I sit in a room with a hat on my head and I'm thinking of you Sitting indoors while the rain pours down and I'm thinking of you I know I could call you I probably should, I just can't decide I know I should call you I should and I will once I make up my mind Hanging around on a bright, sunny day and I'm thinking of you I lie in the grass with the sky in my face and I'm thinking of you But all of the clouds that pass me by are nothing next to the clouds in my mind I stare at them for the rest of the day as if they could tell me what to say I know that something here has changed We're so close and you're far away I wish there was something more I could do But I'll just stay here thinking of you Thinking of you Got to get up, got to start on my day but I'm dreaming of you I get to my job and the work's OK, but I'm thinking of you. With every avenue that I take, I can't help feeling I've made a mistake I need you to help me through this time. I need you to show me it's all in my mind. CHORUS - SOLO - CHORUS How did you find me so unprepared for this? Why did you blind me? Was there something I could miss? I sit in a room with a hat on my head and I'm thinking of you Standing alone when I pick up the phone now I'm talking to you Some time goes by and the plans work out and now I'm gonna see you I take one look in your beautiful green eyes and I know why I was thinking of you that whole time I know that something here has changed We're so close and you're far away I wish there was something more I could do But I'll just stay here thinking of you Thinking of you I know that something here has changed (I know that nothing here has changed) I hope that something here has changed (I hope that nothing here has changed) I think that something here has changed (I think that nothing here has changed) I know that something here has changed -- oooh © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

I don't know where I'm going, can't remember where I'm supposed to be How'd I let it get this late already? Five minutes till a quarter to three Should have packed my bags already, cause this plane's getting ready to go Then I'll be where I need to be-- where that is, I just don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know where the time goes, sometimes I think that it's moving way too fast All the windows are cloaked in darkness, into the night, today becomes the past Don't know how long I been here for, what length of time I cannot say Five, ten, maybe twenty minutes—wait a minute, wasn't that Barshae? I don't know what I'm saying, I can't tell what makes me act the way I do People say I'm going crazy, I don't know—maybe it is true. I don't know what you're doing, I can't tell what makes you act the way you do Maybe I'm just going crazy, maybe it's me, or maybe it is you I don't know I don't know I don't know --ohh! Am I wrong or am I right? Should I go or stay? I think I might... I don't know when I'll get there, what time I'll leave I cannot say Wander on for as long as I can, in the end I'll be there somehow, some way Traveled for many-a-miles, my feet are hurting and I'm stiff in every joint Got to wonder if it's worth my while, should I go on? Is there any point? I don't know I don't know I don't know—ohh! Am I wrong or am I right? Should I go and leave or stay and fight? I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

There was a place I used to go Where they had records on the wall and nice old leather chairs all 'round the floor It was the kind of place you'd find on a Sunday afternoon Going for a walk invited by the multi-colored chalk It was the kind of place they'd go To be seen quite unaware, writing tools in hand or none at all I could never quite decide on the croissant or apple pie I would often change my mind provided I had thought to bring a spare And they served lots of Shirley Temples But very little coffee Lots of Shirley Temples Very little coffee It's true, oh, it's true Not a single bean to grind, not a single ounce to brew There was a girl I used to know She was one of very few whose hair was truly red I can't deny She was really quite convincing If she told you to, you would She did everything I can't, somehow had me eating all the plants And she served lots of Shirley Temples, but very little coffee Lots of Shirley Temples but Very little coffee It's true, oh, it's true Not a single bean to grind, not a single ounce to brew We used to waste a lot of time, we used to scheme a thing or two It was the kind of place I'd go if I had nothing better to do I never really sang before but I'll try it just for you Do do-do do-do do-do do-do If you asked me for an address, I couldn't say just where This way, make a left, around the bend You'll never find a line Though the calendar is full You may hear music there, I don't think they play records anymore [CHORUS] And that girl I used to know Is not quite anywhere, I think she dyes her hair a sort of brown And this place I used to go is really quite the same Though I couldn't tell you how, it may not just be in the here and now [CHORUS] We used to waste a lot of time, we used to scheme a thing or two It was the kind of place I'd go if I had nothing better to do I never really sang before but I'll try now just for you Do do-do do-do do-do do-do They served lots of Shirley Temples But very little coffee Lots of Shirley Temples But very little coffee It's true, oh, it's true Not a single bean to grind, not a single ounce to brew Not a single bean to grind, not a single ounce to brew © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

Brighter days are up ahead Who could ask for something else? Far past the days we dread New pictures upon our shelf We could never carry on that way Never really thought we’d feel the same Looking towards the future from these brighter days Three steps you walk right past You’re looking for something else Move on till you reach at last Never dwell on the hand your dealt You could never carry on that way Never really thought I’d hear you say Looking towards the future from these brighter days Him, her, and the rest of them They’re looking for someone else But none of the good king’s men even stop to lend their help They could never carry on that way Not until they know just what to say Riding to the future in search of brighter days Lost out in the blackest night Recaptures the dread we felt Not long till we reach the light Who could ask for anything else? We could never carry on that way Never really thought I’d hear you say Looking towards the future from these brighter days Caught up with the two of them Couldn’t wish for anything else Far past the days we dread Old pictures upon our shelf We could never carry on that way Never really thought we’d feel the same Never need to worry about these brighter days © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

Went to a party, all of my good old friends were there We started talking about games of tag and truth or dare Don’t you remember the way that we all used to talk? Meetings at recess, chingin’ dudes from a chain link fence I told them that story, they laughed and I sat down to hear who’s next When he started talking, I didn’t know quite who he meant Who is John? Some old friend that I can’t place Who is John? I’ve no memory of his face “You’ve got to be kidding!” she said. “Although it was quite a while ago, you used to see him almost every day. You even sat in the same row.” We kept on talking, I tried to picture my 4th grade class “John was in there,” he said. “I could have sworn you guys were friends.” “The picture is hazy. I admit it’s hard to believe that I forgot.” They thought I’d remember—I think it’s clear that I do not. Who is John? My old friend that I can’t place Who is John? Just my friend with the blank face Do-dun-do-doo, da-da-doo da-da-doo, do-do doot, da-doom Do-dun-do-doo, da-da-doo da-da-doo, do-do doot My mind wandered on thinking about what they all said Had I really forgotten this guy they said was my friend? I wracked my brain, reaching back to no avail Grabbed a handful resigned to the fact that my memory’s failed Who is John? My old friend with the blank face Who is John? I can’t picture him any place Do-dun-do-doo, da-da-doo da-da-doo, do-do doot, da-doom Do-dun-do-doo-doo, da-da-doo da-da-doo, do-do doot Left the party, said goodbye to all my friends Hugs and handshakes will have to suffice till we meet again Trading stories from a fun and simple time Still, I wish I remembered this old long-lost friend of mine Who is John? My old friend that I can’t place Who is John? I’ve no memory of his face That’s when it hit me, like a shot from out of the blue A crystal clear picture of John Man, I feel like such a fool! I know John, curly hair and freckled face I know John - I would know him any place © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

"You cannot defeat me..."

He said to the crowd but they did not take heed
"I am new to this town off some nefarious deed
Those who would oppose me had best choose carefully."

"You cannot defeat me," he had boasted clear and loud
A challenge to one and all from the pretender to the crown
There were those among them who would try to take him down

No reason for all this fighting
That’s just what I do
I'll listen to my royal subjects 
Listen good, listen good while I'm sneaking up behind you

[GUITAR SOLO]

No reason for all this fighting
It's just what I do
I'll listen to my royal subjects
Listen good, listen good while I'm sneaking up behind you

You said you were the one who could finally defeat me
Just like all the others you fell before my feet
All the deadliest weapons always seem to come in threes
Before I came to town bet you never seen one of these

Three-wheeled bagel sword
Three-wheeled bagel sword
Three-wheeled bagel sword -- ooh my lord
Three-wheeled bagel sword

Three-wheeled bagel sword -- etc.

© & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

Driver, driver, take me where I need to go Driver, driver, just keep your eyes on the road Uptown is downtown, downtown is up I don’t know my way ‘round, sir, can you help? 
Driver, driver, I hope they plowed all the snow Driver, driver, I can’t be late for the show Uptown is downtown, downtown is up I don’t know my way ‘round, sir, can you help? 
Driver, driver, take me where I want to go Driver, driver, are you sure this is the road? Driver, driver? Well, I’ll just go with the flow One-way street, no cross street—which Boulevard? Hey, there, now. What’s that? Just doing my job Driver, I’ll be your driver, let me drive you all around Driver, I’ll be your driver, take you all around the town Driver, driver, take me where I need to go Driver, driver, just keep your eyes on the road
Driver, I’ll be your driver, let me drive you all around Driver, I’ll be your driver, take you all around the town Stick-shift, no brake lift, don’t put it in fifth Look out! He’ll cut you off in that blue—cut you off in that blue Dodge! © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

I hope we left no trail for them to follow I hope we covered our tracks in the snow We’ll be so far from here this time tomorrow Keep up now, this is surely the way Blend in, dye our hair, they won’t recognize us To them we’ll be the new couple in town It’ll work…I hope it’ll work… It’ll work…I hope it’ll work… One year has passed in quiet peace No one has questioned who we are The nice new people up the road is all we are To them Hung laundry hides their prying eyes We’ve come too far to take a chance “There’s something strange about that man,” I cannot believe it! They know who we are – they know exactly who I am They know where we are – we needed to throw them off our trail Underground there’s a way we can get out of this town OK Take my hand, I’ll lead the way, we will be safe again today Anonymous we live our lives The artisan and his quiet wife I thought we’d left it all behind us I did not know They know who we are – they know exactly who I am They know where we are – we needed to throw them off our trail Underground there’s a way we can get out of this town OK Take my hand, I’ll lead the way, we will be safe again today Today—safe again today, take my hand, I’ll lead the way [repeat] On the Run! On the Run! [repeat] © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

Fire – he’s on fire Fire – he’s on fire No water can douse his flame, so I’m told No matter can reach his frame, this I know Fire – she’s on fire Fire – she’s on fire Nobody can reach her fame, so I’m told And she’ll never be the same, this I know This fire is all she’s got to show This fire is what we’ve all been told This fire is all we’ve got to know Fire – he breathes fire I’m no liar – he breathes fire No one can withstand his flame, so I’m told Burned down as he stormed the gate, this I know Fire – I’m on fire I’m no liar – I’m on fire Nobody can douse this flame, so I’m told And I’ll never be the same, this I know This fire is all we’ve got to show This fire cannot be bought or sold This fire is only going to grow This fire is nothing short of cold © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

© & ℗ 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

Call me later, call me later on Call me later, call me later on Call me later— just gone off all alone Call me later — can’t guarantee I’ll be home I’m out to lunch, I’ve gone fishing It’s not too much, don’t know what you’re missing But keep in touch—the plans are iffy The day is young; you should get out and call me later on Call me later, call me later on Call me later, call me later on I’m occupied, I’m just too busy No time for meaningless talk I’m in a certified tizzy So leave a message at the high-pitched tone Or better yet just leave me alone, hang up the phone and call me later on What makes you feel I want to talk to you? What makes you feel that I’ve got nothing better to do? It’s off the hook, the line is busy Reading this book, I’ve got low battery I’ll tell you what: this drives me crazy Let me suggest that you hang up the phone Try something else and call me later on Call me later, call me later on Call me later, call me later on Oh, can’t you tell? I don’t take no calls, not now. Don’t need no cell, can’t have it dragging me down—oh, wow! Don’t say you’re lost—I saw you just a minute ago Don’t send no text—just give me a clear answer, yes or no! Call me later, call me later on Call me later, call me later on – etc. [ring] Hello? © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

We made it through the storm, though they said we had no chance Calculated winds and losses, overgrown by happenstance We plot our course—they said we’d never make it A fancy boat—they called it overrated Maps in hand and compasses carried We left before the dawn Still whispered words of warning Doom sealed before we’d gone Right off the shore—a shallow coral reef! Scraped the hull—“My God, we’d sprung a leak!” Water gushed into our vessel, as we sank to the bottom of the sea I knew our journey was over, my life flashed in front of me Before my eyes—Oh, no it couldn’t be! The glowing light of an underwater city I can’t explain what happened, perhaps a miracle I took a breath of water and yet my lungs were full From all around – a dozen came to help A scaly sort—with clothing made of shell We’ll need repairs I told them, they showed us where to go Less than one nautical mile, an undersea home depot All fixed we’d soon be on our way No place to go but float away… Warm wind blew dry our sails as we rejoined the waves Our crew was drop-dead tired when we spotted an inviting cave We steered our ship to shore, we stumbled off a mess Trudged into our make-shift shelter to take a long, much-needed rest None of us could move a muscle, eyes sealed in deepest sleep Till awoken by a curious tussle—from the cave it began to creep Wide awake we fled the cave in fright Outran the ghoul to face a scarier sight I’d put the first mate in charge of the anchors and the maps and rope In the middle of our escape I find, no one remembered to tie up the boat Our ship adrift—five people passed the blame Put up their fists—we all forgot the cave Till the terror emerged and snarled, all fur and glowing teeth Like that we’re the best of friends in an all-out race to the sea We left the snarling beast behind as we swam with all our might The strong breeze had chilled around us as the sky turned black as night The waves were rough—we barely stayed afloat Then lightning struck—destroyed our precious boat Charred shards of wood came floating by Grabbed on and hoped that we’d survive… Half-drowned and barely conscious, we couldn’t take much more The pains from hunger followed as we washed up on the shore You see this rock? This beach we’ve always roamed We recognize we finally made it home! Shook hands in victory, found the strength to laugh and smile We’d never been so far from here before, was it two, maybe three whole miles? And so it goes we conclude our tale But man I wish that we actually learned how to sail Oh, well © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.

I like your house with the indoor waterfall I like your yard but I never see you there at all I love your garage with all of your expensive cars But you’ve got no time to drive them so they never really get you far Me, I don’t live like that—gave it up so long ago No appointments rule my life, this watch is just for show So I’ll sit in my yard if I want to, drive my cars if I want to go I can stay at home if I need to catch up on my favorite show This is the way that people would live if they could afford it Free in the day time when you can really enjoy it No schedule tells me where I’ve got to be I know you say they don’t bother you, it don’t seem that way to me I play my guitar or piano, or my favorite saxophone Stay out late every night or I can spend a quiet evening alone See all of my friends when the regular workday ends I can tell them about all the fun that they missed while they were out This is the way that people would live if they could afford it Write a new song today and tomorrow record it No schedule tells me where I’ve got to be I know you say they don’t bother you, well they sure as hell bother me—oh, yeah! [SAX SOLO] This is the way that people would live if they could afford it Free in the day time when they can really enjoy it No schedule tells me where I’ve got to be You may say they don’t bother you, it don’t seem that way to me—oh, no! Factor in to your salary all the time that you spend doing things that you dread And tell me truthfully: is the time that you waste worth the money you can spend? You’re sitting in traffic, I’m out on the open sea You’re worried, got no time to spare, I’ve got my wits about me Not going to work—can’t say that I’m jealous of you But it’s not that I’m lazy; there are just so many other things that I’d rather do Breakfast in Paris, then we’ll leave for the Rio Grande If the feeling strikes us let’s kick off and spend the weekend in Japan So why won’t you join me? Don’t you think that it would be fun? I know you say you’re busy, well, step aside I’ll show you how it’s done This is the way that people would live if they could afford it The world is an oyster, I say let’s get out and explore it No schedule tells me where I’ve got to be I know you say they don’t bother you, well they sure as hell bother me Bother me—oh yeah [Unscheduled chaos ensues] Ya mind that? No schedule, no schedule I know, I know © & ℗ 2009, 2010, 2011 Mark Basso. All Rights Reserved.