Blogs

“Colossus”

In January 2011 Pearl Handled Revolver started the recording of their debut album ‘Colossus’. It was the biggest undertaking from the band to date and an opportunity for them to show the world what they were really capable of. Having caught the interest of American independent label King Mojo Records and secured a distribution deal for their existing work, the album follows their successful EP’s ‘One’ ‘Two’ & ‘Three’. The EP’s were where the band learnt their craft over an incredibly eventful 2 year period of writing, recording and performing literally hundreds of shows, growing their appeal and loyal fan-base.

Simon - PHR Keyboardist explains “The EP’s exceeded all of our expectations. If you listen to them in order you can hear our progression as musicians, songwriters and producers. We chose to release EP’s for this reason; an opportunity to hone our abilities and get our music out there at the same time, but always knowing that our debut album should be something special. We insisted on producing the album in the same way as before, with pretty much the same equipment, in the same familiar environment, recording the basis of the songs live in order to capture the energy of the performances.”

Chris – Drummer “It was really exciting going into the studio on the first day to start writing the album, we had a lot of ideas but no preconceptions about the finished article. We decided to record a couple of our older songs too, the first being ‘Head’ and the other ‘Maybe In Time’ which was actually the first song PHR ever wrote. The guys at King Mojo heard us play ‘Maybe In Time’ on a BBC radio live session and suggested that it go on the album. ‘Stone Thrower’ was a re-write of an older track called ‘Like Every Other’. The title track ‘Colossus’ spawned from an riff that Simon came up with a year prior on the Clavinet.”
Pearl Handled Revolver started out life as an all out “blues band”, ‘Colossus’ is far more diverse, it contains a good number of surprises and the sound is now more “blues derived rock” than “blues”.

Lee – Lead Vocalist “Blues was always going to be at the heart of our sound. We all loved it, and it’s a great place to start, but the journey through EP’s 1, 2 and 3 saw us fuse countless genres to explore our creativity. We now knew that the blues “template” had limitless possibilities, so who could blame us for stretching those possibilities as far as we could? Undoubtedly “Colossus” is the culmination of all that we learned along the way.”

Simon “There are many shades to this album, you can probably hear where some of our musical and production influences come from but we feel that all these influences together have made a completely fresh sound unique to Pearl Handled Revolver.

Those early “sketches” provided the perfect backdrop and demanded real lyrical substance….

Lee “What was particularly exciting for me was that however complex my first draft might be, it would fit the arrangements with ease. My “first draft” is often a stream of consciousness, which helps me avoid the usual poetic constraints and clichés. Many remain as poems in my book, and do so because they refuse to be contorted into a song structure without losing their meaning or sentiment in some way. This time I had the luxury of transposing these poems into songs, keeping them intact and faithful to the original thought.
We explored the possibilities of the blues template with arrangements and scores that expressed every word, for me. Colossus shows just how tuned in we all are to each other’s playing. Naturally composing music that allows complete creative freedom, both lyrically and vocally. It proved more than just fruitful, and for me as a lyricist, it was liberating.”

Simon “We are excited for the release of ‘Colossus’ and feel that it is our greatest achievement yet. It is everything that we wanted of our debut album…. and more. We feel that the album captures the energy of our live performances exactly as we had hoped. We are also very pleased to have the backing of King Mojo Records and Blue Room Management who have given us a huge amount of support to help make this album what it is.”
‘Colossus’ will be released through King Mojo Records on 21st February. It will be distributed worldwide and available on CD or download through all major retailers.

 

Pearl Handled Revolver – “Dirty blues, hay bales and ale!”

In the end I guess it comes down to personal choice. You can either enjoy dirty blues and fine ale or fine blues and dirty ale. For those who would choose the former option, the only place to be on Saturday was The Swan Hotel in Bedford . For a few coins of the realm it was not only possible to enjoy a selection from over thirty real beers but also to listen to over two hours of Bedford ’s favourite band …… the one and only Pearl Handled Revolver.

Right from the outset it was clear that the night was going to be something rather special as Lee grabbed the microphone and the band swung into gear. For the next hour the band played amazing, often extended, versions of songs which were known and loved together with a sizeable helping of material which may or may not make the forthcoming album. Whilst the front rows were clearly occupied by those who were familiar with the band – in many senses of the phrase – and of their music, it was equally clear that further back down the room new fans were rapidly being won over in what by then had become a very sizeable audience. With amazingly clear sound quality, courtesy of the lovely Emily, the first set came to a storming conclusion and left the room demanding a swift return to the stage.

If there was any doubt the momentum could be maintained, as the band launched into their second set of the evening, it was dispelled as quickly as the froth on a pint of best bitter. The band had the audience’s full attention and it was difficult to decide who was enjoying the experience the most. As they rocked and growled through material both old and brand new, time itself seemed to stand still until the spell was shattered by the announcement that ‘this is our last song tonight’. Of course it wasn’t – this audience was never going to let the band get away so lightly – but after a blistering encore all great things had to come to an end. November 5th is traditionally celebrated by fireworks – and that is certainly what Pearl Handled Revolver delivered . Roll on Christmas!

Review Courtesy of Dave Longman.
Re; The Swan Hotel “Beer Festival”,
Bedford,
5th November 2011.

 

Pearl Handled Revolver “…On Fire!”
The Rhythm Festival – 2011
Old Warden Park.

What can you say about a line up of this magnitude? Imelda May,Toots and The Maytals, Steve Cropper with The Animals, The Pretty Things, The Blockheads, Oli Brown….the list goes on!

Arriving just as Oli Brown began his set on the Le Mesurier Stage, we took up position deep in the heart of the crowd. The sound was awesome, so was the band. But the next offering came from “Sherman Robertson and the Blues Move”, who were truly the find of the day for me. A real Blues man at the peak of his talent and totally at home with it who kept the audience steadfast while the heavens opened one last time. So many thanks for that Sherman, and glad you’ve been hearing “good things” about us to! Judging by the smile on your face you heard “good things” from the stage aswell! Really pleased you stayed on to catch our set, and happy to say you weren’t alone….

Despite the fact that The Blockheads were still playing on the main stage, a big crowd had already formed to see us. As we took to the stage the sun burst out, as if on queue, right on the intro to “Never Liked You Anyway”. What an opening! By the third number the crowd had swelled to an enthusiastic throng, easing closer to the stage as the numbers behind them grew. The combination of hearing Sherman (stage right) whooping in appreciation and the knowledge that our set was really pulling them in just set me free…. as we roared into “Walk On By” I turned to the guys and saw that I wasn’t alone there!

Then came the moment I shall remember forever… a stunt plane “barrel rolled” vertically up the curve of the bank to our left, bringing with it a never ending stream of new ears….. as if they had been hidden in his vapour trail! Just in time for them to witness, possibly our best performance of “The Robin’s Garden” to date. We were “really on fire” as one onlooker kindly noted…but it has to be said that with such an amazing audience the live “buzz” was massively amplified for us all. It’s this very buzz that a live performance is fuelled by… so it felt like we were on nitro by the time we hit them with “Peace By Piece”, there response was to dance…. magnificent!

With no fewer than two encores we all left that stage feeling a little blessed, knowing that everyone stood there had loved the show just made the whole day perfect. You all took the time to tell us too, which meant a great deal to us all. It was lovely chatting to so many of you after the show, true to say we’ve made some new friends … ones we hope to see at some upcoming shows soon.

For now, thank you.

Remember to join us on our Facebook Band Page ….. listen, watch, chat and keep updated on our constantly growing gig list. We need your “Buzz”! ;)

 

Pearl Handled Revolver – Return to Esquires.
20th August 2011
With Special Guests;
The CC Smugglers and The Psychedelic Monks in the Electric Church of Doom.

After our wonderful “up close and personal” gig at The Old Sun in Harlington on Friday night, the whole band were fired up and raring to go. Tonight was our “home coming” gig following a truly mind blowing 6 months of festivals and high profile billings, both in Europe and the UK …back to land our feet on one of our favourite stages, The Main Stage at Esquires.
By 5pm sound check was well underway, which left me time to arrange a few “special features” for the evening. Having inched my way up the small staircase with arms full of lights and assorted paraphernalia, I scurried around Esquires forgotten vault arranging various psychedelic projectors.
With “The Psychedelic Monks in the Electric Church of Doom”, pre-costume, now basking in the glory of a veritable “fractal mindwarp” during their sound check, I knew my work was done….

….So, picture the scene…
Double bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Slide…..you name it (bluegrass/folk!?!) and these boys played it beautifully. The CC Smugglers, a band who first caught our eye at The Luton Carnival, launched into their set with the heart of a lion and the soul of a poet. Sound too saccharin? Well, it’s the only brief way that I can describe their performance….lyrically they forged a new link from traditional accents and structures, to more current and relevant themes. Add to that the sheer force of it’s delivery ….with it’s beautifully placed (yet well rehearsed) randomness, powered by some stunning harmonies, oh, and drummers doubling up on Ukulele….and you have one hell of a “shin-dig”!

….Obviously I hadn’t started the psychedelic extravaganza off just yet….Smugglers and psychedelic light shows wouldn’t really mix….just as well that we happened to have some Psychedelic Monks up next….

Now I know the name is a strange one. The idea behind this strange name lies in the ever distorted mind of our drummer. Chris found himself posed with a question…. “If a band wanted to play a gig masquerading as someone else, in order to try out some new material, what name would you give them?”

Inspired!! On walked one of the best three piece blues rock bands I’ve ever seen live, dressed in monks robes with silver face masks….It doesn’t get anymore psychedelic than that people….I hit the lights…Bam! They were off! The shock of not being able to register any expression on the musician’s faces wore off the moment the lead guitarist hit the strings. Robin Trower met Hendrix in an effortless, driving tone. Most people seemed quite excited, speculating on who this guy was, insisting they had “worked it all out” in some cases. “You remember, played with Clapton, just after Mayall” …and so on. It was electric… a superb performance. Just what we needed to raise our game, as we were about to find out.

By now the crowd knew that tonight had been a really special night for music at Esquires. For us it was a night that we were honoured to be a part of. So, I think, it was almost easy for us to give the performance of our lives…and we loved every minute of it. The crowd were so receptive to all that we threw at them. It had been a while, but it was like they missed the songs…or maybe we missed them! Whatever it was it worked …

“25 Below” got them a little wild…. “Going Down” had them singing and shouting. By the time we dirtied it up with “God Won’t Let My Baby In Tonight” we were all on fire. Hard to really say about your own performance as a band, because you live it as opposed to watching it, so I go on two things…. the buzz from people after the show and the buzz I feel in side when I just know that, if it felt that good, it was that good…. and that’s just what we got from the audience too. If you were there on Saturday and feel like telling us how it was for you, we’d love to know!

I want to take this opportunity to thank firstly, the awesome audience who graced us with their presence on Saturday night. Secondly, Emily Curtin, who single handedly rocked Esquires to the bone with her stunning work on the desk, you made us all sound the way we should! Lastly our “supports” for the evening…. To both the Monks and The Smugglers… We salute you!

 

Pearl Handled Revolver...”The Journey…”
19th June 2011

At first, we loved it....just hanging out and playing some music together. But, when you know it's good you have to have more. We wanted more....we wanted more people to hear our music, we wanted to create the best onstage sound that we could, we wanted to create a visual experience for our audiences, we wanted to play all those venues that we dreamed of playing.....the list grew as did the band. It might have been the realization, that the music we were making was undoubtedly worth "going that extra mile" for, that changed everything. It made our list of wants happen, one by one.

We find ourselves now reading through a list of venues and festivals that have booked us throughout the year. It's a great list...The Rhythm Festival, Amp Rocks Festival, The 100 Club, The Paradiso (Amsterdam)....all top venues with awesome line ups...Imelda May, The Blockheads, The Black Crowes. All dreams we shared not so long ago.

I'm receiving reviews and interviews now on a daily basis, from Blues Matters, American Blues Scene, Classic Rock and so on. Nearly 150 radio stations worldwide currently playing our tracks on rotation, maybe more now. We're surrounded by incredibly talented people who just love what we do and want to help. From Jamie Carruthers, a young, imaginative web designer who has just created the most perfect website for us (soon to be launched!), Jez Brown, a stunning photographer responsible for most of the shots you'll see of the band, to Tom Wild and David Litchfield, whose deft talents are behind our most viewed video releases .

Indeed it now seems that we weren't aiming high enough in the first place!! Our first album "Colossus" is being mastered as we speak by some of the most knowledgeable guys in the business...and it's huge! It even looks like we're to start planning a US tour for sometime next year...

...Last night we found a rare occasion to just sit, drink wine and talk about the journey so far, and where this journey seems to be taking us and it was all quite mind blowing, in a very good way.

Having tripled our fanbase in the last 6 months, this really is down to all of you full time supporters. Well, keep spreading the word guys and girls...safe in the knowledge that we truly appreciate your efforts, and that they work! :)

Till next tme.....may the dirty Blues be with you!

 

Tuesday Evening Writing Session......
22 Feb 2011

Tonight was an amazing evening with the boys. As you know from my previous blog, six of the songs for the new album are recorded...that was supposed to be the easy part! The hard part was surely to come? With only some sketchy ideas for the remaining numbers, we had to get some writing done....

I should have known it would be a great night when it began with Chris handing me a ream of my latest lyrics, all printed up beautifully! Having set up and exhausted our "PHR news" chat we questioned which of the new "sketches" we should work on first....

.....I'd mumbled through a track called "I Will Rise", written recently and still fresh in my mind, to the rest of the band a few weeks before. Luckily I could remember the melody, so, calling for silence so as not to forget it, I sang it right through on my own in the hope that each would fill in the gaps.

That is exactly what happened. Incredibly to me, the whole band had independently arrived at the same conclusions....exactly how I had imagined it to be. There it was, a complete and stunning song immediately!! Lest we forget, we ran through it once again, this time with a live mic in the room in order to catalogue it's structure etc. Then we listened back.....

.....I can't wait to play this one live. Lyrically, I feel it's one of my best (you can judge for yourselves! See below) but how the band nailed it tonight has taken it to a whole new level. It is going to be a real pleasure to record this for the album....and what an album it's going to be! Every track so far stands up on it's haunches and demands to be heard. Not one single "album filler" in sight and judging by tonight's glorious anthem, there aren't going to be any ;)

Till next time, here's the song I'm so excited about......

 

New Album Update!
5 Feb 2011

Hi guys,
Been very, very busy boys this month. We are always snatching moments in our hectic lives to further our music. On this occasion we have dedicated our Saturdays to recording LIVE our new album.
Each Saturday we have managed to create six of the twelve new tracks we are hoping to choose from for album inclusion. Quite an achievement in itself! Certainly further forward than we had hoped we'd be by now and the only problem we can see arising is which of those twelve we should use....ALL of them are belters that we are very proud of....ummm, tricky!

Recorded so far are;

"Maybe In Time"
"She Can Dance"
"Woman Made A Man Out Of Me"
"Stop Me Dead"
"Resonate"
"Head"

.....Those of you aware of our set would have heard "Maybe In Time" and "Head" but not as we've recorded them now! Each has received a complete over haul and as we had never formally recorded and released these two we felt they had to be included.
All the rest are completely new....some are still being written and a couple are mere ideas in our heads....but great ones none the less. So stand by for a sneek preview coming soon....all we need now is to pick the right "like minded" person to aid in the mastering process. As soon as we know more on this we'll let you know.....some very interesting offers on the table, just too soon to say!

You might want to keep an eye on our rapidly increasing gig list as only a fraction of our prospective bookings are up with some big ones awaiting confirmation...I'm sure we'll be playing somewhere near you soon ;)

If you want more frequent updates and to chat with the band join us on Facebook....if you haven't already!

If it's top quality streaming you're after then join us on Reverbnation ....free downloads and much, much more!

Then there is this....our latest Full Feature Presentation of "Never Liked You Anyway" .....Live at the Bedford Corn Exchange - (track taken from EP "Three")

............For now, be bad...be very bad....it's the only way to enjoy life to the full! Bye for now.

 

Paradiso and beyond.....
5 Dec 2010

.....Without a doubt we are looking at more video footage than you can shake a stick at. From our full set at Cremer's (Den Haag) to our wild show at the Paradiso....and all the juicy bits inbetween, we have our work cut out in the editing room.

As if that wasn't enough, we go and play another tremendous night for The Bedford Burlesque, using no less than 8 roving cameras to cover every angle and move of our 45 minute set at the Bedford Corn Exchange.

What a night it was to! Burlesque performers from all over the country gathered to fluff their plumage, tease their tassles and dance their ruby slippers off for this Wizard of Oz themed night with a twist. With nearly 500 people present, most of whom were adorned as elaborately as the performers, great sound, great lighting and this stunning venue.....It couldn't fail to be a superb evening. Ironically, we return home to find ourselves on the largest stage we've played on to date, we loved it and we hope it comes across in the video.

We wish to thank Emily for her well organised perfect party and for asking us along to join in the fun.

So, lots of video coming soon, that's for sure. We'll keep you posted.....can't wait to see it myself ;)

 


Blowing off the cobwebs
5 Nov 2010

It's probably appropriate that our first gigs for what seems like an age were for Halloween. We've led a rather vampire like existence of late, locked away in the studio without daylight, (normal) human company and often oxygen, writing and recording and stopping only to muse upon the relative merits of more Moog and the maximum acceptable length of an album track (opinions vary between 9 and 23 minutes, with one vote for calling them 'movements' not 'songs').

But step out into the daylight we did, pale, drawn and hunched double... no Halloween costumes required... to make our way to The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich. Turns out the Gipsy Moth is a GREAT pub, with an AWESOME crowd and we had an absolute blast... we tried out a couple of the new songs 'She Can Dance' and 'Woman Made A Man Out Of Me' (one sounds like Black Sabbath covering Pink Floyd... the other one sounds like Pink Floyd covering Black Sabbath) and were much relieved that a) we remembered them and b) they seemed to go down really rather well.

The clocks went back... I think we lost that extra hour to drinking... but we made some splendid new friends, and returned home under the appropriately all encompassing cover of darkness chuffed to veritable pieces and full of thanks for the staff (big shouts to Simon and Ruth), punters, the pirates, the witches and the zombies.

Sunday creaked open like the door to an improbably perched Transylvanian castle and we all convened at Bev's for Bev's... or, if you want to get technical, The Bedford Arms, run by Beverley, purveyor of the finest real ales and assorted beverages.

Another Halloween party and another GREAT crowd, some big names in there... Sweeney Todd and Edward Scissorhands, at least one She Demon, Morticia, Death himself and a couple of Trainspotters... enough in fact to absorb Simons thinly veiled tribute to Rick Wakeman... he claims it was a witches hat and cape... we know he was making a grab for the Grand High Wizard of Prog Throne.

Utmost respect to everyone who turned out, on a Sunday dressed to the nines (or 666s); especially since most of you had already had a big Blues fix from the splendid Cherry Lee Mewis at the Sunday Session in Danny's Bar... so THANK YOU.

We feel truly spoilt... It was a joy to play for you all and get such a warm reception as we blew off the cobwebs, literally and metaphorically.

Much Love,

Chris x

 


Lyric Blog - "Colossus"
14 Oct 2010

This one has no dancing partner as yet, but I think it will find a good "home" soon!

Colossus.

If your bliss is ignorance,
The truth is something you fear.
I hope you don’t look for Providence,
On the tip of some southern pier.

Out through the storm clouds essence,
It’s tentacles clawing the light house,
There, 'neath it’s loom, you pay penance,
And the elephant stops for the mouse.

As if to lighten your burden,
It makes you the star of the show,
A shutter bursts wide open,
Lighting your stage with the moon.

It shows you the cracks on its surface,
It shows you the detail in truth,
Asks you to stand and be counted,
To announce to the world “this is you.”

Under this menacing majesty,
Your words fail to answer the call,
You go from controlling your destiny
To just letting go of it all.

Less you thought it was real, this illusion.
One world with you at it’s center.
Now you’re forced to face the confusion,
It opens up your eyes to surrender..

Are you really in love with the dancer,
You carelessly swing by your side?
This colossus demands an answer,
Bears down on the truth you can't hide.

It broods in the depth of your darkness,
Swells at the coward you are,
Roars as it bursts into droplets,
Cracks with electric guitars.

Only now you can no longer hide it,
The nature to which you can’t lie,
Has turned on you all it’s glory,
And slipped away with the tide.

 

Lyrics

Bring it all home
Colossus
God won't let my baby in tonight
Going down
Head
I never liked you anyway
I will rise if you fall
Maybe in time girl
Piece by peace
Rainbow
Resonate
She can dance
Stone thrower
Stop me dead
Strangers
Sunrays through my windshield
The robin's garden
Today was the day
Twenty five below

Walk on by
White lines
Woman made a man out of me

Bring It All Home.

Well I’ve crossed over ,I’ve red lined,
No possibilities can I see.
Under this powder, this grease paint,
There’s just a little left of me.
Don’t think I’m crazy for saying ,
There’s more to me than meets the eye.
See I’m dangerous, maybe contagious,
Yours is not to reason why.

But I can bring it all home,
If you roll the dice.
I can bring it all home,
If you treat me right.

Ain’t no career man, no I got hard hands,
And I declare it with impunity.
Now it’s too late to change my mind set,
Stubborn as a man can be.
Beneath these grey eyes, where the truth lies,
Nothing but a little left of me.
I won’t be broken ,not even shaken,
So hard to keep me satisfied.
See I’m outrageous , even contagious,
Yours is not to reason why.

But I can bring it all home,
If you roll the dice.
I can bring it all home,
If you treat me right.

Lee Vernon.
2008.

 

Colossus

If your bliss is ignorance,
The truth is something you fear.
I hope you don’t look for Providence,
On the tip of some southern pier.
Out through the storm clouds essence,
It’s tentacles clawing the light house,
Small neath it’s loom, you pay penance,
And the elephant stops for the mouse.


It shows you the cracks on its surface,
It shows you the detail in truth,
Asks you to stand and be counted,
To announce to the world “this is you.”

Chorus
Less you thought it was real, this illusion.
One world with you at it’s centre.
Now you’re forced to face the confusion,
It opens up your eyes to surrender..

Are you really in love with the dancer,
You carelessly swing by your side?
This colossus demands an answer,
Bears down on the liar inside.
It broods in the depth of your darkness,
Swells at the coward you are,
Roars as it bursts into droplets,
Cracks with electric despair.

Only now you can no longer hide it,
The nature to which you can’t lie,
Has turned on you all it’s glory,
And slipped away with the tide.

 

God Won’t Let My Baby In Tonight.

He set himself up with a dream,
Not one for the crowds or the finer things.
Took his chances on a rich girl,
With half a mind like a flag unfurled.
But he paid for his crimes like the Hurricane,
When he left court they were screaming his name,
Now it’s such a shame…

That God won’t let his baby in tonight,
God won’t let his baby in tonight.

Now the world is such a different place,
When you never see the sunrise.
And as the light spread across his face,
Reminding him of good times.
And it won’t be long before the shoe fits,
One final chore before the clock tick-tocks.
He knows the truth behind the lipstick seal,
On the letters never opened on his prison wheel.
Oh, it’s such a shame…

That God won’t let his baby in tonight,
God won’t let his baby in tonight.

Those intimate instructions he’d receive them everyday,
From a secret that he couldn’t keep a million miles away.
Now there’s no doubt, she’ll brake him out,
Just think of the money they’d share.
Instead she’s drinking her Tequila’s in the hot summer air.
So he screamed the whole cell down,
But nobody seemed to care…

That God won’t let his baby in tonight,
God won’t let his baby in tonight.
Lee Vernon.
2009.

 

Going Down.

I picked up the pieces,
Vowed never again.
Just like old “Smokey”,
I’d cry in the rain.
And I’m goin’ out of my mind now baby,
And what makes it worse,
Is I’m going down.

I’ve noticed at night time,
I toss and I turn.
I’m drinkin’ red wine,
To steady my nerves.
And I’m goin’ out of my mind now baby,
And what makes it worse,
Is I’m going down.

So here goes nothing baby,
Lord it’s the spin of the wheel.
‘Cause there is no reason,
Not to show how I feel.
Just as I start the proceedings,
You stop me and say,
That “I’m going down”.

 

Head.

I got to shake this feeling from my bones,
Got to stop that ringing telephone,
Its in my head , oh Lord in my head.

And the heart of Saturday night is waiting for me,
When the lights go down on you all you’ll be amazed.

No use waiting for the men from Mars,
To prise me from my seat away from knock-down cars.
Back to the beat, the pulse of lead, nothing can reveal what’s in my head,
What’s in my head.

And the heart of Saturday night is waiting for me.
When the lights go down on you all, you’ll be amazed.

But now your shaking that temptation right in front of my nose,
Where the hell it’s coming from, God only knows…
Your in my head, in my head.

And the heart of Saturday night is waiting for me.
When the lights go down on you all, you’ll be amazed,
You’ll be amazed.

Lee Vernon.
2008.

 

I Never Liked You Anyway.

I get myself up,
Out of a daydream.
And I wake to find myself alone.
I stir my coffee,
And look for sugar,
But I see that she ain’t home.
So I slip,
Into the mainstream,
And float on through my day.
Cause I’m not one,
To go down on,
My aching knees and pray…

All I can say,
I never liked you anyway.
All I can say,
I never liked you anyway.

You see I know,
The sun is shining,
And the breeze is slowly stroking the corn.
Though I’m not raving,
In God’s kitchen,
Lord I couldn’t ask for more.

All I can say,
I never liked you anyway.
All I can say,
I never liked you anyway.

Lyrics by Lee Vernon.
2009.

 

I Will Rise If You Fall.

It’s not the bad things that happen,
That colour your soul.
It’s the way that you handle them.
Did you answer the call?
Did you rise? Did you fall?

It’s not the cards you were dealt,
Or some biased die roll,
It’s the next move you make.
Do you answer the call?
Do you rise? Do you fall?

Well it’s the same old scene,
She’s the cat that got the cream
She finds it funny that her honey seems to care.
Do you gather up your things?
Sidle off into the wings…
Or do you introduce her lover to the stairs?

It’s not the way you drink your whisky,
Luke warm, ice cold.
It’s what happened when you drank it.
Did you answer the call?
Did you rise? Did you fall?

So once again I beseech you,
When you’re tired of it all,
Just make sure that I can reach you,
And please answer the call.
Cause I will rise if you fall.
I will rise if you fall.

28th January 2011.For Mum.

 

Maybe In Time Girl.

I’ve come too far on this broken glass,
To think it’s all been for nothing.
For when the bad times had passed,
I thought the good would come at last.
But instead I’m just left longing baby,
For a smile on a beautiful face.

I got to see too little too late,
But its sure better than nothing.
Between the heart-stone and embrace,
You’d think there’s nobody watchin’,
But instead I’m just left longing baby,
For a smile on a beautiful face.

I’ve beaten every damn door down,
From bars to hotel bookings,
And girl you can not be found,
No not where I’ve been looking babe.
So instead I’m just left longing baby,
For a smile on a beautiful face.

Maybe in time girl,
I’ll Bring the stars down.
Maybe in time girl,
And the moon around.
Maybe in time girl,
I’ll spite gravity,
Maybe in time girl,
You got to set me free,
Maybe in time girl,
To let the feeling grow,
Maybe in time girl,
You got to let me know,
Maybe in time girl,
So I can rise above,
Maybe in time girl,
Your expectations of love.
Lee Vernon.
2008.

 

Peace by Piece.

The sea only leaves to return,
But you’ve no intention to try.
So before you turn and run,
One more wave goodbye.

The night takes a break,
With the coming of day,
The world takes its place in the sun.
So leave in the night time, just slip away,
Or tomorrow will never come.

You’ve broken the spell for no reason,
The magic was slowly undone.
My hearts no longer on my sleeve,
And sorrow is my song.

Lee Vernon.
2009.

 

Rainbow.

Oh the world is such a grateful place,
When you see it for what it is.
Not just Autumn gold,
Or the touch of a lovers kiss.

And the lights we see so far away,
Are peep-holes to another day.

Oh the world is such a grateful place,
When you start to see the cracks.
We’re travelling forever,
But never looking back.

And the lights we see so far away,
Are peep-holes to another day.

I only write when I’m in pain.
Oh time and time and again,
I tried to touch the soul when hot.
And I burned while I watched that distant rain,
Through rainbow sun-shot.

And the lights we see so far away,
Are peep-holes to another day.

 

Resonate.

I throw myself out, into the light,
Cold from the crossfire and tainted tonight,
My soul is burned, my heart a curse,
And still on with the show, of course.
The drum beats out,
And pounds your name,
Your love resounds,
And resonates.
You resonate.

Just for now, dew of the dawning,
That what we do will crash, without warning,
And the thoughts,
That hide inside,
They pound your name,
And resonate.
You resonate.

You see this man, in who you relented,
Broken in two, who just couldn’t take it.
Still your name,
It resonates.
Still means the same,
You resonate…
You resonate…
You resonate…

 

She Can Dance.

You’re the last leaf falling on the ground,
Lighting up my soul, golden brown.
So why sail away from this lover you found?
Away towards the sun.

There’s a price you pay forever,
Sad old chores within the game,
Where the wind of change unravels,
Time itself is not the same.

Then like a muntjac,
Jump back,
Heart attack.
High heel,
Reveal,
An alter back.
Takes me off of the beaten track,
I guess there’ll be no looking back for me,
Ah baby she can dance.
No looking back for me,
Ah baby she can dance,
She can dance.
She can dance.

And for a while, after dark,
She is taken over.
And for a while, after dark,
She is taken over.
And for a while, after dark,
She is taken over.
And for a while, after dark,
She’s like a…

She’s like a muntjac,
Jump back,
Heart attack.
High heel,
Reveal,
An alter back.
Takes me off of that beaten track,
And I guess there’ll be no looking back for me,
Come on she can dance.
No looking back for me,
Baby she can dance,
Ah she can dance.

 

Stone Thrower.

When the rain come down your gonna need a Noah,
When you come across a lone soul do you ask it over?
Could it be that you ain’t free you’re a stone thrower?
Could it be that you don’t bleed like every other?

Could it be, you’re stronger than me?
(Stone thrower)

When the oceans rise your gonna need a Mosses.
Find your self in Heaven’s light with no more excuses!

Or could it be your stronger than me?
Could it be that you ain’t free?
(Like every other, stone thrower)

When the shrapnel flies your gonna need protection,
When your saviour dies your gonna pray for resurrection!

Could it be you’re stronger than me?
Or could it be that you ain’t free?

(Like every other, stone thrower)
Backing vox repeat to end

 

Stop Me Dead.

Oh, by and by,
Things are getting strange,
You and I, we might find we might change
Just like you I’ve been waiting for too long.
Praying for you to be strong.
So I’d like you now,
To walk your baby home.
Give me one more day…
I got a million things left to say,
Before they take my soul away.

When she shouts my name,
Never gonna change,
If I’m in range,
Stop me dead, every time.
She don’t bitch,
She don’t holla,
Or beat me down, down,
Down, down, down….
Keep me sweet,
With my feet,
On solid ground.

So I say…Walk your baby home.
Give me one more day.
I got a million things left to say.
Before they take my soul away.

Before they take my soul away.
(Before they take my soul away)
Backing vox to end.

 

Strangers.

The theatre is crowded tonight,
Just silhouette traces,
Maybe I’ll catch the lights,
On some familiar faces.
Nothing but strangers tonight,
I’m a candy coated ace.
They’re nothing but moths to the light,
As they fly into my face.

(Instru Break)

And I walked on home in the rain,
I’m glad I had my umbrella,
‘Cause we brought the whole house down,
But I did not feel any better, no.
‘Cause I know that I need you there,
And I know the rest won’t care,
If I get home alright.
Yeah I know that I need you there,
And I know the rest won’t care,
If I get home tonight.

(Instru Break)

Now I know that I need you there,
And I know that the rest won’t care.
Shadows will fall,
The bright lights will call if you dare.
Now I know that I need you there,
And I know that the rest won’t care.
Shadows will fall,
The bright lights will call if you dare.

(Stop- into verse chant below)

These bands of witches,
The evil curse,
Of drunken misfits,
Exchanging words.
Yet I step easy
Into the light,
To sell my soul
For one more night.

 

Sunrays Through My Windshield.

Cut up like the sunrays passing through my windshield,
Lighting up the dashboard of my car.
Flash-back to the places that we set alight,
Not afraid of taking it too far.

And it’s the look I see,
Showing love to me,
Shaping my destiny.

Everything from busted dreams to hearts for sale,
Slide into the maelstrom of your day.
And I’ve taken it for granted that we had the right,
To see that not a single second goes to waste.

And it’s the look I see,
Showing love to me,
Shaping my destiny.

Oh, cut out the headlines baby,
‘Cause I know I know you too well.
Selling me down that river won’t do you no ill,
But it’ll leave you cold and broken here inside now,
Oh inside like me.

(Repeat after instru break.)

Lyrics by Lee Vernon.
2008.

 

The Robin’s Garden.

As he watches intent,
Just a few feet away,
His brilliant red , fading to grey.
And his dark beads follow my every sway.
Who is this in the robin’s garden today?

Does he care that I’m here,
Beneath his hallowed branches?
Ah, sharing his sunlight, his grapevine romances.
Still the feeling grows, that I’m taking my chances,
In the robin’s garden tonight,
In the robin’s garden tonight.

I didn’t know that it meant so much,
I can’t believe I was so out of touch.
Now I’ve been left undone,
In the garden tonight.

Has he spent all his time on a nest somewhere?
Is his call not of love but a warning flare?
Or did I ruffle the feathers that he laid there,
In the robin’s garden tonight?
In the robin’s garden tonight.

I didn’t know that it meant so much,
I can’t believe I was so out of touch.
Now I’ve been left undone,
In the garden tonight.

Lee Vernon.
2009.

 

Today Was The Day.

Some of them praise you or wish you well,
Some recognise the lies you tell.
Others show rage, or beauty or pray,
For a bigger page to say what they say.

But today was the day that you blew me away,
After nine months so sweetly you called me.
After what seemed to be an eternity.
After nine months so sweetly you called me.

Most insist they’ll change your life,
Find you a prize, or find you a wife.
Some just blindly state their case,
With no remorse for the tears on your face.

But today was the day that you blew me away,
After nine months so sweetly you called me.
After what seemed to be an eternity.
After nine months so sweetly you called me.

…And the love that feeds,
This constant need,
It marks the start.
And this endless plea,
And you forgiving me,
It fills my heart.

Words by Lee Vernon.
2007.

 

Twenty Five Below.

You’ve got a power, don’t you know?
Got me watching as your hips sway to and fro.
Lips of red, wet with rain,
Like a shotgun blasts the senses in my brain.
Because you’re beautiful, and you don’t know.
You’re beautiful babe, but twenty five below.

I can’t believe, you’re next to me.
Drives me crazy tryin’ to make sense of your pleas,
You set the world alight, I feel it in my blood.
You’re gonna leave a bad impression on the heavens above.
Because you’re beautiful, and you don’t know.
You’re beautiful babe, but twenty five below.
(Drop down)
If you take me home, I’ll be in your debt.
Been around a long time, ain’t done nothing I regret.
If you take me home, I’ll be in your debt.
Been around a long time, ain’t done nothing I regret.
Because you’re beautiful, and you don’t know.
You’re beautiful babe, but twenty five below.
You’re beautiful.
(Twenty five below.)
You’re beautiful.
(Twenty five below.)
You’re beautiful.
(Twenty five below.)
You’re beautiful.
(Twenty five below.)

Lee Vernon.01/01/10.

 

Walk On By.

I’ve been waiting for a long time,
And it seems I’ll have to wait some more.
You’ve been giving me the right signs,
But time and again you closed that door.
I don’t pretend to be the right guy,
Just give me a chance to try,
Put some flowers in your window babe,
Or I’ll just walk on by.

I got two strong arms to hold you,
And a heart that only you can reach.
And I’m crying loud and clear,
Beggin’ you darlin’ please.

Seems to me that such a sweet wine,
Left alone will only fortify.
If I never cross that fine line,
My patience won’t be justified.
I don’t pretend to be the right guy,
Just give me a chance to try.
Put some flowers in your window babe,
Or I’ll just walk on by.

I got two strong arms to hold you,
And a heart that only you can reach,
And I’m crying loud and clear,
Beggin’ you darlin’ please.

I’ve been waiting for a long time ,
For a chance to dance alone with you.
Risk a little pride
for just one single time alone with you.
Don’t pretend to be the right guy,
If your willin’ to give it a try,
Put some flowers in your window babe,
Or I’ll just walk on by.

I got two strong arms to hold you,
And a heart that only you can reach,
And I’m crying loud and clear,
Beggin’ you darlin’ please,
Beggin’ you darlin’ please.

Lee Vernon.
2008.

 

White Lines.

I’ve seen so many white lines,
People slowly indicating,
Nine lives, their lost souls are getting vindicated.
Fifth guy in line,
Can I get a bit of your time?

Well you was out there thinking you’re raising a glass,
Then comes the loud mouth, womanising,
Pain in the arse,
And he’s got five pounds riding,
On the fact that he’ll be driving
You home tonight.

I’ve seen so many white lines,
So many people indicating,
Slowly changing lanes,
Lost souls are getting vindicated,
Braking with the strain,
Cause life is much too complicated,
No time for the rain,
Got to be, be regenerated.

Down to the bone, out on loan.
Whatever it takes to feel the spin of the wheel.
Whatever lit up this town can bring you down,
Eventually….

You got to walk like you mean it, hesitate if you dare,
You got to talk like you mean it, if your man don’t care,
You got the right to bleed the hand that feeds,
If he can’t satisfy your needs.
I’ve seen too many white lines,
People indicating baby,
Slowly changing lanes,
Lost souls are vindicated.
Fifth guy in line, can I get a bit of your time?

 

Woman Made A Man Out Of Me.

In a life of pain and sorrow,
Drugs and drink made me think I was free.
Now I know I’ll see tomorrow,
And the Devil’s gonna let me be.
He’s been hanging on my tail forever,
Clinging to this soul at sea,
I can ignore his draw much better,
Now a woman made a man out of me.

A woman made a man out of me,
Lit the fire as far as I can see,
Let me say it burns as bright as can be,
Now a woman made a man out of me.

Fresh from the soot of the gambling gun,
Under the rule of roulette
Trigger happy, principally counterfeit,
Always in pursuit of some girl I’d met.

Waking up in alleys like a fool,
Stretched out beneath this paper moon.
Pretty soon I’d be the Devil’s bitch
Till I found she had me on her list…

A woman made a man out of me,
Lit the fire as far as I can see,
Let me tell you it burns bright as can be,
Now a woman made a man out of me.