New Album "When It Rains" available on all platforms. Buy it at cranstondean.bandcamp.com
Album Artwork by Ty Harrison
In 2020, I spent a few weeks in Maine with my friend Michael Young and we made a full band album during arguably the strangest year yet.
Hope you enjoy it!
Wishful Thinking EP - Stream the album on YouTube.
BUY YOUR COPY AT BANDCAMP
Written & Produced By Cranston Dean
copyright 2013
"TRACK LIST"
1. SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE
2. EXIT 117
3. WISHFUL THINKING
4. BATTLE HYMN
5. GOOD WOMAN'S HEART
Cranston Dean- Acoustic Guitar & Vox
Featuring Chris Clark - Mandolin / Lapsteel
Produced by Jaime Tennant
Recorded in Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Mastered by Mark Trewella at Full Circle Mastering in Philadelphia, PA
Album Art by Angel D. Ramos
Lyrics
1. SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta rise
Not making up a story
Not pushing out alibis.
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta rise
I don't do it for the glory
I'm just trying to get by.
Oh my Holy Ghost
Just help me get by
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta rise
Pray my Mama don't die
from working that nine-to-five.
Something's gotta give
I can see it in her eyes
She's going crazy just to keep
her baby from hell's tide.
Oh my Holy Ghost
Help me out this time.
(talking...)
Look at income inequality.
What's your problem with this market?
There is no exit strategy.
We have a completely phony economy.
Look at the numbers and it's growing.
You know, the rich will come back strong, and the middle class haven't.
Flawed
and the macroeconomic imbalances underlying our economy...
Something you said for you something you've had for years bothered me...interest rates...
The economists who decides such things, say the recession ended.
Their cost of living is going up what the CPI says. Their cost of living is going up and they're hurting, that's why people in this country are very upset.
(talking ends)
Something's gotta give
Something's Gotta change
I've been searching for the truth
on the news loop, it's all the same.
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta pull.
I'm going downtown baby
I'm around, how about you?
Oh my Holy Ghost
Help me get through
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something something something
something something.
Something's gotta give
2. EXIT 117
Going out on a Friday night
I'll be up till the morning light
I'm going to drink till my wrongs
go right, so fill my cup.
Stepping out to have a smoke
I heard a voice, somebody spoke
Pass the joint I took a toke
and I got up
Then some girl at the party
Asks me what exit I'm from off the parkway
And I reply with a smile
The whole damn block must have heard me screaming "there's such a thing as central New Jersey"
And I with pride.
I got my ticket in my hand
I'm going back to the motherland
So notify the high command
The time is up
Going back I was born
I miss the way before the storm
Don't try to say you weren't warned
Just give up
Said it could heal any heartache
Going to the exit where you're
from off the parkway
And I'm going to mine.
Whole damn world must have heard me screamin "there's such thing as central New Jersey"
and I, oh I filled up with pride. Filled up with pride.
3. WISHFUL THINKING
Wish I had the faith to
stand by my convictions
Wish I had the strength
to beat all my addictions
Wish I had the mind
to write my new edition.
I wish I had the facts so I could settle my suspicions.
I wish that all the time I had to spend with family and friends never had to end.
Until meet again.
Here's a toast to the ones you love the most
dry your tears and tell your jokes,
Drink your beers and bum your smokes.
What a gas we all drank and we all laughed
and when you evening came to pass and in the morning we awoke.
We got pork roll, egg and cheese on a hard roll.
I wish I had the homestead where my family first started.
It's in someone else's hands now
and that leaves me broken hearted.
I wish I wasn't taught
about honor and tradition
for if I'd never known the words
I wouldn't notice they went missing.
I wish upon my country better days. Marriage for the gays.
No unemployment raise.
Legal Mary Jane.
Here's a toast to the land
that we call home.
Desert sands and frozen snows.
City lights and mountain smokes
Raise a glass to your ancestors passed
to every hero that you've had
and all your neighbors down the road.
I know that I've been drinking
and it might be wishful thinking
we can save this ship from sinking if we try
Cause we won't die while we're alive.
I had a story that wasn't filled with contradictions
Wish I had a girlfriend who was into new positions
Wish I smoked a cigarette without cancerous emissions
but I'm glad I've got friends like these.
4. BATTLE HYMN
I was taught when you grow up
You can be just what you want
I don't know if my folks were hopeful
or if they were lying.
I went to school, didn't graduate.
Now what jobs can I take?
I'll be in debt to the IRS
till the day before I die.
Glory Hallelujah
Glory Hallelujah
It all comes crumbling down.
I have a right side it fights with my left side so I guess it's no surprise but I get nothing done.
Look at our nation Congress calls it progress but the only thing that stalls us is that they never get along
Glory Hallelujah
Glory Hallelujah
It all comes crumbling down.
War has its expenses
War is plain expensive.
It's like we're swinging for the fences we should simply lay a bunt.
We don't build our cars here
We don't take care of ours here
Tell me who the fuck's in charge here?
Could we bring them to the front?
Glory Hallelujah
Glory Hallelujah
It all comes crumbling down
down down down down down
down down down down down
down down down down down down
5. GOOD WOMAN'S HEART
(talking)
Been a long time.
Yes ma'am. Alot of water under the bridge.
(talking ends)
I've been moving much too slow.
Since my baby let me go.
I lost the one love that I will ever know
Since my baby let me go.
I've been burning out way too fast.
Every night's just like the last.
I've been running circles,
crunching numbers, faking facts
since I saw her last.
I missed a good woman's heart.
I missed a good woman's arms.
I love a good love,
but the way they start.
I missed a good woman's heart.
I miss being on the road.
I miss all the inside jokes.
I miss sleeping in the van
before the show.
I miss being on the road.
I miss a good woman's heart.
I miss a good woman's arms.
I love a good love, but mine just fall apart.
I miss a good woman's heart.
Oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh oh
I'm proud of the friends I keep.
I'm proud of the ends I seek.
I love my hometown and my neighbors down the street,
cause I'm proud of the friends I keep.
I missed a good woman's heart.
I miss a good woman's arms.
She wants a good love,
but I can't play the part.
I miss a good woman's heart.
I miss a good woman's heart.
I miss a good woman's heart.
(talking)
What is it you want Mary?
What do you want?
You want the Moon?
Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it.
(talking ends)
Tried & True - Stream the album on YouTube.
BUY YOUR COPY AT BANDCAMP
Written & Produced By Cranston Dean
copyright 2014
"TRACK LIST"
1. BAR'S ABOUT TO CLOSE<
2. UNDERSTAND
3. COMEBACK HOME
4. PURPLE, PINK AND BLUE
5. WHITE LIES
6. MIC CHECK
7. WORKS IN REVERSE
8. ALMOST
9. THE GOOD LIFE
10. HONEY HAIR
11. ALEXANDRIA
Cranston Dean- Keys, Acoustic Guitar & Vox
Riley Schiro - Electric Guitar
Ike Gutierrez - Bass / Vox
Shane Luckenbaugh - Drums
Produced and Mixed by Pat Noon at Eightsixteen in Bayville, NJ
Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New Windsor, MY
Album art by Amy Beth Addison
Layout-Tyler Harrison
LYRICS
1. BAR'S ABOUT TO CLOSE
>I've been walking the straight and steady
Teary-eyed, bloody fingers, sweaty clothes. Down the winding road
Sun fell down and the wind blew heavy.
If it blew harder I think I'd lose control.
But I don't know.
I'm going till the sun comes up
and I'm staying till
the bar's about to close.
I took a job by my alma mater
where I fell in love with the gas man's daughter, oh.
The Jersey coast.
Sun was burning the days grow hotter.
I can't live on bread and water, no.
But beer and toast.
I'm going till the sun comes up
and then I'm staying till
the bars about to close.
(break)
Take this path from where it gets me.
I'll ride the bus to where it lets me go.
High or low.
Well, I'm going till the sun comes up
then I'm staying till
the bars about to close.
2. UNDERSTAND
Well I've been walking all around
And it's getting hard to see.
I know we're all the same
You don't look like me.
I dig it.
Until the walls come down
and then we're shining sea to sea.
Can you sweat it, in it, get it, ya dig it, oh.
Shake my hand. Shake My hand.
I don't want to be understood,
I want to understand.
Shake my hand shake my hand
I don't want to be understood I want to understand
I've been through this just to town and I peeled back the centuries. So far to go towards Liberty. I get it. I dig it.
Can't stop progress now or else we'll pay the penalties
Will you sweat it, your in it, you get it, you dig it. oh
Shake my hand. Shake My hand.
I don't want to be understood,
I want to understand.
Shake my hand. Shake My hand.
I don't want to be understood,
I want to understand.
(break)
I didn't get my cap and gown. And I don't blame economy.
And I won't die with a frown if I died in poverty. I get it. I dig it.
But I'd spread it all around if I ever won the lottery. Do you want it? Come get it. I got it. You dig it? oh
Shake my hand. Shake My hand.
I don't want to be understood,
I want to understand.
Shake my hand. Shake My hand.
I don't want to be understood,
I want to understand.
Want to understand you.
Want to understand you.
Want to understand.
3. COMEBACK HOME
She won't answer the door bill.
Pick up the phone.
Come back here.
Come back home.
Color me sorry.
Throw me a bone.
Come back here.
Come back home.
First you were here.
and then you were gone.
Everything's fine.
then everything's wrong.
And if the Angels up above me
work like telephones
they tell her to reach me.
But they don't.
I dream and I see you.
I wake up alone.
Come back here.
Come back home.
I sing the blues.
I cry and I moan.
Come back here.
Come back home.
First you were here.
And then you were gone.
Everything's fine.
Then everything's wrong.
If the angels up above me
worked like telephones
they'd tell her to reach me.
But they don't.
(break)
Well I sing the blues.
I cry and I moan.
Baby come back here.
Come back home.
4. PURPLE, PINK AND BLUE
Don't know what has hit me.
No, I don't know what to do.
Till the day she quits me
I'm going to keep on coming through.
Be loyal like a dog.
Honest straight and true.
For the girl who paints her face all purple, pink, and blue.
She really got to know me
She might find it to be true.
May have been a little lonely
That was long before girl
who paints her face purple, pink, and blue.
Don't know how it started
I can't say, nor can she.
Twist of sweet attraction
come all over me.
Now I'm sure to come around
like the morning dew.
For the girl who paints her
face all purple, pink, and blue.
And if she really got to know me, she might find it to be true.
I may have been a little lonely,
that was long before girl who paints her face purple, pink, and blue.
(break)
Soon as it had started
it was over, said, and done.
Treaty was all charted.
I had lost and she had won.
But I would give my fair share
to start over a new
With the girl who paints her face all purple, pink, and blue.
With the girl who paints her face all purple, pink, and blue.
5. WHITE LIES
Baby I'm just skin and bones
I'm thin. You know my belt
don't have no room for notches.
Have my nose to the ground
like a hound
I can find out all the foxes
I don't know about girls like that
But there's nothing much to know
when you're looking straight at her
and she smiling back.
White Lies pour out of my black lung
and bounce and bound off my tongue.
Don't hate me baby,
I'm just young.
Don't despise me when the morning comes and you reach your hand to see I'm gone. I rose up early with the Sun.
So baby, throw your sticks and stones
All the words you own don't hold the weight to grieve me.
Will all the things that you have seen,
you saw them in a magazine, or on the TV.
But I don't know about girls like that.
But there's nothing much to know when you're looking straight at her and she smiling back.
White Lies pour out of my black lung
and bounce and bound off my tongue.
Don't hate me baby,
I'm just young.
Don't despise me when the morning comes and you reach your hand to see I'm gone. I rose up early with the Sun.
(break)
White Lies pour out of my black lung
and bounce and bound off my tongue.
Don't hate me baby,
I'm just young.
Don't despise me when the morning comes and you reach your hand to see I'm gone. I rose up early with the Sun.
I rose up early with the Sun
I rose up early with the Sun
I rose up early with the Sun
I rose up early with the Sun
I rose up early with the Sun
I rose up early with the Sun
6. MIC CHECK
Well I woke up this morning;
A long-lost lover on my mind.
Well I woke up this morning;
My long-lost lover on my mind
She's the last thought at night time
Damn right the first one in the morning light.
Well I can hear my baby crying.
Well, I can hear her tears and moans.
I can hear my baby crying.
I can hear her tears and moans.
Oh, I remember December when they told her that her daddy going to go.
(break)
She didn't cry when she left me
In fact I think she kind of smiled
She didn't cry when she left me
In fact I think she kind of smiled
And if my dear cried a tear it was a tear of a crocodile.
Well I'm feeling kind of pointless like a train up off the tracks.
I'm feeling kind of pointless, like a train up off the tracks
You know that girl steps over me like she steps over cigarette butts on the sidewalk crack.
Lordy that's a fact.
(break)
Now whatever you wants meant babe, now you mean nothing at all. Oh whatever you once meant babe, now you mean nothing at all.
One day you'll close your eyes to see I'm not a loser I'm just stuck inside the fall.
7. WORKS IN REVERSE
My old friend a blank white page.
You leave me feeling twice my age.
Pass the bastions cast in ashes of Anglo-Saxons with crooked passions and meager rations all the rage.
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
Mother, mother Melody
You gave me sight when I could not see.
Forever Philharmonic, supersonic, Hooked on Phonics. Gave me sight, made me believe.
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
One who cast away my love
Well I couldn't thank you enough.
You set in motion, fatal potion, overdose causes comatose.
Drink it once, never twice the same.
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
woohoo, ooohooo.
woohoo, ooohooo
8. ALMOST
I almost flicked my ash
in my glass of whiskey.
Almost.
I almost flicked my ash
in my glass of whiskey.
Almost.
How much time can I pass
being drunk off my ass?
Almost.
I almost got the girl.
Almost got the girl.
Almost.
I almost got the girl.
Almost got the girl.
Almost.
Oh I hit all her notes.
I buttered her toast.
Almost.
(break)
I almost went to church.
I almost went to church
Almost.
I almost went to church.
I almost went to church
Almost.
Almost counts for nothing
Nothing that was something
Almost.
I almost flicked my ash
in my glass of whiskey.
Almost.
I almost flicked my ash
in my glass of whiskey.
Almost.
How much time can I pass
Being drunk off my ass?
Almost.
9. THE GOOD LIFE
My elders, my dog, and my car are all aging.
This town is changing in the blink of an eye.
Things I used to know are rearranging themselves. I don't know why.
I wish I still went to church and believed it. Cause the people there are struggling by.
Sunday morning makes the whole week easier by looking up at the sky.
It's the good life
full of hard times.
Part time and full endeavors.
And you can make it
if you just try
and if you're clever.
It's the good life
full of hard times.
Sunshine and stormy weather.
And you can make it
if you just try
and if you're clever.
(break)
I walk to the harbor just for the bar now.
I don't go there to sit on the rocks.
I use to watch the ships roll in and I'd count the men coming on to the docks.
I confess depression led me to drinking.
I started thinking on what I've got.
I'm not sad about what I had and if I died today I'd say I died with a lot.
It's the good life
full of hard times.
Part time and full endeavors.
And you can make it
if you just try
and if you're clever.
It's the good life
full of hard times.
Sunshine and stormy weather.
And you can make it
if you just try
and if you're clever.
10. HONEY HAIR
She's like walking on quicksand.
Left jab, then a right hand punch.
Bet all you have then
your shit out of luck.
Blue eyes. Sunset.
Way she moves
it is much too much.
Hot on the eyes
than cold to the touch.
Give all you have
and then it's just never enough.
Here I am
fumbling around for a cigarette. Thinking that she's not innocent.
But heaven sent her.
Honey Hair
dancing around in her underwear. Painting the town with 'I don't care.'
He's not here.
Oh, Honey Hair.
Friday. Drinking.
She won't say what she's thinking now.
She don't smoke pot, but she still takes a puff.
Pretty. Lady.
Father made a career of the Navy now
you don't know love,
you only knows lust.
Girl, loving and leaving ain't treason
if you don't have to trust.
Here I am
fumbling around for a cigarette. Thinking that she's not innocent.
But heaven sent her.
Honey Hair
dancing around in her underwear. Painting the town with 'I don't care.'
He's not here.
Oh, Honey Hair.
Here I am
fumbling around for a cigarette. Thinking that she's not innocent.
But heaven sent her.
Heaven sent Honey Hair.
Honey Hair
dancing around in her underwear. Painting the town with 'I don't care.'
He's not here.
Oh, Honey Hair.
11. ALEXANDRIA
I was driving like I was on the run.
Straight through the night
into the morning sun.
And when I got to where I ended up,
I fell on my knees.
Well I sat down
and I penned a song.
It wasn't good but didn't take too long
And when I finished up
I sang it for the fallen leaves.
Alexandria.
Didn't know what I wanted
till I found you.
Wanna keep my arms around you,
to the late late morning,
early afternoon.
Alexandria,
you think I can't understand you?
You think you burdened me
with your tales so tried and true.
So tried and true.
Home didn't feel like a home no more.
So I came knocking upon your door.
Didn't know what I was looking for, but I'm sure it's found.
Love was pure, right from the roof.
My faith was weak, it needed proof.
To tell the truth, it was all a lie
till you came around.
Alexandria.
Didn't know what I wanted
till I found you.
Wanna keep my arms around you,
to the late late morning,
early afternoon.
Alexandria,
you think I can't understand you?
You think you burdened me
with your tales so tried and true.
So tried and true.
(break)
I walked right on out that door.
I'm sitting here,
and now I'm wanting more.
When I try to do up the score
I couldn't do the math.
It happened quick.
And it ended fast.
If I'd only had an hourglass.
I'd make the most of the moments
I knew would never last.
Alexandria.
Didn't know what I wanted
till I found you.
Wanna keep my arms around you,
to the late late morning,
early afternoon.
Alexandria,
Think I can't understand you?
You think you burdened me
with your tales so tried and true.
So tried and
Tales so tried and true.
So tried and
Tales so tried and true.
So tried and true.
Sarajevo - Stream the album on YouTube
BUY YOUR COPY AT BANDCAMP
Written & Produced By Cranston Dean
copyright 2015
"TRACK LIST"
1. CALM BEFORE (INTRO)
2. BASTILLE
3. RAIN, RAIN
4. FINE SO FAR
5. KEV SAID (INTERLUDE)
6. LOOKING FOR THE ONE
7. ALL MY SKIN
8. 60 DEGREES
9. SARAJEVO
10. WICKED MAN
11. JUDGEMENT DAY
Cranston Dean- Piano, Acoustic Guitar & Vox
Riley Schiro - Electric Guitar / Vox
Ike Gutierrez - Bass / Vox
Chris Russo - Drums
Produced and Mixed by Pat Noon at Eightsixteen Music Studio in Bayville, NJ
Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New Windsor, MY
Album Art by Amy Beth Addison
Art Direction - Tyler Harrison of Thriving Era, Highlands, NJ
LYRICS
1. CALM BEFORE (INTRO)
(Instrumental)
2. BASTILLE
I been looking for the reason
to my rhymes.
Searching for a love I'll never find.
And I just got to let it go.
Oh, you got a little rock and roll right in your soul.
Rhythm and the Blues up in your bones.
I just thought I'd let you know.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille
Go, my brothers and my sisters
from your homes.
Until the day the Thrones are overthrown.
Make them reap what they've sown.
Rise! Inherit better days
and brighter skies.
Time will never be more on our side.
I can see from miles and miles and miles and miles.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille
(break)
I been looking for the reason
to my rhymes.
Searching for a love I'll never find.
And I just got to let it go.
Oh, I got a little rock and roll right in my soul.
Rhythm and the Blues up in my bones.
And I just thought I'd let you know.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille.
Storm the Bastille.
3. RAIN, RAIN
Rain, rain on the city I'm leaving
I'll be three states away by the morning.
Rain, rain on the pavement,
on the blue signs
on the interstate highway tonight.
I don't care what you do.
Care what you say.
I wasn't meant for you.
Oh, and I'm going out of range.
Rain, rain on the city I'm leaving
I'll be three states away by the morning.
Rain, rain on the pavement,
on the blue signs
on the interstate highway tonight
I don't care what you learned.
I don't care how you've changed.
Not my concern.
No, and I'm going out of range.
Rain, rain on the city I'm leaving
I'll be three states away by the morning.
Rain, rain on the pavement,
on the blue signs
on the interstate highway tonight.
(break)
Well, rain, rain. City I'm leaving.
I'll be three states away by the morning.
Rain, rain on the pavement,
and on the blue signs
on the interstate highway tonight.
On the blue signs
on the interstate highway tonight.
On the blue signs
on the interstate highway tonight.
4. FINE SO FAR
It's going to be a better day.
It's going to be a better way.
Oh, tomorrow.
It's going to be a better time.
I'm going to be in a better mind.
No more sorrow.
Every time it's getting easier.
(easier)
Got to go and make it hard.
I know I don't know why,
but I've been fine so far.
I've been up in outer space.
I've been coming home
without a trace - of progress.
I've been wasting time.
Wasted in another mind
with this nonsense.
But every time it's getting easier.
(easier)
I gotta go and make it hard.
I know I don't know why,
but I've been fine so far.
(break)
It's going to be a better day.
It's going to be a better way.
Oh, tomorrow.
5. KEV SAID (INTERLUDE)
(Instrumental)
6. LOOKING FOR THE ONE
She wants a big home in the city.
She wants a big home in the city.
I want to see my neighbor's waving.
I want a little hole in the country.
I want a little hole in the country.
Where I can name my neighbor's faces.
It could all be all so simple.
It could all be so painless.
Why, all I ever see is sunlight
All I ever see is sunlight.
All I ever get is raining.
But I'm looking for the one.
Oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh
I'm looking for the one.
Ahh, ahh, ah, ah ah ah
I am looking for the one.
Oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh
I'm looking for the one
Ah, ah, oh yeah.
She said she's going to raise an army.
She said she's going to raise an army.
Raise 'em in a day.
She said she's going to disarm me. She said she's going to disarm me.
Make me work for half the pay.
Used to all be so simple.
Used to be all so painless.
Why, all I ever see is sunlight.
All I ever see is sunlight.
And all I ever get is raining.
But I'm looking for the one.
Oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh
I'm looking for the one.
Ahh, ahh, ah, ah ah ah
I am looking for the one.
Oh whoa oh oh oh oh oh
I'm looking for the one
Ah, ah, oh yeah.
(break)
I am looking for the one.
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I'm looking for the one.
Ahh, ahh, ah, ah ah ah
I am looking for the one.
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I'm looking for the one
Ah, ah, oh yeah.
7. ALL MY SKIN
She wakes up early in the morning
and she's yawning
when she walks out the door.
I wake up early afternoons
on unfamiliar rooms
on couches and floors.
We don't rise up together anymore.
Used to but we use too much.
It left us with a jaded touch.
And now we're both walking the floor.
Baby you,
you could make it all go down much easier.
You're my favorite sacrament, you're my favorite sin.
Open up your window baby, just let me in.
I love you with all my skin.
She's going skiing for the weekend with her boyfriend he's a vegan. he won't go it alone.
We're playing six stages, three days. Th eBay play apple treeey pay Apple pay. We won't go it alone.
We don't go out together anymore.
No we used to but we used too much now we play the jaded touch. Now we're both walking the floor.
Baby you,
you can make it all go down much easier.
You're my favorite sacrament,
you're my favorite sin.
Open up your window baby,
just let me in.
I love you with all my skin.
I'm wasting energy.
Creating enemies.
Fictitious remedies.
For ailments I don't have.
I've been wasting time.
There is no afterlife.
Must look after mine.
There's no reason to be sad.
Baby you,
you can make it all go down much easier.
You're my favorite sacrament,
you're my favorite sin.
Open up your window baby,
just let me in.
I love you with all my skin.
You can make it all go down much easier.
You're my favorite sacrament,
you're my favorite sin.
Open up your window baby
just let me in.
Love you with all of my skin.
All my skin.
All my skin.
8. 60 DEGREES
Why can't I get on the national circuit?
Back by the word of the Federal Reserve.
60 degrees and a 6-string a strumming
I want to see places that I've only heard.
I want to see places that I've only heard.
Who has seen peace last the length of a lifetime?
Who has eyes never welled death with tears?
60 degrees and a 6-string a strumming.
I hadn't heard that song in all of these years.
I hadn't heard that song in all of these years.
Oh I've been looking for these days.
Someone with whom I can make my place.
But if it comes undone,
60 degrees and a 6-string to strum.
(break)
Hot eyes are easy and wet words are wasteful.
Greet in the evening and sour by the dawn.
60 degrees and a six string a strumming.
Show me a place in which I can belong. Show me a place in which I can belong.
Oh but I've been looking for stage
and folks with whom I can make my place.
But if it comes undone
60 degrees and a 6-string to strum.
9. SARAJEVO
Going back across the border
Going back across the line.
Going back to Sarajevo.
Sarajevo needs me tonight.
She looks brilliant in the Moonlight.
By the fire from the bombs.
And if I get to Sarajevo,
Gonna hold her in my arms.
There are wolves up in the mountains
There are snakes down in the grass.
And I can't get to Sarajevo
They would never let me pass.
Until the morning of surrender,
And I call the Corps of Engineers.
What have they done to Sarajevo.
She is drowning in her own tears.
(break)
They use the city like a chess board . They used its people like a pawn.
What have they done to Sarajevo?
Sarajevo where have you gone?
Sarajevo where have you gone?
Sarajevo where have you gone?
10. WICKED MAN
Hope you understand.
Understand.
I'm a wicked man.
I'm a wicked man.
Yes I am.
Gonna to get you if I can.
I believe I can.
I'm a wicked man.
I'm a wicked man.
Going to get you.
That's the plan.
Cause I'm a wicked man.
Yes I am.
Begging on my knees
Was it on my knees?
I'm a wicked man.
I've done wicked things.
I'm begging darling please.
Darling please.
I'm a wicked man.
I've done wicked things.
Yes I am.
Oh my blood runs thin
from all my wicked deeds.
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right)
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
Yes indeed.
(Hold up it's going to be right)
(break)
Know you understand.
You understand.
I'm a wicked man.
I'm a wicked man.
Going to get you if I can.
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
Believe I can.
I'm a wicked man.
I'm a wicked man.
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right)
I'm going to get you.
That's the plan.
I'm a wicked wicked wicked
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
wicked wicked wicked man.
(Hold up it's going to be right)
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right)
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right)
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right, right.)
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right)
(Hold up its gonna be right now)
(Hold up it's going to be right)
11. JUDGEMENT DAY
Peaceful mind in a placid way.
Waiting on my judgement day.
Miles to go, tolls to pay.
While I'm waiting on my judgment day,
it's all the same.
Years to live. Lots to learn.
But I've got this kerosene right here
And I've got this bridge to burn.
The cross I bare bears my name.
I'm waiting on my judgment day
it's all the same.
(bridge)
The other guy got the cure.
Now this two-tongue-tied lover's
blocking up the vestibule.
Friends are all in a bathroom stall.
Not waiting on judgement day at all.
Waiting on Judgement Day
I'll cease the toxins.
I've made my crutch.
I heard water turns iron into rust
Help me by.
Won't you see me through?
Waiting on my judgement day
and so are you.
I think things I shouldn't say.
I know many people feel that way.
But I'd rather move to the valley.
Forget my name.
There I'll wait till my Judgment Day.
Going to wait until my Judgment Day.
Going to wait until my Judgment Day.
NAMED ONE OF 17 BEST ALBUMS OF 2017 BY NJ.COM
High Beams - Stream the album on YouTube.
BUY YOUR COPY AT BANDCAMP
Written & Produced By Cranston Dean
copyright 2017
"TRACK LIST"
1. CROSS ON THE HIGHWAY
2. PUSH
3. I WANT YOU
4. FOG ON THE BAY
5. I GOT THE SHAKES
6. BROTHER, OH BROTHER
7. CRABAPPLE TREE
8. AMEN, AH MAN
9. ALBETA
10. JOHN & KATHY
11. NOVEMBER RAIN
12. GOODNIGHT DEAR, I AM DONE
13. CAN'T OUTSPEAK THEM ALL
Cranston Dean- Piano, Acoustic Guitar & Vox
Riley Schiro - Electric Guitar
Ike Gutierrez - Bass
David Hayes - Pedal Steel
Zach Jones - Drums
Rick Rein - Trumpet
Frank Rein - Trombone
Max Carmichael- Bouzouki Track 13
Nicole Scorzone - Violin
John Muccino - Piano & Strings on track 10
Horn arrangements on tracks 1& 8 by Rick Rein
Horn arrangements on tracks 5 & 11 by Frank Rein
Produced and Mixed by Pat Noon at Eightsixteen in Bayville, NJ
Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New Windsor, MY
Album Art by Amy Beth Addison
Layout-Tyler Harrison
LYRICS
1. CROSS ON THE HIGHWAY
O, my god what have they done? Shooting did my Countryman
Hey eh eh
I'm lost in the highway
O, I know fee-fi-fo-fum
I smelled the blood
when it starts to run.
Hey-y eh
I'm just lost on the highway.
Yeah, oh nothing feels like home.
There's no place I can go
this is the only one that I've ever known.
Oh deer cross on the highway.
Ah, nothing lasts forever
Hoping that's the truth and not some rhetoric that I've been shown.
Deer cross on the highway.
Yeah we're all lost on the highway.
I'm a dog on the highway.
(break)
The more I live,
the less I learn.
Blood won't boil
it will start to burn.
Hey eh eh
Just lost on the highway.
Traffic stopped and winter cold.
Gone and perfed him full of holes.
Yeah watch for frost on the highway.
Oh, nothing feels like home.
There's no place I can go
this is the only one that I ever known.
Oh deer cross on the highway.
Yeah, o, nothing lasts forever
Hoping that's the truth and not some rhetoric that I've been shown.
Deer cross on the highway.
Father stays up for long nights.
Mother worries 'bout my long drive.
And I'll be gone for the week ends.
But I'll be back for the weekend.
And I'll be driving on my day off.
And I don't take a single day off.
I got love for the highway.
O, I got love for the highway.
O, nothing lasts forever
Hoping that's the truth and not some rhetoric that I've been shown.
O, deer cross on the highway.
O, nothing feels like home.
There's no place I can go
this is the only one that I ever known.
Oh deer cross on the highway.
We're all lost on the highway
Oh, I'm a dog on the highway.
Deer cross on the highway.
2. PUSH
The turning of the tides.
How many names
did I have to know?
Enough for it to show.
The glimmer in your eyes
How many games did you have to blow.
Enough for me to know.
I don't want to be the last
lonely leaf upon this tree.
Don't want a style that last
as long as there are flowers in the spring.
I need a truth to grasp
or else I'm cut out on the cold.
And I've only you to ask
the conversation's growing old.
Push me around again.
Don't want to hear it.
Don't care what day it is.
Don't care what day it is.
Push me around again
Don't want to hear it.
Don't care what day it is.
I don't know what day it is.
(break)
I simmered in your lies.
How many days,
I will never know.
Enough for me to grow.
And the glimmer in your eyes.
An actress,
you deserve a Golden Globe.
Ah, you stole the show.
I don't want to be the last
lonely leaf upon this tree.
Don't want a style that last
as long as there are flowers in the spring.
I need a truth to grasp
or else I'm cut out on the cold.
And I've only you to ask
the conversation's growing old.
Push me around again.
Don't want to hear it.
Don't care what day it is.
Don't care what day it is.
Push me around again
Don't want to hear it.
Don't care what day it is.
I don't know what day it is.
(break)
I don't want to be the last
lonely leaf upon this tree.
Don't want a style that last
as long as there are flowers in the spring.
I need a truth to grasp
or else I'm cut out on the cold.
And I've only you to ask
the conversation's growing old.
Push me around again.
I don't want to hear it.
I don't care what day it is.
Don't care what day it is.
Push me around again.
Don't want to hear it.
Don't care what day it is.
I don't care what day it is.
I don't care what day it is.
I don't know what day it is.
I don't care what day it is.
I don't know what day it is.
3. I WANT YOU
I start staring at a map
Each time I feel alone
There's a space and time
between the lines and the blacktop
And I just feel at home.
Coming down on empty
Pullin' over
and I'm looking for a friend.
Heading north to Old New England
one more time before the cold sets in.
Let me cut right through the night.
Want to drive away my pain.
I want miles beneath my tires.
Want to feel my engine Reign King.
Want to hold you through the night
Wanna laugh, wanna sing.
I want you
I want you to know
Nothing wrong with how you feel about me now
its just how you show it.
And I want you
I want you to see.
When you speak to me in jest
I think it's best we just let it be.
I start picking at the gaps.
Digging at the holes.
Like a mouse to scratch a trap to find out everything
he doesn't want to know.
Coming down forgive me if my voice is harsh and changes in its tone.
This isn't easy please believe me
I think it's best we just left it alone.
Let me cut right through the night.
Want to drive away my pain.
I want miles beneath my tires.
Want to feel my engine Reign King.
Want to hold you through the night
Wanna laugh, wanna sing.
And I want you
I want you to know
Nothing wrong with how you feel about me now, its just how you show it.
And I want you
I want you to see.
This has just as much to do with you
as it has got with me.
This has just as much to do with you
as it has got with me.
This has just as much to do with you
as it has got with me.
4. FOG ON THE BAY
There's a worried look on the fishermen
Brine upon the breeze
The wind is picking up
Birds are in the trees.
The evenings getting colder.
Shops are closing for the day.
My love is still out on the bay.
I can't reach my love on the water.
I can't reach my love on the waves.
Pray my love stay safe from the slaughter.
And return from the fog on the bay.
(break)
Wind is picking up
Church bells ringing 6
Due at home by noon
And I spent hours on this dock.
Way out on the water
I hear a helicopter's roar
What can I do
from the safety of the shore.
I can't reach my love on the water.
I can't reach my love on the waves.
Pray my love stay safe from the slaughter.
And return from the fog on the bay.
(break)
Worried look on the Reverend
Brine upon the breeze.
The wind is picking up
Birds are in the trees
Way out on the water
I hear a helicopter's roar
Can I do
from the safety of the shore.
Till I see my love on the water.
I can't see my love on the waves.
Pray my love stay safe from the slaughter.
And return from the fog on the bay.
I can't reach my love on the water.
I can't reach my love on the waves.
Pray my love stay safe from the slaughter.
And return from the fog on the bay.
And return from the fog on the bay.
And return from the fog on the bay.
5. I GOT THE SHAKES
I got the shakes
I got the shivers
And I'm heading downtown
And I'm hoping that I don't deliver.
I got the shakes
Yeah, I got the trembles.
Owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
Then it's just hollyhocks
And turpentine.
Hemlock in my brandywine.
Saint Peter said auf Wiedersehen.
I remember.
She's just a radiant patchwork architect
She won't give off her intellect.
Shady as hot noon ever gets,
but I love her.
I got the shakes
I got the shivers
And I'm heading downtown
And I'm hoping that I don't deliver.
I got the shakes
Yeah, I got the trembles.
Owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
Then I'll just Piedmont pick another tune.
On a red hawk feathered afternoon
There's flies in May
and bugs in June
But whatever
It's just a peck of pickled pep talks here.
In through one and out my other ear.
Where years and cheers
and fears and tears come together.
I got the shakes
I got the shivers
And I'm heading downtown
And I'm hoping that I don't deliver.
I got the shakes
Yeah, I got the trembles.
Owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
(break)
Well you can candy coat my cigarette
Configure it Confederate
The Ambrose Channel amulet
Through the winter.
Whether it's late July or February
It's a long long way to Tipperary
By plane by boat by bus by ferry
but whatever
I got the shakes
I got the shivers
And I'm heading downtown
And I'm hoping that I don't deliver.
I got the shakes
I got the trembles.
Owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
I got the shakes
I got the shivers
And I'm heading downtown
And I'm hoping that I don't deliver.
I got the shakes
I got the trembles.
Owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
Oh I owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
Oh I owe you a debt,
But I'm hoping that you don't remember.
vwo-vwoe-vwa-bop-bo
6. BROTHER, OH BROTHER
Brother, oh Brother
Where have you gone?
You are forgiven
All the things you have done.
Jump in the water.
I'll throw you a line.
Know that I'll pull you
in from the swallowing tide.
Sister, oh Sister
Did you search hard.
Does it go in your nose?
does it go in your arm?
Jump in the water.
No need to run.
Oh, you can't turn that needle
Right into a gun.
(break)
Brother, oh Brother
What have you learned
All the people who laughed
At the bridges you burned.
Jump in the water
And I'll throw you a line
Know that I'll pull you in from the swallowing tide.
Know that I'll pull you in from the swallowing tide.
Know that I'll pull you in from the swallowing tide.
7. CRABAPPLE TREE
Sour is the fruit
from the crabapple tree
In the place my family's forgotten.
Sweet is the breeze
that did rose from the marsh.
Looking out on the bonny big mountain.
Steady the stream
That rose from the woods.
Cool are the pools of her water.
I have spent many days
down by her banks.
Now to think of her
brings me great sorrow.
Sweet are the berries
Brush in the hill.
But for few fine weeks in August.
Who put a price on an acre of land
Tell me
Life, it is short.
Death, it is long.
It moves quick and swift
like a hammer.
But to think of this land
Sold without a flinch
It has caused my whole soul to tremor.
(break)
New cars in the driveway.
New name on the door.
The new paint on the barn is drying.
Down in the yard
'neath the crabapple tree
lies its bitter fruit rotting.
Life, it is short.
Death, it is long.
It moves quick and swift
like a hammer.
And I'll work everyday
My mortal life
but to see her again
I will never.
To see her again
I will never
To see her again
I will never
8. AMEN, AH MAN
Phantoms in the air.
Tarry through the garden there.
Won't leave me alone
Long enough to turn to stone.
O, to find we're all the same.
After all, we're not as small as we seem.
As is above
It is below
Amen. Ah, men.
(break)
There's magic in the air.
Hard to find it anywhere.
Won't leave me alone.
Long enough to turn to stone.
O, to find we're all the same.
You don't look like me,
You're my brother by name.
As is above
It is below
Amen. Ah, men.
(break)
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-amen
Ah, men.
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-amen
Ah, men.
(break)
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-amen
Ah, men.
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-amen
Ah, men.
(break)
I was in time
to find we're all the same.
You're not my blood.
But you're my brother by name.
As is above
It is below.
Amen. Amen. Ah, men.
9. ALBETA
An old woman
Waits for the doctor
She's playing with locks of
the last of her golden blond hair.
Next to her daughter
Like she's talking to the mirror.
Back when life was clearer
And dancing to the records
down the hall.
"Albeta, we're ready to see ya."
She rose from her chair.
Leaned right on the wall.
She heard, "Albeta, I can't wait to see you girl.
"Can you come out this weekend?
Help me make sense of the world?"
(break)
A young woman
Waits right acrossed her.
Legs layed a-crossed her
Beauty shines bright Into the world.
Next to her father
Doting the bothered
When he reads the words 'date night'
Seeing 'em fixed on the screen.
"Albeta, can't wait to see ya.
"Can you come out this weekend
Help me make sense of it all"?
"Albeta, we're ready to see ya."
Rose from her chair.
Leaned right on the wall.
Oh-o, Albeta!
(break)
She thinks of her mother
Said, "Don't ask your father.
Just go out and see him.
You'll never make sense of this world."
"Albeta, can't wait to see you.
Can ya come out this weekend?
Help me make sense of it all"
Oh, Albeta
"We're ready to see ya."
She Rose from her chair.
Lean right on the wall.
She heard, "Albeta,
can't wait to see you girl.
Come out this weekend
Help me make sense of the world."
Oh, Albeta
Rise from your chair
Shine bright for the world.
Oh, Albeta
Rise from your chair
Shine bright for the world.
10. JOHN & KATHY
John met Kathy
on the Jersey Shore.
June 1940,
right before the war.
He courted her proudly
before they shipped him off
in his uniform.
John promised Kathy
that he'd always write.
Thoughts of her would
keep him up at night.
No Army strong or ocean wide
would keep her from his sight.
He sang, "I love you.
I love you.
I love you till I'm old and gray."
War came to close.
Then the discharge papers.
Couple got married
then 9 months later.
The first of five
Rest his weary head
In an incubator.
John turn to Kathy on every night
Kissed her soft hair
'fore we hit the light.
Then he'd sing to her
with a smile so wide
He'd say, "My Life."
He sang,
"I love you.
I love you.
I love you till I'm old and gray."
He sang,
"I love you.
Ooo, I love you.
I'll love you till last breath I take."
Kids made it through college
In their gowns and caps.
Moved to the suburbs.
Never looking back.
Left their parents all alone
In their Brooklyn flat.
John said, "Kathy put on your shoes.
Hurry now woman.
We've no time to lose.
We're going to walk to the river
Like we did in '52."
Sing, "I love you.
I've loved you.
I love you till I'm old and gray."
'82 and '84 their health was fair.
One day John collapsed on the stairs.
Kathy kicked and screamed.
She pulled out her hair.
John died at the hospital.
Kathy moved into a nursing home.
She don't talk to no one
But at night just sits there all alone.
And sings, "I love you.
I loved you.
I've loved you till I'm old and gray.
Well, I love you.
Ooo, I love you.
Love you till last breath I take."
11. NOVEMBER RAIN
We give it.
We get it.
We live it.
We're in it.
And even if the plans of a stranger
fall flat in the face of
forgiveness.
November rain gonna to come.
November rain gonna to come
November rain gonna to come.
It's gonna get harder.
It's gonna get harder.
It's gonna get harder.
(break)
I make appearance.
I may not look good.
I keep on
appearing
And it's apparent
I'm addicted to the
people that I'm serving.
It's important.
Cause November rains
gonna come.
November rains
gonna come.
November rains
gonna come.
It's gonna get harder.
It's gonna get harder.
It's gonna get harder.
(break)
November rains
gonna come.
Poo, November rains
gonna come.
November rains
gonna come.
Ah, it's gonna get harder.
It's gonna get harder.
It's gonna get harder
12. GOODNIGHT DEAR, I AM DONE
An apartment
named after an activist
is actively seeking
it vacancies filled.
Past the point of extinctions.
Blink blank descriptions.
Not of the man who had done it,
But a man who stood still.
So I sat there
I held back my tongue.
Till she had finished
I swallowed my sound
like a man on the run.
She said I'm her bread.
I feel like a crumb.
So good night,
good night dear
I am done.
Good night,
good night dear
I am done.
All her past lovers
are presently planning
a future I can't predict.
Ah, but her in the morning.
And her in the evening.
And her in the yard
with the kids.
All I can do I have done
I've got my thumb on the hammer
Threw the round,
through the barrel of the gun.
I'm waiting for something
that just never comes.
Good night,
good night dear
I am done.
Good night,
good night dear
I am done.
(break)
An apartment
named after an activist
is actively seeking
it vacancies filled.
Past the point of extinctions.
Blink blank descriptions.
Not of the man who had done it,
But a man who stood still.
She begged me to bite back my tongue.
Till she had finished
I swallowed my sound
like a man on the run.
She said I'm the bread.
and I feel like a crumb.
Good night
good night dear
I am
Good night
good night dear
I am
Good night
good night dear
I am done.
13. CAN'T OUTSPEAK THEM ALL
I heard helicopters overhead
And I thought
Oh Imagine it
My family came to fight a crown
which the sun would not forget.
Now my face onto this world.
On to history commit.
I am an evil man
I am an evil man
Just look at my skin.
Judges gavel swiftly fall.
Stopping lives, like livestock now.
Smoke and mirrors
The illusion American Justice
buys us now.
And I made an orphan little child
In some place I can't pronounce
He lost his family to my War
What is he to do now?
Every moment of the day
Someone misrepresents my name
I'm a good man in America.
Swear to God that I'm ashamed.
Centuries come
and centuries go
I never learn from my mistakes.
Never know when to fold
Taking on aces with eights.
Every corner of the world
Empires rise and then they fall.
I made an enemy in every tongue
An I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
(break)
I hear helicopters overhead
And I think
Oh imagine it
My family came to fight a crown
which the sun would not forget.
Now my face onto this world.
On to history commit.
I am an evil man
I am an evil man
Just look at my skin.
Judges gavel swiftly fall.
Stopping lives, like livestock now.
Smoke and mirrors
The illusion American Justice
buys us now.
I made an orphan little child
In some place I can't pronounce
He lost his family to my War
What is he to do now?
Every moment of the day
Someone misrepresents my name
I'm a good man in America.
Swear to God that I'm ashamed.
Centuries come
and centuries go
I never learn from my mistakes.
Never know when to fold
Taking on aces with eights.
All around the world
Empires rise and then they fall.
I made an enemy in every tongue
An I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
I just can't up speak them all.
