-Lincoln Center Greenmarket, NYC, April 2006
French Fingerling Potatoes...pour la vie joyeuse!

Anna

(2006)

Anna, it’s sad but true
They’re fighting over oil
Young men lay dying in the dust
While the rich hoard all the wealth
There can never be enough
 
But Anna, small victory
On the day we met
When your smile spoke to me
And after all those years spent searching
I recognized your soul
 
It’s not like in the movies
That make it seem so easy to find true love
Some soldiers fight and die so young
In a world that is divided
By governments and violence
In the inevitable symphony of fate
 
When I wake up
You are gone, off to work
To a world touched by your grace
But your heat still lingers on my fingers
Your sweet kisses Anna I still taste
In my heart full of faith
In our bed full of dreams
In a room full of hope
In a house full of love
 
Who could reach nirvana
Who never held your shoulders in his arms?
Or felt the rush from making you smile
In a world that is divided
By governments and violence
In the inevitable symphony of fate
 
In a world that is divided
By those who justify it
In the inevitable symphony of fate
 
Anna
Anna
Anna
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Another Reason

Life’s a bitch and then you die
Don’t believe it, it’s a lie
Can’t go on another day
I don’t believe in what you say
 
So what the hell is wrong with me?
I’m not who I want to be
Another breakdown around the bend
I’m out of my mind again
 
It’s the time, it’s the season
To find another reason
It’s the time, it’s the season
For something to believe in
 
Sometimes I lose the energy
Does anybody feel like me?
When a house, a wife, a car, LIRR
Tastes to me like vinegar
 
So what the hell is wrong with me?
I’m not who I want to be
Another breakdown around the bend
I’m out of my mind again
 
It’s the time, it’s the season
To find another reason
It’s the time, it’s the season
For something to believe in
 
That’s not good enough for me
I didn’t come this far
To be some kiss-ass employee
Is that good enough for you?
Is your spine made out of gelatin?
Standing like a skeleton
Or do your veins burst with adrenaline
Like me?
 
So what the hell is wrong with you?
You do what you’re told to do
Another breakdown around the bend
I’m out of my mind again
 
It’s the time, it’s the season
To find another reason
It’s the time, it’s the season
For something to believe in
 
Another time, another place
Another season, another reason
To shine
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

 
Another You

There could never be another woman like you
There could never be another you
There is just this story
And I wrote it for you
There could never be another you
 
Well we’re lying in each other’s arms
The sunshine fills the room
Listen to the hearts that beat in tune
You and me together
Today, tomorrow, forever
There is nothing you and I won’t do
Because there could never be another you
 
And in your hair the springtime bloom begins
I feel the summer’s warmth upon your skin
The thrilling, chilling autumn of your lips
And a winter’s fire burns inside your kiss
I can see the greatest wealth
Gathered here upon this earth
Is you
 
Now you know exactly how I feel
The miller needs a river to turn the wheel
I could search through all the girls
Around the world
'Till death comes to collect his due
But there would never be someone like you
Because there could never be another you
There could never be another you
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

 

Bittersweet

(2006)

Nothing lasts forever
Don't try to save what you cannot
So how long must I refrain
How long must I contain my thoughts?
When it feels bittersweet when I see you!


No one stays the same
But I could never be someone I'm not
Hard to see you change
I wonder if you found what you sought?


'Cause it feels different when I see you
It feels bittersweet when I see you
On our separate ways, maybe friends someday
But it could never be the same
'Cause you look different when I see you
It feels bittersweet when I see you


Nothing I could say
That would make this thing work out allright
Why don't you call me someday
If the mirror ever shows you the light


'Cause it feels different when I see you
It feels bittersweet when I see you
On our separate ways, maybe friends someday
But it could never be the same


To protect my heart I had to leave you
You make it so difficult to be near you
Still I pray the Lord his mercy keep you
And it makes me mad I could not reach you
Don't it feel bad to lose your people?
And would I be sad if I could be you
To know that it feels bittersweet when I see you?
Bittersweet when I see you
Bittersweet when I see you

Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Blue Skies

Hey baby I love you
I know you love me too
Could never be untrue
 
I see your point of view
There’s nothing we can do
Just want to say thank you
 
And if I never see you again
Blue skies is where you are headed
 
It hurts to see you cry
My little dragonfly
So full of love inside
 
Do you remember back?
Neruda paperback
Caresses down your back
 
And if I never see you again
Blue skies is where you are headed
 
I still feel inside
All the dreams we shared
And the hills we climbed
Through tears of grief I gave you strength
Lost to my fears, you gave me faith
I wish I could die in your arms
I will never forget you
 
Hey baby smile for me
You are a part of me
All I will ever be
 
Champagne on the runway
Heathrow to JFK
Butterflies all the way 
 
And if I never see you again
Blue skies is where you are headed
Never forget it
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Bottom of the Dial

 I used to think that the future would be mine
That I would walk across the water
But now it seems those dreams
Have lost their golden gleam
More like a lamb at the slaughter
 
I’m going low
Going down where no one ever goes
Past FUV, HTG, and BGO
That static din never seemed so comforting
Think I’ll sit right here awhile
At the bottom of the dial
 
So we pass these days
In a starch-white corporate haze
But I want to bite the hand that feeds me
Responsibility never meant the same
To you and me
I want to bite it ‘till it bleeds
 
I’m going low
Going down where no one ever goes
Past FUV, HTG, and BGO
That static din never seemed so comforting
Think I’ll sit right here a while
At the bottom of the dial
 
I found a place
Where I don’t have to deal with all those people
I found a place
Where I don’t have to force a smile
At the bottom of the dial
 
My college friends
They all seem so confident
Shaking hands and chasing power
Every now and then
They drag out the past again
But those memories, they all taste sour
 
I’m going low
Going down where no one ever goes
Past FUV, HTG, and BGO
That static din never seemed so comforting
Think I’ll sit right here a while
At the bottom of the dial
 
Can you hear me
Can you feel me
On your dial? 
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

Come On

Every day my head’s in a cyclone
Can’t even get you on the telephone!
Every day my stomach’s a twister
Come on, come on, I’m begging you sister
 
Every day I’m full of fear
Low self-opinion and a thin veneer
Every day I’m full of doubt
Come on, come on, do I have to spell it out? 
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

Danny Felter

I spent a lot of time
Trying to figure out what side I’m on
Now I’m never gonna tell you all the words I had to say
I kicked it in the head till there was nothing left to say
And I feel so much better than I did yesterday
 
Acetylene, amphetamines, gasoline and kerosene
Tangerines and margarine all running through my veins
I kicked it in the head till there was nothing left to say
And I feel so much better than I did yesterday
 
Nothing new
There never seems to be any reaction from you
Nothing left to do
There never seems to be anyone at home
 
I spent a lot of time
Trying to figure out what side you’re on
You’re never gonna tell me all the words I want to hear
I kicked it in the head till there was nothing left to say
And I feel so much better than I did yesterday
 
Demerol numbs it all, it’s twice as good as Tylenol
Alka Seltzer, Helter Skelter, Danny Felter too
I kicked it in the head till there was nothing left to say
And I feel so much better than I did yesterday
 
It took a lot of space and time but I figured out which side I’m on
Now I’m never gonna tell you all the words I had to say
I kicked it in the head till there was nothing left to say
And I feel so much better than I did yesterday
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

 
A Different Light

Sometimes I want to kiss you
Like we never kissed before
Sometimes I want to feel you
Like we were never scared before
Sometimes I want to love you
Like we never were in love before
Sometimes I want to hold you
Like you never broke my heart before
 
If you’re lonely
Ain’t got a friend in this cold world
Sometimes it hurts to get close to the fire
I hope one day you'll think of me
And not think about it twice
In a different light
 
Sometimes I really need you
And I can’t stop these feelings anymore
Would time begin it’s healing?
 ‘Cause I can’t stop the bleeding anymore
Sometimes I want to love you
Like we never were in love before
Sometimes I want to hold you
Kiss you, squeeze you
Like I never broke your heart before
 
If you’re frightened
My darling darling darling
So cold and alone and confused
In the dead of night
If you lost your way back home
I know you’ll get it right
 
The wind is full of ghosts tonight
That wrap around my heart and sigh
They press their ears against
And tap upon its glass
And listen for a reply
 
The heat from your soul
Burned my muscles through
Safe by the fire of that I once knew
What repair now could my words do?
Polite and beyond, we missed our cue
And now there’s nothing that you can undo
But still these arms ache, this soul burns for you
 
It’s in the pain
It is the pain
And still the pain endures
Of the hurt
And the anger
And the sadness
And the bitterness
And the guilt
Of the stance you knew was wrong
Of the pride
And the weakness
And the secrets
And the loneliness
And the jealousy
That you cannot control
 
Am I taking it too far?
Am I pushing you too hard?
Probing deep inside your brain
So why do you still hold on?
‘Cause we both know it’s wrong
Curled up in a ball with the pain
Do you think you’re bigger than God?
Do you think you’re bigger than God?
Do you think it hurts you more?
 
Do you think you’re bigger than Love?
Do you think you’re bigger than Love?
Why are you so afraid of love?
Come on!
 
And let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go away
Sing it around you now
It’s all right now
It’s all right now 
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go away
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Don’t Wanna Be Lonely Anymore

(2007)

I lived my life like love wasn’t for me
I looked back thinking it wasn’t meant to be
Lived for my music, just me and my band
And then the gods they gave their command

 Into these arms, into my heart you dove
Passionate kisses baby, hot as the stove
We felt the gods from so high above
Under the stars when we made love

I didn’t know until I met you
Don’t wanna be lonely
Don’t wanna be lonely anymore

My heart’s a-thumpin, I’m blinded by love
My head is spinning, were you sent here by Jove?
Into my heart his arrow it drove
Now I’m seeing stars babe when we makin’ love

I didn’t know until I met you
Don’t wanna be lonely
Don’t wanna be lonely anymore

The way that you curl into me
Your wild eyes looking back at me
And the way you kiss me on and on
And the way that you walk with your grace and your heat
And the way you turn on everyone that you meet
And the way that you kiss me
Really gets me high

Don’t wanna be lonely
Don’t wanna be lonely anymore

 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2007 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Dreams Are For Everyone

(2006)

Your world is as big as you make it
But the same sun shines down on everyone
The reasons for living
Are loving and giving
It doesn’t really matter where you’re from
Because dreams are for everyone
 
Never be afraid to be the opposition
To those who occupy positions
Of domination and aggression
Occupation and oppression
Manipulation, exploitation, repression
Because dreams are for everyone!
 
One half lives in a steeple
They’ll never be one of the common people
But our half must be patient for the sun
To heal the wounds
And ease your pain
To give me strength
To start again
To break the clouds
And chase away the rain
To shed the light
To show the way ahead
 
Though the road is long and hard
And there will be tears upon its sides
Keep following your heart and sing your song
Write your poem and pass it on
So someday
Somewhere
Some kid like you will know
That dreams are for everyone
 
Dreams are for everyone
Pick yourself up and follow one 
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

England’s Dreaming

All the young ravers come in 48 flavors
The revolving door never stops
They came and went, couldn’t make a dent
Mate, this ain’t the Top of the Pops
 
When you gonna get your shit together?
You’re always changing like the weather
Baby you’re light as a feather
 
I read about this British band
But I know all too well their sort
They sang about Magic America
Then stood in line for passports
 
When you gonna get your shit together?
You’re always changing like the weather
Baby you’re light as a feather
 
England’s dreaming of the USA
Wishing they weren’t so far away
England’s dreaming of the USA
 
‘Cause all the while they’re making drones
Trying to sound like Strummer/Jones
Aping poses learned from books
‘Bout Rotten, Vicious, Jones, and Cook
From across the sea, no jet airliner
Can bring me no MacGowan/Finer
Hey Jackie Whitter, Debby Lauricella!
This CDs no Foxton/Weller
 
There’s been no hits ‘cept for Elton John
Don’t know how they got off track
The British invasion won’t be sweeping the nation
So hit the road, Union Jack
 
When you gonna get your shit together?
You’re always changing like the weather
Baby you’re light as a feather
 
England’s dreaming of the USA
Wishing they weren’t so far away
England’s dreaming of the USA
 
England’s dreaming of the USA
Trading in their currency
Turning green with envy
 
England’s dreaming
An’ Fingerling’s scheming
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

Feel

Do you need some love?
Do you dream of love
Really dream of love?
Do you feel my love
Do you feel my love?


Do you bleed for love
Really bleed for love?
We could be in love
We could be in love
Do you feel my love?


I told you not to mess around
And leave me hanging upside dow
Now I'm gonna show you woman
Sweet loving like you've never learned


Do you dream of love
Really cream for love?
We could be in love
We could be in love
Do you feel my love
Do you feel my love?

I told you not to mess around
And leave me hanging upside dow
Now I'm gonna show you woman
Sweet loving like you've never learned

I told you once and I told you twice
But you wouldn't make that sacrifice
Now I'm gonna show you woman
Sweet loving like you've never learned
Sweet loving like you've never learned
Sweet loving like you've never learned
Sweet loving like you've never learned

Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Flesh & Blood

(2007)

In this life we are given, a part each must play
Every man has a wall that stands in his way
Most choose not to conquer it, to simple life they aspire
With a house, a job, a wife, a yard, no need to climb higher

But given God’s gifts of music and fire
Like a moth to a flame, I compelled to climb higher
Feeble hearts and weak minds could not understand
What goes on inside the heart and soul and mind of such a man
For he has a mettle that he must test
And make use of the gifts from the God by whom he’s blessed

So to you who would conquer it, this is addressed
For I was born of the same fire of which you possess
Here well my story, mark you this quest
You princes and challengers who long for the test
For though you are strong, courage flows like a river
What life promises, it won’t always deliver

 
Flesh and blood, flesh and blood
Determined to conquer the wall
And I tried my hardest, but like a tree in the forest
I was doomed, and I was destined to fall
And I fell with such a thud
‘Cause I am only flesh and blood
And I could not conquer the wall

 2-

God gave me courage, made me real strong
With a heart full of fire and a head full of song
So when I saw the wall for which I was made
I knew it my destiny, I was not afraid
With the wall being conquered and victory mine
To take my rightful place amongst the lions of my time
I leapt to my fate when I heard the call
That the world would say “There is the man who made that wall fall”

 So I gathered my strength, I focused my mind
I swallowed my nerves, to make that wall mine
I summoned my cajones, I reached deep inside
I hardened my will, I would not be denied

 With all of my might I swung at the wall
But the harder they come, the harder they fall
Day after day I hammered away
But the bricks would not tremble, the wall would not sway

For God’s bitter enemy that I could not see
Like a soldier of Pontius Pilate, looked on, mocking me
ME! With the gifts of fire and song
Born to lead, and succeed, whom the Fates smiled upon

With all I acquired and all I’d been taught
I raged at the wall, but fall it would not
With bruised heart and knuckles I returned every day
But the mortar held firm and the wall would not give way
I put paid in years that will not be reversed
Though thy name be hallowed, thy will it be cursed

Flesh and blood, flesh and blood
Determined to conquer the wall
And I tried my hardest, but like a tree in the forest
I was doomed, and I was destined to fall
And I fell with such a thud
‘Cause I am only flesh and blood
And I could not conquer the wall 

3-

Haunted forever, no peace of mind
So I wander and I wonder what is on the other side
Beware you challengers, who long for the test
Of the sad, lonely life of the unfulfilled quest

 So when my time has expired, to dust have been cast
Maybe then there’ll be an end to my sorrow at last
But carve this on my tombstone to mark there my worth
“May the losers be winners, and the last finish first”

Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2007 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

 

For Love

Take it easy, sister
You gotta lotta left to live
I'd like to help you, sugar
But I got no more to give

I know you got your problems, pretty baby
Maybe more than your own share
But the truth hits like hammer
And this life, it just ain't fair

Soarin' high as a dove
Crash land from above
You know I did it for love

Softly buzzed the hummingbird
When you kissed me on the mouth
And I kept a light on for you child
But now all the birds gone south

Foolishly, you know I believed
That love would find a way
But love it is a mystery
Why do you got to hide yours away?

Couldn't lie if I tried
'Cause now that part of me died
You know I did it for love
I ain't that strong of a man
And what you don't understand
Is that I did it for love

So when you see me on Prince St.
Don't you act so surprised
If I cross on to the other side
An' just let you walk on by
But if you see me first, darling
Then you'll know where I been
I come crawlin' down this one-way street
I ain't never comin back again

Everything that you want
You know is right here to haunt
You know I did it for love
Everything that you need
Makes it hurt till I bleed
You know I did it for love

Maybe all that I can
Is maybe all that I am
You know I did it for love

Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

For My People

This one’s for my people who are cold
My brothers and sisters who are cold
Whose hurt knows no colors
Who can’t feel the sun
 
And this one’s for my people who are weak
My mothers and fathers who are weak
From digging and planting and pruning and growing
 
Can't you feel it slipping all away?

And this one’s for my people in the streets
My brothers and my sisters in the streets
Can’t get no justice
Can’t get no release
 
Can’t you feel it slipping all away?

And this one’s for my people everywhere
My brothers and my sisters everywhere
Love
 
Can’t you feel it slipping all away?
 
Keep climbing
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Girl in the Record Store

I can’t believe what I just saw
The most beautiful girl in the record store
I was sifting through the Chieftains
When I saw her in the back
I looked at her, she looked at me
And my heart began to crack
 
I followed her around the shop
My glance gave way to stares
Kenny was calling me
I was totally unaware
She took a look at Jane’s Addiction,
P.M. Dawn, and B.A.D.
While I was searching through CDs
That I already had
 
Hey you, I’ve got a wax jacket too
But I’ve never seen a girl like you before
Could have been love
Should have been more
Girl in the Record Store
 
Does she have her mother’s eyes
And her father’s nose?
Does she have a boyfriend?
I guess I’ll never know
I bet she works around here
Up on 57th Street
I bet she lives on the Upper West Side
I suppose we’ll never meet
 
Hey you, I’ve got a wax jacket too
But I’ve never seen a girl like you before
Could have been love
Should have been more
Girl in the Record Store
 
She bought The Pogues, picked up her bag
And walked out with her friend
There goes the girl of my dreams
I’ll never see again
She headed north up Broadway
To the arms of other men
Her hair, those legs, that wax jacket
My Mary Magdalene
Now I know what I’ve never known before
I should have spoke to the girl in the record store
 
Hey you, I’ve got a wax jacket too
But I’ve never seen a girl like you before
Could have been love
Should have been more
Girl in the Record Store
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

God’s Eyes

Are those God’s eyes
That opened up the sky for us to see?
And are those God’s eyes
That soothe the soul
And body torn and bruised?
They must be God’s eyes!
 
And I say
Your smile is too big for this earth
Your heart is too big for this earth
You’ve got God’s eyes
 
And we hurt so bad inside, see the sadness in their eyes
And you know the reason why
Now you know that we can’t wait, only one way to conquer hate
And you know the way is love
And the only way is love
 
Are those God’s eyes?
They must be God’s eyes!
 
And I say
Your smile is too big for this earth
Your heart is too big for this earth
You’ve got God’s eyes
 
And we hurt so bad inside, see the sadness in their eyes
And you know the reason why
Now you know that we can’t wait, only one way to conquer hate
And you know the way is love
And the only way is love
 
And the only way is love
And the only way is love
It's love love love
The only way is love
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Going Somewhere

I’m going somewhere after all these years
No longer prisoner of my fears
Leave that sinking ship so far behind
Gonna take some time, let my soul grow
Look around you, don’t you know?
Tomorrow is a brand-new day
For you and me
 
I’m going somewhere I could never climb
Peace of mind just could not find
Made me bitter, jealous, insecure
But now I finally threw away
The hang-ups I had yesterday
And tomorrow is a brand-new day
For you and me
 
I’m going somewhere I could only dream
I’m jumping off a trampoline
Mistakes I made, I’m leaving far behind
Gonna take it easy, take it slow
Beneath my feet the grass will grow
And tomorrow is a brand-new day
For you and me
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Grass

If you feel you’re drifting
Something is missing
The truth is concealed
If your heart has hardened
You wish you could be starting
To conquer what you fear
 
When we lie down in the grass along the way
 
If the mountains crumble, and the skies rumble
What would the waiting yield?
If we should stumble
It’s just a tumble
As we cross the fields
 
When we lie down in the grass along the way
When we lie down in the grass along the way
This don’t mean to be a big thing, it’s just to say
When we lie down in the grass along the way
 
If you think you’re no one
You can’t see you’re someone
When you close the door behind you now
If you think you’re nowhere
You just can’t see we’re somewhere
You never thought we’d find
 
When we lie down in the grass along the way
When we lie down in the grass along the way
This don’t mean to be a big thing, it’s just to say
When we lie down in the grass along the way
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

I Never Should Have Doubted You

Something ‘round here don’t sit right
When I’m walking home at night
Resentment hides amongst the trees
Where best friends become enemies
Woods so thick that it’s hard to walk
Throat so thick that it’s hard to talk
Begging to be reassured
But I couldn’t put it into words
 
Wandering on my own
I never felt so alone
Never took the time to think it through
So I never should have doubted you
 
Darkness can play tricks on you
Make you see things that just aren’t true
It’s pitch-black back behind the trees
Where suspicions become jealousies
Woods so thick that I could not see
Bringing out the worst in me
Saying things that tomorrow regrets
When morning comes to settle the debt
 
Sun shines, I wake to find
It’s not the truth, it’s just my mind
Never stopped to ask you if you knew
So I never should have doubted you
 
I’m searching for a sign
To lead me out of this despair
I went searching for someone
Who I thought would meet me there
 
In these woods there’s a clearing
But there is no diagram
And I don’t know where I am
 
Wandering on my own
I never felt so alone
Never took the time to think it through
So I never should have doubted you
 
Sun shines, I wake to find
It’s not the truth, it’s just my mind
Never stopped to ask you if you knew
So I never should have doubted you
 
I never should have doubted you
I never should have doubted you
After all the things that we’ve been through
I never should have doubted you
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

I Know Your Name (I Got Your Number)

(2006)

You and me, everyone could see
The spell you had me under
The thoughts you keep locked to yourself
I could only wonder
But now I know your name, I got your number
 
A pork-filled hawk with a corporate fork
Profiting from plunder
Me and you, better believe it, too
With bombs as loud as thunder
But now I know your name, I got your number
 
It’s all true
It just depends which side you’re on
It’s up to you
What are you fighting for?
Why so insecure?
Can’t you see that we
All want to make you happy?
 
Stealing oil from foreign soil
And profiting from plunder
You and me, even a fool could see
The spell you had me under
But now I know your name, I got your number
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Len’s House

I dreamt we were all standing
Upon the cold Priestfields
The early morning sun broke through the clouds
In orange peals
John Booker, Alec Lindsay,
Even old Finnegan was there
Stop at the shop for the Sunday Times
Leave your cleats below the stairs
 
Late at night when I feel so all alone
The smell of Len’s house takes me home
When I lie in bed and all of those friends
The smell of Len’s takes me back again
 
I dreamt we were all driving upon the Old Kent Road
Can’t wait to get to London, her streets are paved with gold
We saw the sights and drank the pints
Then stumbled to the car
And drove back to The Waggon
Taff was waiting at the bar
 
I tried so hard to write this song
But all the words just came out wrong
And all the chords just didn’t belong
But it’s too painful to prolong
Too hard to stay strong
Gotta move along
(or did he sing “Gotta mow the lawn”?)
 
I think about those times, you know
There’ll never be another
I think about those friends
We were friends and we were brothers
I want to take the “A” to JFK
To catch the latest plane
And stand high on the Priestfields
And do it all again
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

 
Like Dragonflies

This life’s so short
And between two tides we’re caught
Into the future we stumble blind
Too scared of something we might find
We trip and slip and stumble lest we fall
 
We move so fast
Too soon the moment’s passed
We’re rushing quick to get somewhere
We never stop and lay while there
We just can’t see the wonder of it all
 
Is it true
The way I feel for you?
Or is it a lie?
'Cause it feels so real inside
As we skim across the surface of our lives
Like dragonflies, into the light
 
I recall, like footsteps down the hall
Friendships that have come and gone
And lovers that I’ve since moved on
So let’s drift upon this moment ‘fore it’s gone
 
Is it true
The way I feel for you?
Or is it a lie?
'Cause it feels so real inside
As we skim across the surface of our lives
Like dragonflies, into the light
 
My dearest dreams escaping me
The wall seems too steep to climb
But I’ve only got tomorrow left to find a way
And if all the doors swing open baby
And we finally rush on through
Then we’ve only got tomorrow left
To find out what it means, and how it feels
And what it brings, my darling girl
 
If we let go, and we let our feelings grow
Don’t be afraid to show me your love
We’ll ride that sweet breeze so high above
Well we just cant see the wonder of it all
We trip and slip and stumble lest we fall
We just can’t see the wonder of it all
 
Na na na na na, na na na na na
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Mary

Let me in Mary
Let me into your heart
'Cause if you let me in, Mary
Girl, I'm gonna soothe your aching heart

Let me in Mary
Let me into your soul
'Cause if you let me in, Mary
Girl, I'm gonna move your soul

So let's kiss awhile...

Let me in Mary
Let me into your mind
You know by that I mean
You gotta let me into your
Ma-ma-ma-mind
'Cause if you let me in, Mary
Girl, I'm gonna blow your mind

Let me in Mary
Let me into your soul
'Cause if you let me in, Mary
Girl, you're gonna lose control

Cause if you let me in, Mary
Girl, I'm gonna
move
your
soul

Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

My Note to Rose

(2007)

 Hurry hurry mailman, and get my note to Rose
Tell her to forget those guys she knows
Say how her heart will glow
When she and I get close
Hurry up and get my note to Rose

 Take it to that woman, this note that I composed
See to it my heart and soul’s exposed
Have her read my prose
With hugs and kisses enclosed
Hurry up and get my note to Rose

 Though I am a poor boy
Was not first in line
Ain’t got no fame or fortune
She’ll still want to be mine
 For though I am a poor boy
I was born one of a kind
And it don’t take no money, buddy
For me to blow her mind

 Put it in her hand, from her future beau
Tell her 'bout the love she's never known
We'll get sand between our toes
And kiss like Eskimos
Hurry up and get my note to Rose

 Mr. USPS do not travel slow
Quickly now, and steady as she goes
Fly there like a crow
See to it she knows
Hurry up and get my note to Rose

 Explain that there’s no cons, that there are only pros
Tell that doe how I will ease her woes
Say how our love will grow
For you reap as you shall sow
Hurry up and get my note to Rose

The tingling she will know
From Fingerling’s sweet prose
Hurry up and get my note to Rose 

Make her understand
Put her in my throes
Put it in her hand
So I know she knows
Tell her I'm her man
Say that she's my doe
Hurry up and get my note to Rose

 I said hurry up and get my note to Rose
You better hurry up and get my nose to Rose

My Sugar Girl

As I walk down these streets
I feel time passing me by
I think of who I could have been
All things I might have tried
Then you come along
Knock me right off my feet
When you throw your arms around me girl
Give me lovin’ so sweet
 
Come with me girl
Up on top of that hill
We’ll sit and watch the sun go down
And be who we will
Then we’ll count the stars
In the heaven so deep
When I see you on my sugar girl
And I sing you to sleep
 
Don’t let this world get you down
I know in time you’ll see that it spins around
Sure as night turns into day
You’re gonna wake and see these things
In a different way
 
Well I laugh when you smile
And I hurt when you fall
It grieves me so my darling girl
To see your back up against the wall
So I’ll hold you real close with a promise to keep
When I see you on my sugar girl
And I sing you to sleep
 
Don’t ever be afraid to try
And keep your soul as free as a butterfly
Make your heart a burning flame
And keep the sky forever in your aim
 
Through the darkest of nights
The most blinding of lights
From this settling dusk
To the morning’s first light
I’ll carry your cross
No more you’re gonna weep
When I see you on my sugar girl
And I sing you to sleep
When I see you on my sunflower
Ooh yea!
When I see you on my sugar girl
And I sing you to sleep
 So come on
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Poor Me

(2007)

Since she left I got a lot of what they call the moans
'Cause ever since she went away my house just ain't a home
 
Remembering those kisses
So high above the world
Remembering the time she was my girl
 
You love her, You need her, you had her but you let her go
The smile you can't erase another guy puts on her face
 
Remembering those kisses
So high above the world
Remembering the time she was my girl
 
Poor me, poor me
I was blind, couldn't see
Story goes, poor me
 
And ever since she left the bed is burning where she slept
My house is not a home, you think it's cool to be alone?
 
Poor me, poor me
I was lost in a dream
Story goes, poor me
 
As long as I'm alive
No matter who I find
And when I'm 85
I'll still be wishing you would change your mind
I'll still be wishing your lips were kissing mine
 
Remembering those kisses
So high above the world
Remembering the time she was my girl

'Cause I know what it's like to be alone
And you don't wan to be alone

Poor me, poor me
I was blind, couldn't see
Story goes, poor me
Lucky you, poor me
Must have all been a dream
Used to be, poor me
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Rise

Lift the veil that blinds you
Tear down the ruler’s gate
Shout out to the heavens
Feel the sun reverberate
The sky belongs to painters
The stars, they are for poets
The earth belongs to dreamers
And you know it
So get on up, get on up, and rise
 
We were born to dance
We were born to sing
We are born with the power
To rise one day like towers
Be anyone you want to be
Do anything you want to do
Make peace with your enemy
‘Cause he’s your brother too
Get on up, get on up, and rise
 
Presidents and preachers
Soldiers and believers
We've got to make a world that holds all the people
The time it has come
To question what you’re told
The time it has come
To rise up and take control!
Because our love will save the world and that is all
I said
Our love will save the world
And that is all
 
So get on up get on up
An' see yourself as I see you
Get on up get on up
You should see the light burn in your heart!
Get on up get on up
Don’t waste what the good Lord gave you
Get on up get on up
And rise
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

River of Soul

Born near midnight
In the middle of the road
Born near midnight
Then my mother, she hit the road
 
I don't care for nothin'
Don’t give no damn for what you’ve been told
Cause I was born with nothin'
‘Till I jumped into the river of soul
 
My daddy raised me
Yes he taught me to use my head
He don’t take nothin' from no one
He’s New York born and bred
 
My daddy threw me in 
Just to see if I’d sink or float
An’ I was born with nothing
‘Till he chucked me in the river of soul
 
The river of soul
River of soul
Stoned me just like jelly roll
River of Soul
River of soul
It’s got to be baby
All you can be baby

Feeling mellow
Feel like going for a swim
Feeling mellow
Hey baby why don’t you just jump right on in?
 
You will feel the beating
Surrender to the bass and drums
You will find the meaning
When you jump into the river of soul
 
My daddy threw me in
Just to see if I'd sink or float
An I was born with nothing
Till he chucked me in the river of soul
That’s all
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Saint Stephen’s Green

I was knocking back a few at The Oak
When she asked me if I knew a good joke
She said she was a poet and her name was Kate
But her publishing deal wasn’t going so great
She had a string of pearls and skin of cream
And eyes the crystal color
Of aquamarine
 
Have you ever seen
The most brilliant sparkle that’s ever been?
Her eyes were Saint Stephen’s Green
 
She carried ‘round an extra-large purse
Swollen from her volumes of verse
Well she’s got all the books
And she’s studied the greats
From e.e. cummings
To W.B. Yates
But neither “Captain, Oh Captain!”
Nor “Lorelei”
Shimmer like the glimmer
Of her emerald eyes
 
Have you ever seen
The most brilliant sparkle that’s ever been?
Her eyes were Saint Stephen’s Green
 
In this great big world
Of a million men
I wanna be the one when she
Opens up those eyes again

She said she had some places to be
She’s gonna recite some of her poetry
But those eyes haven’t seen the last of me
I’ll make like Phillip Larkin or Thomas Hardy
I’m gonna sit right down and write her a haiku
Or put my admiration
In a sonnet or two
 
Have you ever seen
The most brilliant sparkle that’s ever been?
Her eyes were Saint Stephen’s Green
 
(Will she ever write a letter?
June is better late than never
Will she ever write a letter?
June is better late
It’s better late
And I can’t wait forever)

Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

Saturday in New York

Let me tell you all a story
A wanton tale of sin
The most despicable journey
On which I have ever been
We met at half eleven
On Court Street, in O’Rourkes
That’s where we started drinking
On a Saturday in New York
 
We made our way that Saturday
Out of that old gin mill
There was Gilmore, Cooper, and Gallagher
Who came from Boreum Hill
Men with balls of iron
To whom liquor was a meal
Men of old, brave and bold
With livers made of steel
 
We marched along the wooden planks
Upon the Brooklyn Bridge
Jim brought along a 12-pack
He had chillin’ in the fridge
The October wind was whippin’ round
The shades upon my face
And that bag of beer was empty
By the time we reached Park Place
 
The glasses were a-clangin’
As we toasted Shane MacGowan
The pints came fast and furious
The whiskey we were downin’
The Guinness was so thick
That you could cut it with a fork
That’s how we spent a Saturday
Drinking in New York
 
We landed over in Jeremy’s
By the banks of the East River
Said “Bartender, four quarts of foam
How fast can you deliver?”
We drank our way through Walker’s,
Fanelli’s, the White Horse
We found comfort in their darkness
As the whiskey ran its course
 
Suddenly, it dawned on me
Our currency was done
Then in through the McSorley’s doors
Walked Major Andersend
I said “Hey, Big E, I’ll buy a drink
If you lend a twenty”
He smiled and said “Now boys,
The next one is on me”
 
We stumbled out into the light
With not a penny nor a care
Then fuck my luck!
A Citibank
By Washington Square

We drank Maker's at Millady's
And Chimay at The Room
We drank Sapphire at The Four-Faced Liar
As Johnny Walker lowered the boom

We slid into the bowels of hell
At West 4th Street
And crawled upon an uptown “C”
And laid across the seats
I was hurting for a second wind
The boys were almost snoring
Then who jumps on at 50th Street
But good ol’ Sean Storin
“Where you goin’ fellas?
I’ll join you for a few”
“We’re going to the Bear Bar
To drink with Joe Carew!”
 
Sure enough, Crazy Joe
Was sitting at the bar
Drinking 50-cent beers
And whiskey in the jar
Sean snuck in a bottle of wine
And threw away the cork
That’s how we spent a Saturday
Drinking in New York
 
We sang “Take a Walk on the Wild Side”
And “Rockaway Beach”
Another shot of Absolut
And it kicked me in the teeth
I went out to get some air
And I nearly lost my feet
Johnny Ramone and Edgar Allan Poe
Were walking down the street
 
I know it all sounds crazy
But I tell you, it’s the truth
Working at the pizza place
Was John Lennon and Babe Ruth
I went back inside the door
And all I saw were strangers
‘Till I recognized Walt Whitman
And the 1940 Rangers
 
The last thing I remember
I was lying on the floor
And got puke on Brendan Behan
As he helped me out the door
I passed out on the curb
You couldn’t move me with a pitchfork
That’s how we spent a Saturday
Drinking in New York
 
That’s how we woke up Sunday morning
Drinking in New York
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Sleep Softly Now

Sleep softly now
You’re on your way
To a better place
 
I asked my Lord today
To take your pain away
He said ok
She’s on her way
 
Now don’t be scared
‘Cause she’s almost there
Well he said to dry your tears
Cause I’m waiting here
Yea he said now it’s alright
‘Cause she’s in the light
 
And I asked my Lord today
Would it always hurt this way?
He said for a while
Until she makes you smile
She lived and loved so true
Now she wants the same for you
Whatever you do
She’s watching over you
 
Well he said now it’s ok
Was always written this way
He said to dry your tears
‘Cause I’m waiting here
He said we’re not alone
And that she’s almost home
He said to tell you it’s alright
‘Cause she’s in the light
 
Sleep softly now
Sleep softly now
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Summer Song

And when you figure out
What you're life is all about
I will be here waiting for you
 
And when you come across
All the feelings that you lost
I will be there waiting for you
 
And when you sleep
With all the secrets you keep
And when you wake
Another story to fake
 
And when you finally find
—No matter what they say about you—
All the things you left behind
I will be here waiting for you
 
And when you figure out
What your fucked-up life is all about
I will be there, I will be there
 
And when you sleep
With all the secrets you keep
And in the end
Nothing left to pretend
Tell me
Cause I’m dying to know
 
Well I thought by now I’d know you
But I don’t
‘Cause I thought by now you’d show me
But you won’t
Well you can change your mind a thousand times
And search for clues between the lines
But there will never be another summer like this one again
 
You can change your mind a thousand times
The white-lace curtain that you hide behind
But there will never be another summer like this one again
 
Don't you know it makes me sad? 
Because there will never be another summer like this one again
 
Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Sweet Little Marigold

I woke up in the morning
Baby with you on my mind
Just can’t see the reason
Baby why we’re wasting time
What’s the use in waiting?
Baby grab the bull by the horns
 
You’re always in a hurry
Girl why don’t you take your time?
You got a lot of worry
Take the load right off your mind
What’s the use in worry?
Baby grab the bull by the horns
 
Sweet little marigold
You never do what you’re told
 
I got advice from Momma
And I took a tip from Pop
Don’t live your life in misery
Got to give it all you got
 
What’s the use in waiting?
Honey that’s why we’re born
Ain’t no use in waiting
Baby grab the bull by the horns
 
Sweet little marigold
You never do what you’re told
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Tell Me You Love Me Again

Tell me you love me again
Tell me you love me again
Tell me you love me
And always think of me
Tell me you love me again
 
Tell me you’ll kiss me again
Tell me you’ll kiss me again
Tell me you’ll kiss me
Tell me you missed me
Tell me you’ll kiss me again
 
Tell me now
Because I can’t be that strong
Tell me now
Before all my hope is gone
 
Tell me you want me
The truth is you haunt me
Tell me you want me again
Tell me you love me again
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Oral Groove Harm Money Music/ASCAP

Watch Your Step

Mister Politician
Why do you keep us wishing
One day we’ll see a leader
Who’ll bring about real change?
This world will strip you bare
If you don’t watch out and don’t take care
Some times this life, you know
Just don’t seem so fair
 
The cement’s still wet
You’d better watch your step
 
Mister Politician
Why is it you don’t listen
To the million decent people
Who voted in your name?
Just trying to improve their circumstance
And give their kids a better chance
Sometimes this life, you know
Gets kicked back in your face
 
The cement’s still wet
You’d better watch your step
Be careful now as you advance
The serpent lies within the grass
You’d better watch your step
 
And you tell me I should trust you
That war will bring us peace
And you tell me that you’re honest
But what's that up your sleeve?
When you tell me that you’ll help me
You know, all I hear is
La la la la la la la la la
 
Mister Politician
An appalling lack of vision
Who rapes the earth and sells them fear
To keep them in their place
The truth’s another casualty
Of your irresponsibility
Sometimes this life, you know
Leaves a bitter taste
 
The cement’s still wet
You’d better watch your step
Be careful now as you advance
The serpent lies within the grass
You’d better watch your step
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP

Your Way

So glad we did it your way
And I’m not frightened anymore
So glad we did it your way
And now together we can soar
So glad we did it your way
Your way
 
And when we rise
The sunlight sweetly calls your name
Through the seasons and the rain
That you can’t explain the mystery
 
So glad we did it your way
Now I’m not afraid to fall
So glad we did it your way
Or I might have lost it all
So glad we did it your way
Your way
 
And when we kiss
The sunlight races through my veins
And when I breathe you in
Nothing here could ever be the same
That you can’t explain the mystery
 
So glad we did it your way
And I’m not frightened anymore
So glad we did it your way
And now together we can soar
So glad we did it your way
Your way
 
Your way
Love you
 
 Lyrics by Ed Fingerling ©2006 Good Hurt Music/ASCAP