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1. |
Underground
04:44
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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.
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2. |
Go On
05:19
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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.
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3. |
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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.
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4. |
The Exchange
04:27
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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.
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5. |
First Light
03:43
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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.
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6. |
Darlene
04:02
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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.
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7. |
Black Sea
04:05
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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.
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8. |
Effortless
05:02
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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.
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9. |
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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.
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10. |
Wick'd World
03:00
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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.
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11. |
Candy (Take It Away)
04:37
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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.
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12. |
New York State
06:46
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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.
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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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