire
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Blanket Fort Demos (FAWM '21)”
go to album
The Edge of the Land
by Katie Spencer
Spencer's indie folk sophomore album was recorded live in the studio over the course of two days.
go to album
A Place Like Home
by Mr. Alec Bowman_Clarke
The new EP from Scottish songwriter Alec Bowman_Clarke goes deep, setting vulnerable lyrics to gentle melodies & stripped-back arrangements.
go to album
I Used To Be Sad & Then I Forgot
by Mr. Alec Bowman_Clarke
Alec Bowman perfectly captures the dark soil under the pastoral world of British folk with this collection of melancholy originals.
go to album
Songs for Gamers (EP)
by Madison Metricula Roberts
supported by 4 fans who also own “The Blanket Fort Demos (FAWM '21)”
this is the first album the kids ask to be out on every time we get in the car. family favorite album and family favorite artist.
go to album
