Dizzy from the Dizzy from the DistanceDistance

I’m running through a pastel desert,I’m running through a pastel desert,And that ol’ sun is burning hard, sending the heat down,And that ol’ sun is burning hard, sending the heat down,Bleaching all bright colors from the land and living things for miles and miles Bleaching all bright colors from the land and living things for miles and miles

around.around.And the only sounds are the whining of my wheels on the highwayAnd the only sounds are the whining of my wheels on the highwayAnd the roaring of the wind in my ear.And the roaring of the wind in my ear.This whole scene is looking like a painting of my life,This whole scene is looking like a painting of my life,A painting of my life when you’re not here. . . . And I’m dizzy from the A painting of my life when you’re not here. . . . And I’m dizzy from the

distance.distance.

Well, I watched you take a diveWell, I watched you take a diveInto that sea of light, and you never once came up for air.Into that sea of light, and you never once came up for air.So I put my number in a bottle, tossed it, then I turned and got away from So I put my number in a bottle, tossed it, then I turned and got away from

there.there.Sometimes you’re on the line to say you miss meSometimes you’re on the line to say you miss meWhen the frantic boomtown rhythm has nigh driven you to tears.When the frantic boomtown rhythm has nigh driven you to tears.In this western quiet I am reaching out for you,In this western quiet I am reaching out for you,Still reaching out for you when you’re not here. . . . And I’m dizzy from the Still reaching out for you when you’re not here. . . . And I’m dizzy from the

distance . . .distance . . .Fallen in between us.Fallen in between us.

I stand on a windy ledge—I stand on a windy ledge—These empty arms outstretched—These empty arms outstretched—And I’m calling out your name,And I’m calling out your name,And the echo comes promising a changeAnd the echo comes promising a changeGonna come around someday . . . someday.Gonna come around someday . . . someday.

Now I’m late to meet the morning train,Now I’m late to meet the morning train,A broken rose in hand, red-faced and out of breath.A broken rose in hand, red-faced and out of breath.There must have been some bad connection—down the line—the There must have been some bad connection—down the line—the

train pulls out and I am left.train pulls out and I am left.And I wonder why love comes in pieces hard to put togetherAnd I wonder why love comes in pieces hard to put togetherWith directions that are anything but clear—With directions that are anything but clear—From the station to the highway to that desert in the night—From the station to the highway to that desert in the night—There’s a desert in the night when you’re not here. . . . And I’m dizzy There’s a desert in the night when you’re not here. . . . And I’m dizzy

from the distance . . .from the distance . . .Fallen in between us.Fallen in between us.

Best I’ve Ever SeenBest I’ve Ever Seen

Off and running, up and comingOff and running, up and comingMorning in the East;Morning in the East;Spent the night wound so tightSpent the night wound so tightWith no chance of release.With no chance of release.In the sky I see the lightIn the sky I see the lightOf that morning star;Of that morning star;Somewhere you can see it too,Somewhere you can see it too,And I'm wishing I was where you are.And I'm wishing I was where you are.Though I can't bridge the years and the miles laid in between,Though I can't bridge the years and the miles laid in between,I have learned with every step that you are still the best I've ever seen.I have learned with every step that you are still the best I've ever seen.

Two young lovers undercoverTwo young lovers undercoverOn a dirt road Friday night,On a dirt road Friday night,Touched and dreamed—the windows steamedTouched and dreamed—the windows steamedAnd the radio just cried.And the radio just cried.Hearts a-racing, kisses tastingHearts a-racing, kisses tastingWarm and wild and sweet,Warm and wild and sweet,And the dashboard light lit up your smileAnd the dashboard light lit up your smileWhen I said, "You're all I need."When I said, "You're all I need."I don't know why things couldn't work the way we dreamed,I don't know why things couldn't work the way we dreamed,But moments not forgotten yet remind me you're the best I've ever seen.But moments not forgotten yet remind me you're the best I've ever seen.Oh, you're the best I've ever seen.Oh, you're the best I've ever seen.

Take a listen to the band and I remember when we danced;Take a listen to the band and I remember when we danced;I'm thinking things I might've said and wishing that I had just one I'm thinking things I might've said and wishing that I had just one

more chance.more chance.Won't you give me one more chance.Won't you give me one more chance.  Too obsessed I came out westToo obsessed I came out westAnd I found a place to hide.And I found a place to hide.You took a lover, then another,You took a lover, then another,Never satisfied.Never satisfied.And the people say it's such a shameAnd the people say it's such a shameTo see your appetiteTo see your appetiteAnd to see me chase the sun and end up running into lonely nights.And to see me chase the sun and end up running into lonely nights.I look at that star again and I see you as a queen—I look at that star again and I see you as a queen—Standing in your blue dress, girl, you'll always be the best I've ever Standing in your blue dress, girl, you'll always be the best I've ever

seen.seen.Oh, you're the best I've ever seen.Oh, you're the best I've ever seen.

JamboreeJamboree

The social event of the calendar yearThe social event of the calendar yearWas circled in red hearts and finally near.Was circled in red hearts and finally near.A thrill ran through Kayla, and up she jumped, a-clicking her heels.A thrill ran through Kayla, and up she jumped, a-clicking her heels.Her mother's old dancing shoes still had their shine,Her mother's old dancing shoes still had their shine,They had cut many a rug in their time,They had cut many a rug in their time,And on younger feet they would again dance the waltzes and the reels.And on younger feet they would again dance the waltzes and the reels.  Come Saturday night with the bonfires all lit, Come Saturday night with the bonfires all lit, The ale in the keg and the pig on the spit,The ale in the keg and the pig on the spit,Joshua stood off alone as the fairgrounds were filled.Joshua stood off alone as the fairgrounds were filled.But when the fiddles were fondled and the mandolins rang, But when the fiddles were fondled and the mandolins rang, He lifted his high lonely voice, and he sang,He lifted his high lonely voice, and he sang,And it echoed in waves through the misty blue valleys and the hills.And it echoed in waves through the misty blue valleys and the hills.

Songs for the highland—songs for the sea—Songs for the lovers who long to live freeFrom the painful misgiving and the fear of misstep.Let 'em laugh right out loud and dance wild     through the crowded jamboree.

Joshua's voice caught way down in his chestJoshua's voice caught way down in his chestWhen he saw the angel in the blue cotton dress.When he saw the angel in the blue cotton dress.Kayla was a-whirling and a-twirling to the songs he had made.Kayla was a-whirling and a-twirling to the songs he had made.She danced with the old men, and she danced with the boys,She danced with the old men, and she danced with the boys,The sound of her laughter rose over the noise.The sound of her laughter rose over the noise.Then she and the singer locked eyes, and he jumped from the stage.Then she and the singer locked eyes, and he jumped from the stage.  Songs for the highland—songs for the sea—Songs for the highland—songs for the sea—Songs for the lovers who long to live freeSongs for the lovers who long to live freeFrom the painful misgiving and the fear of misstep.From the painful misgiving and the fear of misstep.Let 'em laugh right out loud and dance wildLet 'em laugh right out loud and dance wild          through the crowded jamboree.through the crowded jamboree.  They still tell the tale in the local dance halls,They still tell the tale in the local dance halls,The band dropped a beat and swung into a waltz.The band dropped a beat and swung into a waltz.Kayla and Joshua glowed, at least that's what is said.Kayla and Joshua glowed, at least that's what is said.He walked her home under the October moon,He walked her home under the October moon,He held her hand gently, and he made up a tune, He held her hand gently, and he made up a tune, And the band played it sweet the night Kayla and Joshua wed.And the band played it sweet the night Kayla and Joshua wed.

Songs for the highland—songs for the sea—Songs for the highland—songs for the sea—Songs for the lovers who long to live free. . . .Songs for the lovers who long to live free. . . .

The Jaws of Modern Romance

The sun goes down, the lights come up, and the city changes gears.

The hustle takes on a rhythm you can see and feel and hear.And it's so romantic—she even said it was herself.I hope she's not delirious, thinking I'm somebody else.A blond beach boy with beautiful bones is one thing I'll never be.But I'm a true-blue man, looking for my one chanceTo rescue love from the jaws of modern romance. She rolls her eyes and she keeps pretending she don't seeWhat her trembling chills have got to do with her and me."Oh, Doctor, Doctor," she says, "Doctor, don't let this be love!"Well, I must be quite a shock compared to what her dreams are

of.But still her fever lingers, and I have the remedy.I'm a true-blue man looking for my once chanceTo rescue love from the jaws of modern romance.

Cat and mouse—Hider-seeker—Beauty and the Beast—It's the classic tangled web,A romantic masterpiece! Well, the silver screen and the magazines build dream-walls

'round her heart.Though I go against her fashion sense she's letting down her

guard."Oh, babybabyprettybaby, let's go for a ride!"We can dance to the radio under the moon with the car doors

open wide."Well, I may step on your toes, but I will never break your

heart!""'Cause I'm a true-blue man looking for my once chance"To rescue love from the jaws of modern romance!" Yes, I'm a true-blue man looking for my once chanceTo rescue love from the jaws of modern romance.

To the Moon, AliceTo the Moon, Alice

Alice and Harry got married when maybe breaking up might have been Alice and Harry got married when maybe breaking up might have been the better thing to do.the better thing to do.

Granted they had their moments, but in the big picture those moments Granted they had their moments, but in the big picture those moments were too few.were too few.

'Cause somewhere in his past ol' Harry boy let that demon of anger 'Cause somewhere in his past ol' Harry boy let that demon of anger have his heart.have his heart.

Alice mistook the anger for jealousy, the jealousy for love, and she Alice mistook the anger for jealousy, the jealousy for love, and she played her part.played her part.

  To the moon, Alice, to the moon—To the moon, Alice, to the moon—You're going soon, Alice, to the moon.You're going soon, Alice, to the moon.

Harry saw life as a pressure cooker and the fits of rage as just Harry saw life as a pressure cooker and the fits of rage as just escaping steam.escaping steam.

Alice saw life as a struggle to hold the little love she deserved, and her Alice saw life as a struggle to hold the little love she deserved, and her dreams were only dreams.dreams were only dreams.

Learning to see Harry's boiling point coming, she learned things she Learning to see Harry's boiling point coming, she learned things she could do to stoke the fire,could do to stoke the fire,

'Cause in the stillness after the steam was blown he was her lover 'Cause in the stillness after the steam was blown he was her lover again and she his one desire.again and she his one desire.

To the moon, Alice, to the moon—To the moon, Alice, to the moon—You're going soon, Alice, to the moon.You're going soon, Alice, to the moon.There's a different line drawn every day,There's a different line drawn every day,Cross any one and you're on your way to the moon.Cross any one and you're on your way to the moon.  Alice discovered romantic novels could take her places she could not forget.Alice discovered romantic novels could take her places she could not forget.Harry discovered alcohol, a real good snarl, and growl for making threats.Harry discovered alcohol, a real good snarl, and growl for making threats.  Alice was in New Zealand one night with a taut and tan lover's arm around her Alice was in New Zealand one night with a taut and tan lover's arm around her

waist.waist.Harry came in with a bottle of gin and brought her home real quick by throwing Harry came in with a bottle of gin and brought her home real quick by throwing

her around the place.her around the place.Oh, Alice, you're gonna end up tip-toeing 'round the lion's den for one too many Oh, Alice, you're gonna end up tip-toeing 'round the lion's den for one too many

nights.nights.No matter what you think you deserve or think you'll lose, you gotta make it out No matter what you think you deserve or think you'll lose, you gotta make it out

of there alive.of there alive.  To the moon, Alice, to the moon—To the moon, Alice, to the moon—You're going soon, Alice, to the moon.You're going soon, Alice, to the moon.There's a different line drawn every day,There's a different line drawn every day,Cross any one and you're on your way to the moon.Cross any one and you're on your way to the moon.

The Street I Live OnThe Street I Live On

See that worldly girlie over there?See that worldly girlie over there?Barely dressed on a windy corner—Barely dressed on a windy corner—Looking for a ride to feed her hunger for the week—Looking for a ride to feed her hunger for the week—She is from some eastern town,She is from some eastern town,Born of a frightened womanBorn of a frightened womanAnd an evil man who committed crimes of which she will not speak.And an evil man who committed crimes of which she will not speak.She has run away with one too many strangers in the night,She has run away with one too many strangers in the night,Seeking shelter from the storm.Seeking shelter from the storm.She is dangerous to know—she’s a deadly on to hold—She is dangerous to know—she’s a deadly on to hold—And those who seek her company get more than what they bargained for—And those who seek her company get more than what they bargained for—

This is the street I live on,And the neighborhood is getting crowdedHigh above the street I live on,Money flows like water. . . .But where’s the dollar trickling down?

See that wheezing geezer over there?See that wheezing geezer over there?He will not work for food,He will not work for food,Fed by guilty handouts at the traffic light.Fed by guilty handouts at the traffic light.From a wealthy western city—From a wealthy western city—A poet, first, unpublished,A poet, first, unpublished,And a lecher, second, caught and given life without a rhyme.And a lecher, second, caught and given life without a rhyme.He will reach a boiling point and expose a bit too muchHe will reach a boiling point and expose a bit too muchTo an unforgiving world.To an unforgiving world.Then the lecher lands in jail, where the poet starts to wailThen the lecher lands in jail, where the poet starts to wailApologies and curses to God and little girls.Apologies and curses to God and little girls.

This is the street I live on,And the neighborhood is getting crowdedHigh above the street I live on,Money flows like water. . . .But where’s the dollar trickling down?

Once there was a politician with a two-day beard,Once there was a politician with a two-day beard,And he come down here dressed in rags—And he come down here dressed in rags—Spent the weekend undercover on my street—Spent the weekend undercover on my street—Sunday he went home, called the paper and washed his hands.Sunday he went home, called the paper and washed his hands.

This is the street I live on,And the neighborhood is getting crowdedHigh above the street I live on,Money flows like water. . . .But where’s the dollar trickling down?

Genesis RoadGenesis Road

We ran the Genesis Road, ran it hard and fast,We ran the Genesis Road, ran it hard and fast,Living every day like the last,Living every day like the last,No questions asked.No questions asked.With a love of the open-hearted, a love that knew no shame,With a love of the open-hearted, a love that knew no shame,We staked our claim,We staked our claim,And Eden it was named.And Eden it was named.But something came creeping into the garden,But something came creeping into the garden,Whispering to my soul,Whispering to my soul,Telling me there was a bigger worldTelling me there was a bigger worldThan that woman and that lonely road.Than that woman and that lonely road.  But it's the same sky here, painted blue and white,But it's the same sky here, painted blue and white,Sequenced traffic lightsSequenced traffic lightsSequenced day to night.Sequenced day to night.I see a lonesome star, I see a tear-stained moon,I see a lonesome star, I see a tear-stained moon,And far away somewhere those twoAnd far away somewhere those twoAlso shine on you.Also shine on you.Baby, leave your window and find a pictureBaby, leave your window and find a pictureOf the days when things were clear.Of the days when things were clear.The smiling face beside you thereThe smiling face beside you thereIs somber distanced from you here.Is somber distanced from you here.

In the beginning we had it all—In the beginning we had it all—Same sad story that's always been told.Same sad story that's always been told.Rose of Eden, I hear you call—Rose of Eden, I hear you call—Calling me back down the Genesis RoadCalling me back down the Genesis Road  There are deeper rhythms in life than these driving my reckless pace.There are deeper rhythms in life than these driving my reckless pace.This mechanical human raceThis mechanical human raceIs losing touch with grace.Is losing touch with grace.You are a dancer in love with native rhythms I have left—You are a dancer in love with native rhythms I have left—The rise and fall of your breast,The rise and fall of your breast,The beat of life itself.The beat of life itself.Baby, set that rhythm as a beaconBaby, set that rhythm as a beaconI can feel and follow home.I can feel and follow home.I've left my winding way unmarked,I've left my winding way unmarked,And there's no returning on my own.And there's no returning on my own.  In the beginning we had it all—In the beginning we had it all—Same sad story that's always been told.Same sad story that's always been told.Rose of Eden, I hear you call—Rose of Eden, I hear you call—Calling me back down Genesis RoadCalling me back down Genesis Road

HomecomingHomecoming

If I dieIn this place so far from homeAnd I never make my livingFrom my native soil again,Don't leave me where these strangersWill walk across my bones.Take me back and lay me with my next of kin. There were many thingsMy father could not say.He turned the sod and swung the rodAnd kept his feelings locked inside.When things around the homeplaceWent from bad to worse to stay,He sat in silence with my brothers as I said goodbye. Homecoming dreams are bittersweet to the taste . . .Homecoming promises are hope to the displaced . . .They echo through my soul with the distant music of "Amazing Grace" . . .Let there be a Homecoming someday.

I have learned to breatheBeneath this sea of light.I've won and lost and paid the costTo find a future for myself.But the ties of blood and earth still bindAcross the years and miles,And in my memories the old ways still are dearly held. Homecoming dreams are bittersweet to the taste . . .Homecoming promises are hope to the displaced . . .They echo through my soul with the distant music of "Amazing Grace" . . .Let there be a Homecoming someday. I've been cursed as a deserterAnd prayed for like a prodigal son.Seems no matter where I've turned,My loyalties have fallen under the gun . . .                under the gun . . . 

The EndThe End

Homecoming dreams are bittersweet to the taste . . .Homecoming promises are hope to the displaced . . .They echo through my soul with the distant music of "Amazing Grace" . . .Let there be a Homecoming someday.