Your Shadow’s at My Side

Backgrounder: “Marriages and relationships certainly go through hard times, don’t they? Hopefully, bad times are followed by good times and a couple doesn’t reach the kicking stage in verse 3.” gaharrison

Your Shadow’s at My Side

Chorus:

Late at night I think of you.
Late at night I dream of you.
Late at night I yearn for you,
Your shadow’s at my side.

1. Hard times from the start,
Hard times broke your heart.
Hard times tore us apart.
You have left my side.


["Sail through tough times": photo GH]

2. Good times will come again,
Good times will ease your pain,
Good times will be our last refrain.
But I need you at my side.

Verse 3 is optional: Depends on the mood around the campfire!

3. Last chance came and went,
Last chance you got to vent,
Last chance you said, “Get bent.”
You kicked me in my side.

gah

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Sorry I Kept You Waiting

Backgrounder: “I’d like to say that this song was 100 per cent from my imagination, but I’d be lying. I used to like to stay late at parties, be the last one to go, not think too much about my wife’s feelings. I’m almost cured of all my bad habits, thanks to lessons learned along the way. (Though I still have a few big bad habits to work on still.” gaharrison

Sorry I Kept You Waiting

1. You said, “Let’s be home by eleven.”
You had work the next day.
I had several too many,
usually that is the way.
We got to the car after midnight
and after I shut your door,
I said, “Gonna go get my jacket.”
I meant, gonna have couple more.
I said, “Gonna go get my jacket.”
I meant, gonna have couple more.


Chorus:

Sorry I kept you waiting,
sitting alone in the car.
Sorry I kept you waiting,
I stayed for last round at the bar.
Oh, I’ll try to be more reliable,
I’ll try to be more aware.
Sorry I kept you waiting,
I came out and you weren’t there.
Sorry I kept you waiting,
sorry I kept you waiting,
sorry I kept you waiting.
I came out and you weren’t there.

2. You waited for over an hour,
hopin’ I’d show up real soon.
You listened to music ‘bout lovers,
while watchin’ the silvery moon.
You thought of workin’ next morning,
called a cab on your cell.
You thought about having a future,
rather than livin’ in hell.
You thought about having a future,
rather than livin’ in hell.

3. I finally staggered outside, Dear,
I knew I’d be facin’ some heat.
Found your door was wide open,
my jacket was thrown in the street.
You listened to radio music,
so my battery’s dead for the day.
But more than my car needs a rescue,
and a boost from ol’ Triple A.
More than my car needs a rescue,
and a boost from ol’ Triple A.

gaharrison

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I am a Lonely Cowboy

Backgrounder: “I camped with the same circle of friends for many years and one fellow always brought a guitar and a new homemade song for the campfire. This is one of my attempts to come up with what i would call a campfire song.” gaharrison

I am a Lonely Cowboy

Verse 1.

I lost my wife early in life raising kids high on this mountain.
Long hours every day I thought life was okay,
But my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

Chorus:

I am a lonely cowboy riding my old gray horse.
I am a lonely cowboy riding my old gray horse.


["I thought life was okay": photo link]

2. I lost my sons to jobs needing done, they rode down off this mountain.
They said, “See you again.” Now I look down the lane,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

3. I lost my girls, they entered your world, moved away from this mountain.
They both used to write, but they live out of sight,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

4. I lost my friend, came to his end caught in a storm on this mountain.
Lost in the snow he had no place to go,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

5. I lost it all, there’s no one to call, I’m living alone on this mountain.
This farm is all mine, but we’re both lost in time,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

gah.

Please click here to read my last weekly column.

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Hit Singles: Down I Lay Me Down

Backgrounder: “This song was written several years ago in the months before my father passed away. When he learned his cancer had returned he decided against any further operations and treatment. I admired his bravery, his clarity of mind and wrote this in his voice as if he was looking back over his lifetime.” gaharrison

Down I Lay Me Down

Verse 1. I’m getting old, my hair is gray,
I may not have too many days.
My mind can’t help but turn around
to see my footsteps on the ground.
I’m looking back over all my years,
reaching for what I hold dear,
My arms are full, my family’s near.
Down I lay me down.


["G.D. Harrison - his younger days"]

Chorus:

‘Down I lay me down to sleep,
pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
take me home, (take me home).
If I should die before I wake,
bless my soul for Jesus’ sake.
Take me home, (take me home).
Down I lay me down.

2. Storms of life, my wife faced a few,
we had doubts at time, but then we grew
To understand love’s our goal
to work for over time I’m told.
I guess with age we wiser get,
pay our way, leave no debt.
Try to live with no regret.
Down I lay me down.

3. I always felt most at rest
down country roads, they seemed the best
place to watch birds catch the breeze.
They always put my mind at ease.
I traveled down many roads,
from wander-lust, a thirst to roam.
All those roads led back to home.
Down I lay me down.


["Five chips off the old block"]

4. Made a home, my wife and me,
kids a-plenty on each knee.
Lives to share, hands to hold,
they were my help as I grew old.
No worries now, no doom and gloom,
I know I will see you soon,
I’ll just be in the other room.
Down I lay me down.

gah

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The Poor Boy Blues

Backgrounder: "The following song came to me while watching the local news last Tuesday night. I must have been suffering a fever because while nursing verses together my wife heard me cry out, where's Kate Young? Where's Kate Young?" gaharrison

Poor Boy with The Poor Boy Blues

1. I’m tired of buying groceries
from the ninety-nine cent aisle.
I’m tired of buying canned goods
that been dented for awhile.
I’d like to buy some new shoes
that seem to fit my feet.
I’d like folks to smile at me
like I’m on Easy Street...

Chorus:

...But I’m a poor boy,
But I’m a poor boy,
But I’m a poor, poor boy,
And I’ve got the poor boy blues.


2. I’m tired of eating wieners
without a shred of beef.
I’m tired of eating cabbages
with holes in every leaf.
I’d like to eat a slice of bread
that's not from the bargain bin.
And I’d like to eat a supper
that's just not a can of beans.

3. I’m tired of getting stuck in line
at each recession sale.
Sometimes I feel as useless
as a mop without a pail.
I’d like to trade my low-wage job
for one that is full time.
And then I’d buy a piece of steak
an’ not the Salisbury kind...

4. I’m tired of buying packages
someone else has opened first.
I’m tired of buying the cheapest beer
to help me quench my thirst.
I’d like to buy some new jeans
with a well-known label on,
And I’d like to have an extra ten
and a girl to spend it on...

gah

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My Restless Heart

Background: “After I learned a fourth chord on my guitar I branched out, got all fancy., and wrote a few songs a travelling man might sing. With my voice it’s important to know the way outta town.” gaharrison

My Restless Heart

1. I took a job in Kansas City,
I swept some floors and motel halls.
I soon moved on to better times,
I cleaned some basements, painted walls.

Chorus:

But when I earn a million dollars,
My restless heart will take some rest.
Might get it in my mind to come back home,
If I could settle down with you.

2. I took a job in Colorado,
I packed some bags and cut some hair.
I soon moved on to better times,
I sold some brooms and cooking ware.

3. I took a job in California,
I washed up dishes at a bar.
I soon moved on to better times,
I pumped some gas and sold some cars.

4. I travelled back to where I started,
I took a job just down your street.
I’ll soon move on to better times,
Don’t think there’s any chance we’ll meet.
But when I earn my million dollars,
My restless heart will take some rest.
Might get it in my mind to stay at home,
If I could settle down with you.

gah

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Another Hit Single: Life in the Great Big City

Backgrounder: “I wrote this one so long ago I can’t recall if there was an incident I was witness to (or involved in) that prompted me to write this brilliant piece. However, after listening to a CBC Radio program yesterday re behaviours that occur on Toronto’s mass transit system I thought I’d dust it off.” gaharrison

Life in the Great Big City

1. My first trip to the city, got off the train,
Two guys said, “Can you spare a dime?”
I bent right down to open my pack,
Woke up next day flat on my back.
A policeman said, “Don’t look for pity!
Welcome to life in the great big city.”

Chorus:

Well, I lost my pants and my underwears,
I got roughed up, thrown down some stairs.
I lost my watch, some hard-earned money,
I’m almost naked, it ain’t even funny.
Policeman said, “Don’t look for pity!
Welcome to life in the great big city.”

2. I went to a movie, sat in the front row,
my neck was stiff after the show.
Went outside, could only look down.
Those two guys came back, throwed me around.
I cried for help, the crowd cried at me,
“Welcome to life in the great big city!”

3. Took a city bus, in Good Will pants,
spoke to a girl, thought I’d take a chance.
“’Scuse me, Miss, you got the time?”
She stole the rest of my stuff, left me one thin dime.
Yelled at the driver, he yelled at me.
“Welcome to life in the great big city!”

4. I used my dime, and phoned my Dad.
I heard his voice, I was really glad.
“It’s tough up here. What will I do?”
“It’s not my call. What will you do?”
I went for a walk, it dawned on me.
“Welcome to life in the great big city!”

gah

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I Ain’t the Bank

Backgrounder: “All my cracks about The Small Economy actually led to a brilliant song. No, my lovely wife doesn’t spend all my money. Some days it just enters my mind that we should buff up our savings account.” gaharrison

I Ain’t the Bank

1. Don’t spend my money, honey, I ain’t the bank.
Don’t spend my money, honey, ‘cause I’ve got you to thank...
For driving us to the poorhouse, straight down the 401.
You bought a big car, an SUV, you thought it’d be great fun.
Payments bigger than my cheque, well, this ain’t fun for me...so...
Don’t spend my money, honey, this ain’t fun for me.


["Even our cows look poor": photo GAH]

2. Don’t spend my money, honey, I ain’t the bank.
Don’t spend my money, honey, ‘cause I’ve got you to thank...
You drove my credit rating, straight down the 402.
You bought a house, with four bathrooms, less would never do.
I really never pee that much, you have spelled our doom...so...
Don’t spend my money, honey, you have spelled our doom.

3. Don’t spend my money, honey, I ain’t the bank.
Don’t spend my money, honey, ‘cause I’ve got you to thank...
You drove my little nest-egg, straight down the 403.
You filled our house with so much stuff, four big-screen TV’s.
I work so hard, no time to eat, you’re making my life rough...so...
Don’t spend my money, honey, you’re making my life rough.

4. Don’t spend my money, honey, I ain’t the bank.
Don’t spend my money, honey, ‘cause I’ve got you to thank...
You drove my small inher’tance, down Highway 404.
You bought new carpets and new drapes, I’ll have to work some more.
Can’t keep up with what you buy, our bank book’s in bad shape...so...
Stop spending money, honey, my bank book’s in bad shape.

5. Stop spending money, honey, I ain’t the bank.
Stop spending money, honey, ‘cause I’ve got you to thank...
You drove us to the poorhouse, down Highway 405.
You had another spending spree, I won’t get out alive,
I wonder if you’ve ever heard, that the best in life is free.
Stop spending money, honey, the best in life is free.

GAH

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Yet Another Hit Single: Fetch the Wild Turkey

Backgrounder: “My oldest son and his wife are expecting twins at any minute. Thinking about the changes that they’ll face reminded me of a song I wrote years ago for times when guitars and camping whisky were present at a campfire.” g.a.harrison

Fetch the Wild Turkey

1. I lived in the city, I owned my own house,
The only thing missing was a wonderful spouse.
You lived in the country, we met at a dance,
After the hoe-down, we both took a chance.
I'll fetch the Wild Turkey, I'll pour you a drink,
It's out in the kitchen, it's under the sink.
Since I first met you my plans are all new,
No one in the country is prettier than you.

2. I sold my possessions, and moved to your farm,
Bought cows for your field, a horse for your barn.
We'd pick the wild lilies and drink from the creek,
We'd talk about babies, stay in bed for a week.
Let's fetch the Wild Turkey, let's pour us a drink,
It's out in the kitchen, it's under the sink.
Since I first met you, been changes in me,
But you're certainly pretty in your red negligee.


3. Got three kids in diapers, twins on the way,
We’ve had one each year, it’s tradition you say.
To have lots of children to inherit the farm,
Extra hands at the harvest to fill up the barn.
You fetch the Wild Turkey, you pour me a drink,
It's out in the kitchen, it's under the sink.
Since I first met you my money's gone down,
But you still look real pretty in your purple nightgown.

4. Now we got four dogs and a house full of cats,
My allergies have come back, the corn's full of rats.
The house needs a new roof, porch leans to the ri-eee-ght,
The crickets are so loud I can't sleep at night.
Go fetch the Wild Turkey, I'll have us a shot,
Having too many is better than not.
Since I first met you my fortunes are down, down, down,
But you look kind of 'purdy' in that ratty nightgown.

5. The kids are all dirty in hand-me-down clothes,
We only get water 'fit rains or it snows.
The well it run dried, the crops blowed away,
The cows are all scrawny, the dogs ran away.
Fetch the Wild Turkey, I need me a shot,
Having too many is better than not.
Since I first met you my bankin’s a wreck,
But in that old night gown you're prettier 'an heck.

6. My spellin' is bad, my grammar am rotten,
Please don't complain, from you it's been gotten.
My troubles are all big, my money is small,
Please stop complainin' 'cause you spent it all.
*Fetch the Wild Turkey, I need one more shot,
Having too many is better than not.
Since I first met you my life has gone black,
Now the front of your nightgown looks the same as the back.

GAH

***

Life don’t git that bad, do it?

.

Blue Moon

Backgrounder: “I wrote this song while going through a ‘Bill Monroe bluegrass’ phase. All I need to do now is learn how to play the mandolin or banjo.” gaharrison

Blue Moon

1. Borrowed two dollars from my mother,
borrowed five dollars from my pa.
Said the money was for groceries.
Instead, I spent it at the mall.
Borrowed ten dollars from my sister,
borrowed twenty from my gal,
Said the money paid my heat bill.
Instead, went drinking with a pal.

Chorus:

2. Blue moon shining in my window,
blue moon shining on the wall.
I’m sitting all alone at midnight,
Wondering why folks never call.
Blue moon shining in my window,
blue moon shining on the wall,
I lay down thinking of my loved ones,
they don't pay me mind at all.


["Blue moon shining in my window...": GAH]

3. Borrowed fifty from my brother,
borrowed a 'C' from Uncle Jack,
Said I had to buy a new suit,
had a job down at the track.
Borrowed two hundred from my grandma,
the same from a guy I met,
Said I had a sure-fire venture,
Translated means one final bet.

4. That last guy came back for his money,
I said, "I'm tapped out, my son."
He tapped me once, he tapped me twice,
he tapped me three times with his gun.
Borrowed two dollars from my mother,
borrowed five dollars from my pa.
Said, "I need a blood transfusion."
Haven't seen them since the fall.

Optional:

5. I lay here thinking of my loved ones,
they haven’t come by for awhile.
The nurses think that I’m an orphan,
they don’t ever see me smile.
I guess you shouldn’t borrow money,
not if you want to have a friend
When you’re walking through the valley,
when you’re getting near the end.

gah

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A Dark, Cheap Motel

Backgrounder: “A lot of people seem to write songs about drinking too much whisky or beer. Why is that? I can’t speak for the others, but over the years I’ve learned that heavy drinkers spread a lot of pain around.” gaharrison

A Dark, Cheap Motel

1, I spent the night in a dark, cheap motel
'Cause I lost the keys to my house.
Once I stayed three days at a strange trailer park,
I forgot the name of my spouse.

Chorus:

Well, I don't drink lots but I sure pick my spots,
That's why I ended up here.
I must confess I should drink a lot less,
Or switch to low alcohol beer.


2. I spent the night in a dark, cheap motel,
For awhile I slept out in the hall.
I'd ordered a round, had the cash in my hand,
That's the last I seem to recall.

3. I spent the night in a dark, cheap motel,
I think on the downside of town.
A new friend from the bar took care of my car,
Which someday still may be found.

4. I spent the night in a dark, cheap motel,
I paid with my new Mastercard.
When I finally get home no more will I roam,
I sure make this life so hard.

gah

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I Could Search the World Over

Backgrounder: "An older friend of mine almost didn't make it out of the hospital recently, so I wrote a song for "next time." I'm pretty sure there will be a next time for him and all my other friends. And when I search for them - they'll be somewhere else." gaharrison

I Could Search the World Over

1. I could search the world over but won’t find my friend.
I could search from the front door and right to the end.
I am sad to be told that he’s gone from the land.
I could search the world over but I won’t find my friend.

2. The thoughts of my friend fill up my head.
I wish in his place it was me who was dead.
I feel in my mind it was too quick an end.
I could search the world over but I won’t find my friend.


3. I will look to the heavens and call out his name.
And from a high hill he will answer the same.
He will show me the place where he lays down his head.
He will tell me we’re brothers and that he’s not dead.

4. We will sing as we did when we were both young.
We will dance to the music from dusk until dawn.


We will clap both our hands and raise up a cheer.
We never lose good friends and those we hold dear.

5. I could search the world over but I won’t find my friend.
I must look to the heavens where he lives to the end.
* We lose and we win in the wink of an eye.
We never lose good friends they wait but on high. (* repeat)

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Prose: Childhood Memories - Thin times in a small town

Backgrounder: “I mention a few lessons, in my next column (May 6), that my mother tried to teach me when I was a young boy. I think, by looking back, I jogged a few other memories too. The following prose was written just a few minutes ago.” gaharrison

thin times in a small town

where did she find
the money, that young mother
of mine, for the brand new
red CCM bicycle for
my birthday?

my brother and three sisters
never thought or felt
our family was poor.
but we knew -
if we wanted something -
we had better be prepared
to work for it.

God, what a good lesson
to learn as a young boy.

My dad had me try
one or two used bikes.
Tim Body’s didn’t fit me well
and it was hard to pedal.
I would have worked hard
for something better.

But, on my birthday,
after opening a few presents,
my mother told me
I wasn’t done yet
and said I should look
behind a tall bookcase
that hid the front door
from where I stood.

I looked and,
quite unexpectedly,
fell in love with
my new red bike.

GAH

***


I lovingly tip my hat to the wee girl whose father died young, who never had her own new red bike.

.

I Don’t Have to Say Nothing Again

Backgrounder: “This was the first song I sang in front of a microphone. Even though it was recorded in a friend’s basement I was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. Thankfully, my friend is a monster guitar player and made the production sound pretty good. The song itself is from the imagination only.” gaharrison

I Don’t Have to Say Nothing Again

1. I don’t have to tell you you’re special,
I don’t have to tell you I care.
I don’t have to say
you look pretty tonight,
and I like what you’ve done with your hair.
I don’t have to call you my sweetheart,
or say I’ll be true to the end.
‘Cause you’re spending your time
with somebody else,
I don’t have to say nothing again.

Chorus:

No, nothing again, nothing again,
I don’t have to say nothing again.
‘Cause you’re spending your time
with somebody else,
I don’t have to say nothing again.


["This floozie broke my heart": courtesy photo link to Fortune's Pawn]

2. I don’t have to tell you I’m lonely,
and pick up the phone now and then.
I don’t have to tell you
I’m hoping ‘gainst hope,
you’ll stop dancing with the boys in the band.
I don’t have to say that you broke my heart
by sleeping with some other man.
I don’t have to tell you,
you drove us apart,
I don’t have to say nothing again.

3. I don’t have to tell you I’m crazy,
and forgive all the things that you’ve done.
I don’t have to tell you
I’m trying real hard
To find ways that we can have fun.
I don’t have to tell you I need you,
and want you to come home tonight.
I don’t have to tell you
that I still love you.
I don’t have to say nothing again.

GAH

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My Life Without You

Backgrounder: “It sounds like I carry around a heavy load of regret. I don’t. I occasionally remember times (like most people, I'm sure) when I could have been a better person, and reflect on what the absolute worst consequences might have been. Also, I know several people who have gone through a divorce, and it ain't pretty.” gaharrison

1. I don’t know why
I’m all set to cry about you.
I don’t know how
I care ‘bout you now like I do.
I must confess
I never guessed that you’d walk out the door.
I failed to see
what my life would be without you.


I won’t get a chance
to have one last dance or hold you.
I won’t hear our song
and then sing along without you.
I didn’t believe
you’d ever leave and never return.
I failed to see
what my life would be without you.

Chorus:

Now I live all alone
in a old country home without you.
The phone doesn’t ring,
I can’t hear birds sing without you.
When I go for a walk
I miss how we talked like so many times before.
I failed to see
what my life would be without you.

2. Now that you’ve gone
not much gets done without you.
Life doesn’t seem fair
and I don’t really care what I do.
Night seems to come fast
and I dream it’s the last that I’ll sleep all alone.
I failed to see
what my life would be without you.

GAH

.

The Easy Life Ain’t Mine

Backgrounder: “More hard times. Really, I don’t go to bars or sit up late staring into the bottom of a glass. But I know a bit about workin’ for the man and yearning for a simpler life.” gaharrison

1. I don’t like that you left me
because of the friends I choose.
I don’t like staying up passed midnight
with more heartache I can’t lose.
Oh, when I step out on my front porch
with a bottle in my hand.
I see I’m flying pretty high
but I can’t see where I’ll land.


Chorus:

Girl, the simple life ain’t easy,
I don’t even own my car.
I spend my nights reflecting
in a glass inside the bar.
Oh, oh, oh, snoozers, losers, are friends of mine,
and we cannot tell the time.
The simple life ain’t easy
and the easy life ain’t mine.

2. I don’t like all them hours
spent working for the man.
I don’t like paying rent each month
on someone else’s land.
Oh, I’d like a small bit for you and me,
really nothing more than that.
But after years of working hard
I’ll tell you where I’m at.

3. I don’t like that I’m growing old
and living on my own.
I don’t like drinkin’ whisky
just staring at the phone.
Oh, if you ever give me one more shot
at turning my life around.
I’ll try to be like when we met,
keep both feet on the ground.

GAH

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