The Network News was recorded some time ago – not long after some of the Abe and the Slaves of Reason team got back from their Blood Sweat and Money Tour…. which took a toll I can tell you!! Unfortunately there were difficulties with getting the piano mixed to sound right – so it had to be ditched. note- the backing singers role is the media telling you something they want you to hear….
Music & Lyric Chas Williams (c)
If you and I simply try
We’ll make something of this
And though I wish I was wrong-
In truth I’m not strong- lost my nerve I guess
But there’s some thing about this place
I don’t know what it is
But I can tell you know too
And to do nothing would be such a waste
Don’t say no don’t say I’m fooling myself
Don’t say no
Don’t say “you’d be better keepin’ your ideas
to your self”.
Solo
I’ve been searching my mind hoping to find
Something clever to say
And though there’s nothing profound
I can learn from the ground
I keep staring there anyway
But there’s something about this place
I dont know what it is
But I can tell you know to
And to do nothing would be such a waste
Don’t say no….don’t say I’m fooling myself
Don’t say no..
Don’t say “you’d be better keeping’your ideas
To yourself”
Shooting From the Shadows (c)
Music Chas Williams Lyrics Chas and Wings Williams
This story is true. Michael Ronald “Wings” Williams was one of the initial 26 NZ SAS sent TO Vietnam in the late 1960s.The more oblique lines will become clear when his book is published- hopefully soon.
We left in the dead of night
With barely a soul to testify
Twenty Six- on a secret flight
With no allowed to even wave goodbye.
Nui Dat..? Means “hill of clay”..
Don’t know for sure if it’s even there today..
But the “Long Green”and the “Horseshoe”…?
I know damned well (they) won’t be referred to
It was long ago … and far away..
Seems though like yesterday.
Memories of patrol remain fixed to my soul
As do the faces of the “left behind”
But it never did pay to mix… with the “Faceless 26”
We only moved with one objective in mind.
Ah but “wait a while” and a voice from out of no where
Kept me from being misled
Leaving me years of endless wonder…
Oh i know these things.. aren’t just inside my head.
It was long ago… and far away
Seems though like yesterday
I Came back.. in the dead of night
Wound so tight i ended sleeping’ on the floor
Trying my best to forget
Many things not forgotten yet…
All that shit that goes in hand with war.
Violin/Piano solos
Well you can change the place
And you can change to day
and in time we’ll just fade away
But time won’t change that Viet conclusion…
(YEAH,,,)We must have seemed an illusion.
It was long ago…and far away..
But WE… were the ghosts of grey.
Above the Worry Line (c)
Music/lyrics Chas Williams
This about going home and finding nothing has really changed (and nor have some people) over many years..thank God! Hopefully that will never change!
The “phantoms” refers to seeing someone you knew a lifetime ago and they haven’t changed one iota.. only to realise that of course that its a son of…and they don’t know you from Adam!
Above the Worry Line
Some think it’s too damned cold
And just too wet down here
And you won’t find gold
Well… not the kind people wear
But-
Take the train that trackS highway 99
(It’s always there when i close my eyes)
Make sure that you remain above the worry line
Stay with the last train under these skies.
There’s not a lot going on
Away from the crowds and the glare
Changes come.. and they’re gone…
Just like they do.. almost anywhere
And though time steals from you
and tells lies…
And hoodwinks your recall..
It seems that nothing changes
It seems that nothing..
here.
Refrain
All aboard lets get going’
Ghosts are at my door
Theres no point
In trying to stall anymore
Sax solo
Names and faces go by
Just like they did years before
Thank goodness phantoms don’t die
Or how would we find old Charlton’s store
Yeah time steals from you
And tells lies and..
Hoodwinks your recall… but
It seems that nothing changes
It seems that nothing changes
It seems that nothing changes down here.
So Far So Good (c)
Music/lyrics chas Williams
Excuse me… can you call my number…?
I’m ready to go.
I’ve filled out the required forms…
and there’s nothing more you need to know
Just point me in the right direction
I’ll make my way from there…
And if you don’t mind… don’t make suggestions.
I’ve had enough of every “great” idea.
And tell that clown with the pin stripped suit..
That I’ve taken all he said Should take.
In fact at times I’m so damned calm..
It’s hard for me to stay awake
Just point me in the right direction
I’ll make my way from there
And if you don’t mind..don’t make suggestions..
I’ve had enough of every “great” idea.
So far so good
Its all been good so far
But all this care and attention from the people here….
Could be a step too far
Solo
So far so good etc.
Music/lyrics Chas Williams
I’m on the outside- looking in..
always just unsure where to begin
Oh and increasingly… its seems to be..
Wearin’thin.
I live in seclusion with my widescreen tv set
Waiting on something… Dunno what it is yet
But with time and space…I know I will replace..
All I plan to forget.
Chorus
But those black clouds on my horizon….
Could be my chickens coming’ home to roost
Ah but as you might guess..
I couldn’t care less…
What’s above or behind me.
Guitar Solo
But I’ve no plans to alter the scene
Changing behaviour would only demean..a
lifetime convention..
No I’ve no intention..
Of changing routine.
Repeat chorus.
