Copyright 2000 Bob Grez All songs All rights reserved Ain't Plain Country MY LIFE IS LIKE A 100 COUNTRY SONGS My life is like a hundred country songs Everything I thought’d be right turned out wrong With my job, my girl, my truck. I’m shoot out of luck That’s why my life’s like a 100 country songs. My boss said my work was gettin’ kinda slow Even though I did twice more than I know. When I asked for more dough, the answer was no Here’s a pink slip for askin’. Out you go! My darlin’ said I no longer filled her needs When my credit card was full from her shoppin’ sprees She kicked me in the rear, she said I’m outa here. No more money, so it’s time for me to leave. I’m kinda sad cause she took my old pickup. Can’t run fast to chase her for that truck. But I must have some good luck, ‘cause I found that pickup stuck. You see you can’t buy gas when you ain’t got a buck. My life is like a hundred country songs Everything I thought’d be right ain’t quite all wrong With my job, my girl, my truck, I’m still shoot out of luck That’s why my life’s like a 100 country songs. SPLIT IT DOWN THE MIDDLE My daddy had a great big heart, and he’d mean more than he’d say. One day he bought a choc’late bar, and he offered it to me. He said sit down, listen hard, don’t you forget today. There’s a meanin’ to this choc’late bar as to how you should be. He said Split it down the middle. Take the bigger half. I’ll keep the part that’s little. Don’t worry, it’s O.K. Split it down the middle. I’ll share all that I have. Someday I’m sure you will pay me back. When I left home I took to greed, and that I can’t defend. I’d see him only in my need, and he offered his old tin can. He said, I’ll give you money, but there’s more to comprehend. One day I know you will see, and someday you’ll understand. He said For all the cash I raked in, never paid him what I owed. The day he died I was cryin’, I thought my chance was gone. Then my eyes grew wide, life went on, I reaped the seeds he sowed. Passed a choc’late bar to my own son, the way my daddy done. I said HEY MISTER, TAKE CARE OF MY KIDS AND MY WIFE The chair you’re sittin’ in enjoyin’ TV Has lumps in the cushions once made by me. The deck you’re usin’ at Sunday’s barbecue Was built by my hands when I used to be you The bath and the kitchen I remodeled last fall. No worries, no problems, no none at all. And I fixed up the van and checked it all out To make sure you’re safe when you’re drivin’ about. Hey Mister, take care of my kids and my wife Cause your life right now, once used to be mine. Hey Mister, realize the riches you’ve got. They’re the treasures still held deep in my heart. When you tuck in the kids when they go to sleep. Just leave their light on so there’s nothin’ to fear. And when they’re out playin’ in the yard I had mowed, Please keep your eyes open so they’re not near the road. Hey Mister, I sure know, I made lots of mistakes. But I learned my lesson, you’re now in my place. But you must know there’s a knot that I never untied. Should my wife change her mind, will you please step aside. WHY DO YOU WEAR OUR RING ON YOUR MIDDLE FINGER? Why do you wear our ring on your middle finger? Is that a sign you’re sendin’ me? Why do you wear our ring on your middle finger? Sure a funny way of flirtin’ with me. Are you craving for attention? Should I leave you alone? What’s your subliminal intention? Should I stay, should I go? Should I apologize for somethin’ I had said? You want me to compromise or should I go drop dead? Is there a hidden message? Is it a Freudian slip? Is this a sign of marriage? Is it some kind of tip? Did you plan this to go down, or is it a mistake? Should I still stick around, should I go jump in the lake? Now some walked in my shoes, you will understand. The kinds of dont’s and do’s ‘tween a woman and a man. For those who are unaware, don’t worry you’ll get your turn Someday you’ll see that stare, singin’ as you crash and burn. PICKIN’ ON ME MAMA Got a pickin’-on-me mama, sittin’ in my livin’ room Sittin’ here, it’ll be a week or two Gets on my nerves, she picks on me. Lord, oh when will she ever leave, That pickin’-on-me mama’s pickin’ everythin’ I do. Nothin’ I done right since the day I was born. According to her, I should’ve been way long gone. And the worst thing I oughta never have done Is married her daughter back in eighty-one. Sweet old lady on the outside, yes she is, But her eyes bug out, when my wife gives me a kiss. When I touched the remote, she showed me her fist She said there’s no hope of winnin’ in this . Goes to the kitchen, junk food on her mind. Cheeks get to twitchin’, she’s got a hungry eye. Ate all the ice cream, the doughnuts and pie Wife yells at me, mama said it was I. Mama, what’s that thing in your hand. A meat cleaver! It’s just a little old song. I didn’t know you were going to be here today. GOOD OL’ COUNTRY BOYS AND GIRLS DO LOVE GOOD 007 doesn’t stand a chance, when it comes down to real romance. Cyrano de Bergerac, ain’t had words for love like that. All the girls Don Juan embraced, don’t know squat ‘bout country ways. Forget Juliet and her Romeo when it comes to love at the drive-in show. Good ol’ country folk do it right. They’re always good at what they like. They’re real good at what they do, Good ol’ country boys and girls do love good. Rollin’ in the hay in the old red barn or on the meadow behind the farm. In the back of a truck at the overlook ‘neath the tree by the side of the brook. No city lights can match the fire flamin’ in the night of a country sky. No matter where, when, or how -- good ol’ country boys and girls take a bow. On the back porch swing with lights all off or in the parlor where the rug is soft. On a hill, in a gully, around the bend, ol’ fashioned lovin’ again and again. There’s no stoppin’ that country beat in every country heart you meet Lots of spots I know, come walk with me. Good ol’ country boys and girls should see. Good ol’ country boys like me do love good. Good ol’ country girls like you do love good. Yeah. FOUND MYSELF A SUBSTITUTE You said no way she’d take your place when you went away. You were wrong yesterday, but that’s history today. Don’t think I’m bein’ lonely when you walked out my door. Found someone to replace you don’t need you no more. I found myself a substitute just as good as you. Forgot my blues and I’m over you with somebody new. Who knows just how to love me like you used to do. Found myself a substitute, just as good as you. There was a time, I must admit, I missed you bein’ here. Took a while to get that smile, you once took from me. Someone came along when you were gone stepped into your shoes. And I forgot the heartbreak and the heartaches from you. I know that what’s done is done, don’t have no regrets. There’s no case of sour grapes, there’s no grudges left. But for everyone there’s an alternate, a back-up so to say. No such thing as irre-place-able for anyone today. CAN’T THEY SEE THAT I LOVE YOU? I love you with all my heart. You are everything I need. Can’t they see what I’ve got? Can’t they just let us be? Can’t they see that I love you? Now that ain’t hard to understand. Can’t they see what we say and do Is between a woman and her man? When we walk into a store, I hear their whispers loud and clear. Their stares I just can’t take no more. What’s wrong with us walkin’ near? When we’re walkin’ alone at night, Holdin’ hands or arm in arm. I hear yellin’, they’re drivin’ by. In lovin’ you, what’s the harm? LOVIN’ YOU EVERY NOW AND THEN Sometimes the rain doesn’t fade away. That’s the way that it’s played in the game. Though I try to forget as best I can. Darlin’, I still love you, every now and then. Every now and then, time and again. Every now and then, ever since way back when. Every now and then, I’m feelin’ the same. ‘Cause I’ll be lovin’ you, every now and then. Sometimes it seems you’re standin’ here. And I turn my head three sixty degrees Though I put you out of mind, you understand, Sometimes I hear you callin’ me, every now and then. Sometimes it’s like a vacuum here inside. But that’s the price I paid for goodbye. I know we’ll stay friends, but my heart will never mend. And, darlin’, I’m sure missin’ you, every now and then. DO YOU STILL? Does your locket hold my picture? Is my ring on your finger? Is there a spot still in your heart for me? Do you go through our yearbook and stop to take a good look. And wonder what’s become of our dreams? Do you still? Do you still? Go through the things I go through? Do you still? Do you still? Do you love me like I love you? Do you wonder if I’m O.K.? Do you softly whisper my name? Do you close your eyes now and then to see my face? Is there a hint of hesitation when somebody should mention That they saw me passin’ by our favorite place? When you wake up in the morning, are there wild thoughts without warning? Do you catch yourself huggin’ your pillow? And when you’re layin’ down at night, do you think of days gone by? Do you know in your heart what I know? Lots of time’s disappeared, since we were there In a dream left unfulfilled. But there’s still a chance, to finish our dance. Just say yes, when I ask, do you still? FALLING APART OVER YOU Pardon me, I’m sentimental It don’t make me less a man I never thought I would ever fall My legs are shakin’ like my hands. Darlin’ you can see I’ve fallen. Fallen over you, honey, you know it’s true. I’m on my knees, beggin’ pretty please. I’m crawlin’. Falling apart over you. Please excuse this situation I didn’t mean to fall apart Never been in this condition I sure can’t help what’s in my heart. What will you do when I ask you stay? It’s my love that I expose. What will you say when I say what I say? I’m sure hopin’ you don’t say no. WILL I FORGET I LOVE YOU? Time is melting on my lawn As I watch you in my mind. Count the days you’ve been gone Since the day you were mine. Will I forget you loved me? Will I forget holding you? Will I forget how it used to be? Will I forget I love you? Door knob’s rustin’ as I stare. As I hope you still care. Your sweet perfume’s in the air. Will I forget you were here? The calendar’s all X’ed out And the pages bent and worn. You’re in my heart there’s no doubt. Can’t forget you were born. I don’t think I can ever really forget what you mean to me. But I guess I’ll just have to go on and just pray that someday maybe someway somehow Either you will make your way back to me or that someday I will forget you loved me and I will forget I love you. COUNTRY WALTZING WITH YOU Your smile still shines inside my heart, Though the miles and years kept us apart. But each night at midnight I’m holding your hand And we start our dance once again. Hold me, darlin’, like you used to do In dreams country waltzin’, dancin’ with you. Kiss me, miss me, love me so true. In dreams country waltzin’ with you. Each day I remember those nights in my head. No matter how hard I try to forget. Then in daydreams I hear you breathing my name. And soon we are dancing away. Like movies, the fantasies replay what I feel. Goose bumps, butterflies — still seem so real. And I sure do appreciate the dance that we share. At least in my dreams you are here. Still A Cowboy AM I THE WRONG ONE LOVING YOU Why’d you stop holding hands? What’s turned your heart? Don’t understand. No kiss good night, no kiss hello. That ain’t right, this I know. You don’t say much, when we’re alone. You hardly touch. That’s all gone. You look away when your eyes meet mine. Are you afraid of what I’ll find? Are you lonely just like me, Do you long to be free? Is there a chance, I’ll still do? Or am I the wrong one loving you? I tiptoe ‘round each little word. I’m afraid to cause a stir. Is it fate to keep on tryin’? Is it too late, did our love die? Sure was nice, sure felt fine. Sure felt right, when you were mine. But our dream will fade away. ‘Cause you don’t see yesterday? I SEE THE WRITIN’, DARLIN’ I read again those letters you sent me through the years. The smudges and the ink spots, I didn’t know were tears. All the things you wrote and told me, I took them as true. But I didn’t look deep enough to see what I should. It was written on the page, written in the sand. Written on your face, now I understand. It was written in the stars, written on the wall. I see the writin’, darlin’, you don’t love me at all. I did not hear how much you hurt, from what you said to me. A picture’s worth a thousand words, now I finally see. I listened to what you’d say, but words got in the way. I finally got the message, but now it’s way too late. I read your Dear John letter, the last one on my stack. Though you never said goodbye, I knew you won’t be back. It’s not the words you wrote me, it was right between the lines. I knew you were gone for good, knew you weren’t mine. WHERE’D YOU PUT MY BOOTS, MY DARLIN’? I’m headin’ out I’m sure you’re knowin’. I appreciate time spent with you. But it’s late, I’ve got to be goin’ Just as soon as I can find my cowboy boots. So where’d you put my boots, my darlin’? Did you move ‘em, were they gettin’ in your way. Thought I put ‘em by the door, like I done before. They’re not here where I left them yesterday I think I overstayed my welcome. It’s how a cowboy feels deep inside. Can you help me, darlin’, do you reckon? One more kiss and I’ll be sayin’ goodbye. Are they under the bed or in the kitchen? Or in the parlor near that ol’ chair? Do you know where my boots have gone, darlin’? Without them, I can’t leave anywhere. Don’t want to impose or be a bother but it seems I lost my memory. Am I gettin’ cold or am I gettin’ hotter? Or you tryin’ darlin’ to hide my boots from me? Fess up, where’s my boots? BALLAD OF THE NEWTON BOYS Out of Texas they roared — 1919, 5 and eighty banks notched in their sprees. Thunder and lightnin’ crackin’ the sky, when the Newton boys came ridin’ by. They teased, they laughed, flauntin’ the law, in Oklahoma and ol’ Arkansas. Pistols pointin’ high, shotguns aimed low. Blastin’ bank safes with nitro. Yippee-ki-o, Yippee-ki-a! Best of the bad boys workin’ for pay. Good boys, bad boys. Boys just the same. Plain good ol’ boys from the plains. A mail train they eyed sometime in ‘24, 3 million in mail sacks locked behind steel doors. Stetsons and masks and overhauls they wore, headin’ for ol’ Chicago. Rode into town in cars and on steeds. Guns blazin’ away. The last of their breed. With a hoot and a holler, a kickin’ their heels. The boys were just lookin’ for deals. Joe and Jess and Willis, wavin’ their guns. Still they believed in hurtin’ no one. Brother Dock was shot from Brentwood’s 38, 3 holes from his own friend’s mistake. 9 months to 5 years, what they all drew, when the boys were caught, all done and through. To a ripe good old age all the Newtons had lived. The law could forget and forgive. LET THEM KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR EYES The fever is a ragin’ all over the land. Can’t you feel it, baby, do you understand? It’s eatin’ at our souls, blowin’ us away. You know where it’s goin’, you know what I’m sayin’? People buttin’ in, tellin’ us what to do. You can see it, baby, you can feel it too? We’re changin’ for the worse, losin’ all we got. Rich are gettin’ richer and moods are gettin’ hot. Why do you compromise and listen to their lies? Don’t you just theorize, Let ‘em know what’s in your eyes. Let them know what’s in your eyes. The kids are bein’ pressured to be smarter all the time. Older folks are feelin’ low, forgotten just the same. Where’s the fun we had in life? What good will it do? Can’t be who you want, you’re lettin’ ‘em mold you. You say what am I to do, there’s only one of me. System’s so much stronger, it won’t set me free. Computers keep on tickin’ at our privacy. Taxman’s in control of all you’re gonna be. Women are frazzled, two jobs for half the pay. Minorities are spinnin’ wheels, haven’t seen that day. Justice courts have come apart, lettin’ killers go. Until you’re cut and bleedin’ layin dead on the floor. Real estaters and lawyers got us all confused. Our towns commercialized, nothin left to lose. Insurance and medical has takin’ all our dough. Dream’s are ‘vaporatin’. Where we gonna go? Solution to our problems is restin in our hands. Write the politicians let ‘em know your ends. Make sure you take on responsibility and take back control of all you’re gonna be. People all around you need your smiles again. They need love and comfort, need to be your friend. Show them what we stand for, the world we have been. Let’s get back to work on the future yet unseen. CAN’T BE LOVIN’ YOU NO MORE Loved you so much in every way Loved you much more than I can say But there’s somethin’ I’d confide, no more left inside. Can’t be lovin’ you no more. Heart’s gone as fast as it will go. My eyes have soaked you in more than you’ll know Clearly I have shown, gave you all I own. Can’t be lovin’ you no more. I can’t be lovin’ you no more. Gave you all I got, that’s for sure One hundred percent, ain’t no more left Can’t be lovin’ you no more. You’re askin’ me how much I had Gave you all I have and that ain’t bad. Nothin’ left to learn, past the point of no return. Can’t be lovin’ you no more. DANCE WITH ME TONIGHT You walked in, my oh my. Saw your face flash a smile. Burnin’ through my bones like fire. In your heart I saw desire. In your eyes I saw my chance. Held my heart in your hands Couldn’t live without the dance. That would turn into romance. Wo, wo. Dance with me tonight. C’mon dancin’ ‘til it’s light. Come on dance with me tonight. ‘Cause the music feels all right. Felt attraction from the start. To the music from your heart. Like a moth to a flame. Like a magnet to a train. Doo doo do do what you do. Dah da dah doo doo do do. Doo doo do do me and you. Dah da dah dah doo doo doo. Ooh! Was attracted by your song. And I knew it can’t be wrong. Those vibrations you send. Love’s explodin once again. Body’s losin’ all control. I can feel new love growin’. Don’t let go, don’t sit down. Let’s just dance round and round. WISH I NEVER SAID GOODBYE TO YOU Every day every thing keeps changin’ Everybody’s shufflin’ ‘round. But there’s one thing I wasn’t expectin’ To hear you are movin’ out of town. So Goodbye, goodbye. God keep you. Hate to say goodbye to you. I will miss you every day. While you’re away I will wish I never said goodbye to you. Hope you know, there is no blame I’m placin’. I’ll still love you like I love you now. With a hole in my life, I’ll keep prayin’ That we’ll be back together somehow. So So remember on this trip that you’re taking No matter where you go, or where you are. I’ll be waitin’ here for you for the askin’. You’ll know you’re never far from my heart.Til then DREAMS DO COME TRUE Make a wish upon a star from a dream in your heart Maybe we should not have met? Maybe you can still forget? Or maybe we should start again? Dreams do come true. Dreams do come true. Be careful what you’re dreamin’ When you dream of me and you. Dreams do come true. When you toss and turn at night, Layin’ here at my side? Thinkin’ I had stayed too long? Cryin’ we just can’t go on? Or wishin’ we could start again? Will you stay will you go away When your restless dreams are done? Baby, we can make it through the rain When we see the mornin’ sun. WON’T YOU LET ME IN YOUR HEART You were right I was wrong. I needed you all along. My love for you did not fade. Please let me in I’m back to stay. Won’t you let me in your heart? Let me warm up by your fire. Won’t you let me in your heart? Let me in your desire. Please let me have one more chance. I won’t ever leave again. Can you forgive, can you forget? I’ll make it right with you, you bet. If your door is stayin’ closed. I’m too late, your love’s grown cold. What can I say? What can I do? To let you know I still love you. PRETENDIN’ YOU’RE LOVIN’ ME I feel a chill down my spine As the lights dim in my room. Hug my pillow and shut my eyes. Pretend I am loving you. Pretendin’ make believe. Pretendin’ fantasy. It’s the only way gettin’ through each day. Pretendin’ you’re lovin’ me. When I’m drivin’ alone at night. And the radio plays along. I put my arm up to hold you tight. Pretendin’ sure don’t feel wrong. Ev’ry chance I get I must confess, I’m dreamin’ of you ‘Til you are here lovin’ me, pretendin’ will sure feel good Sure ain’t sound, there’s no doubt. Playin’ round with what ain’t real. Won’t you come down, help me out. Won’t you pretend with me. YOU’RE THE FIRE IN MY HEART Lots of water passed the bridge, thanks I’m still the same. You seem you’re doin’ fine on your own But did you ever think you’d still be my flame? After all the water that’s come and gone. You’re the fire in my heart still burnin’ Can’t dowse these feelings inside of me. All the lovin’ you gave keeps me yearnin’ I find myself livin’ might-have-beens. You filled me up to the top of the kettle. There was more than enough to last a 100 years. Had I known what I know you’d win gold medals To match the flame you lit for me. Every now and again, I try to put you out. To forget you the best I can do. But then I realize what the story’s about, It was a gift from you to last my whole life through. GOODNIGHT, MY LOVE, GOODNIGHT Goodnight, my love, goodnight Let me kiss your eyes. As darkness takes the light. Everything is right. Everything’s all right. You must know I will stay. After all the love we shared. Through the night, ‘til the dawn. On me you can depend on. So goodnight, my love, sleep tight. Goodnight, my love, goodnight There’s no need to cry I’ll be here at your side And in your dreams you’ll fly. In your dreams you’ll fly. Goodnight, my love, goodnight It’s just you and I. Ain’t nothin’ left to hide. Sweet dreams, good night. Sweet dreams, good night.