lyrics | lincoln-durham

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
And Into Heaven Came The Night

All songs written by Lincoln Durham / Published by Rayburn Publishing, SESAC

1. HEAVEN 3:16
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar - Chris Hausler: Drums

A rebel fell from grace to a hell called “Earth”. He said, “Don’t y'all worry, my friends. You’ll get your money’s worth.” For every sun there comes a moon. A rebel fell from grace, to a hell called “Earth”. He said, “Don’t y'all worry, my friends. You’ll get your money’s worth.” For every sun there comes a moon. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night…the night…the night. Dig your hands into the ash and sift through once was. Death upon death you’ll find, and all just because for every rise there is a fall. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night…the night…the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night. And into heaven came the night.

2. PREACHER 2:37
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar - Chris Hausler: Drums, Mini Marvin

Head under water. Heart-blind with love ‘cause the sins that wash away look a bit like blood. Goddamn this reverend baptizing me. Goddamn this reverend, like he did me. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the heels and drags you underneath. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the heels and drags you underneath. He says I’m wanted, for God had a son, and the Devil…he’s jealous, now he wants one. Right hand for the Bible. Left hand for the gun. Goddamn this reverend, he caught the Devil’s son. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the heels and drags you underneath. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the heels and drags you underneath. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the feet. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who pulls you underneath. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the feet. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the heels and drags you underneath. Preach it, preacher. Preach it sweet. Preach it for the Devil who has got you by the heels and drags you underneath.

3. HATE 4:13
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar - Chris Hausler: Drums

I am chaos. I am war. A little pestilence with a mighty sword. A little infestation, with a so-called sophistication and a presumed holy salvation. Look what I’ve become. Looking like a devil’s son. Look what I’ve become. Am I still your chosen one? Look what I’ve become. I am monstrous. I am hate. In the name of the LORD and for Heaven’s sake. A little congregation with a misread revelation and a self-proclaimed ordination. Look what I’ve become. Looking like a devil’s son. Look what I’ve become. Am I still your chosen one? Look what I’ve become. We give birth to disturbance. We are plague, every one of us. We will choke on the dirt. We are cursed. No, we are the curse. Look what I’ve become. Look what I’ve become. Hate me, fuel me. Hate me, fuel me. Hate me, fuel me. Hate me, fuel me. Hate me, fuel me.

4. GRAVE 3:50
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar, Drums, Percussion

Whisper in the flames. Breathe in their smoke. Paint yourself in ash and listen to the secrets that the flames spoke. They say death got your tongue; that death swallowed your song. He came a-calling with a gentle rhyme, to show you just where you belong. If you were in your grave, I’d have heard you sing your aria of sorrow and pain, while the church bells ring. If you were in your grave, earth heavy in lung, I’d have heard you howl and wail, long after the church bells rung. If you were in your grave…If you were in your grave…If you were in your grave, I would hear you sing. Seductive, cold embrace come-hithers in your ear, like a harlot wearing silk and lace, persistently drawing you near. She keeps calling to you. She keeps calling your name. She says, “Come to me, my child. Wash away all your burdens and shame.” If you were in your grave, I’d have heard you sing your aria of sorrow and pain, while the church bells ring. If you were in your grave, with earth heavy in lung, I’d have heard you call to me, long after the church bells rung. If you were in your grave… If you were in your grave… If you were in your grave… If you were in your grave… If you were in your grave…If you were in your grave…If you were in your grave, I’d have heard you sing to me.

5. LAUGH 4:41
Lincoln: Vocal, Backup Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Fiddle, Drums

Wake up and see the diamonds floating by. They silently glitter, like angels; fly so high. You reach to kiss them, but you can’t stand the pain. The sweet smell slowly kills you; washed away in the driving rain. Where did you go, my old friend? Did you finally find the sun through the rain? Where did you go, my old friend? Did you finally laugh at the pain? Sculptures turn from stone to mud, as you shared all your wisdom with a snap of your glove. The silver tells a story of so very long ago, but the story begins now that you’ve grown old. Where did you go, my old friend? Did you finally find the sun through the rain? Where did you go, my old friend? Did you finally laugh at the pain? Where did you go, my old friend? Where did you go, my old friend?

6. DEATH 3:27
Lincoln: Vocal, Backup Vocals, Guitar, Pump Organ, Fiddle, Sheet Metal - Chris Hausler: Drums

The leaf, it flutters…flutters…fluttering, trembling…still fluttering. It clings, it claws, it keeps…it keeps to the branch. It keeps fluttering. The wind, it howls, it blows…it howls at the tree. It’s bellowing. You are the wind that blows. I am the leaf that’s now falling. You’re the death of me; a beckoning into insanity. You’re the death of me. You pull my puppet-strings to the will of thee. You’re the death of me. We are such feeble things…such feeble little things, feebly gasping. We breathe a breath…we breathe…we gasp for the breath that’s so fleeting. I am the one who breathes, who is pleading once more to breathe. You are my breath. You are my last. You are the death of me. You’re the death of me; a beckoning into insanity. You’re the death of me. You pull my puppet-strings to the will of thee. You’re the death of me…death of me…death of me. The wind, it howls…it blows…it howls at the tree. It’s bellowing. You are the wind that blows. I am the leaf that’s now falling.

7. GNAW 3:09
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar - Alissa Durham, Backup Vocals - Chris Hausler: Drums

Here he comes again, my old foe. No, no, no. I could not keep him in his hole. No, no, no. It’s one, two, three, but never four. No, no, no. Then repeat it again, forevermore. Forevermore. He gnaws away my control. He gnaws away my control. His toothless gums gnaw to my soul. Then, he cackles all the way back to his home. Chaotic nightmares behind my eyes. Why, why, why? They tangle, they tear, they twist-up my mind. Why, why, why? Where devils, and demons, and hells collide. Why, why, why? A fragile smile says everything's fine. Everything's fine. He gnaws away my control. He gnaws away my control. His toothless gums gnaw to my soul. Then, he cackles all the way back to his home. He gnaws away my control. He gnaws away my control. His toothless gums gnaw to my soul. Then, he cackles all the way back to his home.

8. FEATHER 3:07
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar - Chris Hausler: Drums

I see you flashing that vicious grin again. I hear the tick-tock-tick of your bomb. You want another innocent statistic in your sadistic little hard-on. I know you’re crawling out your hole for another round and spitting out your hate like napalm. I won’t be the collateral damage. You want an enemy, you got one. I won’t be a feather in your storm. I’ll be the rage. I’ll be the war. War! Shackle yourself to getting off on vengeance, while preaching to me about your freedom. Shouting of peace, but never losing rhythm to the beat of your war drum. Huff! Puff! Blow your bitter wind. Bring about your pissing rain. I’ll be the thorn in your flesh. I’ll be the blistering pain. I won’t be a feather in your storm. I’ll be the rage. I’ll be the war. War! I won’t be a feather in your storm. I’ll be the rage. I’ll be the war. I won’t be a feather in your storm. I’ll be the rage. That’s your one warning.

9. HERO 3:34
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar, Drums

I could not rise for fear of the fall, so I fell silent when you called. The knock on my door echoed through empty halls. I ain’t your hero. I won’t be there for you. I ain’t your hero. I won’t be there for you. I’m terrified of the silence in here. I’m terrified of what I might hear. Like a ringing of glass, cracks form; I shatter with fear. I ain’t your hero. I won’t be there for you. I ain’t your hero. I won’t be there for you. I ain’t your goddamn knight in goddamn shining armor. I ain’t your…your hero…your hero. I ain’t your hero. I ain’t your hero. I ain’t your hero. I ain’t your hero. I ain’t your hero. I ain’t your hero.

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
Revelations of a Mind Unraveling

All songs written by Lincoln Durham / Published by Rayburn Publishing, SESAC

1. SUFFER MY NAME 1:58
Lincoln: Vocal, Cigar Box Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums
I wish you peace, when your lord he come a-callin’ / I wish you peace, when you’re dancin’ ‘round your grave / I wish you peace, when you’re flirting with that undertaker / But, in life, I hope you suffer my name / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa / I wish you peace, when your devil come a callin’ / I wish you peace, when you’re falling in your grave / I wish you peace, when you’re flirting with that ol’ Grim Reaper / But, in life, I hope you suffer my name / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa / I wish you peace, when your devil come a callin’ / I wish you peace, when you’re falling in your grave / I wish you peace, when you’re flirting with that ol’ Grim Reaper / But, in life, I hope you suffer my name / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa / Whoa whoa whoa

2. BLEED UNTIL YOU DIE 3:16
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums - Bukka Allen: Moog

Fingers firm against the shank of a straight-razor / Gripped tightly, with thumb against the heel / Lets the blade slide, without disturbance / Melancholy daydreams, watching warm blood congeal / La la la la la, la la la la lie / Born to be buried, born to cry / La la la la la, la la la la lie / You better get to prayin’ child / You’re gonna bleed until you die / Shut-up now / Listen to them / Can’t you hear them? / They’re making me beat my head against the wall / It’s the voices in my head, they’re saying “hate ‘em, hate ‘em, hate ‘em, hate ‘em, hate ‘em all” / La la la la la, la la la la lie / Born to be buried, born to cry / La la la la la, la la la la lie / You better get to prayin’ child / You’re gonna bleed until you die / Brother John, look at that tree / It’s a mighty fine tree, but it casts a long shadow / Brother John, beware of that tree / If you stand in the shadows it’ll make you dark too / La la la la la, la la la la lie / Born to be buried, born to cry / La la la la la, la la la la lie / You better get to prayin’ child / You’re gonna bleed until you die

3. CREEPER 3:39
Lincoln: Vocal, Cigar Box Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums, Claps - Bukka Allen: Moog - Alissa Durham: Claps - George Reiff: Claps

I’ve been creeping in the shadows with the wretched, and I’ve got to get away / I’ve been creeping in the shadows with the wretched, and I’ve got to get away / It’s got me so afraid, that’s why I’ve got to get away / I’ve been eating at the tables with the sinners and I’ve got to get away / I’ve been eating at the tables with the sinners and I’ve got to get away / It’s got me so afraid, that’s why I’ve got to get away / My daddy said that before I could walk, I could pert’ near rock ’n’ roll / He never said that before I could rest, I’d have to learn to save my own soul / They call me “The Creeper”, that ain’t my name / But, it’s an accurate description of my malignant shame / So, heed my warnings, all those led astray / Dreams are cunning and sadistic, always ready to betray / They call me “The Creeper”, that ain’t my name / My mama said that before I could talk, I could flat-out rock ’n’ roll / She never said that before I could rest, I’d have to save my own soul / They call me “The Creeper”, that ain’t my name / They call me “The Creeper”, that ain’t my name

4. BONES 3:23
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar - Rick Richards: Drums

I seen an old fool in a graveyard, he was looking at an unmarked stone / He says, “As far as sins go, I’ve done all seven and then some / I’ve done everything that I shouldn’t, and nothing that I oughta / I’ve buried myself in six-foot of redemption” / Whoa, whoa, whoa / Whoa, whoa, whoa / Well I seen the light, and I hid in the shadows that it casts / Every night my past burns up my head / I was a shell of a man, full of liquor, fear, and hate / I can’t say I wouldn’t have turned the stones into bread / Whoa, whoa, whoa / Whoa, whoa, whoa / Bones in my closet, they rattle and they moan / Bones in my closet, they rattle and they moan / Bones in my closet, they tattle and they tell, that I’m a sinful man / Moan / Moan / Moan / Moan / All of my days I’ve been throwing seeds in the choking thorns of the wicked / I had my pleasure of grace right before the fall / The older the sin, the longer the shadow, that’s something that I can attest / I sometimes wonder how Paul shook the deeds of Saul / Whoa, whoa, whoa / Whoa, whoa, whoa / Bones in my closet, they rattle and they moan / Bones in my closet, they rattle and they moan / Bones in my closet, they tattle and they tell, that I’m a sinful man / Moan / Moan / Moan / Moan

5. PROPHET INCARNATE 2:48
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums - Alissa Durham: Back-up Vocal

I see a woman with serpentine hair, and her eyes ablaze / I see a devil, underfoot of the woman and howling with a rage / Poor little devil, maybe she’ll put you in a pretty little cage / I got stung last night / I got stung last night / It was by a prophet incarnate / Yeah, yeah, yeah / Huh, huh, huh / Yeah, yeah, yeah / I see a poor man with head held high and crawling out the ash / I see a poor man with a great stone hammer, breaking down your class / Keep swinging little poor man, you’ve got behind you all the punks and social outcasts / I got stung last night / I got stung last night / It was by a prophet incarnate / Yeah, yeah, yeah / Huh, huh, huh / Yeah, yeah, yeah / I find no interest in the methodical stabilities of the sane / For, I delight in the shadowy corners of unhinged thought, eating up my bad brains / I got stung last night / I got stung last night / It was by a prophet incarnate

6. RAGE AND FIRE AND BRIMSTONE 4:11
Lincoln: Vocal, Cigar Box Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums - Bukka Allen: Moog

Lord, save my wicked soul / Save that boy in the mirror / I don’t recall his face no more / The devil looking back at me is looking at me so much clearer / Oh my god above, save this faithless, wretched sinner / Oh my god above, I don’t see myself in this here mirror / I see rage and fire and brimstone / I see rage and fire and brimstone / I see rage and fire and brimstone / Lord, I curse that ornery woman / Serpent-tongued, lying, scheming / I see her writhing across the floor / The Devil incarnate, seventy-seventy times blaspheming / Oh my god above, save this faithless, wretched sinner / Oh my god above, I don’t see myself in this here mirror / I see rage and fire and brimstone / I see rage and fire and brimstone / I see rage and fire and brimstone / Lord, I see my fellow man / Bleeding, fighting, stealing / Lord, I’ve grown to hate them all / It seems my black heart needs some healing / Oh my god above, save this faithless, wretched sinner / Oh my god above, I don’t see myself in this here mirror / I see rage and fire and brimstone / I see rage and fire and brimstone / I see rage and fire and brimstone

7. RUSTY KNIFE 3:51
Lincoln: Vocal, Cigar Box Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums - Bukka Allen: Moog

Like a rusty knife finds sinless flesh / It tears and scars, until there ain’t much left / I’ll bet your crown of self-righteousness, that rusty knife will find sinless flesh / Just a devil quoting scripture, reciting chapter and verse / Always looking for a loss of faith, or at least an open purse / Now brothers you tell me which is worse / Like a rusty knife will find sinless flesh / It tears and scars, until there ain’t much left / I’ll bet your crown of self-righteousness, that rusty knife will find sinless flesh / Forked-tongue speaking sweet things, through the comfort of sharp teeth / All the while covering a tattoo, resembling the “Mark of the Beast” / Not exactly, but close at least / Like a rusty knife will find sinless flesh / It tears and scars, until there ain’t much left / I’ll bet your crown of self-righteousness, that rusty knife will find sinless flesh

8. GODS OF WOOD AND STONE 2:59
Lincoln: Vocal, Banjo, Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums

Excuse me, can I ask you a question? / What sets you free, sir? / ‘Cause it seems that The Devil’s got something, you were thinking that you need, sir / Pardon me, just one more question / Do you think me weak, sir? / ‘Cause slaving for a dollar and a hand-job, ain’t what I need, sir / We dance for gods of wood and stone / Made by hands of skin and bones / So bow to your partner / Bow way down low / We dance for gods of wood and stone / I ain’t drinking of your poison, so don’t throw me a patronizing bone / It’s likely I’ll be dancing across your grave, and pissing on your tombstone / So, hey brother, just one last question / Is your mind at ease, sir? / To see The Devil come reaping his kin? / Well tell me brother, does that set you free, sir? / We dance for gods of wood and stone / Made by hands of skin and bones / So bow to your partner / Bow way down low / We dance for gods of wood and stone

9. NOOSE 2:33
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Percussion

Shackled by ignorant hands / Calloused by the prejudice and politics that make him a so-called “man” / Sunday in the courtyard / Gawking at the fellow swinging to-and-fro from the gallows / Whatcha gonna do if the noose breaks? / Whatcha gonna do if it don’t take? / Whatcha gonna do if your devil don’t stay chained? / Oppression begets the unrest / That unifies the crucified, and sanctifies their vengeance as “holiness” / White dove sitting in a cage / Choking on the olive branch, and waiting for his chance to unleash his cooped rage / Whatcha gonna do if the noose breaks? / Whatcha gonna do if it don’t take? / Whatcha gonna do if your devil don’t stay chained? / To all you self-proclaimed “spiritualized”, who profess to prophesize, and try to exercise my so-called “demons” / Don’t you patronize, with your alibis, and your shifty eyes, shift, shift, shifting

10. BIDE MY TIME 2:41
Lincoln: Vocal, Cigar Box Guitar - Conrad Choucroun: Drums - Alissa Durham: Back-up Vocal - George Reiff: Back-up Vocal

Tell my mother that I love her / Tell my father that I tried / Tell my brother to watch over our sister / I told her I would be there, but it would seem that I lied / Yes, it would seem that I lied / Well my countenance grows ever blacker, and my pallor brighter white / But the blood flows as red as those saints in your prayers / We ain’t so different you and I / We ain’t so different you and I / I will not go to heaven / Don’t believe in the other side / I’ll stay right here in gravel and dirt, and I’ll bide my ever loving time / There’s a sinner six-foot under, and a holy man lays to the right / But, the grass grows as green on those thumping on the good book, as it does through the children of the night / As it does through the children of the night / I will not go to heaven / Don’t believe in the other side / I’ll stay right here in gravel and dirt, and I’ll bide my ever loving time

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
Exodus of the Deemed Unrighteous

All songs written by Lincoln Durham / Published by Rayburn Publishing, SESAC

1. BALLAD OF A PRODIGAL SON 2:15
Lincoln: Vocal, Vintage Samsonite Suitcase, Guitar • Rick Richards: Drums • Alissa Durham: Backup Vocal • Andrew Hernandez: Backup Vocal
Father don't you recognize your own kin? • It's been a lifetime, or maybe two • My hair is longer, and my face drawn thin • From years of searchin' for the truth • Whoa-oa-oa-a-oa-oa-oa • In the valley of the bones • Whoa-oa-oa-a-oa-oa-oa • They're gonna rise up and head on home • We all wander through this shattered old world • Gettin' more glass in our feet • Leavin' bloody tracks everywhere we turn • Like a morbid hide-and-go-seek • Chorus Repeat • Two plus two ain't always four • And sometimes black ends up white • There's a million shades of gray in between • When you manage to shed a little light • Chorus Repeat • I've been in every patchwork revival tent from here to yon • So brothers don't you recognize your own kin? • I have returned like a prodigal son

2. RISE IN THE RIVER 2:50
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Lap Steel • Rick Richards: Drums, Claps • Alissa Durham: Claps • George Reiff: Claps
There's a rise in the river • There's a whisper on the wave • Sins in the water that cannot be repaid • There's hope in the valley where the children they sing • Dark clouds are rollin' while they shake their tambourines • When there's a rise in the river • When there's a rise in the river • When there's a rise in the river • You got to get up to higher ground • Moon testifying that the blood that stains these shores • Will be cleaned by a flood and swept away by the mornin' • A pale horseman warnin' of impending doom • Befalling every man, woman, child and child in the womb • Chorus Repeat • Brothers and sisters • Ladies and gentlemen • Let me beseech, • Nay, implore you to heed my words today • You better head for the hills • Abandon those cheap thrills • Pour out all your corn liquors and Nyquils • 'Cause you got to stay awake • If not for yourself, then for your little family's sake • Lest you make a grave mistake • And find yourself death deep in water • Chorus Repeat

3. ANNIE DEPARTEE 4:09
Lincoln: Vocal, Cigar Box Guitar (a broomstick stuck in a cigar box with a G string on it. Yeah, a G string) • Rick Richards: Drums, Claps • Alissa Durham: Claps • George Reiff: Claps
This here's a little story about a girl who can't seem to quit killing men • Annie lay your six-guns down • Lest you find you're six foot under ground • Put on your rouge • Powder your nose • Hide your bow-legs under knee-high hoes • You done shot a man, girl • One...two...three, put him out of misery • Four...five...six, just to please them wicked kicks • You been burnin' powder • You better burn the breeze • Forever legend as Annie Departee • Annie lay your six-guns down • You've been spreadin' lead all over town • Better take your black hat and paint it white • 'Fore a buscadero puts you in his sights • You done shot a man, now • Chorus Repeat • Let me tell you a little story about Annie now • You see, Annie was known for her nasty reputation • Born with a short fuse already lit, and suffered from a chronic frustration • Most men would cower underneath the persecution of her pistol point • But every now and then, there'd be one seeking fame and find her at a local jip-joint • Somehow Annie always knew, and her eyes'd turn red • And all of a sudden there'd be a bullet in the belly of Fred, or Steve, or George, or Rick • It don't matter • Oh Annie, you done done it again, girl • You better change your evil ways • First Verse Repeat • Chorus Repeat

4. BEAUTIFULLY SEWN, VIOLENTLY TORN 3:03
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Wind Chimes • Rick Richards: Drums
Screen door blowin' in the wind that's dryin' up the blood on the ol' wood floor, • Dead-man's shadow's still dancin' from a 40-watt bulb swingin' back and forth, • Record is skippin' in the middle of Son House singin' 'bout an old death-letter, • Little Ellie Mae's still cryin' in the corner, sayin' "daddy should've known much better" • Ol' dirty washtub • Won't getcha' clean enough • Sinnin' from the day you're born • Beautifully sewn, violently torn • Ellie Mae's life is like an ol' carney ride gone wild and shakin' off the tracks • Mama's in the kitchen ain't hearin' what she heard, and takin' comfort from a bottle in a sack • What she can't figure is if you're still sinnin', how can you ever call yourself saved? • She's singin' "knick-knack, paddy-whack, a broken glass of cognac, I bet he can't hurt me from the grave" • Chorus Repeat • Big bad wolf in pretty sheep's skin showed his teeth when he took to the drink, • Little bitty girl is capable of terrible things when she's pushed to the brink, • Some folks are just victims of the times, and some from their own wicked ways • But now the law is at the front door • Ellie's out the back door • Mama hangs her head in shame • Chorus Repeat • Hush, Ellie Mae • You're safe and sound • Daddy won't be showin' his face around • He's gone to join ol' death for tea • He gonna tell him about the little girl who grew big teeth

5. STUPID MAN 2:56
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar • Rick Richards: Drums
Stupid man with your pockets jingling • Lips bright red, stained with wine • Will you shake your change to buy your soul? • Reduce yourself to nickels and dimes • Pray to be raised from the grave so cold, but you'll be a might heavy with all that gold • Silly girl with your face painted • You bat your eyes and flash your pearls • But your naked skin won't save your hide • From a fate that is both mine and yours • Chorus Repeat • Little child with your baby curls • Never had your chance to choose • But your innocence it don't mean a thing • You done lost the life you never had the chance to lose

6. STRIKE US DOWN 1:52
Lincoln: Vocal (through a Vox Amplifier), Harmonica • Rick Richards: Drums, Oil Pan • George Reiff: Backup Vocal
Preacher man turns himself another page • He ain't teachin' what it say, but it gets him paid • Mama's gonna raise a little baby up right • She gently puts it in the dumpster in the middle of the night • Lord strike us down • So we may see • That all mankind can bleed • Mr. Jones he's making his briefcase bigger • You better keep up 'cause his wallet's thicker • Ninety pounds, but she gets a little bit thinner • And Mrs. Barbie Doll gets some more plastic in her • Chorus Repeat • Green-eyed creature with a face of gold • Is always one step ahead, or so we're told • Nightmares and dreams mixed in the mud • It doesn't matter which is which when it's in your blood • Chorus Repeat

7. KEEP ON ALLIE 3:56
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Piano • Rick Richards: Percussion (patting his leg)
Standing at the corner of Mary and 1st • Wind dancing through her cotton dress • She gonna make through her life come better or worse • All the time wearing her Sunday best • Keep on • "Ruby Tuesday" on the radio • You'll always hear her sing harmony • She keeps the demons at bay with a shot of Old Crow • Too proud to concede, too ashamed to pray • Keep on • Keep on, Allie • Allie, keep on • Keep on, Allie • Allie, keep on • Fresh ink in her skin says remember this truth: • "The deepest old wounds make the prettiest scars" • She says tears are wasted on the ignorance of youth • She gonna bottle her's up in a little glass jar • A believer in mercy where mercy is due • And a certain kind of beauty in every sin • The chip on her shoulder ain't from me it ain't from you • It's to remind her where she going and how far she been. • Keep on • Chorus Repeat

8. SINNER 4:15
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar • Rick Richards: Drums
My youngest daughter, I have regrets • To say I have none, well that'd be another one yet • Would be another one yet • Don't let your faith in life, for too long reside • In the hands of the Devil, for him to twist and pry • For him to twist and pry • I am a sinner • For tomorrow I die • I am a dead man • This is a dead-man's rhyme • I swear to the Lord, through the kindness of His son • I ain't done not even half, of what they all say that I done • What they say I done • Chorus Repeat • So I'll shine my soul, and I'll wash away all my sins • 'Cause if they're gonna take me out, they're gonna have to take me with a grin • Chorus Repeat

9. EXODUS WALTZ 2:37
Lincoln: Vocal, Fiddle, Banjo • Rick Richards: Drums
You ain't seen my soul for nigh upon ages • But you say I stink from the things that I've done • They cling to me with their wretched little fingers • As fresh as the holy you put on • I was born to the hand that raised me unrighteous • Or so you all preached upon high • I had some love left for the taking • You'd have seen if not for the rafter in your eye • Whoa is me • Whoa is me • I sway to the "Exodus Waltz" • So I'll flee to the cold dark corners of this world • And I'll flaunt my scars and lost blood • And I'll pray for thee and those of like kind • "Judge not, lest ye own self be judged" • "Judge not, lest ye own self be judged" • Chorus Repeat • 1...2...3 • 1...2...3

10. MAMA 3:25
Lincoln: Vocal, Piano (strings plucked from inside piano), Guitar • George Reiff: Kalimba • Rick Richards: Drums
Mama lay me down • Gently rock away the tears • Mama lay me down • I still need you after all these years • Mama whisper to me • Tell me to pick myself off the floor • Mama whisper to me • I haven't the fight to fight anymore • Mama raise my head • Help me fight against the pain • Mama raise my head • Help me remember who I am again • Mama wish me sweet dreams • To put these nightmares to bed • Mama wish me sweet dreams • And a new path for my feet to tread • First Verse Repeat

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
The Shovel vs. The Howling Bones

All songs written by Lincoln Durham / Published by Rayburn Publishing, SESAC

1. Drifting Wood 4:23
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar / Derek O'Brien: Guitar / Rick Richards: Drums
One path leads to destruction I got two idle hands that'll get me there Three stand before me to enlighten I'd reach for the shores if I dared Chorus: Let the wind act as a savior Let it guide like a savoir should May the river have mercy have mercy on the drifting wood I may be hanging from a tree come next morning Gone to from whence I came My world is burning down to ashes By match or by chance it's all the same Chorus repeat These waters are deep and they are unheeding I could swim upstream or just go along for the ride The latter of which has this clear warning That's to doom myself to a passive suicide Chorus repeat

2. Last Red Dawn 3:10
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar / Jeff Plankenhorn: Mandolin / Rick Richards: Drums
I walk through the valley I see no stars tonight They've all died away Because the blood they're spilling floods like a crimson tide Chorus: Red skies turn black as night It means you'll see that next sun come But if they're fiery red in the morning light It means you'll see that last red dawn I see all the misery Of what is dead and gone And the sails, they cry in vain Because the ship they're sailing is made up of skin and bones Chorus repeat I feel a storm coming It whispers in the night And the sea it just trembled When it sees that last red light

3. Living This Hard 3:26
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Harmonica / Rick Richards: Drums
Stick our fruit mason jars Snapping peas in the backyard Been a year now with my hands in the dirt Blood on my fingers can't show it hurts We gonna see if next Sunday comes I ain't gonna make it if the working ain't done Working ain't done 'til the setting sun I got an old dreadnaught through a Bell and Howell It ain't the best of ways but it'll work somehow I don't need me a little band Because Mr. Davis says I got a sporting right hand We gonna see if next Sunday comes I ain't gonna make it if the working ain't done Working ain't done 'til the setting sun Chorus: Look out boys you're about to learn There comes a time when the cactus burns Life ain't never gonna spare the rod I can't keep living, living this hard My kin folks say don't forget who you are Them's words that's got me living this far There comes sometimes when I get real low I wish my memory didn't serve me so We gonna see if next Sunday comes I ain't gonna make it if the working ain't done Working ain't done 'til the setting sun Chorus repeat

4. Clementine 3:22
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Harmonica / Ray Wylie Hubbard: Guitar / Bucca Allen: Grand Piano / Rick Richards: Drums
Clementine, don't you cry for me When the smell of the roses fades eventually Just go for now and leave me to my sleep I'm free from this world, from this painful heartbeat Chorus: Hey, Clementine Don't you cry for me Clementine, may your path be blessed Never again to wear your black veil and dress Let each step take you far from pain Don't let this world leave its dirty old black stain Chorus repeat Clementine, now it's time to part There's no breath in me, but still an ache in my heart Just give me one last smile and dry your eyes We had our time, and now it's time to say goodbye Chorus repeat

5. Mud Puddles 3:27
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar (1929 Gibson HG-22), Wooden Cone Resonator, Fiddle / Rick Richards: Drums
I got a nickel that I keep here in my pocket I got these snakeskin boots here wrapped around my feet I got a picture that I keep here in a locket Of a woman who's much too good for me Chorus: I said drifters they don't step in mud puddles For fear they'll fill it up with their own blood I said drifters they don't step in mud puddles For fear they'll fill it up with their own blood I got a pocket knife my daddy gave me when I was 20 I found this dusty old hat here at 25 The years of my living add up to plenty But I doubt I'll ever make it to 29 Chorus repeat In these familiar streets I used to tread I see only shadows and demons instead Constant reminders Of the sins that I've made Blood that I've lost And the price I've paid Chorus repeat

6. Reckoning Lament 3:10
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar, Harmonica / Rick Richards: Drums
Old sawbones got some age on him, that's why you show respect He's long past his prime, his mind's a derelict Another man with an open book, he laughs at your every move He's reciting chosen verse of some Robert Johnson tune He's singing: Chorus: "Whoa, the sun has gone to burnin' Whoa, and the creek has gone dry Whoa, black birds are circling Over the hills, where the dead folk lie" Sister runs the table, now she's shaking a pile of bones Preaching to lose with the double-six cannot be condoned Old blues man feeling might poorly, that's why he screams and howls You ain't heard the slide guitar since the likes of Fred McDowell He's playing: Chorus repeat Ne'er-do-well in the dark corner, raising anxiety Says the safest place in the world, is in-sanity Strangers come from the four corners, with passion and discontent They sing in harmony of the Reckoning Lament They're singing: Chorus repeat

7. How Does A Crow Fly 2:36
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar (1964 Gibson J-45) / Rick Richards: Drums, Bird Feeder, Trash Can
I met a dove once white as snow I turned her a shade of gray A dove she wants to spread her wings But a crow clips her dove wings away Chorus: How does a crow fly like an eagle How does a crow fly like an eagle How does a crow learn to fly so high Where he can rise up to heaven again I went down to the depths of despair I wanted loose dirt on my grave I felt around in the dark for a while Among the wicked and depraved Chorus repeat How does a heart turn black as coal How does a heart turn black as coal How does a heart turn black as coal How does a crow save his own wretched soul Chorus repeat

8. Love Letters 2:57
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar / Rick Richards: Drums
I've been picking all the wallpaper off the walls I've been calling all the numbers on the bathrooms stalls I'm walking down a gravel road kicking a can I've been trying to figure out just who I am Chorus: I'm searching for some peace of mind To steady my steep decline If you're gonna live, then you're bound to learn I've got love letters to burn I've been washing myself in muddy water I don't want to be clean, but I think I oughta' I've been putting my sins right up on a shelf To forget your past is to lose your self Chorus repeat Asked a part-time thief, "What should I do" He said, "Use that pain to sing them blues" He said, "One more thing that'll help my brother Before you can open that door, you'd better close the other" Chorus repeat

9. Georgia Lee 3:19
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar (1964 Gibson J-45) / Clay Berkes: Backup Vocal / Rick Richards: Drums
Georgia Lee she's like a springtime storm She's gonna teach me to be withered, weathered and worn Dresses all tattered and torn She's gonna wallow in the mud Born on the front porch of an old wood shack She keeps everything she owns in a torn up burlap sack Gives no account for where she's at When she gonna wallow in the mud Chorus: Hey Hey Hey, Georgia Lee We're gonna wallow in the mud She's got an old guitar she claims was blessed by Muddy's hand She can't play for much, but she can sure play that "Hoochie Coochie Man" She's glad to show you anytime she can That she can wallow in the mud She's a wild child of the age of 32 You ask her what she's looking at She says "Oh, boy I'm looking straight at you Now whatcha' gonna do" We're gonna wallow in the mud Chorus repeat

10. People Of The Land 3:23
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar (1929 Gibson HG-22), Wooden Cone Resonator, Fiddle / Idgy Vaughn: Backup Vocal
Alissa Durham: Backup Vocal, Cardboard Box / Ray Wylie Hubbard: Backup Vocal / Rick Richards: Drums, Cardboard Box
I've been around since the days of old I'll stick around for years untold I've faced the fires, and I've seen the rain I've felt some pleasure, and all the pain Seen my brother's blood fall into the sand Shed by his neighbor's hand We are the people of the land And we ain't, and we ain't gonna die away Silk and thread make a noble man But it don't put the scars across his hand A long gray beard and a wise old face Won't be seen in your fancy place Though my brothers are falling all around You ain't gonna keep us down We are the people of the land And we ain't, and we ain't gonna die away We're tilling up the land and we're staying strong We're gonna be around when your money's gone There'll be a time when you can hear them say "Here come the people of the land, We'll be fortunate to be one of them one day" We are the people of the land

11. Trucker's Love Song 4:46
Lincoln: Vocal, Guitar / Derek O'Brien: Guitar / Bucca Allen: Accordion / George Reiff: Guitar
Idgy Vaughn: Backup Vocal / Rick Richards: Drums
Another road, another city The wheels keep rolling, on down the line The price I pay, for this lonely life Is getting higher, as time goes by The only friend I know, is on the CB We talk about the weather, because it kills the time But, he'll soon fade away on that open road And leave me thinking about you and I Chorus: I ride on through these dirty old towns And every road sign says, that you ain't around Another hard life long forgotten On this lonely, dark highway Through Amarillo, on my way to Colorado It makes me remember how much I like that song I'll be there long before morning Thinking about you long after I'm gone Chorus repeat Another road, another city The wheels keep rolling on down the line Singing along to "You Were Always On My Mind" With my best Willie, it's getting better each day Alt Chorus: You were always on my mind And every road sign says, how far I left you behind Another hard life long forgotten On this lonely, dark highway

Songs from Lincoln Durham's And Into Heaven Came The Night

Songs from Lincoln Durham's Revelations of a Mind Unraveling

Songs from Lincoln Durham's Exodus of the Deemed Unrighteous

Songs from Lincoln Durham's The Shovel vs. The Howling Bones

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
And Into Heaven Came The Night

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
Revelations of a Mind Unraveling

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
Exodus of the Deemed Unrighteous

Songs from Lincoln Durham's
The Shovel vs. The Howling Bones