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Album - Streetside Balladeer

by Dave Mason Music

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1.
Stepping Into Spring 03:03
lyrics
Take the time to step outside Celebrate the sun You may find if you decide That this is kinda fun The sky is blue, the grass is green, finally spring has sprung Winter’s through, he’s disappeared, there are new songs to be sung Flowers blooming in between - the smell of hot cross buns…. Take the time to step outside Celebrate the day Open hearted, starry eyed This is the only way Birds are singing in the trees a symphony of song Tunes are ringing in my ears I want to sing along Worshiping the scented breeze - days so warm and long…. Take the time to step outside Celebrate the soul Don’t be shy, no need to hide It’s time to take control Surprise, surprise, the sun is shining warm upon your skin Butterflies that flutter by like whispers on the wind This is why I’m feeling high - I’m stepping into spring….
2.
Streetside Balladeer 04:43
lyrics
With the first feint rays of a brand new day; she grabs her bags - sets out on her way Sleet spatters panes on the early train; someone mumbles, “It wasn’t meant to rain”… Out on the street, where the beggars meet; worrying, scurrying, tired, traipsing feet Forever grey where the pigeons play - she sings of summer long since gone away Ice creams, daydreams - sunshine holidays…. Shrewdly she weaves this make believe - masquerading, heart out on her sleeve Telling tales of mountain trails, fairies, prairies, boats with billowed sails Skylines, moonshine, even love for sale…. The canny ways each turn of phrase as the canvas unfolds Moments in time, cadence and rhyme - oh, so vibrant and bold Memories she treasures more than gold …. This time of year, of winter drear; her sun drenched scenes seem a million miles from here Where the north winds blow, hear the stories flow - of postcard places we’d all like to go…. Now life is hard, this girl’s been scarred - her sanctuary - playing her guitar While every fear, each pent-up tear - she holds them close sweet sorrow’s souvenirs … Ten-a-penny to a streetside balladeer….
3.
Three Years Old 03:39
lyrics
My name is Alan Kurdi I was only three years old When you found me like a rag doll on the beach My life was never worth much, nothing that I could control Dreams of freedom well beyond my reach…. I did not want to be there, I did not want to die I didn’t want to make the front page news It’s a lucky soul who has the power to choose The refugee who always seems to lose…. My name is Nylo Lattimore, I was only three years old When I was thrown into the Ohio My own mother could not save me - her killer vile and cold Who believed, somehow, the world would never know …. I did not want to be there, I did not want to die Be a headline catching eyes at every glance It’s a lucky soul who gets a second chance The victim who succumbs to circumstance …. My name’s Amari Campbell, I was only three years old Headstrong, with the world at my command Perhaps I should have listened, done as I was told But, at three, the world’s so hard to understand For a young boy with a lighter in his hand…
4.
To The Morning 03:41
lyrics
Birds start to sing their goodbyes to the night Skyline is flushed with dawn’s easterly light Soft, coral hues that inspire and excite As the world says hello to the morning. Sunlight, sweet sunlight come shining my way Bring warmth to my face at the start of the day Night’s ghostly shadows are fading away As the world says hello to the morning. Refrain: The world says hello, the world says hello The world says hello to our star’s lucent glow All living creatures and all things that grow Are saying hello to the morning. The sun rises slowly, rich radiance spreads Fine, fragile flowers raise delicate heads The grays become greens or bright yellows and reds As the world says hello to the morning. Refrain: Orb of white gold give us heat, light and power Dew glisten sweetly on each leaf and flower It won’t last for long perhaps just one more hour We will soon say goodbye to the morning…
5.
Smiling Eyes 05:34
lyrics
With smiling eyes, she said to me, “You can’t take life too seriously When people see just what they want to….” Then she took me by the hand, she led me to a wonderland Where even blind fools understand what is true… She said, “If I was queen, you’d be my king - you’d worship me with songs you sing Your thoughts would pierce my heart just like an arrow… In return I’d tangle you in webs of love the deepest blue You’d feel me in your veins, your bones, your marrow!” Now, those who say our love’s a crime while reading deep between the lines Are screaming infidelity or treason Hate can hurt but love is strong perhaps one day we’ll hear our song Sung by strangers on the stage of reason…. Every timbre of our cries like waves that roar, like winds that sigh On terrifying dives through deepest wonder Soaring down love’s avenue on chariots of lust we flew Exploding through each doorway just like thunder… Instrumental The faithful die to find the truth while others seek eternal youth The alcoholic begs vermouth’s affections You are all I ever need, you kill me softly, make me bleed Far more than any pious genuflections… I feel your body, hear you breathe, I know tomorrow when you leave A part of me will stay with you forever… This moment that we’ve shared tonight will shine more than the brightest light Beyond the realms of what our minds can measure With smiling eyes, she said to me, “Don’t take life so seriously ‘Cause people see just what they want to….” Then she took me by the hand, she led me to a one night stand Where even blind fools understand…….
6.
Herinneringe 05:25
lyrics
Herinneringe soms soos water, koud en glad - so mooilik vas te hou In die skemerlig, as die donker my omvou met sy aaklike vreugde Vaag onthoude kleuterrympies kom kuier in die fluweel van my nag Waar ou vriende se gesigte sit en wag in hul ewige jeugde Moeg oë wil nie toe nie, vaag vrae val my aan Ou verhoudings nooit versoen nie, kwyn nou soos die maan… Toekomshope soms soos sonskyn, strelend sag val laggend teen my hart En kielie my gedagtes, inderdaad soos feite vergete Op soek na wese kragtig, ongelooflik die waarheid wat ons deesdae mos vermy Ek hou my kindersprokies altyd hier naby vir ’n skone gewete Vasgepen deur my oortuigings, hierdie werklikheid verbeel Met die skertsers en hulle juigings - leë beloftes meegedeel… Gister is net soet-suur beelde, môre net verwagtings nie bereik nie Die onkunde van foute nie ontduik nie - ons sal maar verower Want, alles word deur God vergewe, selfs sneuwel hierdie wêreld klaar verdoem Teen ons mûre en omheinings van beroem, blink liggies betower Hierdie glas wat nou half leeg staan, was hy ooit al vol gewees Elke keuse nou ‘n weegskaal - een kant gruwel, een kant vrees… (Translation) Memories just like water, Cold and smooth so difficult to hold In the twilight as the darkness enfolds me with its awful joy Vaguely remembered nursery rhymes Visit in the velvet of my night Where old friends' faces sit and wait in their eternal youth Tired eyes do not want to close, vague questions attack me Old relationships never reconciled, fading like the moon… Future's hopes just like sunshine Soothing, soft fall laughing against my heart And tickle my thoughts, indeed, like things I've forgotten Looking for a force powerful, amazing We all avoid the truththese days Always keep my children's fairy tales close by - for a clear conscience Trapped by my beliefs, in this imagined reality With the jokers and their jeers - empty promises shared… Yesterday is just sweet-sour images Tomorrow expectations never met The ignorance of mistakes inescapable - yet, we will conquer Because, everything is forgiven by God In this world already doomed to die Against our walls and fences of fame, enchanted lights are shining This glass, now half empty, has it ever been full Every choice now a balance - one side horror, one side fear…
7.
Joan Walker 04:42
lyrics
Born in a council house, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Your mammy was a seamstress and your daddy worked the mines But, the coal dust took him long before his time Before the Nazi monster raised its head back in ’39. You came to be a refugee - alone and unprepared An 8 year old evacuee - so miserable and scared Strangers took you in and people cared Years rolled on ‘til war was done, peace finally appeared. Oh, who can tell me where you go? When you’ve lived somewhere for so long now that home’s no longer home? At 14, you were sent to work, you had to pay your way Married, off to Africa - you hated every day Lost a soldier to some meaningless affray You lost a girl to alcohol - what more is there to say? Except, life’s a fight, that’s black and white and all that lies ahead Silence screams in nightmare dreams - the words you could have said Who will dry those tears you never shed? Will this old world remember you one day when you are dead? Oh, who can tell me where you go? When you’ve lost the only ones you loved - they’re never coming home? War time generations, pray, where is your epithet Two million children put on trains - how quickly we forget Like smoke that drifts up from your cigarette Everybody’s nobody in life’s short novelette Your hearing’s getting fainter, now, your eyesight’s growing dim This nursing home is just another hell you’re living in Everything you ever wished you could have been Now, old trinkets and vague memories wrapped up and tied with string Oh, who can tell me where you go? Made to hide from the world outside ‘cause no-one wants to know? Oh, Joan Walker .......
8.
Calton Hill 03:16
lyrics
I took a walk up Calton Hill To see the city far below In the clear blue skies the sun did glow Yet tempered not the autumn chill … The wind blows cold on Calton Hill And the leaves dance merry in its wake All the colours of the sweet daybreak Shining gold my soul to thrill … Oh, see the views from Calton Hill Perfect panoramic scenes In the distance shades that fade like dreams Or notions of a man’s freewill … As I ramble round on Calton Hill Among these shrines to learned men How I think about their lives back then And my world now, so frail, so ill … Oh, strong, unyielding Calton Hill While we harken to the church bells' chime You’ve stood here since before time And when we’re gone, you’ll stand here still … I said farewell to Calton Hill Started home down Princes Street Where a busker sang so bittersweet His serenade to Calton Hill Where a busker sang so bittersweet His serenade to Calton Hill …
9.
Sing Me That Song (for Ramsay) 02:01
lyrics
Sing me that song, make it loud, make it strong Of these places I love – this is where I belong All the colours so rare, the salt sea on the air And I’ll go on forever though I’m no longer here. Tell me that tale of the herring, the whale The brave men whose journey in ships they must sail For this life, like the tide leaves us nowhere to hide We must all become stars in our grandchildren’s eyes. I’ll be with you every day that you live In all that you do, in the love you will give I’ll be with you in the depths of despair When you need a way through I’ll be there… Play me that tune of the glen ‘neath the moon The magical circle, the mystical rune We will all meet some day in that place far away Where the fires of freedom burn …….. Just like the sun’s rays
10.
The Day The Soldiers Came (Song for Ukraine) 05:03
lyrics
The earth was shaken by despair A growl like thunder in the air And I wondered then and there where I might be tomorrow I packed a suitcase in the dark A crowd had gathered in the park Then I walked out of this life that had once been mine to borrow CH: War is never just a game With tanks that crush and shells that maim This song I sing is for Ukraine The day the soldiers came…. I hurried down a city street Panicked shouting, running feet Told myself to stay calm - that I should not be too hasty I saw the damage, bleak and stark I heard a dog’s grief-stricken bark As a thought flew through my mind - would we both get to safety CH: War is never just a game We point the finger, lay the blame Watch the newsreels frame by frame The day the soldiers came…. No more for us sweet summer rains Spring flowers only on our graves Far beyond the barren ruins of this senseless armageddon For, we never heard nor did we see Death high above the cruel debris Life just ceased for us all in one shining second CH: War is never just a game Every time we fight it ends the same Libya, Iraq now Ukraine Why must my freedom be your pain I wonder why things never change History repeats itself again I sit heartbroken filled with shame While armies stand up and take aim Your heroes wither in the flame The day the soldiers came….
11.
UMvelinqangi 04:32
lyrics
The heavens are on fire, a raging, livid hue Of tempered steel or twilight shades of black and blue The air roars like a freight train or the crashing of the seas, I feel it - hot and heavy, with foreboding and unease Trees, like giant dancers putting on a show Wave their arms in supplication as the tempest blows All at once the lighting flashes, streaks across the sky Then, the thunder rolls and crashes like an ancient battle cry Umvelinqangi ….. The rain, the blessed rain is falling, rain is pouring down Sheets of dappled water - the magician’s silver gown I hear the rumbling drumbeat on the rooftops, on the ground The deep, pulsating rhythm - the cacophony of sound Ah, the sweet savannah grasslands touched by summer rain I know these smells will stay with me forever in my brain I am just a grain of sand upon the ebbing, flowing tide Of these forces of creation - unpredictable and wild Umvelinqangi …… Mbaba Mwana Waresa Abantu bakho bayezwa (your people hear) Umoya iyasiculela (The wind/spirit sings for us) Imvula iyasibusisa (The rain blesses us) Suddenly, it’s over - the storm has come and gone The air is fresh and clean again, my world is filled with song For the birds that hid so silent as they sheltered in the fray Now sing their jubilation to the wonder of this day Umvelinqangi ….
12.
Wheels Keep Turnin' (Moffat Rammy 2022) 03:23
lyrics
Good morning sun, good morning day The weekend’s done, we’re on our way We had some fun, wish we could stay But, wheels keep turning Oh, wheels keep turning ….. In bars we cram just like bookends To have a dram with dear old friends The songs we sang were bound to end Coz wheels keep turning Oh, wheels keep turning ….. And the stories, like the whisky, flowed Of sailing ships and the steel railroad Lovers spurned, all the mines that closed The hero’s tale when wars explode…. Some say the truth is a paradigm Bold certainty, just some nursery rhyme Sweet freedom - mountains we must climb And wheels keep turning Oh, wheels keep turning ….. We raised our voices loud and clear We laughed a lot, we shed a tear Now, the Rammy’s gone, until next year While wheels keep turning Oh, wheels keep turning …..
13.
Open Up Your Eyes 03:57
lyrics
The month of March is here to herald in the spring And warmer days ahead will hear the blackbirds sing The geese are all returning, high, upon the wing Heralding the coming of the spring April’s sweet buds appear upon the Rowan tree Rose coloured cherry blossoms beautiful to see Blackthorn is busy with the buzzing of the bees Flowers blooming for the world to see Open up your eyes, my friends, just open up your eyes Look around and see the changes - you will realise Feel your heart awaken with each wonderful sunrise And you will never let the coming summer take you by surprise Celebrate the month of May, the swallows have arrived Ten thousand miles they’ve come to build their nests and thrive See their cunning sleight of hand, zigzagging as they dive The magic swifts and swallows have arrived. Every tree is fully cloth-ed come the month of June You might sit serenely of a peaceful afternoon Pondering life’s meaning and the sounds of nature’s tune Ah, the majesty, the mystery of June Open up your eyes, my friends, just open up your eyes Look around and see the changes - you will realise Feel your heart awaken with each wonderful sunrise And you will never let the coming summer take you by surprise Hold your breath and marvel at the colours of July Countless shades of green against the endless blues of sky Breezes that caress you like a spirit passing by Of the seasons changing right before your eyes And the brightly coloured wings of butterflies As you marvel at the perfect summer skies
14.
Forever The Season For Killing 06:02
lyrics
There’s a story I know of a time, long ago, two brothers were born late December Where the bleak blizzards blew, sunny days cold and few, ‘twas a winter that folk still remember The townspeople cried for a mother who died giving birth to her precious cargo The frontier was rough and the boys grew up tough in the Badlands you’ll find west of Fargo They were sons of a man who had strong, calloused hands – he kept a few head on the prairie He never forsook his deep faith in The Book - though, life certainly had made him wary He helped them along, taught his boys right from wrong, never again did he marry When his wife passed away, he was once heard to say, “There is just so much hope one can carry.” CH: Now, the winds blow high and the winds blow low – the trees all must dance to its bidding Seasons come and seasons go – tis forever the season for killing From down in the south, there came news, word of mouth, of a war between brother and brother Over free man and slave and the way men behave - the boys sat and talked these things over As planets collide, they chose different sides believing they each had good reason The thickness of blood turned to water and mud on battlefields there but for treason. Deny or ignore, this despicable war slaughtered nigh on one million people In July ’63, Meade and Robert E. Lee met in sight of the Gettysburg steeple Where our man lost both sons, almost three hundred tons of lead slew a whole generation Just three bloody days, fifty thousand erased, in a war that still divides the nation. CH: And the winds blow high and the winds blow low – the trees all must dance to its bidding Seasons come and seasons go – tis forever the season for killing They say slavery’s gone, we all know they are wrong – it continues, alas, unabated And still, we prefer to solve problems with war – build our shrines to the dead and ill-fated We give daughters and sons to the powerful ones who decide what we live for and die for Then cry out in vain to gods we have made for the freedom and peace that we squander CH: Still, the winds blow high, and the winds blow low – the trees all must dance to its bidding Seasons come and seasons go – tis forever the season for killing

about

INCLUDES THE SONG FOR UKRAINE - "THE DAY THE SOLDIERS CAME"

What a year it has been. In June, 2021, we moved back to the UK. We had plans to settle in Newcastle for a couple of years but COVID and a damaged sea container put pay to that. Here we are, in Hamilton, Scotland trying to get known on the local folk scene. Here are a couple of songs about South Africa, where I grew up, my dear mother who passed away in January 2021, Spring Time, The Morning, Edinburgh's Calton Hill and even wee Moffat gets a mention. Sometimes, I just go busking - that way I don't have to feel it's a contest! The title track is more than a little bit autobiographical....

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released April 25, 2022

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Dave Mason Music UK

Music and songwriting is meant to inspire others to be better, increase awareness and make people smile! But,as the great Woody Guthrie once said, “It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people.” Enjoy!

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