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Stolen Season (unmastered digital release)

by S. J. Tucker

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1.
Have no say in what's at stake Hatching from a tempest egg Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Call the storm on thunder's wings Falling stone and broken things Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Watch your step as owls pass Rusty nails and broken glass Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Step right out from in between Blasted doors and broken dreams Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Tap the keg of witches' brew Be the child who speaks the truth Black swan tear the temple down Black swan tear the temple down Black swan tear the temple down Black swan tear the temple down Walking tall into the fray Light the match and step away Catch to kill another day Baby do I look like prey to you? Cuz I have some say in what's at stake Tempest tossed but not about to break Singing up the wind and rain Gonna shake you down with my refrain Stepping out from in between I got tricks you've never seen Drinking down the witches brew Gonna be the one who speaks the truth Black swan tear the temple down Black swan tear the temple down Black swan tear the temple down Black swan tear the temple dooooown Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down Black swan tore the temple down
2.
Magic finds us kicking up the dust along the road Silence travels farther than a story often told Vagabond I've been, and vagabond I'll always be, running down the devil at every crossroads that I see. I never thought to be called back to a home that I outgrew, but the summer's gone, the call is strong and there's something I must do. Thought I knew all of the stories that a Southern girl could know but there's a dream of Mississippi that I never tell a soul. There's a boy there with his arms outstretched to me when I pass by. Some days, I wish my heart were dead, too tired to even cry. When missing him is all I do, the days all pass me by like these dreams of Mississippi and these ghosts who cannot lie. Oh, this ring rests on my finger like a veve on a wall and whispers gather 'round me, come to dance when darkness falls. Everything I see adds up to say the tale is tall, but back into his arms is really not that far to fall. There is moonlight on the river where I never thought I'd go. There's a dream of Mississippi that I never tell a soul. At night, I swear I feel him, and so my eyes stay closed. The distance brings us closer now than ever I supposed. Who knows? So I'm going where the sunshine shimmers right through summer's end, where the heat will lay you out before the harvest comes to mend. A world I thought was done with me has called me back again with these dreams of Mississippi and this ghost who calls me friend. There is moonlight on the river where I never thought I'd go. There's a dream of Mississippi that I never tell a soul. Thought I knew all of the stories that a Southern girl could know. There's a dream of Mississippi that I never tell a soul.
3.
Lost my reason on the dance floor on a sultry summer night, took a turn to Billie Holiday and dared to hold you tight. Standing at the edge, you say, "It's gonna be all right. Baby, don't you let the dream go down, go down." Swapping songs for cigarettes underneath a summer moon, we watch each other moving to an easy autumn tune. Now every time I turn around, it seems that I'll be leaving soon, but don't you let the dream go down, go down. I can almost touch it now. Can't you see me reaching out? Mustn't ever let this fire go out. Baby, don't you let the dream go down. Crazy is how things have been underneath my selkie skin ever since you let me in. Baby, don't you let the dream go down. Perhaps I'm steering sideways 'cause I haven't got a clue, just another dreamer with an awful lot to prove. I only know I love you, and I love the way you move. Baby, don't you let the dream go down, go down Like my reason on the dance floor on a sultry summer night. Took a turn to Big Bad Gina and I dared to hold you tight. Standing at the edge, I guess it better be all right. Baby, don't you let the dream go down, go down. Baby, don't you let the dream go down.
4.
I feel this magic come and wrap around me like a vine. Lover, can you trust yourself to believe in lullabies? I don't know who's wilder. I don't really have to try to know all of the answers. I will hold you by and by. Lover, let me stay a while, and I'll weave you lullabies. You are laid so low with loving me, you can barely see the sky, but love, you're not the only one needing holding when you cry. I don't know the road ahead. I don't really have to try to hold all of the answers. I'll just hold you by and by. Lover, could you put a little faith in lullabies? I feel your magic coming. Wrap it 'round me like a vine. Lover, let me stay a while. Put your trust in lullabies. I don't know who's wilder. I don't really have to try to know all of the answers. I will know you by and by. Lover, can you trust me, and believe in lullabies? Oh, lover, let me stay a while, and I'll weave you lullabies.
5.
"Who do you belong to, little girl? Why do you wander in the deep, dark wood?" It's not an easy answer, I'm afraid. She fits your little story, but she's up to no good. Growing up means growing into war, waiting to be broken just to understand, going where you've never gone before, changing into devil just as fast as you can. Wolves shall croon in your merciless ear. Don't believe everything that you hear. Wear your color high and tilt your head just so. Maybe nobody will know. Who is more a dragon or a danger? Who's to say? Stolen fairytale girls never get to take the easy way. A danger and a devil disguised as a child at play, Masha raises her head to say, "I belong to me. Even now, even here, I belong to me." Drink the souls of songbirds, little girl. Spin your lie like thread and suck the music down. Counterfeit to hardness all you will. Everybody knows that you're from out of town. Trust the devil never to let go, mixing hell and romance just like any other fool. Wisely, you must heed a sister's words: love comes down to nothing more than who is to rule. Coral coaxes, red compels, green for daring, blue for bargains fell. You are dear to me, and I'll never tell how afraid you are. Shouldering a rifle, more to prove with every breath, stolen fairytale girls make the difference between life and death. It all comes down to choices, but you've only the hard ones left, and so, all you can say is "I belong to me. Even now, even here!" So when he comes a-courting with a kingdom in his hand, clever fairytale girls strike the hardest of all bargains. As long as love's around, we'll tell the story again and again. I think this is where I came in. I belong to me. Even now, even here. "Who do you belong to, little girl? Why do you wander in the deep, dark wood?" It's not an easy answer, I'm afraid. I may fit the story, but I'm up to no good.
6.
I come from the land of the wild river gods where the Joker was never a throwaway card. Better keep this in mind when you bank on the odds, or I'll wash your soul away. My mother the moon, my father the tide gave me wisdom enough to be nobody's bride. You may think that you're tough, sugar. Swallow your pride or I'll wash your soul away. I won't mean to do it. I just take it as it comes when the black rain falls and the west wind hums. But you cannot stop the river if she decides Tonight's her night to rise. I am more than a prize to be won by your smile. I'm a wind and a storm and a wild river child. If you've got what it takes, we could talk for a while 'til I wash your soul away Sirens may sing, prophets decry, hucksters all claim that they'll teach you to fly. In the time that it takes just to form your reply I will wash your soul away. So help me, I'm a wild, wild river. So help me, I'm a wild, wild river child. I won't mean to do it. I just take it as it comes when the black rain falls and the west wind hums I won't mean to hurt you when I do what I do but you can't stop the river. With my brother the mud, my sister the air I will walk with the flood like a captain's despair. See, I don't suffer fools. I've seen more than my share, and I'll wash your soul away. Hold onto me tightly. Let 'em all stare. The dance floor is ours, and we make quite the pair, but I'm telling you once and for all, have a care. I've a heart that's bound to stray. They don't call me River for nothing. I will wash your soul away. So help me, I'm a wild, wild river. So help me, I'm a wild, wild river child.
7.
Temptress 06:08
Just a bad boy from the get-go with a chivalrous streak a mile wide, devil on your shoulder, angel at your side. So you work best single-handed. Give a girl half of a chance. A lady never rushes her engagements, and we've only just started to dance. Sin from your lips, and I'm listening, though you're far from the first that I've had. My middle name is Temptation. I got by you babe, but don't feel too bad. It's true, I've had a little bit of practice at the length and breadth of this game. You can run from my kiss, but I promise you this: you're never gonna be the same. Fallen angel, beautiful thief, pretty little vampire cuttin' her teeth; regardless of the lady or her level of disgrace, you just can't say no to a pretty face. The city is sleepin' safe and sound. "Nevernever" never had it so fine. As for me, I can be patient 'cause some day, you are gonna be mine. Oh, honey, I know that it's been a long time. Your cloak's gone a little bit gray. I can help you out with your troubles, but you have to let me stay. You already gave me permission to slip beneath your skin. Why bear the weight of the whole damn world when all you gotta do is let me in? You can't return to what you were before you took first blood, but I've got your back if you let me. An angel never breaks her word. Mama will make it all better, lift you up when you're down from leavin' a part of your gigantic heart in the paranormal lost-and-found. Fallen angel, beautiful thief, pretty little vampire cuttin' her teeth; regardless of the lady or her level of disgrace, you just can't say no to a pretty face. The city is sleepin' safe and sound. "Nevernever" never had it so fine. As for me, I am bloody well patient 'cause some day, you are gonna be mine! Chicago is sleepin' safe and sound. "Nevernever" never had it so fine. As for me, I can be patient 'cause some day, you're gonna be mine. As for me, I am bloody well patient 'cause some day, you're gonna be mine. Said some fine day, you'll be mine.
8.
I knew these woods so well before. Now I've lost the path that led me down to your door. Breadcrumbs lost forever on the forest floor, and the wolves are circling me. I know there's treasure yet to find, but I must either lose myself or leave you behind. I never meant you any harm at all, did not think I'd come here just to watch your castle fall. By moonlight and by falling snow, I call upon your oath to let me go. I must wrap my world around me and leave you where you are. I can't believe I've lost you after flying half this far, but it was just a stolen season in a lovely house of cards. I thought I knew this game, thought I'd lure you from your winter wood before I knew your name. It turns out neither one of us is prey 'cause I'd barely aimed my arrow when you carried me away. We were all the ways that fools rush in. If I could spare the blood, I'd surely winter here again, but they'll be missing me outside. It's been half a stolen season and a roller coaster ride. By moonlight and by winter's throne, I call upon your oath to let me go. I would turn at night to hold you as you dream and keep you safe in the way the summer calls upon the winter for escape, but we've spent a stolen season taking all that we can take. I would hold onto the magic we have made but the seasons must turn and the icicles fade. Small wonder we could not withstand the spring, surviving on a diet of the kisses wishes bring. Thief that I am, I'll be found out and your fairy fruit will surely turn to ashes in my mouth. It matters not what riches I have found 'cause I know too much of leaving to be still and settle down. By moonlight and the tears I've known, I call upon your oath to let me go. Sleep will never find me 'til the morning air has turned if I can't reach out to hold you in the dark and keep you warm, but it was just a stolen season where we danced a perfect storm. You are only ever playing me for keeps with a love that's warm and wild while winter sleeps. In all your kingdom, I'm the one who'll not be ruled. Spring has come, and all I've done is weep. If I'm to steer without your star, I'll have plenty of time for dancing in the dark. First I have to learn the trick of holding up my head again and flying blind. Even in our dreaming, we are running out of time, but it was just a stolen season in a land that wasn't mine. We have fair destroyed each other, souls together, worlds apart, but what you call a stolen season was the harvest of my heart. What you call a stolen season was the harvest of my heart.
9.
Handsome rogue, lay you down and dream for a while. I am not so far away as it seems right now. Make your wish. Find me there, resting sweet in your loving arms. Handsome rogue, lay you down and dream. Oh my wonder, my own, come and dream for a while. I am closer than ever before right now. Once you start to unwind, close your eyes & you'll find me. Handsome rogue, lay you down and dream. I know that you're weary from the workaday mundane. I may be far flung, but I can see how you strain from way out here. From your brain to your bones to your bed, oh beloved, come rest your head. My huckleberry boy, come and dream for a spell. I am closer than even the stories you tell. Second star to the right, and you'll find me where it fell. Handsome rogue lay you down and dream.
10.
Little Bird 02:56
If I am a little bird next time I open up my eyes, I'm gonna have to learn how to spread my wings and fly and turn loose of all the things that try to keep me on the ground. I got no time to be afraid, so you're not gonna catch me lookin' down. I'm gonna shake my tail and spread my wings. I'm gonna catch that wind as it's rushing by. I'm gonna raise my voice and sing! If I am a little flame, or else a dancing thunderstorm, I'm gonna have all kinds of ways to keep my little spirit warm. I might scare somebody here and there so they wish me on my way. That's how it goes when you're too much, or big and bad and here to stay. I'm gonna shake my tail and spread my wings. I'm gonna catch that lightning for my very own! I'm gonna raise my voice and sing! Ooh, if what you're seeing doesn't feed you, it isn't 'cause your appetite's gone wild, more like what they're sellin' doesn't serve you. Well, I double-dare you to do your own thing, child! If you feel a little lost, and some days you just wanna scream, chin up, little fish. I bet there's something good upstream. Keep on swimmin' and chasin' after your big dreams! I cannot tell a lie: I've seen that even fish can fly! C'mon, shake your tail! Spread your wings! Catch that sweet current rushing by! Raise your voice and sing! Said shake your tail! Spread your wings! Catch that wind! Let it lift you high as you raise your voice and sing! C'mon, raise your voice and sing!
11.
I feel this magic come and wrap around me like a vine. Lover, can you trust yourself to believe in lullabies? I don't know who's wilder. I don't really have to try to know all of the answers. I will hold you by and by. Lover, let me stay a while, and I'll weave you lullabies. You are laid so low with loving me, you can barely see the sky, but love, you're not the only one needing holding when you cry. I don't know the road ahead. I don't really have to try to hold all of the answers. I'll just hold you by and by. Lover, could you put a little faith in lullabies? I feel your magic coming. Wrap it 'round me like a vine. Lover, let me stay a while. Put your trust in lullabies. I don't know who's wilder. I don't really have to try to know all of the answers. I will know you by and by. Lover, can you trust me, and believe in lullabies? Oh, lover, let me stay a while, and I'll weave you lullabies.

about

A new concoction of fairytale folk and jazz, woven together with Southern ghost stories, strong blues influences, fantasy fiction, music-heavy web comics, and a good old-fashioned ridiculous love affair.

This release contains S. J.'s unmastered mixes and is recommended for those who want to hear it NOW, as opposed to waiting until after her mastering engineer has had time to work his magic. S. J. will post the mastered version of this album as soon as it's ready. Money from downloads of the unmastered tracks will go toward printing, replication, and mastering of the CD release. THANK YOU!!

credits

released January 9, 2015

Mixed & produced by S. J. Tucker.
All songs & recordings Copyright S. J. Tucker 2015, all rights reserved.
Promo art by Chaz Kemp
www.chazkempillustration.com

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S. J. Tucker Perry, Arkansas

“Without our songs and stories, we are nothing.” S. J. Tucker has been captain of her own music career since 2004, when she left the workaday world behind to sing songs and change lives. Tucker is the voice of lore at the campfire and the sharp laughter of modern myth. With one hand anchored in her art and the other held out to us, she is songs and stories, community and wit. ... more

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