Though relatively short in duration, this album has been a long time in the Thanks in particular to these patient supporters: Becky Clarke, Christopher Hoare, Bill Webb, Libby Thomas, Mike Crawley, making. Some of these songs began life decades ago, but, not then having Andrew White, Phil Crew, Colin Hylton, Frank McIlquaham, Patricia Marshall, the correct vehicle to ignite, they remained in hibernation, until now. Mike Amato, Cameron Dench, Paul Brady, Frank Spizzica, John Di Natale, Bruce Saunders, Alex Carranza, Mike Lazarus, John Farrugia, Alex Green, Min Immesi and Grahame Harrison. depression, elation, despair and happiness, and which has also presented And to all who have followed and supported my whacky and meandering me with the terrifying opportunity to sing in public. This has allowed me to Musical journeys over the years. confront more of my demons. Another reason to be grateful. Songs embellished with the luscious inputs of: Ric McCann – loopy drums – track 8 Much love to: Peter Heckenberg – drums – tracks 3, 13 Jacob Cook – drums – tracks 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 Pauline and Ellee, my wonderful little family, for putting up with me during Peter Maslen – drums – tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 the course of this recording (and more). I’m so fortunate to have you in my Laura Davidson – backing vocals – tracks 1, 3, 5 life. Pam Maroney – backing vocals – tracks 1, 5 Pauline and Ellee – backing vocals – track 6
John Downes, for his invaluable guidance, true friendship and heroic Humble thanks to attempts to keep me on track. www.acorro.com.au Doug Ford and Greg Macainsh for their (unwitting) helping hands. Mark Tinson for his sensible critiques and constant reminders that I really Lorantz guitar speakers, Cole Clark Guitars, Tokai Guitars Australia, Don and need to do this before I fall off the perch. Southern Cross, Audio Pony Recording Studios, sE Microphones, Aston microphones, D’addario NYXL strings, Mick Brierley Pickups, Zoom cameras, May All Beings Be Happy. M.I. Audio effects, John Kav effects, Ash Moors effects, Les and 68 Guitars, Megasorber Acoustic Treatments, RME Audio Interfaces, Samplitude recording software. My mate Shane came ‘round the other day, But I can’t do that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, Take this skin, that it might change its colour Turned up, un-announced, I can’t say that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, I’d give anything, to be rid of this hue He said “You look like shit, son, I can’t even think that, no! I wish that I were born as white as Jesus better get you out the house”. ‘Cause my wife will kill me. Oh, to be as beautiful as you The good I made - thrown on, thrown on, thrown the ground What’s that in the driveway? You see I can’t do that ‘cause my wife will kill me, I take your blessings - on my knees An Italian soft top? I cant buy that ‘cause my wife will kill me, A rolling wreck – of rosaries And I wish that I could be as white as Jesus, Oh honey, can I have my way, I can’t even hold that, And lead foot ‘til I drop? ‘Cause my wife will kill me. And I wish that I could be as white as Jesus, And if only I were born, the man that he was, Oh please, little darling.... White As Jesus Who’s that bloke in the mirror? ‘cause I’ve been a good little soldier. What’s with all that grey hair? And if only I were born, the man that he was, Response Yes you’ve been a good little soldier, Ooh, he gives me the shivers, White As Jesus White As Jesus! And you’ve done just what I told ya. The rearview is so unfair. To get by, a boy wears many faces, So baby can I, So many things around me, You took pleasure, in my need to please, Scars on your miracles, and all your truths in shackles Collect guitars, smoke cigars, go dancing in Cuba. They look so beige. I’ll never be, the virgin that he was One step into lonely, and a mile into blue Restore that car, open up a bar, Bring back Jimi! Bring back paisley! Snake and mouse, and Sunday guarantees And now the ink is dry, but I pulled through And parachute naked! Bring back crazy! Bring back those days! While your God got off, under Section 2 A litany - of put me downs, How wonderful the world must be, for you. But I can’t do that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, I’m gonna dress rough, and leave the seat up, I can’t say that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, Only shave every three days. I can’t even think that, Never vacuum, and stay in my room, ‘Cause my wife will kill me. And maybe then I’m done.... as white as jesus
The kids are out of high school, But I can’t do that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, And I wish that I could be as white as Jesus, And they just won’t leave home, I can’t say that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, I keep dropping those hints, I can’t even think that, No! And if only I were born, the man that he was, But no-where else will they roam. ‘Cause my wife will kill me. In my dreams, I can be, As right as him. The dishes they need cleaning, Oh no I can’t do that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, White As Jesus But I hide out in the shed, I can’t touch that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, Ooh, those shelves, they need some painting, I can’t even feel that, Response Maybe I’ll do that, instead. ‘Cause my wife will kill me. White As Jesus
Aren’t I a good little soldier? Oh I can’t do that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, I wish that I could be, Yes, you’re a good little soldier, I can’t drink that, ‘cause my wife will kill me, As White As Jesus And you did just what we told ya. I can’t partake of that, huh!! ‘Cause my wife will, Now harden up, and tough it out, ‘Cause my wife will kill me. get up by your bootstraps. Ride the waves, smiling brave, ‘Cause my wife will kill me. I want to stand my ground ‘Cause my wife will kill me.
‘Cause my wife will.‘Cause my wife will. i can’t do that, my wife will kill me Smoke & mirrors & broken swings I’m like a schoolboy running through the halls, And guns & fags & children who sing How is it, that you knew? About things they hate, that they call sin, But they don’t understand. Got the right amount of sunshine, I almost missed you, in the right amount of breeze, you stayed true to your aim, An angel’s smile an imposter’s pain, C’mon greet the day. I love how you kissed me, Right amount of birds, I woke up like a hurricane. And trading stories with the lame, When The Devil Gets To Heaven, in the right amount of trees, To seize the upper hand. And all the saints have taken leave, Honey, sashay this way. You have my heart, now take my hand, When The Devil Gets To Heaven, Let’s get out into the Daylight Praise the Dead, raise the Dead, All the things you had, have gone, I’ll make the coffee, you make the bed, No looking back, since this began. Take from them what you crave. You’ll take what you need. Sit by the window, good days ahead. Let’s get out into the Daylight
When The Devil Gets To Heaven, All above is calling You have my heart, now take my hand, You have my heart, now take my hand, And all the saints have taken leave, Paradise is closing. Get out into the Daylight. Let’s get out into the Daylight! No looking back, since this began, Get out into the Daylight.
when the devil gets to heaven You’re a lighthouse in a foggy world, daylight sunshine through the mist, When The Devil Gets To Heaven, When The Devil Gets To Heaven, Feel my blood, it’s rushing. All the things you had, have gone, And all the saints have taken leave, Graceful as a string of pearls, You’ll settle for what you need. When The Devil Gets To Heaven, love your candy kiss, And all the things you had, have gone. Lord I think I’m blushing. And now the mud on my boots has yet to dry, But here I go again, into the rain outside. When The Devil Gets To Heaven, I messed up directions, I’m not that brave so I swallow my pride, And all the saints have taken leave, you were there to guide me home, And I ring the Master’s bell. When The Devil Gets To Heaven, A smile on the horizon, sweet as honeycomb. All the things you had, have gone, On a Saviour’s hand blood leaves no trace, You’ll settle for what you need. You have my heart, now take my hand, Like a deck of cards, without the ace. Get out into the Daylight Such pretty clothes, such a pretty face, Paradise is calling, No looking back, since this began, But such a dirty smell. Paradise is calling. Get out into the Daylight.
Praise the Dead, raise the Dead, Works of beauty hung on these walls, Take from them what you crave. Everybody’s famous. Magic apparitions, on my, breakfast toast, Jimmy’s at the gym and he’s unwell, He’s hungover again - hah! - LOL. Better call this number, Post haste! Haste post! He’s falling to pieces all over his page, N-n-n-nothing to say so I laugh at his rage. Can I Get An Amen? Yeah! Can I Get An Amen? Amen! 42 and still at home Can I Get An Amen? Hell yeah! He wonders if you are alone... Behind hate and “us “ and “them” Who Are These People? So! Are you up for this great work, and mindless fear, up for this great task? There’s a darkness I know I can sway, And she can’t get enough cat videos. I’ll take that credit, though none is due, Call for blood, but hide away, She’s trolling me with her partner in crime, I got my daddy’s money in my pocket, when the blood it comes too close, A paranoid puppy with a hidden timeline. swanning around France, After all, I wouldn’t want to get in your way, Ruminating on what the poor should do. Would I? who are these people can i get an amen She is a party of one, With a keyboard as a gun, If I were you then I would run... A lollypop hero of the throw away kind, Bless him, spite her, and her evil ways. Flesh and blood, muscle and money, Who Are These People? On my side. And I can smell you from here, Can I Get An Amen? Yeah! Through the whiskey & the beer, Better dig deep, better send it this way, Can I Get An Amen? Amen! You’re getting way, way too near... Better pay for the promise of you being saved. Can I Get An Amen? Hell yeah! Who Are These People? Can I Get An Amen? Yeah! Can I Get An Amen? Can I Get An Amen? Amen! Can I Get An Amen? Hell yeah! Amen! Lucky that there’s so much low hanging fruit, I’ll keep milking it until the very end, I will kill what I can’t comprehend. If you’re going down to Memphis, don’t ya, be no whore, If you’re going down to Memphis, don’t ya, be no whore.
I got ten dollars, need a hundred more, I got ten dollars, need a hundred more, I got ten dollars, need a hundred more, Rosie keep the winter from coming to my door.
Oh Rosie, Oh girl. Oh Rosie, Oh girl. Oh Rosie, Oh girl. Oh Rosie, Oh girl. Buy me a ticket kiss a, yellow dog, Oh Rosie, Oh girl, Buy me a ticket kiss a, yellow dog. Oh Rosie, Oh girl. rosie
You be my woman girl I’ll, be your man, Stick to the promise girl that, you made me, You be my woman girl I’ll, be your man, Stick to the promise girl that, you made me, You be my woman girl I’ll, be your man, Stick to the promise girl that, you made me, You got my life-blood girl it’s, You said you’d marry me when, I go free. In your hands. I go free Lord, I go free, You said you’d marry me when, I go free. In your hands, Lord, In your hands, Oh Rosie, Oh girl. You got my life-blood girl it’s, Oh Rosie, Oh girl. In your hands. Oh Rosie, Oh girl, Oh Rosie, Oh girl.
Oh Rosie! We all breathe the same air, while we’re Rolling on. Don’t make sense, don’t make sense to me! Nothing’s gonna change if I sit here, just Playin’ along. And I don’t need no blessings, from any gods, What Do You Think About That? So I’m gonna man-hug the left, Maybe I’ll wrap a rainbow, Gonna spare the kids and break those rods, Break bread with the right. Right around my home. What Do You Think About That?
Weave the threads of Peace and Good, Don’t bring your dark days back to me, Gonna go to my grave, all debts paid, Around my life. Or re-write that song. What Do You Think About That? Do something about the mess I’ve made, And raise my kids, How about we jail the Dukes? What Do You Think About That? No guilt or fear. Who turned a blind eye? They can love who they want, All sins absolved, Don’t bring your dark days back to me, And hold them near. By their friends in the sky? Or re-write that song. what do you think about that
Marry my boyfriend, adopt a kid, How about we jail the Dukes? What Do You Think About That? What Do You Think About That? Who turned a blind eye? Gonna shout about the shape I’m in, All sins absolved, What Do You Think About That? What Do You Think About That? Gonna shine a light on the lies we were fed, I’m gonna give my heart to those in need, What Do You Think About That? What Do You Think About That? What Do You Think About That? Gonna shout about the shape we’re in, Gonna paint my face and shave my head, What Do You Think About That? What Do You Think , What Do You Think, What Do You Think About That? What Do You Think About That? I don’t need no blessings from any gods, What Do You Think About That? Long shadows thrown by a tinhorn badge, Well I’m not gonna pay for your insane war, Spare the kids and break those rods, Not so long ago. Gonna give that money directly to the poor. What Do You Think About? (You can’t do that) So, What Do You Think About.... Here’s me with an open heart for refugees, why don’t you stick to music?
Yeah, you! I’m talking about you! Hey! Didn’t you used to be someone? And we’re talking about you! Oh yeah! So cool! That’s right. Let’s talk about you. I used to go to all your gigs, Man, that hair sure gave me a fright. Why Don’t You Stick To Music? Why Don’t You Stick To Music? You’re just a monkey with a cup. But here’s the thing, you’re new stuff sucks, Check this, I think you owe me, And spare us the commentaries. Why don’t you stick to what you know, Maybe you should stay in your room? All that stuff, T-shirts, CD’s. We are not amused by your political views, Leave the rest to us? Where do you get those words? I got a drawer full of cassettes, And lessons from history. How ‘bout you shut up, play us a tune? But now I download, for free! Why Don’t You Stick To Music? Stick to Music. Give us more of that good stuff, Yeah, you! Whatcha gonna do? We are not amused by your political views, I’m talking about you! I’m talking about you! A question; I saw your face again. In Groove We Trust. We’re talking about you! We’re talking about you! My God! You must be rich! Let’s talk about you. Let’s talk about you. A Lambo, a Rolls, A Ferrari? In Groove We Trust (Stick to Music) Why Don’t You Stick To Music? Go on! Admit it! In Groove We Trust (Stick to Music) Why Don’t You Stick To Music? You’re just a monkey with a cup. In Groove We Trust (Stick to Music) You’re just a monkey with a cup. Why don’t you stick to what you know, I say this, for your own good, In Groove We Trust (Stick to Music) Why don’t you stick to what you know, And leave the rest to us? That stuff is hard to embrace, In Groove We Trust (Stick to Music) And leave the rest to us? Sure, you pen a funny lyric, In Groove We Trust (Stick to Music) But you don’t seem to know your place. I can’t think with all these commies, In Groove We Trust. I can’t breathe with all these gays, And if I see one more greenie, In Groove We Trust. I’m gonna send them to an early grave. In Groove! We Trust. If only it would linger and take you in the night.
Rattle that cage, rattle that cage. Things of beauty, wasted in your hands, Relentless, Relentless. One day I love this carousel, They turn to dust, in a barren land Darken every page, just to get your own way. One day I’d rather my time spent, You get breath, from what you never made, Relentless, Relentless. Emergency in the boondocks, Just me all alone, pacing a cell, The cold and the darkness, Ripples barely reach me here, Anywhere at all, just somewhere else. Follow you around like slaves. Beating your chest, an insipid paper anvil, while your Father goes down, just like roadkill. Then dreamy slumber, blurs my fear. And I can climb to the Light, Which way to go, it’s such a clear line, Blackmail money, blackmail in the blood, Or fall to the Dark? A plunderer of other peoples’ goldmines. The more you get, the more you need, Madmen on the horizon, They live right here, too much is not enough! Patriots in my home town, In my heart. “My” this, “my” that, things you never earned See through painted eyes on, I’ve never heard anything so absurd. Rattle that cage, rattle that cage. Only what they can tear down. I am. Relentless, Relentless. Darken every page, just to get your own way. relentless Relentles, Relentless. saints + murderers Too much is not enough. Too much is not enough. Rattle that cage, rattle that cage. Too much is not enough. Relentless, Relentless. Not enough! Will I climb to the Light, Saints and Murderers Darken every page, just to get your own way. Or fall to the Dark? Relentless. Blackmail money. They live right here, All things seen and un-seen, Blackmail money. In my heart. I’m with them, near and far. Pick pocketing Judas, Blackmail money. private school for your kids, Male money. I am. I am the bandit, I pulled you under, Hot air ballooning, and Disneyland trips. Blackmail money. I am that whisper, I am your lover. How do you sleep? How do you live? Saints and Murderers You’ve got, so much to take, Blackmail blood! Here we are. from so many who give. Saints and Murderers Scribbled promises, on a paper cup, Make it so easy, to cover up. And The Road Goes On Forever, 1. I CAN’T DO THAT, MY WIFE WILL KILL ME Two hearts beat as one, You might lose your way sometimes, 2. AS WHITE AS JESUS but you’re not the only one, 3. WHEN THE DEVIL GETS TO HEAVEN And in the cool of the early evening, we all face the same sun, 4. MAROUBRA, 1973, SEPTEMBER, 3 PM Hand in hand forever, forever. 5. DAYLIGHT You share your light with me, 6. Slow and easy. And The Road Goes On Forever, WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE All is right when you are near, Two hearts beat as one, 7. CAN I GET AN AMEN And I’ll tread time before your grace You might lose your way sometimes, 8. ROSIE receives me. but you’re not the only one, And in the cool of the early evening, 9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT I breathe out what you breathe in, we all face the same sun, 10. WHY DON’T YOU STICK TO MUSIC You breathe in what I breathe out. Hand in hand forever, forever. 11. RELENTLESS 12. SAINTS & MURDERERS the road goes on forever 13. THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER
All songs written by Bob Spencer, except the blues traditional “Rosie”, which includes And The Road Goes On Forever, And The Road Goes On Forever, original Music and additional original lyrics by Bob, and “Who Are These People”, Two hearts beat as one, All hearts beat as one, co-written with the lovely Laura Davidson. You might lose your way sometimes, We might lose our way sometimes, but you’re not the only one, but we’re not the only ones, Additional drum recordings engineered by Simon Bray and Steve Vertigan And in the cool of the early evening, And in the cool of the early evening, we all face the setting sun, we all face the setting sun, Audio production by Bob Mastered by Martin Pullan Hand in hand forever, forever. We’re hand in hand forever. Forever. Download CD booklet (with lyrics) at: www.bobspencer.com.au This hand is only real, Visit: www.youtube.com/user/BobSpencerMusic When it’s, touching your face. And The Road Goes On, In the fractured sunrise I feel, Forever. All songs by Bob Spencer (Control) except No King’s ransom could ever take me away. Track 6: B. Spencer/L. Davidson (Control) Cover artwork by Greg O’Connor Your secret scent in our room, CD printed by Implant Media, Melbourne A cover, a coat, a shield of perfume. Corporate Sponsor and Major Benefactor of this album ൿ Ꭿ 2017 All rights reserved. Made in Australia