Please send any additions/comments/corrections/suggestions to me at: vann@his.com
You may jump directly to:
Ain't Gonna Work
Amnesia
Ask The Fish (We need some HELP on this one!)
Baby Hold On
Bend In The River
Better
Boo Boo
Carnival Time (We need some HELP on this one!)
Cash On the Barrelhead
Euphoria
Going Through The Motions (We need some HELP on this one!)
Gold Hill Line
Headbag (Ask the Fish Live version) (We need some HELP on this one!)
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Highway Song
Hot Corn/Cold Corn
Jokester
Just Before The Evening
Late In The Evening
Lonesome Road
Madam Rosin (with English translation)
Mama Boulet
Muddy Water Home
Nothing But Time (We need some HELP on this one!)
Pasta On The Mountain
River's Risin'
Stay Away Monday
This is the Time (Bridge)
This Old Rounder
Tore Up
Tu N'As Pas Aller (with English translation for the French parts)
Two-Step Au Will (with English translation)
Whiskey For Breakfast/Over The Waterfall
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[Source: Euphoria. Transcribed by: Bryant Vann]
Well, I'm gonna leave this country. Yes, I'm gonna leave this world.
Well, I'm gonna leave this country, for the sake of one little girl.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow. No I ain't gonna work next day.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow, for it may be a rainy day.
Can't you hear that banjo ringing? Don't you hear that lonesome sound?
Don't you hear them pretty gals singing? Out on the cold, cold ground.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow. No I ain't gonna work next day.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow, for it may be a rainy day.
Well, I hang my head in sorrow. Yes, I hang my head and cry.
Well, I hang my head in sorrow, when my darlin' passes by.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow. No I ain't gonna work next day.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow, for it may be a rainy day.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow. Well I ain't gonna work next day.
Well, I ain't gonna work tomorrow, for it may be a rainy day.
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[Source: 8-12-95 in Atlanta, Transcribed by: Kevin McKenally <McKenally@aol.com>]
Well, you hit me on the head with your beer bottle
Something in my chemistry is changed
Although I've already decided to forgive you
My friends they don't look at me the same
Sometimes I wake up trying to put the pieces all together
Of all the loving time we did have
I get static in my ears and a hazy picture
And those voices inside begin to laugh
Chorus:
Well, I hope that it's only Amnesia
Believe me I'm sick but not insane
Well I hope that it's only Amnesia
And my friends they don't look at me the same
Sometimes I feel Ok but when I talk I s-t-t-utter
I can't remember back a few minutes ago-o-o
Well, the doctors all come up with the same answers
When your'e that far gone there's nowhere left to go
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[Sources: Many. Transcribed by: Daniel Gold <dgold@anhonesttune.com>]
Every "Ask The Fish" is different, unique, musically and lyrically.
Some of the same words and sounds pop up every time, but lots of new
territory is explored as well. Vince always spouts some new
improvisational poetry, making up verses and modifying nursery rhymes to
suit the purposes of the fish, incorporating references to popular culture
and songs, and to the geographical location of that particular show, the
venue, the nearest rivers and environmental concerns, the vibe of the
crowd. The crowd feels the special energy of communication between
performer and audience when the lyrics apply directly to that specific
moment. We can affirm an environmental lesson from the lyrics, but we
don't feel preached at. The sheer joy of dancing is conflated with the
serious concerns of our world, in a progressive prankster approach that
makes you feel good about caring about the fish. Vince can sure make up
some motivational words right there on the spot, and make it sound good.
His vocal phrasings are assorted and appropriate to the words he is making
up and the progression of the musical jam occurring. The music itself is
just as loose as the lyrics, incorporating weird instruments, sound
effects, and bridging and blending styles, rising and falling from the
psychedelic intro to the ripping bluegrass breakdown, the central space jam
in the dream segment, and the climactic soloing. The on-stage anticacious
approaches to instrumentation have been accented with squeaking rubber fish
bath-toys, the celestial sounds of the waterphone (a water-filled metallic
instrument that Mark resonated with a fiddle bow), Tye singing bass notes
in the monastic tradition, and a variety of Hendrixian effects by way of
Drew's pickin' and fiddlin'. "Ask The Fish" is a true Leftover Salmon
original, taking their polyethnic influences and molding them into a fish
form, with each of Leftover Salmon's five members shining and contributing
to the aquatic audio environment. The song is the title track of their
first live album (*Ask The Fish*, ©1995) where the tune clocks in at nearly
9 minutes. Indeed, the song is often the improvisational centerpiece of
Leftover Salmon concert festivities. If you want to really understand why
this is such a great song, just remember, you must ask the fish.
Here is my attempt to transcribe some of Vince's lyrical wanderings
in various live versions of "Ask The Fish." I have incorporated some
lyrics from several versions. Stanzas that are unique to a particular show
are marked with the date, and the basic words that generally occur in some
form in most of the versions are unmarked. Keep in mind it's different
every time, and this is just the way I heard it and it's not all accurate.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Lyrics:
"ASK THE FISH" (Leftover Salmon)
Folks, we hate to do this to you at this point. We've got a trail on the
Mayor. The kidnappers have fessed up, and they're putting up a ransom
note. With this instrument right now, what we're gonna do is we're gonna
try to get ahold of the Mayor, through this device, man. We've used it in
the past as a fish locator, but we're gonna try to pull in the Mayor one
time. This thing's called a waterphone, and this one is Mark's fault.
(4/8/95)
You know the waters off of Boston used to be some of the richest fishing
grounds in the entire world. And, well, all the fish seem to be going on
vacation somewhere for a while, until we get our shit together. Here's one
for the fish. (4/11/96)
Fishy
Oh, fish
Where'd all the fish go?
You must ask the fish.
Do you know anything about the water?
Fishy?
That Fulton Fish Market looks mighty empty these days (4/8/95)
you know what I'm saying?
Where'd all the fish go is what I wanna know
Fishy!
Might just have to ask the fish
Fishy!
Well ask the fish 'cause the fish he knows
Ask the fish why the water won't flow
Too many dams and docks in the rivers you know
The fish can't swim when the water don't flow
Fish fishy fish-eye view
He's a-looking at you
What's a fish gonna do
When rivers don't run through
Fishy asking you
What you gonna do
I dreamt I was a red tail hawk (9/27/95)
Flying over the mountains
All the trees were gone
Water was only in the fountains
And the fish were gone
It was a sad sad dawn
And the fog rolled on
But the water and trees were gone
Ask the fish, I think he'll know
Ask the fish where the forest goes
They don't live in trees but I think they'll know
'Cause the fish knows where the water flows
How about a six hundred pound catfish (4/11/96)
Making its way up the Saint Charles River
Ahhhhhh what's going on here?
It's a beautiful sunny day
And there're beautiful white sailboats on the river
And this ix hundred pound catfish is making its way upstream
He gets to this big ol' pipe sticking out of the riverbank
And it's dripping this green toxic smelling ooze
And this big ol' catfish just gets the blues
Wants to know what's going on with his home
You know, trying to figure out, what are these people doing?
First the catfish gets the blues, you know
Then he makes it a little furthur up river to see some more of that
Pretty soon that catfish is gonna start getting pissed
One of these days
There's gonna be an army of about six thousand catfish
Start heading down Mass Ave going
Who doin' that? Who doin' it?
Then it might be a little too late to ask the fish.
What you gotta do?
You gotta get down there to the Saint Charles
And you gotta get a little mask on there
And stick your head under there
And start going balubalabubbububub
In a coupla seconds this fish will walk right up to you
Saying, you may ask the fish
I don't know what you're gonna say, man
But you better have some attention to pay
Ask the fish about the people
Yeah, water spirits dancing in my head
Make me glad the fish aren't all dead
Water spirits dancing in my head
Make me glad that the fish aren't dead
And the fish live on
Ask the fish
'Cause I think he'll know
Used to be a river but it became a green
And I just wonder
what happened to the dream
Too many dams and docks you know
The fish can't swim when the river won't flow
I had a dream about a fish
And I wonder what it means
Dreamt I was a fish trying to get up stream
I wonder about the fish and I wonder what it means
When fish can't get home and I'm having fish dreams
Fish fishy take a fish-eye view
Fish fishy here's looking at you
You gotta question 'em too
Fish are talking to you
What's a fish gonna do
Gotta break on through
Adopt a fish-eye view
Ask the fish
Well, ah, hey fishy fishy
Ask the fish
Fish starting to wonder why it can't get home no more
Like the bud comes toward him and it just flows away like smoke (4/8/95)
And the fish can't get home no more
The fish has a few questions he'd like to ask
Ask the fish and I think you'll know
Ask the fish why the water won't flow
Banks clogged with barges, dams and docks you know
Fish can't swim where the water don't go
Fish fishy take a fish-eye view
Fish fish is a-lookin' at you
Fish asking you to take a fish-eye view
Fishy
Ask the fish
Thank you. Thanks folks. That's the title tune from our live album, which
should be out any second now. But not this particular second. (4/8/95)
Thanks, folks. Where are all them fish? (9/27/95)
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Well, that's one of my favorite songs! How 'bout you?
Love,daniel
Editor, An Honest Tune
http://anhonesttune.com
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
=To subscribe to "An Honest Tune" and "A Lingering Lead" for one year, send
a $25 check or money order to P.O.Box 781018, Orlando, Fla., 32878-1018
(include 25-word tape-traders classified ad on index card). "An Honest
Tune" is a 40-page magazine with a color cover, for fans of Widespread
Panic and Friends such as Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, Gov't
Mule, Galactic, Col. Bruce Hampton, and other transportational music!
Thanks for reading, and feel free to email me with any ideas and comments!
See you at the shows. Love,daniel
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Back to the list at the top
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[Source: Euphoria. Transcribed by: Bryant Vann]
Baby hold on! I'm comin' home to you.
You know it's been so long since we danced by the light of the moon.
Oh, I just can't wait to see you smilin' again.
So, baby hold on. I'm gonna be home soon.
All the time I'm away, you're always on my mind
Any hour of the day, I can remember how fine.
So much I want to say to you, so much to feel.
As the skies turn from gray to blue, two days behind the wheel.
Baby hold on! Comin' home to you.
You know it's been so long since we danced by the light of the moon.
Oh, I just can't wait to see you smilin' again.
Baby hold on. Gonna be home soon.
Every time I hear your voice on the telephone line,
I can keep a movin' one more day, knowin' that you're still mine.
No one else in this whole wide world can love me like you do.
Gonna be in your arms again before the night is through.
Baby hold on! I'm comin' home to you.
You know it's been so long since we danced by the light of the moon.
Oh, I just can't wait to see you smilin' again.
So baby hold on. Gonna be home soon.
Baby hold on! I'm comin' home to you.
You know it's been so long since we danced by the light of the moon.
Oh, I just can't wait to see you smilin' again.
So baby hold on. I'm gonna be home soon.
Yeah, yeah, baby hold on. Gonna be home soon.
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[Source: Ask the Fish. Transcribed by: Laura Killian]
Running through a field of clover
Yellow hair a-flying through the breeze
Now that the rainstorm is over
The sun's shining down on you and me
Never have I seen such a vision
In my wildest memory
When I wake up in the morning
Your face is all that I see
Oh, won'tcha take me down
To the bend in the river
Hold me close under the willow trees
And tell me, darling
That you'll love me forever
And together we'll set our spirits free
River flowing blue and lazy
Carry my troubles right downstream
Sun hanging low and hazy
Right in the middle of a summertime dream
Now that you're right beside me
Never am I gonna let you go
Feeling so free and easy
Just watching that river flow
Oh, yeah, won'tcha take me down
To the bend in the river
Hold me close under the willow trees
And tell me, darling
That you'll love me forever
And together we're gonna set our spirits free
Take me down
To the bend in the river
Hold me close under the willow trees
And tell me, darling
That you'll love me forever
And together gonna set our spirits free
Oh, yeah, won'tcha take me down
To the bend in the river
Hold me close under the willow trees
And tell me, darling
That you'll love me forever
And together gonna set our spirits free
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Written by Vince Farsetta
[Source: Euphoria. Transcribed by: Bryant Vann, polished by Laura Killian,
with final polishing by Vinnie hisself!]
Underneath the sun, that's where I met her.
She took me in her car. Oh, it couldn't be betta!
I love the way she's signalin' me. She has the hungry hold on me.
Hey, betta! Couldn't be betta! Well, it couldn't be betta!.
Oh, couldn't be betta!
She took me to her home. She took off her sweater.
She disconnect the phone. Oh, couldn't be betta!
I love the way she, she clings to me. She got the hungry hold on me.
Betta! Couldn't be betta! Well, it couldn't be betta!.
Oh darlin', couldn't be betta!
She likes to get her way. You know that I let her.
Don't mind the games she plays. Oh, couldn't be betta!
Yeah, I love the way she sings to me. She got the hungry hold on me.
Betta! Couldn't be betta! Couldn't be betta!.
Couldn't be betta!
Couldn't be betta! Couldn't be betta! Couldn't be betta!
Couldn't be betta! Oh, Darlin'! Couldn't be betta!
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[Source: Bridges to Bert. Transcribed by: Joel Gamble]
I wonder why nobody don't like me
Is it the fact that I'm ugly
I wonder why nobody don't like me
or is it the fact that I'm ugly
I leave the old house and go
I made chili aw minimal [there's no way this is right, but it's what I hear!]
They look at me and start to sing
They look at me and start to sing
Mama look at Boo Boo
They shout "Big mama shut up your mouth"
That is your daddy
Oh no, my daddy cannot be ugly
Chorus:
So shut your mouth go away
Mama look at Boo Boo day
(these two lines repeated 4 times)
Couldn't even digest my supper
Do do the jealous behaviour
Oh to be peaceful and happy
Sendin' chili out to the country
Long day after workin' in the yard
A woman see me and she take me in the yard
A woman come, oh she pick me up
She recover but the woman would not stop
Mama, this is Boo Boo
And they shout "Big momma tell them shut up your mouth"
That is your daddy
Whoah no, my daddy cannot be ugly
CHORUS (REPEATED 4 TIMES LIKE ABOVE)
FIRST VERSE
CHORUS (REPEATED 3 TIMES LIKE ABOVE)
Here's another version sent to us by Xenophanes of Colophon <helot@mindspring.com>
The lyrics to "Mama Look a Boo Boo" as sung by Harry Belafonte back in
1959 when he was a popular calypso performer....
In your lyrics you thought the words were about cooking chili. Actually the
song is about a man who comes home to disrespectful and poorly behaved
children.
Apparently the singer you listened to reduced "children" to "chil'en"?
Given this context you might want to go over the lyrics again. I was
interested to hear the different lyrics you had.
****************************************************************
Mama Look a Boo Boo - by Lord Melody (Belafonte at Carnegie Hall version - 1959)
Verse 1:
I wonder why nobody don't like me, or Is it a fact that I'm ugly
I wonder why nobody don't like me, or is it a fact that I'm ugly
I leave my whole house and go, My children don't want me no more
Bad talk inside the house they bring, And when I talk they start
to sing
Chorus:
"Mama look at Boo Boo", they shout
Their Mama tell dem "shut up your mouth, that is your daddy"
"Oh no, my daddy can't be ugly so"
Shut your mouth go away, Mama look at Boo Boo day
Shut your mouth go away, Mama look at Boo Boo day
Verse 2:
Couldn't even digest me supper, due to the children's behavior
"John". "Yes Pa". "Come here a moment, Bring the belt, your much to impudent"
John says "it's James who started first", James tells the story in reverse
I raise me belt from off me waist, You should hear them screaming 'round the place
Repeat Chorus
Verse 3:
So I began to question the mother, "These children ain't got no behavior"
So I began to question the mother, "These children ain't got no behavior"
"They're playing with you" my wife declared, "You should be proud of them my dear,
Them children were taught to bloom and slap"
"That ain't no kind of joke to crack"
Repeat chorus
Repeat verse 1
Repeat chorus
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[Source: __________. Transcribed by: ___________]
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[Source: Euphoria. Transcribed by: Bryant and Mike Vann with help in
some really tough spots by John Carter <jhc@itsa.ucsf.edu>]
Got in a little trouble, down at the county seat.
Made (cook) in the jail house, for loiterin' on the street.
When the judge heard the vedict, was a guilty man,
He said 45 dollars, or 40 days in the can.
Well that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son.
You can make your choice, you're twenty one.
No money down, no credit plan
Gimme cash on the barrelhead, 'cause I'm a busy man.
Four days in the jail house, four days on the road.
Feelin' tared and hungry, feel a heavy load.
Saw a Greyhound comin', stuck out my thumb.
Before I got to my seat, the driver caught on.
That'll be cash on the barrelhead, son.
This old grey dog is paid to run.
When the engine starts and the wheels are rollin',
Gimme cash on the barrelhead, to take it down the road.
Well that'll be cash on the barrelhead, son.
You can make your (choice), or twenty one.
No money down, no credit plan.
Need cash on the barrelhead, 'cause I'm a busy man.
Gimme cash on the barrelhead, 'cause I'm a busy man.
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[Source: Euphoria. Transcribed by: Bryant Vann]
Well, Ma's out there, twitchin' in the kitchen.
Dad's in the livin' room, fussin and a-bitchin'.
I'm out here, kickin' the gong for... Euphoria!
Euphoria. When your mind starts reelin' and a-rockin'.
Your inside voice starts squealin' and a-squawkin'.
Floatin' around on a belladonna cloud, singin'... Euphoria!
There's a man in the corner, sittin' underneath the table
Sad, makin' faces at a union label,
Grittin' his ears and he rolled his eyes, and hollerin'... Euphoria
Euphoria. When your mind starts reelin' and a-rockin'.
Your inside voice starts squealin' and a-squawkin'.
Floatin' around on a belladonna cloud, singin'... Euphoria!
Patted Eve on the bottom; patted Adam on the back.
Smiled at the serpent and the serpent smiled back.
Took a bite of the apple, two bites gone, hollerin'... Euphoria!
Euphoria! When your mind starts reelin' and a-rockin'.
Your inside voice starts squealin' and a-squawkin'.
Floatin' around on a belladonna cloud, singin'... Euphoria!
Euphoria! When your mind starts reelin' and a-rockin'.
Your inside voice starts squealin' and a-squawkin'.
Floatin' around on a belladonna cloud, singin'... Euphoria!
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[Source: __________, Transcribed by: ___________]
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Gold Hill Line
[Source:Get Me Outta This City, Transcribed by: Joel Gamble]
Ridin' this road in the middle of the night
ridin' on that gold hill line
headin' up this mountain in the starlight
can't wait to see that sweetheart of mine
there used to be a train that ran through this town
on a cold and shiny steel rail
and the road that ran through the hills and valleys
they called the Switzerland Trail
chorus:
Oh I'm ridin' on that Gold Hill Line
My thoughts take me back to the time
When they were ridin' on that Gold Hill Line
Back then there were no city lights
beyond the still night air
and the wind that whispered through those pines
was the only sound that you could hear
well I'm rollin' by those fallen mines
that grow where the trains used to go
I'm flyin' by those highway signs
That good 'ol place that I know
CHORUS
REPEAT THE FIRST VERSE (LINES 1-4)
CHORUS
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[Source: Ask the Fish Live. Transcribed by: ___________]
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[Source: Bridges to Bert, Transcribed by: ___________]
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[Source: Euphoria, Transcribed by: Bryant Vann]
I got some time. I guess I'll just settle on in for the ride.
Clear in my mind. Reachin' out through the inside.
Haulin' in to a new town. Just another stop along the way.
Later on when the sun goes down and it's time for us to play,
Tires singing between white lines. Now, I know it won't be long.
Moment by moment the passing of time -- just another highway song.
So many miles away from the one I need the most.
So many words I can't say, so far and yet so close.
Changing scenes outside the windows, link these two other lives.
Where we're heading I just don't know. I'm just watchin' the world go by.
Tires singing between white lines. I know it won't be long.
Moment by moment the passing of time -- just another highway song.
New emotions inside my mind, left me wonderin' where to turn.
Always lookin' for a sign, crossing rivers while bridges burn.
Tires singing between white lines. Now, I know it won't be long.
Moment by moment the passing of time -- just another highway song.
I've got some time. I guess I'll just settle on in for the ride.
Clear in my mind. Reachin' out through the inside.
Oh, oh, oh. Just another highway. Just another highway.
Just another highway. Just another highway. Just another highway.
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[Source: __________, From: Shaggy <gt5685d@prism.gatech.edu>]
These are lyrics I found for the traditional "Hot Corn/Cold Corn," but as
you'll see these bear no semblance to the Vince-modifications :) I hear
"Clear the way for Uncle Bill" vs. "Fare the well, Uncle Bill". In the
second verse, instead of repeating "Upstairs, downstairs.." for a third
time, Vince says something similar to "Long tall Sally she built for a
spade (what?)/Got everything that my Uncle John needs, yes sir." Who
knows. Also he modifies it at some performances to "Upstairs, downstairs,
out in the alley". I don't know how you can type these up, but that's what
I'm hearing. So onto the traditional lyrics:
Hot corn, cold corn, bring along a demijohn
Hot corn, cold corn, bring along a demijohn
Hot corn, cold corn, bring along a demijohn
Fare thee well, Uncle Bill, see you in the morning, Yes sir
Upstairs, downstairs, down in the Kitchen
Upstairs, downstairs, down in the Kitchen
Upstairs, downstairs, down in the Kitchen
See Uncle Bill, see you fill 'em up again, Yes sir
* Refrain
Old Aunt Peggy won't you fill 'em up again
Old Aunt Peggy won't you fill 'em up again
Old Aunt Peggy won't you fill 'em up again
Ain't had a drink since I don't know when, Yes sir
* Refrain
Yonder comes the preacher and the children are a-crying
Yonder comes the preacher and the children are a-crying
Yonder comes the preacher and the children are a-crying
Chickens are a-hollering, toenails a-flying, Yes sir
* Refrain
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Written by Vince Farsetta
[Source: Ask the Fish Live, Transcribed by: Joel Gamble]
Runnin' and dancin' you goin' all the time
always party from mornin' 'till night
no time for sleepin' when you are feelin' fine
flat out wailin' with all of your might
Chorus:
Well your problem will they pack the bags
you send them on they run
no time to let them bother you
when you are havin' fun
You're a jokester, you've got energy to burn!
Runnin' wild, you goin' all the time
Always laughin' and actin' in mime
No time for whinin' when you are feelin' fine
Always dancin' and talkin' in rhymes
CHORUS
BURN ONE!!
Goin' wild, you runnin' all the time
Always party from mornin' till night
No time for sleepin' when you are feelin' fine
Flat out wailin' with all of your might
CHORUS
You're a jokester, you got energy to burn!!!
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[Source: __________, Transcribed by: Carter York <carter.york@tsl.state.tx.us>]
as the sun sinks low, i'm leavin' for home
and the mountains stretch their shadows accross the plains.
the worries of the day, now just fade away,
as the evening breeze brings the smell of summer rain.
chorus-
before the night comes on, after the day is done.
you know my favorite time, is just before the evening,
that's when i think of you, and all that we can do,
oh-oh, the time i love, is just before the evening.
as the twilight comes stealin', it's always the same feelin'
watchin the daylight fade into the west.
i can hear the nighthawks cry, as another day slips slowly by,
evenin' day is the time that i love best.
(chorus)
(solos)
so the stars will show their faces, shining down on open spaces,
each one farther than my eyes can see....
it's all unfolding in front of me.......
(chorus)
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[Source: R.O.A.M. Fest, 8/9/96, Transcribed by: Eric Meltzer]
Well the first thing I remember is laying in my bed
Couldn't have been no more than one or two
Then I heard the radio, coming from the room next door
And I heard my momma laught the way ladies do
Well it's late in the evening, and the music's seepin' through
The next thing I remember, I'm walking down the street
I'm cool- hangin' with boys about ???(the only word I didn't get!)
Down on the avenue, some boys are shooting pool
I heard the sound of an a cappella group
And it's late in the evening, with the girls out on the street
(the freestyle verse)
The next thing I remember, I'm up on a mountaintop
Might've been down in Caroline
Everybody's dancin' and singin' all night long
Oooh, I nearly lost my mind
And it's late in the evening, smoking such sweet KIND
Next thing I remember, that came into my life
Gonna get that girl no matter what I do
Well I know I've been in love before, once or twice and on the floor
But I've never loved no one like I love you
And it's late in the evening, and the music's seepin' through
Well I learned to play the accordion
I've been on the road havin' too much fun
Stepped outside and smoked myself a "J"
When I came back to the room, everything just seemed to move,
and I turned that accordion up louder and began to play
And it's late in the evening, always squeezing that room away
Well the first thing I remember, when ya come into my life
Gonna get that girl no matter what I do
Now I know I've been in love before
But it's never been all mine before, and oooh I'm feeling the groove
And it's late in the evening, and the love goes shining through....
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[Source: Ask the Fish Live, Transcribed by: Joel Gamble]
Had to leave my darlin'
had to leave my home
out here wanderin'
on my own
won't you hold me up
'cause I'm goin' down
that Lonesome Road...lonesome road...lonesome road
My father told me
you gotta pay your dues
when the life of music
is the life you choose
but I'm not givin' up
'cause I'm goin' down
that lonesome road...lonesome road...lonesome road
Spend my time
just missin' you
nothin' in this world
I'd rather do
but 'till my time is up
I'm going down
that lonesome road...lonesome road...lonesome road
Gonna drive all night
to do one more show
wish I could stay here
it's time to go
until the sun comes up
I'm goin' down
that lonesome road...lonesome road...lonesome road
until the sun comes up
I'm goin' down
that lonesome road...lonesome road...lonesome road
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[Source: Beausoleil's "Live on the Left Coast" Researched by: Laura Killian]
Let's hope this is "something" like what Vince sings!
Maman Rosin au Zydeco Bal (Traditional tune, lyrics by Michael
Doucet, appears on Beausoleil's "Live on the Left Coast.")
O, Maman Rosin,
Donnez-moi ta 'tite main,
On va aller au bal tous les soirs
Avec Maman Rosin.
O, Mam'selle Comeaux,
Allez dans mon traineau,
On va caresser tout l'apres-midi
Avec Mam'selle Comeaux.
Tous les samedis soirs moi,
j'etais la dans le fais-do-do
On essayait danser le zydeco,
Faire l'amour, penser de l'amour
Boire un autre 'tit bout.
Madame Boudreaux
Elle a un bon gumbo,
Aller au bal tous les soirs
Avec Madame Boudreaux.
J'ai ete au bal ce soir
Habille en noir
J'ai fait serment de plus boire
Pour courtiser la belle
Il y en a qui aiment les jolies filles,
Il y en a qui aiment les blondes
Moi je connais, moi j'aime tout le monde
Qui m'aimait autant.
O, yaie, donnez-moi des haricots,
He, maman, les haricots sont pas sales.
(Bis)
Il y en a qui aiment les blondes,
Il y en a qui aiment les brunes,
Moi, je suis pas comme ca,
Moi, j'aime toutes les deus
_______________________________
Mama Rosin at the Zydeco Dance
(Michael Doucet's translation)
Oh, Mama Rosin
Give me your little hand
We'll go to the dance every night
With mama Rosin
Oh, Miss Comeaux,
Come get in my wagon,
We'll spoon all afternoon
With Miss Comeaux
Every Saturday night I went to the fais-do-do
I tried to dance the zydeco,
Make love, think about love,
And drink a little bit more.
Mrs. Boudreaux,
She's got good gumbo,
Go to the dance every night
With Mrs. Boudreaux.
I went to the dance tonight
All dressed in black
I swore not to drink any more
When I court the girls.
Some like the pretty girls,
Some like the blondes,
I know I like anyone
Who likes me as much.
Oh, yaie, give me some snap beans,
Hey, Mom, the snap beans aren't salty.
(Repeat)
Some like the blondes,
Some like the brunettes,
I'm not like that,
I like both of them.
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Written by Vince Farsetta
[Source: Euphoria, Transcribed by: Bryant, Cindy, and Mike Vann]
Hey, Mama Boulet! She make a gumbo for you.
Get on her wrong side, she make a mess outta you!
Hey, Mama Boulet! She's a Haitian queen.
She can see things that you and I can't see.
Hey, Mama Boulet! She got fire in her eyes.
Stare at them too long, they gonna hypnotise.
Hey, Mama Boulet! She can do things we can't do.
Ask her real nice, she'll turn into a crow for you.
She livin' out on an island where no one dare to go.
In a little shack she's callin' to the spirits lost long ago.
In the moonlight watch her sweatin', a drum beats, soft and steady,
A spell is cast, a fire sparks, and night time FRIENDS ARE READY!
Hey, Mama Boulet! She got fire in her eyes.
Stare at them too long, they gonna hypnotise.
Mama Boulet! She make a gumbo for you.
Get on her wrong side, she make a mess outta you!
Hey, Mama Boulet! She's a voodoo queen!
She can see things that you and I can't see.
Hey, Mama Boulet! She can do things we can't do.
Ask her real nice, she'll turn into a crow for you.
She livin' out on an island where no one dare to go.
In a little shack she's callin' to the spirits long long ago.
In the moonlight watch her sweatin', a drum beats, soft and steady,
A spell is cast, a fire sparks, and night time FRIENDS ARE READY!!
Mama Boulet! Oh Mama Boulet!
She livin' out on an island where no one dare to go.
In a little shack she's callin' to the spirits lost long ago.
In the moonlight watch her sweatin', a drum beats, soft and steady,
A spell is cast, a fire sparks, and night time FRIENDS ARE READY!
Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma. Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma.
Oh, Mama, Mama. Well, Mama Boulet!
Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma. Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma.
Oh, Mama, Mama. Well, Mama Boulet!
Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma. Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma.
Oh, Mama, Mama. Well, Mama Boulet!
Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma. Oh, Mama, Mama, Ma.
Oh, Mama, Mama. Mama Boulet!
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[Source: Euphoria, Transcribed by: Bryant and Mike Vann]
Walkin' on down the track, bringing my baby back,
Well, I'm on my way to that muddy water home.
Things ain't been the same since she got on that train.
Done jumped that rail, done left me all alone.
When you hear that whistle blow, I'm headed down the road.
Gonna bring my darlin' back where she belongs.
Don't sleep through the night, without that woman to hold me tight.
Come mornin' look and I'll be gone.
Walkin' on down the line, leavin' these blues behind,
She's the only one who would ever let me know.
Now I'm thinking back on the day, before she went away,
Wonderin' why she ever had to go.
When you hear that whistle moan, I'm headed down the road.
Gonna bring my darlin' back where she belongs.
Can't sleep through the night, without that woman to hold me tight.
Come mornin', look and I'll be gone.
Walkin' on down the track, bringing my baby back,
Well, I'm on my way to that muddy water home.
Things ain't been the same since she got on that train.
Done jumped that rail, done left me all alone.
When you hear that whistle moan, I'm headed down the road.
Gonna bring my darlin' back where she belongs.
Can't sleep through the night, without that woman to hold me tight.
Come mornin', look and I'll be gone.
Well, I'm on my way to that muddy water home.
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[Source: __________, Transcribed by: ____________]
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[Source: __________, Transcribed by: sorry, I seem to have lost who sent us this {:^( ]
Kraft, Macaroni and Cheese
Said Kraft, Macaroni and Cheese
Said, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Maca Maca Maca
It's the best, Thats what I think
At 29 cents leaves money to drink
Once more in the mornin
Your wanderin round the street
You ain't got no money
You got nothin to eat
Wondrin where you'll get that box of the
Kindly Mac and Cheese
You been walkin the Bridge that bert
You got to get off of the street
Head on off to the mountain
Just a bit to the West of town
Your gonna find the pasta bushes
Growin from the ground
The kindest pasta that you have ever seen
All over the mountains
Growin everywhere for free
Chorus
Talk about the pasta
Pasta on the mountain
Talk about the pasta
Pasta on the mountain
Talk about the pasta
Pasta on the mountain
Talk about the pasta
Pasta on the Mountain
Mary had a little lamb's
Breath (?) that she did grow
Everywhere that mary went
The cajun beat would flow
Summers in the mountain
Winters in the farm
Tendin to her pasta
Doin no one harm
Chorus
There's a bridge
And there's Bert?
It's a bridges to Bert
It's a bridges to Bert
There's a bridge
Nice Bridge
And there's Bert
It's a bridges to Bert
It's a bridges to Bert
You don't need alfredo
Or some other cheesy sauce
You'll find the pasta bushes
Take a plant. Pick it off
You don't need no money
Forget your job in town
Head on up to the mountains
Pickin pasta from the ground
Chorus
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[Source: Euphoria, Transcribed by: Bryant Vann]
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. No relief from the risin' tide.
Somethin' in the way of the world has changed, broken apart and re-arranged.
And the river's risin'. Rain keeps pourin' down.
And the river's risin'. Oh, take me to a higher ground.
Not too little and much too late. Courting disaster and tempting fate.
Goin' against all natural laws, putting effect before the cause.
And the river's risin'. Rain keeps pourin' down.
Down, down, down, the river's risin'. Oh, take me to higher ground.
When will I see the sun shine again? When will this darkness come to an end?
Watchin' and waitin', the flood waters rise, I can't believe what's before my eyes.
And the river's risin'. Rain keeps pourin' down.
Down, down, down, the river's risin'. Oh, take me to higher ground.
The river's risin'. Rain keeps pourin' down.
Down, down, the river's risin'. Oh, take you to higher ground.
Take me to higher ground. Higher ground, higher ground.
Higher ground.
---------------------
And heres a slightly different version from their live performances
From: Shaggy <gt5685d@prism.gatech.edu>.
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, no relief from the rising tide.
Somethin' in the way the world has changed; broken apart and rearranged.
[Chorus:]
The river's rising; rain keeps pouring down. (Rain, rain, rain)
River's rising; take me to higher ground.
All too little, much to late, courting disaster and tempting fate.
Goin' against our natural laws, put in effect before the cause.
<Chorus>
When will I see the sunshine again; when will this darkness come to an end?
Watchin' and waitin', the sun waters rise; can't believe what's before my
eyes.
<Chorus>
Take me to higher ground <x2>
River's rising, rain keeps pouring down. <x2>
River's rising, rising, rising, rising
(Section varies per performance)
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[Source: __________, From: Shaggy <gt5685d@prism.gatech.edu>]
Stay away Monday; you're back too soon.
I've been out all weekend howlin' at the moon,
Dancin' to the rhythm of a Cajun tune.
Monday come a'runnin' always give me the blues.
And now Monday's coming back too soon.
Whoa, Monday's coming back too soon.
Now I'm lookin' to tomorrow, but I can't see
The winds of change are gonna blow on me
I'm tired of my workin' man misery
I work like a dog, but a dog runs free
And now Monday's coming back too soon.
Whoa, Monday's coming back too soon.
Well, one of these Mondays I'm gonna stay in bed
I'm gonna watch the mornin' sky turn red
Gonna turn off my clock and turn on my head
And never let the weekend come to an end
And now Monday's coming back too soon.
Whoa, Monday's coming back too soon.
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[Source: Euphoria, Transcribed by: Bryant Vann]
This isn't a time for giving up. This is the time to be strong.
I know life is never easy, when you're holding out so long.
I know that we can make it, with a little bit of faith to get us by.
This isn't the time or faking. This is the time for us to fly.
This isn't the time for faking. This is the time for us to fly.
This isn't the time for fighting. This is the time for peace.
Whether you're on the left or on the right wing, this is the time for release.
We don't have time to count our mistakes. We can leave them in the past.
This isn't the time for keeping score. It's time to make the moment last.
This isn't the time for keeping score. It's time to make the moment last.
This isn't the time for losing hope. This is the time to lean.
Well I know we can find our way if you're ready to receive.
There's always so much to learn, as you wander through this life.
And timing is everything. This is the time, the night.
Timing is everything. This is the time, the night.
This is the time, the night. This is the time, the night.
This is the time, the night. This is the time, the night.
Oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, oh. This is the time, the night.
This is the time, night. Oooh, oooh, oooh.
This is the time, night.
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[Source: __________, Transcribed by: Mike Ansolab
Now when I had plenty of money, good people
all my friends would gather around
Just as soon as my pocket book was empty
not a friend on this earth to be found
Now my money taught me of plenty good people
and my papa taught me more
He said, if you don't quit your rough & wild ways
there'll be trouble at your door
All around this old jailhouse there's plenty good people
$20 won't pay my fine
For Liquor has surrounded my body
pretty women jump in my mind
Now if you don't quit your drinkin'
some day you'll be just like me
Workin' out your livin'
in a penitentary
Now when I am dead & buried, good people
and my pale face turns to the sun
You can gather around all your fine friends
and see This Old Rounder do down
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[Source: 12/1/93, Ft. Collins, CO Transcribed by: Eric Meltzer]
Oh baby since you've been gone,
I just cry the whole night long,
Baby since you said goodbye,
You've left me so....no lie, no lie
(chorus)
I'm tore up for real and now I just can't find my way
I'm tore up X 4
I'm tore up for real and now I just can't find my way
You never loved me like you told me so,
And if you did, then baby why did you go?
Left me singing just a-singing the blues,
Standing out in the parking lot with no shoes
Chorus
You left me standing on a mountaintop,
Disappeared, and so did my crop,
When the pasta done a-come around,
Baby you'll be smilin', got yourself a 16 ft. crown
I'm tore up for you and now I'm tore out of the ground
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[Source: __________, Transcribed (& translated) by: ___________]
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[Source: Beausoleil's "Live on the Left Coast.", Researched, Transcribed (&/or Translated) by: Laura Killian]
I guess these are the words that Doucet THINKS should be in the song; what
he's singing on the disk is an entirely different matter. Hopefully, this is close
to what Vince sings, but one never knows...
(Tune by Will Bolfa, words by Michael Doucet,
from Beausoleil's "Live on the Left Coast.")
Jolie fille, t'as fait du mal
Tous les samedis soirs quand moi, je t'ai guettee
Apres danser avec un autre
Quand je suis la apres jouer
Mais, juste pour vous, ma jolie fille,
Tu connais comment je t'aimais
Oue, chaque fois que moi, je vois ca
Tu connais tu m'as fait fremir
O yaie, bebe, O yaie, catin
O yaie, 'tit monde, tu m'as fait du mal
(Bis)
Mais jolie fille, mais gardez donc,
Oue, mon coeur, ca fait du mal
A cause de toi, la plus jolie,
Tu connais que moi je veux dire
Apres danser avec un autre,
O ye yaie, mais dans les bras
Tu m'as demande de jouer pour toi,
Chere bebe, tu me fais fremir
He', Will!
_______________________
Will Bolfa's Two-Step
(Michael Doucet's translation)
Pretty girl, you've done me wrong
Every Saturday night when I've seen you
Dancing with someone else
While I'm there playing.
Just for you, my pretty girl,
You know how much I loved you.
Yeah, every time that I see that,
You know you make me shiver.
O yaie, babe, O yaie, girl,
O yaie, little world, you've done me wrong.
(Repeat)
Pretty girl, look here,
Yeah, my heart is hurting.
Because of you, the prettiest one,
You know what I'm trying to say.
Dancing with another
O ye yaie, in his arms,
You asked me to play for you,
Babe, you make me shiver.
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[Source: various LoS performances, Transcribed by: Kevin McKenallly <McKenally@aol.com>]
Early morning in the summer time
I was walking down the road feeling high and fine
Ran into that smiling man
He was rolling fatties from a garbage can
Lord preserve us and protect us
We been smokin fatties for breakfast (or green bud, etc.)
This is usually how Vince sings it live. On the album the first line is
"Early morning in the mountain pines" and the last line is "He was drinking
whiskey from a coffee can" and they drank whiskey for breakfast, not smoked
fatties.
Here are some "alternative words," i.e., NOT exactly the ones LoS sings.
Early in the morning the sun wouldn't shine
I was walking down the road not feeling too fine
Saw two men with a bottle between 'em
This is the song that they were singing
Lord preserve us and protect us
We been drinking whiskey for breakfast
Lord preserve us and protect us
We been drinking whiskey for breakfast
I stopped by the steps where they were sitting
I couldn't believe how drunk they were getting
They passed that bottle and I took a little sip
Took a little more and I just couldn't quit
Chorus
One by one the people of the town
Heard our ruckus and they all came town
Pretty soon all the streets were ringing
With the sound of the whole town laughing and singing
Chorus
Here're some alternatives to the alternatives above:
Early in the morning the sun wouldn't shine
I was walking down the road not feeling too fine
Saw two men with a bottle between 'em
This is the song that they were singing
Lord preserve us and protect us
We been drinking whiskey for breakfast
Lord preserve us and protect us
We been drinking whiskey for breakfast
I stopped by the steps where they were sitting
I couldn't believe how drunk they were getting
I said, "Old men you been drinking long?"
They said, "Long enough to start singing this song."
Chorus
They passed (me the) bottle and (said, "Take) a little sip"
(And it felt so good) I just couldn't quit
So I drank a little more and next thing I knew
There were three of us sitting there singing this tune.
Chorus
One by one (everybody in) town
Heard our ruckus and they all came (d)own
Pretty soon all the streets were ringing
With the sound of the whole town laughing and singing
Chorus
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[Source: Bridges to Bert, Composer: Conrad Mauge, Transcribed by: Laura Killian <toadlily@olywa.net>]
It was a Zombie Jamboree
It took place in a New York cemetery
It was a Zombie Jamboree
Took place in a wooded cemetery
Zombies from all parts of the island
Some of the great calypsonians
Since the season was Carnivale
They got together in bacchanal
Well, they're singing
Back to back, Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
I done dead already
Back to back, Belly to belly
It's a Zombie Jamboree
And the chorus
Back to back, Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
I done dead already
Back to back, Belly to belly
It's a Zombie Jamboree
One female zombie would not behave
See how she trample on top the grave
In one hand she holding a pint of rum
With the other knocking congo drum
The singer make his rhyme
While the zombies bang their bones in time
A bystander had this to say
"It was a pleasure to see the problem take away!"
Well, they're singing
Back to back, Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
I'm done dead already
Back to back, Belly to belly
It's a Zombie Jamboree
And the chorus
Back to back, Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
I'm done dead already
Back to back, Belly to belly
It's a Zombie Jamboree
Oh, It was a Zombie Jamboree
Took place in a New York cemetery
It was a Zombie Jamboree
Took place in a woodland cemetery
Zombies from all parts of the island
Some of the great calypsonians
Since the season was Carnivale
They got together in bacchanal
Well, they're singing
Back to back, Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
I'm done dead already
Back to back, Belly to belly
It's a Zombie Jamboree
And the chorus
Back to back, Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
I'm done dead already
Back to back, Belly to belly
It's a Zombie Jamboree
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[Source: Fox Theater - 7/14/95, Transcribed by: Heather HtF Coburn-Herring <hlcoburn@mindspring.com>]
Zydeco?? Creole French corruption of the French, "les haricots," meaning "the beans." Just a little LoS trivia...
Di Di Di Blou
chung lung dung doo
Day ah sa moi sa fa demain yeah
Dong so long gloob
Ahm foo nay soir
Lebememebem brrrr ZYDECO! (yeah)
Zu nu mu nu zuno foir
Baba zu nu tongues
Badada zu-zu-zu-zu-zydeco
That thing is long
That thing is good
Day ah sa moi sa fa demain
Met a lil girl about an hour ago
Take a look around see which way the wind blows
With a little girl in a honky tonk bungalow
Zu-zu-zu mama you wanna go?
Dancin to the zydeco
but mama don't wanna go
Down to Boulder town
In that summer of love
Under that full moon light
We could be gettin all WILD tonight ooooooooooooooooooooh
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