Lyrics by Bill Ring

faithless angels Lyrics by Bill Ring

faithless angels f Bill Ring & Ironwood a a

1. Nobody Wants a Wanted Man (2:35) Bill Ring - vocal, acoustic guitars, i 2. Ghost in the Road (4:03) harmonica, percussion n 3. Brave New World (4:42) Dave Redmond - electric guitar 4. Into the Shadows (6:02) Joe Crum - electric bass t 5. Waiting for Caligula (6:04) Angie Beeler - vocal (track 2-6, 8, 9, 11) g 6. Here for the Beer (3:12) Stacy Farina - vocal (track 1, 13) 7. House Money (4:17) Barry Miller - drums h 8. There Ain't No Train (5:49) Joey Dugan - flute e 9. Faithless Angels (5:20) Suzanne Schwartz - cello 10. Ride to California (4:23) l 11. I Just Can't Find the Blues (4:25) All songs written, arranged, and l 12. The End of History (2:15) mixed by Bill Ring 13. Cool to Black (6:01) e 14. The Lake (5:00) c P 2018 William G. Ring s Folksmith Visit www.folksmith.com s for pictures, lyrics, notes, and more on the songs and the artists. TM s

c P 2018 William G. Ring Brave New World - Bill Ring Page 1 of 2

I woke up this morning and I opened my eyes, Took a long look around and to my surprise, I don't know how and I don't know why, But I’m living in a brave new world.

There was nothing very special on the early bird news, No scientist discovering a cure for the blues. There was no explanation and I didn’t have a clue Why I’m living in a brave new world.

‘Cause we are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl We are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl

I switched on my computer and I liked me some links To save all the needy, show the world what I think, Then I did my calisthenics, and I threw up in the sink, Thinking ‘bout your brave new world.

My face in the mirror looked just like chalk, I had a cup of coffee and went out for a walk. I asked a lot of questions, but nobody wants to talk About living in a brave new world.

‘Cause we are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl We are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl

There were people with diplomas standing out in the street, Searching for democracy or something to eat. But a passing politician said it’s indiscrete To complain about a brave new world Brave New World - Bill Ring Page 2 of 2

While the bankers and the businessmen are having a blast Selling tickets to a carnival to celebrate the past, And laughing at the pessimist who said it couldn’t last To be living in a brave new world.

‘Cause we are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl We are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl

Man on the corner with his hand in a fist Said I’m lost in a fantasy that doesn’t exist, But responsible authorities continue to insist That we’re living in a brave new world.

I came home this evening and I went to bed With a pill and a whiskey and a pain in my head, . Then I woke up remembering what you said About living in a brave new world. You said …

[Bridge] Have I walked this winding way Only to return, To dance on the edge of a shattered cliff While the city beneath me burns?

I might be right and I could be wrong, But the same old places and the same old songs Look nothing like they used to do all along, Now we’re living in a brave new world. ‘Cause we are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl We are living in a brave new world And I am a brave new girl Cool To Black – Bill Ring

In an air conditioned trailer on the Death Valley sand We pressed our buttons with a trembling hand. Warriors by remote control Infrared eyes and an algorithmic soul, I saw blood cool to black on the video screen And silent mouths that would scream in my dreams.

The video games that I played as a kid Never prepared me for the things that we did; Push a button, and half a world away A missile from a Predator blew strangers away. I saw blood cool to black on the video screen And silent mouths that would scream in my dreams.

We’d drink our morning coffee and joke in our way: “Which one of these suckers is getting his today?” But the alien faces up on the wall Just stared down and said nothing at all. And their blood cooled to black on the video screen And silent mouths screamed in my dreams.

I’d go drinking in Las Vegas on a Saturday night, Play a little blackjack and look at the lights. I used to date a dealer ‘til I told her ‘bout it all, Now she won’t let me touch her and she won’t return my calls. I saw blood cool to black on the video screen And silent mouths screamed in my dreams.

They tallied my total when my tour was through; I killed 1600 ‘cause it’s what I had to do. I thought I saw a child, but they said it was a dog, And I passed that night in an alcoholic fog. I saw blood cool to black on the video screen And silent mouths screamed in my dreams.

I went home to Montana to stay with my folks To see my old buddies, try to laugh at their jokes. They tell me I’m a hero, but I don’t know what to say About the stain in my mind that I can’t wash away. I see blood cool to black on the video screen I see silent mouths scream in my dreams.

That VA shrink calls it PTSD, But it only feels like guilt to me. I knew it was a child when they said it was a dog, Now my only comfort is that alcoholic fog. I see blood cool to black on the video screen And silent mouths scream in my dreams; Blood cools to black on the video screen And silent mouths still scream in my dreams; Silent mouths scream in my dreams. The End of History - Bill Ring

The end of history came and went And nobody noticed at all. Put a little money in your IRA And turn your face to the wall. Turn your face to the wall my buddy, Isn’t it a little absurd? The end of history came and went And nobody uttered a word.

The end of history came and went And it’s just like it was before. The rich stay rich and your mouths stay shut And the poor stay quietly poor. The poor stay quietly poor, my buddy ‘Cause that’s the way the game’ll get played. The end of history came and went And we didn’t even get a parade.

Oh... that’s the beauty of history You... can always find a new enemy Or two or three.

The end of history came and went And now we get to be the police, Bringing freedom and democracy to all the world Wherever they have oil we can lease. As long as they have oil we can lease, my buddy, There ain’t nothing we won’t do for a friend. The end of history came and went, But bullshit never does end. The end of history came and went, But bullshit never does end. Faithless Angels - Bill Ring

Heroes huddled in the hall harmonize with ruined voices, Resting on a cardboard pall, out of luck and out of choices. I have heard them singing sweet in the fullness of the spring, Free of fear with joy complete, calling every bell to ring.

Weary armies of the night, marching toward the break of day, Heavy hearts and burdens light, silent with too much to say. I have seen you draw the line, step across with hopeful heart, Proud and strong and feeling fine, to find yourself back at the start.

Victors in your strange, sad war, where victory was never the point, You asked for love but wanted more, time on your side but out of joint. I have known your joy and rage, raised the empty parting glass, Burned the book and turned the page that only says, "This too shall pass."

Faithless angels stand in line for the cup that quenches doubt, Madder music, stronger wine, still afraid to be left out. I have loved you from afar, watching silent in the dark, Waiting on the morning star, hoping for a distant spark.

Tell me stories, tell me lies, anything but bitter truth, Drown me in your haunted eyes; let me dream of joyful youth. I have sought you all of my days, still in sight but out of reach, Yearned to walk your secret ways, longed to learn what none can teach Ghost In The Road - Bill Ring

It might have been a deer in my headlights, It could have been a trick of the light, Or some solitary dog lost out in the fog, With a coat that looked peculiarly fuzzy and white.

I told myself, "Now don't get excited; Don't let your 'magination run wild. It's just the sort of sight you might see in the night. No call for you to whimper like a terrified child.

"A cow could have strayed from the pasture, " Except that it didn't go, "Moo." And as it floated away I decided not to stay, I didn't hang around to hear the sucker go, "Boo!"

It was a ghost in the road (repeat 4X)

It was an eerie apparition in a state of transition From the here and now to what is to be. I was wary, it was scary, and nothin’ like a fairy, That the Disney channel likes to show the kids on TV.

It was a ghost in the road (repeat 4X)

It was a fearsome phantasm made of ectoplasm Strollin' around in his bones. I don't know just what he wanted, but I don't like bein' haunted, So I didn't hang around to hear his shrieks and his moans.

It was a ghost in the road (repeat 4X) What a sight, what a fright, what a plight, what a terrible night! Here For The Beer - Bill Ring

I'm only here for the beer. I'm only here for the beer. I'm not the kind of person that you think that I appear, and I'm only here for the beer.

I'm only here for the wine, I'm only here for the wine, I felt bad a little while ago, but now I'm feelin' fine, and I'm only here for the wine.

I'm only here for the booze, I'm only here for the booze, Set 'em up and knock 'em back, whatever you choose, and I'm only here for the booze.

I'm only here for the drugs, I'm only here for the drugs, I hope it won’t upset you if I sleep on your rug, 'cause I'm only here for the drugs.

I'm only here for some sex, I'm only here for some sex, I'm so god-damned horny, I could do it with my ex, and I'm only here for some sex.

I'm only here for the beer, I'm only here for the beer, In case you didn’t get it yet, I thought I’d make it clear, I’m only here for the ... Only here for the ... Only here for the beer. House Money - Bill Ring

She’s the girl who put the “wood” in Woodstock. She got the tuna hot. Sharing her love with a whole generation, Doing everything her mama always said she should not. She opens up the door with a flower in her hand, You can tell what she’s been doing by the way she stands. She’s the girl who put the “wood” in Woodstock, and she’s my girl.

Now she's playing with house money, Living on borrowed time, Rolling off a log, landing high on the hog, Subsisting on the proceeds of a victimless crime. She used to be as busy as a worker bee, 'Til she got stung by reality. Now she's playing with house money, Livin' on borrowed time.

She’s the girl who put the “wood” in Woodstock. She wrote the book of love. But she saw the light on a hard day's night, Now Roxanne's red dress fits her like a glove. She used to say that love is all you need to get by, But money changes everything, it's hard to deny. Now she's playin' with house money, Living on borrowed time.

She's playing with house money, Living on borrowed time, She's doing mighty well out on the highway to Hell Since she hitched a free ride to a sunnier clime. She’s lying in a hammock in a leafy glade, Got it made in the shade with a lemonade. She’s playing with house money, Livin' in the land of milk and honey. She’s the girl who put the “wood” in Woodstock. She’s my girl. I Just Can’t Find The Blues - Bill Ring

I was born in the middle of the middle class. And I can’t get the blues for to save my ass. I try and I try but I can’t find it; I try and I try but I just can’t find it; No matter how I try, I just can’t find the blues.

Went down to the crossroads all alone, But the devil didn’t make it, so I come back home. I try and I try (etc.)

When I woke up this mornin’ I was feelin’ all right, That wasn’t what I wanted, so I turned out the light. I try and I try (etc.)

I thought my baby left me ‘cause she wasn’t here, But she just went shoppin’ and she brought back beer. I try and I try (etc.)

I bought all those old records, but I’m full of doubt ‘Cause I can’t find nothin’ to complain about. I try and I try (etc.)

I got money in my pocket, I got gigs by the dozen, And my baby says she wants to try a threesome with her cousin. I try and I try (etc.)

I can play that country, I dig rock and roll, But I can’t get the blues to save my soul. I try and I try but I can’t find it; I try and I try but I just can’t find it; I’m tryin’ and I’m tryin’, I believe my brain is fryin’ I’m tryin’ and I’m tryin’, if I’m lyin’ then I’m dyin’ But no matter how I try, I just can’t find the blues.. Into The Shadows - Bill Ring

Come away into the shadows, Where wild beasts howl and the gypsy wind blows. If you'd learn what the burning man knows, Come and touch the fire.

Leave behind your robe and sandals, Draw the circle, light the candle, Take the dagger by the handle, Name your heart's desire.

All the law is what you will; Naught is evil, naught is ill; Take your pleasure, drink your fill; Step into the dance.

Visions of a burning tower, Slouching beast, idyllic bower, Darkness at the seventh hour, Rise into the trance.

See the ancient ones returning, Ever watching, ever yearning, Older than your light and learning, Younger than the dawn.

Horn-ed god, the three-faced dame Flickering within the flame, Lose yourself, forget your name, Let the masque go on.

...

Dawn upon the misted hill Rises through the silent chill; Fading dreams are drifting still In the pregnant air.

Stragglers winding down the way, Much to do, not much to say, Eager now to meet the day Of the Midsummer Faire. The Lake – Bill Ring

There’s one swan out on the lake, And the small fishes leap in its wake. The rain falls down, and the gulls circle ‘round, And I wonder why I’m still a-wake. I don’t know why I’m still a-wake.

Here I stand on the wrong side of dawn, And the lake wants to sing me a song. The waves lap the shore, but they never say more Than “Your life is a stream that flows on.” They say life is a dream that flows on.

You know that that’s just a cliché. You could hear it said any old day. The rain falls down, and the gulls circle ‘round, But the lake don’t have nothin’ to say. The lake never has much to say.

And there’s one swan out on the lake, And the small fishes leap in its wake. The rain pours down, and the gulls circle ‘round, And I think that I made a mistake. I believe that I made a mistake. Nobody Wants a Wanted Man – Bill Ring

Rollin’ down the highway in the middle of the night, Watchin’ in the mirror for a flashin’ red light, Searchin’ for a back road to take me down to Mexico. I could use some assistance, but I’m all alone, And it ain’t no wonder why I’m on my own. Nobody wants a wanted man.

Halfway thru Nevada at the break of day, Think I just could get away, By my eyes are getting’ heavy and the gas gauge is readin’ low. Ain’t too hard to understand Why nobody (will) help you when you’re on the lam. Nobody wants a wanted man.

The law came lookin’ and I had to leave town. Nobody wanted me hangin’ around. Mama started cryin’ and my daddy said I had to go. I tried to call my buddy, but I’m on the wrong track; I tried to call my baby, but she didn’t call back. The preacher said he’d pray about my state of sin; And that legal aid lawyer said to turn myself in. Nobody wants a wanted … Nobody wants a wanted … Nobody wants a wanted man. Ride To California - Bill Ring

I never thumbed a ride to California, Never hopped a high-ball freight to New Orleans. Instead of ramblin' 'round, I just stayed around this town, Hanging on the edges of the scene. And though I never had the lust to wander, I did my share of traveling in my mind. You don't have to take a train to be alone again. They say there’s 50 ways to leave your love behind.

I got to know the road when I was younger, But all that ramblin' only got me down. I finally had my fill of the far side of the hill, And feelin' like a stranger in your town. So now I’m only travelin' to tomorrow. That's the only mystery I'll ever need. That undiscovered land is always close at hand. It’s a dusty book I know I'll never read.

I never thumbed a ride to California, Never rode a diesel down to San Antone. I guess I always knew that if ramblin's all you do You're bound to always live your life alone. I guess I always knew that if ramblin's all you do You're bound to always live your life alone. There Ain’t No Train – Bill Ring

In the heart of the night when I’m lost in your memory, No lonesome whistle to sing a sad song for me, No midnight freight, no clangin’ bell to call me when I’m all alone, There ain’t no train comin’ for to carry me home. There ain’t no train to take me away again. When I feel the pain, there ain’t no train.

(repeat refrain)

When that feeling takes hold, and I know that I just have to go, Look up at the stars, feel the rattle, and hear the wind blow, No shiny car, no air-o-plane, can take me where I need to be, But there ain’t no train comin’ for to carry me free. There ain’t no train to take me away again. When I feel the pain, there ain’t no train.

By the brown muddy river, in the reeds on right of way The ghosts of the hobos still swap their tall tales. But the jungle’s long burned out, and with it, the memory Of the lost and the lonely who followed the rails.

The gamblers and grifters, the drunkards and drifters, The dreamers and dopers, the homeless and hopers, Migrants and timber jacks, wanted men who can’t go back, Runaways longing to find their way home. Still longing to find their way home.

In their thousands on thousands they rode in the box cars, Now there’s no ‘Frisco circles, no more Mulligan stew. Never learned all their handles, just Frypan and Bowtie. One of them might be a legend, but the other I knew.

All the ragged and restless, still searching for something, Have crossed the divide and they’re not coming back, Half close your eyes, and then maybe you’ll see them, Watch their dreams disappear down the rusted old tracks. And it’s goodbye to Bowtie, and so long to Frying Pan Jack. Goodbye to Bowtie, and so long to Frying Pan Jack. Waiting for Caligula – Bill Ring

They held a Roman triumph on the internet last night To celebrate the glory of our military might. A super model majorette was beating on her drum, And Tiberius was looking mighty glum, Waiting for Caligula to come, Waiting for Caligula to come.

The legions marched so proudly to the center of the square, Chariots and elephants and royal visitors were there, Chorus girls threw strings of pearls, I tried to grab me some, But Tiberius was sucking on his thumb, He was waiting for Caligula to come, Waiting for Caligula to come.

Here in the land of the fee and the home of the slave, 10,000 ancestors are crying in their graves. All the professional philosophers are keeping mighty schtum; Waiting for Caligula to come, Waiting for Caligula to come.

Next came two minutes’ silence in respect for the deceased, Then a geriatric rock band covered “I Shall Be Released”. The crowd knelt down to pray that they would not die in a slum, And a TV newsman interviewed a bum Who was waiting for Caligula to come, Waiting for Caligula to come.

At the banquet all the VIPs tried to remain aloof. With one foot in the gravy, they’re two meals from a wolf. The Prince of Wales ate lobster tails and Tiberius chewed gum. The crowd outside cried, “Won’t you give us some?” They were waiting for Caligula to come. Waiting for Caligula to come.

Here in the land of the fee and the home of the slave, 10000 ancestors are regretting what they gave. Tiberius is lying low, he’s playing deaf and dumb, But he’s waiting for Caligula to come. Waiting for Caligula, waiting for Caligula, Waiting for Caligula to come. Waiting for Caligula to come.