Songs
If you want to read the lyrics of a song or poem, just click on the title to expand the lyrics.
Michel Ebben Live 2013-2017
2017 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
Ring of Fire (Live)
2017 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
(A Song for) Fall & Darkness
2017 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
A Letter to Dreamland
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
Tree of Life • The Ever After Project
Michel Ebben | A Letter to Dreamland
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
Gravel Town | Live uit Lloyd 2016
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
Emma's Diary
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
A Letter from Dreamland - First Snow will fall Tonight
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
Gravel Town | The History of Gravel Town, Chapter III - Single Men
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
Gravel Town | Driving through the Rain
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
Gravel Town | Live uit Lloyd 2014
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
Gravel Town | From Grace
2014 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
Stories & Poems
Next to writing songs, Michel also writes the occasional poem. Below you'll find various poems and short stories, some were written while he was traveling through the US.
San Francisco Poems & Other Stories
Unpublished
If you want to read the lyrics of a song or poem, just click on the title to expand the lyrics.
2017 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
1. Emma's Diary (Live)
Emma says it's late
Emma doesn’t mind
Emma needs those moments
For which most of us are blind
Emma loves to listen
Songs to set her free
Emma smiles; "I’m lucky
She’s the better half of me"
Hmmm
Emma needs her freedom
Like a poet longs for pain
Like a painter needs his colors
Like a garden needs the rain
Emma knows the game is rigged
They play with every sin
Emma knows the distance
Slowly grows, from within
Now Emma thinks I’m crazy
And says that I’m confused
Emma loves to fight
She knows she won't lose
Emma's built her army
Mostly out of words
Sometimes Emma summons monsters
Hiding in her world
Cause Emma needs her secrets
Like birds need the sky
Like a flower needs the sunlight
Like a baby needs to cry
Emma grows more friendly
With every season turned
Cause Emma's met the bitter end
And she knows, hmm, it'll hurt
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
But sometimes Emma wanders
Far beyond my reach
She likes traveling places
Most likely I... will never see
Look, Emma pours her wine
It's three in the afternoon
Now you might think that’s early
But Emma says; "well, it’s never too soon..."
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Emma doesn’t mind
Emma needs those moments
For which most of us are blind
Emma loves to listen
Songs to set her free
Emma smiles; "I’m lucky
She’s the better half of me"
Hmmm
Emma needs her freedom
Like a poet longs for pain
Like a painter needs his colors
Like a garden needs the rain
Emma knows the game is rigged
They play with every sin
Emma knows the distance
Slowly grows, from within
Now Emma thinks I’m crazy
And says that I’m confused
Emma loves to fight
She knows she won't lose
Emma's built her army
Mostly out of words
Sometimes Emma summons monsters
Hiding in her world
Cause Emma needs her secrets
Like birds need the sky
Like a flower needs the sunlight
Like a baby needs to cry
Emma grows more friendly
With every season turned
Cause Emma's met the bitter end
And she knows, hmm, it'll hurt
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
But sometimes Emma wanders
Far beyond my reach
She likes traveling places
Most likely I... will never see
Look, Emma pours her wine
It's three in the afternoon
Now you might think that’s early
But Emma says; "well, it’s never too soon..."
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
2. Got to Go (La Canción del Diablo) (Live)
Got the style
Got the groove
Got the mojo
I got the moves
Got the body
I got the sex
Got the wisdom
And all the facts
Killed their witness
They ain’t got no proof
Now there’s police
Upon my roof
Come forward justice
Got to lay low
Hmmm, I got to go
Got the voice
I got the song
Put the words
Where they belong
I got the scars
And I got greed
Don’t have the fame
But I got needs
Got religion
Gave me these blues
Now I’ve got the devil
Runnin’ in my shoes
I got the mission
That's all I know
Ohhh! I got to go
Now listen!
Got the story
Man, have I got news
Gained the answers
Earned the excuse
I got a rage
Feed on the lust
Got all that anger
Deep down my guts
I got a gun
Sittin’ in my lap
No more dead weight
Strapped on my back
Tears in the attic
Not enough rope
Ahhh! I got to go
Yeah, I got to go
Hail to transmission
Hail to this song
Hail to the signal
That is burning strong
I got the receiver
Givin’ me control
Over every mindless soul
Make me an offer I can’t refuse
Ain’t got no heart
Ain’t got the use
Got my Kingdom
Lost my throne
Ohhh! I got to go
Hmmm, I got to go
Ohhh! I got to go
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Got the groove
Got the mojo
I got the moves
Got the body
I got the sex
Got the wisdom
And all the facts
Killed their witness
They ain’t got no proof
Now there’s police
Upon my roof
Come forward justice
Got to lay low
Hmmm, I got to go
Got the voice
I got the song
Put the words
Where they belong
I got the scars
And I got greed
Don’t have the fame
But I got needs
Got religion
Gave me these blues
Now I’ve got the devil
Runnin’ in my shoes
I got the mission
That's all I know
Ohhh! I got to go
Now listen!
Got the story
Man, have I got news
Gained the answers
Earned the excuse
I got a rage
Feed on the lust
Got all that anger
Deep down my guts
I got a gun
Sittin’ in my lap
No more dead weight
Strapped on my back
Tears in the attic
Not enough rope
Ahhh! I got to go
Yeah, I got to go
Hail to transmission
Hail to this song
Hail to the signal
That is burning strong
I got the receiver
Givin’ me control
Over every mindless soul
Make me an offer I can’t refuse
Ain’t got no heart
Ain’t got the use
Got my Kingdom
Lost my throne
Ohhh! I got to go
Hmmm, I got to go
Ohhh! I got to go
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
3. Church (Live)
I wear this silver watch
Grandma gave to me
I remember, though I was six years old
It has a quiet tick
An old fashioned look
And it belonged to her husband, once, she told...
I found a wooden shoe
In the attic once
I was nine or maybe seven years old
There in my minds eye
It became a ship
I sailed away on dreams of gold
In my mind lives the girl
In a white summer dress
We were 21 years old
There we stood outside
In the cool morning air
She had goozebumbs on arms, she’d never told
I remember, cause, she was mine to hold
Sometimes I dress up nice
Stand in a dream alive
Alone but all, the mirror seems to cry
I wear a faded suit
And a ragged hat
Alone at last, the mirror seems to smile
Children run back and forth
When the sermon starts
For loss or memories, it’s profoundly too soon
I don’t believe or pray
Haven’t kept faith that much
But I go to church, every Sunday afternoon
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Grandma gave to me
I remember, though I was six years old
It has a quiet tick
An old fashioned look
And it belonged to her husband, once, she told...
I found a wooden shoe
In the attic once
I was nine or maybe seven years old
There in my minds eye
It became a ship
I sailed away on dreams of gold
In my mind lives the girl
In a white summer dress
We were 21 years old
There we stood outside
In the cool morning air
She had goozebumbs on arms, she’d never told
I remember, cause, she was mine to hold
Sometimes I dress up nice
Stand in a dream alive
Alone but all, the mirror seems to cry
I wear a faded suit
And a ragged hat
Alone at last, the mirror seems to smile
Children run back and forth
When the sermon starts
For loss or memories, it’s profoundly too soon
I don’t believe or pray
Haven’t kept faith that much
But I go to church, every Sunday afternoon
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
4. Room with a View (Live)
I’ve got a room with a view
Sometimes it turns black
And I need to go outside
Something’s holding me back
And there’s only one door
So there ain’t no compromise
And when it shuts
It just closes my eyes
And there’s only one window
With a crack at the left
The smoke of my cigarette
Shows there’s a draft
Now in my room with a view
The walls are bare
Fading whites
The shades handle with care
And the words that are spoken
Are spoken sincere
They reflect on the walls
So they never leave here
And the ceiling is high
Sometimes it’s not even there
Then I look at the sky
All the stars that appear
And there is no obligation
In what I should do
Look all the beauty that’s changing
In my room with a view
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Sometimes it turns black
And I need to go outside
Something’s holding me back
And there’s only one door
So there ain’t no compromise
And when it shuts
It just closes my eyes
And there’s only one window
With a crack at the left
The smoke of my cigarette
Shows there’s a draft
Now in my room with a view
The walls are bare
Fading whites
The shades handle with care
And the words that are spoken
Are spoken sincere
They reflect on the walls
So they never leave here
And the ceiling is high
Sometimes it’s not even there
Then I look at the sky
All the stars that appear
And there is no obligation
In what I should do
Look all the beauty that’s changing
In my room with a view
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
5. Ring of Fire (Live)
Love is a burning thing
And it makes a firery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell in to a ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild
I fell in to a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
Words & Music by June Carter & Merle Kilgore - courtesy of Painted Desert Music Corporation
And it makes a firery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell in to a ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild
I fell in to a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
Words & Music by June Carter & Merle Kilgore - courtesy of Painted Desert Music Corporation
6. A Letter from Dreamland - First Snow will fall Tonight (Live)
Frost on the window, icy snow flowers
I’ll go to bed and close my eyes
For tomorrow comes adventure
Wonders do happen over night
In the morning, we’ll go out playing
We’ll bring our gifts and we’ll have fun
We’ll dress up warm and drink hot chocolate
And we’ll be singing Christmas songs
Tell my mother not to worry
Tell my father I’ll be fine
I’m off to Dreamland, in a hurry
First snow will fall tonight
The afternoon we’ll build a snowman
A hat, a carrot and some twines
We’ve all heard stories and know for certain
At night, he comes alive
Then we’ll go sledding in the meadow
We’ll draw snow angels on the ground
If up in Heaven You can see us
Well, magic is all around
Tell my parents to be faithful
Tell my brother to be kind
I’m off to dreamland, I can’t wait for
First snow will fall tonight
If I may have one wish tonight
I’ll promise I’ll be strong
Then I hope, come Christmas time
I’ll be home, where I belong
So God in Heaven if you’re listening
Could you let it snow tonight?
I’ll tell the angels when they’re leaving, to
Say ‘Hello’ at first sunlight
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
I’ll go to bed and close my eyes
For tomorrow comes adventure
Wonders do happen over night
In the morning, we’ll go out playing
We’ll bring our gifts and we’ll have fun
We’ll dress up warm and drink hot chocolate
And we’ll be singing Christmas songs
Tell my mother not to worry
Tell my father I’ll be fine
I’m off to Dreamland, in a hurry
First snow will fall tonight
The afternoon we’ll build a snowman
A hat, a carrot and some twines
We’ve all heard stories and know for certain
At night, he comes alive
Then we’ll go sledding in the meadow
We’ll draw snow angels on the ground
If up in Heaven You can see us
Well, magic is all around
Tell my parents to be faithful
Tell my brother to be kind
I’m off to dreamland, I can’t wait for
First snow will fall tonight
If I may have one wish tonight
I’ll promise I’ll be strong
Then I hope, come Christmas time
I’ll be home, where I belong
So God in Heaven if you’re listening
Could you let it snow tonight?
I’ll tell the angels when they’re leaving, to
Say ‘Hello’ at first sunlight
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
7. Stories of the Immigrant's Wife (Live)
Did you promised to love her
When she gave you her secrets
Did you touched her grace
With warmth and desire
Or did you travel in doubt
Was your love bound to falter
When foreign ways melted
With old memories dying
For who were the songs, she sang in the morning?
For who were the tears at night?
For who was her silence, her longing and wishes?
The wishes and dreams of the immigrant's wife
Did you search for her beauty
Did you bow to her needs
Did she gave you a home
A shelter for life
Did you worship her strength
When she followed you near
Did you choose in fear
For your newly-born lifes
For who were the feelings, she kept from her loved-ones?
For who were the thoughts she'd hide?
For who was her laughter, her sadness, her story?
The story untold by the immigrant's wife
For who was she praying?
That one summer's evening?
And did you ever pray?
For your immigrant wife
Now with all the years gone
And all the memories fading
In the wayward confusion
That's the autumn of life
Will you give her the joy
And the comfort of home
Never leave her alone
'Neath the vast foreign sky
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
When she gave you her secrets
Did you touched her grace
With warmth and desire
Or did you travel in doubt
Was your love bound to falter
When foreign ways melted
With old memories dying
For who were the songs, she sang in the morning?
For who were the tears at night?
For who was her silence, her longing and wishes?
The wishes and dreams of the immigrant's wife
Did you search for her beauty
Did you bow to her needs
Did she gave you a home
A shelter for life
Did you worship her strength
When she followed you near
Did you choose in fear
For your newly-born lifes
For who were the feelings, she kept from her loved-ones?
For who were the thoughts she'd hide?
For who was her laughter, her sadness, her story?
The story untold by the immigrant's wife
For who was she praying?
That one summer's evening?
And did you ever pray?
For your immigrant wife
Now with all the years gone
And all the memories fading
In the wayward confusion
That's the autumn of life
Will you give her the joy
And the comfort of home
Never leave her alone
'Neath the vast foreign sky
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
8. A Letter to Dreamland (Live)
Hey there little sister, what’s going on?
It’s been ages, way too long
A lot has happened, months went by
Some times a laugh, some times a cry
Oh, I wanted to write sooner, words were hard to find
Didn’t know how to tell yoy, what’s been on my mind
I’ll ask father for your address
And tell the mailman to get there fast
Day grows shorter, making way for the night
Moon comes up, look, how bright it shines
I’ll go to bed early, as soon as I can, there in Dreamland...
I will see you again
Oh, I try my best, to do as you asked
But it’s hard to see daddy so sad
So I’ve been good, kind and bold
And I always listen to what I am told
Mama like you, she tries to be strong
Fighting tears where they belong
Oh it’s unfair, life moves on
In a world without end, everything’s wrong
Sky turns grey, it slowly gets cold
Birds leave for summer, leaves start to fall
We know there’s magic, it isn’t hard to find, there in Dreamland...
First snow will fall tonight
Oh, I miss you little sister, I miss you smile
I miss our adventures, these countless times
Oh, I miss us playing, all the fun that we had
Even our fights, well, they weren’t so bad
So may you look like a princess in your favorite pink dress
May snow angels be your dearest new friends
May you always be happy, never be blue, and forever remember
The ones that love you
Well, that’s it for now, I’ll write again soon
And I hope there in Dreamland…
It’s Christmas Time too
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
It’s been ages, way too long
A lot has happened, months went by
Some times a laugh, some times a cry
Oh, I wanted to write sooner, words were hard to find
Didn’t know how to tell yoy, what’s been on my mind
I’ll ask father for your address
And tell the mailman to get there fast
Day grows shorter, making way for the night
Moon comes up, look, how bright it shines
I’ll go to bed early, as soon as I can, there in Dreamland...
I will see you again
Oh, I try my best, to do as you asked
But it’s hard to see daddy so sad
So I’ve been good, kind and bold
And I always listen to what I am told
Mama like you, she tries to be strong
Fighting tears where they belong
Oh it’s unfair, life moves on
In a world without end, everything’s wrong
Sky turns grey, it slowly gets cold
Birds leave for summer, leaves start to fall
We know there’s magic, it isn’t hard to find, there in Dreamland...
First snow will fall tonight
Oh, I miss you little sister, I miss you smile
I miss our adventures, these countless times
Oh, I miss us playing, all the fun that we had
Even our fights, well, they weren’t so bad
So may you look like a princess in your favorite pink dress
May snow angels be your dearest new friends
May you always be happy, never be blue, and forever remember
The ones that love you
Well, that’s it for now, I’ll write again soon
And I hope there in Dreamland…
It’s Christmas Time too
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
9. (A Song for) Fall & Darkness (Live)
There’s a song for fall & darkness
A song for the original sin
A song for all the beauty and all
The casualties it brings
Words that whisper Love & Worship
Sweet devotion calls your name
To harvest the fruit it took from your youth
Till only the darkness remains
So let us drink to health and freedom
Let's fill our glasses to the brim
And not forget the ones we’ve met
We will meet again come spring
I’ll remember all our moments
I’ll live my memories without shame
Don’t you be afraid
Please don’t be afraid
When I’m away
I won’t accept my war is over
No, I will fight like I fought before
I won’t surrender my pride and fear
To this old war
And though my body’s weak and wrinkled
My hands are scratched and torn with time
When these eyes close, your beauty they’ll hold
One more time
Their one last crime
Let us make love like we’re in Heaven
Let's taste our first kiss again
Let our bodies struggle between the war and the rubble
Our cruel & naked intent
Do you remember that old French town?
A city drowning in its streets
How your dress unveiled my needs
You were the one I needed most
You see
à l’automne, pour la beauté
Ma mémoire effacée par le vent
Près de toi, je resterai en silence
Je te reverrai au printemps
Pardonne mes larmes et mes péchés
L’éternité, elle vient rapidement
Tout est fini, il n’y a plus rien à dire
Mais tu étais, toujours avec moi
Garde moi dans ton coeur?
L’automne est presque là
Pendant tout ce temps, tu es restée avec moi
Désormais, tu vas m’oublier
S’il te plaît, veux-tu m’oublier?
Veux-tu m’oublier?
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
A song for the original sin
A song for all the beauty and all
The casualties it brings
Words that whisper Love & Worship
Sweet devotion calls your name
To harvest the fruit it took from your youth
Till only the darkness remains
So let us drink to health and freedom
Let's fill our glasses to the brim
And not forget the ones we’ve met
We will meet again come spring
I’ll remember all our moments
I’ll live my memories without shame
Don’t you be afraid
Please don’t be afraid
When I’m away
I won’t accept my war is over
No, I will fight like I fought before
I won’t surrender my pride and fear
To this old war
And though my body’s weak and wrinkled
My hands are scratched and torn with time
When these eyes close, your beauty they’ll hold
One more time
Their one last crime
Let us make love like we’re in Heaven
Let's taste our first kiss again
Let our bodies struggle between the war and the rubble
Our cruel & naked intent
Do you remember that old French town?
A city drowning in its streets
How your dress unveiled my needs
You were the one I needed most
You see
à l’automne, pour la beauté
Ma mémoire effacée par le vent
Près de toi, je resterai en silence
Je te reverrai au printemps
Pardonne mes larmes et mes péchés
L’éternité, elle vient rapidement
Tout est fini, il n’y a plus rien à dire
Mais tu étais, toujours avec moi
Garde moi dans ton coeur?
L’automne est presque là
Pendant tout ce temps, tu es restée avec moi
Désormais, tu vas m’oublier
S’il te plaît, veux-tu m’oublier?
Veux-tu m’oublier?
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
10. Ol' Cook Pot (Live)
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Try to get more than what that boiler got
She don't trim no fat, she pulls potatoes from a box
Mama gonna bargain with the ol'cook pot
Mama gonna water that gravy down
Got to make enough to go all around
WIth 5 mouths to feed and papa in the ground
Mama gonna water that gravy down
Thank the lord
And sit up straight
Mind your manners
And clean your plate
Don't ask for seconds
Savor for every drop
Cause nothing more coming from that Ol'Cook pot
Thank the lord
And sit up straight
Mind your manners
And clean your plate
Don't ask for seconds
No you better savor for every drop
Cause nothing more coming from that Ol'Cook pot
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Pray to the maker make the hunger stop
And ask a little more for than what we got
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Words & Music by Shawn Byrne & Chuck McCarthy
Try to get more than what that boiler got
She don't trim no fat, she pulls potatoes from a box
Mama gonna bargain with the ol'cook pot
Mama gonna water that gravy down
Got to make enough to go all around
WIth 5 mouths to feed and papa in the ground
Mama gonna water that gravy down
Thank the lord
And sit up straight
Mind your manners
And clean your plate
Don't ask for seconds
Savor for every drop
Cause nothing more coming from that Ol'Cook pot
Thank the lord
And sit up straight
Mind your manners
And clean your plate
Don't ask for seconds
No you better savor for every drop
Cause nothing more coming from that Ol'Cook pot
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Pray to the maker make the hunger stop
And ask a little more for than what we got
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Mama gonna bargain with the old cook pot
Words & Music by Shawn Byrne & Chuck McCarthy
11. Maria's Last Tango (Live)
Maria sometimes
Hides under blankets
Pretends she’s vast a-sleep
Maria draws pictures
Sad-looking figures
Sketching old memories
Maria, she hopes
One day rain follows sunshine
She loves how autumn
Calms her mind
Maria likes
Spending time
Alone, reading a book
Look... Maria smiles
Maria grows tired
Of old family feelings
Wish they all go away
Maria says
There is nothing left
To confess or feel guilty about
Maria she knows
No skeleton closets
Ghosts from the past
Or remnants are left
Maria loves to get
Lost in the lives
Of her grandmother's fantasies
Ssst... Maria there dreams
Last night I saw fire in Maria’s eyes
Two years I’ve got
Then she’ll make up her mind
Starting anew, is Maria’s desire
On a foreign shore
Leaving this old sad life
Forever behind
Maria says Goodbye
Look, Maria is dancing
A late night confession
To the sound of a bandoneón
Maria likes dancing
When noone is watching
A lonely room
The morning soon
Will come and carry her home
Maria, likes dancing alone
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Hides under blankets
Pretends she’s vast a-sleep
Maria draws pictures
Sad-looking figures
Sketching old memories
Maria, she hopes
One day rain follows sunshine
She loves how autumn
Calms her mind
Maria likes
Spending time
Alone, reading a book
Look... Maria smiles
Maria grows tired
Of old family feelings
Wish they all go away
Maria says
There is nothing left
To confess or feel guilty about
Maria she knows
No skeleton closets
Ghosts from the past
Or remnants are left
Maria loves to get
Lost in the lives
Of her grandmother's fantasies
Ssst... Maria there dreams
Last night I saw fire in Maria’s eyes
Two years I’ve got
Then she’ll make up her mind
Starting anew, is Maria’s desire
On a foreign shore
Leaving this old sad life
Forever behind
Maria says Goodbye
Look, Maria is dancing
A late night confession
To the sound of a bandoneón
Maria likes dancing
When noone is watching
A lonely room
The morning soon
Will come and carry her home
Maria, likes dancing alone
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
12. Strong Enough for Two (Live)
I’m told we come from the water
To run through the trees
I’m told that all men are brothers
But as different as the seasons
You can pin wings to my shoulders
And pretend that I can fly
If your legs are strong enough for two
I think I’ll walk with you awhile
Some let the sand
slip through their fingers
Some throw it to the wind
Some let the mystery linger
Some bring it to an end
You can pin wings to my shoulders
And pretend that I can fly
If your legs are strong enough for two
I think I’ll walk with you awhile
I’ll understand if you can’t see me
I’ll understand if you can’t stay
But if somehow I... should catch your eye
Please don’t look away....just
Pin wings to my shoulders
And pretend that I can fly
If your legs are strong enough for two
I think I’ll walk with you awhile
Words & Music by Eric Taylor - courtesy of Universal Songs Inc./Blue Ruby Music/BMI
To run through the trees
I’m told that all men are brothers
But as different as the seasons
You can pin wings to my shoulders
And pretend that I can fly
If your legs are strong enough for two
I think I’ll walk with you awhile
Some let the sand
slip through their fingers
Some throw it to the wind
Some let the mystery linger
Some bring it to an end
You can pin wings to my shoulders
And pretend that I can fly
If your legs are strong enough for two
I think I’ll walk with you awhile
I’ll understand if you can’t see me
I’ll understand if you can’t stay
But if somehow I... should catch your eye
Please don’t look away....just
Pin wings to my shoulders
And pretend that I can fly
If your legs are strong enough for two
I think I’ll walk with you awhile
Words & Music by Eric Taylor - courtesy of Universal Songs Inc./Blue Ruby Music/BMI
13. In Our Kingdom (Live)
For Sarah
In our Kingdom’s early rise
In our Kingdom’s time to come
Simple laws we will abide
Humble thoughts of right and wrong
I build our home with my hands bare
You rule with mercy, I with care
When our Kingdom’s vast & strong
We’ll reign with hope
Where we belong
In our Kingdom’s greatest doubt
In our Kingdom’s darkest days
Time does offer to forgive
Remorse and hurt, of all choices made
There love is gentle, plain and kind
A shelter for our loving crimes
At night, when our Kingdom sleeps
Sarah’s laughter sounds
And nature weeps
In our kingdom’s final hour
In our kingdom’s last few days
Life in silence will conclude
When it takes back, what it once gave
I hold you close in my arms, weak
Your eyes won’t cry, my voice won’t speak
When our Kingdom slowly fades
Within our hearts
Heaven awakes
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
For Sarah
In our Kingdom’s early rise
In our Kingdom’s time to come
Simple laws we will abide
Humble thoughts of right and wrong
I build our home with my hands bare
You rule with mercy, I with care
When our Kingdom’s vast & strong
We’ll reign with hope
Where we belong
In our Kingdom’s greatest doubt
In our Kingdom’s darkest days
Time does offer to forgive
Remorse and hurt, of all choices made
There love is gentle, plain and kind
A shelter for our loving crimes
At night, when our Kingdom sleeps
Sarah’s laughter sounds
And nature weeps
In our kingdom’s final hour
In our kingdom’s last few days
Life in silence will conclude
When it takes back, what it once gave
I hold you close in my arms, weak
Your eyes won’t cry, my voice won’t speak
When our Kingdom slowly fades
Within our hearts
Heaven awakes
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
2017 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
1. Ring of Fire (Live)
Love is a burning thing
And it makes a firery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell in to a ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild
I fell in to a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
Words & Music by June Carter & Merle Kilgore - courtesy of Painted Desert Music Corporation
And it makes a firery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell in to a ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild
I fell in to a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
Words & Music by June Carter & Merle Kilgore - courtesy of Painted Desert Music Corporation
* * *
2017 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
1. (A Song for) Fall & Darkness
There’s a song for fall & darkness
A song for the original sin
A song for all the beauty and all
The casualties it brings
Words that whisper Love & Worship
Sweet devotion calls your name
To harvest the fruit it took from your youth
Till only the darkness remains
So let us drink to health and freedom
Let's fill our glasses to the brim
And not forget the ones we’ve met
We will meet again come spring
I’ll remember all our moments
I’ll live my memories without shame
Don’t you be afraid
Please don’t be afraid
When I’m away
I won’t accept my war is over
No, I will fight like I fought before
I won’t surrender my pride and fear
To this old war
And though my body’s weak and wrinkled
My hands are scratched and torn with time
When these eyes close, your beauty they’ll hold
One more time
Their one last crime
Let us make love like we’re in Heaven
Let's taste our first kiss again
Let our bodies struggle between the war and the rubble
Our cruel & naked intent
Do you remember that old French town?
A city drowning in its streets
How your dress unveiled my needs
You were the one I needed most
You see
à l’automne, pour la beauté
Ma mémoire effacée par le vent
Près de toi, je resterai en silence
Je te reverrai au printemps
Pardonne mes larmes et mes péchés
L’éternité, elle vient rapidement
Tout est fini, il n’y a plus rien à dire
Mais tu étais, toujours avec moi
Garde moi dans ton coeur?
L’automne est presque là
Pendant tout ce temps, tu es restée avec moi
Désormais, tu vas m’oublier
S’il te plaît, veux-tu m’oublier?
Veux-tu m’oublier?
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
A song for the original sin
A song for all the beauty and all
The casualties it brings
Words that whisper Love & Worship
Sweet devotion calls your name
To harvest the fruit it took from your youth
Till only the darkness remains
So let us drink to health and freedom
Let's fill our glasses to the brim
And not forget the ones we’ve met
We will meet again come spring
I’ll remember all our moments
I’ll live my memories without shame
Don’t you be afraid
Please don’t be afraid
When I’m away
I won’t accept my war is over
No, I will fight like I fought before
I won’t surrender my pride and fear
To this old war
And though my body’s weak and wrinkled
My hands are scratched and torn with time
When these eyes close, your beauty they’ll hold
One more time
Their one last crime
Let us make love like we’re in Heaven
Let's taste our first kiss again
Let our bodies struggle between the war and the rubble
Our cruel & naked intent
Do you remember that old French town?
A city drowning in its streets
How your dress unveiled my needs
You were the one I needed most
You see
à l’automne, pour la beauté
Ma mémoire effacée par le vent
Près de toi, je resterai en silence
Je te reverrai au printemps
Pardonne mes larmes et mes péchés
L’éternité, elle vient rapidement
Tout est fini, il n’y a plus rien à dire
Mais tu étais, toujours avec moi
Garde moi dans ton coeur?
L’automne est presque là
Pendant tout ce temps, tu es restée avec moi
Désormais, tu vas m’oublier
S’il te plaît, veux-tu m’oublier?
Veux-tu m’oublier?
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
1. A Letter to Dreamland
Hey there little sister, what’s going on?
It’s been ages, way too long
A lot has happened, months went by
Some times a laugh, some times a cry
Oh, I wanted to write sooner, words were hard to find
Didn’t know how to tell yoy, what’s been on my mind
I’ll ask father for your address
And tell the mailman to get there fast
Day grows shorter, making way for the night
Moon comes up, look, how bright it shines
I’ll go to bed early, as soon as I can, there in Dreamland...
I will see you again
Oh, I try my best, to do as you asked
But it’s hard to see daddy so sad
So I’ve been good, kind and bold
And I always listen to what I am told
Mama like you, she tries to be strong
Fighting tears where they belong
Oh it’s unfair, life moves on
In a world without end, everything’s wrong
Sky turns grey, it slowly gets cold
Birds leave for summer, leaves start to fall
We know there’s magic, it isn’t hard to find, there in Dreamland...
First snow will fall tonight
Oh, I miss you little sister, I miss you smile
I miss our adventures, these countless times
Oh, I miss us playing, all the fun that we had
Even our fights, well, they weren’t so bad
So may you look like a princess in your favorite pink dress
May snow angels be your dearest new friends
May you always be happy, never be blue, and forever remember
The ones that love you
Well, that’s it for now, I’ll write again soon
And I hope there in Dreamland…
It’s Christmas Time too
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
It’s been ages, way too long
A lot has happened, months went by
Some times a laugh, some times a cry
Oh, I wanted to write sooner, words were hard to find
Didn’t know how to tell yoy, what’s been on my mind
I’ll ask father for your address
And tell the mailman to get there fast
Day grows shorter, making way for the night
Moon comes up, look, how bright it shines
I’ll go to bed early, as soon as I can, there in Dreamland...
I will see you again
Oh, I try my best, to do as you asked
But it’s hard to see daddy so sad
So I’ve been good, kind and bold
And I always listen to what I am told
Mama like you, she tries to be strong
Fighting tears where they belong
Oh it’s unfair, life moves on
In a world without end, everything’s wrong
Sky turns grey, it slowly gets cold
Birds leave for summer, leaves start to fall
We know there’s magic, it isn’t hard to find, there in Dreamland...
First snow will fall tonight
Oh, I miss you little sister, I miss you smile
I miss our adventures, these countless times
Oh, I miss us playing, all the fun that we had
Even our fights, well, they weren’t so bad
So may you look like a princess in your favorite pink dress
May snow angels be your dearest new friends
May you always be happy, never be blue, and forever remember
The ones that love you
Well, that’s it for now, I’ll write again soon
And I hope there in Dreamland…
It’s Christmas Time too
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
Michel Ebben | A Letter to Dreamland
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
7. A Letter to Dreamland
Hey there little sister, what’s going on?
It’s been ages, way too long
A lot has happened, months went by
Some times a laugh, some times a cry
Oh, I wanted to write sooner, words were hard to find
Didn’t know how to tell yoy, what’s been on my mind
I’ll ask father for your address
And tell the mailman to get there fast
Day grows shorter, making way for the night
Moon comes up, look, how bright it shines
I’ll go to bed early, as soon as I can, there in Dreamland...
I will see you again
Oh, I try my best, to do as you asked
But it’s hard to see daddy so sad
So I’ve been good, kind and bold
And I always listen to what I am told
Mama like you, she tries to be strong
Fighting tears where they belong
Oh it’s unfair, life moves on
In a world without end, everything’s wrong
Sky turns grey, it slowly gets cold
Birds leave for summer, leaves start to fall
We know there’s magic, it isn’t hard to find, there in Dreamland...
First snow will fall tonight
Oh, I miss you little sister, I miss you smile
I miss our adventures, these countless times
Oh, I miss us playing, all the fun that we had
Even our fights, well, they weren’t so bad
So may you look like a princess in your favorite pink dress
May snow angels be your dearest new friends
May you always be happy, never be blue, and forever remember
The ones that love you
Well, that’s it for now, I’ll write again soon
And I hope there in Dreamland…
It’s Christmas Time too
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
It’s been ages, way too long
A lot has happened, months went by
Some times a laugh, some times a cry
Oh, I wanted to write sooner, words were hard to find
Didn’t know how to tell yoy, what’s been on my mind
I’ll ask father for your address
And tell the mailman to get there fast
Day grows shorter, making way for the night
Moon comes up, look, how bright it shines
I’ll go to bed early, as soon as I can, there in Dreamland...
I will see you again
Oh, I try my best, to do as you asked
But it’s hard to see daddy so sad
So I’ve been good, kind and bold
And I always listen to what I am told
Mama like you, she tries to be strong
Fighting tears where they belong
Oh it’s unfair, life moves on
In a world without end, everything’s wrong
Sky turns grey, it slowly gets cold
Birds leave for summer, leaves start to fall
We know there’s magic, it isn’t hard to find, there in Dreamland...
First snow will fall tonight
Oh, I miss you little sister, I miss you smile
I miss our adventures, these countless times
Oh, I miss us playing, all the fun that we had
Even our fights, well, they weren’t so bad
So may you look like a princess in your favorite pink dress
May snow angels be your dearest new friends
May you always be happy, never be blue, and forever remember
The ones that love you
Well, that’s it for now, I’ll write again soon
And I hope there in Dreamland…
It’s Christmas Time too
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
1. Got to Go (La Canción del Diablo) - Live
Got the style
Got the groove
Got the mojo
I got the moves
Got the body
I got the sex
Got the wisdom
And all the facts
Killed their witness
They ain’t got no proof
Now there’s police
Upon my roof
Come forward justice
Got to lay low
Hmmm, I got to go
Got the voice
I got the song
Put the words
Where they belong
I got the scars
And I got greed
Don’t have the fame
But I got needs
Got religion
Gave me these blues
Now I’ve got the devil
Runnin’ in my shoes
I got the mission
That's all I know
Ohhh! I got to go
Now listen!
Got the story
Man, have I got news
Gained the answers
Earned the excuse
I got a rage
Feed on the lust
Got all that anger
Deep down my guts
I got a gun
Sittin’ in my lap
No more dead weight
Strapped on my back
Tears in the attic
Not enough rope
Ahhh! I got to go
Yeah, I got to go
Hail to transmission
Hail to this song
Hail to the signal
That is burning strong
I got the receiver
Givin’ me control
Over every mindless soul
Make me an offer I can’t refuse
Ain’t got no heart
Ain’t got the use
Got my Kingdom
Lost my throne
Ohhh! I got to go
Hmmm, I got to go
Ohhh! I got to go
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Got the groove
Got the mojo
I got the moves
Got the body
I got the sex
Got the wisdom
And all the facts
Killed their witness
They ain’t got no proof
Now there’s police
Upon my roof
Come forward justice
Got to lay low
Hmmm, I got to go
Got the voice
I got the song
Put the words
Where they belong
I got the scars
And I got greed
Don’t have the fame
But I got needs
Got religion
Gave me these blues
Now I’ve got the devil
Runnin’ in my shoes
I got the mission
That's all I know
Ohhh! I got to go
Now listen!
Got the story
Man, have I got news
Gained the answers
Earned the excuse
I got a rage
Feed on the lust
Got all that anger
Deep down my guts
I got a gun
Sittin’ in my lap
No more dead weight
Strapped on my back
Tears in the attic
Not enough rope
Ahhh! I got to go
Yeah, I got to go
Hail to transmission
Hail to this song
Hail to the signal
That is burning strong
I got the receiver
Givin’ me control
Over every mindless soul
Make me an offer I can’t refuse
Ain’t got no heart
Ain’t got the use
Got my Kingdom
Lost my throne
Ohhh! I got to go
Hmmm, I got to go
Ohhh! I got to go
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
2. I'd Die for You - Live
Last night I woke up and I looked at you
My heart beat’s so loud, don’t know what to do
You’re miles away, I can’t set you free
Why can’t you stay with me?
Be my friend, my luck and angel eye
When you believe, you don’t have to try
Come whisper in my ear
Say this love won’t disappear
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I, I would die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
Remember the night we’ve met
I stood against the wall smoking a cigarette
I wasn’t strong enough to open my heart
A little special right from the start
Now I follow every move you make
I wanna drive you down to lovers lake
Let’s stay there and have some wine
This night I want you to be mine
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
And I would die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Girl, I’d die for you
Oh, I’d die for you
Words by Mark Lubeek & Music by Gravel Town
My heart beat’s so loud, don’t know what to do
You’re miles away, I can’t set you free
Why can’t you stay with me?
Be my friend, my luck and angel eye
When you believe, you don’t have to try
Come whisper in my ear
Say this love won’t disappear
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I, I would die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
Remember the night we’ve met
I stood against the wall smoking a cigarette
I wasn’t strong enough to open my heart
A little special right from the start
Now I follow every move you make
I wanna drive you down to lovers lake
Let’s stay there and have some wine
This night I want you to be mine
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
And I would die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Girl, I’d die for you
Oh, I’d die for you
Words by Mark Lubeek & Music by Gravel Town
3. Cradle of Joy, no. 2 - Live
From your hands it was made
From the shackles of faith
From the fire it was drawn
Since the day you were born
But now the heat’s rising, a Devil’s pace
Look over yonder, a mournful day
Tell me son, what will they do
Sing another poor boy’s blues
So arise, arise, sorrow just came to Paradise
Awake, awake, to arise, arise
Turn your head to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
When you fired that gun
What did it made you become?
Send him five little shells
A message straight from Hell
But did you ever hear her cry?
That little girl by her mother’s side
Five roses, they lay down
Dead flowers only grow in your hometown
So arise, arise, trouble just came to Paradise
Too late, too late, so arise, arise
Raise your arms to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
Then the Heavens proclaimed
What should be his fate?
What’d best fit his crime
But the curse of guilty mind?
Now the heat’s rising, what’s that sound?
A city’s on fire, screaming loud
Better believe, it won’t be long
They will praise your favorite song
So arise, arise, let justice live in Paradise
Keep faith, keep faith, and arise, arise
Haven’t you heard, now it’s time
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad, sad day
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
From the shackles of faith
From the fire it was drawn
Since the day you were born
But now the heat’s rising, a Devil’s pace
Look over yonder, a mournful day
Tell me son, what will they do
Sing another poor boy’s blues
So arise, arise, sorrow just came to Paradise
Awake, awake, to arise, arise
Turn your head to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
When you fired that gun
What did it made you become?
Send him five little shells
A message straight from Hell
But did you ever hear her cry?
That little girl by her mother’s side
Five roses, they lay down
Dead flowers only grow in your hometown
So arise, arise, trouble just came to Paradise
Too late, too late, so arise, arise
Raise your arms to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
Then the Heavens proclaimed
What should be his fate?
What’d best fit his crime
But the curse of guilty mind?
Now the heat’s rising, what’s that sound?
A city’s on fire, screaming loud
Better believe, it won’t be long
They will praise your favorite song
So arise, arise, let justice live in Paradise
Keep faith, keep faith, and arise, arise
Haven’t you heard, now it’s time
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad, sad day
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
4. Driving through the Rain - Live
Well, the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stays inside, in bed, between the sheets
Well the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
and he puts the lights way down low
Somewhere out there
Somebody starts to cry
He’s on the lucky train to love town
Where nobody lies
Too worn to worry
‘Bout the things he’d done
Hard times to be honest
Hard times to be strong
And Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Yes, he’s driving through the rain
And the moonlight’s shining
It took him by the hand
The rearview mirror shows a long road
Leaving no man’s land
Two different stories
Two separate souls
It feels like coming home when he puts
The lights way down low
Now Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Well the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stay’s inside, in bed, between the sheets
Now the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
And Johnny puts the lights way down low
Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Now, Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
Well he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
Through the empty streets
Johnny stays inside, in bed, between the sheets
Well the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
and he puts the lights way down low
Somewhere out there
Somebody starts to cry
He’s on the lucky train to love town
Where nobody lies
Too worn to worry
‘Bout the things he’d done
Hard times to be honest
Hard times to be strong
And Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Yes, he’s driving through the rain
And the moonlight’s shining
It took him by the hand
The rearview mirror shows a long road
Leaving no man’s land
Two different stories
Two separate souls
It feels like coming home when he puts
The lights way down low
Now Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Well the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stay’s inside, in bed, between the sheets
Now the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
And Johnny puts the lights way down low
Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Now, Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
Well he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
5. In This Wasted Heartland - Live
There’s a fire on the streets
Burning slow tonight
The air is breathing loneliness
That’s getting hard to fight
Lost souls in shadows meet
Chasing broken dreams
And I don’t need to tell you
Tell you that I care
The sadness in this town
It’s getting us nowhere
It’s just that same old sigh
But this time I’ll make it right
So baby, let us leave this place tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
From this wasted heartland
This voice inside of me
Screams I’m all alone
In the backstreets of my mind
My memories drift and float
Leaving me stuck inside
But I got nothing there to hide
There are things they didn’t tell us
About the way things go
Sometimes you gotta loose
All what you’ve learned and know
So got to face myself this time
I wouldn’t know unless I try
And baby, I’m trying to bring it all back home tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
Don’t be afraid
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
And leave this wasted heartland
So look out on the streets
There is no wrong from right
Signs they tell you vacant
The arrow’s pointing blind
Ghosts behind the windows
Burning neon lights
Everything is rotten
Underneath your favorite sky
Did you ever felt the need
To run from all their lies
We’ll travel all the distances
And crawl the last few miles
No time to wonder
Baby let’s leave tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
We’ll make our way
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
I’ll be waiting
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
So come on baby
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
We’ll tell this wasted heartland
Goodbye
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
Burning slow tonight
The air is breathing loneliness
That’s getting hard to fight
Lost souls in shadows meet
Chasing broken dreams
And I don’t need to tell you
Tell you that I care
The sadness in this town
It’s getting us nowhere
It’s just that same old sigh
But this time I’ll make it right
So baby, let us leave this place tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
From this wasted heartland
This voice inside of me
Screams I’m all alone
In the backstreets of my mind
My memories drift and float
Leaving me stuck inside
But I got nothing there to hide
There are things they didn’t tell us
About the way things go
Sometimes you gotta loose
All what you’ve learned and know
So got to face myself this time
I wouldn’t know unless I try
And baby, I’m trying to bring it all back home tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
Don’t be afraid
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
And leave this wasted heartland
So look out on the streets
There is no wrong from right
Signs they tell you vacant
The arrow’s pointing blind
Ghosts behind the windows
Burning neon lights
Everything is rotten
Underneath your favorite sky
Did you ever felt the need
To run from all their lies
We’ll travel all the distances
And crawl the last few miles
No time to wonder
Baby let’s leave tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
We’ll make our way
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
I’ll be waiting
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
So come on baby
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
We’ll tell this wasted heartland
Goodbye
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
* * *
2016 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
1. Emma's Diary
Emma says it's late
Emma doesn’t mind
Emma needs those moments
For which most of us are blind
Emma loves to listen
Songs to set her free
Emma smiles; "I’m lucky
She’s the better half of me"
Hmmm
Emma needs her freedom
Like a poet longs for pain
Like a painter needs his colors
Like a garden needs the rain
Emma knows the game is rigged
They play with every sin
Emma knows the distance
Slowly grows, from within
Now Emma thinks I’m crazy
And says that I’m confused
Emma loves to fight
She knows she won't lose
Emma's built her army
Mostly out of words
Sometimes Emma summons monsters
Hiding in her world
Cause Emma needs her secrets
Like birds need the sky
Like a flower needs the sunlight
Like a baby needs to cry
Emma grows more friendly
With every season turned
Cause Emma's met the bitter end
And she knows, hmm, it'll hurt
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
But sometimes Emma wanders
Far beyond my reach
She likes traveling places
Most likely I... will never see
Look, Emma pours her wine
It's three in the afternoon
Now you might think that’s early
But Emma says; "well, it’s never too soon..."
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Emma doesn’t mind
Emma needs those moments
For which most of us are blind
Emma loves to listen
Songs to set her free
Emma smiles; "I’m lucky
She’s the better half of me"
Hmmm
Emma needs her freedom
Like a poet longs for pain
Like a painter needs his colors
Like a garden needs the rain
Emma knows the game is rigged
They play with every sin
Emma knows the distance
Slowly grows, from within
Now Emma thinks I’m crazy
And says that I’m confused
Emma loves to fight
She knows she won't lose
Emma's built her army
Mostly out of words
Sometimes Emma summons monsters
Hiding in her world
Cause Emma needs her secrets
Like birds need the sky
Like a flower needs the sunlight
Like a baby needs to cry
Emma grows more friendly
With every season turned
Cause Emma's met the bitter end
And she knows, hmm, it'll hurt
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
But sometimes Emma wanders
Far beyond my reach
She likes traveling places
Most likely I... will never see
Look, Emma pours her wine
It's three in the afternoon
Now you might think that’s early
But Emma says; "well, it’s never too soon..."
Hmmm
Hmmm
Hmmm
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
1. A Letter from Dreamland - First Snow will fall Tonight
Frost on the window, icy snow flowers
I’ll go to bed and close my eyes
For tomorrow comes adventure
Wonders do happen over night
In the morning, we’ll go out playing
We’ll bring our gifts and we’ll have fun
We’ll dress up warm and drink hot chocolate
And we’ll be singing Christmas songs
Tell my mother not to worry
Tell my father I’ll be fine
I’m off to Dreamland, in a hurry
First snow will fall tonight
The afternoon we’ll build a snowman
A hat, a carrot and some twines
We’ve all heard stories and know for certain
At night, he comes alive
Then we’ll go sledding in the meadow
We’ll draw snow angels on the ground
If up in Heaven You can see us
Well, magic is all around
Tell my parents to be faithful
Tell my brother to be kind
I’m off to dreamland, I can’t wait for
First snow will fall tonight
If I may have one wish tonight
I’ll promise I’ll be strong
Then I hope, come Christmas time
I’ll be home, where I belong
So God in Heaven if you’re listening
Could you let it snow tonight?
I’ll tell the angels when they’re leaving, to
Say ‘Hello’ at first sunlight
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
I’ll go to bed and close my eyes
For tomorrow comes adventure
Wonders do happen over night
In the morning, we’ll go out playing
We’ll bring our gifts and we’ll have fun
We’ll dress up warm and drink hot chocolate
And we’ll be singing Christmas songs
Tell my mother not to worry
Tell my father I’ll be fine
I’m off to Dreamland, in a hurry
First snow will fall tonight
The afternoon we’ll build a snowman
A hat, a carrot and some twines
We’ve all heard stories and know for certain
At night, he comes alive
Then we’ll go sledding in the meadow
We’ll draw snow angels on the ground
If up in Heaven You can see us
Well, magic is all around
Tell my parents to be faithful
Tell my brother to be kind
I’m off to dreamland, I can’t wait for
First snow will fall tonight
If I may have one wish tonight
I’ll promise I’ll be strong
Then I hope, come Christmas time
I’ll be home, where I belong
So God in Heaven if you’re listening
Could you let it snow tonight?
I’ll tell the angels when they’re leaving, to
Say ‘Hello’ at first sunlight
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
1. The Story of Uncle Tony
Now here's Uncle Tony.
He was a good man, always caring about others and spoiling his nephews,
bringing home the most beautiful presents during Christmas time.
When growing up, he always stood up for his sisters and often took a beating
from their stepmother while protecting them.
Uncle Tony’s father had been a musician in a circus traveling throughout
France, which inspired Uncle Tony to become a musician too.
Most of his life, Uncle Tony was single. Although he had girlfriends from time to time,
they always caused him trouble, so it never worked out.
The picture on the cover was taken in Germany, just after the Second World War.
Uncle Tony died in Cologne. When crossing the street, he was hit by a car.
So here’s to you, Uncle Tony!
Words by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
He was a good man, always caring about others and spoiling his nephews,
bringing home the most beautiful presents during Christmas time.
When growing up, he always stood up for his sisters and often took a beating
from their stepmother while protecting them.
Uncle Tony’s father had been a musician in a circus traveling throughout
France, which inspired Uncle Tony to become a musician too.
Most of his life, Uncle Tony was single. Although he had girlfriends from time to time,
they always caused him trouble, so it never worked out.
The picture on the cover was taken in Germany, just after the Second World War.
Uncle Tony died in Cologne. When crossing the street, he was hit by a car.
So here’s to you, Uncle Tony!
Words by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
2. Got to Go (La Canción del Diablo)
Got the style
Got the groove
Got the mojo
I got the moves
Got the body
I got the sex
Got the wisdom
And all the facts
Killed their witness
They ain’t got no proof
Now there’s police
Upon my roof
Come forward justice
Got to lay low
Hmmm, I got to go
Got the voice
I got the song
Put the words
Where they belong
I got the scars
And I got greed
Don’t have the fame
But I got needs
Got religion
Gave me these blues
Now I’ve got the devil
Runnin’ in my shoes
I got the mission
That's all I know
Ohhh! I got to go
Now listen!
Got the story
Man, have I got news
Gained the answers
Earned the excuse
I got a rage
Feed on the lust
Got all that anger
Deep down my guts
I got a gun
Sittin’ in my lap
No more dead weight
Strapped on my back
Tears in the attic
Not enough rope
Ahhh! I got to go
Yeah, I got to go
Hail to transmission
Hail to this song
Hail to the signal
That is burning strong
I got the receiver
Givin’ me control
Over every mindless soul
Make me an offer I can’t refuse
Ain’t got no heart
Ain’t got the use
Got my Kingdom
Lost my throne
Ohhh! I got to go
Hmmm, I got to go
Ohhh! I got to go
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Got the groove
Got the mojo
I got the moves
Got the body
I got the sex
Got the wisdom
And all the facts
Killed their witness
They ain’t got no proof
Now there’s police
Upon my roof
Come forward justice
Got to lay low
Hmmm, I got to go
Got the voice
I got the song
Put the words
Where they belong
I got the scars
And I got greed
Don’t have the fame
But I got needs
Got religion
Gave me these blues
Now I’ve got the devil
Runnin’ in my shoes
I got the mission
That's all I know
Ohhh! I got to go
Now listen!
Got the story
Man, have I got news
Gained the answers
Earned the excuse
I got a rage
Feed on the lust
Got all that anger
Deep down my guts
I got a gun
Sittin’ in my lap
No more dead weight
Strapped on my back
Tears in the attic
Not enough rope
Ahhh! I got to go
Yeah, I got to go
Hail to transmission
Hail to this song
Hail to the signal
That is burning strong
I got the receiver
Givin’ me control
Over every mindless soul
Make me an offer I can’t refuse
Ain’t got no heart
Ain’t got the use
Got my Kingdom
Lost my throne
Ohhh! I got to go
Hmmm, I got to go
Ohhh! I got to go
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
3. I'd Die for You
Last night I woke up and I looked at you
My heart beat’s so loud, don’t know what to do
You’re miles away, I can’t set you free
Why can’t you stay with me?
Be my friend, my luck and angel eye
When you believe, you don’t have to try
Come whisper in my ear
Say this love won’t disappear
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I, I would die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
Remember the night we’ve met
I stood against the wall smoking a cigarette
I wasn’t strong enough to open my heart
A little special right from the start
Now I follow every move you make
I wanna drive you down to lovers lake
Let’s stay there and have some wine
This night I want you to be mine
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
And I would die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Girl, I’d die for you
Oh, I’d die for you
Words by Mark Lubeek & Music by Gravel Town
My heart beat’s so loud, don’t know what to do
You’re miles away, I can’t set you free
Why can’t you stay with me?
Be my friend, my luck and angel eye
When you believe, you don’t have to try
Come whisper in my ear
Say this love won’t disappear
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I, I would die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
Remember the night we’ve met
I stood against the wall smoking a cigarette
I wasn’t strong enough to open my heart
A little special right from the start
Now I follow every move you make
I wanna drive you down to lovers lake
Let’s stay there and have some wine
This night I want you to be mine
And I was looking out for a falling star so I could wish
That we could be alone and end up in an endless kiss
Cause I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
Oh I’d die for you
And I would die for you
I’d die for you
Girl I’d die for you
I’d die for you
Honey, I’d die for you
Girl, I’d die for you
Oh, I’d die for you
Words by Mark Lubeek & Music by Gravel Town
4. In This Wasted Heartland
There’s a fire on the streets
Burning slow tonight
The air is breathing loneliness
That’s getting hard to fight
Lost souls in shadows meet
Chasing broken dreams
And I don’t need to tell you
Tell you that I care
The sadness in this town
It’s getting us nowhere
It’s just that same old sigh
But this time I’ll make it right
So baby, let us leave this place tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
From this wasted heartland
This voice inside of me
Screams I’m all alone
In the backstreets of my mind
My memories drift and float
Leaving me stuck inside
But I got nothing there to hide
There are things they didn’t tell us
About the way things go
Sometimes you gotta loose
All what you’ve learned and know
So got to face myself this time
I wouldn’t know unless I try
And baby, I’m trying to bring it all back home tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
Don’t be afraid
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
And leave this wasted heartland
So look out on the streets
There is no wrong from right
Signs they tell you vacant
The arrow’s pointing blind
Ghosts behind the windows
Burning neon lights
Everything is rotten
Underneath your favorite sky
Did you ever felt the need
To run from all their lies
We’ll travel all the distances
And crawl the last few miles
No time to wonder
Baby let’s leave tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
We’ll make our way
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
I’ll be waiting
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
So come on baby
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
We’ll tell this wasted heartland
Goodbye
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
Burning slow tonight
The air is breathing loneliness
That’s getting hard to fight
Lost souls in shadows meet
Chasing broken dreams
And I don’t need to tell you
Tell you that I care
The sadness in this town
It’s getting us nowhere
It’s just that same old sigh
But this time I’ll make it right
So baby, let us leave this place tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
From this wasted heartland
This voice inside of me
Screams I’m all alone
In the backstreets of my mind
My memories drift and float
Leaving me stuck inside
But I got nothing there to hide
There are things they didn’t tell us
About the way things go
Sometimes you gotta loose
All what you’ve learned and know
So got to face myself this time
I wouldn’t know unless I try
And baby, I’m trying to bring it all back home tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
Don’t be afraid
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
And leave this wasted heartland
So look out on the streets
There is no wrong from right
Signs they tell you vacant
The arrow’s pointing blind
Ghosts behind the windows
Burning neon lights
Everything is rotten
Underneath your favorite sky
Did you ever felt the need
To run from all their lies
We’ll travel all the distances
And crawl the last few miles
No time to wonder
Baby let’s leave tonight
We can run, we can run, we can run, we can run tonight
We’ll make our way
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
I’ll be waiting
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
So come on baby
And we’ll run, and we’ll run, and we’ll run and we’ll run tonight
We’ll tell this wasted heartland
Goodbye
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
5. Driving through the Rain
Well, the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stays inside, in bed, between the sheets
Well the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
and he puts the lights way down low
Somewhere out there
Somebody starts to cry
He’s on the lucky train to love town
Where nobody lies
Too worn to worry
‘Bout the things he’d done
Hard times to be honest
Hard times to be strong
And Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Yes, he’s driving through the rain
And the moonlight’s shining
It took him by the hand
The rearview mirror shows a long road
Leaving no man’s land
Two different stories
Two separate souls
It feels like coming home when he puts
The lights way down low
Now Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Well the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stay’s inside, in bed, between the sheets
Now the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
And Johnny puts the lights way down low
Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Now, Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
Well he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
Through the empty streets
Johnny stays inside, in bed, between the sheets
Well the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
and he puts the lights way down low
Somewhere out there
Somebody starts to cry
He’s on the lucky train to love town
Where nobody lies
Too worn to worry
‘Bout the things he’d done
Hard times to be honest
Hard times to be strong
And Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Yes, he’s driving through the rain
And the moonlight’s shining
It took him by the hand
The rearview mirror shows a long road
Leaving no man’s land
Two different stories
Two separate souls
It feels like coming home when he puts
The lights way down low
Now Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Well the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stay’s inside, in bed, between the sheets
Now the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
And Johnny puts the lights way down low
Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Now, Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
Well he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
* * *
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
1. Driving through the Rain
Well, the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stays inside, in bed, between the sheets
Well the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
and he puts the lights way down low
Somewhere out there
Somebody starts to cry
He’s on the lucky train to love town
Where nobody lies
Too worn to worry
‘Bout the things he’d done
Hard times to be honest
Hard times to be strong
And Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Yes, he’s driving through the rain
And the moonlight’s shining
It took him by the hand
The rearview mirror shows a long road
Leaving no man’s land
Two different stories
Two separate souls
It feels like coming home when he puts
The lights way down low
Now Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Well the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stay’s inside, in bed, between the sheets
Now the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
And Johnny puts the lights way down low
Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Now, Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
Well he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
Through the empty streets
Johnny stays inside, in bed, between the sheets
Well the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
and he puts the lights way down low
Somewhere out there
Somebody starts to cry
He’s on the lucky train to love town
Where nobody lies
Too worn to worry
‘Bout the things he’d done
Hard times to be honest
Hard times to be strong
And Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Yes, he’s driving through the rain
And the moonlight’s shining
It took him by the hand
The rearview mirror shows a long road
Leaving no man’s land
Two different stories
Two separate souls
It feels like coming home when he puts
The lights way down low
Now Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Well the cold wind’s blowing
Through the empty streets
Johnny stay’s inside, in bed, between the sheets
Now the blue rain’s falling
Down where no one will go
This house is empty now
And Johnny puts the lights way down low
Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
And he’s driving through the rain
Now, Johnny ran away
Off to a better land
Searching for a place where the folks will understand
He made a mess and left someone with pain
Now he’s trying to get back home
Well he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Oh yes, he’s driving through the rain
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
* * *
2015 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
1. Cold September Day - Live
A line of cars pulled up
A cold September day
Family members gathered
That Tuesday morning gray
A small group of people
He wanted it that way
Silence filled the room
A song fades away
He sang of the blues
The stories of live
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their love, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
Now she recalls the times
He was away
Remembered all the phone calls
From motels, late
How he traveled cross country
To play ten times a week
And maybe he drank to much too
It’s the hard life he needed
To sang of the blues
The stories of life
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their dreams, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
That Tuesday morning
The music fades
She stands alone
Besides his grave
And she still believes in him
Even though he’s gone away
One last goodbye
On a cold September day
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
A cold September day
Family members gathered
That Tuesday morning gray
A small group of people
He wanted it that way
Silence filled the room
A song fades away
He sang of the blues
The stories of live
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their love, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
Now she recalls the times
He was away
Remembered all the phone calls
From motels, late
How he traveled cross country
To play ten times a week
And maybe he drank to much too
It’s the hard life he needed
To sang of the blues
The stories of life
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their dreams, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
That Tuesday morning
The music fades
She stands alone
Besides his grave
And she still believes in him
Even though he’s gone away
One last goodbye
On a cold September day
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
2. Room with a View - Live
I’ve got a room with a view
Sometimes it turns black
And I need to go outside
Something’s holding me back
And there’s only one door
So there ain’t no compromise
And when it shuts
It just closes my eyes
And there’s only one window
With a crack at the left
The smoke of my cigarette
Shows there’s a draft
Now in my room with a view
The walls are bare
Fading whites
The shades handle with care
And the words that are spoken
Are spoken sincere
They reflect on the walls
So they never leave here
And the ceiling is high
Sometimes it’s not even there
Then I look at the sky
All the stars that appear
And there is no obligation
In what I should do
Look all the beauty that’s changing
In my room with a view
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Sometimes it turns black
And I need to go outside
Something’s holding me back
And there’s only one door
So there ain’t no compromise
And when it shuts
It just closes my eyes
And there’s only one window
With a crack at the left
The smoke of my cigarette
Shows there’s a draft
Now in my room with a view
The walls are bare
Fading whites
The shades handle with care
And the words that are spoken
Are spoken sincere
They reflect on the walls
So they never leave here
And the ceiling is high
Sometimes it’s not even there
Then I look at the sky
All the stars that appear
And there is no obligation
In what I should do
Look all the beauty that’s changing
In my room with a view
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
3. From Grace - Live
I saw the sun rise so quietly
Like a gift the morning came to me
When I awoke, a dream there stayed with me
I felt the world, soft and peacefully
Once I was hurt I froze up from inside
I tried to run, thought I should hide from me
I sought revenge and fought the bitter tears
Believes there folded, but I was blind to see
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I heard a lie, the one that you told me
It set you free, false words then guided me
I wrote a song, you know the one I sung
How I don’t understand love could be wrong
I changed my name
I guess I lost all faith
I got confused
Tired of the weight
I felt the pain and acted carelessly
Thoughts so bright, illuminated me
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I saw the sun rise so quietly
The morning came to me
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Like a gift the morning came to me
When I awoke, a dream there stayed with me
I felt the world, soft and peacefully
Once I was hurt I froze up from inside
I tried to run, thought I should hide from me
I sought revenge and fought the bitter tears
Believes there folded, but I was blind to see
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I heard a lie, the one that you told me
It set you free, false words then guided me
I wrote a song, you know the one I sung
How I don’t understand love could be wrong
I changed my name
I guess I lost all faith
I got confused
Tired of the weight
I felt the pain and acted carelessly
Thoughts so bright, illuminated me
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I saw the sun rise so quietly
The morning came to me
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
4. Middletown Avenue - Live
The April wind blows through the city
It’s cold outside and I don’t hear a single sound
Everywhere I look, I see your eyes, so pretty
Shining through the darkness of this town
I’m trying so hard girl, to forget you
I just can’t change what’s written in my soul
When I hear your steps on that old avenue
My heartbeat is getting stronger and I’m losing self control
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
When I feel your body close behind me
I won’t turn around but I try to sneak away
I’m tired of living some secret
When you’re out there
I just don’t know what to say
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
At sunset my body starts to shiver
I hang on to my dream I’m feeling strong
Sailing your ocean, following our private river
Two secret flames in town just can’t be wrong
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
It’s cold outside and I don’t hear a single sound
Everywhere I look, I see your eyes, so pretty
Shining through the darkness of this town
I’m trying so hard girl, to forget you
I just can’t change what’s written in my soul
When I hear your steps on that old avenue
My heartbeat is getting stronger and I’m losing self control
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
When I feel your body close behind me
I won’t turn around but I try to sneak away
I’m tired of living some secret
When you’re out there
I just don’t know what to say
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
At sunset my body starts to shiver
I hang on to my dream I’m feeling strong
Sailing your ocean, following our private river
Two secret flames in town just can’t be wrong
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
5. Sleep in Church - Live
I left my home when I was young
There was no place for me
A restless soul born into this life
I figured I had to leave
In cheap motels and cold, cold barns
My bed was made in dirt
For once I found my heavenly home
Tonight, I sleep in church
Yesterday, I left my wife and kid
There was no more place for me
The dog walked me down the streets of our town
I guess he figured he had to leave, too
I took the train, I traveled light
I saw this country hurt
I think God takes pity on a guy like me
‘Cause tonight, I sleep in church
Tonight, I sleep in church
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
There was no place for me
A restless soul born into this life
I figured I had to leave
In cheap motels and cold, cold barns
My bed was made in dirt
For once I found my heavenly home
Tonight, I sleep in church
Yesterday, I left my wife and kid
There was no more place for me
The dog walked me down the streets of our town
I guess he figured he had to leave, too
I took the train, I traveled light
I saw this country hurt
I think God takes pity on a guy like me
‘Cause tonight, I sleep in church
Tonight, I sleep in church
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
* * *
2014 FYIFY! Records & Publishing
www.graveltown.com
1. From Grace
I saw the sun rise so quietly
Like a gift the morning came to me
When I awoke, a dream there stayed with me
I felt the world, soft and peacefully
Once I was hurt I froze up from inside
I tried to run, thought I should hide from me
I sought revenge and fought the bitter tears
Believes there folded, but I was blind to see
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I heard a lie, the one that you told me
It set you free, false words then guided me
I wrote a song, you know the one I sung
How I don’t understand love could be wrong
I changed my name
I guess I lost all faith
I got confused
Tired of the weight
I felt the pain and acted carelessly
Thoughts so bright, illuminated me
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I saw the sun rise so quietly
The morning came to me
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Like a gift the morning came to me
When I awoke, a dream there stayed with me
I felt the world, soft and peacefully
Once I was hurt I froze up from inside
I tried to run, thought I should hide from me
I sought revenge and fought the bitter tears
Believes there folded, but I was blind to see
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I heard a lie, the one that you told me
It set you free, false words then guided me
I wrote a song, you know the one I sung
How I don’t understand love could be wrong
I changed my name
I guess I lost all faith
I got confused
Tired of the weight
I felt the pain and acted carelessly
Thoughts so bright, illuminated me
But I know there’s something left to say
And I hope we’ll dream another day
Where I believe you won’t see me fall
From grace
I saw the sun rise so quietly
The morning came to me
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
2. Cradle of Joy, no. 2
From your hands it was made
From the shackles of faith
From the fire it was drawn
Since the day you were born
But now the heat’s rising, a Devil’s pace
Look over yonder, a mournful day
Tell me son, what will they do
Sing another poor boy’s blues
So arise, arise, sorrow just came to Paradise
Awake, awake, to arise, arise
Turn your head to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
When you fired that gun
What did it made you become?
Send him five little shells
A message straight from Hell
But did you ever hear her cry?
That little girl by her mother’s side
Five roses, they lay down
Dead flowers only grow in your hometown
So arise, arise, trouble just came to Paradise
Too late, too late, so arise, arise
Raise your arms to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
Then the Heavens proclaimed
What should be his fate?
What’d best fit his crime
But the curse of guilty mind?
Now the heat’s rising, what’s that sound?
A city’s on fire, screaming loud
Better believe, it won’t be long
They will praise your favorite song
So arise, arise, let justice live in Paradise
Keep faith, keep faith, and arise, arise
Haven’t you heard, now it’s time
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad, sad day
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
From the shackles of faith
From the fire it was drawn
Since the day you were born
But now the heat’s rising, a Devil’s pace
Look over yonder, a mournful day
Tell me son, what will they do
Sing another poor boy’s blues
So arise, arise, sorrow just came to Paradise
Awake, awake, to arise, arise
Turn your head to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
When you fired that gun
What did it made you become?
Send him five little shells
A message straight from Hell
But did you ever hear her cry?
That little girl by her mother’s side
Five roses, they lay down
Dead flowers only grow in your hometown
So arise, arise, trouble just came to Paradise
Too late, too late, so arise, arise
Raise your arms to a blood red sky
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad day
Then the Heavens proclaimed
What should be his fate?
What’d best fit his crime
But the curse of guilty mind?
Now the heat’s rising, what’s that sound?
A city’s on fire, screaming loud
Better believe, it won’t be long
They will praise your favorite song
So arise, arise, let justice live in Paradise
Keep faith, keep faith, and arise, arise
Haven’t you heard, now it’s time
And pray, just pray, in your cradle of joy
Is born a sad, sad day
Words by Michel Ebben & Music by Gravel Town
3. Cold September Day
A line of cars pulled up
A cold September day
Family members gathered
That Tuesday morning gray
A small group of people
He wanted it that way
Silence filled the room
A song fades away
He sang of the blues
The stories of live
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their love, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
Now she recalls the times
He was away
Remembered all the phone calls
From motels, late
How he traveled cross country
To play ten times a week
And maybe he drank to much too
It’s the hard life he needed
To sang of the blues
The stories of life
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their dreams, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
That Tuesday morning
The music fades
She stands alone
Besides his grave
And she still believes in him
Even though he’s gone away
One last goodbye
On a cold September day
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
A cold September day
Family members gathered
That Tuesday morning gray
A small group of people
He wanted it that way
Silence filled the room
A song fades away
He sang of the blues
The stories of live
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their love, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
Now she recalls the times
He was away
Remembered all the phone calls
From motels, late
How he traveled cross country
To play ten times a week
And maybe he drank to much too
It’s the hard life he needed
To sang of the blues
The stories of life
Hopes, believes
A love in vain
Common people
Their dreams, their fears
How they sometimes fade away
On a cold September day
That Tuesday morning
The music fades
She stands alone
Besides his grave
And she still believes in him
Even though he’s gone away
One last goodbye
On a cold September day
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
4. Room with a View
I’ve got a room with a view
Sometimes it turns black
And I need to go outside
Something’s holding me back
And there’s only one door
So there ain’t no compromise
And when it shuts
It just closes my eyes
And there’s only one window
With a crack at the left
The smoke of my cigarette
Shows there’s a draft
Now in my room with a view
The walls are bare
Fading whites
The shades handle with care
And the words that are spoken
Are spoken sincere
They reflect on the walls
So they never leave here
And the ceiling is high
Sometimes it’s not even there
Then I look at the sky
All the stars that appear
And there is no obligation
In what I should do
Look all the beauty that’s changing
In my room with a view
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Sometimes it turns black
And I need to go outside
Something’s holding me back
And there’s only one door
So there ain’t no compromise
And when it shuts
It just closes my eyes
And there’s only one window
With a crack at the left
The smoke of my cigarette
Shows there’s a draft
Now in my room with a view
The walls are bare
Fading whites
The shades handle with care
And the words that are spoken
Are spoken sincere
They reflect on the walls
So they never leave here
And the ceiling is high
Sometimes it’s not even there
Then I look at the sky
All the stars that appear
And there is no obligation
In what I should do
Look all the beauty that’s changing
In my room with a view
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
5. Ghost of Modern Times
You hear the spoken fear of ages
Just a cold whisper through the trees
Hear that tired voice of rage
Oh, what is understood cannot be free
He turned his back to any consolation
His name pronounced was merely done
And once he wrote his own Revelation
Now what has yet to come is already gone
But don’t speak, and don’t ask why
No one can explain, or just won’t try
It’s like a steady rhythm against the tide
He’s the Ghost of modern times
What made him bitter made him wise
The Ghost of modern times
He’s the curse of yesteryear’s existence
Carries the burden of the beast
He’s that misunderstood religion
Now get ready for his feast
He’ll buy your soul to trade it for oppression
Dwells in the caves of remorse and earthly remains
A darkened face on which you see no expression
You better watch out he knows your name
So don’t speak and don’t ask why
It seems that no one ever found it worth trying
The loss of innocence made him wise
He’s the Ghost of modern times
Just the shadow of our crimes
The Ghost of modern times
So hear the spoken words of ages
Just a cold breeze through the trees
Hear that howling voice of rage
Oh, what is understood cannot be free
Oh, what is understood cannot be free
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Just a cold whisper through the trees
Hear that tired voice of rage
Oh, what is understood cannot be free
He turned his back to any consolation
His name pronounced was merely done
And once he wrote his own Revelation
Now what has yet to come is already gone
But don’t speak, and don’t ask why
No one can explain, or just won’t try
It’s like a steady rhythm against the tide
He’s the Ghost of modern times
What made him bitter made him wise
The Ghost of modern times
He’s the curse of yesteryear’s existence
Carries the burden of the beast
He’s that misunderstood religion
Now get ready for his feast
He’ll buy your soul to trade it for oppression
Dwells in the caves of remorse and earthly remains
A darkened face on which you see no expression
You better watch out he knows your name
So don’t speak and don’t ask why
It seems that no one ever found it worth trying
The loss of innocence made him wise
He’s the Ghost of modern times
Just the shadow of our crimes
The Ghost of modern times
So hear the spoken words of ages
Just a cold breeze through the trees
Hear that howling voice of rage
Oh, what is understood cannot be free
Oh, what is understood cannot be free
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
6. Middletown Avenue
The April wind blows through the city
It’s cold outside and I don’t hear a single sound
Everywhere I look, I see your eyes, so pretty
Shining through the darkness of this town
I’m trying so hard girl, to forget you
I just can’t change what’s written in my soul
When I hear your steps on that old avenue
My heartbeat is getting stronger and I’m losing self control
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
When I feel your body close behind me
I won’t turn around but I try to sneak away
I’m tired of living some secret
When you’re out there
I just don’t know what to say
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
At sunset my body starts to shiver
I hang on to my dream I’m feeling strong
Sailing your ocean, following our private river
Two secret flames in town just can’t be wrong
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
It’s cold outside and I don’t hear a single sound
Everywhere I look, I see your eyes, so pretty
Shining through the darkness of this town
I’m trying so hard girl, to forget you
I just can’t change what’s written in my soul
When I hear your steps on that old avenue
My heartbeat is getting stronger and I’m losing self control
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
When I feel your body close behind me
I won’t turn around but I try to sneak away
I’m tired of living some secret
When you’re out there
I just don’t know what to say
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
At sunset my body starts to shiver
I hang on to my dream I’m feeling strong
Sailing your ocean, following our private river
Two secret flames in town just can’t be wrong
Tell me what can I do
Can’t change the way I feel
On Middletown Avenue
Tell me what can I do
When I see you walking down
On Middletown Avenue
Words & Music by Mark Lubeek
7. New Best Friend
There is no end and no beginning
No time and space that’s left for us to win
On sacred ground, is what we’re feeling
A one time passion so revealing
Lasting love with God’s consent
You’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
There is no hurt in what we’re saying
No better truth to which we should pray
To understand our world we’re free
Together in the same believes
Faithful admiration stands
And you’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
You knew the words that made me sad
How you understood the pain that I used to have
No higher skies for us to climb
Like flowers growing so entwined
Differences could not pretend
That you’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
And should we ever fall apart
Well, there’s memories enough to fill my heart
In bygone days so safe and warm
A former glory’s left unharmed
Someday we will meet again
Then you’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
With our souls entangled, still we’re free
And you’ll always be a new best friend to me
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
No time and space that’s left for us to win
On sacred ground, is what we’re feeling
A one time passion so revealing
Lasting love with God’s consent
You’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
There is no hurt in what we’re saying
No better truth to which we should pray
To understand our world we’re free
Together in the same believes
Faithful admiration stands
And you’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
You knew the words that made me sad
How you understood the pain that I used to have
No higher skies for us to climb
Like flowers growing so entwined
Differences could not pretend
That you’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
And should we ever fall apart
Well, there’s memories enough to fill my heart
In bygone days so safe and warm
A former glory’s left unharmed
Someday we will meet again
Then you’ll always be my new best friend
You’ll always be my new best friend
With our souls entangled, still we’re free
And you’ll always be a new best friend to me
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
8. Hold on for Your Love
The streets are all empty, the network’s deveined
Buildings walled up, electricity drained
Shots in the square where they mowed them all down
River runs red from the center of town
I worked for my daddy, as he worked for his paw
‘Til they came from the city and took what they saw
We rented back land and worked what we could
But they built it and stripped it ‘til it wasn’t no good
And I know I, yes I know I
Gotta hold on, hold on for your love
Out in the woods my old truck is on fire
Oh, I’m burning the last drops of my enormous desire
There’s men eating men, there’s no time for crying
Well I’m tired of the blood and I’m sick of the dying
And I know I, yes I know I
Gotta hold on, hold on for your love
Burn down the cabin and put out the stars
Tear up the fields and leave everything scarred
I’ve been here before and I don’t know this place
I’ve been here with you but I can’t see your face
And I know I, yes I know I
I gotta hold on, hold on for your love
I gotta hold on, hold on for your love
Words & Music by John Hiatt
Buildings walled up, electricity drained
Shots in the square where they mowed them all down
River runs red from the center of town
I worked for my daddy, as he worked for his paw
‘Til they came from the city and took what they saw
We rented back land and worked what we could
But they built it and stripped it ‘til it wasn’t no good
And I know I, yes I know I
Gotta hold on, hold on for your love
Out in the woods my old truck is on fire
Oh, I’m burning the last drops of my enormous desire
There’s men eating men, there’s no time for crying
Well I’m tired of the blood and I’m sick of the dying
And I know I, yes I know I
Gotta hold on, hold on for your love
Burn down the cabin and put out the stars
Tear up the fields and leave everything scarred
I’ve been here before and I don’t know this place
I’ve been here with you but I can’t see your face
And I know I, yes I know I
I gotta hold on, hold on for your love
I gotta hold on, hold on for your love
Words & Music by John Hiatt
9. Sleep in Church
I left my home when I was young
There was no place for me
A restless soul born into this life
I figured I had to leave
In cheap motels and cold, cold barns
My bed was made in dirt
For once I found my heavenly home
Tonight, I sleep in church
Yesterday, I left my wife and kid
There was no more place for me
The dog walked me down the streets of our town
I guess he figured he had to leave, too
I took the train, I traveled light
I saw this country hurt
I think God takes pity on a guy like me
‘Cause tonight, I sleep in church
Tonight, I sleep in church
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
There was no place for me
A restless soul born into this life
I figured I had to leave
In cheap motels and cold, cold barns
My bed was made in dirt
For once I found my heavenly home
Tonight, I sleep in church
Yesterday, I left my wife and kid
There was no more place for me
The dog walked me down the streets of our town
I guess he figured he had to leave, too
I took the train, I traveled light
I saw this country hurt
I think God takes pity on a guy like me
‘Cause tonight, I sleep in church
Tonight, I sleep in church
Words & Music by Martijn Ebben & Michel Ebben
10. For the Love of Marie
She, knows I can cry
Sometimes she knows why
And says it’s alright
She, prefers not to see
Things that I need
She tries not to care
And I, I’m falling behind
She doesn’t mind
She’s there to catch me
I, I’m not that strong
And I know I belong
In the palm of her hand
We dream of the sea, she’s there with me
And kisses the shore
We fall to the sand and she can’t pretend
Pictures we draw
And I, I hope she is free
For the love of Marie
I leave her behind
She, knows I can lie
Cause I want to hide
Some memories there
And she, she’s lonely I know
Ah, she won’t show
But I can tell by her smile
And I got these voices within
They carry my sins
How often they’re there
But I, most of my time
I’m happy you’ll find
And sometimes I’m sad
We walk on the sand, she’s touching my hand
Under azure blue skies
But we travel apart, sometimes it’s hard
All the freedom we try to find
And we lie on the shore, making love
that cries more, lasting and wild
And I, I hope she is free
For the love of Marie
I leave her behind, with a love that is free
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
Sometimes she knows why
And says it’s alright
She, prefers not to see
Things that I need
She tries not to care
And I, I’m falling behind
She doesn’t mind
She’s there to catch me
I, I’m not that strong
And I know I belong
In the palm of her hand
We dream of the sea, she’s there with me
And kisses the shore
We fall to the sand and she can’t pretend
Pictures we draw
And I, I hope she is free
For the love of Marie
I leave her behind
She, knows I can lie
Cause I want to hide
Some memories there
And she, she’s lonely I know
Ah, she won’t show
But I can tell by her smile
And I got these voices within
They carry my sins
How often they’re there
But I, most of my time
I’m happy you’ll find
And sometimes I’m sad
We walk on the sand, she’s touching my hand
Under azure blue skies
But we travel apart, sometimes it’s hard
All the freedom we try to find
And we lie on the shore, making love
that cries more, lasting and wild
And I, I hope she is free
For the love of Marie
I leave her behind, with a love that is free
Words & Music by Michel Ebben
* * *
Stories & Poems
Next to writing songs, Michel also writes the occasional poem. Below you'll find various poems and short stories, some were written while he was traveling through the US.
San Francisco Poems & Other Stories
Unpublished
Up to Coit Tower
Once
I climbed the stairs all the way up to Coit Tower
On a late Sunday afternoon
Up on Telegraph Hill the air was clear and frisk
The sky first blue, turned solid golden
Couples watched
in excitement and surprised
Because you could see for miles
Down to the Bay below
And into a clear, warm sky
Which was exceptional for San Francisco
And for the time of year
And the streets were empty
Or so it looked
A city in silence
Overtook
The minds of
Spectators
Up on Telegraph hill
And the Golden Gate Bridge
For once bathed in Golden light
As I left the sun sank
Fiery and almost red
As if it wanted to make sure
That I would always remember
and never forget
The quiet, the silence, sacred
Of such a wondrous site
Of a city, a bridge and Golden light
Of a last ship sailing
Off...
Into the depths of the San Francisco night
Words by Michel Ebben
I climbed the stairs all the way up to Coit Tower
On a late Sunday afternoon
Up on Telegraph Hill the air was clear and frisk
The sky first blue, turned solid golden
Couples watched
in excitement and surprised
Because you could see for miles
Down to the Bay below
And into a clear, warm sky
Which was exceptional for San Francisco
And for the time of year
And the streets were empty
Or so it looked
A city in silence
Overtook
The minds of
Spectators
Up on Telegraph hill
And the Golden Gate Bridge
For once bathed in Golden light
As I left the sun sank
Fiery and almost red
As if it wanted to make sure
That I would always remember
and never forget
The quiet, the silence, sacred
Of such a wondrous site
Of a city, a bridge and Golden light
Of a last ship sailing
Off...
Into the depths of the San Francisco night
Words by Michel Ebben
A Chinese funeral on Columbus & Grant Avenue
A Chinese funeral on Columbus & Grant avenue
Three men taking deep bows three times
A marching band plays a dirge unnoticed
And for my eyes hidden
This sunday morning half past ten
I opened my eyes and I awoke
With the sound of horns blowing
What's that sound?
A last and worthy farewell?
I looked out of my hotel window into
A blue morning sky with it's colors not really warm and deep yet
And it supported a soft wind
Which in her turn carried the music
Ritual sounds for the deceased
Two Policemen stood relaxed
Beside their motorcycles
There for holding back traffic
And everyone else
Before the long, black car drove away
The three men threw small, white pieces of paper
Simultaneously in the air
"Funeral" cried the windshield
And when all the cars had past
Only the small, white pieces of paper
Remained
And slowly, one at a time
They were carried away in de mild morning breeze
Disappearing into everyday's routines
And with them
Also faded
The echoing farewell
Of the marching band's song
A Chinese funeral on Columbus & Grant Avenue
Until the next one
Daily life continues
It's usual and common ways
Words by Michel Ebben
Three men taking deep bows three times
A marching band plays a dirge unnoticed
And for my eyes hidden
This sunday morning half past ten
I opened my eyes and I awoke
With the sound of horns blowing
What's that sound?
A last and worthy farewell?
I looked out of my hotel window into
A blue morning sky with it's colors not really warm and deep yet
And it supported a soft wind
Which in her turn carried the music
Ritual sounds for the deceased
Two Policemen stood relaxed
Beside their motorcycles
There for holding back traffic
And everyone else
Before the long, black car drove away
The three men threw small, white pieces of paper
Simultaneously in the air
"Funeral" cried the windshield
And when all the cars had past
Only the small, white pieces of paper
Remained
And slowly, one at a time
They were carried away in de mild morning breeze
Disappearing into everyday's routines
And with them
Also faded
The echoing farewell
Of the marching band's song
A Chinese funeral on Columbus & Grant Avenue
Until the next one
Daily life continues
It's usual and common ways
Words by Michel Ebben
For John
Not as aforementioned but I only thought
About how I should seize to speak
But I guess I won't
I'm kinda hardheaded when it comes down to such things
I got a few questions, that seek for an answer, even, I fear, if there aren't any
Ferocious you would lash out
To all those dumb-assed, anti-American hippies
Who walked the streets lighthearted
Or in hatred and not willing to understand
Who don't see the beauty, the scenery ever changing
Who are numb to criticize, anonymously hypnotized rephrasing
Without giving any answers
But it's so goddamn easy to speak
Without saying a thing
And that, even they will admit
You did John
You did
Who claimed to be Beat themselves
And understand you or / and what it's all about
Heard you were leaping from one bar to another
Drinking too hard, but you're finally on your own
Are you happy nów, I wonder
Are you happy now, John?
They haven't seen the road, John
Those fucked up dope headed teens
They didn't do the hard traveling themselves
Or even wished they had
I don't think they ever could last
For just one minute out there
And they don't care
To see or have
No tremorous, earthshaking experience
No landscape too overwhelming, too frightening
No jumping freight trains, or hitchhiking
No greyhound busses, or cars
No two dime-hookers or strippers
No gypsies telling fortunes, or bums
I heard it's all in the books nowadays John
And tell me
Did you have something to do with that?
How come?
That fucking thing blew your mind, didn't it John?
You saw it coming or did you just close your eyes?
Finally you admit you gave up?
Or are you stubborn still
You became an old foolish drunk man at the end of your days
Talking jibberish to anyone who you'd think cared to listen
But they didn't, they were ashamed of you
And they just turned away
Idolized you and gave you an iconic status
But only cared for your name
I think for one it's by choice
You stopped pretending
You were through with that game
I think you knew somehow John
You knew
And I think it's a lie, I know it's a sin
It's blasphemy all over again
But that's what people do
Now, in the future
And probably even back then
And you hated what they did to you
But you did that yourself
I wonder if we're even gonna like each other
Should we finally meet
In this endless repetition
Of events of life, when it finally ends
And the world outside got faster
Man it sure changed a lot
The place got more hollow
Or so it even seems to me
But you didn't change, you just became a stranger
To all and everything, you did
How come, John
How come?
And I won't say goodbye
You're in my heart a lot of the times
No I won't say goodbye. I'll just say so long
I'll see you around, John, but until then, so long
I read you felt battered and taunted and mentally bruised
They didn't understand, John, they didn't had those kinda blues
How you forsaken meaning, for the sake of the words and the song
Jazz doesn't come down spontaneously, you gotta look for the clues
It's all about rhyme, about rhythm, a diction so strong
About the freedom to write about a world forlorn
A language done justice like nobody could
And you gave them the truth
But they refused to listen, how they misunderstood
They didn't see the meaning, they didn't hear, it's all about how it looks
It's the outside that counts, nowadays indeed John
And it's a world gone crazy man, that's just how it looks...
Are you happy now John, where ever you are
I wonder are you happy now, or did you turn crazy?
Well, I think you knew, man, don't say you didn't
You saw it coming, this world gone wrong
Did you see it coming John?
Lately, I've been having trouble sleeping again, John
I guess it's that difference in time that differs things
I dreamed last night I killed the one who was called King
And with that one deed I killed the whole sense of society
And they hated me, prosecuted me or something
Or at least they tried, but I got away
I heard they got themselves a new King now
So let's have a drink on that, John
Here's to you
Words by Michel Ebben
About how I should seize to speak
But I guess I won't
I'm kinda hardheaded when it comes down to such things
I got a few questions, that seek for an answer, even, I fear, if there aren't any
Ferocious you would lash out
To all those dumb-assed, anti-American hippies
Who walked the streets lighthearted
Or in hatred and not willing to understand
Who don't see the beauty, the scenery ever changing
Who are numb to criticize, anonymously hypnotized rephrasing
Without giving any answers
But it's so goddamn easy to speak
Without saying a thing
And that, even they will admit
You did John
You did
Who claimed to be Beat themselves
And understand you or / and what it's all about
Heard you were leaping from one bar to another
Drinking too hard, but you're finally on your own
Are you happy nów, I wonder
Are you happy now, John?
They haven't seen the road, John
Those fucked up dope headed teens
They didn't do the hard traveling themselves
Or even wished they had
I don't think they ever could last
For just one minute out there
And they don't care
To see or have
No tremorous, earthshaking experience
No landscape too overwhelming, too frightening
No jumping freight trains, or hitchhiking
No greyhound busses, or cars
No two dime-hookers or strippers
No gypsies telling fortunes, or bums
I heard it's all in the books nowadays John
And tell me
Did you have something to do with that?
How come?
That fucking thing blew your mind, didn't it John?
You saw it coming or did you just close your eyes?
Finally you admit you gave up?
Or are you stubborn still
You became an old foolish drunk man at the end of your days
Talking jibberish to anyone who you'd think cared to listen
But they didn't, they were ashamed of you
And they just turned away
Idolized you and gave you an iconic status
But only cared for your name
I think for one it's by choice
You stopped pretending
You were through with that game
I think you knew somehow John
You knew
And I think it's a lie, I know it's a sin
It's blasphemy all over again
But that's what people do
Now, in the future
And probably even back then
And you hated what they did to you
But you did that yourself
I wonder if we're even gonna like each other
Should we finally meet
In this endless repetition
Of events of life, when it finally ends
And the world outside got faster
Man it sure changed a lot
The place got more hollow
Or so it even seems to me
But you didn't change, you just became a stranger
To all and everything, you did
How come, John
How come?
And I won't say goodbye
You're in my heart a lot of the times
No I won't say goodbye. I'll just say so long
I'll see you around, John, but until then, so long
I read you felt battered and taunted and mentally bruised
They didn't understand, John, they didn't had those kinda blues
How you forsaken meaning, for the sake of the words and the song
Jazz doesn't come down spontaneously, you gotta look for the clues
It's all about rhyme, about rhythm, a diction so strong
About the freedom to write about a world forlorn
A language done justice like nobody could
And you gave them the truth
But they refused to listen, how they misunderstood
They didn't see the meaning, they didn't hear, it's all about how it looks
It's the outside that counts, nowadays indeed John
And it's a world gone crazy man, that's just how it looks...
Are you happy now John, where ever you are
I wonder are you happy now, or did you turn crazy?
Well, I think you knew, man, don't say you didn't
You saw it coming, this world gone wrong
Did you see it coming John?
Lately, I've been having trouble sleeping again, John
I guess it's that difference in time that differs things
I dreamed last night I killed the one who was called King
And with that one deed I killed the whole sense of society
And they hated me, prosecuted me or something
Or at least they tried, but I got away
I heard they got themselves a new King now
So let's have a drink on that, John
Here's to you
Words by Michel Ebben
I remember Will Monahue
So…
I'm gonna write you a dream
Gonna dream you a song
Gonna sing you a play
In which you belong
Gonna play you a tune
Gonna tune you to words
Gonna tell all the minutes
Till I see you again
When will I see you again?
I will give up my heart
I will sell it out
I won't let it break free
I won't let it scream out loud
Gonna tell you a story
About how I feel
So much to say
Can't believe that it's real
I will miss you
Will miss you
Miss you
You
I already do
I
Do
Gonna give up on my answers
Gonna uncover my pride
Till there is nothing left
But only
To
Write
You
About beauty
The beauty of you
The story that will never finish
A tale without end
A perpetual mobile
Finish it
Cause
I
Never
Will
… Your message finally came across
You were let loose in the hallway, kinda feeling lost
I think you could've made it in time
But you just didn't care about that
Words by Michel Ebben
I'm gonna write you a dream
Gonna dream you a song
Gonna sing you a play
In which you belong
Gonna play you a tune
Gonna tune you to words
Gonna tell all the minutes
Till I see you again
When will I see you again?
I will give up my heart
I will sell it out
I won't let it break free
I won't let it scream out loud
Gonna tell you a story
About how I feel
So much to say
Can't believe that it's real
I will miss you
Will miss you
Miss you
You
I already do
I
Do
Gonna give up on my answers
Gonna uncover my pride
Till there is nothing left
But only
To
Write
You
About beauty
The beauty of you
The story that will never finish
A tale without end
A perpetual mobile
Finish it
Cause
I
Never
Will
… Your message finally came across
You were let loose in the hallway, kinda feeling lost
I think you could've made it in time
But you just didn't care about that
Words by Michel Ebben
Haunted souls (abbrevations of the mind, part I)
Here we are, a status quo, in silence and reverence
Both daring not to speak
It's better to accompany our thoughts
With a solemn expression
Both marveling at the distance that's there
Before our eyes
Feeling the urge to say what really matters
Barely touching our lips
Like haunted souls
Wanting to burst out, but
Both our hearts do not have the courage
To speak up
So words screaming out loud within
Fall
Just to become mere abbrevations of the mind
In the end even the last vowel
Becomes lost
In the darkness
Of what once needed to be said
But maybe eventually
We'll realize that silence
Equaled every word that never has been said
So raise your glass
Here's to silence
Words by Michel Ebben
Both daring not to speak
It's better to accompany our thoughts
With a solemn expression
Both marveling at the distance that's there
Before our eyes
Feeling the urge to say what really matters
Barely touching our lips
Like haunted souls
Wanting to burst out, but
Both our hearts do not have the courage
To speak up
So words screaming out loud within
Fall
Just to become mere abbrevations of the mind
In the end even the last vowel
Becomes lost
In the darkness
Of what once needed to be said
But maybe eventually
We'll realize that silence
Equaled every word that never has been said
So raise your glass
Here's to silence
Words by Michel Ebben
Where to purchase
You can buy Michel's music online at:
You can buy Michel's music online at:
* *
Upcoming shows
Find out where Michel is playing near you!
May 21, 2019 | 8.00 pm
Countdown Café (radio)
Q-factory
Amsterdam | NL
Michel Ebben, Lars Bygdén
May 23, 2019 | 8.00 pm
Puur Wit
Witte kerkje
Terheijden | NL
Michel Ebben, Lars Bygdén
May 24, 2019 | 8.30 pm
't Toogenblik
Brussels | BE
Michel Ebben, Lars Bygdén
May 25, 2019 | 8.30 pm
Rietveld Theater
Delft | NL
Michel Ebben, Lars Bygdén & Yurith
May 26, 2019 | 1.30 pm
Waalse kerk
Rotterdam | NL
Michel Ebben, Lars Bygdén & Yurith
ⓒ michelebben.com 2019