I sure love Country music. Some Country artists and bands might claim they were born to sing Country and that’s all they do…is Country.
Me? I’m Crossover.
Some fans–and music execs–are purists. They don’t like mixin’ up Country with other genres. I think they think it’s sort’a like…cheatin’. And what’s Country without songs about cheatin’?
You Don’t Have To Be Born In Nashville To Like Country is an album full of, well, Country-flavored tunes. When you listen to these songs, you might be wonderin’ how a few of them sound rocky or Pop. Welcome to the world of arrangements.
You just wait. Once I bring in a handful of players, you’ll be surprised how different these songs will sound. You see, this is a little secret about certain songs. What they sound like all depends on how they get arranged. Some songs can straddle multiple genres. Other songs can’t be touched. Like, it’s real hard to take a techno-dance tune and turn it into country.
Alot of rockers like Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, The Band, CSNY, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Grateful Dead, and the Eagles are all very much Country influenced. In turn, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Glen Campbell, and Eliot Wayne take Country into new territories. Shania Twain’s producer, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, worked with AC/DC, Def Leppard, Foreigner, et. al. I still can’t figure out how K.D. Lang was born out of country.
Southern Rock, Alt Country…ah, it gets kind’a crazy. Since day one, there’s always been a fine line between Rock, Country, Blues, Gospel and R&B. Even Elvis was Country.
All the recordings here are in Pre-Production, meaning…they ain’t finished yet. The exception is “My Little Girl,” mixed, mastered and featuring guitar by Tim Thompson. The new arrangements will feature stronger Country influence: more guitar (acoustic and electric), fiddle, banjo, and maybe I can squeeze in a washboard, if I can find a washboard player.
MY LITTLE GIRL
Featuring Tim Thompson:
My Little Girl (Mastered Version)
NOTE: As of 10.5.2012, the old audio player isn’t working but it should still play automatically).
Pre-production Version:
MY LITTLE GIRL, I hear you cryin', cryin', cryin'. Did that little boy hurt you? Don't you worry, don't you worry.
MY LITTLE GIRL, I'm your daddy, I'm your daddy. If you need me I'll be there, I'll be right here.
You look so sad, not a friend in the world. No one to hold your hand, no one to understand. It's not that bad to grow up, LITTLE GIRL. Look at me, and you'll see... I'll be right behind you. I'm here to guide you. If you're lost, I'll find you. I'll always be kind to...
INSTRUMENTAL
MY LITTLE GIRL, I hear you cryin', cryin', cryin'. Did that little boy hurt you? Don't you worry, don't you worry.
MY LITTLE GIRL. MY LITTLE GIRL. MY LITTLE GIRL. MY LITTLE GIRL.
Copyright 2010 by Jerry Flattum
TIED DOWN
Tied Down (voc)
Now listen, I've been lovin' you for a long, long time. Got a bed to sleep, and a car to drive, and a TV for the mind. But something's missin', from this livin' the same old grind.
Locked up in a cage, this animal is a'gettin' mean. Hair's fallin' out, teeth are black, and my eyes are turnin' green. Whadda ya say we catch a plane and get out of this scene.
Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN? Grab a suitcase baby, and let's get ourselves a tan. Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN? Like a pair of slaves, just diggin' graves, we gotta get out while we can.
Laundry's done, house is clean, and the floor is shiny bright. Nothin' much to eat 'cept Chinese take-out for tonight. Just the kind of thing, puts you/me in the mood for a fight.
Work that job and a'waste my brain for a lousy weekly wage. Years go by, just to die, at such an early age. I ain't no bum, but I gotta run, 'fo' madness turn to rage.
Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN? Grab a suitcase baby, and let's get ourselves a tan. Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN? Like a pair of slaves, just diggin' graves, we gotta get out while we can.
Dogs gotta roam, birds gotta fly, so do you, and so do I - so do I!
INSTRUMENTAL
You can't talk and I can't hear, like frozen in ice. Whadda ya got to lose, so, shake a roll of the dice. I wouldn't sell our good times, not at any price.
Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN. Grab a suitcase baby, and let's get ourselves a tan. Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN. Like a pair of slaves, just diggin' graves, we gotta get out while we can.
Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN? Grab a suitcase baby, and let's get ourselves a tan. Why, should we, be, TIED DOWN? Like a pair of slaves, just diggin' graves, we gotta get out while we can.
Why!
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
YOU BE MY LOVEBOAT AND I’LL BE THE SEA
You Be My Loveboat And I'll Be The Sea (voc)
Did I hurt ya baby? No, do-do-do-do don't you cry. Chill out for awhile, and we'll try it again, real nice. I'm so sorry baby, ya get me so-so so excited. We'll pull back for awhile, then we'll float all nite, all nite.
YOU BE MY LOVEBOAT, AND I'LL BE THE SEA, I can ride in you, and you can sail on me. (2ce)
There's no need to hurry...ooh! Yeah-e-yeah, do that again! Slow down little girl, ummm, what you do!... I'll tell ya when...When!...When! I got a movie baby, we'll slap it in the VCR. Freeze frame! Take a look! It doesn't matter where you are, now does it?
YOU BE MY LOVEBOAT, AND I'LL BE THE SEA, I can ride in you, and you can sail on me. (2ce)
BRIDGE: We're all alone in this ocean of love, we'll float together under the stars above. I'm ridin' in you, you ridin' on me, YOU BE MY LOVEBOAT, AND I'LL BE THE SEA.
INSTRUMENTAL
Smother you with kisses, I'll give you all the love I got. Did I just hear you moan...gasp! Don't forget to breath! So hot! I can't stand it when you do that gentle squeeze. You get my birds flyin', you put the buzz in my bees.
(Accapella) YOU BE MY LOVEBOAT, AND I'LL BE THE SEA, I can ride in you, and you can sail on me. (2ce)
(w/ Music) YOU BE MY LOVEBOAT, AND I'LL BE THE SEA, I can ride in you, and you can sail on me. (2ce)
BREAKDOWN (Spoken): Are ya hungry?... Something to drink...juice, wine, whiskey?... Care for a smoke?...Oh, you don't smoke?... I do (Takes a hit)...How ya feelin'?...Yeah?... Me too... Ice? You want ice? What for?...Are you serious?... You ARE serious!
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
DOIN’ TIME
I'm gettin' real tired of this dingy cell, what they want to know, I said, "I'll never tell". Stole that money for that woman of mine, now I'm here just'a DOIN' TIME.
DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME, I can't be with my baby, now that's the crime. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME, until I break out I'm here DOIN' TIME.
I can't wait to be paroled, that's gonna get me nothin' but old. I got my baby, we're partners in crime, I gotta break out from this DOIN' TIME.
DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME, I can't be with my baby, now that's the crime. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME, until I break out I'm here DOIN' TIME.
I wonder if she's OK, I think about her everyday. I wonder if she's all right, I can't take another lonely nite.
Spoken: I gotta get out of here... Feel like a caged rat. I don't know, man, maybe... Cut me a tunnel with my teeth... Wait... Pay the morgue man 50 bucks... Puts a tag on my toe... I'm outta here!
Sung: Break out! Break out! Break out! Break out!
I'm guilty, I'm sorry, yeah, I guess I'm wrong, but I can't keep singin' the same old song. I got my baby, we're partners in crime, I gotta break out from this DOIN' TIME.
DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME, I can't be with my baby, now that's the crime. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME, until I break out I'm here DOIN' TIME.
Sittin' on the rock just poundin' all day, thinkin' 'bout my baby takes the blues away. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME. DOIN' TIME, DOIN' TIME.
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
IT’S ANOTHER HEARTACHE
It's Another Heartache (voc)
IT'S ANOTHER HEARTACHE, but not like the one you had before. That one you got over, this one seems to hang around your door.
You'd think by now you'd get used to it, this one's got a hold on you. And after all you've been through, you would think, you'd know just what to do.
And, that's a big HEARTACHE, so come and lay down by my side. I'll help you get over, he/she wasn't worth his/her foolish pride.
Thought it would last forever, you get kicked around and now you see it isn't so. Does no good to cry for sympathy, baby, he/she had somewhere to go.
IT'S ANOTHER HEARTACHE, But, you'll survive somehow, someway. You get alittle tougher, take it easy day by day.
IT'S ANOTHER HEARTACHE (Repeat w/ Adlibs)
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
FLYIN’ SO HIGH
Flyin' So High (voc)
My cellphone just went dead, forgot to pay the bill," Ooh, it's back to candles, no heat, man, you could kill. Your car is broken down, you're sick and tired 'cause it won't start. And, if you happen to be rich, someone could steal your heart. Mind out of body, just leave your troubles behind.
FLYIN' SO HIGH, man, you never see the ground. Feels so right, yeah, you ain't never comin' down. FLYIN' SO HIGH, livin' life is such a breeze. FLYIN' SO HIGH...one way ticket if you please. You got to sell insurance, maybe be a cop... something more respectable than a'hangin' on a mop. Girls makin' babies, worried 'bout the sin, you know they want to go out, instead they're stayin' in. Mind out of body, just leave your troubles behind. FLYIN' SO HIGH, man, you never see the ground. Feels so right, yeah, you ain't never comin' down. FLYIN' SO HIGH, livin' life is such a breeze. FLYIN' SO HIGH...one way ticket if you please. INST. Now if you don't pay the rent, they throw your stuff out on the grass. Not only does your car not start, you can't afford the gas. So, if you are a man, don't let your woman get cold at nite. And if you are a woman, love your man and squeeze him tight. Mind out of body, just leave your troubles behind. FLYIN' SO HIGH, man, you never see the ground. Feels so right, yeah, you ain't never comin' down. FLYIN' SO HIGH, livin' life is such a breeze. FLYIN' SO HIGH...one way ticket if you please. Copr. 2010 Jerry Flattum
BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN’ ALLEY
Broken Heart St. and Cryin' Alley (voc)
Don't need your sympathy, I don't need to question right and wrong. Don't need those empty words; what I had with her, man, it's gone.
Don't need your understanding, "you been there, and you know what it's like?"
You ain't me, and I ain't you, so get that look out of your eye.
Don't need you jivin' me, cab driver keep on drivin' me to...
BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN' ALLEY. BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN' ALLEY.
Don't need to hold your hand; all I want to do is just forget. There's nothin' you can do, what's done is done, it's over, we both quit - that's it.
Don't want to hear about bein' lonely, "have a drink, it'll cool the heat."
You're all just a bunch of losers, 'neath broken signs, on sleazy streets.
Don't need to know your name, don't need to play that game on...
BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN' ALLEY. BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN' ALLEY.
Man, that girl, she sure was good for me. More than a dream, any man could hope for. I got lost-caught up in all that greed. To lose it all, the price, for wanting more, wanting more, wanting more.
Broken bottles, cigarette butts, garbage; and the cops just sit in their car. Junkies of love, you had too much, left your soul to die, in some dark bar.
Skip the cheap advice, well, that ain't what I'm payin' ya for.
It's too late, I'm hurt and tired, and I don't care, not anymore.
Don't try to talk to me, hey baby, make love to me on...
BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN' ALLEY. BROKEN HEART STREET AND CRYIN' ALLEY.
Copr. 2010 Jerry Flattum
GOIN’ DOWN THE WRONG ROAD
Goin' Down The Wrong Road (voc)
Lookin' like dancers, head's filled with a million dreams. Ridin' on the wind, ridin' on the heat, ridin' on moonbeams. On that dusty road, with just a pocket full of dimes, we never saw any trouble, we were headed for the best of times.
We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD. We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD.
You were my best friend, worth more than both hands flashin' diamond rings. Runnin' on a dare, danger on our backs, spreadin' our wings. When someone called us names, we'd defend each other to the fight. We never meant any trouble, we just knew that what we had was so right.
We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD. We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD.
We knew from the start, when they called us all fools, We just went with our hearts, and broke all the rules. We were young, singin' to the radio. And when we stopped to ask a stranger, if this was the way to go- he took one look and said,
We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD. We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD.
INSTRUMENTAL FILL
On that dusty road, with just a pocket full of dimes, we never saw any trouble, we were headed for the best of times.
We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD. We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD.
We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN, We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN, We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN, We were GOIN', GOIN' DOWN THE WRONG ROAD.
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
CAJUN RIDE
Cajun Ride (voc)
Slipped out of Phoenix about 5am, cruisin to the rhythm of the rising sun. Blew like a dust strom through New Mexico, shot across Texas like a fast gun. Lookin' for love, lookin' for adventure, lookin' for something, I don't know. I was wondering, if you're doin' the same, if you are, well then, come on, let's go.
Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me. Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me.
Outside Lake Charles, L' we' zee' ana, that riverboat casino was a calling me. I slipped a quarter in the slot machine, Had the waitress pull the lever, shake that money tree.
Would you believe, that waitress hit the jackpot, take it all honey, I'm doing fine. Gotta go I'm off to New Orleans, First she winked, then she gave me a smile.
Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me. Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me.
Think I'll take a stroll down Bourbon St. hear funky music born on the bayou. Stompin' to the beat in the Louisianna heat, sets my spirit on fire.
Underneath the spell of a cajun queen, dancing in the glow of French moonlight. She said, "If you want romance, then you've got to take a chance, let the music lift you higher."
One thing for certain, on this freedom ride, got to keep that cajun rhythm in my soul. I'll live my life like one big Mardis Gras, don't ever want to say, I'm too old.
Lookin' for love, lookin' for adventure lookin' for something...I don't know. I was wondering, if you're doin' the same, if you are, well then, come on, let's go.
Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me. Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me.
Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me. Take a little RIDE, Take a little RIDE, Take a little CAJUN RIDE with me.
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
I COULD USE A RAINY DAY
I Could Use A Rainy Day (voc)
She really meant what she said about leavin', if I ever hurt her. I was wrong, she got the blame, now it will never be the same. I've really tried to control this wild anger. Lost my job, lost my cool, I'm not a man, I'm a fool.
I love you. I always will. This is not how I wanted it to be. There's no more room for apologies, this one's on me.
I COULD USE A RAINY DAY, 'cause my love has gone away. Don't send any sunshine, 'cause I don't feel like smilin'. I really feel like cryin'. I COULD USE A RAINY DAY.
I left a note in the mailbox just this mornin', hopin' she will call me. When I call, she hangs up the phone, she wants me to leave her alone. If there's a way I can say that I'm sorry, Take me back, we'll make up, but you won't let me break through.
I love you. I always will. This is not how I wanted it to be. There's no more room for apologies, this one's...this one's on me.
I COULD USE A RAINY DAY, 'cause my love has gone away. Don't send any sunshine, 'cause I don't feel like smilin'. I really feel like cryin'. I COULD USE A RAINY DAY.
INSTRUMENTAL
I love you. I always will. This is not how I wanted it to be. There's no more room for apologies, this one's...this one's on me.
I COULD USE A RAINY DAY, 'cause my love has gone away. Don't send any sunshine, 'cause I don't feel like smilin'. I really feel like cryin'. I COULD USE A RAINY DAY.
Copr. 2010 Jerry Flattum
I JUST CAN’T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE
I Just Can't Give Up On Our Love (voc 2)
When you walked out the door, I was pretty sure, that you'd be comin' back home. Well, it's been one long year, and one million tears, and I still rush for the phone.
The nights seem so long, I've tried to be strong, without you here by my side. Not a call, not a word, I still feel so hurt, I guess I don't have much pride.
I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE, we shared to many good things together. And how I hope you'll remember, I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE.
People think I'm a fool, they say you were cruel, it's time that I should forget. But they don't realize, true love never dies, it's one thing you never regret.
I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE, we shared to many good things together. And how I hope you'll remember, I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE.
We don't need a reason or to justify the time, what went wrong was long ago. No one ever has to apologize; just come on back, please don't say no. Just come on back, baby, please don't say no.
I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE, we shared to many good things together. And how I hope you'll remember, I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE.
I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP, I JUST CAN'T GIVE UP ON OUR LOVE. Copyright 2012 Jerry Flattum
I’M DEPENDIN’ ON YOU
I'm Dependin' On You (voc)
I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU, to help see this thing through. I got into some trouble, and I need you real bad. Don't desert me, 'cause I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU.
I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU, to tell me the truth. When I upset the balance, you're the one to set it straight. I'm just a child, and I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU.
I think I can hold on alittle longer, if I know you're there. Half my problems are gone, when you say you care. Oh, it's not easy, to admit I'm weak, admit I'm wrong, and I'm on a losin' streak. Ignore me for too long, and I'll guarantee I'll go insane... Don't let go...I've got to know... You'll stay right here and ease my pain.
I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU, gotta have someone to talk to. I think I'm goin' crazy, and you're the only one I have. I hope you don't mind, I hope I'm not a burden, and could you please be kind, 'cause I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU. Yeah, I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU. Oh, I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU. I'M DEPENDIN' ON YOU.
Copyright 2010 by Jerry Flattum
ON TO THE NEXT PLATEAU
On To The Next Plateau (voc)
You and me baby, we go back a long, long way, and I guess that's why we don't have much to say - About what we already know, so I guess it's time to move ON, yes, I guess, it's time to move ON, TO THE NEXT PLATEAU.
Times are changin', for the best, we already proved we can pass any test. Higher and higher, higher we go, you and me baby, well, it's ON, TO THE NEXT PLATEAU.
Remember that stormy nite, we sure weren't gettin' along. You threw my suitcase out the window, you thought you were right, and I was wrong. I hid out in the trees, you thought I was gone for good. We laughed until we cried, made love right where we stood. We were so naive, to think that I would ever leave.
INSTRUMENTAL
Times are changin', for the best, we already proved we can pass any test. Higher and higher, higher we go, you and me baby, well, it's ON, TO THE NEXT PLATEAU.
Remember that stormy nite, we sure weren't gettin' along. You threw my suitcase out the window, you thought you were right, and I was wrong. I hid out in the trees, you thought I was gone for good. We laughed until we cried, made love right where we stood. We were so naive, to think that I would ever leave.
I think about what we've been thru till now, we survived it all, 'tho it makes ya wonder how. At anytime we were free to go, but instead, we just moved ON, you and me, we just moved ON, TO THE NEXT PLATEAU.
TO THE NEXT PLATEAU (Repeat w/ Adlibs)
Copyright 2010 by Jerry Flattum
SCRATCHIN’ FOR A LIVIN’, ITCHIN’ FOR A FIGHT
Scratchin' For A Livin'
What you see is a bag lady and a bum, stickin' to the sidewalk like a piece of gum. Like we decided we wanted to go down? We like being beggars, crawlin' on the ground. Woke up this mornin' covered with dirt, made it through the night without gettin' hurt. Hope things get better, but not in your neighborhood? Two of God's children, but, we ain't no good, no good, no good!
SCRATCHIN' FOR A LIVIN', ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT. Some guy got billions, we got no place for the night. SCRATCHIN' FOR A LIVIN', ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT. We made our mistakes, but, we'll do allright.
Look! That guy, you know, he must be a star, talkin' on the telephone from in his car. I'd like to call him, but I don't have a quarter. Besides, look at this! The phone is out of order. I'd like to see him sleep in the park, lay ya ten to one he's afraid of the dark. Got to find shelter, but, we got no place to go. Makes ya mean and nasty when you're down so low, so low, so low!
SCRATCHIN' FOR A LIVIN', ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT. Some guy got billions, we got no place for the night. SCRATCHIN' FOR A LIVIN', ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT. We made our mistakes, but, we'll do allright.
Don't ask me what happened to our lives... It's a sad, sad tale I can't bear to relive. What we've seen is a crime, you don't want to know. We've given everything we got, now we got nothin' left to give. Ha!
Asking for a chance, how 'bout a pair of shoes? You say, "sorry, can't play the game, you lose. So you think we're just a bag lady and a bum? We may be poor, but, we sure ain't dumb. We're in love, you can't take that away, what happened to us, could be you someday. When it does, you'll know what we feel, it's a hell of a way to learn what's real, what's real, what's real.
SCRATCHIN' FOR A LIVIN', ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT. Some guy got billions, we got no place for the night. SCRATCHIN' FOR A LIVIN', ITCHIN' FOR A FIGHT. We made our mistakes, but, we'll do allright.
Spoken Adlibs: Yeah, I know what you're thinkin'... just a bag lady and a bum, huh? Same to you, buddy!
Copr. 2010 Jerry Flattum
WHAT WE USED TO HAVE IS GONE
What We Used To Have Is Gone (voc)
How many times have I tried to tell ya? But you never listen, and I can't get through. It's not the same as it was when I met ya, you see, I've changed and you have too. We can't hang on, to WHAT WE USED TO be, 'cause WHAT WE USED TO be, is now a memory. We can't hang on, to WHAT WE USED TO HAVE, 'cause WHAT WE USED TO HAVE IS GONE.
We're better off to say that it's the end. That way I know, we can part as friends. If we go on, I know I would hurt you, and that's the last thing I want to do.
We can't hang on, to WHAT WE USED TO be, 'cause WHAT WE USED TO be, is now a memory. We can't hang on, to WHAT WE USED TO HAVE, 'cause WHAT WE USED TO HAVE IS GONE.
Alot of soul searchin', to figure this out. It ain't easy, I don't claim to have no doubt. Not a day goes by, I don't see that look in your eye. Kiss me one more time, and then say goodbye, kiss me one more time, I said, kiss me one more time, kiss me one more time and say...
We can't hang on, to WHAT WE USED TO be, 'cause WHAT WE USED TO be, is now a memory. We can't hang on, to WHAT WE USED TO HAVE, 'cause WHAT WE USED TO HAVE IS GONE.
Copyright 2010 Jerry Flattum
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