Here in the Heights
Release Date: June 7, 2019
Released By: Ineffable Music Group
Special Guests: Mark Murphy (Wookiefoot), Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Brandon Hardesty (Bumpin Uglies), Kevin Shields (Little Stranger), Howi Spangler (Ballyhoo!), Zach Deputy
My heart says freedom
But my mind says money
Neither one comes easy
Up here in snow country
It’s been a cold, cold year
I’m feeling hopeless here
I might just disappear
My hands are freezing
And my nose is runny
All my clouds have cleared now
But it’s still not sunny
It’s hard to be your best
When you can see your breath
I might just need some rest
My heart’s still beating
But my car stopped running
It’s that certain feeling
That just keeps me coming
Back to this shithole
‘Cause it’s the place I know
Nothing can break my soul
It’s a fight just dealing
With the sight so crummy
But with all two seasons
I always know what’s coming
There’s no surprises when
It’s hell for months on end
I sure could use a friend
It seems we’ve been this way before
You don’t even know me anymore
So leave your judgement at the door
Don’t turn the lights out
It’s been so long since we’ve been home
I hope that I remember the way
Don’t turn the lights out
It’s been so long since we’ve been home
I hope that I remember the way
I left out Muskegon
Heading towards Sandusky
Driving on I-90
Moving slow and trudging
Through the ice and snow
Can’t see out my window
I may not make it home
The air is bitter
But the lake is stunning
And the depths of winter
Made me strong and cunning
It took a rugged land
To make me the man I am
There’s nothing I can’t withstand
Don’t turn the lights out
It’s been so long since we’ve been home
I hope that I remember the way
Don’t turn the lights out
It’s been so long since we’ve been home
I hope that I remember the way
Back when we were young things were so easy
Now it’s all become so dam deceiving
They tear you down for just believing
In all of the things that you’ve been dreaming
Don’t get too close to the sun then said
It’s too bumpy of a road ahead
Stay closer to the ground cause everyone has found
It’s only your head
Even though we must go
On this road always knowing
That the only way to grow
Is through the failures we own, and
There’s no way to learn to fly without falling
But it’s no reason not following your calling
Listen to Daedalus warning to Icarus
It’s not about being afraid to try
Just keep a mindful eye on your pride and hubris
The master has failed more times then you’ve tried
So just reach out your wings and fly
Don’t get too close to the sun then said
It’s too bumpy of a road ahead
Stay closer to the ground cause everyone has found
It’s only your head
Back when we were young things were so easy
Now it’s all become so dam deceiving
They tear you down for just believing
In all of the things that bring you meaning
Now she’s in the club taking it off
It’s all about
Another fix, another double shift
But tomorrow she’ll be right back in the pits
A cigarette
Rests on her lips
She’s too stubborn to quit
She says that no one here can tell her how to live
She can’t admit
She lost control, it’s everybody’s fault
One day she’ll surely lose it all
Good times with bad people
All the ones that you know so well
But it’s a fine line between bad and evil
So sometimes you can’t tell
Good times too often
Clear a path to the gates of hell
Close ties with bad people
Could lead you there as well
(Angelo Moore – Fishbone)
Sometimes a good wolf in bad sheep’s clothing
A pair of horns under a halo of hair
Can be the only devil in town
To bring you what you need so you can get on down
Flying high on cocaine rising
Crash and burn, could be your demise
And I bet ya, bet ya have a good time
With a price to pay waiting on the other side for ya
Good times with bad people
All the ones that you know so well
But it’s a fine line between bad and evil
So sometimes you can’t tell
Good times too often
Clear a path to the gates of hell
Close ties with bad people
Could lead you there as well
There’s a way to be good again
We’re not condemned
So, grow leaves on an old stem
Step out of your element
Push to your limits
Abandon the mayhem
Some people are too much
Those folk are the most fun
A joy to see out but if you stick around
You’ll be spiraling down until you hit the ground
The hell they created seems nice from the outside
And dragging you down to their level’s their past time
Every word that comes out of their mouth is a damn lie
Hold onto your dignity, quick, ‘cause I lost mine
I’m bound to end up in a bad situation
When driving full speed without no destination
The bomb has been wired brace for detonation
My vices all surface when I get complacent
Got battles to fight and got habits to kick,
I convinced myself that I’ll be saved by my wits
But I know a few devils, ones under my skin
Everyday he’s unchecked is a day that he wins
Good times with bad people
All the ones that you know so well
But it’s a fine line between bad and evil
So sometimes you can’t tell
Good times too often
Clear a path to the gates of hell
Close ties with bad people
Could lead you there as well
I’ve taken steps, to hedge my bets
I made amends with most my friends
I paid my debts and stayed in check
I’ve shown respect, more or less
I even got sober, but you can’t get over
All the shit I did, when we were kids
And time moved slower, but now we’re older
And more mature but you’re not sure
If I’m a bad one
Like there never was a good thing I had done
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather be alone
I’m a bad one
Everything I did can’t be undone
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather go home
I held my breath for your two cents
But I know it comes with more expense
And I can’t rewind us, but it could be fine just
Give me that chance to save our plan
If I’m a bad one
Like there never was a good thing I had done
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather be alone
I’m a bad one
Everything I did can’t be undone
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather go home
I made my bed and laid my head
In my regrets and barely slept
I did my best but can’t expect
You to forget the nights I spent
Out being sleazy, I know it ain’t that easy
When trust is gone, it’s probably gone
I realize completely, how I hurt you deeply
I did you wrong, and why you’re on…
That I’m a bad one
Like there never was a good thing I had done
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather be alone
I’m a bad one
Everything I did can’t be undone
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather go home
I’m a bad one
Everything I did can’t be undone
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather go home
I’m a bad one
Everything I did can’t be undone
Said she don’t like what I’ve become and she rather go home
Take it slowly, you’ve
Felt defeat and you
Did your growing
It’s all just progress
It’s all part of the process
It’s not about who does the most
It’s who holds on the longest
In a way, in a way, in a way, in a way
You can’t prepare
Everyday’s a new challenge and a new load to bear
In a way your setbacks only help you understand
So don’t despair, you’re almost there
It’s not impossible
Nothing’s impossible
It’s not impossible
Nothing’s impossible
So much time gets spent
Wondering where it went
(Brandon Hardesty – Bumpin Uglies)
It’s been long but you
Remained patient, you’ve
Earned your scars and you’ve
Made your way into
Where you are now, it’s
Close to where you’d like to be
It’s not too far now
But far from when you first believed
That there’s a way, there’s a way, there’s a way, there’s a way
To make it there
Everyday’s a new challenge and a new load to bear
In a way your setbacks only help you understand
So don’t despair, you’re almost there
It’s not impossible
Nothing’s impossible
It’s not impossible
Nothing’s impossible
So much time gets spent
Wondering where it went
Nothing worth doing is easy, believe me
I know that this sounds a little cheezy but please see
There’s never been anything I wanted like this
But it terrifies me cause there’s a chance I’ll miss
And I must admit that it ain’t come to it
Three times a week I think I want to quit
And it’s love, and it’s love and it’s love
That keeps me sane
Purpose and passion make it worth the pain
So take your best shot I won’t back down, I won’t complain
I’ll bear the load, ‘til my heart explodes
It’s not impossible
Nothing’s impossible
It’s not impossible
Nothing’s impossible
So much time gets spent
Wondering where it went
All just progress
It’s all part of the process
It’s not about who does the most
It’s who holds on the longest
Stood where the ocean met the land
Breathed in the air, opened his hands
Breathed out the squall
Destroyed them all
I’ll never back down
And I’m craving your attention so I act out
That’s why you’re never gonna find me in the background
And I’m still sitting at the table while your cashed out, act now
I’m still awake while you’re passed out, it’s tough
When it comes down to time, there’s never enough
I’m getting fed up, the waters are rough
But the wind’s to my back and I’m rising above
I’ve been hanging with people who building me up
No half glass, I got most of the cup
And if it spills over, they filling me up
I got too many friends ain’t got time for you chumps
I’ma brave these waves one day at a time
And I’ma work my way into a permanent prime
I can’t pray the hill away so I’ma start to climb
I draw the line and I’ma take what’s mine
An extraordinary man
Stood where the ocean met the land
Breathed in the air, opened his hands
Breathed out the squall
Destroyed them all (x2)
(Kevin Shields – Little Stranger)
Some say I’m a little strange
but I tell ‘em it’s all in the name
You don’t really wanna no play no games
With some fuckin’ Rottweilers who don’t got no chains
So we go home to the van, van to the show
Hotel, motel, try not to blow
Show these people what we came for
Y’all sing it on the high while I rap on the low
Let’s go
Anybody want a piece
Well reach for the sky ‘cause a dog gotta eat.
When you riding with Trop ain’t no sign of defeat
Just a mark of the beast, preach
So thank God for the squad and the mob and the groove
We the last poor souls that are holding the truth
No third eye blind, man my third eye’s fine
‘Cause I came here to rock anytime that I choose
An extraordinary man
Stood where the ocean met the land
Breathed in the air, opened his hands
Breathed out the squall
Destroyed them all (x2)
As I do while in pursuit of things I thought would make me happy
When the fruits of labor rotten, ain’t no stoppin’ in the valley
‘Cause they said y’all ain’t gon’ make it ‘til you make it out to Cali
She a dready-headed mama sellin’ jewelry in the alley
She’s been California dreamin’ since she sang it with her daddy
Steady movin’ west said she won’t be another tally
And she says “I know you’ll make it and I’ll see you out in Cali”
They said you never know how hard it was
That livin’ on the road runs in your blood
It’s hard to leave, but you are always there for me
And I know we’re both working towards what comes
It’s lonely at the bottom I don’t often feel as badly
As I do while in pursuit of things I thought would make me happy
When the fruits of labor rotten, ain’t no stoppin’ in the valley
‘Cause they said y’all ain’t gon’ make it ‘til you make it out to Cali
She a dready-headed mama sellin’ jewelry in the alley
She’s been California dreamin’ since she sang it with her daddy
Steady movin’ west said she won’t be another tally
And she says “I know you’ll make it and I’ll see you out in Cali”
Now that several years have passed and more
We don’t hear the words like we did before
We proved them wrong, being sold as underdogs
I will make this up to you before long
No destination gonna leave me brain sick
I ain’t never ran from nothing so I’ve never been stuck
My situation has complications, I’ll be damned if I leave anything up to luck
I can’t think back to a time where my mind was cool to die getting sidetracked
So sit back and relax and give yourself a minute figure out where your head’s at
We’re all so quick to make decisions now it’s up to our knees
Opinions changing on the daily I know who I wanna be
So I write it, and it’s my plane, I’m the pilot
All hands on deck to open eye lids and gaze on our new horizon
Its lonely at the bottom I don’t often feel as badly
As I do while in pursuit of things I thought would make me happy
When the fruits of labor rotten, ain’t no stoppin’ in the valley
‘Cause they said y’all ain’t gon make it ‘til you make it out to Cali
She a dready-headed mama sellin’ jewelry in the alley
She’s been California dreamin’ since she sang it with her daddy
Steady movin’ west said she won’t be another tally
And she says “I know you’ll make it and I’ll see you out in Cali”
The AC’s broken but it’s alright
‘Til it’s approaching midnight
And some dude’s lookin’ for a fight
There’s not enough days left of my youth
No time to waste, nothing to prove
If you get in my face, I won’t make the move
I’ll play it cool, you’ll play the fool
No one needs to get hurt
After all it’s only just words
But if you decide to strike first
Bro you’ll get the works
Check your ego, it’s not right
It’s time to leave or give me the green light
This reggae party was going so nice
I bet you’re all bark and no bite
There’s not enough days left of my youth
No time to waste, nothing to prove
If you get in my face, I won’t make the move
I’ll play it cool, you’ll play the fool
No one needs to get hurt
After all it’s only just words
But if you decide to strike first
Bro you’ll get the works
(Howi Spangler – Ballyhoo!)
Dude’s already in a liquid haze
Wearing boat shoes and designer shades
So everybody make way
For another member of the baby dick brigade
He took off his shirt now and he’s looking for work
And I’m an equal opportunity employer
He’ll be calling out sick for days
There’s not enough days left of my youth
No time to waste, nothing to prove
If you get in my face, I won’t make the move
I’ll play it cool, you’ll play the fool
No one needs to get hurt
After all its only just words
But if you decide to strike first
Bro you’ll get the works
It’s a dream that I’m awake from
Gotta lose some to make some
Gotta give some to take some
Gotta love and let go
You’re the rock, you’re the purpose
You’re the pieces that hold this
You’re the reason I wrote this
And it’s something untold
Like somebody’s grand design
Even bigger than space and time
Something I feel spiritually
But it still don’t describe what you mean to me
It’s that feeling in the room
Like the tide is to the moon
It’s a perfect synergy
But it still don’t describe what you mean to me
It’s a gleam of inspiration
Gotta hurt some and break some
Gotta learn what’s at stake from
Gotta love and let go
You’re the peace, you’re the quotient
Like a breeze by the ocean
You believed when I was broken
And it’s something untold
Like somebody’s grand design
Even bigger than space and time
Something I feel spiritually
But it still don’t describe what you mean to me
It’s that feeling in the room
Like the tide is to the moon
It’s a perfect synergy
But it still don’t describe what you mean to me
Like somebody’s grand design
Even bigger than space and time
Something I feel spiritually
But it still don’t describe what you mean to me
It’s that feeling in the room
Like the tide is to the moon
It’s a perfect synergy
But it still don’t describe what you mean to me
All the kids think they know what’s good
Never listen, they never did what their parents would
But they don’t stand where their parents stood
Like a plane without a pilot
Like a ship that’s lost at sea
When who trust for guidance
Feels like your enemy
We’ve yet to get our answer
Despite how far we’ve come
And the voice they try to silence
Is the voice of a generation
(Zach Deputy)
Yeah if you touch a flame
You bound to get burned, insane
So why you, oh so close inside it
It’s ok to feel some pain
Pain gonna bring some change
It’s a shame to use something to hide it
Let’s fight it yeah
Like a plane without a pilot
Like a ship that’s lost at sea
When who trust for guidance
Feels like your enemy
We’ve yet to get our answer
Despite how far we’ve come
And the voice they try to silence
Is the voice of a generation
Don’t you run, you got to stand and fight
Sometime we be hurting inside yeah
We know it’s the time
We gonna be the one
You gonna be the voice of a generation
Like a plane without a pilot
Like a ship that’s lost at sea
When who trust for guidance
Feels like your enemy
We’ve yet to get our answer
Despite how far we’ve come
And the voice they try to silence
Is the voice of a generation