Ernest Troost - SAVING THE REPUBLIC

1. Feathers and Bones 3:45

I was born in the belly of a raging flood

Under ten feet of water and seven feet of mud

And the first thing I saw was a tremblin’ sky

Momma said I was the tear in the hurricane’s eye

She said you got the gift, but the price is high

You’ll live a solitary life till the day you die

chorus

You can find me most any night

When the cold north wind moans

Tellin’ fortunes on the street

Readin’ feathers and bones

I can throw you a spell that’ll tear you apart

Or with just one touch I can mend your heart

I turn coal into diamonds and copper into gold

But I’d trade it in a second for someone to hold

chorus

Then I met her one night on a storm-bound train

And we rode out in the open with the thunder and the rain

She said, our future’s not fixed, that much is true

How it all unfolds is up to me and you

So, we blew out of town on that blizzard’s back

Took our potions and our charms in a brown paper sack

chorus

And all we left behind

With those cold north wind moans

Blown and scattered down the street

Were those old feathers and bones

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, mandolin, pump organ, percussion

2. I Might Be Wrong 4:04

This don’t seem like the place I know

The paint is peeling and the primer shows

We shouldn’t have quit, after so long

But I might be wrong

Those old curtains, they’re faded and frayed

We left them hangin’ when we went our separate ways

Forgiveness waits with curtains drawn

But I might be wrong

chorus

It don’t seem like the sky is as blue

It don’t seem like the truth is true

It don’t seem like love’s come and gone

But I might be wrong

This don’t seem like the place we lived

The porch is leanin’ and a strut’s about to give

Held up by hopes that linger on

But I might be wrong

chorus

We were all wind and rain on that day

When we tore it up and blew it all away

I can hear the rain fallin’ with its mournful song

But I might be wrong

chorus

It don’t matter if it all turns to dust

The chimney crumbles and the railings rust

It will be all right in the clear light of dawn

But I might be wrong

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pump organ, percussion, sampled strings

Nicole Gordon, harmony

3. Oh, Lord 3:57

Oh, Lord, oh, Lord

What have they done

To silence my voice

They’ve taken my tongue

Oh, Lord, they’ve taken my tongue

Oh, Lord, oh, Lord

They’ve blackened the sky

They’ve dragged us from our homes

They’re putting out our eyes

Oh, Lord, they’re putting out our eyes

chorus

We won’t wait for the rumblin’ of the tanks

The splintering of bones, the collapsing of the banks

Their boys in the back been busy stackin’ the decks

But there ain’t nobody here gonna live with a boot on their neck

Oh, Lord

Oh, Lord, oh, Lord

In the land of the free

They’ve chained Lady Liberty to a live oak tree

Oh, Lord, to a live oak tree

Oh, Lord, oh, Lord

They never get their fill

They hound us ‘cross the valleys

They hunt us in the hills

Oh, Lord, they never get their fill

chorus

We won’t wait for the rumblin’ of the tanks

The splintering of bones, the collapsing of the banks

Their boys in the back been busy stackin’ the decks

But there ain’t nobody here gonna live with a boot on their neck

We’ll ship them all to some far-off shore

With their golden calves and their party whores

Their plague of lies will poison us no more

Oh, Lord, oh, Lord

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pump organ, shaker, pandemic brass

4. This Will Pass Away 3:28

One man shoots and another man falls

The cops push the crowd up against the wall

The clouds are dark and the sky goes grey

But, this will pass away

The TV’s screamin’ there’s blood in the street

Loaves and fishes goin’ bad in the heat

The camera zooms and cuts to the beat

But, this will pass away

chorus

Yeah, this will pass away

This will pass away

As sure as mornin’ brings the day

This will pass away

Out of the darkness voices rise

One man’s truth is another man’s lies

Hold up a torch and light the skies

So this will pass away

One is shoutin’ the end is near

Whippin’ up all the hate and fear

A young girl whispers his feet are clay

And this will pass away

chorus

Bless us all with your grace

Mornin’ rains wash this place

Bow down your heads and pray

This will pass away

chorus

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pump organ, pandemic brass

Nicole Gordon, harmony

Gary Ferguson, drums

5. Cold Trail 3:27

It’s cold out on the flatlands

It’s cold up on this ridge

Please don’t stay on my tail

I’m a cold trail

The snow falls deep up in this pass

Lover’s dreams freeze up fast

Don’t think your love can prevail

I’m a cold trail

bridge

You can search the steep Sierra grades

You can climb atop the high Cascades

You can trek along the frozen creeks

But you’ll not find what you seek

The air gets thin on this high plateau

Love stumbles here and its heartbeat slows

You come on strong, but you’ll end up frail

‘Cause I’m a cold trail

The wind blows ‘cross this sheer cliff face

Love’s got no hold, gives up the chase

Don’t think your love can prevail

I’m a cold trail

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, pump organ, bass, tambourine

Gary Ferguson, drums

6. All the World before Us 4:23

I stand here on Water Street

Staring out to sea

A bronze and granite likeness

Symbol of the free

Those rusted chains out on the pier

Once held fast our dreams

Like tiny names upon a map

More distant than they seem

chorus

Here along the waterfront

'Neath the twinklin’ of the lights

We once stood with all the world before us

We lost Joey first

In the fall of ‘64

His folks came ‘round to see me

After the war

A purple heart lay at my feet

Their eyes did implore

Please take this grief

We can’t bear it anymore

chorus

bridge

Robert was the lucky one

He came back OK

He sits beside me as

The fog burns off the bay

He says, I’ve seen darkness

Through the eyes of men

It’s with me always now

Like a trusted friend

She leans her weight against me

With a muffled sigh

Her fingers find a name

Cut deep into my side

And as she traces over it

Each letter comes alive

And now the years fade away

And she’s wavin’ him goodbye

chorus

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pump organ, pandemic brass

Shaun Cromwell, harmony

7. Simple Song 4:42

It’s just a simple song, gathered words and rhymes

Like kindlin’ waiting on a flame

It’s a cold, hard hurt, in a few lines

He struggles with the grief and the pain

It’s just a simple house she made into a home

Her sewing box still waits upon a chair

Outside the trees stand naked as a poem

He turns and smells her perfume in the air

Chorus

Sometimes the river will run high

And sometimes it floods the lower fields

Some things you mend with a practiced eye

And some things only time can heal

It’s just a simple love like the buttons on his shirt

She sewed her favorites there, near his heart

Button up, she’d say, so the wind won’t hurt

It might be homespun, but it might be art

Chorus

Bridge

Just this simple truth he’s trying to get past

She slipped away before her name was called

Well, he’d wrapped his arms around her

And tried to hold her fast

But the leaves began to rattle and to fall

With just a simple strum across the strings

Sparks begin to fly into the air

The fire’s warmth surrounds him, as he begins to sing

A simple song that’s something like a prayer

Chorus

Ernest Troost, vocal, guitars, bass, pump organ

Gary Ferguson, drums

8. Saving the Republic 3:12

Down on the corner

Standin’ in the sun

Waving her sign at everyone

Just one woman, all alone

She’s saving the republic

Down on the corner

Two join one

Shoulder to shoulder till the fight is won

Just three people, make a stand

They’re saving the republic

Bridge

Ain’t no tweet gonna do it

Nor some rant or post

Everybody’s got to stand and shout

To clear these grifters out

Down on the corner

Underneath the stars

Waving their signs at passing cars

Crowds of folks from all around

They’re saving the republic

Down in D.C.

A million strong

People singing on the White House lawn

Waves of people from sea to shining sea

They’re saving the republic

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pandemic brass

9. Old Mill Town 4:10

I’s born and raised on the mountain

I fished its lakes and streams

But I left that hard-scrabble life behind

To chase my schoolboy dreams

I found myself in the city

Where the buildings tear at the sky

Brick and steel will serve a man

Or bury him alive

chorus

When the time comes I’ll be willin’

To lay this tired body down

I will rest close by the river

In the shadow of this old mill town

bridge

I miss that high mountain holler

The snow driftin’ down through the trees

Six days a week we labor

On the seventh we’re on our knees

I walk to my shift in the evening

These old shoes know the way

Well, I traded all the hopes I had

For work and steady pay

chorus

There ain’t no chains holdin’ me

Least none that I can see

Well, I’ll work on till I’m weary

And death will set me free

chorus

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, mandolin, bass, percussion

10. Last of the Middle Class 3:22

Frayed at the collar

Torn at the sleeve

Pants too long, but his shoes are clean

Tie’s got a stain and the knot’s too tight

But he’s walkin’ with a purpose like he’s got the right

Like he’s got the right, like he’s got the right

He’s walkin’ with a purpose like he’s got the right

The haves have much and the nots have not

He sleeps in a shelter on a surplus cot

He brings his lunch in a brown paper sack

Yeah, they try to break his spirit, but he comes right back

He comes right back, he comes right back

They try to break his spirit, but he comes right back

Chrome skyscrapers blockin’ out the sun

Greed scowls in the shadows, got compassion on the run

Compassion's on the run, compassion's on the run

Greed scowls in the shadows, got compassion on the run

bridge

You ask him how this all makes him feel

He says, how I feel ain’t part of the deal

I do what I can, I do what I must

But in the end it comes down to trust

And empty swing sets and shattered glass

I am the last of the middle class

Shiny limos pass him on the street

Toss some coins at his feet

He hunts on his knees in the roadside ditch

When the poor get hungry, boys, they’ll eat the rich

They’ll eat the rich, they’ll eat the rich

When the poor get hungry, boys, they’ll eat the rich

He says he’ll fight till his dying day

Until they drag his old bones away

He stands up straight, victory in sight

He’s walkin’ with a purpose like he’s got the right

Like he’s got the right, like he’s got the right

He’s walkin’ with a purpose like he’s got the right

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pump organ, pandemic brass

Gary Ferguson, drums

11. So Much Rain 3:22

Well, all my life I never seen so much rain

It keeps me up at night, poundin’ on my windowpane

It’s drummin’ on the tin roof like a vibraphone

My baby took my best umbrella, said she’s never comin’ home

No, all my life I never seen so much rain

I went to see my banker the other day

He said I’m sorry, son, but your money just floated away

Facts are cheap, but lying’s free

Put your money in your mattress throw away the key

All my life I never seen so much rain

Well, the water kept risin’ for forty days and forty nights

If I had an ark I’d be doin’ alright

There’s perch in my pantry and flounder on the floor

There’s alligators washed up on my front door

Yeah, all my life I never seen so much rain

Well, the storm passed and the sun is shinin’ bright

But there’s something in the mud that don’t look right

It’s the banker’s safe with a busted door

And there’s my money and so much more

Yeah, all my life I never seen so much rain

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, percussion, pandemic brass

12. True Love 3:59

She wraps her robe around her tight

Watchin’ TV late at night

Searchin’ for true love

Someone’s lost in the Hebrides

Tossed upon those restless seas

Searchin’ for true love

chorus

A love that knows and a love that learns

A love that’s tender and a love that burns

She will find her way, she will find her way

She will find her way to love

A lover’s curse haunts this place

A shadow flickers ‘cross her face

Searchin’ for true love

The moon finds her through the pane

And shines its light on what remains

Searchin’ for true love

chorus

A love that lingers and a love that flows

A love that’s secret and a love that shows

She will find her way, she will find her way

She will find her way to love

bridge

There’s no guide books to guide her

There’s no signs where to sail

There’s no compass to point her

There’s no markers on the trail

She holds her heart up to the light

While lovers swoon in black and white

Searchin’ for true love

And though the truth may not be fair

She never tires of looking there

Searchin’ for true love

Chorus

A love that’s measured and a love unbound

A love that’s fragile and a love that’s sound

She will find her way, she will find her way

She will find her way to love

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, bass, pump organ, percussion

Nicole Gordon, harmony

13. Before the Devil Finds Us Gone 4:17

He has left the path of righteousness

For dark forbidden ground

He has hunted on the back roads

And preyed on quiet towns

He has left a wake of terror

In flames across the sky

He has made his mark in mud and blood

And heard the angels cry

He follows like a shadow

Darkness closin’ in

He would strip us of salvation

And wrap us in his sin

chorus

We gotta roll, gotta roll now, sister

We gotta roll, gotta roll now, brother

We gotta roll now, children, I fear we’ve stayed too long

We gotta cross the Allegheny ‘fore the devil finds us gone

Our feet and hands are bloodied

Our voices hoarse with screams

We slip into a slumber

And drift into a dream

Hopelessly abandoned

We float amongst the dead

Then rise up spitting silt and sticks

And leap up from our beds

half chorus

We gotta roll, gotta roll now, sister

We gotta roll, gotta roll now, brother, we gotta roll

In the morning the sun is shining

But like a scar that grows inside

The night will creep upon us

Like a cold rising tide

We hide beneath the bridges

We move when darkness falls

We sleep with one eye open

If we sleep at all

chorus

We gotta roll, gotta roll now, sister

We gotta roll, gotta roll now, brother

We gotta roll now, children, I fear we’ve stayed too long

We gotta cross the Allegheny ‘fore the devil finds us gone

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, pump organ, pandemic brass

Nicole Gordon, harmony

Gary Ferguson, drums

14. It’s Gonna Happen Slow 3:37

Old man says you’re all asleep

Or playing with your latest gizmo

Keep your wits about you

‘Cause it’s gonna happen slow

They’ll spin you tales of a golden past

But they’re playing you like an old banjo

Keep your wits about you

‘Cause it’s gonna happen slow

chorus

It’s gonna happen slow, boys

Like wolves pullin’ down a fawn

Freedom’s such a fragile thing

You turn around and it’s gone

These are demons of our own design

Breaking stuff is all they know

Keep your wits about you

‘Cause it’s gonna happen slow

chorus

This ain’t no sprint we’re runnin’

This ain’t our first rodeo

Keep your wits about you

‘Cause it’s gonna happen slow

Ernest Troost, vocal, guitars, bass, pandemic brass, percussion 1

Gary Ferguson, drums

15. Hold Me 4:08

Hold me, hold me

Like the shore holds the sea

Hold me, hold me

Like a thought, an old memory

Hold me, hold me

Like the night holds the stars

Hold me, hold me

In your heart, wherever you are

chorus

All my ramblin’ all these years

All the heartache, all the tears

And all the missteps now so clear

Hold me

Hold me, hold me

Like a child lost, then found

Hold me, hold me

With this love, I’m forever bound

chorus

A lonely fog holds fast the night

Then burns away at first light

I’ll wrap the dawn around me tight

And let it hold me

Ernest Troost, vocals, guitars, pump organ, bass, pandemic brass

A Travelin’ Shoes Records release

All songs published by Stone Cottage Music (BMI)

Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.