1. |
A Hobo Funeral
03:04
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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
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2. |
Smoky
05:28
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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
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3. |
Hobos, Tramps, & Bums
02:38
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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
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4. |
Mulligan Stew
03:49
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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
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5. |
Honest Day's Work
01:58
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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
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6. |
Tonight's Enough
02:58
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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
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7. |
Fight Dirty
02:34
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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
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8. |
Stop Drinkin' Jake
01:45
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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
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9. |
Modesto
04:59
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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
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10. |
King of the Hobos
05:25
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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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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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