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The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness

by Julean and the Rai

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1.
Underground 04:44
Underground Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 I've a palm full of fingers and a fate on my hand ... I've got a pocketful of things I'm rememberin' ... I've a little while yet, still, to see the Sun; I've got a lifetime, yet, to be One. The music, in a way, is a sleight of hand ... You've got to time the song just to beat the train ... I've got a little while left 'till the people "spill"; Five minutes to find some time to kill. It's been a long time. I've come a long way. Spend a lot of time alone these days ... Just haunting the train. Just haunting the same old stations. I tend to keep my head above the clouds ... But to make a few I go Underground. I've got a little while left still 'till evening comes; I've got a long night, still, before I'm done. It's been a long time. I've come a long way. Spend a lot of time alone These days ... Just haunting the train. Just haunting the same old spaces. Just haunting the same Just haunting the same old places. Just haunting the trains Playing the same old stations. Just haunting the trains Just haunting the same old places. It's been a long time healing, now Playing down here, underground. (Say it) (x 8) Lyrics copyright 2006, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
2.
Go On 05:19
Go On Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 Woke up to an empty room Half expecting you, and Signs up life ... Drive the 'wagon out to the desert Down past where the road subsides ... And I drove through heat Like an oven on The mountainsides The scattered bones Should I stay the road, Or just go home? So I drove the 'wagon out to the trailhead Got out just to kick around Some dirt ... And I know you well enough to know You understand, but I gather that it hurt, love. See, what I did Was belly up And Shanna, dear She came up, because Of the will to quit And faith in us. So when it Seems like it could go on like this But the thought is just like dancing On a land mine ... When kids like us grow up like this It's hard not to believe the lies, Sometimes. Like believing we could ... It never did the world of "Us" any good, Or I would. So I think back to the dissonance Try to hold on to the Resolute side ... Like when you get where you aren't listenin' And destroy, sabotage, deny ... I think you love my ways, But twist my head ... It's good some days, And like hell the rest ... With a wick'd tongue That song has blessed. So when it Seems like it could go on like this But the thought is just like dancing On a land mine ... When kids like us grow up like this It's hard not to believe the lies, Sometimes. Like believing we could ... It never did the world of "Us" any good Like believing we could ... It never did the world of "Us" any good, Or I would. Like believing we could ... Like believing we could ... Like believing we could ... Or I would.
3.
The Way That Leaving Goes Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 The Way That Leaving Goes Music and Lyrics by Julean Rai (BMI) All Rights Reserved. Passing under shadows; Steady as it gets. Abandoning the highway For the sticks. We haven't passed that barrier; We haven't crossed that bridge. That'll be with some other boy, I guess. Still got a little while Left to go. No need to calculate The distance. And I'm no alternate Road. It's just the way that leaving goes. Don't worry 'bout the time it takes; Pull over for some gas. Still shot of quiet ... Let it pass. Let's pull up to station; We'll make a meal of What we get. And have ourselves a time To forget. And nobody's waiting ... This was never said, But we both know It's just the way that Leaving goes ... It's just the way that Leaving goes ... Just the way that leaving goes. Lyrics copyright 1996, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
4.
The Exchange 04:27
The Exchange Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 We had a party in the den downstairs I mostly disappeared in the easy-chair I was enamored by her fragrance: Something by Givenchy they call "Amarige" Now, it was somebody's home and not a party house I tried to play it cool, but I chickened out... She caught up with me on the front stoop; Knock-knock-knocking on my aloof... I had to make a move, tried to touch her hair She wrapped it all around me And we kissed right there. She wasn't even slightly embarrassed: Born in France and raised in Paris, And our time is wasted. Could we retain The student we exchanged? We made a date for the following night She had a thing before and she needed a ride. I got it all together and I dressed real nice... I didn't really plan on spending time inside; Well, nothing really happened on the night out. I didn't know girls, and she kinda' found out Spent time in the cold, cuddled up for warmth Just hands and face, arms stomach and waist And now she's leavin'... Could we retain The student we exchanged? Could we retain The student we exchanged? Hey, I don't like to sound like the boy who falls But I stumble down the stairs ev'ry time she calls' There's a feelin' in my belly like a lizard who crawls Can't sleep can't eat can't think at all I'm gonna' meet her downtown at the coffeehouse Sit down for a minute, but we'll both slide out Down in the deepest dark corners of town But it's too late now, 'cause she's headed out Now she's leavin'. Could we retain The student we exchanged? Could we retain The student we exchanged? I can't picture her leavin'... And me afterward, just breathin' in The scent of her, just lin-gerin' Hey I just Can't stand waitin' for the shoe to fall You'd betta' give me somethin' Or it's nuthin' at all, Hey- Hey, I don't like to sound like the boy who falls But I stumble down the stairs ev'ry time she calls' There's a feelin' in my belly like a lizard who crawls Can't sleep can't eat can't think at all I'm gonna' meet her downtown at the coffeehouse Sit down for a minute, but we'll both slide out Down in the deepest dark corners of town But it's too late now, 'cause she's headed out Now she's leavin'. Could we retain The student we exchanged? Could we retain The student we exchanged? Could we retain The student we exchanged? Could we retain The student we exchanged? Lyrics copyright 1996, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
5.
First Light 03:43
First Light Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 I'm down at the precipice. Door's locked, and I'm pissed. And I've knocked and jerry-rigged... I can't believe it would come to this. Mike's probably sound asleep, or Following that girl again, who wants Nothing to do with him... Sometimes you'd think he'd just 'pack it in'. Been on my own six weeks, Didn't even think to get a key. Didn't think it applied to me, 'cause... Someone's always gonna' be inside, and now I'm locked out of the house again; Stuck out on the porch tonight... Someone better be coming in soon, like... Don't wanna' be here 'til first light. So I Walk down to the coffeeshop To maybe try to sit and have a cup, but the Coffee-man was closing up. Shook out the rug and the door shut! Mom stopped by this afternoon. Brought some clothes and a box of food; Said 'They really miss me up at school', but she She didn't speak of what she do... Aw, but I can guess her Apology by the gesture, you see-- Apologies are not her... After a fight. I'm locked out of the house again; Stuck out on the porch tonight... Someone better be coming in soon, like... Don't wanna' be here 'til first light. So many people sleeping on the floor, You'd think that somebody'd be home, right? A little thing I counted on... A little thing I counted on... So I'm gonna' learn to be a star; Just a little kid with a big guitar. And I'll break it out and play wherever we are. I'll break it out and play wherever we are. 'Cause up against the buildings I project That probabilities are endless... No point in getting any less. No point in getting any less. But can I find my way alone? Or will I only feel alone? And can I at least fail alone? Can I at least fail alone? I'm sitting here alone, alone, alone. Sitting here alone, alone, alone. Alone. Sitting alone. Sitting alone. Positively independent. Positively independent; Because I'm all alone. Because I'm all alone. I think we're really alone. We're positively alone. We're positively alone. Lyrics copyright 1995, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
6.
Darlene 04:02
Darlene Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 Darlene... You waited as long as they Expected you. Here's my apartment key. The Day of Decision, I've awaited you... Just come in and Wake me up. Still a little Undecided? Well, that's alright Darlene. And if you decide to go That's alright Darlene And if you never show Still alright Darlene... And if we decide to Go through with things, that's Surely alright-- Darlene... And everyone thinks that You're the crazy child. That's our little secret I swear. But we've played with the other And the issue, now... ...and what a mighty-fine Time it's been. Still a little Undecided? Well, that's alright Darlene. And if you decide to go That's alright Darlene And if you never show Still alright Darlene... And if we decide to Go through with things, that's Surely alright-- We're going out in a Blaze of Glory, I See the folly in Our Own Life Stories, and If the moment escapes, It will not let me down. We're going out like a Motion Picture, don't Run away Boogie-man'll get ya', and If the moment, it fades It will not let me down It will not let me down. I can hear you Pacing down the halls... Now... Pulling it together Like it's Now or Never... Like it's Now or Never... Just like it's Now or Never... It's never Now or Never... No, it's never Now or Never Darlene. We're going out in a Blaze of Glory, I See the folly in Our Own Life Stories, and If the moment escapes, It will not let me down. We're going out like a Motion Picture, don't Run away Boogie-man'll get ya', and If the moment, it fades It will not let me down It will not let me down. We're going out in a Blaze of Glory, I See the folly in Our Own Life Stories, and If the moment degrades, It will not let me down. It will not let me down It will not let me down It will not let me down, Darlene, Lyrics copyright 1996, 2006, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
7.
Black Sea 04:05
Black Sea Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 Well it was raining on the Black Sea When something very simple troubled me I think I realized I don't have to be With someone else who does not want to be It's very simple. We were truly sentimental My mistake was never knowing When the day had come. Maybe I didn't want to feel alone With someone else who could not be alone. It's very simple. Never mind ... It's like our time is tarnished. The sky grew dark, and vanished. And I don't realize it ... Well, Sunday morning Breaking up. You said it would be better if you traveled alone You said you would better off, yeah "Better off", yeah Better off, but then Monday morning Waking up: You said that "we should stay together this time" ... You said it would be better, someday. "Better, someday", But I don't trust this. Well, it was thunderin' and lightnin' The sea was churning up the deep within. The sky was pouring on the sand, below, And every droplet of rain, explodes. It's very simple. Never mind ... I fall for every girl Who falls into my temple of lies, And maybe it was time to call it Time to call it Well, Sunday morning Breaking up. You said it would be better if you traveled alone You said you would better off, yeah "Better off", yeah Better off, but then But then Monday morning Waking up: You said that "we should stay together this time" ... You said you would be better, someday. "Better, someday", But I don't trust this. I think it's time to bring the big top down And leave this tiny little beach town Oh! I guess I really should have known ... Oh! You think I really would have known ... I think it's time to bring the big too down And leave this tiny little And leave this tiny little And leave this ... Well, Sunday morning Breaking up. You said it would be better if you traveled alone You think you would better off, yes "Better off", yeah Better off, but then But then Monday morning Waking up: You said that "we should stay together this time" ... You said you would be better, someday. "Better, someday", But I don't trust it. And then Sunday morning Breaking up. You said it would be better if you traveled alone You think you would better off, yes "Better off", yeah Better off, but then And then Monday morning Waking up: You said that "we should stay together this time" ... You said you would be better, someday. "Better, someday", But you don't trust me. Lyrics copyright 2008, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
8.
Effortless 05:02
Effortless Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 I find it hard To believe that you do Find me as wonderful As I'm finding you And I know the consequence Of saying these things to you But I'm trusting you I'm trusting you Blue storm in the Middle of a fire ring Flickering like a fable Or something Hiding out in the Middle of a cool stream Hanging out by the river ... It would be effortless ... Effortless ... Effortless ... With you. I'd like to be As free as you are And dance for all the little things All legs and arms And yes, it would be marvelous if you'd Fall for the charm But you're all legs and arms You're all legs and arms Blue storm in the Middle of a fire ring Flickering like a fable Or something Hiding out in the Middle of a cool stream Hanging out by the river ... BRIDGE Steal off in the middle Of a fine day; Find the place in the Shadow of a cool shade; Hiding out just to Do what our bodies say; Slowing down just to drink of a Saturday; Hiding out in the Flat of a Big Stone; Stealing memories of your Figure with no clothes on; Stealing memories of the day With the Time Gone; Maing love by the River ... It would be effortless ... Effortless ... Effortless ... With you. It would be effortless ... Effortless ... Effortless ... With you. E---- ffortless. E---- ffortless. E---- ffortless. Lyrics copyright 2006, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
9.
I Know (You Used to Know) Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 So please don't walk away Just walk away I don't know what I'm saying ... "I know, I know", you said. "I know, I know", you said. Just 'cause I'm here today Just like I was yesterday No, that don't mean I'm here to stay "I know, I know", you said. Well, "I know, I know", you said. Well what are we doin' standin' with all the world around us? And all the things I said wrapped up inside your mind? Don't wanna' be around ya', but I'm so glad I found ya' ... I know I know you knew it. I know you used to know. Yeah, you used to know. So what I'm tryin' to tell ya' Is I just can't talk to you ... I just can't reason with ya' "I know, I know" you said. Well, "I know, I know", you said. And you stood me up this week Just like you did last week And I don't know what you're keeping "I know, I know", you said. Well, "I know, I know", you know it. Well what are we doin' standin' with all the world around us? And all the things you said wrapped up inside my mind? Don't wanna' be around ya', but I'm so glad I found ya' ... I know I know you knew it. I know you used to know. Yeah, you used to know. No: Don't wanna' tell MacDougal What it is I wanna' tell ya'. Don't wanna' stand around or have an evenin' with you, neither. It's always only just a minute from you steppin' baby. And every step we take is just another hesitation. And I know you used to know. So please don't run away while I run away. There's just no stayin' with ya'. "I know, I know", you said. Well, "I know, I know", you know it. Well what are we doin' standin' with all the world around us? And all the things we said wrapped up inside their minds? Don't wanna' be around ya', but I'm so glad I found ya' ... I know I know you knew it. I know you used to know. Yeah, you used to know. Don't wanna' tell MacDougal What it is I wanna' tell ya'. Don't wanna' stand around or have an evenin' with you, neither. It's always only just a minute from you steppin' baby. And every step we take is just another hesitation. And I know you used to know. I know you used to know. Well I know you used to know. Yes I know you used to know. Hey I know, I know, I know. Lyrics copyright 2006, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
10.
Wick'd World 03:00
Wick'd World Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 Oh yeah Listen here my butterfly The lions are not standing by But waiting for me descend I'm paitent and I'm waiting While the den is in a frenzy Don't you see what you're doin' here? You frolic and you flutter by Beat your wings for other guys Save it for the last dance Pucker up and hold hands I'm just gettin' private time Like I'm gettin' every night Didn't really wanna' fight Better yet, it's alright 'Cause I know It's a wick'd world It's a wick'd world, I swear Yes I know It's a wick'd world It's a wick'd world, Out there. Listen here my Guinevere You scatter when the footsteps are Approaching from the other side I guess it looks like I 'aint here Better not to bother Might as well just be on my own. Oh, you make it look so innocent Like I don't know where you just been Get a bit defensive Like the boys' attention And I don't have to mention Any single one guy Didn't really wanna' fight Better yet, it's alright. 'Cause I know It's a wick'd world It's a wick'd world, I swear Yes I know It's a wick'd world It's a wick'd world, Out there. I guess it's just good medicine How to live with women I'm watching and I'm learnin' While the belly's burnin' Guess it's only good for me Better learn to live with the wolves. Oh, To see you runnin' way from me Skirt-tail dancing in the wind Dodging through the thirsty crowd All the way down Houston I followed you, you laughed at me Just to hang out with my friends Started to begin again Stayed until the Bitter End. 'Cause I know It's a wick'd world It's a wick'd world, I swear Yes I know It's a wick'd world It's a wick'd world, Out there. I guess it's just good medicine How to live with women I'm watching and I'm learnin' While the belly's burnin' Guess it's only good for me It's time I learn to live with the wolves. It's time I learn to live with the wolves. Lyrics copyright 2006, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); . All rights reserved.
11.
Candy (Take It Away) Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 Oh, for a friendly girl You remind me of Everyone that shook my heart from stable. And I'm a passenger In a rocketcar With a brake, and a gas, and no steering wheel. And I get driven off with the riot act When I get to the part where I say how I feel ... And the weepy thing when you're near to me Does not endear you to me, 'cause it's far from stable 'Cause it's far from stable ... Yeah, yeah, yeah ... Well Candy you won't take a break And take that from me. Tell me you won't take a taste of the sweet And leave. Baby it's nothing to do with the things you've been. Candy you can't have a taste and just let me be. No, you can't take it away from Me! Oh, for a simple girl You can cause a stir With all the little boys Who are willing and able. And I'm a stranger, then When you're near to them But we're hand in hand When you're far from danger. And I get bitten off like a little dog When I bark all about what I think I'm seeing. And the funny thing is when you're near to me All I can think is a billion ways of stayin' Am I really your man?! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Well Candy you won't take a break And take that from me. Tell me you won't take a taste of the sweet And leave. Baby it's nothing to do with the things you've been. Candy you can't have a taste and just let me be. No, you can't take it away from Me! It's the part of the fantasy Where you can take a share of me And I keep sharin' you With everyone you're wantin' to You've got to stay available To everyone but 'you know who' And I just can't shake it When it's naked. Well Candy you won't take a break And take that from me. Tell me you won't take a taste of the sweet And leave. Baby it's nothing to do with the things you've been. Candy you can't have a taste and just let me be. No, you can't take it away from Me! Lyrics copyright 2007, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); All rights reserved.
12.
New York State Lyrics From the LP "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", 2017 We said we'd part as friends; The date is set. I'm runnin' out of time; But I 'aint packed up yet. We made a promise to the other; That we won't forget. We took the girls to a restaurant. We ordered what we wanted; We ate what we got. They didn't understand What was going on. We drove around in silence; We tried to talk. You said it might be fun To smoke a little pot. But I said I had a train to catch -- So best not. We tucked the girls in bed, Once home. Kissing little foreheads ... We spent the final minute Just holding on. Then I stole some photographs And reminded you to lock the latch ... I took the scenic route Back to my hotel room; There I met up with some friends And had a drink or two. I walked over to the station To wait it through. Some jackass screamed To go back home. Well, I took it to call you up and talk awhile. Guess I needed reassurance ... Now, It's time to board the tracks I grabbed my bags and ax and left ... I'm going to New York State Home of the Brave And I will ride silent Silently riding Towards the Grey Towards the Grey ... Tonight I'm a Nomad And You are a Girl And I promise to let you know When I get to New York And uh, get set up. [...] A slight delay and we're moving on I stayed awake to see the city gone. Until the building I remembered Were no more. But train seats Are uncomfortable. Yet I found a way to sleep, Somehow. Curled up against the window And staring out There was nothing but darkness So I turned my head And fail to rest ... I'm going to New York State Home of the Brave And I will ride silent Silently riding Towards New York State Home of the Brave And I will ride silent Silently riding down To New York Towards the Grey ... Of New York! Towards the Grey ... Of New York! Towards the Grey ... Of New York! Towards ... towards ... towards ... New York state. Lyrics copyright 2005, 2015 Julian D. Rai (BMI); All rights reserved.

credits

released June 17, 2017

Julean Rai: Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Cajon. Drum, cello, oboe, tabla, and drum programming by Julean Rai. Drew Sowell: Drums, Trumpets, additional background vocals. Jon Pickett: Upright bass, additional background vocals. Caleb Hall: Banjo, additional background vocals. Tony Milano: Electric guitars. Lyrics and music by Julean Rai. Mixed and engineered by Drew Sowell at Dead Canary Studios in Englewood, Colorado. Produced by Julean Rai and Drew Sowell. Album art by Luna Lynch, graphic design and layout by Julian Rai; Copyright 2015 Julian Rai (BMI), All rights reserved.

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Julean and the Rai Denver, Colorado

Indie-folk / antifolk band spanning nearly 30 years and 12 live and studio releases, including the most recent "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness", and are currently remastering several albums for re-release in 2023. Julean is known for his dynamic voice, passionate onstage vocal delivery, and a playing style that swings wildly from soft and subtle to fast and breakneck. ... more

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