1. |
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Richie been looking all over the northwest
for work to keep his family out of debt.
Turned down, patronized and strung out like the rest,
because there's not too many paying jobs to get.
Bad back, complications, Ray's stuck in the mire.
Down to picking up river debris.
Take it home, chop it up, throw it on the fire,
one short step away from poverty.
Ain't these them hard times we been talking about
supposed to come some future year?
Better board up the windows and load up the guns,
hard times are finally here.
Standing in the food line with a rock churning in my gut,
for government cheese that's passed around.
Dignity and pride are eating at me but,
A man's gotta do something when he's down.
Taxes due, payments late, bank at the door;
the car's been repossessed and towed away.
Have to sell what I can, hope they don't ask for more,
I'm just barely getting by from day to day.
Ain't these them hard times we been talking about
supposed to come some future year?
Better board up the windows and load up the guns,
because hard times are finally here.
Coming down the wire seems it’s every man for himself
trying to get that last slice of the pie.
But what’s to be done for everybody else
when the only store is burning in the night?
Seems like pretty soon, we're all heading for a war
over shelter, fuel and enough to eat.
Can't hardly trust some people anymore,
just some true friends and some family down the street.
Ain't these them hard times we been talking about
supposed to come some future year?
Better board up the windows and load up the guns,
because hard times are finally here.
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2. |
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So I turned off the news again; feels like I slammed into a wall.
You know, my mother used to say, “If you got nothing good to say,
don’t say anything at all.”
A pharmaceutcal has a cure, but only the rich can afford the deal.
While countries needing it the most are left out in the cold
with no medicine to heal.
And anxiety sets in, and I feel lost and confused.
They smile behind a desk somewhere
demanding more than the market will bear,
as the rest of us get used.
Each day the war machine grinds on, as a new peace agreement dies.
Powers mask the corporate greed, while they slant their reasoning
with propaganda and with lies.
The wars feeds the one percent, as a world in trouble declines,
Can’t see how they justify, soldier boys that have to die
just to meet their bottom lines.
And anxiety sets in, and I feel pain and confused.
They command their death campaigns and still validate their gains
as the rest of us get used.
I’m at the pump filling the tank, watching numbers just rolling about.
Thinking something’s got to give; me and mine still got to live,
or we’ll have to cut something else out.
They said oil profits hit the roof, with record earnings coming in.
But as gas prices soar, it causes everything to cost more,
in an economy stretched too thin.
And anxiety sets in, and I feel annoyed and confused.
Their money fills their wallets fat, they wonder where to spend it at,
as the rest of us get used.
Hey, Washington is up for sale, to the highest bidder on the street.
As class warfare of the ninety-nine, stand out in soup-kitchen lines
hoping to get something to eat.
I heard that congress closed the floor, after refusing to get along.
They rejected to coincide or even work with the other side,
even knowing they were wrong.
And anxiety sets in, and I feel mad and confused.
Watching them in the “have” machine, living the American dream
as the rest of us get used.
A sense of sorrow filled my heart, with stories dredged up from below,
as banks foreclose their loans, on the oppressed that lose their homes
and then have nowhere left to go.
Their profit margin isn’t down, but still they levee another fee.
And the ones to pay the cost to recoup what they never lost
ends up being you and me.
That money moves and disappears, in shell companies without a face,
and while the little man thanks God that Enron faces corporate fraud
another waits to take its place.
And anxiety sets in, and I feel misplaced and confused.
I see them bankers flying free with no accountability
as the rest of us get used.
Meanwhile, as executives stand accused, of corruption, greed and more,
saying we earned every cent and they justify all they spent
except hidden money held offshore.
Their promised future is assured, happiness fills their very lives.
They boast their ultra-rich ascent, and flaunt how their money’s spent,
apathetic to you and I.
And anxiety sets in, and I feel sad and confused.
They get away with their crimes and living large in the good times
as the rest of us get used.
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3. |
Tonight Believe
03:19
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You gave your time; you gave your seat,
And let your life go incomplete
so they might just get through.
And now you’re weary, tired and spent
and wonder where ambition went
to do what you hoped to do.
It feels so right as you pen the lines
but you’ve fooled yourself so many times
before, believing the lie.
This seems so futile, so little gain to fare,
and who besides yourself will ever even care?
You shake your head and wonder why.
But this one chance will slip away
And might not come another day
for all you are, and all you’ll be.
You never gamble, you hate to lose
but this time you’ll just have to choose;
tonight, believe. Tonight, believe.
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4. |
Time Won't Keep
03:03
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Nine months carrying your load,
to bring the precious to your home
day and night see how she’s grown; oh,… time won’t keep.
Through tiny eyes, a smile comes through,
doesn’t this babe look like you?
Hard to guess where she’s going to, for,… time won’t keep.
Smiling back with her two teeth,
and now she’s standing on her feet
melting hearts; all she may meet, but,… time won’t keep.
Although she sleeps so sound at peace,
her changes never seem to cease,
she crawls, she walks, she runs to see, oh,… time won’t keep.
Bedtime stories every night,
and now she’s peddling her bike
with a boy she says she likes, for,… time won’t keep.
Why she’s laughing, heaven knows?
She can’t be ready for school clothes;
but there’s the bus and away she goes, oh,… time won’t keep.
From middle school to high school teen,
semantics girl and drama queen.
Then all too soon, the college scene, for,… time won’t keep.
Her and her husband coming home
with a precious of their own;
day and night see how she’s grown, and,…time won’t keep.
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5. |
To Know
04:10
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“It’s a mystery.” The father said as he looked down at the boy.
“It’s not for us to know who the heavens will employ.”
And the boy with more questions than answers as he turns to go
wonders what he can do, or say in his prayers,
to convey all he wants, is to know.
The boy wonders why it is he must journey with faith alone
while a chosen few may be given to see and discern the unknown.
Were they gifted for a reason, and if so what dimmed his certain glow?
Is it too late for amendments, for inclusions?
All he wants, is to know.
And if we are all God’s children; each is as special as the next one,
shouldn’t the same, “God Given” understanding be graced to everyone?
And he wants to believe in the miracles and hopes for his faith to grow,
He believes the most important thing in his life
is without doubt, to know.
“It’s a mystery.” He’s oft reminded as he travels on his way to find.
But he wonders why some were chosen as an unworthy were left behind.
He moves in many circles with many questions and ideas to show
he is determined, serious with conviction,
he strives with all his heart, to know.
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6. |
The Strength Of My Life
02:52
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Though war should rise and fall all around me,
of whom should I be afraid?
Even as foes and mine enemies come upon me,
my heart shall not fear what they’ve made.
If I do good, seek the light for salvation;
why should I fear Satan’s call?
When wicked come to try to consume me,
in the last, they will stumble and fall.
And it’s one step to another as others that hold to a dark path of strife
Though powers of hell should conspire against me,
The LORD is the strength of my life.
In times of trouble, my head shall be lifted,
In all this will I be one accord.
He shall set me up, upon a rock
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
And it’s one step to another with others that hold to the truth and the light
Though I falter and stumble to regain my balance,
the LORD is the strength of my life.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Yea, the LORD is the strength of my life.
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises,
the LORD is the strength of my life.
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7. |
Here We Go
04:02
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Here we go down that road;
The road we’ve known so many times before.
Here we go.
Where we going this time here?
Where will we be tomorrow, next week, next year?
Here we go down that road; here we go.
Here we go to who knows where,
just to be gone and away from there,
Here we go, get up high,
Maybe we’ll make three or four hundred miles tonight.
Here we go. Here we go.
Here we go down this uncertain path.
Here we go, don’t know when we’ll be back,
but here we go. Here we go.
Here we go, nothing more to say.
Gotta move fast, gotta just get away.
Here we go, can’t we know why,
We’re just running blindly into the night?
Well, here we go. Here we go.
Here we go, away from where we been.
Here we go, to get away from him.
Here we go. Here we go.
Here we go, down that road,
dark and alone, away from what was home.
But here we go, this one last drive,
this one last run, this one last time.
Here we go down that road,
Here we go.
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8. |
Round The Round
05:58
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9. |
Maybe This Time
07:29
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Safely tucked under wing, running away to bring
them fast and loose, them fast and loose away from abuse.
And where are you going now? When will you find out how
and where to escape, where to escape for everyone’s sake?
There’s no turning the tide, there’s no place to hide,
no place to run, no place to run,
where he won’t come, where he won’t come.
But maybe with time things will change and turn around,
Maybe this time,… maybe,… maybe not.
Why did you ere return, why couldn’t you just learn
that he never changed, he never changed; was always estranged?
Maybe it was your heart, so willing again to start,
and do what was right, so trusting insight, but betrayed every time.
There’s no logic to know of, that forgives unreturned love,
no place to go where he won’t know;
where he won’t show, where he won’t go.
But maybe this time things will change and turn around,
maybe this time,… oh maybe,… but maybe not.
You tried to for, oh so long, to forgive him and all the wrong;
to trust and wait, and wait and wait, with the hope of some change.
What no one else could see, your devotion to family,
so steadfast and strong, and you tried for so long, to right the wrong.
But although the marriage failed, and his ship of compassion sailed,
as it fell apart, as it fell apart,
how it broke your heart, how it broke your heart.
But maybe with time things will change and turn around,
maybe this time,… oh maybe,… and maybe not.
When did you finally know, he would not choose or go
any other way, but his own stubborn way, only his own way?
How did it feel to be, finally safe and free,
from the fear and doubt; the pain and doubt; from what he was about?
Then a time to build again, far and away from where you’d been,
and it’s over and done, no need to run,
it’s over and done, no more on the run.
And maybe with time things will change and turn around,
Maybe this time,… maybe,… maybe so.
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10. |
I come Looking For You
03:19
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On a tilt by twenty three degrees;
Daydreaming I’m flying off to where I please.
Too much, too little, too far, but I work to get along
Things out there are hard, to keep on keeping on.
But when I’m done with it all
and I need a friend to call,
I come looking for you.
I hear from behind, you singing a song;
The words, the tune calls for me to sing along.
My life at a glance, is purpose without heart.
My spirit wants to dance but I must stay my part.
When I’m the friend in need,
and I want fresh eyes to see,
I come looking for you.
On the fly, what makes you believe
that you can pull it off with nothing up your sleeve?
I falter and I fail, trying hard to hold my own.
With no wind for my sail; I drift to parts unknown.
But when I’m feeling low
and I need a shot of hope
I come looking for you.
When I’m lost and alone,
with no direction home,
I come looking for you.
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11. |
Eva
05:39
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Eva, I know, wherever you go and whatever you do,
the world is always there, to come after you.
It doesn’t believe that you don’t want to be involved today,
It doesn’t care that you’ve been trying
your best to get away
from it all.
But tonight, Eva, as the traffic dies down,
as the lights fade and the stars and moon illuminate this town,
Tonight, know that love will always be yours,
and the Cherubim stand guard at your door
tonight, rest easy, sleep tight, tonight.
Eva, in the past, you were hounded and chased,
in constant fear and sorrow wherever you were placed.
And with your entourage in tow going with you everywhere
and the heavy weight to have to be strong,
to take care
of them all.
But tonight, Eva, you’ve no worries anymore,
Tonight, all your uncertainties and troubles are no more,
Tonight, know that love will always be yours,
and the Cherubim stand guard at your door
tonight, rest easy, sleep tight, tonight.
Tonight, rest easy, sleep tight, tonight.
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12. |
Pink Boots, Green Laces
03:01
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Pink boots, green laces, looks like she’s going places,
she’s on her way.
Wardrobe quickly selected, still looking cool and collected,
she’s on her way.
Glass beads, rainbow stockings, all ready to go out walking,
she’s on her way.
Each hand holding daughters, sack lunch and jars of water,
she’s on her way.
A world to go in search of, adventures to explore.
Things to discover on the way to find out more.
Herbs and flowers enchanting are in her garden’s plantings,
she’s on her way.
Homemade crafts and makings, to share love for the takings,
she’s on her way.
Treasures to discover, a whole earth to uncover,
she’s on her way.
Waterfalls, green mountains, blue lakes and crystal fountains,
she’s on her way.
The fun in the findings is the journey getting there,
So much to see and do, so much to learn and share.
Keen senses, smiling faces, bright skies and open spaces,
she’s on her way.
Pink boots, green laces, looks like she’s going places,
she’s on her way.
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13. |
Something Must Be Wrong
03:11
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Went to the drugstore to get a newspaper and a coke,
I walked back home, did the crossword puzzles and read the jokes.
Then I come in here and there you are on the box,
and I just turn you off because I’m all alone.
Something must be wrong if we can’t seem to communicate.
Something must be wrong if all you ever do is hate.
Something must be wrong if you don’t feel the things you do,
Something must be wrong, Something must be wrong,
Something must be wrong with you.
Hopped in my car to get a pizza and a burger when
I started running out of gas and I had to walk back home again.
Then I come in here and there you are on the floor
and you ask me if I’m sore but sure I can’t take this anymore.
Something must be wrong if we can’t see eye to eye.
Something must be wrong if all you ever do is lie.
Something must be wrong if you don’t feel the things you do,
Something must be wrong, Something must be wrong,
Something must be wrong with you.
Went to the doctor’s to see if he might help,
he said, “You better go back home boy, and get into your bed”.
So I’m walking home slow, feeling kind of low,
then I see you ripped the sheets of the bed and yanked out the phone.
Something must be wrong if you can’t tell me where you’ve been.
Something must be wrong with you cheating on me again.
Something must be wrong if you don’t feel the things you do,
Something must be wrong, Something must be wrong,
Something must be wrong with you.
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14. |
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Staring out at the morning skies
wondering how this day’s gonna go.
the sun is already on the rise
as I hear the factory whistle blow.
Feeling like I don’t belong
but I’ll have to work things through.
But at the end of my long hard day,
I love coming home to you.
Each day seems to just fly on by,
then goes a week, a month, a year.
Seems I’m always saying goodbye
as I leave to carry out my career.
Always away and gone for too long
and I question at times what it is I do.
But at the end of my hopeful day,
I love coming home to you.
I love coming home to you.
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Lord Baldwin Olympia, Washington
Lord Baldwin has created 44 ALBUMS
between 1991 and 2001
Between 2011 and 2023, created, 23
ALBUMS
Published a 4-book series called, “Stepping Between The Ants”
A 4-book series called, “From The Lost Letters Sent” chronicling the first 44 albums' songs created between 1968 to 2001
As playwright, wrote a musical play (book) called;
““RESILIENT the Musical” A Web-Based Episodic Play & Story”
... more
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