Wilco

Childlike and Evergreen

I seen the big sour apple
I've drank some sweet cherry wine
I've slept through too many appointments
With would-be friends of mine
I think I feel just like Ty Cobb
I'm always on the job
I just can't seem to relax
And that's not good
But if I had it To do
All over again I guess
I should have made more friends
Run through, run with me sister
Childlike and evergreen
When I get up in the morning
I'm gonna change everything
But if I had it To do
All over again I guess
I should have made more friends
I swam the salty seas
Childlike and evergreen
Childlike and evergreen

Someone Else's Song

Well I can't tell you anything
You don't already know
I keep on trying
I should just let it go

I keep on singing
Your eyes, they just roll
It sounds like someone else's song
From a long time ago

You already know the story
And the chords are just the same
You already know I love you
And I sound like what's his name

But you can't stop me
I want you to know
I know it sounds like someone else's song
From a long time ago

Passenger Side

Hey, wake up
Your eyes weren't open wide
For the last couple of miles
You've been swerving from side to side
You're gonna make me spill my beer
If you don't learn how to steer

Passenger side
Passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side

Roll another number for the road
You're the only sober person I know
Won't you let me make you a deal
Just get behind the wheel

Passenger side
Passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side

Should've been the driver
Could've been the one
I should've been your lover
But I hadn't seen

Can you take me to the store, and then the bank?
I've got five dollars we can put in the tank
I've got a court date coming this June
I'll be driving soon

Passenger side
Passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side

Instrumental credits:
Jeff Tweedy – vocals, acoustic guitar
John Stirratt – bass
Max Johnston – mandolin, fiddle
Ken Coomer – drums
Brian Henneman – small stoned guitar

Promising

Cross your fingers behind your back
Squeeze mine until they crack
I must have known you were just promising
Promising, promising

Toothy smile, girly style
In the back yard, all the while
I must have known you were just promising
Promising, promising

I promise you and you promise me
Not to admit defeat
I promise, you promise me

So comforting, to wear your ring
Over my head, around my finger
I must have known you were just promising
Promising, promising

I promise you and you promise me
Not to admit defeat
I promise, you promise me
I promise, you promise me

The T.B. is Whipping Me (with Syd Straw)- Ernest Tubb cover

The TB is Whipping Me Y’all heard the story, whippin’ that ol’ TB
Punchin’ and swingin’, whippin’ that ol’ TB
I’m here to tell ya, the TB’s whippin’ me

Used to have a momma, who thought the world of me
Used to have a momma, who thought the world of me
Her love vanished when I took this ol’ TB

Went to see my doctor and he thumped upon my back
Went to see the doctor and he thumped upon my back
He said boy you’re travelin’ down a one-way track

Strollin’ down the street, found a fortune tellin’ man
Strollin’ down the street, found a fortune tellin’ man
I said boy I know my past, tell me my future if you can

My lungs are rattlin’, you outta hear this cough of mine
My lungs are rattlin’, you outta hear this cough of mine
That doggone bug is workin’ overtime

Listen momma, you know I can’t last long
Listen now momma you know I can’t last long
You’ll be sorry, honey, when I’m gone

written by Ernest Tubb

I Must Be High

You Always wanted more time To do

What you always wanted to do Now you got it And I, I must be high To say goodbye Bye bye bye

You Never said you needed this Now you're pissed that you missed The very last kiss From my lips And I, I must be high To say goodbye Bye bye bye

You Never looked in my eyes Long enough to find Any piece of mind But now you got it And I, I must be high To let you say goodbye

I  must be high Bye bye bye Bye bye bye

Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, guitar John Stirratt – bass Max Johnston – dobro Ken Coomer – drums Brian Henneman – guitar Lloyd Maines – pedal steel guitar

Casino Queen

Well the money's pouring down
And the people all look down
And it's floating out of town

I hit the second deck
And I spent my paycheck
And my wife that I just met
She's looking like a wreck

Casino Queen
My lord you're mean
I've been gambling like a fiend
On your tables so green

I always bet on black
Blackjack
I'll pay you back

The room fills with smoke
And I'm already broke
And the dealer keeps on joking
As he takes my last token
Casino Queen
My lord you're mean
I've been gambling like a fiend
On your tables so green

Casino Queen
My lord you're mean
I've been gambling like a fiend
On your tables so green

Instrumental credits:
Jeff Tweedy – vocals, acoustic guitar
John Stirratt – bass, vocals
Max Johnston – fiddle, vocals
Ken Coomer – drums, vocals
Brian Henneman – guitars, vocals
Daniel Corrigan - vocals

Who Were You Thinking Of (live)(cover)

Who were you thinkin' of
When we were makin' love
Last night?
Was it a good-lookin' stranger
Or a close friend of mine?

You didn't wanna quit
When we were into it
Last night
Who were you thinkin' of
When we were lovin' last night?

Who were you thinkin' of
When I was makin' love
To you?
There was a smile on your face
I ain't seen for a while

You got more out of it
Than I put into it
Last night
Who were you thinkin' of
When we were lovin' last night?

Who were you thinkin' of
When we were makin' love
Last night?
Was it a good-lookin' stranger
Or a close friend of mine?

You didn't wanna quit
When were into it
Last night
Who were you thinkin' of
When we were lovin' last night
Who were you thinkin' of
When we were lovin' last night

written by Jim Glaser and Cathie Pelletier

I Am Not Willing

Never doubting
Always faithful
She returns
She says she loves me
And I could always
Come to her
She can't imagine how
Another lover
Could make her turn

And I'm so grateful
I'm still willing
To have her home

I'm so grateful
I'm still willing
To have her home

She says she loves me
She won't forget me
And then she's gone
She thinks that later
We could pick up the pieces
And carry on

And I forgive her
Never suspecting
She could be wrong
And I'm so grateful I'm
No longer willing
To have her home

I'm so grateful I'm
No longer willing
To have her home

Burned (Neil Young cover)

I've been burned
And with both feet on the ground
I've learned
That it's painful coming down

There's no use running away
And there's no time left to say
Now I'm finding out that it's so confusing
No time left and I know I'm losing

Flashed
And I feel like I'm falling down
Crashed
And my ears can't hear a sound

There's no use running away
And there's no time left to say
Now I'm finding out that it's so confusing
No time left and I know I'm losing

Now I'm finding out that it's so confusing
No time left and I know I'm losing

Burned
And with both feet on the ground
I've learned
That it's painful coming down

There's no use running away
And there's no time left to say
Now I'm finding out that it's so confusing
No time left and I know I'm losing


written by Neil Young

Blasting Fonda

I watch the clock a lot
To see where I'm at in the plot
It's like a movie
Starring me
It's all so moving to me

And I don't wanna leave
This walkin' dream
It's up to you
To get me home
I won't go it alone

In days of olden
Silence was golden
I dreamed of you
Hair on my pillow
Like a weepin' willow
Cool breeze flows through

There will be no failure
And I won't be the last Prima donna
Stuck in a trailer
Blasting Fonda on the news

In days of olden
Silence was golden
I dreamed of you
Hair on my pillow
Like a weepin' willow
Cool breeze flows through

Thirteen (Big Star cover)

Won't you let me walk you home from school
Won't you let me meet you at the pool
Maybe Friday I can
Get tickets for the dance
And I'll take you

Won't you tell your dad to get off my back
Tell him what we said about "Paint it, black"
Rock and roll is here to stay
Just come inside where it's okay
And I'll shake you

Won't you tell me what you're thinking of
Would you be an outlaw for my love
If it's so well let me know
If it's no well, I can go
I won't make you

written by Alex Chilton

Don't You Honey Me

Don't you honey me, honey bee
A good time I'll set you free
Don't be too nice, too nice to me
I've been stung and I've grown mean

Honestly, I know what you want
And I can't satisfy you
Honestly, it hurts me too
And I don't wanna ever make you blue
Make you blue
I don't wanna make you blue

Don't sit next to me in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Who's that bouncing on your knee?
Could it be my baby bumble bee?
Who's that bouncing on your knee?
Give me back my baby bumble bee

Honestly, I know what you need
I just wanna be true
I love you, too
And I can only make you blue
Make you blue
I don't wanna make you blue
I don't wanna make you blue
I don't wanna make you blue

The Lonely 1

After the show
You walked right past
Arms reached out
For your autograph

And as you flashed
Your backstage pass
I caught your eye
With a camera's flash

When the band came out
They stood behind you
Cymbals crashed
The lights went blue

You stood alone
In the halo's haze
Shining guitar hung on
Gold lamé

And you
You were the lonely one
You were
The lonely one

When you perform
It's so intense
When the critics pan
I write in your defense

I understand I am just a fan
I'm just a fan

When I get home
I turn off the alarm
I check the phone
No messages on

I play the ones from yesterday
I play your song
Just to hear you say that you
You're the lonely one

You are
The lonely one

You
You're the lonely one
You are the lonely one

No More Poetry

Gonna take a meteor shower
Lay me out on the lawn
With one detective's daughter
Nth power, shine on

And maybe my verses
Ain't that free
Cause there'll be no more
Poetry

Taurus is a great big bull
He hid my heart out in the woods
The heavens move so slow
But I'm quick and good

And you don't have to be poor
To hang with me
Cause there'll be no more
Poetry

There's a God-shaped hole
Bleeding love up above
And in my heart full of soul
I just can't seem to get enough

And you don't have to be poor
To hang with me
Cause there'll be no more
Poetry

Cut it up, cut it up
Fill it up, fill it up

And you don't have to see me
To be free
Cause there'll be no more
Poetry

Box Full of Letters

I've got a box full of letters
I think you might like to read
Some things that you might like to see
But they're all addressed to me

I wish I had a lotta answers
'Cause that's the way it should be
For all these questions
Being directed at me

I just can't find the time

To write my mind
The way I want it to read

You'll come back again
And I'll still be your friend

I got a lot of your records
In a separate stack
Some things that I might like to hear, but I
Guess I'll give 'em back

I wish I had a lotta answers
'Cause that's the way it should be
For all these questions
Being directed at me

Just can't find the time
To write my mind
The way I want it to read

You'll come back again
And I'll still be your friend

I can't find the time
To write my mind
The way I want it to read

Just can't find the time
To write my mind
The way I want it to read

Instrumental credits:
Jeff Tweedy – vocals, guitar
John Stirratt – bass, vocals
Max Johnston – dobro
Ken Coomer – drums
Brian Henneman – guitars

Red-Eyed and Blue

We've got solid-state technology
Tapes on the floor
Some songs we can't afford to play

When we came here today
All I wanted to say
Is how much I miss you

Alcohol and cotton balls
And some drugs
We can’t afford on the way

When we came here today
We all felt something true
Now I'm red-eyed and blue

Forget the Flowers

You're trying my patience, try pink carnations
Red roses and yellow daffodils
Don't forget the flowers, someday, I know you will

Displayers of affection and all good intentions
Why don't you just send me the bill
Don't forget the flowers, someday, I know you will

Lately you've been taking me
Way too seriously, oooh
I can't ever explain why
I don't feel your pain, oooh

I left you behind, I know it's been a long time
But I'm not over you
Don't forget the flowers, someday, I hope I do

You're tryin' my patience, try pink carnations
Red roses and yellow daffodils
Don't forget the flowers, someday
I know I will

Don't forget the flowers, someday
I know I will

Sunken Treasure

There's rows and rows of houses
With windows painted blue
With the light from a TV
Running parallel to you

But there is no sunken treasure
Rumored to be
Wrapped inside my ribs
In a sea black with ink

I am so
Out of tune
With you

I am so out of tune
With you

If I had a mountain
I'd try to fold it over
If I had a boat (probably roll over)
You know I'd probably roll over (leave it on the shore)

And I leave it on the shore (leave it for somebody)
I'd leave it for somebody
Surely there's somebody
Who needs it more than me

I am so
Out of tune
With you

I am so out of tune
With you

For all the leaves will burn
In autumn fires and then return
For all the fires we burn
All will return

Music is my savior
I was maimed by rock and roll
I was maimed by rock and roll
I was tamed by rock and roll
I got my name from rock and roll

Monday

Choo-choo Charlie had a plenty good band
But he couldn't understand why no one would go
The World Record Players on a tour of Japan
Charlie's fixing his van with a left arm tan

He said

Monday, I'm all high
Get me out of FLA
In school, yeah
I fooled ya
Now I know I made a mistake
Blister on a turnpike, let me by
I only want to wonder why when I don't die
Oooh, I shot ya, yeah, I know
I only want to go where my wheels roll

Monday, I'm all high
Get me out of FLA
I fooled ya
In school, yeah
Now I know I made a mistake

Everybody's wondering, "Where'd he go?"
He must be down in Pensacola
Hiding from the snow

The World Record Players on a tour of Japan
Charlie's fixing his van
He's waiting for a postcard

And he said
Monday, I'm all high
Get me out of TLA

Well I cut class
In school, yeah
Now I know I made a mistake
I made a big mistake

Passenger Side

Hey, wake up
Your eyes weren't open wide
For the last couple of miles
You've been swerving from side to side
You're gonna make me spill my beer
If you don't learn how to steer

Passenger side
Passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side

Roll another number for the road
You're the only sober person I know
Won't you let me make you a deal
Just get behind the wheel

Passenger side
Passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side

Should've been the driver
Could've been the one
I should've been your lover
But I hadn't seen

Can you take me to the store, and then the bank?
I've got five dollars we can put in the tank
I've got a court date coming this June
I'll be driving soon

Passenger side
Passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side
I don't like riding
On the passenger side

Instrumental credits:
Jeff Tweedy – vocals, acoustic guitar
John Stirratt – bass
Max Johnston – mandolin, fiddle
Ken Coomer – drums
Brian Henneman – small stoned guitar

Outtasite (Outta Mind)

I know we don't talk much
But you're such a good talker
Oh-whoa

Well I know we should take a walk
But you're such a fast walker, oh-whoa,
Well alright

I know where I'll be tonight, alright
Outta mind outta site

Well okay
I know you don't love me
But you'll still be thinking of me, oh-whoa

Well alright
I know you probably hate me
That's okay with me
Alright!

I know where I'll be tonight, alright
Outta mind outta site
Outta mind outta site

You don't see me now
You don't want to anyhow

Look out
Here I come again
And I'm bringing my friends

Look out
Here I come again
I'm bringing my friends
Okay, alright, okay alright!

I know where I'll be tonight, alright

Outta mind outta site
Outta mind outta si-ite
Outta mind outta si-i-i-ite

I Got You (At the End of the Century)

I got you and that's all I need I got you and that's all I need I got you and that's all I need I got you I got you and I still believe That you are all I will ever need It's you, oh All the way back in the seventies You were my little TV queen Tarzan and your friend Janine I got you I got you and I still believe That you are all I will ever need It's you, oh It's the end of the century And I can't think of anything Except you It's the end of the century And I can't think of anything But you, oh All, I, need I got you I got you, babe I got you You You, ooh ooh I got you I got you Oooh I got you

Outta Mind (Outta Sight)

Well I know we don't talk much
But you're such a good talker
Ooh, whoa

Well I know that we should take a walk
But you're such a fast walker, oh-whoa,
Well alright

I know where I'll be tonight, well alright
Outta mind outta sight

Well okay
I know you don't love me
But you'll still be thinking of me, oh-whoa

Well alright
I know you probably hate me
Well that's okay with me
Well alright

I know where I'll be tonight
Well alright
Outta mind outta sight
Outta mind outta sight

You don't see me now
You don't want to anyhow

Well look out
Here I come again
And I'm bringing my friends

I said, look out
Here I come again
And I'm bringing my friends
Okay, alright, okay, alright

I know where I'll be tonight
Well alright

Well outta mind outta sight
Outta mind outta sight
Outta mind outta sight

Well alright
That's quite alright
I know you don't love me
I know you don't love me anymore, alright
I know you

James Alley Blues [Richard Rabbit Brown cover]

Times ain't now nothing like they used to be
Times ain't now nothing like they used to be
I'll tell you the truth, oh won't you take my word from me

I've seen better days but I'm ain't puttin' up with these
I've seen better days but I ain't puttin' up with these
I had a lot better time with the women
Down in New Orleans

I was born in the country so she thinks I'm easy to lose
I was born in the country so she thinks I'm easy to lose
She wants to hitch me to a wagon, and drive me like a mule

I bought her a gold ring and I paid the rent
I bought her a gold ring and I pay the rent
She wants me to wash her clothes but I got good common sense

If you don't want me then why don't you just tell me so
If you don't want me then why don't you just tell me so
It ain't like a man got no place to go

Give me sugar for sugar, but all you want is salt for salt
I'll give you sugar for sugar, but all you want is salt for salt
If you can't get along with me well then it's your own fault

You want me to love you but then you just treat me mean
You want me to love you but then you just treat me mean
You're my daily thought and you're my nightly dream

Sometimes I think that you're just too sweet to die
Sometimes I think that you're just too sweet to die
Other times I think you oughta be buried alive

At My Window Sad and Lonely

At my window sad and lonely,
oft times do I think of thee
Sad and lonely and I wonder,
do you ever think of me?

Every day is sad and lonely,
every night is sad and blue
Do you ever think of me my darling,
as you sail that ocean blue?

At my window, sad and lonely,
I stand and look across the sea
I, sad and lonely,
wonder do you ever think of me?

Will you find another sweetheart
in some far and distant land?
Sad and lonely now I wonder if
our boat will ever land?

Ships may ply the stormy ocean,
planes may fly the stormy sky
Sad and lonely but remember
I will love you till I die.

Published by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. [BMI]/BMG Songs [ASCAP]/Warner-
Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Words-Ampersand Music [BMI]

Words: Woody Guthrie 1939
Music: Jeff Tweedy 1997
Jay Bennett: Hammond B3, dulcimer, backing vocal
Billy Bragg: bazouki, backing vocal
Ken Coomer: drums
John Stirratt: electric bass, backing vocal
Jeff Tweedy: acoustic guitar, lead vocal

California Stars

I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars

I'd love to feel your hand touching mine
And tell me why I must keep working on
Yes I'd give my life to lay my head tonight
On a bed of California stars

I'd like to dream my troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed and make another day
Underneath my California stars

They hang like grapes on vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass like friendly wine
So, I'd give this world
just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars

Published by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc./Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Words-Ampersand Music [BMI]/Titanic Majesties Music [ASCAP] Words: Woody Guthrie [no date] Music: Jay Bennett/Jeff Tweedy 1997 Jay Bennett: piano, backing vocal Billy Bragg: acoustic guitar Ken Coomer: drums and percussion Corey Harris: lap steel guitar Eliza Carthy: violin John Stirratt: electric bass, backing vocal Jeff Tweedy: acoustic guitar, lead vocal

One Hundred Years from Now [Gram Parsons cover]

One hundred years from this day
Will the people still feel this way
And still say
The things that they're saying right now
Everyone said I'd hurt you
They said that I'd desert you
If I go away
You know I'm gonna get back somehow
Nobody knows
What kind of trouble we're in
Nobody seems to think
It all might happen again

One hundred years from this time
Will anybody change their minds
And find out
One thing or two about life
People are always talking
You know they're always talking
Everybody's so wrong
That I know it's gonna work out right
Nobody knows
What kind of trouble we're in
Nobody seems to think
It all might happen again



Written by Gram Parsons

A Shot in the Arm

The ashtray says You were up all night When you went to bed With your darkest mind Your pillow wept And covered your eyes And you finally slept While the sun caught fire You've changed We fell in love In the key of C We walked along Down by the sea You followed me down The neck to D And fell again Into the sea You changed Oh, you've changed Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Maybe all I need is a shot in the arm Something in my veins Bloodier than blood something in my veins Bloodier than blood something in my veins Bloodier than blood something in my veins Bloodier than blood The ashtray says You were up all night When you went to bed With your darkest mind You changed Oh you've changed What you once were isn't what You want to be any more What you once were isn't what You want to be any more What you once were isn't what You want to be any more What you once were isn't what You want to be any more What you once were isn't what You want to be any more  Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, acoustic and 12-string guitars, synthesizers Jay Bennett – lap steel, piano, keyboards, synthesizers, drums John Stirratt – bass Ken Coomer – timpani

ELT (King Size Demo)

I should've been listening
To every word you said
Oh, what have I been missing
Wishing wishing that I was dead
Oh, I don't mean to be so disturbing
So far from home
Oh, what have I been learning
By being all alone

Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
(Is gonna) tear you apart

Every little thing
Every little thing
every little thing
(Is gonna) tear you apart

Oh, when we were younger
Sleep while I'm awake
I was trying to keep the door locked
I realize
That's a mistake

Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
Is gonna tear you apart
Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
Is gonna tear you apart
Seems so much better than I could do
Oh, I should've been listening
To every word you said

Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
Is gonna tear you apart

Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
Is gonna tear you apart

Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
Is gonna tear me apart

Every little thing
Every little thing
Every little thing
Just tears me apart

Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway(again)

We'll find a way regardless To make some sense out of this mess Well it's a test but I believe A kiss is all we need All the above for being in love Shouldn't that alone be enough Oh it's tough when love's a weed It grows inside of me Nothing's ever gonna stand in my Nothing's ever gonna stand in my Nothing's ever gonna stand in my way again Waste the days, waste the nights Try to downplay being uptight Oh you're right but I believe A kiss is all we need Nothing's ever gonna stand in my Nothing's ever gonna stand in my Nothing's ever gonna stand in my way again A watch that ticks is Wrapped around my wrist, oh no I'm a bomb regardless, oh I'm a bomb regardless, oh I'm a bomb regardless, oh I'm a bomb regardless, oh We'll find a way We'll find a way We'll find a way Nothing's ever gonna stand in our Nothing's ever gonna stand in our Nothing's ever gonna stand in our way again Nothing's ever gonna stand in our Nothing's ever gonna stand in our Nothing's ever gonna stand in our way again Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, acoustic guitar, claps Jay Bennett – acoustic, baritone, and e-bow guitars, piano, keyboards, tambourine, backing vocals, claps John Stirratt – bass, backing vocals Ken Coomer – drums

She's a Jar

She's a jar With a heavy lid My pop quiz kid A sleepy kisser A pretty war With feelings hid She begs me not to miss her

She says forever To light a fuse We could use A hand full of wheel And a day off On a bruised road However you might feel Tonight is real

When I forget how to talk I sing Won't you please Bring that flash to shine And turn my eyes red Unless they close When you click And my face gets sick Stuck Like a question unposed

Just climb aboard The tracks of a train's arm In my fragile family tree And watch me floating inches above The people underneath

Please beware the quiet front yard I warned you Before there were water skies I warned you not to drive Dry your eyes you poor devil

Are there really ones like these The ones I dream Float like leaves And freeze to spread skeleton wings I passed through before I knew you

I believe it's just because Daddy's payday is not enough Oh I believe it's all because Daddy's payday is not enough

Just climb aboard The tracks of a train's arm In my fragile family tree And watch me floating inches above The people under me

She's a jar With a heavy lid My pop quiz kid A sleepy kisser A pretty war With feelings hid You know she begs me not to hit her

Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, backing vocals Jay Bennett – electric guitar, keyboards, tambourine, backing vocals John Stirratt – bass Ken Coomer – drums

Tried and True

Like a cloud his fingers explode
On the typewriter ribbon, the shadow grows
His hearts in a bowl behind the bank
And every evening when he get home
To make his supper and eat it alone
His black shirt cries
While his shoes get cold
Tried and true, that's you
Tried and true, hoo hoooo

I guess I'm lucky to have you here
In that kitchen, in your chair
Sometimes I forget that you're even there

One summer, a suicide
Another autumn, a travelers guide
He hits snooze twice before he dies
And every evening when he gets home
To make his supper and eat it alone
His black shirt cries
While his shoes get cold
Tried and true, that's you
Tried and true, hoo hoooo
Tried and true, that's you
Tried and true, hoo hooo

Student Loan Stereo

Rain or shine, alright
Come with me tonight
Come on, let's all go bad

Black or white, who cares
I got you in my nightmares
Come on, let's all go bad

Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey
Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey

Right or wrong, tonight
I got you in my eyesight
Come on, let's all go bad

Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey
Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey
Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey
Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey
Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited in a new way, hey
Let's get excited in a new way
Let's get excited

True Love Will Find You in the End [Daniel Johnston cover]

True love will find you in the end
You'll find out just who was your friend
Don't be sad, I know you will
But don't give up until
True love will find you in the end
This is a promise with a catch
Only if you're looking can it find you
'Cause true love is searching too
But how can it recognize you
Unless you don’t step out into the light, the light
Don’t be sad I know you will
But don’t give up until
True love will find you in the end
 

written by Daniel Johnston

I'm Always In Love

Why, I wonder is my heart full of holes
And the feeling goes but my hair keeps growing
Will I set the sun
On a big-wheeled wagon
Well I'm bragging
I'm always in love

When I let go of your throat, sweet throttle
When I clean the lash of your black-belt model
Will I catch the moon
Like a bird in a cage
It's for you I swoon
I'm always in love

I don't get the connection
If this is only a test
I hope I do my best
You know I won't forget

When I fold the cold in my jet-lag palm
When I soak so long I forget my mother
Will I set the sun
On a big-wheeled wagon
Well I'm bragging
I'm always in love

It's a drag I snag
Well I'm always in love
Well I'm worried
I'm always in love

I'm worried
I'm worried

I'm worried
I'm always in love
I'm worried

I'm worried

I'm worried

I'm always in love

I'm worried

I'm worried

I'm worried

I'm always in love

I'm worried

I'm worried

I'm worried

I'm always in love

  Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, baritone guitar Jay Bennett – bass, piano, keyboards, drums, backing vocals John Stirratt – piano, backing vocals Ken Coomer – drums

Via Chicago

I dreamed about killing you again last night
And it felt alright to me
Dying on the banks of Embarcadero skies
I sat and watched you bleed
Buried you alive in a fireworks display
Raining down on me
Your cold, hot blood ran away from me
To the sea

I printed my name on the back of a leaf
And I watched it float away
The hope I had in a notebook full of white, dry pages
Was all I tried to save
But the wind blew me back via Chicago
In the middle of the night
And all without fight
At the crush of veils and starlight

I know I'll make it back
One of these days and turn on your TV
To watch a man with a face like mine
Being chased down a busy street
When he gets caught I won't get up
And I won't go to sleep
I'm coming home, I'm coming home
Via Chicago

Where the cups are cracked and hooked
Above the sink
They make me think
Crumbling ladder tears don't fall
They shine down your shoulders
Crawling is screw faster lash
I blow it with kisses
Rest my head on a pillowy star
And a cracked door moon
Says I haven't gone too far

I'm coming home
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
Via Chicago

I'm coming home
I'm coming home
I'm coming home

Searching for a home
Searching for a home
Searching for a home
Via Chicago

I'm coming home
I'm coming home
Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers Jay Bennett – banjo, piano, organ, moog, tambourine John Stirratt – bass Ken Coomer – drums

Can't Stand It

The way things go You get so low Struggle to find your skin Well hey ho Look out below Your prayers will never be answered again

Phones still ring And singers sing Speakers are speaking in code What now Well anyhow Our prayers will never be answered again

You know it's all beginning (it’s all beginning) To feel like it's ending (feels like it’s ending) No love's as random As God's love I can't stand it I can’t stand it

The way things get You get so high Funny how we make new friends Well hey ho I gotta go My prayers will never be answered again

You know it's all beginning (it’s all beginning) To feel like it's ending (feels like it’s ending) No love's as random As God's love I can’t stand it I can't stand it

Speakers speaking Speakers speaking Speaking in code

Speakers speaking Speakers speaking Speaking in code

You know it's all beginning (it’s all beginning) To feel like pretending (feel like pretending) No love's as random As my love I can’t stand it I can't stand it

Your prayers will never be answered again Your prayers will never be answered again Your prayers will never be answered again Your prayers will never be answered again

Instrumental credits: Jeff Tweedy – vocals, electric guitar, backing vocals Jay Bennett – piano, keyboards John Stirratt – bass Ken Coomer – drums

Airline to Heaven

There's an airline plane Flies to Heaven every day
Past them pearly gates If you want to ride this
train Have your ticket in your hand Before it is too
late. If the world looks wrong And your money's
spent and gone And your friend has turned away
You can get away to Heaven On this aeroplane
Just bow your head and pray.

Them's got ears let them hear Them's got eyes let
them see Turn Your Eyes to the Lord of the skies
Take that airline Plane It will Take You Home again.
Yes, to your home behind the skies.

Well, a lot of people guess Some say no and some
say Yes Will it take some and leave some behind?
But you will surely know When to the airport go To
leave this world behind

Oh, a lot of speakers speak And a lot of preachers
preach When you lay their salary on the line But to
bow your head and pray Is the only earthly way
That you can fly to Heaven on time. That you can
reach Heaven on time.

Your ticket you obtain On this heavenly airline
plane You leave your sins behind You have got to
take this flight Might be daytime, might be night,
But you can't see your way if you're blind

Published by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. (BMI)/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing
Corp./Words-Ampersand Music (BMI)/You Want A Piece Of This Music (ASCAP),
administered by Bug Music

Words: Woody Guthrie 1939
Music: Jay Bennett/Jeff Tweedy 1997
Jay Bennett: 12-string acoustic slide guitars, backing vocals, shakers, saw, claps
John Stirratt: backing vocals, claps
Jeff Tweedy: vocal, acoustic guitar, Mellotrone, claps

Any Major Dude Will Tell You [Steely Dan cover]

I never seen you looking so bad my funky one
You tell me that your superfine mind has come undone
Any major dude with half a heart surely will tell you my friend
Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again
When the demon is at your door
In the morning it won't be there no more
Any major dude will tell you
Any major dude will tell you Have you ever seen a squonk's tears? Well, look at mine
The people on the street have all seen better times
Any major dude with half a heart surely will tell you my friend
Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again
When the demon is at your door
In the morning it won't be there no more
Any major dude will tell you
Any major dude will tell you
I can tell you all I know, the where to go, the what to do
You can try to run but you can't hide from what's inside of you
Any major dude with half a heart surely will tell you my friend
Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again
When the demon is at your door
In the morning it won't be there no more
Any major dude will tell you
Any major dude will tell you
Any major dude will tell you

Songwriters: Walter Carl Becker / Donald Jay Fagen

I'm the Man Who Loves You

All I can see
Is black and white
And white and pink
With blades of blue
That lay between
The words I think
On a page
I was meaning
To send to you
I couldn't tell
If it would
Bring my heart
The way I wanted
When I started
Writing this letter to you

But if I could
You know I would
Just hold your hand
And you'd understand
I'm the man who loves you

All I can be
Is a busy sea
Of spinning wheels
And hands that feel
For stones to throw
And feet that run
But come back home
It makes no difference
Ever known
Makes no difference
Ever known to me

But if I could
You know I would
Just hold your hand
And you'd understand
I'm the man who loves you

All I can see
Is black and white
And white and pink
With blades of blue
That lay between
The words I think
On a page
I was meaning
To send to you
I couldn't tell
If it would
Bring my heart
The way I wanted
When I started
Writing this letter to you

If I could
You know I would
Just hold your hand
And you'd understand
I'm the man who loves you

If I could
You know I would
Just hold your hand
And you'd understand
I'm the man who loves you

If I could
You know I would
Just hold your hand
And you'd understand
I'm the man who loves you

I'm the man who loves you

I'm the man who loves you

I'm the man who loves you

 

The Good Part

These may be your finest hours
The world is whistling and warm
We have got forgotten powers
You were charming, you could do no harm

Let's just get to the good part (let's get to the good part)
Let's just skip ahead (let's skip ahead)
Come on get to the good part (let's get to the good part)
Why can't we just skip ahead
Every artist falls apart
Thinking he's only only's art
And when the world is lonely and dark
It's a warning not to hitch apart

Let's just get to the good part (let's get to the good part)
Come on skip ahead (let's skip ahead)
Why can't we get to the good part (let's get to the good part)
Come on skip ahead (let's skip ahead)
Skip ahead
C'mon skip ahead
Let's skip ahead
Skip ahead

I can see the anxiety
Of trying to be yourself
But I can't tell you what kind of hell
It is to really think you're somebody else

Let's just get to the good part (let's get to the good part)
Come on let's skip ahead (let's skip ahead)
Come on let's get to the good part (is this the good part)
Why can't we skip ahead
Skip ahead
C'mon skip ahead
Let's skip ahead
Skip ahead

Cars Can't Escape

When red is bled
And petals blue
And in my sleepless head
Our love's been dead a week or two

Sometimes, good times
Are stuck inside of you
And then they're gone
But I don't know why

A lot of things have changed
Since we said goodbye
There were reasons for you to love me
But I gave you none

So I tap my glass and nod my chin
And wonder who you've been in rhythm with

So time's just time
Cars can't escape
When clouds are gray and close
Not often, too far away

And blue has no value, power, or hue
Or open skies, relationless
Carelessness is what I miss
And that's how I think of you

Sometimes, good times
Were all we had to do
So I tap my glass and nod my chin
And wonder who you've been in rhythm with

So I tap my glass and nod my chin
And wonder who you've been in rhythm with

Songwriters: Jay Bennett / Jeffrey Scot Tweedy

Cars Can't Escape lyrics © Words Ampersand Music

Camera

I need a camera to my eye
To my eye reminding
Which lies have I been hiding
Which echoes belong

I've counted out the days
In Central Park
With gravel in my heart
With echoes in my palm
Phone my family tell them I'm lost on the sidewalk

No it's not O.K.

I smashed a camera
I wanna know why
To my eyes reminding
Which lies have I been hiding
Which echoes belong

I'm counting on
Days to see how far
I've driven in the dark
With gravel in my heart
Phone my family tell them I'm lost on the sidewalk

No it's not o.k.

I'm counted on
Those days in Central Park
With echoes in my heart
with gravel in my palm
Phone my family tell them I'm lost on the sidewalk

No it's not O.K.

No it's not O.K.

No it's not O.K.

Handshake Drugs (First Version)

I was chewing gum
For something to do
The blinds were being pulled
Down on the dew
Inside out of love
What a laugh I was looking for you
The saxophones
Started blowing me down
I was buried in sound
And the taxi cabs were driving me around
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown
The handshake drugs I bought downtown

Feeling poorly
I felt like a clown
I looked like someone I used to know
I was feeling alright
And if I ever was myself
I wasn’t that night

Oh it’s ok for you to say what you want from me
I believe that’s the only way for me to be
Exactly what you want me to be

Oh it’s ok for you to say what you want from me
I believe that’s the only way for me to be
Exactly what you want me to be

I was chewing gum
For something to do
The blinds were being pulled
Down on the dew
Inside out of love
What a laugh I was looking for you

The saxophones
Started blowing me down
I was buried in sound
And the taxi cabs were driving me around
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown
To the handshake drugs I bought downtown

I felt like a clown
They were translating poorly
I looked like someone I used to know

And if I ever was myself
I wasn’t that night
Oh it’s ok for you to say what you want from me
I believe that’s the only way for me to be
Exactly what you want me to be

Exactly what do you want me to be

Exactly what do you want me to be

A Magazine Called Sunset

There's a magazine called Sunset
And a tape machine that won't let
Me ever forget this impossible longing for you

Let's take a map across your pillow
And breathe the sky in through your window
I'll stay in the riddle and watch your books cave in

Oh maybe you're my inspiration
Just lead me to some new sensation
I'll make a little guide they can call our own

Cause there's a magazine called Sunset
And a tape machine that won't let
Me ever forget this impossible longing for you

Oh I'm a future fallout standing
In the present erase our phantom
There's a magazine
There's a magazine
Oh there's a magazine, oh yeah

Oh I'm a future fallout standing
In the present erase our phantom

Oh there's a magazine
And a tape machine
Oh that's everything

Oh there's a magazine
And a tape machine
Oh that's everything
Oh yeah

Bob Dylan's 49th Beard

You'll be happier when I'm gone
I'm much too busy to worry
I'll be sad and you'll feel bad
But I know you won't be sorry

And as I turn to go
Please don't wave goodbye
I refuse to cry
On roads that are paved
With men who behave
Like they know where they're goin'

And I'll stop along the way
And it's then I'll think of you
And I'll wonder if you knew
When I got blue

And things got weird
And I started growing
Bob Dylan's beard

Woodgrain

I’m not a poet
And I know it
There is no deep secret
Tossing inside me

I have no timing
I can’t form my feelings
Sometimes I rhyme
Sometimes I don’t

So go ahead, take a look at my kitchen
Take a look at the woodgrain there
What’s it for? That hardwood floor
Is where I’m walkin’ and thinkin’

Walkin’ and thinkin’

About you

More Like the Moon

I see you in the morning
Wearing only one shoe
I say, I see you've lost something
What're you gonna do?
You say but no, I found one
There's another out there for you
I see us all as customers
Holding no purchase so far
Collapsing galaxies
Feathered with falling stars
I see us all as something
But nothing like we truly are
Why don't you come to me now
More like you are
I know we should be grateful
Everything is falling apart
Everything is breaking
And it lifts my heart
To see you as an angel
As some ghostly work of art
Why don't you come to me now
Know who you are

Let Me Come Home

Let's let the world just take its shape
I'll let my face be your blank page
Let my dreams be your escape
You'll just let me come home

Oh, I'm a panic I can't explain
I'm prepared to make all of your mistakes
Stricken like a flower being bent by the rain
Won't you let me come home

Let me come home
Let me come home
Can't you see my heart is boiling
Can't you see my heart is boiling

Life is short, but the lines are long
Everybody dies, but we're not gone
Won't you please help me sing along
Let me come home

Birds all sing and no one knows why
They were never asked, and it makes me cry
Hello always sounds like goodbye
Please, let me come home

Let me come home
Let me come home
Can't you see my heart is boiling
Can't you see my heart is boiling

Old Maid

Girl, I think we're getting old
My heart's grown colder
And your hair's turning gray

Come on, what do you say
Let's put the horse behind the cart
And make some hay

Old maid
We're not getting any younger
So wait
You can count your chickens
When you get laid
Old maid

Now I know you two were the best of friends
And you're about the only one she ever let in
But she's dead and that's a fact
And what I'm getting at?
I think we can do better than that

Old maid
We're not getting any younger
So wait
You can count your chickens
When you get laid

You know it's not a sin
And I've known you since way back when
Never in the month of May
June, August or September
Well how about today?

Old maid
Old maid
Old maid
Old maid

You can count your chickens
When you get laid

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Spiders are singing in the salty breeze
Spiders are filling out tax returns
Spinning out webs of deductions and melodies
On a private beach in Michigan

Why can’t we wish their kisses good
Why do they miss when their kisses should
Fly like winging birds fighting for the keys
On a private beach in Michigan

This recent rash of kidsmoke
All these telescopic poems
It’s good to be alone

Why can’t they say what they want
Why can’t they just say what they need
Come clean, listen and talk
Hello private caller
ID blocked

The sun will rise, we’ll climb into cars
The future has a valley and a shortcut around
Who will wear the crown of drowning award
Hold a private light
On the Michigan shore

Fool me with a kiss of kidsmoke
From a microscopic home
It’s good to be alone

I’ll be in my bed
You can be the stone
That raises from the dead
And carries us all home

There’s no blood on my hands
I just do as I’m told

Hell is Chrome

When the devil came
He was not red
He was chrome and he said
Come with me

You must go so I went
Where every thing was clean
So precise and towering

I was welcomed with open arms
I received so much help in every way
I felt no fear
I felt no fear

The air was crisp
Like sunny late-winter days
Springtime yawning high in the haze
And I felt like I belong
Come with me

Come with me
Come with me
Come with me
Come with me
Come with me
Come with me

At Least That's What You Said

When I sat down on the bed next to you
You started to cry
I said maybe if I leave you’ll want me
To come back home
Or maybe all you mean
Is leave me alone

At least that’s what you said

You’re irresistible when you get mad
Isn’t it sad I’m immune
And I thought it was cute
For you to kiss
My purple black-eye
Even though I caught it from you
I still think we’re serious

At least that’s what you said

The Late Greats

The greatest lost track of all-time
The Late Greats’s “Turpentine”
You can’t hear it on the radio
Can’t hear it anywhere you go

The best band will never get signed
The Kay-Sette’s starring Butcher’s Blind
So good you won’t ever know
They never even played a show
Can’t hear ‘em on the radio

The greatest singer in Rock-n-Roll
Would have to be Romeo
His vocal chords are made of gold
He just looks a little too old

The best songs will never get sung
The best life never leaves your lungs
So good you won’t ever know
You’ll never hear it on the radio
You can’t hear it on the radio

Just a Kid

Maybe I'm just a kid
Maybe I just don't fit in
I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready to go now
I don't wanna go to school
But I don't get to make the rules
Too early, too early, too early, too early in the morning
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Has to do something they don't want to do
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Has to be something, oh, why is that true?

Maybe I'm not so big
Maybe I just don't fit in
I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready for more now
And I don't wanna go to bed
There's so much going on in my head
Not tired, not tired, not tired, not tired right now
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Has to do something they don't want to do
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Has to be something, oh, why is that true?

Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Has to be something, let's have some fun
Na na na
Na na na
Na na na
Na na na
Na na na
Na na na
Na na na
Na na na
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody
Everybody, everyone, somebody, anyone
Has to grow up, let's have some fun

Kicking Television

I'm serious
You'll see
I'm working on my abs
I'm working on me
Oh, I'm kickin'
Yeah, I'm calm
Oh, I'm kickin'
Television
Television

Stop shopping, even
Stop buying things
I'm kickin'
Yeah, I'm calm
Oh, I'm kickin'
Television
Television

Um..
Oh, I'm serious
You'll see
I'm kickin'
Yeah, I'm calm
Yeah, I'm kickin'
Television
Television
Television Television
Television

Panthers

Temper is a package
Pulling at its bow

Darling disasters
Help you grow

Panthers build their blood to bury
Daughters leave their dads to marry

Hide in the weeds
The orchestra
Is proving death again

Temper is the warp speed of red flashes
And all the bells ringing god forbid, god forbid

Did I catch you in the flashes?
Did I catch you in the flashes?

Hide with me
In the weeds
I'm proving death

Alive in the weeds
The orchestra
Is proving death

Theologians

Theologians they don’t know nothing
About my soul
About my soul

I’m an ocean
And this emotion
Slow motion, slow motion

Illiterati lumin fedei
God is with us everyday
That illiterate light
Is with us every night

Theologians, oh they don’t know nothing
About my soul
Oh they don’t know

They thin my heart with little things
And my life with change
Oh in so many ways
I find more missing every day

Theologians

I’m going away
Where you will look for me
Where I’m going you cannot come
No one’s ever gonna take my life from me
I lay it down
A ghost is born
A ghost is born
A ghost is born

I am a notion
I am all emotion
I am a cherry ghost
Cherry ghost
Hey I’m a cherry ghost
Cherry ghost

Another Man's Done Gone [Woody Guthrie]

Sometimes I think I'm gonna lose my mind
But it don't look like I ever do
I loved so many people everywhere I went
Some too much, others not enough

I don't know, I may go down or up or anywhere
But I feel like this scribbling might stay

Maybe if I hadn't of seen so much hard feelings
I might not could have felt other people's
So when you think of me, if and when you do,
Just say, well, another man's done gone
Well, another man's done gone

Published by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc.
[BMI]/BMG Songs [ASCAP]

Words: Woody Guthrie [no date]
Music: Billy Bragg 1998
Jay Bennett: grand piano
Billy Bragg: vocal

I'm A Wheel

hold on, you risk exciting me
once in Germany someone said nein
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

hold back, don’t invite me
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine
once in Germany someone said nein

I’m a wheel
I will
turn you

I invented a sister, populated with knives

I’m a wheel
I will
turn on you

um,

I’m a wheel, I will
I’m a wheel, I will
I’m a wheel, I will
turn on you

turn on you turn on you turn on you turn on turn on…

How to Fight Loneliness

How to fight loneliness
Smile all the time
Shine your teeth 'til meaningless
Sharpen them with lies

And whatever's going down
Will follow you around
That's how you fight loneliness
You laugh at every joke
Drag your blanket blindly
Fill your heart with smoke
And the first thing that you want
Will be the last thing you ever need
That's how you fight it

Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time

One True Vine

I was last in line
For the one true vine
The endless winding thread
I was dead at first
I had done my worst
When you came to me
Life had ceased
I was lost and tired
You set me free from this mighty mighty fire
Just in time to be
My one true vine
And you still come to me
And you comfort me
You're the only one I believe
I trust you
I hope that someday you will trust me too
I wanna be what you are to me
Life had ceased
I was lost and tired
You set me free from this mighty mighty fire
Just in time to be
My one true vine

The Thanks I Get

Is that the thanks I get for loving you?
Is that the thanks I get for telling you the truth?
You say you wanna know
Where I go when I go
You say you wanna communicate
But you don't hear a word I say
Is that the thanks I get for loving you?
I'm tired of the looks you give me when I get home late
And I'm getting tired of how you forget the loving things I say
I treat you right
I tuck you in at night
Now everytime I go out to play
Why you think I'm leaving?
Is that the thanks I get for loving you?

Now faith and trust are the strongest parts of us<
That's okay but you must believe in our love
We can make it better
We can make it better
We can make it better
Let's pull ourselves together
And start it again
I hold you tight
You tuck me in at night
I don't ever wanna fight again
I think we're both crazy
But that's the thanks we get for fallin in love
We can make it better
We can make it better
We can make it better
We can make it better
We can make it better (make it better)
We can make it better (make it better)
We can make it better (make it better)
We can make it better (make it better)
We can make it better
Let's pull ourselves together
And start it again

Let's Not Get Carried Away

I got a million better things to do
Than to play rock n roll
Honey if I blow your fuse
Can I please be excused

Gotta write myself today
I can’t write myself for you
We haven’t even been introduced
So that’ll never do

Though a lot of other people could be

Standing here instead of me
Singing their own lines through clenching cracking teeth

Gotta write myself today
Gotta write myself for you
Honey if I tell you the truth
Can I pleased be excused
Honey, let’s not get carried away
There's a lot of other places to be
A lot of things I would rather be doing
A lot of songs id love to sing
But I know that you would just ruin it

Gotta write myself today
I gotta write myself for you
Honey if I tell you the truth
Can I pleased be excused
Honey, let’s not get carried away
Gotta write myself today
I gotta write myself for you
Honey if I tell you the truth
Can I pleased be excused

Hate It Here

I try to stay busy
I do the dishes, I mow the lawn
I try to keep myself occupied
Even though I know you’re not coming home

I try to keep the house nice and neat
I make my bed I change the sheets
I even learned how to use the washing machine
But keeping things clean doesn’t change anything

What am I gonna do when I run out of shirts to fold?
What am I gonna do when I run out of lawn to mow?
What am I gonna do if you never come home?
Tell me, what am I gonna do?

I hate it
I hate it here
When you’re gone

I caught myself thinking
I caught myself thinking once again
Have to try to keep my mind out of this
Try not to pretend

I’ll check the phone
I’ll check the mail
I’ll check the phone again and I call your mom
She says you’re not there and I should take care

I hate it here
When you’re gone
I hate it
I hate it here
When you’re gone

I try to stay busy
I take out the trash, I sweep the floor
Try to keep myself occupied
Cause I know you don’t live here anymore

Written by Jeff Tweedy and Wilco

Impossible Germany

Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan

Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I’ll say what this means to me
I’ll do what I can

Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan

(The) fundamental problem
We all need to face
This is important
But I know you’re not listening
Oh I know you’re not listening

If this was still new to me
I wouldn’t understand

Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan

But this is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face

With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important than to know
Someone’s listening
Now I know

You’ll be listening

Written by Jeff Tweedy and Wilco

I Shall Be Released (Live with Fleet Foxes) (Bob Dylan cover)

They say everything can be replaced
Yet every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here

I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now,
I shall be released

They say every man needs protection
They say that every man must fall
But I swear I see my reflection
Somewhere so high above that wall

I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released

Standing next to me in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him crying so loud
He's crying out that he's been framed

I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released

written by Bob Dylan

What Light

If you feel like singing a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel

Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong

And if you’re trying to paint a picture
But you’re not sure which colors belong
Just paint what you see
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong

And if you’re strung out like a kite
Or stung awake in the night
It’s alright to be frightened

When there’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
Inside of you

If you think you might need somebody
To pick you up when you drag
Don’t lose sight of yourself
Don’t let anyone change your bag

And if the whole world’s singing your songs
And all of your paintings have been hung
Just remember what was yours
Is everyone’s from now on

And that’s not wrong or right
But you can struggle with it all you like
You'll only get uptight

And there’s a light (what light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)

There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (one light)
Well, there’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (one light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (white light)
Inside of you

There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (white light)
There’s a light (one light)

Written by Jeff Tweedy

Jesus, Etc.

Jesus, don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can combine anything you want
I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can come by any time you want
I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Voices whine
Skyscrapers are scraping together
Your voice is smoking
Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Our love
Our love
Our love is all we have
Our love
Our love is all of God's money
Everyone is a burning sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Voices whine
Skyscrapers are scraping together
Your voice is smoking
Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Dark Neon

I was sitting safely, across the road
From a rusting scaffolding, picking my nose
When a bird spoke up from high on that dark neon
He said, "I bet there're some things that you should come clean up"

Ohhhh I didn't know
Ohh where to begin
Like you do not know
Ohh I set the emotion

I was beating up babies, babies I mean
That don't look like babies, but they're babies to me
I was looking around for my very own best friend
Couldn't help feeling things would come to an end

I always let you go
And then you let me back in
This is a status quo
Oh nobody wins

I was feeling sorry
So sorry for myself
I was trying to take it easy, but that wasn't helping
Birds spoke up, this time I think it was a dove
He said, "I bet there're some things that you should come clean up"

Ohhh that's so it's so
Oh you look through my skin
Ohhh how did he know
Oh and what was he in

Keep fooling myself
Keep fooling myself
Keep fooling myself
I keep fooling myself
I might need your help
I keep fooling myself
I might need your help
I can't just keep fooling myself

I let you go
Hun you let me back in
It's the status quo
And nobody wins
Ohhhh!

The Jolly Banker

My name is Tom Cranker and I'm a jolly banker, 
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I safeguard the farmers and widows and orphans, 
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When dust storms are sailing, and crops they are failing,
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I check up your shortage and bring down your mortgage,
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When money you're needing, and mouths you are feeding,
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I'll plaster your home with a furniture loan,
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

If you show me you need it, I'll let you have credit,
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
Just bring me back two for the one I lend you,
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When your car you're losin', and sadly your cruisin',
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I'll come and foreclose, get your car and your clothes,
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When the bugs get your cotton, the times they are rotten,
I'm jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I'll come down and help you, I'll rake you and scalp you,
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When the landlords abuse you, or sadly misuse you,
I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I'll send down the police chief to keep you from mischief,
Singin' I'm a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

Words and Music: Woody Guthrie 
Jeff Tweedy: acoustic guitar, vocals
John Stirratt: bass guitar
Glenn Kotche: drums, percussion (Jim Scott's cash and garden tools)
Mikael Jorgensen: Hammond B3, Leslie cab
Nels Cline: lap steel
Patrick Sansone: harpsichord
Leslie Feist: a garden tool

 

Unlikely Japan

Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Wherever we go
Wherever we land

I can't say what this means to me
I don't begin to understand
I know you're not listening
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan

Handheld recorders monotone
Your peach-colored pay phone
Connected to you

I can't say what this means to me
I don't begin to understand
I know you're not listening
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan

I don't know why she talks so tough
A roller skate would suggest her enough

I can't say what this means to me
I don't begin to understand
I know you're not listening
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan

You And I

You and I
We might be strangers
However close we get sometimes
It’s like we never met

But you and I
I think we can take it
All the good with the bad
Make something that no one else has but

You and I
You and I

Me and you
What can we do
When the words we use sometimes
Are misconstrued

I won’t guess
What’s coming next
I can’t ever tell
You’re the deepest well I’ve ever fallen into

Oh, I don’t want to know
Oh, I don’t want to know
Oh, I don’t need to know
Everything about you

Oh, I don’t want to know
And you don’t need to know
That much about me

You and I
We might be strangers
However close we get sometimes
It’s like we never met

But you and I
I think we can take it
All the good with the bad
Make something that no one else has

You and I
You and I
You and I
You and I
You and I
You and I
You and I
You and I
You and I

I Love My Label (Nick Lowe)

Oh yes
I love my label and my label loves me
For she's so good and kind
together we will pave our destiny
My label always loves to hear some pretty
chords for its records like these ones
She's always pleased to hear some of these
pretty melodies so I sing 'em some

I love my label, I love my label yeah
And my label's got high hopes in me

Play the blues

Oh I'm so proud of them up here,
we're one big happy family
I guess you could say I'm the poor
relation of the parent company
They always ask for lots of songs but no
more than 2:50 long so I write 'em some
They never talk behind my back and they're
always playing my new tracks when I come along

I love my label, I love my label yeah
And my label's got high hopes in me
I love my label, I love my label yeah
And my label's got high hopes in me

Hummingbird

his goal in life was to be an echo
riding alone, town after town, toll after toll
a fixed bayonet through the great southwest
to forget her

she appears
in his dreams
but in his car, and in his arms
a dream could mean anything
a cheap sunset on a television set could upset her
but he never could

remember to remember me
standing still in your past
floating fast like a hummingbird

his goal in life was to be an echo
the type of sound that floats around
and then back down like a feather
but in the deep chrome canyons of the loudest Manhattans
no one could hear him
or anything

so he slept, on a mountain
in a sleeping bag underneath the stars,
he would lie awake and count them
but the great fountain spray of the great Milky Way
would never let him
die alone

remember to remember me
standing still in your past
floating fast like a hummingbird
remember to remember me
standing still in your past
floating fast like a hummingbird
a hummingbird
a hummingbird

Instrumental Credits


Jeff Tweedy Vocals
John Stirratt Electric Rhythm Guitar & Background Vocals
Glenn Kotche Drums
Mikael Jorgensen Piano
Jim O'Rourke Bass & Electric Lead Guitar
Frankie Montouro Hammer Dulcimer
Karen Waltuch Viola

Glad It's Over

I don't feel bad
I don't feel lonely
I'm just glad it?s over
I don't need your love, I don't want it
Heaven is up above
And I'm upon it without you, without you
I don't want to kiss you again can you believe it?
I don't want to be your friend
I just want you out of my life until my life ends, oh yeah
I don't feel bad
I don't feel lonely
I'm just glad it?s over
I know you think I'm weak, I?ll tell you something
It?s better we don't speak
I got nothing to say to you, anyway
I've said what I meant to put it mildly
I hate you 100 per cent, I mean that kindly
Oh you're not for me, not for me
I don't feel bad
You're not the only one I ever had
I don't feel sad
I don't feel lonely
Not even sorry
I'm just glad it?s over
I'm out playing with you
You're just getting your dues
Oh, it's true, it?s true, I'm just glad it?s over
Oh, I'm sorry, I ran, I didn't mean it
Let's get back where we began
Stop screaming, I want you back in my arms
Everyday after today
don't feel bad
You know, I'm sorry
Just be glad it?s over
Don't feel sad
We all have to be lonely
Just be glad it?s over
I'm just glad it?s over

2014

Alpha Mike Foxtrot: Rare Tracks 1994-2014

Credits + Notes


Compilation assembled and produced by Cheryl Pawelski with Jeff Tweedy, Tony Margherita, and Deb Bernardini
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering, Portland, ME
Art Direction and Design: Greg Allen for Omnivore Creative
Cover photography by Vivian Maier
© Vivian Maier, courtesy of Vivian Maier Prints Inc.
Book Cover Photography by Zoran Orlic
Inside Book Cover Proof Sheets by Danny Clinch
Label Illustrations: Lure Design (Disc 1); Voltage Design Lab (Disc 2); Florafauna (Disc 3); Brian Methe (Disc 4) Memorabilia, posters, and other ephemera from the Wilco archive
Records from the collection of Cheryl Pawelski
Editorial: Audrey Bilger
Research and Annotation: Lee Lodyga and Cheryl Pawelski
Project Assistance: Karina Beznicki, David Bither, Robert Edridge-Waks, Mark Greenberg, Jaime Herman, Rachel Pequinot Higgins, Jennifer Jesperson, Peter Jesperson, Mike Johnson, Gail Ludwig, Arthur Moorhead, Videsh Patel, Alfred Ruiz, Ted Springman, Danna Tyson, and Mike Wilson
R.I.P. Jay Bennett 1963-2009
Leslie Feist appears courtesy of Polydor, a Universal Music France division
Fleet Foxes appear courtesy of Sub Pop Records
Music publishing rights for Wilco and the Woody Guthrie Estate are administered by BMG Rights Management