If so many here are homeless
and so many all alone
the kind of place that we all live in
can't be called home
Someone should erase the lines that
my jigsaw-puzzle fingers find
round your mouth and round your eyes
keeping track of time (time time time)
baby I can't talk now
why don't you come back
or call again tomorrow
do not try to be too tender
someone's sure to break your heart
do not show it when you're stronger
then you're much too smart
and of course you are my friend
and I'll drink with you and drown
in the sorrows of the many
in the dreams of eiderdown (down down down)
refr.
1978.
vrijdag 31 december 2010
Blood and tears
Blood and tears
sail away
take me through another day
it's easy
tho' I've got no shoes to wear
heart and head
break away
ease the pain as best you may
it's easy
'cause the dues have all been paid
going out for drink with strangers
leaning over the brink in danger
and no woman to tell you of her dreams
no secrets here in the empty hallways
have a beer, take a walk on sundays
and your sanity cracking at the seams
1975. Kyoto.
sail away
take me through another day
it's easy
tho' I've got no shoes to wear
heart and head
break away
ease the pain as best you may
it's easy
'cause the dues have all been paid
going out for drink with strangers
leaning over the brink in danger
and no woman to tell you of her dreams
no secrets here in the empty hallways
have a beer, take a walk on sundays
and your sanity cracking at the seams
1975. Kyoto.
The cosmic bite
Getting hot in the morning
talk to your wife
running scared about noon
go to your girlfriend
lose your cool after lunch
make for your lover
in the evening when it's dark
and it's wet
and you're out in the cold
something to give
for something to get
on to the red lights and the ladies
raving and ranting
sweating and panting
what's the matter with the boy ?
what's he so quick for
with his toy ?
must be
must be
the cosmic bite
the cosmic bite
1976.
talk to your wife
running scared about noon
go to your girlfriend
lose your cool after lunch
make for your lover
in the evening when it's dark
and it's wet
and you're out in the cold
something to give
for something to get
on to the red lights and the ladies
raving and ranting
sweating and panting
what's the matter with the boy ?
what's he so quick for
with his toy ?
must be
must be
the cosmic bite
the cosmic bite
1976.
Some better place
I think I need a change
the weather's been bad too long
everybody's complaining everywhere
Christ is a clotheshanger now
the red king's seat is empty
and I put my laundry there
oh there ain't no other place
no other place
I think I'm gonna move
the butter's gone rancid
the curtain is up and I'm naked
I've put the house in order
I even combed the grass on the lawn
but I can no longer fake it
there must be some better place
some better place
I'm gonna see my friends
seems like it never ends
I'll take something to eat
and a good book to read
and I'm gonna take some wine
some good stories to kill time
in some better place
some better place
1976.
the weather's been bad too long
everybody's complaining everywhere
Christ is a clotheshanger now
the red king's seat is empty
and I put my laundry there
oh there ain't no other place
no other place
I think I'm gonna move
the butter's gone rancid
the curtain is up and I'm naked
I've put the house in order
I even combed the grass on the lawn
but I can no longer fake it
there must be some better place
some better place
I'm gonna see my friends
seems like it never ends
I'll take something to eat
and a good book to read
and I'm gonna take some wine
some good stories to kill time
in some better place
some better place
1976.
Don't turn me down
Yes you've got everything
that makes me smile
you do the right things
that I know
will last their while
we like each other
sometimes we touch
but we're good friends
so we don't do it all that much
you say they're talking
and I daresay they do
but that ain't nothing
compared to what I see
in the eyes of you
and when I ask you
to go one more round
ooooh
don't turn me down
oh no
don't turn me down
1976. (Linda)
that makes me smile
you do the right things
that I know
will last their while
we like each other
sometimes we touch
but we're good friends
so we don't do it all that much
you say they're talking
and I daresay they do
but that ain't nothing
compared to what I see
in the eyes of you
and when I ask you
to go one more round
ooooh
don't turn me down
oh no
don't turn me down
1976. (Linda)
Baby come through
The future's bleak
and I am weak
soI can't speak
but only seek
to turn my thoughts to you
baby come through
The past is dead
no plans are laid
an empty head
I can only whet
the knife that cuts through to you
baby come through
the present's strange
come timely rain
until that change
my thoughts must range
upon the riddle of you
baby come through
an angry voice
a voice that's wet
a voice that accuses
my feelings long dead
baby come through
1976.
and I am weak
soI can't speak
but only seek
to turn my thoughts to you
baby come through
The past is dead
no plans are laid
an empty head
I can only whet
the knife that cuts through to you
baby come through
the present's strange
come timely rain
until that change
my thoughts must range
upon the riddle of you
baby come through
an angry voice
a voice that's wet
a voice that accuses
my feelings long dead
baby come through
1976.
Doctor it hurts
Everything hurts me
and my doctor tells me
"boy ! you've got a reason to weep !
boy ! you didn't get any sleep !"
keep it in mind boy
that taking your time boy
may turn out wrong
when you're taking too long.
paid thirty dollars
to know about pain
boy ! you got a sly little way
boy ! you won't see me again
doctor I need a prescription
and I need it right now
you'll be taking the biscuit
if you save me somehow
I'd like something for loneliness
better a broken heart
too much hate and bitterness
and no hope in the cards
tearing me apart
refr. 1
1975.
and my doctor tells me
"boy ! you've got a reason to weep !
boy ! you didn't get any sleep !"
keep it in mind boy
that taking your time boy
may turn out wrong
when you're taking too long.
paid thirty dollars
to know about pain
boy ! you got a sly little way
boy ! you won't see me again
doctor I need a prescription
and I need it right now
you'll be taking the biscuit
if you save me somehow
I'd like something for loneliness
better a broken heart
too much hate and bitterness
and no hope in the cards
tearing me apart
refr. 1
1975.
Close to heaven
Hold on tightly to me
and I'm gonna hold on to you
we'll be the best of friends and
in my own little way I blew you
closer, close to heaven
Sandwiches and coffee
but there's a dead man on the road
who has reached his end and
he's a footnote in the code
getting closer, close to heaven
Close to heaven joy's still hard to save
"cause we're blind and deaf and
they're all advertizing graves
but you won't buy
and I won't buy
the both of us just try to get
closer, close to heaven
Full moon in the valley
with the ladies at the hot springs
would the rifts all mend and
together we'd bring ourselves
closer, close to heaven
repeat first verse
refr.
1978.
and I'm gonna hold on to you
we'll be the best of friends and
in my own little way I blew you
closer, close to heaven
Sandwiches and coffee
but there's a dead man on the road
who has reached his end and
he's a footnote in the code
getting closer, close to heaven
Close to heaven joy's still hard to save
"cause we're blind and deaf and
they're all advertizing graves
but you won't buy
and I won't buy
the both of us just try to get
closer, close to heaven
Full moon in the valley
with the ladies at the hot springs
would the rifts all mend and
together we'd bring ourselves
closer, close to heaven
repeat first verse
refr.
1978.
Song for An
So now you've got two babies
just like you did pray
one can see your heart grow stronger
with the slipping of the days
so now you've got two lovers
sleeping on your breast
you're like drowned in eiderdown
with their heavy peaceful rest
love don't come easy
love is slow
love don't come easy but
it's the only thing you know
so now you're finally married
and I used to know your man
him and me we're nearly strangers
but we're doing the best we can
someone took me travelling
someone took me unawares
that someone spent me spinning
someplace I could never share
refr.
you sure were fun to watch with
your red apple-cheeks aglow
holding on to that fat belly
that would only grow and grow
so now you've got two babies
just like you did say
the doctor didn't believe you but
then he's never learned to pray
refr.
1979. (voor An Onzea)
just like you did pray
one can see your heart grow stronger
with the slipping of the days
so now you've got two lovers
sleeping on your breast
you're like drowned in eiderdown
with their heavy peaceful rest
love don't come easy
love is slow
love don't come easy but
it's the only thing you know
so now you're finally married
and I used to know your man
him and me we're nearly strangers
but we're doing the best we can
someone took me travelling
someone took me unawares
that someone spent me spinning
someplace I could never share
refr.
you sure were fun to watch with
your red apple-cheeks aglow
holding on to that fat belly
that would only grow and grow
so now you've got two babies
just like you did say
the doctor didn't believe you but
then he's never learned to pray
refr.
1979. (voor An Onzea)
donderdag 30 december 2010
This must be the week
Oh well I've got a little dope
and I've got enough of gas
your mama may not want it but anyway
this must be the week that was
brewing when at 18
I was just ashamed
of wanting things I'd seen
when I was being framed
Oh well I haven't got much hope
of lying naked on the pass
my mama does not like it but anyway
this must be the week that was
refr.
Oh well I won't try to elope
with someone smiling in the mass
of people that don't want it anyway
this must be the week that was
refr.
1978.
and I've got enough of gas
your mama may not want it but anyway
this must be the week that was
brewing when at 18
I was just ashamed
of wanting things I'd seen
when I was being framed
Oh well I haven't got much hope
of lying naked on the pass
my mama does not like it but anyway
this must be the week that was
refr.
Oh well I won't try to elope
with someone smiling in the mass
of people that don't want it anyway
this must be the week that was
refr.
1978.
(A long, long way to go till) Sunday Morning
Talk of gangsters at the abbey
when no one wants to know
how they're gonna make it
past the beer that gets them tho'
when they're reeling on their feet
and out puking on the street
and it's a long long way to go
till Sunday morning
it's a prime-time thing to do
for the people at the bar
to take their hatred out on you
and there's snakeskins in the pantry
and somebody's crazy about
that skinny kid a-begging
for the mercy of the crowd
and they're dancing all around
but the right steps can't be found
refr.
Too many smoke-rings near the ceiling
pools of vomit on the floor
there's a dry-eyed woman wailing
"this place is rotten to the core"
sleezy gossip in the shadows
why not just erect the gallows ?
refr.
1979.
when no one wants to know
how they're gonna make it
past the beer that gets them tho'
when they're reeling on their feet
and out puking on the street
and it's a long long way to go
till Sunday morning
it's a prime-time thing to do
for the people at the bar
to take their hatred out on you
and there's snakeskins in the pantry
and somebody's crazy about
that skinny kid a-begging
for the mercy of the crowd
and they're dancing all around
but the right steps can't be found
refr.
Too many smoke-rings near the ceiling
pools of vomit on the floor
there's a dry-eyed woman wailing
"this place is rotten to the core"
sleezy gossip in the shadows
why not just erect the gallows ?
refr.
1979.
A summer-night and on the town
The faces in the window
I know them all too well
with their twisted promise
and the stories that they can't tell
Red lights with their neon wink
and beer flows like the river
stop the time forget to think
tonight you're to deliver
and I pity the poor women
and the men who pay for fun
trying like the devil
to get the knot undone
Everybody's nice to me
this far, not any further
don't overreach yourself now see
that way you're bound to hurt her
The wife should be at home now
and I bet she's crying
saying no one likes her
and in her dreams she's trying
to pity etc.
God I saw the drunkard
in his comic strip
on the nod, out on the floor
psycho Jesus in his crib
I passed Lady Godiva
freckled in long sleeves
the world her private tragedy
just there to keep her peeved
and pitying etc.
and you can be what you are
I will be what I am
we're looking at each other
from our speeding cars
and we understand (3x)
1976.
I know them all too well
with their twisted promise
and the stories that they can't tell
Red lights with their neon wink
and beer flows like the river
stop the time forget to think
tonight you're to deliver
and I pity the poor women
and the men who pay for fun
trying like the devil
to get the knot undone
Everybody's nice to me
this far, not any further
don't overreach yourself now see
that way you're bound to hurt her
The wife should be at home now
and I bet she's crying
saying no one likes her
and in her dreams she's trying
to pity etc.
God I saw the drunkard
in his comic strip
on the nod, out on the floor
psycho Jesus in his crib
I passed Lady Godiva
freckled in long sleeves
the world her private tragedy
just there to keep her peeved
and pitying etc.
and you can be what you are
I will be what I am
we're looking at each other
from our speeding cars
and we understand (3x)
1976.
X-mas-time is coming
X-mas-time is coming
the year is near its end
you ain't got a woman
you ain't got a friend
the grocery-store, the brothel
both make their windows nice
one sells instant coffee
the other says paradise
X-mas-time is coming
I can hear the angels blowing away
X-mas-time is coming
yes the red light district
will not be outshone
a home away from home
where so many have gone
to have Mother Christmas
caress that Holy Tree
and then unwrapping presents
find the eyes can be deceived
refr.
X-mas-time is coming
and all the world is joy
in the air a humming
of radio-active toys
and mankind stands resplendent
upon its misty hill
fierce and independent
ready for the kill
refr.
1979. Werd in 1987 opgenomen voor een dubbel-single van de Kreuners en de Kreuners featuring Ludo Mariman. (A-rum-a-dum-dum)
the year is near its end
you ain't got a woman
you ain't got a friend
the grocery-store, the brothel
both make their windows nice
one sells instant coffee
the other says paradise
X-mas-time is coming
I can hear the angels blowing away
X-mas-time is coming
yes the red light district
will not be outshone
a home away from home
where so many have gone
to have Mother Christmas
caress that Holy Tree
and then unwrapping presents
find the eyes can be deceived
refr.
X-mas-time is coming
and all the world is joy
in the air a humming
of radio-active toys
and mankind stands resplendent
upon its misty hill
fierce and independent
ready for the kill
refr.
1979. Werd in 1987 opgenomen voor een dubbel-single van de Kreuners en de Kreuners featuring Ludo Mariman. (A-rum-a-dum-dum)
dinsdag 28 december 2010
Barman
Well the barman he see nothing
the barman he don't know
about the drinkers desintegrating
all that sickly show
well the barman keeps them pills
he's got that shiny snow
but he don't see you doing that
the barman he don't know
when he sees fit he's got loving
but then he ain't got that much
when the game gets to be sticky
he is sure not to be touched
and he drink for free and easy
he don't bat an eye
when the cops move in and start to
register every lie
will he always be a stranger
when she walks into his room
with him squinting in the darkness
at his loneliness in bloom ?
will he hear his words a-falling
upon the questions in her eye
will he walk away again in wonder
all to wilful for to try
repeat first verse
1986. Opgenomen door Urban Jungle (Mark Bauwens en co) maar niet uitgebracht.
the barman he don't know
about the drinkers desintegrating
all that sickly show
well the barman keeps them pills
he's got that shiny snow
but he don't see you doing that
the barman he don't know
when he sees fit he's got loving
but then he ain't got that much
when the game gets to be sticky
he is sure not to be touched
and he drink for free and easy
he don't bat an eye
when the cops move in and start to
register every lie
will he always be a stranger
when she walks into his room
with him squinting in the darkness
at his loneliness in bloom ?
will he hear his words a-falling
upon the questions in her eye
will he walk away again in wonder
all to wilful for to try
repeat first verse
1986. Opgenomen door Urban Jungle (Mark Bauwens en co) maar niet uitgebracht.
Fragmenten uit oerversie Ontbijt in de ruïne (jeugdwerk)
De vliegende diepte van het leven
kruisigt mijn waardering.
Wachten op de angst
of een nieuwe droom
met zwevende hindernissen
die in mij glimlachen
mij ondoorgrondelijk tekenen.
Denk voortdurend dat ik gek ben
schrei eens even
ga op bedevaart
en kom nooit terug
(ironie is zonder weerkeer)
----------------------------
Elke avond weer
vergeet iedereen dat ik besta
elke ochtend dan
schud ik allen wakker
sommigen zijn blij
anderen verstoord
de ergsten zijn zij
die mijn handen voelen
en denken dat zij het leven zijn
leven waar zij buiten staan
mijn handen die de wind zijn
die mijn handen voelen
en het ontkennen durven.
---------------------
Ik ben redelijk overtuigd
dat alles ongelooflijk is
neem even mijn zakdoek
om mijn neus te snuiten
ik zal opveren tot in de lucht
die zonder kleur of leven is.
De tijdelijke zandstorm
van de wolken wuift versteend
en ik zou wanhopig kunnen zijn.
Dan ga ik de tuin in
en maak traag de paden schoon
ik durf amper naar de bloesems kijken
en ontwijk gewiekst de bloemen.
De waarheid van gevoel
ongrijpbaar of onzegbaar
en als ik kon spreken zou het dàt zijn
één van de namen van het al
waar de monniken van Tibet
een gans leven op jagen
- ik stotter zoals iedereen.
Ik zit bij de rivier met een vrouw
en zij houdt niet van mij
ik voel mezelf zoals ik ijzig zit
aan de overkant valt de rode zon
krijsend in een spaarpotgleuf van lucht
met lange tussenpozen
gaan de lichten in de buildings aan
en planten een priem in mijn oog
terwijl het water een vaal grasveld
of een grijswapperend laken is.
-------------
De monniken van Tibet
hebben duizend ogen
de mannen die ik ken
praten honderduit
de vrouwen die ik ken
zien zichzelf niet meer
ze leven maar één keer.
Ik was god van verwarring
jij een vlindervrouw
ik ben weer goedertieren nu
en jij weer open
heilig
vuur
morgen hou je van ons allen.
-----------------
Een geest op zolder
Ik heb tienduizend weiden doorkruist
met onrust als een autostrade
achter me en mijlen voor me uit
ik heb er op mezelf gewacht
doch ik dacht dat jij het doel was.
Waar ideeën in benen kruipen
behoud ik een stalen zerk van twijfel
die geverfd wordt door de dauw
en beschilderd door de regen
afgeschuurd door harde nacht
die gehuld in zwart gewaad
de eeuwigheid inslaat.
De tijdeloze passie van zon
uiteindelijk geboren hoop
buitenissige illusies
omtrent het bevend woord liefde.
-----------------
Doorheen de nieuwe nacht
voorbij de auto's en de bomen
en de angst in oog en oor
steden als speelgoedautomaten
waar de bladeren al vallen
tot in de zalen van mijn onrust
bomen begraven in mijn maag.
Ik sta weer alleen
zoals toen men me als kind een keurslijf toonde
maar zei dat het een harnas was.
Ik maakte lange verhalen
prevelend zon fluisterend regen.
Nu kroon ik de oude reizen
en sla de dag tot treurig ridder.
Iemand in mij bezielde de dingen
iemand in mij maakte hen dood
"morgen" was een tempelbel
nu een begraven visverkoper
geen vriend of vijand
iemand met geleende adem.
---------------------
Zwart is de lucht
en paars de heks
die op mijn verkrampte lichaam danst
in al zijn tijdeloze cellen.
Een woord is groots in al zijn glorie
zijn betekenis in beweging
zijn mirakel op de berg.
Oh ik ben zwart
oh ik ben wit
'k ben alle kleuren van de nacht.
-------------------------
Het gele duinenkind van zee
heeft één paars dier gedood
en zich in zijn huid gehuld
dan is ze naar me toe gekomen
- nu heb ik geen handen meer.
----------------------
In een waterval
hervindt mijn oor
voorbije tijden van je oog
je irissen en wimpers
waarmee je lang geleden
mijn lichamen bekeek.
--------------
Als ik eenzaam ben
zoals vandaag
mag ik dan met je praten
of slapen in je bed
als een hagedis op je lijf ?
Zeker, zo is het geweest
en nu sta ik hier weer
misschien nog jong
maar met vergane jaren
en ingebeelde kennis
lelijk als de nacht.
-------------------
Als niemand ging slapen
zouden mijn ogen breken
zoals verbaasde zeelui
bij het meer in de bergen.
Als de bomen gouden twijgen hadden
ijskoude diamanten vruchten
van vergeten dromen
zou ik alles liefde schrijven
àl mirakelheilig.
Als je me een rijf in het gezicht sloeg
en mijn hoofd openscheurde
zou je me zien zoals ik me voel.
Ik die door de tunnel van gedachten val
verdwijnend verschijnend dood en pijn.
Als je een vleeshaak in mijn lijf sloeg
of een diep oog in me brandde
zou ik misschien mijn lichaam herkennen
of het jouwe verstaan.
------------------------
Dank je lief, voor de goede zorgen
deze dag is weer zeer rijk geweest
en wie weet wat wacht er mij morgen ?
Daar sta ik buiten zeg jij dan meest
maar de mensen vergissen zich vaak;
het maakt geen verschil, binnen of buiten
en dàt te zien is de enige taak.
Slaap zacht en droom van regen op de ruiten.
------------------------------
Godja, ik kende hen
ik liep verder
over de sneeuw
en beroerde hun vleugels
gaf hen een naam.
Sneeuwblind
en stotterend
maar warm van binnen
bij de leeuw en zijn liefde
zijn gebrul.
Ik voelde me verlaten
alleen en beangst
met de pijn van de pelgrim
zijn vraagteken.
In vreemd woest geraas
eindelijk tevreden
in wildwonderlijk geluk.
Het oog van de storm
is mijn hoofdkussen.
----------------
Het dak van de wereld
Hoogleven en een indruk
van muren van einder en lucht
ik zwerf als een wildvuile dief
en mijn paard is mijn vrouw en mijn wijn
- traanlief de witte wereld.
Nu vertrek ik uit het westen
op mijn gekke groene vleugels
ik struikel en ik stotter
water in mijn ogen
wit zand in de rivier
en een droom aan de grens.
De gewapende wachters floten naar ons
in onze oude oorlogswagen.
(grens Nepal - Tibet)
----------------------
Ik lag neer
en ik verdronk
ik zag een vogel in de sneeuw
de kleren vielen van mijn lichaam
de schoenen gleden van mijn voeten
ik stond naakt en blind rechtop
in het oneindig witte licht
en mijn bloed was woest gelukkig.
------------------
Er is schrijven mét en zonder
met pen en inkt en ganzeveren
poedelnaakt
en met het lichaam
met je hoofd vol bloed
en gedane beloften
met verloren dagen
nauwelijks nacht
en nagenoeg geen wensen.
Poedelnaakt.
------------------------
In een nieuw land
waar bloemen zwarte kruisen zijn
en leven hard beton
word ik kalmer
en denk aan niemand meer.
Sterven is herademen
na de onderdrukking
ik ben weer vrij geworden.
Ik vergeet al wat ik wist
en mijn oog beleeft
vallende mensen als het water.
--------------------
Zonnestralen
duikend in het meer van mijn handpalm
ontdekken zichzelf
in de spiegels van mijn huid.
Mijn lichaam fluistert duidelijk:
het beweegt.
Ik weet het
mijn ogen worden het kijken soms moe
maar alles blijft zichzelf.
---------------------
Ik ben de bloem van het kind
en de beweging is de macht
ongecontroleerd en impulsiever
dan het idee van hier te zijn
en te handelen.
Ik kijk met het oog van de leegte
vanuit de ruimte
tot in ruimteloze tijd
waar de zon mijn huis bouwt.
Op het altaar van het veld
- rottend gras en stervende winter -
leef ik de dienst van zelfcontrole:
dit is het, ik ben
een stommelende gans in de tuin
een vogel in een boom begraven
het opverende gras.
Van hier tot in de eeuwigheid
is het knipperen van een oog
een ademen van een klein geluid.
Kalm en bedachtzaam stappend
in dromen en kelders van toekomst.
Ik zie er vrouwen en vrienden weer
die ik omarm tot het einde
als het oordeel in de ziel komt.
De warme lentewinden
komen zich verbergen in mijn haar
ze buigen mijn gedachten naar de bron
vanwaar alle winden vertrekken
het centrum van het heelal
(hier en daar en overal
begin noch eind
het heelal ademt)
.
-------------------
Als buiten de dag in de bomen woont
en binnen de ochtend verandert
sta ik uit mijn lichaam op
en neem mezelf ter hand.
Langs de piramide van Cheops gaan wij
en zwemmen de woestenij van de stad in: auto's
mensen
regenschermen
fietsen
straten
aanplakbrieven
maar dit alles is naast mij en ik
het ontgaat ons
wij weten dat het veld er nog ligt
waar nu geen zon kan zijn
waar vochtige dekens de aardkluiten dekken
waar in onze voetsporen plasjes staan nu
en elk plasje is de wereld, ja alles.
Nooit worden druppels of vlokken onderzocht
en toch is elk van hen de heiligste eenheid.
Elke druppel is een wereld, DE wereld.
Elke sneeuwvlok volmaakt zijn.
Zij omvatten deze wereld
wij zijn in wezen binnen hen.
------------
Thuis stelde men vragen
over de Gele Rivier
en de hemelse geest.
Maar ik kan de vloer
niet meer van het dak onderscheiden.
En in het huis van de opgaande zon
zegt de dochter tot de pelgrim:
Ik geloof er niet meer in,
de zoeker zelf
ziet nooit zijn droom vervuld.
Als ik kon dan ging ik
naar de brug over het woeste water
keuvelend met meneer Blob
die zegt:
Kom terug kind, alles is mooi.
----------------
Achter de bocht woont Cecilia
miss America
zet de klok maar terug
waar moeten we naartoe ?
Ga langs de lange smalle weg
en tracht
het kind der stilte aan te raken.
Liefde naar alle kanten
in mijn leven weerspiegeld
ik heb een klein groen tasje
voor jou meegebracht,
zo gaat dat onderweg.
------------------
Het licht van vandaag
houdt ons staande en verbaasd
we twijfelen aan de twijfel
de regen en de zon enzo
de hoofdbewerkingen.
Mijn medemensen
spreken vreemde talen
die ik net nog wél ontcijfer.
De wegen begraven zich in mij
een kerk als een lege koekjesdoos
poogt de gelovigen te verleiden.
Kleine boompjes springen uit de grond
en de zon wordt aangezet.
Ik ben bijna thuis denk ik.
Gedichtenbundelfragmenten 1966-1972
kruisigt mijn waardering.
Wachten op de angst
of een nieuwe droom
met zwevende hindernissen
die in mij glimlachen
mij ondoorgrondelijk tekenen.
Denk voortdurend dat ik gek ben
schrei eens even
ga op bedevaart
en kom nooit terug
(ironie is zonder weerkeer)
----------------------------
Elke avond weer
vergeet iedereen dat ik besta
elke ochtend dan
schud ik allen wakker
sommigen zijn blij
anderen verstoord
de ergsten zijn zij
die mijn handen voelen
en denken dat zij het leven zijn
leven waar zij buiten staan
mijn handen die de wind zijn
die mijn handen voelen
en het ontkennen durven.
---------------------
Ik ben redelijk overtuigd
dat alles ongelooflijk is
neem even mijn zakdoek
om mijn neus te snuiten
ik zal opveren tot in de lucht
die zonder kleur of leven is.
De tijdelijke zandstorm
van de wolken wuift versteend
en ik zou wanhopig kunnen zijn.
Dan ga ik de tuin in
en maak traag de paden schoon
ik durf amper naar de bloesems kijken
en ontwijk gewiekst de bloemen.
De waarheid van gevoel
ongrijpbaar of onzegbaar
en als ik kon spreken zou het dàt zijn
één van de namen van het al
waar de monniken van Tibet
een gans leven op jagen
- ik stotter zoals iedereen.
Ik zit bij de rivier met een vrouw
en zij houdt niet van mij
ik voel mezelf zoals ik ijzig zit
aan de overkant valt de rode zon
krijsend in een spaarpotgleuf van lucht
met lange tussenpozen
gaan de lichten in de buildings aan
en planten een priem in mijn oog
terwijl het water een vaal grasveld
of een grijswapperend laken is.
-------------
De monniken van Tibet
hebben duizend ogen
de mannen die ik ken
praten honderduit
de vrouwen die ik ken
zien zichzelf niet meer
ze leven maar één keer.
Ik was god van verwarring
jij een vlindervrouw
ik ben weer goedertieren nu
en jij weer open
heilig
vuur
morgen hou je van ons allen.
-----------------
Een geest op zolder
Ik heb tienduizend weiden doorkruist
met onrust als een autostrade
achter me en mijlen voor me uit
ik heb er op mezelf gewacht
doch ik dacht dat jij het doel was.
Waar ideeën in benen kruipen
behoud ik een stalen zerk van twijfel
die geverfd wordt door de dauw
en beschilderd door de regen
afgeschuurd door harde nacht
die gehuld in zwart gewaad
de eeuwigheid inslaat.
De tijdeloze passie van zon
uiteindelijk geboren hoop
buitenissige illusies
omtrent het bevend woord liefde.
-----------------
Doorheen de nieuwe nacht
voorbij de auto's en de bomen
en de angst in oog en oor
steden als speelgoedautomaten
waar de bladeren al vallen
tot in de zalen van mijn onrust
bomen begraven in mijn maag.
Ik sta weer alleen
zoals toen men me als kind een keurslijf toonde
maar zei dat het een harnas was.
Ik maakte lange verhalen
prevelend zon fluisterend regen.
Nu kroon ik de oude reizen
en sla de dag tot treurig ridder.
Iemand in mij bezielde de dingen
iemand in mij maakte hen dood
"morgen" was een tempelbel
nu een begraven visverkoper
geen vriend of vijand
iemand met geleende adem.
---------------------
Zwart is de lucht
en paars de heks
die op mijn verkrampte lichaam danst
in al zijn tijdeloze cellen.
Een woord is groots in al zijn glorie
zijn betekenis in beweging
zijn mirakel op de berg.
Oh ik ben zwart
oh ik ben wit
'k ben alle kleuren van de nacht.
-------------------------
Het gele duinenkind van zee
heeft één paars dier gedood
en zich in zijn huid gehuld
dan is ze naar me toe gekomen
- nu heb ik geen handen meer.
----------------------
In een waterval
hervindt mijn oor
voorbije tijden van je oog
je irissen en wimpers
waarmee je lang geleden
mijn lichamen bekeek.
--------------
Als ik eenzaam ben
zoals vandaag
mag ik dan met je praten
of slapen in je bed
als een hagedis op je lijf ?
Zeker, zo is het geweest
en nu sta ik hier weer
misschien nog jong
maar met vergane jaren
en ingebeelde kennis
lelijk als de nacht.
-------------------
Als niemand ging slapen
zouden mijn ogen breken
zoals verbaasde zeelui
bij het meer in de bergen.
Als de bomen gouden twijgen hadden
ijskoude diamanten vruchten
van vergeten dromen
zou ik alles liefde schrijven
àl mirakelheilig.
Als je me een rijf in het gezicht sloeg
en mijn hoofd openscheurde
zou je me zien zoals ik me voel.
Ik die door de tunnel van gedachten val
verdwijnend verschijnend dood en pijn.
Als je een vleeshaak in mijn lijf sloeg
of een diep oog in me brandde
zou ik misschien mijn lichaam herkennen
of het jouwe verstaan.
------------------------
Dank je lief, voor de goede zorgen
deze dag is weer zeer rijk geweest
en wie weet wat wacht er mij morgen ?
Daar sta ik buiten zeg jij dan meest
maar de mensen vergissen zich vaak;
het maakt geen verschil, binnen of buiten
en dàt te zien is de enige taak.
Slaap zacht en droom van regen op de ruiten.
------------------------------
Godja, ik kende hen
ik liep verder
over de sneeuw
en beroerde hun vleugels
gaf hen een naam.
Sneeuwblind
en stotterend
maar warm van binnen
bij de leeuw en zijn liefde
zijn gebrul.
Ik voelde me verlaten
alleen en beangst
met de pijn van de pelgrim
zijn vraagteken.
In vreemd woest geraas
eindelijk tevreden
in wildwonderlijk geluk.
Het oog van de storm
is mijn hoofdkussen.
----------------
Het dak van de wereld
Hoogleven en een indruk
van muren van einder en lucht
ik zwerf als een wildvuile dief
en mijn paard is mijn vrouw en mijn wijn
- traanlief de witte wereld.
Nu vertrek ik uit het westen
op mijn gekke groene vleugels
ik struikel en ik stotter
water in mijn ogen
wit zand in de rivier
en een droom aan de grens.
De gewapende wachters floten naar ons
in onze oude oorlogswagen.
(grens Nepal - Tibet)
----------------------
Ik lag neer
en ik verdronk
ik zag een vogel in de sneeuw
de kleren vielen van mijn lichaam
de schoenen gleden van mijn voeten
ik stond naakt en blind rechtop
in het oneindig witte licht
en mijn bloed was woest gelukkig.
------------------
Er is schrijven mét en zonder
met pen en inkt en ganzeveren
poedelnaakt
en met het lichaam
met je hoofd vol bloed
en gedane beloften
met verloren dagen
nauwelijks nacht
en nagenoeg geen wensen.
Poedelnaakt.
------------------------
In een nieuw land
waar bloemen zwarte kruisen zijn
en leven hard beton
word ik kalmer
en denk aan niemand meer.
Sterven is herademen
na de onderdrukking
ik ben weer vrij geworden.
Ik vergeet al wat ik wist
en mijn oog beleeft
vallende mensen als het water.
--------------------
Zonnestralen
duikend in het meer van mijn handpalm
ontdekken zichzelf
in de spiegels van mijn huid.
Mijn lichaam fluistert duidelijk:
het beweegt.
Ik weet het
mijn ogen worden het kijken soms moe
maar alles blijft zichzelf.
---------------------
Ik ben de bloem van het kind
en de beweging is de macht
ongecontroleerd en impulsiever
dan het idee van hier te zijn
en te handelen.
Ik kijk met het oog van de leegte
vanuit de ruimte
tot in ruimteloze tijd
waar de zon mijn huis bouwt.
Op het altaar van het veld
- rottend gras en stervende winter -
leef ik de dienst van zelfcontrole:
dit is het, ik ben
een stommelende gans in de tuin
een vogel in een boom begraven
het opverende gras.
Van hier tot in de eeuwigheid
is het knipperen van een oog
een ademen van een klein geluid.
Kalm en bedachtzaam stappend
in dromen en kelders van toekomst.
Ik zie er vrouwen en vrienden weer
die ik omarm tot het einde
als het oordeel in de ziel komt.
De warme lentewinden
komen zich verbergen in mijn haar
ze buigen mijn gedachten naar de bron
vanwaar alle winden vertrekken
het centrum van het heelal
(hier en daar en overal
begin noch eind
het heelal ademt)
.
-------------------
Als buiten de dag in de bomen woont
en binnen de ochtend verandert
sta ik uit mijn lichaam op
en neem mezelf ter hand.
Langs de piramide van Cheops gaan wij
en zwemmen de woestenij van de stad in: auto's
mensen
regenschermen
fietsen
straten
aanplakbrieven
maar dit alles is naast mij en ik
het ontgaat ons
wij weten dat het veld er nog ligt
waar nu geen zon kan zijn
waar vochtige dekens de aardkluiten dekken
waar in onze voetsporen plasjes staan nu
en elk plasje is de wereld, ja alles.
Nooit worden druppels of vlokken onderzocht
en toch is elk van hen de heiligste eenheid.
Elke druppel is een wereld, DE wereld.
Elke sneeuwvlok volmaakt zijn.
Zij omvatten deze wereld
wij zijn in wezen binnen hen.
------------
Thuis stelde men vragen
over de Gele Rivier
en de hemelse geest.
Maar ik kan de vloer
niet meer van het dak onderscheiden.
En in het huis van de opgaande zon
zegt de dochter tot de pelgrim:
Ik geloof er niet meer in,
de zoeker zelf
ziet nooit zijn droom vervuld.
Als ik kon dan ging ik
naar de brug over het woeste water
keuvelend met meneer Blob
die zegt:
Kom terug kind, alles is mooi.
----------------
Achter de bocht woont Cecilia
miss America
zet de klok maar terug
waar moeten we naartoe ?
Ga langs de lange smalle weg
en tracht
het kind der stilte aan te raken.
Liefde naar alle kanten
in mijn leven weerspiegeld
ik heb een klein groen tasje
voor jou meegebracht,
zo gaat dat onderweg.
------------------
Het licht van vandaag
houdt ons staande en verbaasd
we twijfelen aan de twijfel
de regen en de zon enzo
de hoofdbewerkingen.
Mijn medemensen
spreken vreemde talen
die ik net nog wél ontcijfer.
De wegen begraven zich in mij
een kerk als een lege koekjesdoos
poogt de gelovigen te verleiden.
Kleine boompjes springen uit de grond
en de zon wordt aangezet.
Ik ben bijna thuis denk ik.
Gedichtenbundelfragmenten 1966-1972
maandag 27 december 2010
Never again
We were sailing, to the island
pretty green afar
I was dreaming, I was scheming
tell me what you are ?
when our boat was neatly anchored
near the concrete shore
you were smiling, I was rating
my chances as before
never again (3x)
in the woods where kings of old did hunt
we only dared to walk
we're like strangers, we hear the angels
with their demon talk
in the cities all the buildings
wore a shirt of sun
we're completing, or competing
with what the wind began
never again (3x)
1967-1978.
pretty green afar
I was dreaming, I was scheming
tell me what you are ?
when our boat was neatly anchored
near the concrete shore
you were smiling, I was rating
my chances as before
never again (3x)
in the woods where kings of old did hunt
we only dared to walk
we're like strangers, we hear the angels
with their demon talk
in the cities all the buildings
wore a shirt of sun
we're completing, or competing
with what the wind began
never again (3x)
1967-1978.
In my life
My heart is like a bullet
ricocheting off the concrete walls
smiles and words like bandages
cock-fights, dog-fights, cat-calls
stand on the barricades
blasted buildings of a broken past
smiles and words like bandages
wonder how long it'll last
in my life
I don't know
where I'm going
sometimes it makes me wonder where I've been
sometimes it makes me wonder what I've seen
sometimes it makes me wonder what I've been
in my life
sometimes it makes me wonder where I've gone
sometimes it makes me wonder what I've done
sometimes it makes me wonder why I've gone
in my life
1976.
ricocheting off the concrete walls
smiles and words like bandages
cock-fights, dog-fights, cat-calls
stand on the barricades
blasted buildings of a broken past
smiles and words like bandages
wonder how long it'll last
in my life
I don't know
where I'm going
sometimes it makes me wonder where I've been
sometimes it makes me wonder what I've seen
sometimes it makes me wonder what I've been
in my life
sometimes it makes me wonder where I've gone
sometimes it makes me wonder what I've done
sometimes it makes me wonder why I've gone
in my life
1976.
Get away
Everyday together on the bus
still things never worked out for us
lunchbreak at half-past eleven
and she don't get home till seven
some days she sits in front of me
or next to me and we touch knees
but then we never talked together
god how can I ever tell her ?
we just never took a chance
tho' it was there everyday
we just never took a chance
so we didn't get away
get away get away get away
I wonder do you ever think of me
going home alone at night
at times I guess you really do
I can see it in your eyes
I'm quite sure you've never loved a man
is it a blessing or a curse ?
like I never dared to love no woman
I was afraid of getting hurt
refr.
times are getting worse now, ain't it ?
because everybody's on the dole
you start to think of changes when it's
half-past nine, you're in the cold
in the queue outside the ugly office
where we get our daily stamp
the clerk inside he clean forgot what love is
he treats us as if we were tramps
refr.
get away from the sadness
get away feom the madness
get to see a better day
get away get away get away
1974.
still things never worked out for us
lunchbreak at half-past eleven
and she don't get home till seven
some days she sits in front of me
or next to me and we touch knees
but then we never talked together
god how can I ever tell her ?
we just never took a chance
tho' it was there everyday
we just never took a chance
so we didn't get away
get away get away get away
I wonder do you ever think of me
going home alone at night
at times I guess you really do
I can see it in your eyes
I'm quite sure you've never loved a man
is it a blessing or a curse ?
like I never dared to love no woman
I was afraid of getting hurt
refr.
times are getting worse now, ain't it ?
because everybody's on the dole
you start to think of changes when it's
half-past nine, you're in the cold
in the queue outside the ugly office
where we get our daily stamp
the clerk inside he clean forgot what love is
he treats us as if we were tramps
refr.
get away from the sadness
get away feom the madness
get to see a better day
get away get away get away
1974.
Under seventy
When you're eighteen you gather
you've got seven lives
but you're lucky when at thirty
you can make your one life thrive
illusion is a luxury
when you're finally thru' with dreams
the straight and narrow or meditation
couldn't stop you and your schemes
well we're under seventy
and you know
that there's wheels within wheels
we're under seventy
and you know, yeah you know how it feels
under seventy
pushing that hill
when you're on the crest
well you know
here comes the bill
repeat first verse
when you're drifting everything's
shifting, shifting all around
then you're lucky to hold on to
perhaps one thing you may have found
1979.
refr. 1 + 2
you've got seven lives
but you're lucky when at thirty
you can make your one life thrive
illusion is a luxury
when you're finally thru' with dreams
the straight and narrow or meditation
couldn't stop you and your schemes
well we're under seventy
and you know
that there's wheels within wheels
we're under seventy
and you know, yeah you know how it feels
under seventy
pushing that hill
when you're on the crest
well you know
here comes the bill
repeat first verse
when you're drifting everything's
shifting, shifting all around
then you're lucky to hold on to
perhaps one thing you may have found
1979.
refr. 1 + 2
Look at the birds (Lady Love)
With your star of David
nailed to your colourful door
and your grand piano
out of tune and out of score
but look at the birds around you
I don't count the stars in the sky
with your rainbow halo
naked in your knee-high boots
walking through a burning lake
hoping that you'll find your roots
but look etc.
finger-licking good
you must be Lady Love
doing what you should !
With your Egyptian death-mask
watching the wall-to-wall
your hungry killer snake
and the stink down in the hall
but look etc.
with your back against the tree
ruling in winter and summer
you say the sun is a labyrinth
I say it's your cloud-runner
refr.
with your purple telephone
and your dancing courses
your rabbit kingdom and
your seven white horses
but look etc.
with the sun and moon to guide you
climbing up the marble stairs
past the fountain with the children
to your magic castle fair
but look etc.
refr.
1975. (An)
nailed to your colourful door
and your grand piano
out of tune and out of score
but look at the birds around you
I don't count the stars in the sky
with your rainbow halo
naked in your knee-high boots
walking through a burning lake
hoping that you'll find your roots
but look etc.
finger-licking good
you must be Lady Love
doing what you should !
With your Egyptian death-mask
watching the wall-to-wall
your hungry killer snake
and the stink down in the hall
but look etc.
with your back against the tree
ruling in winter and summer
you say the sun is a labyrinth
I say it's your cloud-runner
refr.
with your purple telephone
and your dancing courses
your rabbit kingdom and
your seven white horses
but look etc.
with the sun and moon to guide you
climbing up the marble stairs
past the fountain with the children
to your magic castle fair
but look etc.
refr.
1975. (An)
He don't belong here
Daddy took death's road
so I hardly knew him
when in my dreams he beckons
I half-heartedly shoo him
away 'cause he don't belong
in the nightmare present
I'm alive, he isn't
I do my homework and he doesn't
he don't belong here (2x)
and it's all too clear
that he ain't worth the tears
he don't belong here (2x)
mother wasn't lucky
so insurance agents
brokers, diffident painters
came and went like an endless pageant
and when the game got rough
there was a showdown in the bedroom
the cups on the table sang
the dirges of the day of doom
(and they went:)
refr.
computer lights flash
winking from way beyond
where it chose my perfect lover
I'm a virgin and she's blond
while I sleep on the table
she haunts the wicked wood
I am in the furnace
and she's singing like I knew she would
(she goes:)
refr.
1980.
so I hardly knew him
when in my dreams he beckons
I half-heartedly shoo him
away 'cause he don't belong
in the nightmare present
I'm alive, he isn't
I do my homework and he doesn't
he don't belong here (2x)
and it's all too clear
that he ain't worth the tears
he don't belong here (2x)
mother wasn't lucky
so insurance agents
brokers, diffident painters
came and went like an endless pageant
and when the game got rough
there was a showdown in the bedroom
the cups on the table sang
the dirges of the day of doom
(and they went:)
refr.
computer lights flash
winking from way beyond
where it chose my perfect lover
I'm a virgin and she's blond
while I sleep on the table
she haunts the wicked wood
I am in the furnace
and she's singing like I knew she would
(she goes:)
refr.
1980.
Tit for tat
I wanna be your fire baby
I don't wanna be your flame
I wanna be your window baby
I don't wanna be your house
I wanna play your organ baby
I don't wanna play your game
I'll meet you on the deck at midnight
I'll be quiet as a mouse
I'm a fool but no clown
when I smile I also frown
tit for that they call it
kings for kings they say
queens for queens today
the captain's wife took me out dancing
but boy we had to sneak away
we rowed our boat into the harbour
trying not to make a sound
the stars lit up the frozen sky and
we both longed for the warmer days
but soon the captain overtook us
at dawn her dead remains were found
I can run but not fly
when I laugh I also cry
etc.
I mourned my loss upon the shoreline
singing you were sweet and kind
you were too good a dancer babe
and not meant for an early grave
but then the captain broke in saying
she was nothing of the kind
so I beat him till he looked like something
no doctor would attempt to save
he was a fool and a clown
he could swim but then he drowned
etc.
1977.
I don't wanna be your flame
I wanna be your window baby
I don't wanna be your house
I wanna play your organ baby
I don't wanna play your game
I'll meet you on the deck at midnight
I'll be quiet as a mouse
I'm a fool but no clown
when I smile I also frown
tit for that they call it
kings for kings they say
queens for queens today
the captain's wife took me out dancing
but boy we had to sneak away
we rowed our boat into the harbour
trying not to make a sound
the stars lit up the frozen sky and
we both longed for the warmer days
but soon the captain overtook us
at dawn her dead remains were found
I can run but not fly
when I laugh I also cry
etc.
I mourned my loss upon the shoreline
singing you were sweet and kind
you were too good a dancer babe
and not meant for an early grave
but then the captain broke in saying
she was nothing of the kind
so I beat him till he looked like something
no doctor would attempt to save
he was a fool and a clown
he could swim but then he drowned
etc.
1977.
Real
Well I saw the new president
come on just like a commercial
but his jingle didn't stick
he needs some more rehearsals
and the news is all disaster
but like you I cannot care
tho' I woke up drenched in sweat
it was just my private nightmare
oh and is that real ?
oh can you still feel
some kind of ideal
where they're telling you sweety
just what is real
what is real
what is real
now my baby says she's leaving
but it's all disco lyrics
I wonder has she got that too
that feeling nothing sticks
everything's in sharp perspective
when I get out of that train
feelings, colours, loud and clear
I won't pass this way again
1980.
come on just like a commercial
but his jingle didn't stick
he needs some more rehearsals
and the news is all disaster
but like you I cannot care
tho' I woke up drenched in sweat
it was just my private nightmare
oh and is that real ?
oh can you still feel
some kind of ideal
where they're telling you sweety
just what is real
what is real
what is real
now my baby says she's leaving
but it's all disco lyrics
I wonder has she got that too
that feeling nothing sticks
everything's in sharp perspective
when I get out of that train
feelings, colours, loud and clear
I won't pass this way again
1980.
The Raven
Love-lane, what a street !
when you're out of bricks to build your place
there's no one there to meet
but all too many to chase
looking for our song
that tho' it's never been performed
was at our fingertips
kepts us from all harm and warm
its fragrance
like a net in the night
the orchard
when it blossoms is white
but your hair
is like a raven in flight
you say that time ain't no bother
and you wanna know
what's important to me
well it's funny when they ask you
such a thing in such a way
there ain't nothing much you can say
hey !
you baby, only you today !
you ! don't look at me that way !
love-lane what a street !
go on out and stake your claim
I felt so incomplete
all weak and knackered and maimed
the raven 's black as death
flies alone without a break
she paints my every dream
I've taken all that I can take
refr.
1976.
when you're out of bricks to build your place
there's no one there to meet
but all too many to chase
looking for our song
that tho' it's never been performed
was at our fingertips
kepts us from all harm and warm
its fragrance
like a net in the night
the orchard
when it blossoms is white
but your hair
is like a raven in flight
you say that time ain't no bother
and you wanna know
what's important to me
well it's funny when they ask you
such a thing in such a way
there ain't nothing much you can say
hey !
you baby, only you today !
you ! don't look at me that way !
love-lane what a street !
go on out and stake your claim
I felt so incomplete
all weak and knackered and maimed
the raven 's black as death
flies alone without a break
she paints my every dream
I've taken all that I can take
refr.
1976.
Innocence is a losers' game
You won the big prize, all that money
you felt on top but what's with honey ?
yes she sure did steal you blind
and the kids were most unkind
they took it all, even the house
wanted you quiet as a mouse
and your mistress took you in
hoping that again you'd win
Innocence is allright
but it's just a losers' game
like some crazy cry for help
it's nobody's real name
innocence is a losers' game
Now baby sure was good to you
did everything you told her to
frilly frilly on the run
and your best friend was such fun
now they've gone away together
first you thought you'better let her
but now clouds by the airplane's wing
look more enduring than that fling
ref.
1980.
you felt on top but what's with honey ?
yes she sure did steal you blind
and the kids were most unkind
they took it all, even the house
wanted you quiet as a mouse
and your mistress took you in
hoping that again you'd win
Innocence is allright
but it's just a losers' game
like some crazy cry for help
it's nobody's real name
innocence is a losers' game
Now baby sure was good to you
did everything you told her to
frilly frilly on the run
and your best friend was such fun
now they've gone away together
first you thought you'better let her
but now clouds by the airplane's wing
look more enduring than that fling
ref.
1980.
Daily fare
I'm alone
and you're alone
we've got no home
'xcept some old bones
to break our teeth on
just something in the way
to hurt the feet on
but it don't matter
'cause so many care
when your dreams are shattered
it's their daily fare
they take care of themselves
your wishes of a kind
the money rolls and the money flows
and the grave-diggers, yeah the
grave-diggers don't mind
you don't know
where I should go
you've got no clue
except what's true
but that's just guesswork
just something in our way
makes it all guesswork
'cause it don't matter
that so many care
'bout your dreams that 've shattered
it's just daily fare
refr.
fun and games
passion in flames
but what it means
ain't what it seems
you break your teeth on
something in your way
you hurt your feet on
and does it matter
when people care
your dreams that've shattered
they're just daily fare
refr.
1979.
and you're alone
we've got no home
'xcept some old bones
to break our teeth on
just something in the way
to hurt the feet on
but it don't matter
'cause so many care
when your dreams are shattered
it's their daily fare
they take care of themselves
your wishes of a kind
the money rolls and the money flows
and the grave-diggers, yeah the
grave-diggers don't mind
you don't know
where I should go
you've got no clue
except what's true
but that's just guesswork
just something in our way
makes it all guesswork
'cause it don't matter
that so many care
'bout your dreams that 've shattered
it's just daily fare
refr.
fun and games
passion in flames
but what it means
ain't what it seems
you break your teeth on
something in your way
you hurt your feet on
and does it matter
when people care
your dreams that've shattered
they're just daily fare
refr.
1979.
vrijdag 24 december 2010
Can't give away a broken heart
So it's finally curtains
the heart has been bled dry
now the chips are down
tho' you still don't know why
someone 'd be that callous
to only take and never give
to bleed you like some sadist surgeon
that won't see the patient live
and you can't give away a broken heart
once you've lost your taste
it's so hard to make a new start
once your feeling's laid to waste
no you can't give away a broken heart
so go and dance with the dead on
Easter Sunday, go to the
wake on X-mas eve love
you went, so you to do the
suicide shuffle in the dark
where they've given up on things
where the drone cuts to the bone
and it's just users on the wing
refr.
so I went to dig the hard ground
coming up with only ice
I looked it over in my hand
I didn't cry, I just got wise
like a squatter on the run
or a sad child prostitute
get mean and play your cards right
and grope for some substitute
refr.
1981.
the heart has been bled dry
now the chips are down
tho' you still don't know why
someone 'd be that callous
to only take and never give
to bleed you like some sadist surgeon
that won't see the patient live
and you can't give away a broken heart
once you've lost your taste
it's so hard to make a new start
once your feeling's laid to waste
no you can't give away a broken heart
so go and dance with the dead on
Easter Sunday, go to the
wake on X-mas eve love
you went, so you to do the
suicide shuffle in the dark
where they've given up on things
where the drone cuts to the bone
and it's just users on the wing
refr.
so I went to dig the hard ground
coming up with only ice
I looked it over in my hand
I didn't cry, I just got wise
like a squatter on the run
or a sad child prostitute
get mean and play your cards right
and grope for some substitute
refr.
1981.
Winds of chaos
Winds of chaos keep me
keep me on the run
save me from the safety
of the god-sent gun
winds of chaos never
never let me rest
save me from the sadness
of the pointless quest
watching from your tower
the cruelty outside
watchwords to contain all
the wilderness inside
well I wish your dad could see us
and my mom could too
when our love holds sway and
I'm right on top of you
we know it's only us then
that we can hold on to
hold on we do for dear life
but even that 's not always true
winds of chaos
carry me
on a ride where
no one's free
buy a barricade now
from a master-thief
swear you'll stick it out and
bear with his beliefs
join the secret circle
read the Holy Times
you may not like the facts but
we'll print the news in rhyme
refr. 1
winds of chaos
carry you
on a road where
nothing's true
winds of chaos carry me
winds of chaos carry you
winds of chaos carry me
winds of chaos carry us all
1977.
keep me on the run
save me from the safety
of the god-sent gun
winds of chaos never
never let me rest
save me from the sadness
of the pointless quest
watching from your tower
the cruelty outside
watchwords to contain all
the wilderness inside
well I wish your dad could see us
and my mom could too
when our love holds sway and
I'm right on top of you
we know it's only us then
that we can hold on to
hold on we do for dear life
but even that 's not always true
winds of chaos
carry me
on a ride where
no one's free
buy a barricade now
from a master-thief
swear you'll stick it out and
bear with his beliefs
join the secret circle
read the Holy Times
you may not like the facts but
we'll print the news in rhyme
refr. 1
winds of chaos
carry you
on a road where
nothing's true
winds of chaos carry me
winds of chaos carry you
winds of chaos carry me
winds of chaos carry us all
1977.
Something to give
She's a vamp, she's a tramp
she's a careless lady
like a swamp, like a lamp
light up, liquid lady
like a mist, what a twist
I can feel the shivers
she is kissed, she is bliss
and I am delivered
come to my doorstep
you know where I live
my my well met
you've got something to give
she's afloat, like a boat
a quicksilver lady
like a coat, like a moat
love me, liquid lady
she's my all, she's my life
and she's pulled the lever
be my wife, I know why
you've got me with this fever
come to your window
you know where I'll be
keep your light low
you've got something for me
1976. Denise
she's a careless lady
like a swamp, like a lamp
light up, liquid lady
like a mist, what a twist
I can feel the shivers
she is kissed, she is bliss
and I am delivered
come to my doorstep
you know where I live
my my well met
you've got something to give
she's afloat, like a boat
a quicksilver lady
like a coat, like a moat
love me, liquid lady
she's my all, she's my life
and she's pulled the lever
be my wife, I know why
you've got me with this fever
come to your window
you know where I'll be
keep your light low
you've got something for me
1976. Denise
donderdag 23 december 2010
You are all self-defense
When the sun is out and shining
your meanings are less dense
but when the moon is nearly full
you are all self-defence
your meanings are less dense
but when the moon is nearly full
you are all self-defence
you strive to keep your dignity
while I try to enhance it
you seem to think the best way is
to never ever even chance it
you seem to think the best way is
to never ever even chance it
well I like living on the edge
while you walk the straight and narrow
you toe the line you drew yourself
in hope to stave off sorrow
in hope to stave off sorrow
you say you feel safe and secure
and I can well believe it
even if your world proved false
you'd still try to retrieve it
sometimes I'm weak with longing but
sometimes I'm weak with longing but
you're always strong with will
you say you've got a hunch I'm cruel
and yes, if I had to, I'd kill
repeat first verse
1976.
1976.
dinsdag 21 december 2010
Living without you
He sees bridges a-burning
he feels the tables are turning
"a boy" that's what they named him
they meant he still could be changing
retreat into the rigid
make do and be a midget
rock beach breaking the sea's tide
you pay tho' it's a free ride
procrastinating and contemplating
living without you
you rainbow-trout you
living without you
it's about time too
lose friends while you're just joking
the room full of their smoking
"a man" one of the many
a choice, but is there any ?
your dreams cannot be trusted
love, hope, have all been busted
farewell to what was your tribe
pay dues or just a big bribe
refr.
1978.
he feels the tables are turning
"a boy" that's what they named him
they meant he still could be changing
retreat into the rigid
make do and be a midget
rock beach breaking the sea's tide
you pay tho' it's a free ride
procrastinating and contemplating
living without you
you rainbow-trout you
living without you
it's about time too
lose friends while you're just joking
the room full of their smoking
"a man" one of the many
a choice, but is there any ?
your dreams cannot be trusted
love, hope, have all been busted
farewell to what was your tribe
pay dues or just a big bribe
refr.
1978.
Water song
I met the angel of the mind
and she taught me where to go
I met the angel of the body
and through her I came to know
that my mind is like an ocean
its waves to be distilled
into the lovers' potion
with which the body's filled
tear me down now, turn me up
and don't you take too long
tear me down now, turn me up
for the water song
for the water song
I saw the flower of the spirit
and the blossom of my blood
that sways upon its slender stalk
and grows out of the mud
the spirit's like a forest
its leaves wend with the wind
that turns into a torrent
a flood where life begins
refr.
1977.
and she taught me where to go
I met the angel of the body
and through her I came to know
that my mind is like an ocean
its waves to be distilled
into the lovers' potion
with which the body's filled
tear me down now, turn me up
and don't you take too long
tear me down now, turn me up
for the water song
for the water song
I saw the flower of the spirit
and the blossom of my blood
that sways upon its slender stalk
and grows out of the mud
the spirit's like a forest
its leaves wend with the wind
that turns into a torrent
a flood where life begins
refr.
1977.
(There was a) Little girl with a white umbrella
Little girl (3x)
with your white umbrella
little girl (3x)
with your white umbrella
dally in the field (2x)
the foxes on the run (2x)
won't track (3x)
the falling sun
butterfly
on a white umbrella
butterfly
on a white umbrella
warring with the wind
the hunter and his gun
won't miss
the falling sun
little holes
in a white umbrella
little holes in a white umbrella
quiet like a quilt
and silent like a nun
beneath
the falling sun
there was a little girl with a white umbrella (5x)
1977.
with your white umbrella
little girl (3x)
with your white umbrella
dally in the field (2x)
the foxes on the run (2x)
won't track (3x)
the falling sun
butterfly
on a white umbrella
butterfly
on a white umbrella
warring with the wind
the hunter and his gun
won't miss
the falling sun
little holes
in a white umbrella
little holes in a white umbrella
quiet like a quilt
and silent like a nun
beneath
the falling sun
there was a little girl with a white umbrella (5x)
1977.
Child of wisdom
child of wisdom
child of grace
almond eyes
in a whitish face
you're the sunlight
you're the moonlight
the salty tears
in the sick man's eyes
you're like gunfire
yes you're the smile
around the lips
of soldiers as they die
sit back and look at you
sit back and look at you
that's what I'll do
that's what I'll do
sit back and look at you
you're the window
by which I hide
and I can see
it's windy spring outside
you're elusive
or so I thought
oh yes you were
the windmill that I fought
I left my donkey
I left my horse
'cause you know I
don't have to ride no more
refr.
1975. Kyoto.
child of grace
almond eyes
in a whitish face
you're the sunlight
you're the moonlight
the salty tears
in the sick man's eyes
you're like gunfire
yes you're the smile
around the lips
of soldiers as they die
sit back and look at you
sit back and look at you
that's what I'll do
that's what I'll do
sit back and look at you
you're the window
by which I hide
and I can see
it's windy spring outside
you're elusive
or so I thought
oh yes you were
the windmill that I fought
I left my donkey
I left my horse
'cause you know I
don't have to ride no more
refr.
1975. Kyoto.
Paranoia promenade
Early morning phone-call
just before the bloody fall
is anybody listening in
to the cues you're missing
people looking at you funny
so the afternoon tho' sunny
has that certain feeling
that sinister meaning
going down the penny arcade
plainclothes standing in the shade
going down the penny arcade
for your paranoia promenade
rest easy boy, rest easy
why the hell you're feeling queasy ?
keep your hands from shaking
ain't no evil in the making
creepy voice in the receiver
the game's up you best believe it
something 's gone wrong
right away they'll be along
refr.
1981.
just before the bloody fall
is anybody listening in
to the cues you're missing
people looking at you funny
so the afternoon tho' sunny
has that certain feeling
that sinister meaning
going down the penny arcade
plainclothes standing in the shade
going down the penny arcade
for your paranoia promenade
rest easy boy, rest easy
why the hell you're feeling queasy ?
keep your hands from shaking
ain't no evil in the making
creepy voice in the receiver
the game's up you best believe it
something 's gone wrong
right away they'll be along
refr.
1981.
Nicotine fingers
Baby's smoking in the bathroom
baby lights up on the john
don't buy a pack, get me a carton
and don't walk love, better run
while I'm going at my homework
baby stops to take a toke
while I stare at tits and thighs
she just fills the room with smoke
nicotine fingers
give it to you straight
nicotine fingers
get to help themselves
and baby I can't wait
for nicotine fingers (2x)
nicotine fingers help themselves
and baby I can't wait
well there's all them stinking ashtrays
but she claims it's food and drink
she just puffs a mile a minute
and then says it helps her think
to her lung cancer is a fable
and bad breath is just a joke
she says that even if it's true
that's the way she wants to croak
refr.
1981.
baby lights up on the john
don't buy a pack, get me a carton
and don't walk love, better run
while I'm going at my homework
baby stops to take a toke
while I stare at tits and thighs
she just fills the room with smoke
nicotine fingers
give it to you straight
nicotine fingers
get to help themselves
and baby I can't wait
for nicotine fingers (2x)
nicotine fingers help themselves
and baby I can't wait
well there's all them stinking ashtrays
but she claims it's food and drink
she just puffs a mile a minute
and then says it helps her think
to her lung cancer is a fable
and bad breath is just a joke
she says that even if it's true
that's the way she wants to croak
refr.
1981.
No connection
They tell me 'bout the birds and the bees
and what the careless infant sees
when the trowel hits the brick
with its sunny morning's click
while the dreamer counts the stars
the soldier bares his scars
for his sins to be absolved
but I just can't get involved
I just can't get involved
I ain't got no connection
no feelings no connection
and good old introspection
pay no money so what's with honey (2x)
pay no money so what's with honey now ?
the mountains grow the valleys dive
strict geometry of life
mini-skirted girls dance wild
spring and all the air is mild
the holocaust won't come this year
compound intrest on our fear
can your sins still be absolved ?
when I just don't feel involved ?
no I just don't feel involved.
refr.
1981.
and what the careless infant sees
when the trowel hits the brick
with its sunny morning's click
while the dreamer counts the stars
the soldier bares his scars
for his sins to be absolved
but I just can't get involved
I just can't get involved
I ain't got no connection
no feelings no connection
and good old introspection
pay no money so what's with honey (2x)
pay no money so what's with honey now ?
the mountains grow the valleys dive
strict geometry of life
mini-skirted girls dance wild
spring and all the air is mild
the holocaust won't come this year
compound intrest on our fear
can your sins still be absolved ?
when I just don't feel involved ?
no I just don't feel involved.
refr.
1981.
Somebody died
Somebody went into a coma
so-called boyfriend, just back from the East
found it much to much to cope with
so to run out to a friend was the least
he thought he could do
they said "hide the syringes,
hide all the dope
'cause the Raven's beyond hope"
So somebody died
in the deep of night
it must have been lonely
with heroin only
and the old suitors cried
when somebody died
yes somebody died
And a friend he was outraged
wanted to fight back and say we will
call the cops and have it done with
they'd be the lesser of two evils
'cause what side are you on
when the price is that high
and the pusher's in town
with his deadly eiderdown ?
refr?
the congregation at the bar
the usual flotsam, the usual jetsam
kinda makes you wonder now
and ask yourself, is this what I am ?
is this what she's been ?
image on a shaky screen
flickering out so
even the angels haven't seen
the Raven in their dreams
the Raven in my dreams
refr.
ca. 1976. Dit is helaas een waar gebeurd verhaal. The Raven (Raaf) was heel mooi en ik erg op haar gesteld. Nu herinner ik me zelfs haar naam niet, verdomd. Uiteraard is ook het nummer The Raven aan haar gewijd.
so-called boyfriend, just back from the East
found it much to much to cope with
so to run out to a friend was the least
he thought he could do
they said "hide the syringes,
hide all the dope
'cause the Raven's beyond hope"
So somebody died
in the deep of night
it must have been lonely
with heroin only
and the old suitors cried
when somebody died
yes somebody died
And a friend he was outraged
wanted to fight back and say we will
call the cops and have it done with
they'd be the lesser of two evils
'cause what side are you on
when the price is that high
and the pusher's in town
with his deadly eiderdown ?
refr?
the congregation at the bar
the usual flotsam, the usual jetsam
kinda makes you wonder now
and ask yourself, is this what I am ?
is this what she's been ?
image on a shaky screen
flickering out so
even the angels haven't seen
the Raven in their dreams
the Raven in my dreams
refr.
ca. 1976. Dit is helaas een waar gebeurd verhaal. The Raven (Raaf) was heel mooi en ik erg op haar gesteld. Nu herinner ik me zelfs haar naam niet, verdomd. Uiteraard is ook het nummer The Raven aan haar gewijd.
Insecticide mama
Insecticide mama
vapona strip lady
a leg-shaving drama
looking like she's made it
into that shiny league
no longer besieged
vacuum-cleaner love
Hilton lobby sweetheart
all lady Macbeth dreamed of
a perfect fit for the part
waif of whitest linen
with little love of sin and
it don't pay to be dirty
it don't pay to be bold
if you wanna be worthy
of growing peacefully old
detergent dame living
that sad soapsud life
the impression she's giving
is of god's own little wife
that immaculate whore
on that mirror-like floor
shiny as the tabernacle
the holy ghost would break his nails
he'd slink off rather than tackle
her highgloss polished holy grail
oh she's rinsed, oh she's waxed
but she'll never be relaxed
refr.
1980.
vapona strip lady
a leg-shaving drama
looking like she's made it
into that shiny league
no longer besieged
vacuum-cleaner love
Hilton lobby sweetheart
all lady Macbeth dreamed of
a perfect fit for the part
waif of whitest linen
with little love of sin and
it don't pay to be dirty
it don't pay to be bold
if you wanna be worthy
of growing peacefully old
detergent dame living
that sad soapsud life
the impression she's giving
is of god's own little wife
that immaculate whore
on that mirror-like floor
shiny as the tabernacle
the holy ghost would break his nails
he'd slink off rather than tackle
her highgloss polished holy grail
oh she's rinsed, oh she's waxed
but she'll never be relaxed
refr.
1980.
Barbara
The theatre is empty
but I am still on stage
my partner left me here
should I weep
or should I fly into a rage ?
I don't know
the face that came to meet me
in the halls of ecstasy
was fashioned like a diamond
a thousand rays
of love's wild mocking fantasy
turn me on
baby you say you will
ah but then I fear you won't
baby you say you do
ah but then I think you don't
you want things to be vague
and I like them to be clear
I still think it's a pity
that it died
still that's the message I hear
and it's gone
I went to see the snow
on the trees out in the park
yes, laughter and a snow-fight
but inside
there was no light, all was dark
yes it's over
refr.
1975. Tokyo (Barbara Rees)
but I am still on stage
my partner left me here
should I weep
or should I fly into a rage ?
I don't know
the face that came to meet me
in the halls of ecstasy
was fashioned like a diamond
a thousand rays
of love's wild mocking fantasy
turn me on
baby you say you will
ah but then I fear you won't
baby you say you do
ah but then I think you don't
you want things to be vague
and I like them to be clear
I still think it's a pity
that it died
still that's the message I hear
and it's gone
I went to see the snow
on the trees out in the park
yes, laughter and a snow-fight
but inside
there was no light, all was dark
yes it's over
refr.
1975. Tokyo (Barbara Rees)
Bedroom eyes
I saw a statue standing
it was talking to some wall
under the starry eyes
of the satellite skies
it was the spitting image
of the archer as he tries
to hit that William Tell pose
and the arrow goes, it goes
into them bedroom eyes
oh I'd apostatize
all for them bedroom eyes (2x)
so I saw a statue standing
talking to some wall
so cold it looked like
the very picture of us all
so cold so cold
in a world that's grown old
so cold so cold
in a world that got sold
unto them bedroom etc.
beyond the hill there's fighting
and my shares have just gone down
maybe I should be frightened
as I'm lying on the ground
so cold so cold
but I don't know if I care
I guess I've grown much too old
so I do nothing but stare
into them etc.
I saw that highway sun rising
like a flag being hoisted
looks like my first erection
said the boss and here's what I said
if my time is your money
and my bread is your leasure
I'll be circling like a planet
high in an orb of pleasure
all for them etc.
1981.
it was talking to some wall
under the starry eyes
of the satellite skies
it was the spitting image
of the archer as he tries
to hit that William Tell pose
and the arrow goes, it goes
into them bedroom eyes
oh I'd apostatize
all for them bedroom eyes (2x)
so I saw a statue standing
talking to some wall
so cold it looked like
the very picture of us all
so cold so cold
in a world that's grown old
so cold so cold
in a world that got sold
unto them bedroom etc.
beyond the hill there's fighting
and my shares have just gone down
maybe I should be frightened
as I'm lying on the ground
so cold so cold
but I don't know if I care
I guess I've grown much too old
so I do nothing but stare
into them etc.
I saw that highway sun rising
like a flag being hoisted
looks like my first erection
said the boss and here's what I said
if my time is your money
and my bread is your leasure
I'll be circling like a planet
high in an orb of pleasure
all for them etc.
1981.
maandag 20 december 2010
When fame and fortune
When fame and fortune hit the downtown hall
when fame and fortune roll into our town
we're gonna jump and then we'll flock to the call
the congregation rolls into our town
the'yve got the women with the biggest tits
they've the women with the finest hips
they've got the women with that crazy touch
they've got the men, the men of love
you can do what's never been done
you can win what's never been won
you can go were no one has gone
when fame and fortune come to turn you on
throw out our earrings and give from the heart
throw out your jewels and give'em your gold
yes up till now we've all been playing strange parts
not only bodies but souls too can be sold
they're gonna take us in and make us all one
absolve our sins and send us up to the sun
the saviour in his shiny cadillac
transparent angels riding on his back
we'll have the law and music all at once
he's gonna break our bonds and make us all dance
the saviour smiles but beckons "not too much"
to his wild women with their crazy touch
when fame and fortune etc.
1973.
when fame and fortune roll into our town
we're gonna jump and then we'll flock to the call
the congregation rolls into our town
the'yve got the women with the biggest tits
they've the women with the finest hips
they've got the women with that crazy touch
they've got the men, the men of love
you can do what's never been done
you can win what's never been won
you can go were no one has gone
when fame and fortune come to turn you on
throw out our earrings and give from the heart
throw out your jewels and give'em your gold
yes up till now we've all been playing strange parts
not only bodies but souls too can be sold
they're gonna take us in and make us all one
absolve our sins and send us up to the sun
the saviour in his shiny cadillac
transparent angels riding on his back
we'll have the law and music all at once
he's gonna break our bonds and make us all dance
the saviour smiles but beckons "not too much"
to his wild women with their crazy touch
when fame and fortune etc.
1973.
When I walk you home
You come in running naked and shouting
but something stops you dead in your tracks
so you put on your protective shield of
foreboding checking it for cracks
protective shield of foreboding
so she doesn't know whom she's holding
by the light of her own liquid face
but I'm so proud
when I walk you home
enjoying both our bodies
when I walk you home (3x)
I'm a child in its cot and I'm sleeping
in an orchard in bloom on a hill
in the middle of the continent
with its heart just like a violin
but should someone trace
your dreams to their place
protective shield of foreboding
so you don't know whom you're holding
and her smile is a weird unsolved case
refr.
1976. Denise
but something stops you dead in your tracks
so you put on your protective shield of
foreboding checking it for cracks
protective shield of foreboding
so she doesn't know whom she's holding
by the light of her own liquid face
but I'm so proud
when I walk you home
enjoying both our bodies
when I walk you home (3x)
I'm a child in its cot and I'm sleeping
in an orchard in bloom on a hill
in the middle of the continent
with its heart just like a violin
but should someone trace
your dreams to their place
protective shield of foreboding
so you don't know whom you're holding
and her smile is a weird unsolved case
refr.
1976. Denise
The sentinel must die
The sentinel stands over you
he guards the desert shore
your wishing-well is full of gold
het watches it and keeps the score
there's always something going down
to keep him on his toes
heart of worry, heart of pain
heart so anxious, heart of woe
you dance around his questions
and taunt him with your tales
you stop him with your stories
your loving tips his scales
the sentinel seems easy
the sentinel is meek
the sentinel's sad loving
makes him look strong
but oh he's weak
the sentinel must die (3x)
the sentinel probes every path
he hopes to save his hide
he struggles with the watchwords
he'll try to stop the tide
I love you like I've never loved
he said as he bit her ear
but as he sings his final song
he's glad she does not hear
he's homeless without liberty
he's down upon his knees
he's broken and bewildered now
and all he says is "please"
refr.
1976.
he guards the desert shore
your wishing-well is full of gold
het watches it and keeps the score
there's always something going down
to keep him on his toes
heart of worry, heart of pain
heart so anxious, heart of woe
you dance around his questions
and taunt him with your tales
you stop him with your stories
your loving tips his scales
the sentinel seems easy
the sentinel is meek
the sentinel's sad loving
makes him look strong
but oh he's weak
the sentinel must die (3x)
the sentinel probes every path
he hopes to save his hide
he struggles with the watchwords
he'll try to stop the tide
I love you like I've never loved
he said as he bit her ear
but as he sings his final song
he's glad she does not hear
he's homeless without liberty
he's down upon his knees
he's broken and bewildered now
and all he says is "please"
refr.
1976.
Oblivion
Isn't it paranoia you mean
when you're mentioning your love
or maybe even something worse
god knows what you're thinking of
oblivion on oblivion
grey on grey
resounding and resounding
all the things you say
oblivion on oblivion
grey on grey
who's to take me through
another rainy day ?
isn't it some kind of hatred then
when you tell me what you feel
love when I see you nowadays
I don't know if you're for real
refr.
1987.
when you're mentioning your love
or maybe even something worse
god knows what you're thinking of
oblivion on oblivion
grey on grey
resounding and resounding
all the things you say
oblivion on oblivion
grey on grey
who's to take me through
another rainy day ?
isn't it some kind of hatred then
when you tell me what you feel
love when I see you nowadays
I don't know if you're for real
refr.
1987.
Living-room
Your doors are safely locked
all inroads and escape-routes blocked
and when the walls start shaking
you find your heart is aching
for reasons you can't put your finger on
peace used to be here, now it's gone
it's raining cats and dogs
the city's drowning in the fog
inconspicuous he walks
into the bank, he doesn't talk
he leaves his deadly suitcase on the floor
his pamphlets, then slips out the door
explosion right on time
late road-blocks everywhere
a phone-call claims the crime
reporters stop and stare
prime-time sensation
in your living-room
no more sedation
in the scary gloom
of your living-room
your lives were neatly planned
faith, birth, death, love, all stations manned
by common sense and hope in
your talent to keep coping
with chaos you can't put your finger on
suddenly it's there to drown the sun
refr. 1 + 2
1987.
all inroads and escape-routes blocked
and when the walls start shaking
you find your heart is aching
for reasons you can't put your finger on
peace used to be here, now it's gone
it's raining cats and dogs
the city's drowning in the fog
inconspicuous he walks
into the bank, he doesn't talk
he leaves his deadly suitcase on the floor
his pamphlets, then slips out the door
explosion right on time
late road-blocks everywhere
a phone-call claims the crime
reporters stop and stare
prime-time sensation
in your living-room
no more sedation
in the scary gloom
of your living-room
your lives were neatly planned
faith, birth, death, love, all stations manned
by common sense and hope in
your talent to keep coping
with chaos you can't put your finger on
suddenly it's there to drown the sun
refr. 1 + 2
1987.
Raiders in the night
Defiant imitations
issued from high barstools
make for hesitation
in the hearts of fools
raiders in the night
frolicking in fright
of definite decisions
of heartfelt incisions
clear to the bone
clean and bright
love is no loan
for raiders in the night
trying to get it right
flagrantly fooling around
with yearnings and feelings
out of the lost and found
the squalid squeeling
of raiders in the night
hiding from the light
yet hoping against all hope
they can still learn to cope
refr.
1988.
issued from high barstools
make for hesitation
in the hearts of fools
raiders in the night
frolicking in fright
of definite decisions
of heartfelt incisions
clear to the bone
clean and bright
love is no loan
for raiders in the night
trying to get it right
flagrantly fooling around
with yearnings and feelings
out of the lost and found
the squalid squeeling
of raiders in the night
hiding from the light
yet hoping against all hope
they can still learn to cope
refr.
1988.
Seen it all
The dasboard turned into a movie
its images went through me
and that was the end of me
you've got to let me be
for an eternity
stuck like a brick
in a dirty prison-wall
poor old me, poor old you
we've seen it, we've seen it
we've seen it all.
Now you've become a cardboard figure
and my finger's on the trigger
and that's the end of you
I'm sure you know that's true
the stars have said it too
refr.
1988.
its images went through me
and that was the end of me
you've got to let me be
for an eternity
stuck like a brick
in a dirty prison-wall
poor old me, poor old you
we've seen it, we've seen it
we've seen it all.
Now you've become a cardboard figure
and my finger's on the trigger
and that's the end of you
I'm sure you know that's true
the stars have said it too
refr.
1988.
All must fall
Driving drunk and dazed and dreaming
lost in phantoms of my fantasy
where I build you and rebuild you
into the myth that only I can see
and the sweet smell of the grass
makes me think and think of all that was
all your beauty and your glory
as you played and played your story
all must fall, it's true
but when the call, for you
then finally came
it was a crying shame
that all must fall
after all this deadened time
under the skies like frozen seas
I still don't really know what's mine
when I look at the grass and the trees
refr.
clocks and watches measure time
but it don't matter, it ain't mine
or yours now, nothing rhymes
1988.
lost in phantoms of my fantasy
where I build you and rebuild you
into the myth that only I can see
and the sweet smell of the grass
makes me think and think of all that was
all your beauty and your glory
as you played and played your story
all must fall, it's true
but when the call, for you
then finally came
it was a crying shame
that all must fall
after all this deadened time
under the skies like frozen seas
I still don't really know what's mine
when I look at the grass and the trees
refr.
clocks and watches measure time
but it don't matter, it ain't mine
or yours now, nothing rhymes
1988.
zaterdag 18 december 2010
Dead to your ways
I look at what my life is now
grey surfaces that I can't pierce
I used to drill them full of holes
and my joy and pain were fierce
now I can't come up for air
without being pushed and shoved
into self-pity, self-defense
way beyond the bounds of love
you ask me how I feel today
and all I've got to say
is that I'm dead to your ways
I think of how things used to be
the past seems always painted bright
in colours dancing tho' they fit
into a picture full of light
I cannot say if that's exact
I cannot gauge the truths of yore
all seems to slip right from my hands
while I feel there should be more
refr.
I remember drowning in your eyes
deep and starry like the Afghan skies
but can't recall your face exactly
only the way you matter-of-factly
told me to go while I cried NO
1988.
grey surfaces that I can't pierce
I used to drill them full of holes
and my joy and pain were fierce
now I can't come up for air
without being pushed and shoved
into self-pity, self-defense
way beyond the bounds of love
you ask me how I feel today
and all I've got to say
is that I'm dead to your ways
I think of how things used to be
the past seems always painted bright
in colours dancing tho' they fit
into a picture full of light
I cannot say if that's exact
I cannot gauge the truths of yore
all seems to slip right from my hands
while I feel there should be more
refr.
I remember drowning in your eyes
deep and starry like the Afghan skies
but can't recall your face exactly
only the way you matter-of-factly
told me to go while I cried NO
1988.
Baghwan Baby
you've got them whirlpool eyes
and I'm sinking like a stone
drifting down below
into that narrow margin far from home
you've got them tell-tale eyes
and I'm flowing with tide
drifting way beyond
upon that slipstream darkness on the side
outside the ken
of knowledge and
I'm your plaything and your toy
I'm a hopeful boy
with a Baghwan baby
a bloodred lady
a Baghwan baby
a Baghwan baby yeah
you're all dressed up in bloodred
well are you a follower ?
and did you listen
to the preaching as it got hollower
as the money rolled in ?
So now your master is leaving
for them richer shores
and the Indian poor sure won't be grieving.
refr.
you and your lighthouse eyes
like twin TV's in the dark
thunderclap silence
over endless landscapes in my heart
so it's off the deep end and
why don't you fall with me
yes so romantic
but with a wink so nobody gets hurt
refr.
1981. (Bieke)
and I'm sinking like a stone
drifting down below
into that narrow margin far from home
you've got them tell-tale eyes
and I'm flowing with tide
drifting way beyond
upon that slipstream darkness on the side
outside the ken
of knowledge and
I'm your plaything and your toy
I'm a hopeful boy
with a Baghwan baby
a bloodred lady
a Baghwan baby
a Baghwan baby yeah
you're all dressed up in bloodred
well are you a follower ?
and did you listen
to the preaching as it got hollower
as the money rolled in ?
So now your master is leaving
for them richer shores
and the Indian poor sure won't be grieving.
refr.
you and your lighthouse eyes
like twin TV's in the dark
thunderclap silence
over endless landscapes in my heart
so it's off the deep end and
why don't you fall with me
yes so romantic
but with a wink so nobody gets hurt
refr.
1981. (Bieke)
Journey to love
Sister of a mountain
of a wild and roaring sea
sister of the rolling plain
sister right as rain
sister of imagination
of complete reality
sister of delicious incest
how you and I were blessed
on that journey into love
more than sex we're thinking of
our heads swimming in the silence
hearts entwined in the ringing silence
and we will be standing there
like statues in the centuries
yes we will be standing there
Angie and me (3x)
on a journey to love
our journey into love
sister I cannot be gone
'cause what is distance to us now ?
sister look at me in tears
oh god it took so many years
sister amidst all that hype
and the jealous gossip too
sister you can't be too strong
but then you can do no wrong
refr.
1979. Eskdalemuir (Schotland). Angie.
of a wild and roaring sea
sister of the rolling plain
sister right as rain
sister of imagination
of complete reality
sister of delicious incest
how you and I were blessed
on that journey into love
more than sex we're thinking of
our heads swimming in the silence
hearts entwined in the ringing silence
and we will be standing there
like statues in the centuries
yes we will be standing there
Angie and me (3x)
on a journey to love
our journey into love
sister I cannot be gone
'cause what is distance to us now ?
sister look at me in tears
oh god it took so many years
sister amidst all that hype
and the jealous gossip too
sister you can't be too strong
but then you can do no wrong
refr.
1979. Eskdalemuir (Schotland). Angie.
White room
Sweet Rosy said she'd take me away
to a place where I'd like to stay
we went up to the house and stood in the hall
and I wasn't thinking at all
Upstairs and there's not a soul to be seen
the sun makes my shadow a scream
I'm left behind in a spacious white room
all ready and right for the broom
I can look outside see the girls as they walk
I watch their lips move as they talk
they left me some paints and I'm drawing a lot
just don't know if I'm alright or not
one woman came and she lay on my bed
a strange smile but nothing was said
I remember her dress, an elegant white
it's all round me in dreams every night
she went as she came all silent and sad
all alone and I'm feeling so bad
don't know if I miss her it's so hard to tell
when the water's all drained from your well
refr.
1973. Door Norbert Detaeye getoonzet voor zijn CD Still a child uit 2001
to a place where I'd like to stay
we went up to the house and stood in the hall
and I wasn't thinking at all
Upstairs and there's not a soul to be seen
the sun makes my shadow a scream
I'm left behind in a spacious white room
all ready and right for the broom
I can look outside see the girls as they walk
I watch their lips move as they talk
they left me some paints and I'm drawing a lot
just don't know if I'm alright or not
one woman came and she lay on my bed
a strange smile but nothing was said
I remember her dress, an elegant white
it's all round me in dreams every night
she went as she came all silent and sad
all alone and I'm feeling so bad
don't know if I miss her it's so hard to tell
when the water's all drained from your well
refr.
1973. Door Norbert Detaeye getoonzet voor zijn CD Still a child uit 2001
Still a child
I'm still a child
and my mind runs wild
I can still give away things for free
and when they say maturity
it's just another myth to me
no reality no reality
I'm still a child
and my heart is mild
I ain't talking 'bout no world of wonder
I ain't saying that I won't go under
as a child
(with my heart so mild)
I'm still a boy
I can still take joy
in spying castles in the clouds
in greeting friends with silly shouts
not knowing what life's all about
but I don't want out no I don't want out
I'm still a boy
I ain't talking 'bout no world of wonder
I ain't saying that I won't go under
as a boy
(with my heart so coy)
1981. Titelsong van Norbert Detaeye's CD uit 2001
and my mind runs wild
I can still give away things for free
and when they say maturity
it's just another myth to me
no reality no reality
I'm still a child
and my heart is mild
I ain't talking 'bout no world of wonder
I ain't saying that I won't go under
as a child
(with my heart so mild)
I'm still a boy
I can still take joy
in spying castles in the clouds
in greeting friends with silly shouts
not knowing what life's all about
but I don't want out no I don't want out
I'm still a boy
I ain't talking 'bout no world of wonder
I ain't saying that I won't go under
as a boy
(with my heart so coy)
1981. Titelsong van Norbert Detaeye's CD uit 2001
vrijdag 17 december 2010
Tourist
Squeeze my hand and hold it
close to the lips of you
and let me lick your nipples
'cause the passion is so true
and don't tell me I'm a child now
'cause I know you are one, I know you are one too
on the verge with that urge (2x)
I was a tourist in your bedroom
sampling sights and heaving sighs
take my honey for a heirloom
just like balm upon your thighs
you say some other place could do
another time would be much better
your husband's coming over soon
you said he told you in a letter
wait two minutes then move over
I said 'cause I wanted us to be together
refr.
Up in the air I think of you
of how we met and yet did not
of how I followed you upstairs
and what a sexy view I got
attraction moving like a swing now
languidly, daintily and hot
refr.
1981. Kyoto. (Cindy)
close to the lips of you
and let me lick your nipples
'cause the passion is so true
and don't tell me I'm a child now
'cause I know you are one, I know you are one too
on the verge with that urge (2x)
I was a tourist in your bedroom
sampling sights and heaving sighs
take my honey for a heirloom
just like balm upon your thighs
you say some other place could do
another time would be much better
your husband's coming over soon
you said he told you in a letter
wait two minutes then move over
I said 'cause I wanted us to be together
refr.
Up in the air I think of you
of how we met and yet did not
of how I followed you upstairs
and what a sexy view I got
attraction moving like a swing now
languidly, daintily and hot
refr.
1981. Kyoto. (Cindy)
Book of lies
I went to the ends of the earth
to find out what your loving was worth
now I'll never be the same
my heart, my will, my soul's gone lame
So I flew into Taipeh
but I was feeling so far away
I didn't deign to even look
seeing I was in another book
in the book of lies
of love betrayed
in the book of ice
of all feeling stayed
so goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
bye now, bye now, bye now
It wasn't Gideon's bible no
it was a lot more ribald so
I drank another beer and
I shrugged and I sighed and I leered
my jaws were clamped tight
so my eyes never cried
but my heart was bleeding
as I doggedly kept reading
refr.
1981.
to find out what your loving was worth
now I'll never be the same
my heart, my will, my soul's gone lame
So I flew into Taipeh
but I was feeling so far away
I didn't deign to even look
seeing I was in another book
in the book of lies
of love betrayed
in the book of ice
of all feeling stayed
so goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
bye now, bye now, bye now
It wasn't Gideon's bible no
it was a lot more ribald so
I drank another beer and
I shrugged and I sighed and I leered
my jaws were clamped tight
so my eyes never cried
but my heart was bleeding
as I doggedly kept reading
refr.
1981.
He's dead, he's safe
He loved me up, he loved me down
he bruised my lips, he bit my breast
we moaned and groaned and cursed the dawn
we prayed we'd never have to rest
he took my life into his grave
driving right into that tree
maybe his soul was finally saved
wish I could say the same for me
I went to church and to the graveyard
and then came home to soothe kids
I couldn't handle them, I hated
the sight of them 'cause they were his
refr.
my mind just snapped, the funny farm
was where they took me for some peace
I moan and groan and curse the dawn
I always had my life on lease
refr.
he's dead, he's dead
the life we've led
means nothing
now he's rotting in his grave
I am lost and he is safe
1979. De bittere coda heb ik letterlijk uit de mond van een vriendin gehoord
he bruised my lips, he bit my breast
we moaned and groaned and cursed the dawn
we prayed we'd never have to rest
he took my life into his grave
driving right into that tree
maybe his soul was finally saved
wish I could say the same for me
I went to church and to the graveyard
and then came home to soothe kids
I couldn't handle them, I hated
the sight of them 'cause they were his
refr.
my mind just snapped, the funny farm
was where they took me for some peace
I moan and groan and curse the dawn
I always had my life on lease
refr.
he's dead, he's dead
the life we've led
means nothing
now he's rotting in his grave
I am lost and he is safe
1979. De bittere coda heb ik letterlijk uit de mond van een vriendin gehoord
Ruiters
Ik verdwijn huilend
want ik houd je hand niet vast
niemand weet dat in mijn hoofd
haast niets of niemand is
elkeen denkt nog dat ik hier sta
reeds lang verdween ik in je hand.
Veel ruiters op bruine paarden
rijden door mijn stenen straat
ze zingen niet en zeggen niets
Japanse kerselaars staan boven
al die trotse stille ruiters.
1968.
want ik houd je hand niet vast
niemand weet dat in mijn hoofd
haast niets of niemand is
elkeen denkt nog dat ik hier sta
reeds lang verdween ik in je hand.
Veel ruiters op bruine paarden
rijden door mijn stenen straat
ze zingen niet en zeggen niets
Japanse kerselaars staan boven
al die trotse stille ruiters.
1968.
Haiku
Haiku voor een vrouw
Ik ga gebogen
binnen de trage rivier
van je eerste lach.
Haiku bij het water
Koude december
maar de lotus staat in bloei
hoe wonderlijk toch.
Haiku in de tempel
Kille herfstnacht
en kaarsen op het altaar
ik slaap bij het schrijn.
Haiku in de stad
Inhaalmanoeuver
op Japans gedicht mislukt
zeventien doden.
1972.
Ik ga gebogen
binnen de trage rivier
van je eerste lach.
Haiku bij het water
Koude december
maar de lotus staat in bloei
hoe wonderlijk toch.
Haiku in de tempel
Kille herfstnacht
en kaarsen op het altaar
ik slaap bij het schrijn.
Haiku in de stad
Inhaalmanoeuver
op Japans gedicht mislukt
zeventien doden.
1972.
(les justes)
Op een heuvel sta ik met iemand
Europa ligt zo ver, dit is Europa
de zachte bergen zijn violen
en de stromen ademen
er is een weide met een rots
lange lijnen op het land.
Iemand spreekt tot mij in mij
en ik antwoord met een glimlach.
Nergens zie ik nog een vlinder
en ik schiet de vogels niet meer neer
de lucht draait plechtig om me heen
en overal zijn wolken.
Iemand neemt mijn hand
en spreekt zachtjes
alsof ik in een kinderwagen lig.
Langs een boomgaard zonder bloesems.
1967.
Europa ligt zo ver, dit is Europa
de zachte bergen zijn violen
en de stromen ademen
er is een weide met een rots
lange lijnen op het land.
Iemand spreekt tot mij in mij
en ik antwoord met een glimlach.
Nergens zie ik nog een vlinder
en ik schiet de vogels niet meer neer
de lucht draait plechtig om me heen
en overal zijn wolken.
Iemand neemt mijn hand
en spreekt zachtjes
alsof ik in een kinderwagen lig.
Langs een boomgaard zonder bloesems.
1967.
naamloos gedicht (jeugdwerk)
De obelisk van de zon
en de pyramide van de maan
zetten de hemelen af
de wereldhanden zijn vol druppels
en hoog de toppen van de bomen.
In de wolken van de wind zijn vogels
die geen ogen hebben maar stenen
in de wolken van de wind zijn bloesems
die onplooibaar en van staal zijn
in de wolken van de wind is een mens
die zijn schaduw ondervraagt.
In de tuinen van het land
leven grote monsters
die niet spreken met elkaar.
En als de wereld smelt
zal de zon alleen zijn met de maan
ook zij zullen niet spreken
maar woordeloos begrijpen.
In de wolken van de wind leeft een verhaal
dat steeds zichzelf vertelt.
1966.
en de pyramide van de maan
zetten de hemelen af
de wereldhanden zijn vol druppels
en hoog de toppen van de bomen.
In de wolken van de wind zijn vogels
die geen ogen hebben maar stenen
in de wolken van de wind zijn bloesems
die onplooibaar en van staal zijn
in de wolken van de wind is een mens
die zijn schaduw ondervraagt.
In de tuinen van het land
leven grote monsters
die niet spreken met elkaar.
En als de wereld smelt
zal de zon alleen zijn met de maan
ook zij zullen niet spreken
maar woordeloos begrijpen.
In de wolken van de wind leeft een verhaal
dat steeds zichzelf vertelt.
1966.
Gedichten bij tekeningen van Frank De Roover
Als de mensen van de sneeuwcirkel
en het volk van de regenboog
slapen, willoos zijn en niet kijken
maakt de maan zijn zelfportret
en schildert zichzelf
als een elf van gevleugelde bloemen.
Waar ik stengel
waar ik bloem
vertrekt de zon van mij
komt uit mij de droom
en de omgeving
die zichzelf bekijkt
bewondert.
Op mijn verdwijnend paard
zit kalm een mens
die zich naar mij noemt
en gedraagt.
Ik ben vergeten hoe
maar ik verliet hem
terwille van een wolk
die de lucht wel zo goed kende
dat zij vrienden werden.
Ben jij uit mijn hoofd gegroeid
of kwam ik uit jouw voet ?
wie van ons staat op de grond
of zijn we wortel en plant ?
en niemand ziet wie wat is.
(alleen jouw onverbiddelijk lijf
weet hoe wij zo werden)
De luciferdoos van de hemel
heeft al mijn kinderen opgeslokt
pas veel later zijn ze gevallen
om in de rivier van de nacht te zijn.
In de ochtend vond ik hen dood.
1968.
en het volk van de regenboog
slapen, willoos zijn en niet kijken
maakt de maan zijn zelfportret
en schildert zichzelf
als een elf van gevleugelde bloemen.
Waar ik stengel
waar ik bloem
vertrekt de zon van mij
komt uit mij de droom
en de omgeving
die zichzelf bekijkt
bewondert.
Op mijn verdwijnend paard
zit kalm een mens
die zich naar mij noemt
en gedraagt.
Ik ben vergeten hoe
maar ik verliet hem
terwille van een wolk
die de lucht wel zo goed kende
dat zij vrienden werden.
Ben jij uit mijn hoofd gegroeid
of kwam ik uit jouw voet ?
wie van ons staat op de grond
of zijn we wortel en plant ?
en niemand ziet wie wat is.
(alleen jouw onverbiddelijk lijf
weet hoe wij zo werden)
De luciferdoos van de hemel
heeft al mijn kinderen opgeslokt
pas veel later zijn ze gevallen
om in de rivier van de nacht te zijn.
In de ochtend vond ik hen dood.
1968.
Naar Tu Fu
Voorbij het paleis
groeien klein de bloemen
de vogels kijken niet
een ster beweegt
de maan staat op
en ik hoor een mens.
Een bel beweegt zachtjes
en hoelang nog duurt de nacht ?
De dood nadert
de tempels zijn al grijs
en in geen enkele droom
was ik reeds hier geweest.
Vriend van plaats en tijd
alles is nu anders hier
de vogels van tevoren nog
zijn verzwegen uit de lucht
er is een zee van land gegroeid
en het gras is veel te diep
(weet dat ik dikwijls aan je denk)
Er is een groene vlinder
die in een bloem verdrinkt
daar vlakbij staat een boom
die zich zijn bloesems plots herinnert.
Een bloem die 's nachts bevroor
negeert de glazen dageraad
een misdienaar die door het veld kruipt
ruikt aan de korenwortels
de allerlaatste sneeuw valt toch niet
en ik wacht, de aarde wacht
tot de zon een woord splijt.
1967. Tu Fu is een Chinese dichter uit de T'ang periode.
groeien klein de bloemen
de vogels kijken niet
een ster beweegt
de maan staat op
en ik hoor een mens.
Een bel beweegt zachtjes
en hoelang nog duurt de nacht ?
De dood nadert
de tempels zijn al grijs
en in geen enkele droom
was ik reeds hier geweest.
Vriend van plaats en tijd
alles is nu anders hier
de vogels van tevoren nog
zijn verzwegen uit de lucht
er is een zee van land gegroeid
en het gras is veel te diep
(weet dat ik dikwijls aan je denk)
Er is een groene vlinder
die in een bloem verdrinkt
daar vlakbij staat een boom
die zich zijn bloesems plots herinnert.
Een bloem die 's nachts bevroor
negeert de glazen dageraad
een misdienaar die door het veld kruipt
ruikt aan de korenwortels
de allerlaatste sneeuw valt toch niet
en ik wacht, de aarde wacht
tot de zon een woord splijt.
1967. Tu Fu is een Chinese dichter uit de T'ang periode.
Ondersteboven
Halssnoeren in de straat
en de vragen
en antwoorden van zon
het meeuwenkleed.
Ik zeilde langs de bron
en alle vogels zeiden
dat dit de mooiste plek was
de enige, het midden.
Ik werd een vreemde psalm
met klank als continent
- alleen onderweg
langs oervermoedens in de landen.
Buiten de zeekant
ondersteboven
ben ik verdronken.
Of zo dacht ik
maar fabeldieren redden mij
en ontredderd maar vreemd sterker
sloeg ik de hand weer aan de dag
1967. Jeugdwerk
en de vragen
en antwoorden van zon
het meeuwenkleed.
Ik zeilde langs de bron
en alle vogels zeiden
dat dit de mooiste plek was
de enige, het midden.
Ik werd een vreemde psalm
met klank als continent
- alleen onderweg
langs oervermoedens in de landen.
Buiten de zeekant
ondersteboven
ben ik verdronken.
Of zo dacht ik
maar fabeldieren redden mij
en ontredderd maar vreemd sterker
sloeg ik de hand weer aan de dag
1967. Jeugdwerk
Masters of compromise
The round table 's set again
heads of state and yes-men
you get the West man
we get the East love
you know we've got a beast of
some brandnew bomb
kills only people man
the factories will stand
the round table 's set again
heads of state and yes-men
masters of compromise (2)
oh I despise you
wish we were through
with all of you
masters of compromise
his million's in the can
smooth slick heroin man
you want some horse man ?
you need some smack ?
you know like smack-dab
right in the middle of
some loser's vein
flash and then there's just the pain
his million's in the can
smooth slick heroin man
refr.
the state police in vans
with hand-grenades and guns
and their own idea of fun
"we'll break your strike man
gonna get them reds"
ask the prime minister
"who's in control mister ?"
says he wants the best for us
bet your sweet ass he does
the state police in vans
with hand-grenades and guns
and their own idea of fun
refr.
1978.
heads of state and yes-men
you get the West man
we get the East love
you know we've got a beast of
some brandnew bomb
kills only people man
the factories will stand
the round table 's set again
heads of state and yes-men
masters of compromise (2)
oh I despise you
wish we were through
with all of you
masters of compromise
his million's in the can
smooth slick heroin man
you want some horse man ?
you need some smack ?
you know like smack-dab
right in the middle of
some loser's vein
flash and then there's just the pain
his million's in the can
smooth slick heroin man
refr.
the state police in vans
with hand-grenades and guns
and their own idea of fun
"we'll break your strike man
gonna get them reds"
ask the prime minister
"who's in control mister ?"
says he wants the best for us
bet your sweet ass he does
the state police in vans
with hand-grenades and guns
and their own idea of fun
refr.
1978.
Nice to be on top (So it goes)
Bread and butter journalist
puts nothing on the line
he's asking the prime minister
"sir, are we doing fine ?"
"yes we are, and you know we are
because look at all the cars
and the happy people driving them
the democratic fire in them"
Nice to be on top
cut out for the job
nice to be on top
so it goes
so it goes
the astronauts were coming down
they were feeling out of sorts
"the moon's too cold, and Mars is red
space offers no resort,
but please don't quote me saying that
because you know where I'm at
frontpage news, space odyssey
the zealous zest a-driving me"
refr.
The football star, the cyclist kingpin
they stammer as they win
" I...I...I will lick'em all
before they do me in"
She struts her stuff in her G-string
and does those nasty things
executives, class editors
will pay right thru' the nose for her
refr.
1978.
puts nothing on the line
he's asking the prime minister
"sir, are we doing fine ?"
"yes we are, and you know we are
because look at all the cars
and the happy people driving them
the democratic fire in them"
Nice to be on top
cut out for the job
nice to be on top
so it goes
so it goes
the astronauts were coming down
they were feeling out of sorts
"the moon's too cold, and Mars is red
space offers no resort,
but please don't quote me saying that
because you know where I'm at
frontpage news, space odyssey
the zealous zest a-driving me"
refr.
The football star, the cyclist kingpin
they stammer as they win
" I...I...I will lick'em all
before they do me in"
She struts her stuff in her G-string
and does those nasty things
executives, class editors
will pay right thru' the nose for her
refr.
1978.
Touch I
I've been to the end of all bars
and saw the people as they are
in their designer clothes
signals from the book of Toth
in the magic mirror
I saw all their tremors
I couldn't cope
with the senseless hope
in empty eyes
their little lies
and you don't know how much I
wanted you to touch I
and the world's made up of sevens
vengeful steps of stairs to heaven
oh how will you manage
bending under your luggage
in the magic mirror
I saw all your tremors
refr.
above the bar the photographs
of tits and ass just make me laugh
that sandy beach just out of reach
sucking the blood like any leech
1988.
and saw the people as they are
in their designer clothes
signals from the book of Toth
in the magic mirror
I saw all their tremors
I couldn't cope
with the senseless hope
in empty eyes
their little lies
and you don't know how much I
wanted you to touch I
and the world's made up of sevens
vengeful steps of stairs to heaven
oh how will you manage
bending under your luggage
in the magic mirror
I saw all your tremors
refr.
above the bar the photographs
of tits and ass just make me laugh
that sandy beach just out of reach
sucking the blood like any leech
1988.
Wheels within wheels
Back then the medium was the message
and we frantically payed our passage
to break on through to the other side
as it turned out Jim Morrisson found
his other side on Pêre Lachaise
where famous corpses go to ground
now everybody feels
that there's wheels within wheels within wheels
slowly grinding to a halt
over life's San Andres fault
so we hitched halfway 'cross the world
or minds fermenting in a whirl
to end up somewhere on a beach
where in the sunshine in december
we set out trying to forget
what we were too young to remember
refr.
and now George Boy goes to Hollywood
by god, some bleeding other side, my foot !
coke and women in a video clip
don't know who's coming or who's going
and about what's aboard this ship
the suspicion's daily growing
refr.
1988.
and we frantically payed our passage
to break on through to the other side
as it turned out Jim Morrisson found
his other side on Pêre Lachaise
where famous corpses go to ground
now everybody feels
that there's wheels within wheels within wheels
slowly grinding to a halt
over life's San Andres fault
so we hitched halfway 'cross the world
or minds fermenting in a whirl
to end up somewhere on a beach
where in the sunshine in december
we set out trying to forget
what we were too young to remember
refr.
and now George Boy goes to Hollywood
by god, some bleeding other side, my foot !
coke and women in a video clip
don't know who's coming or who's going
and about what's aboard this ship
the suspicion's daily growing
refr.
1988.
Biggest of all birds
It's funny to see
that all we can be
every state of mind
is a trap of some kind
now that you're here
let's get some beer
and don't forget
the cigarettes
I asked you to dance
so I took a chance
every state of mind
is a door of some kind
now that we're here
all should be clear
now that we've met
let's go to bed
your eyes still show the hurt
as you slip under the wings
of the biggest of all birds
aaah ! now you don't need anything
now you don't want anything
aaah ! now we've got everything
all body language
old feeling sandwich
every state of mind
is a trap of some kind
now that I'm here
beyond the fear
now that we've met
my heart's to let
oh you're so knowing
your wisdom showing
every state of mind
is a door of some kind
when I watch you move
can't stay aloof
now that we've met
all can be said
refr.
1989.
that all we can be
every state of mind
is a trap of some kind
now that you're here
let's get some beer
and don't forget
the cigarettes
I asked you to dance
so I took a chance
every state of mind
is a door of some kind
now that we're here
all should be clear
now that we've met
let's go to bed
your eyes still show the hurt
as you slip under the wings
of the biggest of all birds
aaah ! now you don't need anything
now you don't want anything
aaah ! now we've got everything
all body language
old feeling sandwich
every state of mind
is a trap of some kind
now that I'm here
beyond the fear
now that we've met
my heart's to let
oh you're so knowing
your wisdom showing
every state of mind
is a door of some kind
when I watch you move
can't stay aloof
now that we've met
all can be said
refr.
1989.
New dark age
And while we dance beneath the laser beams
the world gets on with its lopsided turning
we're phantoms in our mothers' dreams
and on the village green the books are burning
and as we dance to the new disco beat
the techno-state reverts to the old straight-jacket
and the sex-shows annex the heat
while down the block they run the cocaine racket
crystal clear in halogen
on the bloody stage
all the women all the men
in the new dark age
all the pretty children
of the new dark age
and while we frolic in the acid rain
we valiantly save some waste materials
vicariously sharing the pain
the ersatz trauma of the TV serials
the pub will have its token immigrant
being queried on outlandish cooking
so much we do not understand
the answers may be there, we're just not looking
refr.
if you want to go and write
make sure you've got somewhere to hide
because next door they're learning
all about book-burning
stomachs turning with rage
in the new dark age
1989. Tekst n.a.v. fatwa tegen Salman Rushdie
the world gets on with its lopsided turning
we're phantoms in our mothers' dreams
and on the village green the books are burning
and as we dance to the new disco beat
the techno-state reverts to the old straight-jacket
and the sex-shows annex the heat
while down the block they run the cocaine racket
crystal clear in halogen
on the bloody stage
all the women all the men
in the new dark age
all the pretty children
of the new dark age
and while we frolic in the acid rain
we valiantly save some waste materials
vicariously sharing the pain
the ersatz trauma of the TV serials
the pub will have its token immigrant
being queried on outlandish cooking
so much we do not understand
the answers may be there, we're just not looking
refr.
if you want to go and write
make sure you've got somewhere to hide
because next door they're learning
all about book-burning
stomachs turning with rage
in the new dark age
1989. Tekst n.a.v. fatwa tegen Salman Rushdie
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