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King of the Hobos - Cast Recording

by Jara Jones

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1.
Introduction Pleased to meet ya Call me Gilly Most folks do I’ve lived a rather sorta storied life And I’ll share Seein’ your faces Lined with traces Of the comfort ‘fore they were broken Like a glimmer in a spotted sky And the white hot star stars shinin’ through It’s the truth No denyin’ Keep an ear to the ground and a heart that’s ripe Hell, I’m glad That you’re present For a hobo funeral Got a speech Filled with purpose Wrote it down in a hurry and it suits me fine There is art There is humor In a hobo funeral Listen well ‘Fore you leave here You’ll discover How to win your lover’s heart Or how to end a fight you didn’t want Guaranteed Make cheap vittles ‘Void the police How to frame a life worth livin’ Find comfort in a single day ‘Fore the night makes ghosts of us all It’s the truth No denyin’ Keep an ear to the ground and a heart that’s ripe Hell, I’m glad That you’re present For a hobo funeral Got a speech Filled with purpose Wrote it down in a hurry and it suits me fine There is art There is humor In a hobo funeral Listen well It’s the truth No denyin’ Keep an ear to the ground and a heart that’s ripe Hell, I’m glad That you’re present For a hobo funeral Got a speech Filled with purpose Wrote it down in a hurry and it suits me fine There is art There is humor In a hobo funeral In a hobo funeral A hobo funeral Listen well
2.
Smoky 05:28
first verse every heart got a song to sing every object got a whisper 'o time found the box what a shiny thing on the tracks bout a mile from the st. louis line she was fire-red hot and I couldn't let go later that night caught a country show strum by a fella named Les Paul and it all came clear and I understood got me to thinking found some wires and wood now I'd have a girl at my beck and call I'd call her chorus smoky gentle like the mother I never had unassuming smoky simply speak your chorus and I'll be glad all the friends I've known now dust and bone and my empty little gut's like a sack 'o stone yet merrily I play oh smoky we're what's left today second verse every heart got a song to sing if you don't what's the goddamn reason you rise sing it soft for a nick of courage loud kick the devil right square in his eyes well I sang each day when my arms were sore only rhythm was my sleeping snore waking off the weight from another night 'fore I sang for anybody else you see these little ditties they were meant for me now I got a girl feels so good and right I call her chorus bridge if i breathe and I just start moving smoky heals me she keeps me fine hear her speak while my fingers sliver feel them bleed as our souls entwine if you can't be handsome be useful it's what James always said to inspire hell I ain't one for smarts or manners smoky and me we're a house afire lord I've changed I'll do right by living smoky leads me she makes me strong wasn't much all alone as a lost soul right by her side i do belong oh I've done my share of fickle mischief so long to go to set things straight but if ole James could hear me and smoky I'd like to think he'd smile and for a while I'd get a clean slate third verse every heart got a song to sing listen close hear the sound it's the kindness you weep add some words from the book of suffering put them together it's a fortune you'll keep she was fire-red hot and I couldn't let go later that night caught a country show strum by a fella named Les Paul and it all came clear and I understood got me to thinking found some wires and wood now I'd have a girl at my beck and call I'd call her chorus smoky gentle like the mother I never had unassuming smoky simply speak your chorus and I'll be glad all the friends I've known now dust and bone and my empty little gut's like a sack 'o stone yet merrily I play oh smoky we're what's left today every heart got a song to sing every object got a whisper 'o time
3.
chorus hobos tramps and bums in this poor little world more common than your thumbs but they ain't the same they got a different flame that burns them through their gums those hobos tramps and bums first verse well a tramp'll beg and a bum'll steal but a hobo's steady like a wagon wheel pick the crop carry slop take whatever meal be it steak be it ole wind puddin chorus second verse well a tramp'll be sleeping through the break 'o day and a bum'll pick a scrap if you look her way but a hobo keep working til their fingers fray they keep busy their heart ain't dizzy chorus bridge you see a tramp he ain't but loaf and wander and a bum she drinks and wanders a hobo works and wanders if you can't suss out the difference well I guess you're pretty dumb oh those hobos tramps and bums one more time you see a tramp he ain't but loaf and wander and a bum she drinks and wanders a hobo works and wanders if you can't suss out the difference well I guess you're pretty dumb oh those hobos tramps and bums hobos tramps and bums
4.
Spoken GILLY Mulligan stew? Well, it’s a hobo original. Changes from jungle to jungle. Borne outta whatever the community happens to have. Something a traveler can share for a few hours while the sun streaks over the sky and before the train whistles pump blood into your heart. In the jungle, evening descendin’ Stirrin’ up the embers, intendin’ To brew Mu-Mulligan Stew Get a can, some water for boilin’ ‘Bo’s’ll soon appear, ripe for toilin’ It’s true Mu-Mulligan Stew ‘Tween me and you Mu-Mulligan Stew Meal of the moment To stave off the torment Of life on the rails There’s no other Sippin’ and smilin’ With strangers beguilin’ Who’ve lived through the worst Sister, brother... If you’ve got a carrot, then share it Pinch of salt and bread, go and tear it To chew For mulligan stew Pepper and potatoes for flavor Chicken in the mix, breathe and savor The hue For mulligan stew ‘Tween me and you Mul-Mulligan Stew Meal of the moment To stave off the torment Of life on the rails There’s no other Sippin’ and smilin’ With strangers beguilin’ Who’ve lived through the worst Sister, brother... Starin’ at the moon, washin’ dishes Only thing we own, stock in wishes We few Tasted Mulligan Stew When a ‘bo can give what they’re keepin’ Have it all combined, see the reapin’ Ensue That’s mulligan stew ‘Tween me and you Mu-Mulligan Stew
5.
Spoken GILLY The fact of the matter is, trains are how us ‘bos get by. So you jump on that boxcar, and you find yourself some work. When it comes to hobo vocation Can’t take a second for vacation Barterin’ your service for decent pay Economic comic and cruel More hands than jobs –it’s a fool Who specializes ‘stead of makin’ hay Listen up now – teacher’s in school Lemme give my golden rule Do unto others whatever they need Just put your ego to bed Your pride ain’t ever gonna be fed A ‘bo with money lives by only one creed It’s just an honest’s day work That I’m rarin’ to find It’s just an honest day’s work Never mind what kind Honest day’s work That I’m rarin’ to find It’s just an honest day’s work Never mind what kind I’ve been a Mushfaker Undertaker Rock-breaker Sourdough baker Hell, I’ve wrestled a bear Honey-dippin’, knee-deep in swill Apple-knocker, pick what you will A harvest buzzard when the going’s fair Listen up now – teacher’s in school Lemme give my golden rule Do unto others whatever they need Just put your ego to bed Your pride ain’t ever gonna be fed A ‘bo with money lives by only one creed It’s just an honest’s day work That I’m rarin’ to find It’s just an honest day’s work Never mind what kind Honest day’s work That I’m rarin’ to find It’s just an honest day’s work Never mind what kind Lemme hear you say Work now Look for that work Let’s go now Work now Now work
6.
Steppin’ off the boxcar at the edge of town Face dirty and my coveralls a muddy brown Headin’ to the barber college for a shave and a shine Lookin’ fine Dressin’ up in my cleaner workin’ clothes Skip the brothel ‘cuz a gentle heart always knows There’s a lover out there waitin’ For a little time Tonight’s enough if you just start livin’ Put your worries away Let your senses play Tonight’s enough for a prince or a beggar In the quickenin’ dark Hold your breath See a spark Tonight’s enough to be loved by another love I see you starin’ , bear a grin, Then you look away I tell a joke, have a smoke, listen as you say: Never seen a stranger take an interest In this little plain jane Wild as rain We’re holdin’ hands – ain’t it grand, whisper in your ear You turn to kiss, and it’s bliss Crickets stop and cheer Risin’ up, you lead me onward To a quiet room Tonight’s enough if you just start livin’ Put your worries away Let your senses play Tonight’s enough for a prince or a beggar In the quickenin’ dark Hold your breath See a spark Tonight’s enough to be loved by another love Only together for an evenin’ Sunrise and I’ll soon be on my way Still, we’re delightin’ in the evenin’ In the shadows, face to find, we’ll find We are beautiful See a sliver of the sun through the windowpane I smell your hair and prepare, Listen for a train Gettin’ dressed, I watch you sleepin’ Shut the door behind Feel my heart unwind Tell myself this is livin’ while I’m gettin’ by In another’s day’s time, she won’t even cry After all – she could do much better Than a ‘bo like me Tonight’s enough if you just start livin’ Put your worries away Let your senses play Tonight’s enough for a prince or a beggar In the quickenin’ dark Hold your breath See a spark Tonight’s enough to be loved by another love
7.
Fight Dirty 02:34
I’m a peace lovin’ guy Don’t want no ruckus or no brawl But trouble comes Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow But sure as shootin’ you’ll be pinned down, laid bare, bullied, You’re a stranger What can you do There’s a point in everyone’s life Where you choose Will you be silent, will you respect yourself It’s true If you’ve got to fight Fight dirty Keep your back to the wall Their shoulders give it all away Before they swing Counter from the blow Feet apart and ready Just stick your thumb into their eye I know it’s crazy – that’s why it works so well – That’s what you do There’s a point in everyone’s life Where you choose Will you be silent, will you respect yourself It’s true If you’ve got to fight Fight dirty Kick ‘em in the brain pan Yelled Oh Oooh I see you I see you Oh no you don’t For a group, how to fight, Forget the flourish and the pride Here’s what you do: Find the meanest one, Scream and cuss and cry Aim for their groin to save your life (knife hidden in your boot tip) Kick ‘em ‘til the blood drips And run away There’s a point in everyone’s life Where you choose Will you be silent, will you respect yourself It’s true If you’ve got to fight Fight dirty Oh, if ya gotta fight, Fight dirty ‘Cuz there ain’t no second place in the real world
8.
My oh my Look at you A gettin’ twisted like a snake Sure the vapors are fun But I tell ya son Better just stop drinkin’ Jake For pity’s sake Stop drinking Jake Body won’t hold much longer If you’re drinkin’ Jake Knew a man named Slim Who was a little dim Had the whole world ripe to take But a few months in With the devil’s gin – Now’s he blind and it’s all to Jake For pity’s sake Stop drinkin’ Jake Body won’t hold much longer If you’re drinkin’ Jake Keep it up and your feet’ll get funny Ain’t no way that you’re gonna hide That little tap-click-tap-click sonny Gonna wish that ya up and died You know it’s hard for a ‘bo to get liquor Medicine just to face the day But sippin’ Jake’ll only make ya get sicker Don’t be a First of May Here’s what I say My oh my Look at you A gettin’ twisted like a snake Sure the vapors are fun But I tell ya son Better just stop drinkin’ Jake For pity’s sake Stop drinkin’ Jake Body won’t hold much longer If you’re drinkin’ Jake You’re really better off not drinkin’ Jake
9.
Modesto 04:59
Spoken GILLY Now, now – Smokey. You know I don’t want to bring that up in front of the kind folks. (Smokey strums) All right. All – right. Just – just this once. I’ve travelled all across this nation But the one place I’ll never shine again It’s a white-washed town Modesto California Place where you settle ‘mong the cul-de-sacs Grey women Ruddy men But part of life is lettin’ go Grab a shovel, fill the earth And you don’t look back You’re not as brave as you think you were Don’t have the strength or the money For a new attack Why are you still breathin’ Weight of ruin upon your back It’s always Modesto In your heart Arrived there with my wife And darlin’ son Held my tongue at the notions Neighbors plied Took a job at the cannery It wasn’t fun My family’s faces my only comfort While the noose was tied But part of life is lettin’ go Grab a shovel, fill the earth And you don’t look back You’re not as brave as you think you were Don’t have the strength or the money For a new attack Why are you still breathin’ Weight of ruin upon your back It’s always Modesto In your heart Ran as fast as I could When I got the phone call By the time I arrived The intersection choked with glass And rubber Two sheets on the sidewalk Wavin’ In surrender... And part of life is lettin’ go Grab a shovel, fill the earth And you don’t look back You’re not as brave as you think you were Don’t have the strength or the money For a new attack Why am I still breathin’ Weight of ruin upon my back It’s always Modesto In my heart And part of life is lettin’ go
10.
Spoken GILLY As I sing this final song, I will call upon you, my brothers and sisters, for your voices. And you shall respond in kind. Barefoot and twenty Not a nickel to my name Chicago winter out for blood King of the hobos Good ole James How I was crying in a jungle From the dark he called me close Asked me for my story Lent an ear King of the hobos Good ole James How God he was clever He was so damn clever When I begged for change he shook his head Took off the shoes he wore and gave them to me With a smile and a piece of bread At the hobo college Where I learned to read and write James saw the hope I once forgot King of the hobos Good ole James How Saw us ‘bos as people This forgotten little tribe Travelled ‘round the country Spreadin’ joy King of the hobos Good ole James How God he was simple He was so damn simple Left a half a million to be free The way he saw it Weren’t no point in havin’ riches Comin’ by so easily Five days ago In the middle of the night He caught the westbound Made his peace King of the hobos Good ole James How Lord you never made a man So lovin’ kind And now he’s gone His body free King of the hobos Good ole James How They’ve got a service Taking place this evenin’ Volunteered to speak They want me mum Don’t want my kind around I’m a blemish on his nature Just another filthy bum Now I’ve got nothin’ But this weathered old guitar And a homely face to tell my tale King of the hobos Good ole James How All of you have moments You can ease each other’s pain Shoulder up the wounded Sing and grin King of the hobos Good ole James How God he was clever He was so damn clever When I begged for change He shook his head He shook his head Took off the shoes he wore and gave them to me With a smile and a piece of bread And the things he said And the life he led It’s the path I tread He tole me Gonna teach you letters Put some chalk into my palm Gonna start you readin’ With the 107th They wandered in the wilderness In a solitary way Psalm: They found no other city To dwell in... King of the hobos King of the hobos King of the hobos Good ole James How

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A new American Folk-Rock musical.

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released November 2, 2014

Recorded and Produced by Ozwald Bozwald

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King of the Hobos New York, New York

Jara Jones is an actor, singer/songwriter, and poet residing in New York City.
You can find more songs, poems and rambles on his site:
www.jarajones.com

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