1. |
Witchka (Mischief, 2010)
05:00
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Sweet sixteen and bold as love
the danger I've been dreaming of
Sweet sixteen and here she comes; I see the
candlelight from her window.
She just bought her first book of spells--
one step further from the wishing wells of
childhood. She's a woman grown.
I tell you, girls, if I had known,
I'd do it all over exactly the same.
She walked into my life and I sang
Witchka! Where have you been?
Tell me 'bout the trouble you've been in!
Twenty-six and mad as hell,
who'd'a thought that I would fall for this
turned-around, pouty-lipped Tinkerbelle?
One step further from the wishing well, but
what's her coven gonna say?
All I know, when I see her face, she makes
every little fairy princess fade away.
Here she comes, and I say
Witchka! Where have you been?
Tell me 'bout the Mischief....oh, Witchka!
Book of shadows and a lock of hair,
she holds me there, she does not care.
Witchka!
From her little pointy boots to her pouty lip,
you can tell she's thinking herself the shit.
Well, who am I to teach her to watch and wait?
A witch decides a witch's fate.
She's gonna learn the hard way--that's all right.
She says she likes it hard some nights.
Keep a close eye on her witchy ways.
She'll surprise us all one day!
Say, Witchka! Where have you been?
Tell me 'bout the trouble you've been in.
Witchka, my, how you have grown--
time to make this world your own!
Witchka! What have you done?
Everything from raising hell to having fun!
Witchka! Where have you been!
Tell me 'bout the mischief....oh
Book of shadows and a lock of hair,
she holds me there, she does not care (2x)
Sweet sixteen and bold as love,
the danger I've been dreaming of (2x)
Witchka!
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2. |
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You think you know witches from stories and such
maybe the truth isn't asking too much
we look at the future and help it along
to stir such a cauldron, you've got to be strong
it's grander than fiction, the life that we lead.
Just think of your prospects, my darling take heed:
a sprinkle of glamour, a dollop of charm, trading
family secrets and recipes long as your arm!
Ask us to glance at your schedule next week.
We'll churn you a forecast that wriggles and reeks
made of salt and umbrellas and typewriters too
and all of the things that you're ever to do
There's no need for vanity, no need for fuss.
We know that you're bursting to be one of us.
We stir up the truth, but it's never to harm, steeped in
family secrets and recipes long as your arm!
(chorus)
Tyranny’s child has not broken us yet
Try as she might, not a drop will she get
Tyranny's tantrums have come into play
striking down witches for what we don't say
Oh, no
On the outside we look proper and prim but we
battle nobility's ill-advised whim.
Shameless and shining, we always ask why, for
what cooks in our cauldron could call down the sky.
Best believe we fought hard when temptation arrived
threatening with lions and offering bribes
We'd not do her bidding and draw down the moon, though she
murdered our brothers and mother for want of a spoon!
*
Tyranny's child has not broken us yet
Try as she might, not a drop will she get!
Tyranny's tantrums have come into play,
striking down witches for want of a day!
Oh, no.
It's when we are human that you must take care
and learn how to dance when there's blood on the air.
The world is a dangerous place, little one, but
you already know there are marvelous deeds to be done!
Wicked and strong in our shining we stand, straight
backed with a drop of the future to hand; it's
when we are human that you must take care, but
wonders will come to you, darling if only you dare!
Tyranny's child has not broken us yet!
Try as she might, not a drop will she get!
Tyranny's towers can't topple too soon
from striking down witches for want of a spoon,
Oh no!
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3. |
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I forbid ye maidens all
who let fly your lovely hair
to go down to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there
Janet tied her kirtle green
above her knee and not below
and she's gone to Carterhaugh
just as fast as she can go
She's come to the roses growing wild
she's pulled a single one
when a wild young man appears
and cries 'O, lady, let alone!
'How dare you pull my roses out,
How dare you break my tree
How dare you run in these green woods
Without asking leave of me?'
Says Janet fair 'this wood's my own
My father gave it me
And I can pluck myself a rose
Without asking leave of thee.'
Bold as brass, he takes her hand
and color rises to her skin
She looks the young man in the eye
and knows him now for young Tam Lin.
I forbid ye maidens all
who let fly your lovely hair
to go down to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there
Janet holds her petticoats
well above her dirty knee
and she's gone to her father's hall
just as fast as she can hie.
All the ladies of the court
at their play turn red as rose
except for Janet, fainting fast,
green as growing grass she goes
Out then speaks her father dear,
doting, caring, meek and mild.
'Janet, darling daughter mine,
I fear you go with child.'
'Father, if I be with child,
be sure myself shall bear the blame.
There's not a knight within your hall
shall get the baby's name.
Father, if I be with child,
'twill prove a wondrous birth
for well I swear it's not the get
of any mortal man on earth.'
I forbid ye maidens all
who let fly your lovely hair
to go down to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there
Janet's tied her kirtle green
When near nine months are gone
And she's away to Carterhaugh,
To speak with young Tam Lin.
But young Tam Lin will not be found
and Janet's in despair
to the forest floor she falls
and swift her lover catches her
Janet asks 'Tam Lin, my love,
why is it in these woods you hide?'
'The queen of faeries stole me hence,
alas, when I was but a child.
'My lordly sire was a skillful man
and hunting he loved well
but I was prey for the Faerie Queen
when from my horse I fell.
'Ever since, in yon green hill,
with the Queen I'm bound to dwell
I'd never tire of living there
for the land of Faerie does me well
'But at the end of seven years,
the queen doth pay a tithe to hell
I so fair and full of flesh,
am fear'd 'twill be myself.'
I forbid ye maidens all
who let fly your lovely hair
to go down to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there
'Tonight's the night of Halloween,
and the fairy court will ride;
And she that would her true love win
at Miles Cross must bide.
'But how shall I thee ken, Tam-lin?
Or how shall I thee know?
Among a troupe of faerie knights,
The like I never saw?'
'First let pass the horses black
then let pass the brown
Run ye to the milk white steed
and pull that rider down.
'They will change me in your arms
into a deadly adder
but hold me fast and fear me not
I am the baby's father
'They will change me in your arms
into a bear or lion bold
but hold me fast and fear me not
I am the father of your child
'At last they'll change me in your arms
into a naked knight.
Then cast your mantle over me
and keep me out of sight.'
I forbid ye maidens all
who let fly your lovely hair
to go down to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there
Gloomy, gloomy, was the night,
And eery was the way,
As Janet in her mantle green
To Miles Cross did hie.
The heavens dressed in baleful black
and all was silent as the grave,
But Janet waited in the dark
Her own true love to save.
Betwixt the hour of twelve and one,
the north wind blew and tore and rent
she heard the elfin bridles ring
upon the wind where e'er it went
Janet stood, with mind unmoved,
The gloomy heath upon,
And louder, louder rang the bells,
As the fairy court came riding on.
First rode by the night black steeds
and then went by the brown;
then up she ran to the charger pale
and pulled her lover down.
They changed him in her arms to all
the beasts and flames and hateful things,
but she did all that her lover bade
and young Tam Lin she won.
Up then spoke the Faery Queen
An angry queen was she.
'Woe betide the wretch who's ta'en
the best knight of Our company.
'Had I but known, Tam-Lin,' she said
'What defeat this night I'd see
I'd've stolen both thine eyes
and changed thee fast into a tree.'
'Had I but known, Tam-lin,' she said
'before we left this night to roam,
I'd have et thy heart of flesh
and left thee with a heart of stone!'
I forbid ye maidens all
who let fly your lovely hair
to go down to Carterhaugh
for young Tam Lin is there
Janet tied her kirtle green
above her knee and not below
and she's off to Carterhaugh
as fast as love can go.
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4. |
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5. |
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You'd never know that Marrow was
a glowing place, beautiful, before
her tarnished heart lost its way
so long, so long
Gone are the colors, the apples and gems
each hunger answered with more
Above and below she has rotted away
so long, so long
The great market calls
from canopied stalls
but a ghost town is all you will find
Purses large and small
gold coins changing palms
gone paper and ruin and lost time
Seventh sons and golden ball daughters
can take their own lives to hand
I have been to the city of Marrow
and I have come out again.
Fear not the wind of wasting
its howling is not for you
It's only an echo now within
the hearts of those just passing through
Beauty is lost in translation
no savoring what is devoured
I look at my lover and only see bones
No one looks under the skin now.
Fear not the wind of wasting
its cries are not for you
They're only echoes now within
the hearts of those
just passing through
Beauty is lost in translation
no savoring what is devoured
No one looks under the skin anymore
There's only the wind now
when seventh sons and golden ball daughters
take their own lives to hand
fear not the city of Marrow
for you will come out again
I have been to the city of Marrow
and I have come out again
Fear not the wind of wasting
Its cries are not for you
They're only an echo now within
the hearts of those just passing through
Fear not the wind of wasting
Its howling is not for you
It's only an echo now within
the hearts of those just passing through
the hearts of those long ago passed through
I have been to the city of Marrow
and I have come out again.
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6. |
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Beware the Bleu Cheese of Redmond
and the honey-mustard of gloom
Be careful how you stick your fork into
the Notorious Salad of Doom
An army of croutons comes crunching
while sinister spinach doth creep
invading the heart of your luncheon
and stirring your belly from sleep
Tempting and colorful veggies
seek only to draw you in
and learning your fate, you'll find it's too late
as dressing drips from your chin!
iceberg lettuce
will come to chill your soul
don't say we didn't warn you
as you blindly fill up your bowl!
Oh, HEADS OF LETTUCE WILL ROLL! Ho!
Dress it in flowers and clover,
but it consumes you still!
In leather and lace,
past the bounds of good taste,
this salad is dressed to kill!
The popping of cherry tomatoes
resounds throughout the land!
Innocence lost when the salad was tossed,
but Dave was just feeding the band!!
Iceberg lettuce
will come to chill your soul
don't say we didn't warn you
as you blithely fill up your bowl, oh,
heads of lettuce will roll!
Oh, Health nuts, seek other nutrition!
Vegans, best run from the room!
Be careful how you stick your fork into
the Notorious Salad of Doom
Woe to the grazers of green things,
whose stomachs will growl all too soon!
We'll lose all we love in the tastiness of
The Notorious Salad of Doom
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7. |
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peeking through the embers
stirring up a storm
kashkash is watching you
and keeping you from harm
Ember Ash and Kindling
pretty kings and queens
counting out your wishes
lighting up your dreams
listen to your mother
when she takes you to town
for kashkash gobbles all
the naughty children down
Hearth, Tinder, Flint & Steel
pretty kings and queens
granting all your wishes
dancing in your dreams
never make a wish that will
make your mother frown
for kashkash gobbles all
the naughty children down
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8. |
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Look long enough into the eyes of any creature,
there's no knowing what you'll find.
We all seek the light one way or another,
mostly flying blind.
Everything flies at the mercy of the moonlight,
lovers more than most at times.
You've sought the light where few have ever found it,
captured deep in tawny eyes.
Little one seek and ye shall find.
Take care what you find
in the tawny eyes of a hunter by night.
Who, who, who is it dares
to find these feathers, stroke this skin?
How, how, how can you dream of
the night he spreads his wings to hold you,
shows you all he knows and lets you in?
I've heard it said none but fools will ever count on
shifting shapes and flying dreams.
Foolish the heart that lights upon a love who's
never what he seems:
Shows one face at dawn and another in the twilight,
kings have worn his shape before
(kings have worn his wings before).
Lord of the evening, so handsome in the sunlight,
leaves you wanting so much more.
Child, death is a dance on the forest floor!
Who, who, who is it dares
to find these feathers, stroke this hide?
Why, why, why set your sights on
the night he spreads his wings to hold you,
shows you all his heart and bids you fly?
shifting shapes and flying dreams
love is never what it seems
wears another skin by day
be his love and not his prey
Who, who, who is it dares to seek the sun
and still want more?
How, how, how can you trust that he'll
open up his wings to hold you,
leave you brighter than you were before?
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9. |
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I am the firebird!
I am his daughter!
I am the firebird's child!
I am a firebird!
I am his daughter!
And like the flame, I am wild wild wild wild
WILD!
I am the firebird!
I am his daughter!
I am the firebird's child!
I am a firebird, the boldest song you've ever heard
Join in the dance, and make it wild, wild, wild!
Join in the dance and make it wild!
To see a maiden dance around
a fire is not so strange
but fire dances round the limbs
of this uncommon maid!
Be brave enough to burn
and you'll be brave enough to fly!
Join your sister Solace as
she lights the morning sky!
I am the firebird...
Wonders of the water air and
earth are all the same
you'll never know a wonder
like the wonders of the flame!
Freely fly as what you are
and never walk in shame!
You must not fear to blister
if you'd live a life in flame!
I am girl and firebird
and solace is my name!
I am the firebird...
If you're brave enough to dance
then you are brave enough to fly!
Forget what's right and proper!
You won't know until you try!
If you're brave enough to fly,
then you are brave enough to burn!
Take my hand and join me in the
Carnival of Dawn!
I am the firebird...
Sister will you follow me?
Sister will you follow me?
Sister will you follow me?
Sister sorrow walk with me!
(Solace, Sorrow, round and round
Sisters burn the morning down
Solace, Sorrow, round and round,
Sister, burn your Sorrow down!)
Like a flame you must be wild/I am a firebird!
I am the firebird...
You must not fear to blister if you'd live a life in flame!
Freely fly as what you are, keep dancing just the same!
You'll never know a wonder like the wonders of the flame!
I am girl and firebird and Solace is my name!
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10. |
Rootless (2011)
07:44
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Shield brother calls to beg me
get a message to his girl
ancestors stirring, sending messages
through our own across the world
I am listening, I am following
as warriors of the light can only do
we ride rootless
on heavy medicine
every day until our lives are through
CHORUS 1
we ride rootless on heavy medicine
disconnected from the ground
we ride rootless in dark places
unafraid that we might fall or die or drown
we are working, we are tireless
we are seekers of the way
we ride rootless on heavy medicine
and we live to fight another day
Time to do the work while my bones and blood are wild
with lessons learned and secrets shared
Friends and lovers help me put my armor back together
and never let me leave home unprepared
My comrade sets his fiddle to his shoulder
and I know today there'll be no turning back.
We'll ride rootless
on heavy medicine
unashamed of what we lack
CHORUS 2
We ride rootless on heavy medicine
disconnected from the ground
We ride fearless in dark places
hearts in danger but our spirits safe and sound
We are working, we are tireless
singing songs to stir the sky
We are honor bound to share these visions
walking tall and getting by
walking tall when we don't fly
Dirt beneath my nails
I claw my way home from the forest
just as crazy as before
but I am breathing and I am laughing
taking one step at a time
bringing truth from door to door
and I'm not the only one
one of many
unafraid to open eyes or heart or mind
We ride rootless
on heavy medicine
and we do it all the time
CHORUS 3
We ride rootless on heavy medicine
disconnected from the ground
We ride windward across the wasteland
skin in danger but our hearts all safe and sound
We speak the language of song and shadow
We are tenders of the flame
We ride rootless
on heavy medicine
and from day one we've never been the same
CHORUS 4
We are healers working retail
or working graveyard without pay
We tell stories in our circle
We listen or we dance or we just pray
We are working, we are tireless
We are teachers of the way
We ride rootless on heavy medicine
and we walk it every day
CHORUS 1
END COUNTERMELODY:
we are here so the stories get told
don't give up ride out be bold
build the fire bright and strong
speak your truth and sing your song
you are here so the stories get told
goddess bless your weary soul
raise your voice to call the cry
storytellers never die
goddess bless your weary heart
tried and tested, torn apart
holding hands around the flames
healed and whole we rise again
goddess bless your weary soul
we are here so the stories get told
and we live to fight another day
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11. |
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12. |
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I am a daughter of the glade
never tamed to mortal ken.
goat feet and striking yellow gaze
the sultry voice of the summer maze
I am the beast beneath fair skin
with but a song your love I'll win
As you would a satyr when he roams,
Beware the faun who hunts alone,
a prowling spirit on her own
all spice and fire to the bone!
a thirsty chalice for thy blade!
Come now, to the daughter of the glade!
In Song and Storm I came to life
By Hoof and Horn I came to be
I need no pipes to cast my spell
I am the tale no heroes tell!
hie to the woods, boy, you'll be glad you stayed.
Come now to the daughter of the glade!
Satyr, when thy mortal lovers fade,
I will take you, unafraid!
and here's your perfect chance to try
a lover bold and as sweet as I--
Dark and warm as winter wine!
You've never tasted fruits as fine!
I see you waste your golden song
on mortal maidens, dusk to dawn
Those virgin girls will ne'er be true
come taste a love as wild as you!
You'll meet your match when you meet my eyes!
but I'll allow you your surprise.
I am a daughter of the glade,
and I will make no man a wife!
By Hoof and Horn I came to be;
in Song and Storm I came to life!
Leave off thy chase! Thy prize is here!
and she will love you without fear!
I am a daughter of the glade
never tamed to mortal ken.
goat feet and striking yellow gaze
the sultry voice of the summer maze
I am the beast beneath fair skin
My song is done.
Thy love I've won.
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13. |
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You can say your prayers, work your rites
burn your little candles day and night
you can shimmy 'til dawn to the pounding drums
but you best be ready when the Horned One comes, yeah
If you wake to the sound of a hunting horn,
dance a ring in the gathering storm.
If the Solstice time gets your panties in a wad,
it's just the coming of the Horned God
He will call you out, make you sweat,
give you a blessing that you'll never forget.
So revel in the chase and let your heartbeat run:
Blessed are the children of the Horned One!
Hunter who tracks outside of time,
guardian lord of ancient rhyme,
brother stag in the musky glen
and consort of the Goddess in her woodland den,
we call you forth as we make our way,
walking in your power every day.
Guide us true in our hunt this night
and maybe even later in the Great Rite!
He will call you out...
If you wake to the sound of a hunting horn
dance a ring in the gathering storm
revel in the chase and let your heartbeat run
but you'd best be ready, little one!
You'd best be ready when the Horned One comes!
He gonna call you out...
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14. |
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In the beginning there was dust dust dust
but we will eat the yellow as we must must must
when we eat the sun will it taste like mouse?
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out!
In the beginning there was dust dust dust
but we will eat the weaver as we must must must
when we eat the sun will it taste like mouse?
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out!
Dust was first, then yellow came along
viceroy Baldtail golden in the throng
long live Baldtail eaten in a trice
all for the glory of the kingdom of mice!
In the beginning there was dust dust dust
but we will eat the yellow as we must must must
when we eat the sun will it taste like mouse?
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out!
Yellow came first, then green came along
and purple met its end in the bellies of the throng
Blackwhisker and Dustbelly made their sacrifice,
all for the good of the kingdom of mice!
In the middle there is dust dust dust
but we will eat the green/purple as we must must must
when we eat the sea will it taste like mouse?
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out!
Yellow, green and purple, crimson to come!
we deserve better than the dust our home!
Manglepaw came and we ate him up dead,
there in the dust at the Feast of Red!
In the end there is dust dust dust
but we will eat the RED as we must must must
when we eat the city will it taste like mouse?
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out!
down with the dust and the weaver's eyes!
down with the spider with her belly full of flies
we will take the brightest road
and taste of the world as we tasted gold
in the beginning there was dust dust dust
but we will eat the colors as we must must must
when we eat the world will it taste like mouse
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out
we swear by the dust we shall soon find out
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15. |
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16. |
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Darksome Night and Shining Moon
Balance of the dark and light,
hearken ye our Witch's Rune,
as we perform our sacred rite!
With earth and water, air and fire,
by blade and bowl and circle round,
we come to you with our desire:
let all that is hidden now be found!
With censor, candle, book and sword,
and ringing of the altar bell,
we tie a knot within our cord
to bind our magic in a spell.
Mother of the summer fields,
goddess of the silver moon,
join with us as power builds!
dance with us our witch's rune!
Father of the Summer dew
Hunter of the winter snows
With open arms we welcome you!
Dance with us as power grows!
By all the light of moon and sun,
by all the might of land and sea,
chant the rune and it is done.
As we will, so mote it be!
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17. |
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Walk between the worlds, bravely down the candle road.
The light will lead you deep into your core.
Move into the center, add your sorrow to the coals
with the incense rising, steady as a prayer.
Though the heart is heavy as the dance is burning down,
may you raise your eyes and never bow your head,
For we are not alone.
It only takes the tiniest of fires sometimes
to light the way you knew was aways there.
In the heart of matters, it's the journey keeps us warm,
the lights that lead us where we are to go.
May you raise your eyes and know with every step:
we are not alone.
We are come to the labyrinth tonight,
walking one by one.
In the dark of Samhain, a riddle burning bright,
and the candles waving down.
It only takes the tiniest of fires sometimes
to light the way you knew was always waiting for you there.
In the heart of matters, it's the journey keeps us warm
and the incense rises steady as a prayer
May you raise your eyes and never bow your head.
We are come to the labyrinth tonight,
walking one by one.
In the dark of Samhain, a riddle burning bright,
and the candles waving down.
We are vessels of the highest love
in a lesson, burning bright, the lesson of our lives.
When all our sorrows cauldron into one,
be reborn, this Samhain night. (We are not alone.)
We are come to the labyrinth tonight,
and the candles waving down.
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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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