Down From Above (4:34)
Horseshoes (3:57)
Fly (4:57)
The Present Tense Tureen (3:38)
Poor Mary Lane (3:28)
On Her Doorstep (3:22)
Misplaced (4:35)
It's Too Cold (3:26)
Bed and Breakfast (4:11)
Nuits de Rêve (6:05)
Sad Today (9:04)
Organ Grinder (Hidden Track)
Organ Grinder (another interpretation)
Sad Today (alternate lyrics)
(Mike) Your mother made you cry when she told you about the womb And how people die Watching over you when you were young Smiling when you learned to crawl You don't know her at all (All) It's a dirty job, but they're very suave Jesus high on wine weeping turpentine (Mike) Daddy's voice like an intercom connected to a hidden room Where yellow roses bloom A sacred mountain near Peterborough where clouds paint a picture so calm That they swallowed Mom (All) It's a dirty job but they're very suave Jesus high on wine, weeping turpentine (Mike) What are they doing in there? Have they got guns? Make you run up and down the same hill And they'll break your will (Mike) Was it Christmas or Groundhog Day when your friends turned to shadows And they dragged you away Tell nobody that you've been here, don't breathe a word that's been said (whispered) (Now there's a scar) upon your forehead (All) It's a dirty job but they're very suave Jesus high on wine, weeping turpentine (Mike) What are they doing in there? Have they got guns? Whether Mount Pinatubo Or the threat of God's love There'll always be something that's raining Down from above. Down from above. Down from above. Down from above...
From the Liner:
(Mike-accoustic guitar, lead vocal; Murray-bass, vocal; Jean-drums, windchimes, vocal; David-electric guitars, vocal)
(Dave) My sister Sue and me were doing stunts with electric trains She said she'd do my dishes, so I handed her the reins (rest) handed her the reins (Dave) And she engineered a collision steered by a hand-eye protege Before my train set started burning I heard my sister say (All) Look straight at the coming disaster Realize what you've lost You keep handing out horseshoes Horseshoes have gotta be tossed. (Murray) I dreamed I went to heaven 'cause I told my lover lies When I woke up I went to her and looked her in the eyes (rest) looked her in the eyes (Murray) I said "help me cry, 'cause I can't deny this union's feeling wrong" Then a flshback to the dream and angels singing songs (All) Look straight at the coming disaster Realize what you've lost You keep handing out horseshoes Horseshoes have gotta be tossed Horseshoes have gotta be tossed. (Dave) Don't push the river; if you love it, set it free I said "go on and see him, you can still come home to me" (All) I was satisfied, God was on our side 'Cause we're freer than the birds. (Jian) Sent me a letter. I didn't read it. I already knew the words (Jian) Look straight at the coming disaster Realize what you've lost You keep handing out horseshoes (All) Horseshoes have gotta be tossed. Horseshoes have gotta be tossed...
From the Liner:
(Mike-piano, accoustic guitar, vocal; Murray-bass, vocal; Jean-drums, vocal; David-guitar, vocal)
(Jian on lead) When you've played out As the World Turns You don't need soaps to clean your mind Every little child learns If you can't see dreams, your eyes are blind Was it just a fool's impression? Such an antiquated passion. On the day they both conspired to ride the midway after dark They had enough of their pride to not bring coins to this amusement park And she held his hand to follow And he held his breath, then let go They crouched down low. Sat in the front row. Untied the rope so they could fly Hold on tight, let's get it just right, We'll take our last flight. You and I. [the following paragraph appears in the liner notes, but not in the song itself] When you're getting tired of normal You sometimes think you've lost your will You see something less formal And reconcile to try to move in for the thrill Was it breaking down like most do? Or searching for happiness where you're supposed to? So they cried inside while their eyes smiled There was no turning back for two Erase the memory stockpile All alone, and one thing left to do In the rollarcoaster shadows, They took off their shoes and bared their souls They crouched down low. Sat in the front row Untied the rope so they could fly Hold on tight, let's get it just right We'll take our last flight. You and I. And she held his hand to follow And he held his breath, then let go They crouched down low Sat in the front row Untied the rope so they could fly Hold on tight, let's get it just right, We'll take our last flight. You and I.
From the Liner:
(Mike-harmonica, vocal; Murray-bass, vocal; Jean-drums, tambourine, lead vocal; David-guitars, vocal)
(All) Circumstances eat themselves The present tense has been Fill the fancy bowl up At the present tense tureen. (Dave) I once had a girl, she lived in the past It was clear that relationship wouldn't last It was clear from the way she had to sleep south It was clear from the lines around her mouth So I went for a walk in the ravine I came upon an unbelievable scene In a tiny creek there's a tiny boat With a tiny man in a tiny coat I said "Hey man, do you think you can help?" He said "Of course I can - I'm an elf We're not just fictional device We sail ravines and give advice" I said "My baby is what it's about" He cried "Helms a-lee, boy, I'm comin' about Don't fill me in on right or wrong Take these ropes and sing this song" (All) Circumstances eat themselves The present tense has been Fill the fancy bowl up At the present tense tureen. (Dave) His eyes were afire, he lit up a coal Handed me a ladle and a little white bowl Put the pot on the fire, he opened a book And said "sit down, the thing's gotta cook" "That's the loveliest pot I've ever seen" He said "it's not a pot, it's a tureen And what's inside will make you well So ring this little dinner bell" Then he giggled in french - that's what he did Like a kid at Christmas, as he opened the lid "Help yourself" he beamed with pride But there was no sweet soup inside. Silence fell on the cooling night I thought I better fake it just to be polite Smallest friend, biggest moon Empty bowl, empty spoon. (All) Circumstances eat themselves The present tense has been Fill the fancy bowl up At the present tense tureen. Circumstances eat themselves The present tense has been Fill the fancy bowl up At the present tense tureen.
From the Liner:
(Mike-guitar, vocal; Murray-bass, vocal; Jean-percussion, vocal; David-banjo, harmonica, lead vocal)
(Jian) She lowered her head when they layed all the blame The charge was clear (All) Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane (Jian) And I've been her swordsman of national fame Her knight so dear (All) Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane Trapped in her castle In mourning and still a dreamer What began as a hastle If anything wouldn't seem her I put down my head when they layed all the blame I spoke in fear Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane And I've been her swordsman of national fame Her knight was here Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane Then we were in college And he was our prince of knowledge For my love I would promise To be her alibi and accomplace (All) Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane (All) Social Professor didn't stop when he carressed her He laughed in tears at their shame And though she calculated, So it was premeditated What could she do? (Jian) We lowered our heads when they laid all the blame Put her away (All) Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane (Jian) And I though the plan would be clearing her name We lost that day (All) Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane (Jian) Lowered our heads when they layed all the blame Put her away (All) Poor Mary Lane, Poor Mary Lane...
From the Liner:
(Mike-guitar, vocal; Murray-bass, vocal; Jean-guitar, drums, lead vocal; David-organ, vocal)
(Mike on lead) I started out a little tightly wound Like a rocket shot up out of frozen ground Dirt in my nails, a forest in my head Seems like every message I got said Burn it, Break it She took me in like a broken bird In a moonlit house in a single word We built a cave, or was it a nest? She did all the driving and all the rest, but (All) I'm not there at all Though I shall recall What she said to me On her doorstep (Mike) She likes my dad, he knows Gordy Howe He had such a temper, guess who's got it now [The following two lines are in the song, but do not appear in the liner notes] Watch me explode as we misunderstand Everything that's said on this fiber optic strand (All) I'm not here at all Thoug I shall recall What she said to me On her doorstep (All) When I get back we'll dip our cup Into the fountain of youth We'll rest our heads and raise a toast To the sunset's beautiful truth (Mike) I lit a fire by the tracks last night Bounced it off the moon Hoping you'd call soon To this phonebook state Where I've been stuck up late Felt just like an ass when I broke that glass (All) I'm not there at all But I will recall What she said to me On her doorstep
From the Liner:
(Mike-piano, lead vocal; Murray-bass, vocal; Jean-drums, vocal; David-guitar, vocal)
(Jian on lead) Your phone call from Montreal said I was back into you But as I listened to the words fall I treaded as the artist drew Me down on my knees with liquid eyes begging please Won't you stay for another course But if I was you, I'd agree with what you chose to do (All) And I tried and tried and tried that night I cried and cried so that we would fight And distance was the accomplice that saw me lose (Jian) The most that I ever knew, Everything, if not the sun In the space that could handle two You were gone. You gave me your heart and habits Proverbially at my side And though maybe I took advantage You know I never really lied I was out in the field collecting strength for my shield And I misplaced what made me real I can't ask you to wait around But you know, you can't deny (All) That I tried and tried and tried that night I cried and cried so that we would fight And distance was the accomplice that saw me lose (Jian) The most that I ever knew Everything, if not the sun In the space that could handle two You were gone.
From the Liner:
(Mike-harmonica, vocal; Murray-bass, electric guitar, vocal; Jean-accoustic guitar, lead vocal; David-piano, organ, vocal; Danny Levin-violin)
(All) You're the last of a breed and it's begining to stink So you take to the clouds with your bible and drink The proclaimation was made, the proclaimation was felt There's a new notch on your belt Very carefully you've protected your house Now there's no getting out (Chorus) It's too cold It's too late It's too far (All) There's a lovely house on a lovelier street There's a burning star but it's giving no heat To the sting that was felt on the back of your hand Now someone's lost command Very secretly you've infected your house Now there's no getting out (Chorus) It's too cold It's too late It's too far (Background sung during the chorus) Lonely at nightfall Bad dreams of rag dolls When the bough breaks The earth shakes No one hears at all (Additional background sung by Mike during the chorus) You're such a lucky bastard I hope I didn't scare you We did not do nothing to you Leave you alone Leave you alone
From the Liner:
()
(Murray on lead) Romeo rhinoceros Prowls around the bar Head afire, he spills desire And vodka from a mason jar Brilliantly witty and clearly unsteady He takes a shot at the big games So cocksure, he never suspects Somebody's doing the same Bed and breakfast And now you're paid in full Who'd have known you would be so predictable Bed and breakfast Is all you bargained for (All) Shouldn't have wanted more Shouldn't have wanted more (Murray) Juliet gigantic Accepts a second beer Spends a laugh on a half-bad joke And jerks her chair near She hears the lies behind the lines But she wants the very same thing She knows the glove on the hand in her lap Conceals a wedding ring Bed and breakfast And now you're paid in full Who'd have known you would be so predictable Bed and breakfast Is all you bargained for (All) Shouldn't have wanted more Shouldn't have wanted more.
From the Liner:
()
(English translation available) (Mike on lead) Loin des guerres et des caisses popularies y'avait de l'amour dans l'air L'effervescence d'une nouvelle danse. Elle était nue, j'la laissais faire. Draps de soie en désarroi dans le chambre. Nuits décadance sans censure. Entends-tu venir le froid qui frémit, qui murmure? Où sont passées toutes nos nuits de rêve? Aide-moi à les retrouver. Tu disais qu't'allais toujours m'aimer. A cent à l'heure on étouffe son coeur. Les utopies deviennent ambigues. L'horlage soone chaque heure ivrogne des amants devenus détenus. Draps de soie en désarroi dans la chambre. Nuits remplies de passions perdues. Mais un matin elle l'embrassa froidement et disparut. Où sont passées toutes nos nuits de rêve? Aide-moi à les retrouver. Tu disais qu't'allais toujours m'aimer. Sous la neige, la fin du manège. Des traces de pas à jamais perdues. Mes jours sont durs, j'ai pu de futur. Elle m'a laissé seul les mains nues. Draps de soie abandonnés dans le chambre. Nuits blanches à écumer des rues sans issue. J'te cherche partout, je deviens fou dans la foule inconnue. Où sont passées toutes nos nuits de rêve? Aide-moi à les retrouver. Tu disais qu't'allais toujours m'aimer.
From the Liner:
()
(alternate lyrics available) (Murray on lead) Sad today Sad today Even coffee can't make it go away I murdered my friends But I made amends And that is why I'm free today (Murray) Sad today Sad to say I stole your hat And I hanged your cat So come to play On my sad today We can both pretend we're young and gay A single brown banana Rots on the table And the televison begs like a whore If you decided to sell your happiness For how much would you sell it And spend your days down on the floor (All) La...la-la-la-la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La la la la la la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La la la la la la-la (Murray) No one stares No one dares When you have the mark upon your brow I stole your hat And I hanged your cat So tell me how you love me now Sad today Sad today Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh La...la-la-la-la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La la la la la la-la
From the Liner:
(Mike-guitar, vocal; Murray-bass, lead vocal; Jean-drums, melodion, vocal; David-banjo, mellotron, vocal; Danny Levin-violin; David Krakauer-clarinet; Lorin Sklamberg-shopkeeper; Stoagie Welner-trumpet)
(Jian) There's a guy down at Queen & Bay (Hey Organ Grinder!) Almost see him there every day (Hey Organ Grinder!) And there's so much he can say (Hey Organ Grinder!) And there's so much he can play (Hey Organ Grinder!) No motor car, no home, no wife But that don't mean he ain't got a life Hey Organ Grinder! (Murray) He'll grind his way into young girl's hearts (Hey Organ Grinder!) He'll grind so bad they're mince meat tarts (Hey Organ Grinder!) He's very wise, he's very old (Hey Organ Grinder!) He does his thing when it's very cold (Hey Organ Grinder!) He hears them shouting again and again Get that monkey on a big, big chain Hey Organ Grinder! (Dave) Organ Grinder sent to jail (Hey Organ Grinder!) He gets bags and bags of mail (Hey Organ Grinder!) People from the world outside (Hey Organ Grinder!) Just him and little Reece's by his side (Hey Organ Grinder!) No music on the street today Incarcerated, not OK! Hey Organ Grinder! (Mike) Country music has it's charm (Hey Organ Grinder!) Pretty eyes and fire alarms (Hey Organ Grinder!) When Organ Grinder had a smoke (Hey Organ Grinder!) Little Reece's fast awoke (Hey Organ Grinder!) They burnt the whole place to the ground Along with that new country sound Hey Organ Grinder! (Jian) Organ Grinder at the door (Hey Organ Grinder!) (Murray) Won't say what he's looking for (Hey Organ Grinder!) (Dave) Sent his monkey round the back (Hey Organ Grinder!) (Mike) Gave my wife a heart attack (Hey Organ Grinder!) Took her away and left me behind It's not my organs he wants to grind! Hey Organ Grinder!
There's a guy down at Queen and Bay,
(Hey, organ grinder)
I can almost see him there every day.
(Hey, organ grinder)
There's not so much he can say,
(Hey, organ grinder)
There's not so much he can play.
(Hey, organ grinder)
No motorcar, no home, no wife,
but that don't mean he don't have a life.
(Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy, organ grinder!)
Grinds his way into young girl's heart's,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Grinds up a batch of mincemeat tarts.
(Hey, organ grinder)
He's very wise, he's very old,
(Hey, organ grinder)
He does his thing when it's very cold.
(Hey, organ grinder)
He hears them shout again and again -
"Get that monkey on a big big chain!"
(Heyyyyyyyyyyy, organ grinder!)
Organ grinder sent to jail,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Got bags and bags of mail.
(Hey, organ grinder)
People from the world outside,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Miss him and rhesus by his side.
(Hey, organ grinder)
No music on the streets today-
Incarcerated, not okay!
(Heyyyyyyyyyyy, organ grinder)
Country music has its charm,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Pretty eyes them fire alarms.
(Hey, organ grinder)
When organ grinder had a smoke,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Little rhesus fast awoke.
(Hey, organ grinder)
Burnt the whole place to the ground,
Along with that new country sound.
(Heyyyyyyyyyyy, organ grinder!)
Organ grinder at the door,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Won't say what he's looking for.
(Hey, organ grinder)
Sent his monkey 'round the back,
(Hey, organ grinder)
Gave my wife a heart attack.
(Hey, organ grinder)
Took her away, left me behind -
It's not my organs he wants to grind.
(Hey, hey, hey, heyyyyyyyyyyyyy, organ grinder!)
(Thanks to the Früvous Supplement for these...) (Mike on lead) Far from wars and Caisses Populaires, There was love in the air. The effervescence of a new dance. She was naked, I let her. Silk sheets in confusion in the bedroom. Nights of decadence without censure. Do you hear the cold that quivers, that murmurs? Where are gone my nights of dreams? Help me find them again. You said you would always love me. At a 100 km an hour, we suffocate this heart. Utopias become ambiguous. The clock sounds every drunk hour Of lovers who became prisoners. Silk sheets in confusion in the bedroom. Nights filled with lost passions. But one morning she kissed him coldly and disappeared. (Chorus) Where are gone nights of dreams? Help me find them again. You said you would always love me. Under the snow, the end of the ride. Foot prints lost forever. Mes days are tough, I don't have a future anymore. She left me alone, hands naked. Silk sheets abandoned in the bedroom. Sleepless nights going down deadends. I search everywhere for you, I'm going crazy in the unknown crowd. Where are gone my nights of dreams? Help me find them again. You said you would always love me. (Repeat Chorus...)
[This songs' lyrics have been changed since first preformed. The lyrics that are in italics were added later, and then removed again for the 'wood' recording] Sad today Sad today Even coffee can't make it go away I murdered my friends But I made amends And that is why I'm free today Sad today Sad to say Mornings, evenings, I often get this way I stole your hat And I hanged your cat But that should not be taken the wrong way So come to play On my sad today You don't know how much on this depends We can both pretend we're young and gay A single brown banana Rots on the table And the televison begs like a whore If you decided to sell your happiness For how much would you sell it And spend your days down on the floor La...la-la-la-la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La la la la la la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La la la la la la-la No one stares No one dares When you have the mark upon your brow I stole your hat And I hanged your cat So tell me how you love me now Sad today Sad today Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh La...la-la-la-la-la La...la-la-la-la-la La la la la la la-la [etc...]
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