Balladry & Soliloquy, by Brian Woodbury

Balladry & Soliloquy

by Brian Woodbury

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Anthems & Antithets Volumes 1-4, on 4 CDs, 88 songs, 5 hours of music, in a handsome slipcase. Includes a full-color make-it-yourself insert that turns into a ten-side art object - a pentagonal trapezohedron whatnot! Also includes downloads of all 4 volumes, with pdfs of the lyrics and art for each volume. Digital download codes for each volume will be emailed within 3 days of purchase.

Includes unlimited streaming of Balladry & Soliloquy via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.	By Way of Introduction 02:14	lyrics	buy track
R E F R A I N My story is my own Your story is your own My story is my own Your story is your own V E R S E Truth be told If I may be so bold Everybody knows That’s not how it goes I N S T R U M E N T A L R E F R A I N C H O R U S Maybe I should leave this here By way of introduction To stoke your curiosity And rile up your wonder Maybe I should tell the truth And see if you believe me Or tell a lie and change your life We’ll both be none the wiser Maybe I should bare my soul So much that you can’t take it Or share what’s so atypical It binds you to the cosmos Why do I think that you’d even bother to Try? I guess that we’ll both have to find out how R E F R A I N My story is your own Your story is my own My story is your own Your story is my own
2.	All Right 02:55	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 Sweethearts Out o' school Seventeen A pair o’ happy fools Goin’ out Six months Kissin’ alot Second base just once Hot night Soft breeze Snugglin’ under some willows trees Thunder crash Hold on tight P R E C H O R U S 1 He’s finally workin’ up the nerve to say Hey, baby, do you wanna go all the way? And she goes C H O R U S 1 All right All right All right A couple young hearts just beatin’ for a big night All right All right All right Catch a little lightnin’ under the moonlight Catch a little lightnin’ under the moonlight V E R S E 2 Start slow With a hush Time stops Oh, what a rush Deep breath Let go Intertwined In the afterglow Wake up Sunrise Hurry home thinkin’ up alibis Goodnight kiss in the mornin’ light P R E C H O R U S 2 They can barely take their eyes away Then they’re soarin’ off into a whole new day And he goes C H O R U S 2 All right All right All right A couple young hearts still beatin’ from a big night All right All right All right Caught a little lightnin’ under the moonlight Caught a little lightnin’ under the moonlight B R I D G E They’ll head their separate ways, come September But out of that first night they spent together They’ll keep that spark forever I N S T R U M E N T A L C H O R U S 3 All right All right All right A couple strong hearts still beatin’ from a big night All right All right All right Caught a little lightnin’ under the moonlight Caught a little lightnin’ under the moonlight I caught a little lightnin’ under the moonlight All right!
3.	The Smile He Took Away 02:43	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 She used to light the room. She’d share her smile so freely. A laugh for everyone. And I was hers completely. But she was never mine. So much I wanted to say I guess I missed my chance For that sweet smile he took away V E R S E 2 At first he came to stare So tough and yet so helpless. He found her welcome eyes, And burned until she melted. Too soon it was too late. I never asked her to stay. By now I should move on, But for that smile he took away. B R I D G E And she’s still smiling in my mind. And I’m still hanging on to that lifeline, That once-in-a-lifetime. V E R S E 3 Guess what? He broke her heart. She’s gone where he can’t find her. To try and start again. And put that life behind her. I saw her in this bar. She’s just the same to this day – Same voice and hair and face, All but that smile he took away.
4.	Don't Let It Hit You on the Way Out 03:03	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 You chose these streets to waste your youth These night clubs for your striving The stage lights’ glare to dim your luster Your timing meets the bitter truth Your moment’s not arriving This town takes more than you can muster (It’s chewin’ you up) A circle line to nowhere It’s gone before you get there You ought to know, it’s time to go C H O R U S 1 Don’t let it hit you on the way out This town was all a big mistake You made a choice and let it play out Well, that was your unlucky break So if you see a brighter day out Say out loud that you’re glad to be through And once you’re out that door then stay out Don’t let it hit you on the way out V E R S E 2 Now in your heart your bags are packed And all that’s left is the leavin’ There’s no good reason you should linger You say you’ll to start your second act You’ll quit and call it even This town that’s giving you the finger (And spittin’ you out) You couldn’t strike its fancy You failed to hail that taxi This city’s hexed. It hollers, “Next!” C H O R U S 2 Don’t let it hit you on the way out You never really stood a chance You never understood the layout You couldn’t cop a New York stance And you wore every old cliche out Way out, this town doesn’t care about you. If you walk out that door then stay out Don’t let it hit you on the way out B R I D G E When you first came You thought you were entitled Ready for fame Until your life was idled As you retreat You maybe should consider Where is defeat If the quitter doesn’t go? C H O R U S 3 Don’t let it hit you on the way out That this is right where you belong It never was about the payout No, it was all about the throng Don’t take a flight from JFK out Pray out, before it’s too late to undo You won’t get back in once you stray out Don’t let it hit you on the way out If you walk out that door you’ll stay out Don’t let it hit you on the way out
5.	When I Think of Love 03:05	lyrics	buy track
B R I D G E You’re the one I’m thinking of When I think of love V E R S E 1 When I think of love as something new I see the night it first came true When I found myself so lost in you The future glimmered into view V E R S E 2 When I think of love as something old The days remembered and retold All the waves we slowly watched unfold In midnight blue and sunset gold (Sunset gold) (When I think of love) M I D D L E E I G H T 1 Walking hand in hand, it still feels the same I look into your eyes, you whisper my name V E R S E 3 When I think of love as something small A seed infinitesimal That was nurtured in the sunlight’s sprawl And grew this lovers’ tree so tall (Tree so tall) (When I think of love) M I D D L E E I G H T 2 Walking hand in hand, it still feels the same I look into your eyes, you whisper my name I N S T R U M E N T A L B R I D G E 2 You’re the one I’m thinking of When I think of love V E R S E 4 When I think of love as something vast The path forged in a comet’s blast All to dazzle, spin and flabbergast Enfolding us until the last When I think of love
6.	New Car Smell 01:20	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 He’s got that new car smell And all her friends are jeal’ She takes him for a spin Then wants to trade him in ‘Cause he don’t wear too well V E R S E 2 He’s got that new car smell But he don’t ring her bell He isn’t half as hot As he seemed on the lot So how was she to tell? B R I D G E She swears it isn’t him, it’s her And how he wishes that it were V E R S E 3 He’s got that new car smell That’s starting to repel She’ll take a lousy trade It sure beats lemonade How soon will he re-sell? She’ll take a lousy trade It sure beats lemonade How soon will he re-sell?
7.	Asking for a Friend 04:00	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 I know this guy. He's smart – I think he's funny. Feet on the ground Doesn’t like to live his life inside his phone He’s far from shy His mood – is usually pretty sunny But nowadays, he spends a lot of time alone V E R S E 2 Follows the news. He craves – great conversation. He cares about the people that he meets, Or doesn’t meet You get the blues, he’s got – some cheer or consolation With no best friend, though, now his life feels incomplete C H O R U S 1 If you met a guy like that Now, wouldn’t you want to help him out? At least you’d see he ought to get the benefit of the doubt Or a token of some human kindness you could spend I’m asking, for a friend I’m asking, for a friend V E R S E 3 He’s got a wife And kids, Dad, sister, brother His contact list is long, yet something’s keeping him apart It’s a good life No way – he’d trade it for another So why’s it hard for him to find that heart-to-heart? C H O R U S 2 He’s not looking for a lover He’s not asking for the moon You might also know someone Who has a hankering to commune And a confidential ear That they could let him bend? I’m asking, for a friend I’m asking, for a friend B R I D G E And all the pals and gals he used to know Back in the day Boy, what a day! He had a hey day Where did everybody go? Some passed away Some just don’t pass this way May Day, May Day I N S T R U M E N T A L V E R S E 3 I know him well. We go – way back together But even I sometimes just cannot fathom him at all He’s in a shell And now – he’s got me wondering whether I am enough to help him cracking through that wall C H O R U S 3 Is it something that he does? Or is it something that he did? Well, it’s hard to be objective now 'cause who am I trying to kid? And I guess I’ve really got no reason to pretend That I'm asking, for a friend E X T E N S I O N If I admit it to myself, can I reverse the trend? I am asking for a friend I am asking for a friend I am asking for a friend I am asking for a friend
8.	Spontaneous 03:09	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 I’m a guy who was born With a – song in my heart With a story to be told And plenty of truth to impart But when I get put on the spot Like a dork in headlights, I’m stuck All my skills evaporate I stop before I start C H O R U S 1 Spontaneous I just can’t be spontaneous By the time I think of what to say The perfect moment’s passed away My wherewithal with words becomes extraneous Why can’t I be - spontaneous? V E R S E 2 Well, some folks have the knack They can – riff, they can jam They make wisecracks off the cuff They can scat, they can spin, they can slam They’re flirting or giving a speech They’re soloing on the guitar It’s all so effortless for them But that’s not who I am C H O R U S 2 Spontaneous Forget extemporaneous They say, “Take it, Brian, go for broke!” But that’s my recipe to choke It comes out maladroit and miscellaneous Why can’t I be – spontaneous? B R I D G E Sponta-NAY-ity Wait! Shouldn’t it be sponta-NEE-ity? Either way that careless deity Always makes me feel I’ve sinned Abandon I’ll abandon all abandon I will not leave my fate to chance I’ll work it all out in advance Grab caution from the wind C H O R U S 3 Spontaneous Why should I be spontaneous? No, I’m not content to merely blurt Like some unfiltered extrovert I’m thoughtful, I’m delib’rate, I’m restraineous I don’t wanna be…. C H O R U S 4 Spontaneous Who cares! I’m not complain-eous ’Cause for me the spark can best be caught The moment I say “Hold that thought!” Fruition’s sometimes non-contemporaneous I don’t have to be spontaneous [nonsense] Spontaneous [nonsense] Spontaneous [nonsense] Spontaneous Spontaneous
9.	Going Through Emotions 03:44	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 Every time I find the strength To think about you nowadays, It hits me like a fresh Katrina wind. I do my best to stand up straight And meet the storm head-on But all the while, I only pray the storm will end P R E - C H O R U S 1 You left my out here spinning With my heart tied in a knot I’d chase you but this Hurricane’s the only ride I’ve got C H O R U S 1 I hide in shame Then I rage and flame Like I’m trying to tame a thousand oceans I’ll curse your name Then I’ll take the blame. Your life sails on While I’m just going through emotions. I’m just going through emotions. V E R S E 2 Seems like only yesterday this cyclone Took our big and easy life And blew it all to who knows where But nothing’s really different I still dance around the truth And keep my blinders on And laugh like I don't care P R E- C H O R U S 1 Though a storm was always brewing I pretend the coast was clear But when the wind begins to blow Your name’s the only sound I hear C H O R U S 2 I hide in shame Then I rage and flame Like I’m trying to tame a thousand oceans I’ll curse your name Then I take the blame. Your life sails on While I’m just going through emotions. B R I D G E No, I can’t stop reliving that day When that wave washed our home clear away As if I could rebuild that sweet life that was killed And you’d stay V E R S E 3 You build a house with sticks and stones Believing it’s enough to stop a Torrent when it finally hits the shore Then the clouds come rolling in The dark descends and suddenly you find You don’t believe that anymore P R E- C H O R U S 3 I ought to go and look for you And leave this wreck behind But the storm that chased you out of here’s Still roaring in my mind C H O R U S 3 I take my aim, I thrash, I maim, Like I’m trying to tame a thousand oceans I staked my claim But all the same You’re gone, gone, gone You’re good and gone And I’m still going through emotions. I’m just going through emotions. I’m just going through emotions.
10.	Take a Hike 03:36	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 When my mind’s goin’ cubicle And there’s gridlock in my soul My punch clocks and my lunch box Have defined me Need to get by a whippoorwill Stand of trees to make me whole I need a lungful of mountain air To remind me P R E - C H O R U S 1 I hop the five up to ninety nine To the heart of the watershed Time to hear what the mule deer’s Tryin’ to tell me C H O R U S 1 To take a hike and just get lost Eagle Pass is all it cost Every step counts on the road to bein’ free Fall asleep by falling stars Don’t need internet or cars Bringing back the words my daddy said to me Just take a hike and you can keep the memory P O S T - C H O R U S Leave only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints V E R S E 2 I climb along side a waterfall By the old Ahwahnee track Smell a breeze full of butterscotch From the pine wood Hold my breath in the quietness Sky so blue it’s nearly black Wouldn’t heaven compare to this? I know mine would P R E - C H O R U S 2 Pitch a camp by a riverside Skinny-dip in a mountain pond Couple days from the trailhead And still goin’ C H O R U S 2 Take a hike and hit the trail And remember to inhale Ponder ponderosa far as I can see No karaoke sing along When we join the campfire song Underneath the purple mountain’s majesty And may it stay the way it’s always meant to be P O S T - C H O R U S Leave only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints C H O R U S 3 I take a hike and find my life A sleepin’ bag, a pocket knife Mind the bears and tie the food up in a tree I trek across that mountain range To see a place that mustn't change And we keep it wild 'cause that's what keeps us free Bringing back the words my daddy said to me P O S T - C H O R U S Leave only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints B R I D G E Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah--ah-ah Echo P O S T - C H O R U S Leave only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints Only footprints Take a hike, take a hike Leave only footprints
11.	His Last Regret 03:29	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 Another white-out morning Just like each November day A chilly quarter-mile walk Far above the foggy bay The bridge is near invisible But he steps up calm and clear In the sureness of the choice that led him here C H O R U S 1 Now he's going down Leaping from the sorrows he could not forget Down down To leave the pain that made his life a losing bet But now he has one more regret V E R S E 2 The world becomes slow motion But he’s clear and so alive The wind has drowned out what made sense Right before he took that dive The water’s coming closer now And with more remorse than fear He can only blame himself for why he’s here C H O R U S 2 And he's going down Down through every disappointment, doubt and debt Down down Besides his last mistake, they’re fixable, no sweat And all he has is one regret B R I D G E The water takes him Somehow he grabs a breath Then he's swimming Up away from death V E R S E 3 Well, he’s put that Fall behind him And his tumble from the bridge And the days stretch out before him now Up on Tamalpais Ridge Though his struggles aren’t over His faith is always near And at last he knows exactly why he’s here C H O R U S 3 After going down Past the darkest shadows where the heart can get Down down He’s reached the deepest part Where hope can be reset ’Cause life ain’t over yet He’s living with no more regret
12.	All the People 02:47	lyrics	buy track
All the people that I never had sex with in college I wonder what they’re doing now Would they even be aware that they have that distinction? College days. O, college days. All the people that I never had sex with in college They’re probably busy right now, Getting on with their lives. Seldom giving thought to what might have been, But never was. (This is your life.) And I better remember it (This is your life.) And I better not forget it. All the people that I never had sex with in college And the one I almost did. What a very close call. I would have missed Miss Right. I’d have thrown my life away, and all in just one night. What a small price to pay: idle moments of regret. And it’s actually a comfort to savor what you never get. Because of all the people that I never had sex with in college, I’m really glad you were not one. Just the notion of you being out among the wide array… Oh, perish the thought! Throw the possibility away. To have never ended up In the arms of the one I love. In the arms of the one I love. Every wild oat sown is one more that can’t be grown. Wondering what you’ve never known sure beats ending up alone. All the lips I never kissed, every chance I ever missed that felt like weakness to resist, but this life would not exist. And it’s a small price to pay. And I’m grateful every day for the ones who got away. They are grateful too, I pray To all the people that I never had sex with in college… And if they know who they are, I hope they can sing along with this song, and they know who they are and they’ve ended up with the ones they love, in the arms of the ones they love. (This is your life.) And I better remember it. (This is your life.) And I better not forget it And all the people that I never had sex with in college
13.	You Will Find Your Way 01:48	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 You can lose a toy you bought Or lose a game you play You can lose your train of thought If you don’t find it Never mind it V E R S E 2 But if you’re traveling to and fro And you get lost someday You’ve only lost the way to go And you will find your way You will find your way B R I D G E However lost, however far You’re never lost from who you are V E R S E 3 You know that if you should find yourself upon A path that goes astray Retrace the steps that you have gone It’s just a setback You can get back V E R S E 4 To the place where you belong And where you long to stay All by yourself you can be strong And you will find your way You will find your way You will find your way.
14.	On My Bike 01:53	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 In the cool early dawn When it’s wet on the lawn And the clouds veil the sunlight, I rise Then I head up a trail Where my spirits set sail for the skies C H O R U S 1 On my bike I can go as I please On my bike Up a hill through the trees On my bike When the days are like these, oh-oh There’s nothing like a ride on my bike, oh-oh There’s nothing like a ride on my bike V E R S E 2 Feel a breeze start to stir And the world is a blur As the sun thunders through in a blast And my feet pedal round Never touching the ground I blow past C H O R U S 2 On my bike Anyplace I can go On my bike With the city below On my bike What the day has to show, oh oh There’s nothing like a ride on my bike C H O R U S 3 On my bike (On my bike ___) I can go anyplace On my bike (On my bike ___) With the wind in my face On my bike (On my bike ___) Find a new song to chase, oh oh There’s nothing like a ride on my bike There’s nothing like a ride on my bike There’s nothing like a ride on my bike
15.	Daddy's Little Girl 03:59	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 Claire was conceived in make-up sex. Before Daddy was Mama’s ex A last-ditch try to somehow force The marriage not to run its course Claire arrived in the deep of night Dark of winter, with a blinding light Apple in the eye of a perfect storm And she could almost keep them warm C H O R U S 1 ‘Cause she was Daddy's little girl So precious and so smart And she was Mama's new best friend Come to mend a broken heart And she'd laugh at Daddy's laugh And she’d soothe her Mama’s whimpers She was all that they could salvage in the end Her Daddy's little girl And her Mama's new best friend V E R S E 2 They split before she learned to stand Trying to grasp, one in each hand A duplicate room at Daddy’s place Claire didn’t know which way to face Daddy bounced back, did okay New wife, baby sister on the way Mama didn’t fare so well But she swore Claire to never tell C H O R U S 2 Still she was Daddy’s little girl When he sang her Nat King Cole And she was Mama’s only friend When Mama bared her wounded soul Daddy put on training wheels Mama cried upon her shoulder And pretty soon it was too painful to pretend To be Daddy’s little girl When she was Mama’s only friend B R I D G E Broken hearts don’t split right down the middle Sometimes we are called upon to choose Mama’s stuck, Daddy seems to coast Claire goes where she is needed most And now her room at Daddy’s house Sits quiet as a ghost C H O R U S 3 And she was Daddy’s little girl The future in his eyes But she was Mama’s only hope She was her consolation prize Mama’s bad mouth wouldn’t shut Until Claire at last surrendered The other room, the every other week she’d spend She was Daddy’s little girl Now she’s only Mama’s friend
16.	Downtime 03:04	lyrics	buy track
C H O R U S 1 Downtime I don’t want no downtime Lost and never found time No time Downtime I don’t break for downtime Never take no downtime No time V E R S E 1 Every second of the day I’m on it, on it, on it, on it No one makes me be this way I want it, want it, want it, want it Gotta work my mojo or I’ll lose it, lose it, lose it, lose it Every ounce I got in store I use it, use it, use it, use it This go-getter only goes No getting, getting, getting, getting But what keeps me on my toes I’m dreading, dreading, dreading, dread C H O R U S 2 Downtime Headin’ into downtime Settin’ into downtime Sometime Downtime Hunker underground time Feel I’m gonna drown time No time V E R S E 2 This relentless monkey’s on a mission, mission, mission, mission Spend it quick before it’s gone ambition, -bition, -bition, -bition Found my path, now all I do Is beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it Though I doubt if I’ll get to Complete it, -plete it, -plete it, -plete it Am I really in this race To win it, win it, win it, win it? Or can I not bear to waste A minute, minute, minute in C H O R U S 3 Downtime Never go to town time Never get around time No time Downtime I’m afraid of downtime Wasn’t made for downtime No time B R I D G E Can’t make that move To only prove That when I give my groove away I won’t know what I’m missing I won’t know what I’m missing I won’t know what I’m missing C H O R U S 4 Downtime I don’t want no downtime Lost and never found time This time I’ll pound time Till my come unwound time Till my homeward bound time No time
17.	You Own It 03:55	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 It seems so easy now, my son To walk away and not look back She’s gone and soon forgotten Now, you’re on a whole new track Young love, well, it’s fun at first Till the drama of it all Finally gets too much for you. So why return her call? P R E - C H O R U S 1 Well, there’s a price to pay For the way you choose to walk away C H O R U S 1 You break a heart, you own it Love plays a funny trick You break a heart, you own it Some little part will stick The way you weazled out on her Will never leave your mind You’re callous and you’ve shown it You break a heart, you own it You break it, you own it V E R S E 2 It seems so simple now, my boy To catch the eye of someone new. A girl without the problems That the first one put you through. But with a couple hung-up calls And bitter looks and slamming doors It slowly comes to dawn on you The problems might be yours P R E - C H O R U S 2 When all is said and done The first one might have been the one. C H O R U S 2 You break a heart, you own it That’s what your leaving bought You break a heart, you own it And there’s that nagging thought It’s everyone you’ll ever meet ’Gainst the one you left behind You’ll wonder if you’ve blown it You break a heart, you own it You break it, you own it B R I D G E I know you might not hear me now But what I say is true You learned to turn your back From how I left your mom and you And if you get this Know that my regretting never sleeps Leaving is losing And losing is for keeps C H O R U S 3 You break a heart, you own it A child or a wife You break a heart, you own it Till it’s a way of life And once it’s second nature, boy Real love’s too hard to find I only wish I’d known it You break a heart, you own it You break it, you own it You break it, you own it
18.	Love is Not the Answer 04:21	lyrics	buy track
I N T R O Poets will say that love is the way To explain every cloud in the sky But sometimes love just doesn’t apply V E R S E 1 How long will it take for the sound of a wish to reach the first star I see tonight? And how many grains of sand might there be in proportion to all the waves that ever crashed on that beach? Why do they make you write your name and date of birth on every page of the forms in a doctor's office? I guess I’ll never know__ C H O R U S 1 Love’s not the answer Love is not the answer Love’s not the answer Love is not the answer That you’re looking for. V E R S E 2 And what makes a glass half empty, half full when I will never get to take that drink? And if a tree falls in the wilderness of my soul, does it matter to you if it won’t make any sound? Who knows the thing that really makes a Subaru a Subaru? They say that it’s love, now don’t they? But the wish won’t make it so__ C H O R U S 2 Love’s not the answer Love is not the answer Love’s not the answer Love is not the answer That you’re looking for. B R I D G E Love doesn’t make the world go round (That would be the curvature of space-time) Love will never lift you off the ground (It seems, the more you try, the more you waste time) Love won’t set you free Well, maybe you, but never me V E R S E 3 So why did you lie to my face when you said that you were gonna be forever mine? Why did you agree to settle for me when you knew in the back of your mind that you’d be breaking my heart? Why do I still find sand inside my shoes from the day we drove to the beach in your Outback for you to dump me? Why can’t I let it go? C H O R U S 3 Love’s not the answer Love is not the answer Love’s not the answer Love is not the answer Love’s not the answer Love was not the answer Love’s not the answer Love was not the answer You were looking for.
19.	BYOB 03:11	lyrics	buy track
C H O R U S 1 B.Y.O.B. Bring your own beer Don’t come empty-handed The invite was clear To that stipulation I could not agree Yeah, thems are the rules That I wish they’d relax The host provides music and snacks If you B.Y.O.B. V E R S E 1 I show up at this party but I’m wondering why I came A bunch of strangers milling round asking me my name I’ve nothing to contribute, this is clearly not my crowd I’m going back for seconds, I don’t care if it’s allowed P R E - C H O R U S 1 And I’ll sift through the pretzel dust till Miller time is up Holding out for refills of my empty solo cup C H O R U S 2 B.Y.O.B. Bring your own beer I came unprepared when I ventured in here This party is dead, boy Or is it just me? Got nothin’ to offer Nor to achieve Shoulda known when I got here to leave It said B.Y.O.B. V E R S E 2 They send me on a beer run. (How’d they talk me into that?) And on this backroad shortcut my Fiesta gets a flat The wind blows like a bastard, and the ground’s a skating rink If I’d brought my own beer, at least I’d have something to drink P R E - C H O R U S 2 Not just this bag of empties I’m returning to the store. The sheriff shows up, “Hey, there’s open bottles on your floor.” C H O R U S 3 B.Y.O.B. Bring your own beer Guess where I’m spending The rest of the year? Christmas in jail Not guilty is my plea I’ve got no excuse ‘Cause I’ve done nothing wrong Don’t go blaming my old backseat bong Blame B.Y.O.B. I N S T R U M E N T A L E X T E N D E D P R E - C H O R U S 3 The deputies sing Hark the Herald Angels – what a din One shares a cup of eggnog with me – soon I’m joining in Then later in my bunk I start to think on what I’ve missed If life gives you lemons maybe that is just a twist C H O R U S 4 B.Y.O.B. Bring your own beer Make your own party Spread your own cheer Say “after you” Don’t just say, “poor me” So fill up your heart And give what you’ve got ’Cause someone might give you a shot If you B.Y.O.B.
20.	I Started a Joke feat. Dudley Saunders 03:09	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 I started a joke Which started the whole world crying But I didn't see That the joke was on me, oh, no V E R S E 2 I started to cry Which started the whole world laughing Oh, if I'd only seen That the joke was on me B R I D G E 1 I looked at the skies Running my hands over my eyes And I fell out of bed Hurting my head from things that I said V E R S E 3 Till I finally died Which started the whole world living Oh, if I'd only seen That the joke was on me B R I D G E 2 I looked at the skies Running my hands over my eyes And I fell out of bed Hurting my head from things that I said V E R S E 4 Till I finally died Which started the whole world living Oh, if I'd only seen That the joke was on me That the joke was on me The joke was on me, etc.
21.	All You Can Do is Nothing 03:07	lyrics	buy track
V E R S E 1 You can’t take the high road You can’t take the low road You can’t seem to locate some middleground to take There’s no ground to stand on And no place to stand off All you can do is nothing V E R S E 2 You can’t have and eat it You can’t have it both ways There’s no way to work out a compromise You’ll never put it behind you Or bygones be bygones All you can do is nothing (Do nothing) C H O R U S There’s no reliving or regretting There’s no forgiving, no forgetting along When all you that can do is nothing, All you do can do nothing but wrong V E R S E 3 There’s no second chances There’s no starting over There’s no hope of turning a new leaf over There’s just no overcoming What’s not blowing over All you can do is nothing V E R S E 4 Leave off with the high road To hell with the low road Forget ever finding that middleground to take And there goes your best mate It’s now just a stalemate All you can do is nothing (Do nothing) C H O R U S 2 Can’t take it with you, you can’t leave it Can’t dish it out, when you’re heartweak and headstrong And all that you can do is nothing. So all you do can do nothing but wrong.
22.	Little Bitta This, Little Bitta That feat. Kathi Funston & Tulasi Rain 03:52	lyrics	buy track
I N T R O Dancing to the same old songs Beneath this disco ball Mister deejay, mix it up I need to hear them all V E R S E 1 It takes all the kinds to make a world So I will have one of each Variety is my spice for life There’s none that’s beyond my reach Into my melting pot I give it all I got C H O R U S 1 With a little bitta this But don’t forget a little bitta that Take it with a pinch of everything Your drink will not go flat (A little bitta) Throw a few in what you’re brewin’ You will find your bliss It only takes a little bitta that Plus a little bitta this V E R S E 2 For making a tango it takes two And three makes a crowd, I’ve found But if we all put our best feet in We’ll be turning the world around So, everyone get hip To this light fantastic trip C H O R U S 2 With a little bitta this But don’t forget a little bitta that Spin me here and there and everywhere This move is where it’s at (A little bitta) Mix and match me, throw and catch me I swear you won’t miss As long as you’ve a little bitta that Plus a little bitta this B R I D G E 1 There’s a music smorgasbord It’s salty, bitter, sweet Take a taste of everything It’s all that you could eat Every dish is complement’ry Feel the fusion turning up the heat Bon appetit! B R I D G E 2 Even though They say choose Only one It’s no use I won’t let Rigid rules Hold me down I’m a little bit country A little bit city A little bit smooth and A little bit gritty A little bit cool And a little bit hot And a little bit I-don’t-know what C H O R U S 3 With a little bitta this But don’t forget a little bitta that We’ll emancipate the planet With our music coup d’etat (A little bitta) All for one, and all together Till we share one kiss It all comes from a Little bitta that plus a little bitta Little bitta that plus a little bitta Little bitta that plus A little bitta this
23.	Take Me Back 05:10	lyrics	buy track
P R E L U D E 1 We are standing Our fingers interlocked Holding as we climb Up escalator years We hardly notice Our hands so long entwined Almost oblivious to ourselves To grasp the one that steers us We’re staring outward Like Parisian cafe couples In a sea of strangers But we are long past strangers, we’re P R E L U D E 2 Standing Our fingers interlocked Pointing hands of time Through flotsam that adheres While we are drifting Upon a moment past So faintly echoing to itself That neither barely hears it We’re staring inward Like a pair of broken glasses In a thrift store basket I come to beg your favor V E R S E 1 Take me back into your confidence Take me back into your heart Take me back into your body Let us never stay apart And let me take you back as well Without you I've got jack Take me back Take me back V E R S E 2 Take me back when I've done wrong Take me back when I've done well Take me back when I amaze in ways Nobody else can tell For understanding, overlooking everything I lack Take me back Take me back B R I D G E 1 Take me back through fits of anger When our spirits disagree Through our doubts and our defeats The eye to eye that we can’t see Every squalid, squandered moment When it all seems out of whack Take me back, etc. V E R S E 3 Take me back to where it started To the night that sparked it all And the embers of that passion That still keep us in its thrall What we recognized at twenty one That put us on this track Take me back Take me back What we recognized at twenty one That put us on this track Take me back Take me back B R I D G E 2 Back into your deepest kiss Under your familiar skin Back into your endless stare Right where we breathed each other in And the mystery that calls me To the code I'll never crack Take me back V E R S E 4 Take me back to our decision To relinquish these controls When we threw away our caution All in forging two new souls No blueprint, onward to the part of life no one can hack Take me back Take me back V E R S E 5 Take me forward to the future When we shed our leaves and die Where my big old tree will shade you Till it heaves a final sigh And just keep holding on Till this bright light fades into black Then take me back Take me back, etc.

about

Volume 2 of Anthems & Antithets. This Volume features personal and story songs.

credits

released July 1, 2020

Produced by Brian Woodbury; mixed by Dan Cubert; mastered by Danny Blume; design & photos by John Goss; Brian photo by Cat Gwynn; Mark Pardy uses Sabian cymbals and Promark sticks; Andy Sanesi uses DW drums, Sabian cymbals, Remo drum heads, Vic Firth sticks and Beato cases. Andy Sanesi, Mark Pardy & Joe Berardi recorded by Marc Doten (Trend Coma Bootlegs)

Brian Woodbury: vocs, acous, nylon, elec. gtr, bass, mando, keys, amateur violins, perc, programming, arranging, FX, misc.
Marc Muller: elec. gtr (All Right, Hit, When, People, Bike); acous (Smile, When, Daddy, BYOB); nylon (Bike); mando (Daddy, BYOB); banjo (BYOB); pedal steel (Smile, Daddy, BYOB); baritone gtr. (When); bass (Hit, Bike, Daddy);
co-arranging (Smile, Bike, Daddy, BYOB)
Sam Woodbury: acous (Asking)
Jim Kimo West: acous & co-arranging (Own)
John thomas Oaks: piano & co-arranging (Emotions, Regret)
David Witham: piano (Nothing)
Michael Webster: keys & co-arranging (People)
Edwin Livingston: upright bass (Spontaneous, Answer)
Jonathan Feinberg: drums & perc (Introduction, Smile, People, Bike, Own); programming (Downtime, Back)
Mark Pardy: drums & perc (When, Spontaneous, Emotions, Answer)
Joe Berardi: drums & perc (Hit, Asking, Daddy, BYOB, Joke)
Andy Sanesi: drums (All Right, Hike)
Nick Mancini: vibes (Asking)
Sara Parkins: violins (Answer)
Maggie Parkins: cellos (Regret, Answer)
Mark Hollingsworth: clarinet (Smell); saxes (Joke); flutes (Back)
Chris Tedesco: trumpet (Smell, Joke)
Dan Levine: trombone (Smell, Joke)
Devon Taylor: sousaphone (Smell)
Dudley Saunders: guest vocal (Joke)
Kathi Funston: guest vocal (Little)
Tulasi Rain: guest vocal (Little), bgd voc (Hike)
Rob Shapiro: bgd vocs (Introduction, People)
Gary Stockdale: bgd vocs (Introduction)
Paul Perry: bgd vocs (When, People)
Sean Altman: bgd vocs (When)
Marc Doten: bgd vocs (Introduction)
Dan Cubert: additional perc (Spontaneous, Bike); FX (BYOB)

All songs written by Brian Woodbury, copyright 2020 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI), except:

"The Smile He Took Away" written by Brian Woodbury, copyright 2011 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI);

"Don't Let It Hit You On the Way Out" & "Take a Hike" written by Brian Woodbury & Rob Shapiro, copyright 2020 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI) & Them One Guys Music (ASCAP);

"Spontaneous" written by Brian Woodbury & Gary Stockdale, copyright 2020 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI) & Gee Yes Music (BMI);

"Going Through Emotions" & "His Last Regret" written by Brian Woodbury & John thomas Oaks, copyright 2020 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI) & Caliora Music (ASCAP);

"All the People" written by Brian Woodbury & Michael W. Webster, copyright 2020 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI) & Michael W. Webster (BMI);

"You Will Find Your Way" written by Brian Woodbury, copyright 1999 Mad Muppet Melodies (BMI);

"I Started a Joke" written by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb, copyright 1968 Gibb Brothers Music;

"All You Can Do is Nothing" written by Brian Woodbury & Richard Allen Crawford, copyright 2020 Some Philharmonic Music (BMI) & Richard Allen Crawford (BMI)

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about

Brian Woodbury Los Angeles, California

Brian Woodbury is a Los Angeles composer, lyricist and bandleader who writes musicals, post-modern jazz compositions, quirky pop, country songs and music for children's TV.

brianwoodbury.com

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