abe chang

“(can't let go of the past, huh?) OLD WEBSITE ARCHIVED NEWS, GIGS, REVIEWS, PRESS, LYRICS (scroll to the end): ************************************** LAST UPDATED: August 15, 2006 I don't know about you, but I am wedding-ed out! Two HUGE weddings and a ton of congrats to some of my best friends: Doris and Karl. And welcoming to my family...my new sister-in-law Mrs. Charlotte Chang! Congrats Eric! So, you know where I've been this summer...so back to business! 1. I've been working on some new music and as promised...the electrodancebeats are here! Check out the demo for "epistles from the brokenhearted"! Still working the kinks out of it...but you get the picture. Not all the new songs will be as...aggressive...but I'm taking notes from the Faint, Depeche Mode, NIN, Gnarls Barkley and some old skool drum'n'bass from my club days in London as inspiration. More new stuff to follow. Check out the new song on the music downloads page: CLICK HERE for music 2. NEXT GIG !!: September 12, 2006 at laugh lounge nyc! (http://www.laughloungenyc.com/) More information to follow (and a snazzy flyer)...but man, it's gonna be comedy AND music. Guess I better work on my stage banter, huh? 3. And yes, I've got some live stuff that I'm going to be putting up soon. I was a little tipsy at the time and it was at a very odd venue...and the owner taped me without letting me know. In any case, a live version of a new song (well, to most of you) that segues into a classic cover...should be making the rounds any day now. Keep you posted on "Milk/ With or Without You" ....soon as I get my hands on the CD. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 4, 2006 epistles for the brokenhearted" just got a kick in the pants! I'm going ELECTRO for the new CD! Got a sweet KORG EMX and I'm pounding out some sweet beats. Think: a cross between The Faint, Radiohead (Kid A / Amnesiac era) and Gnarls Barkley...thrown in with Abe sauce. Intrigued? I'll post some sneak peeks when I get down to mixing. Check out some of the new songs I'm working on including: the title track, "won't give in", "lose the emotional curse", "your only thrill" and more! Check out the lyrics here by CLICKING HERE. Also a little scheduling fiasco...the Sino TV program aired Memorial Day morning! Well, I'm not sure if anyone has Channel 78...but the show ran for a full hour and 45 minutes of that was dedicated to yours truly! I'll try to get a copy of it and post it on the website or at YouTube.com! As for other news: getting the word out about the next gig! June 20th! Exactly ONE YEAR to the date that "lo-fi is chic." was released! So, clear your calendars and come out to the SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY SHOW! NEXT GIG !! PRICE: FREE! When: Tuesday June 20, 2006, 7:00 pm Where: Nightingale Lounge *21 and over only. (Happy Hour 6-8. Drink lots. Tip your server generously.) 213 Second Avenue (NW Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.) NY, NY 10003 Trains: L,N,Q,R,W,4,5,6 to Union Square/ 14th Street For more info: http://www.nightingalelounge.com/2.html I'll be playing songs off of "lo-fi is chic." and testing some BRAND NEW songs for the upcoming CD: "epistles from the brokenhearted." (And yes, my "electrobeatbox" is in the mail. Let's see if I can throw a little something together for the show!) Surprises, door prizes, free CDs! Lots of stuff you don't want to miss! So bring a friend, have a few drinks, listen to some tunes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 22nd, 2006 1. Going international! I just taped a morning show for Sino TV (Channel 78 in NY)! A whole show dedicated to me! I played a whopping three songs ("flame and wax," "reverie," and "under lock and key" for those of you keeping track) and had a great Q & A session with the Chinese "Kelly and Regis", Mr. Mong and Ms. Gao Hong. Oh...and I flexed my Mandarin (and Chinglish) skills. Needless to say, some Chinese folks are going to get a dose of the RAWK! The show will be broadcast as soon as next week! More details later! 2. Anyone remember a fun little song I used to play live called "skintight spandex suits" ? Well, I re-recorded it and it's now in an indie documentary about the comic book industry! The film is called "Comic Relief" and it sounds like a blast! I'm getting my copy in the mail...so more about this really soon! But for now you can check out "skintight spandex suits" in STREAMING AUDIO on the music page: CLICK HERE for music 3. All this talk about beats...well, Abe's tax return is in so a-gearing we will go! I'm going to stop by my local music store and get me some electronics! I'll be spending the rest of the summer fiddling with knobs and buttons and laying down some beats for "epistles from the brokenhearted"...so, new music coming your way soon! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 15, 2006 It's that time again...I'll be playing a set at the Nightingale Lounge on March 29th! PRICE: FREE! (tips are greatly appreciated) When: March 29, 2006, 7:00 pm Where: Nightingale Lounge *21 and over only. 213 Second Avenue (NW Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.) NY, NY 10003 Trains: L,N,Q,R,W,4,5,6 to Union Square/ 14th Street For more info: CLICK HERE I'll be playing songs off of "lo-fi is chic." and testing some songs that I'm thinking about including on the new album: "epistles from the brokenhearted." Expect to hear some nifty cover songs...including my version of Postal Service's "Such Great Heights"! (It's a little more upbeat than the Iron & Wine cover that was used in the M & M commercial...but acoustic nonetheless. Hope to see you there! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 26, 2006 Ok..."lo-fi is chic." is certainly an international affair now. Folks in Taiwan, China, Canada (ok, not that impressive) and now.. the UK have a dose of Abe-goodness! Here's what a kinda fella in the UK had to say: Right - I've listened to a few of your tunes - your album is mine. I've just ordered one on amazon. My sister has got me into emo/'poetic' style rock/tunes with guitars in them etc in a big way (Although overall it's your vocals on the tunes listed below which swung it for me - very nice). Of your own tunes on your website, the ones I particularly like are as follows... First up - 'Pinioned' : I love your use of stereo in the (very nicely distorted) vocals. I try to use stereo as much as possible in my tunes too, very nice mate. I also like the phaser on the main guitar riff (is that done with a pedal, or is it added post production?). Second - 'On the brink' for some reason makes me think of driving by the beach in an open top convertible wearing some shades. I can see how your poetry backgrond must come in handy when writing lyrics - I tried my hand at it and gave up almost instantly. Third in there - 'Love's brutality' - Lovely beginning, and I like the way you've doubled up your own voice in places (unless that's a backing vocalist who sounds a lot like you...). Classic Emo - cool man. And I like the slightly 'screechier' guitar about 2/3rds of the way through, followed by the madness at the end! Class. Finally - 'Under lock and key' - Lovely beginning (again) and more of your doubled vocals (or backing vocals!) make this a nicely chilled acoustic track in my book. More props for the lyrics - sounds very polished geez. I've listened to a few of your covers, but I must say I give more respect for original work - I look forward to hearing a few more man - with titles like 'Flame and Wax' and 'Tearing', I'm interested to see what else you've come up with. Peace. Tromatize..." So, you never know where this is gonna go! Keep spreading the tunes! If you've like what you heard...tell a friend! epistles for the brokenhearted"...it's going to get better and better. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 21, 2006 ANOTHER NEW COVER SONG! Just a touch of evil coming your way... All you gothkids and emopunks will appreciate this one (this means you MB and VL!). I've recorded an acoustic cover of Alkaline Trio's "time to waste"! (I think the song might be about vampires? Yeah, I still love Buffy/Angel. :P) Check it out on the music downloads page! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 13, 2006 NEW COVER SONG! All you Asian folks/goth kids/gay men/metalheads will get a kick out of this new one... Juxtaposing two hits from the 80s...here comes my special cover of depeche mode's "somebody" and poison's "every rose has its thorn"! For those of you that came to the big bday bash...you heard me play this one. For those of you who missed it...it went a little something like this.... Go to the music downloads page to check out this new WEB-EXCLUSIVE cover song! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just wanted to send out a heartfelt "thank you" to all the lovely people that came out last night. (And for those of you who couldn't make it or had to cancel...drinks are on you, buddy. Yeah, you too.) I had an awesome 30th bday and I'm ready to kick the (proverbial) arse off this next decade! I can't keep it in any longer, so as promised...the big announcements! (AKA, the longest email...read on if you care.) 1. The big TV announcement: In November, I taped an episode of the PBS nationally syndicated program: "Asian America". (Folks like Ang Lee, Margaret Cho, and David Henry Hwang have been on the show before.) Hosted by Air Tabigue and also featuring Jon Lall and Matt Sia (props to muh boys!)...and yours truly with a bit of Q&A and a bit of "under lock and key". Here's more info: ASIAN AMERICA Not sure when it will be airing, (I hear it might be March, but you'll have to check your local PBS listings. For you in the Tri-State area, the show airs at 7:30 on Sundays on Ch. 25) but if you really need to see it now...you can actually order the episode for $25 bucks! 2. The other big TV announcement: MTV CHI (one of MTV's new Asian channels that just started up in North America) contacted me in regards to submitting a music video. As you know, I'm knee deep in my indie-cred and I've got no big budget cashflow or camera skills to get this going. But any aspiring film makers want to give it a shot? Email me and we'll see if we can get on the airwaves. 3. The big radio announcement: I've been included on the OASIS Alternative compilation (Vol.5)..."Pinioned" is track 2 on Disc 2! This compilation is an industry only release--meaning, it's sent out to radio and other media types. I should be getting a list of which stations soon...so we'll know who to bug to play the tune. Check out www.abechangrocks.com for scans of the CD cover...I'll post them soon! 4. The big podcasting announcement: It looks like you iTunes people will be able to get some podcasts of songs from the site. Still testing it out...but I'll have it up and running soon! WMA files will still be up and streaming. (www.abechangrocks.com/music.html) 5. The big website announcement: I've just checked the stats and it looks like I'm averaging 3500 hits a month! WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE!? Please sign the guestbook (www.abechangrocks.com/newguestbook.html) and let me know who you are! And be sure to sign up for the mailing list! All you non-tri-state-ers and overseas people, I'm sending you lots of love. 6. The big new CD announcement: I'm almost set with the track listing for "epistles from the brokenhearted". It will be about 12 songs: trying to keep it short and sweet this time around. (Also a new version of "under lock and key" with synths and possibly a live version of "scent of you") I'm hoping to get it all done by summer or early fall. Expect lots of new directions in style: more synths, electronic beats, even an alt-country song! (For those of you that missed the bday show-- I debuted: "T & A", "On Fire", "As I Walk the Borderline", "Twisted Smile", "Milk", and "Gravity". Seems like folks dig the new songs as much or more than the old ones. wooo!) I'll be posting demos of songs when I get the chance. "On Fire" is up already! Where you been? (lucky) 7. The big live music announcement: As always, it always sounds better when I play my songs live--but I'm going to take a break until March or so to record. After that...going to play some new venues in NYC and then maybe finally do that East Coast tour. You ready Philly and Boston? Anyone have venue contacts in those towns, let me know! The motto: "We keep it lo-fi and D.I.Y....as long as girls make me cry." It's a one-man revolution! Come out and support the movement! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 25, 2006 Here's a shout out to my buddy Josh Bicknell, the drummer for the great band "hey tiger". They've got an awesome opportunity to open for Bon Jovi! They are one of five finalists in a concert sponsored by WPLJ 95.5 in NY. So do us a favor and surf over to www.plj.com to vote for "hey tiger" ! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 18, 2006 You are cordially invited to ABE'S BDAY BASH AND SHOW! What better way to celebrate my big 3-0 *gasp* than to invite my inebriated friends to listen to me sing and (hopefully) not heckle from the posh seats! I'll be playing for about an hour...and drinking with you the rest of the time! (Oh, man...am I gonna need a drink.) PRICE: FREE (or presents or buy me a birthday drink or if you are a cute single gal--smooches are currency. :P) When: Tuesday, January 31st Time: 7:00 PM (Happy Hour: Monday-Saturday | 6pm-8pm) Where: Nightingale Lounge (http://www.nightingalelounge.com/) *21 and over only. 213 Second Avenue (NW Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.) NY, NY 10003 Trains: L,N,Q,R,W,4,5,6 to Union Square/ 14th Street Expect to hear favorites from "lo-fi is chic." I'll also be debuting a bunch of new songs from the forthcoming album-- "epistles from the brokenhearted"! Surprises galore and maybe even a cover song or two... And *oh yeah*... FREE COPIES OF "LO-FI IS CHIC." ...while supplies last! So if you are in the NYC area...come on out! Bring your friends! Wish me a happy birthday! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 7, 2006 New year...new songs...new ALBUM! I've decided on the title of my upcoming album: "epistles from the brokenhearted" . Songs I'm hoping to include: on fire T & A leading you astray milk as I walk the borderline under lock and key (new version!) gravity breathe in my heart skintight spandex suits only eternity ...and a handful of newly written songs Expect lots of new beats, keyboards, and a touch more indie sounding stuff! I'm aiming for a summer/fall drop date, but in the meantime I'll be posting up sneak peeks. And the first one is here in all it's streaming audio glory! Clocking in at just under 3 minutes, "on fire" (I posted the demo version--it's almost done!) is my guidedbyvoices-placebo-nineinchnails-neworder-ish song. Check out the new song (and covers and songs from "lo-fi is chic.") on the music downloads page! And if you like what you heard, please leave some e-encouragement in the guestbook! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 20, 2005 Merry Chrismukwanzukah...and a happy new year! As a way of saying goodbye to a terrible year...I've done a fast and crunchy cover of My Chemical Romance's "Helena" Simple acoustic guitars (and oh yeah, there's some distortion in there) and some vox and...voila! Kissing this year goodbye...so, so long and and good night! Here's to a better 2006! Check out this gothpunky cover song and others here: For more info check out cover songs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 7, 2005 Abe's first TELEVISION APPEARANCE! Exciting news! I'll be taping an episode of "Asian America" for PBS this Thursday! It's a nationally syndicated show that originates from NYC. I'll be doing a 15 minute Q&A talking about music, writing, and being an Asian American entertainer. I only have about 3 minutes to perform, so I'll probably play an excerpt of a song off "lo-fi is chic." Asian America" is broadcast on Channel 25 in NYC and in the tri-state are at 7:30PM on Sundays (check your local listings). The new shows will be hosted by comedian Air Tabigue and will begin airing soon! I'm not sure when my episode will air, but I'll be sure to let you know! (Be sure to tune in!) For more info check out www.asianamerica.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 20, 2005 NEXT GIG! I'm playing yet another benefit show! I'll be performing a short set to benefit READ Philippines. Here are the details: Date: Thursday, October 27, 2005 Time: 7:00pm Venue: Nightingale Lounge 213 Second Avenue (btwn 12th and 13th) (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087724/new_york_ny/nightingale_lounge.html) We are hosting the Second Annual "Write to Our Culture" show. Featuring a showcase of the most creative and expressive writer-artists and musical acts of various genres from the tri-state area and beyond. They will raise funds for Read Philippines, a campaign dedicated to installing Philippine-themed book collections in public libraries in the New York area. READ Philippines is a program of CORE. The mission of this program is to establish collections of Filipino and Filipino-American books in libraries with sizable communities of Filipino-Americans. Through the READ Philippines project, we hope to aid in the development in young Filipino-Americans, their friends and the community at large to promote a greater interest and awareness of the Philippines and its values, history and culture. Various writers and photographers from Filipino media will be present." Here are some pictures from last year's event: https://core.smugmug.com/gallery/215914 For info about our READ Philippines program: www.core-nyc.org/read.html For general info about CORE: www.core-nyc.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 22, 2005 NEXT GIG! I'll be playing a short set at the Delancey (yes, back to the LES!) on October 2nd. Proceeds from the show will go toward victims of Hurrican Katrina and also to benefit South African charities. Here are the details: Sunday, October 2nd. Doors: (and BBQ begin) at 6:00. (I'll be hanging around all night and hitting the stage around 8:00. *NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!!!* ) Cost: $20 donation at the door, includes a ROOFTOP BBQ (from 6pm) and LIVE MUSIC (at 8pm: includes DJ’s and acoustic performances.) Delancey 168 Delancey St New York, NY 10002 (212) 254-9920 Cross Street: Clinton Street Directions: F at Delancey St; J, M, Z at Essex St -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 7, 2005 After an insane summer filled with ups and downs...I'm back from Taiwan! (And I even got a chance to take the stage to play "reverie" at a local bar called "Oldie Goodie".) I'll be setting up some gigs in the months ahead. Check out the site and sign up for the email list to get the lastest dates If you've got a copy of "lo-fi is chic." why don't you surf on over to Amazon.com and write a review? Here's my Amazon.com 5-star review from E. Voccola of Milford, CT: I loved every minute of this album, It's a great listen, with a great price. His mix of acoustic and electric guitars with rye wit and splashes of humor amongst the serious tone, catch almost everyone's attenion who've heard this album, A great talent, and a wonderful addition to my collection!" Wow! Thanks! And if you don't have a copy of "lo-fi is chic."...what are you waiting for? Look to your left on this page and click to order! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 21st, 2005 Thanks to all who came out to the CD release show at PIANOS! It was great seeing you all there and I hope you are enjoying "lo-fi is chic." ! For those of you who couldn't make it. Here's the good news: lo-fi is chic." is now available at AMAZON.COM, CDBABY.COM and also at target.com, borders.com, virginmega.com, towerrecords.com, waldenbooks.com, and cdnow.com! For just $9.99 you can get the CD from your favorite online retailer! Click on the link to ORDER "lo-fi is chic." * Check AMAZON.COM and CDBABY.COM (where you can listen to samples of every track) first for availability. You'd be surprised at how fast they sell out! *And for all of you with websites and blogs...please tell your friends to check out the CD! Thanks! Also check out the newly retooled lyrics section to see the words laid out in order of the track list! More web exclusive songs and tour dates and gig info will be coming later this summer! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 7, 2005 lo-fi is chic." is HERE! The album wil be available at the PIANOS CD Release show for the first time! Monday, June 20th, 2005. 7:30 Check it out: here. Email me for preorders...or you can wait a few weeks where the album will be available at Amazon.com and Cdbaby.com! More news on retailers as I finish up all this paperwork! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 17, 2005 CD art proofs came in and they look great! I took some quick pics with my digicam...so here's a sneak peek at the front and back cover: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 12, 2005 Yup. I'm officially on the bill for June 20th at PIANOS. Check it out: here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 9, 2005 lo-fi is chic." is officially off to the presses! If all goes off without a hitch, the CD will be available on June 1st! As for the official CD release show... MARK YOUR CALENDARS! It will be held at PIANOS on Monday, June 20th! Still working out the details and will post more news when everything is settled. The CD will be available for a low, low price and special surprise goodies will be reserved for people that buy the CD at the show. The final tracklist for the CD is: 1. pinioned 2. unrequited 3. flame and wax 4. reverie 5. will 6. tearing 7. 777 8. senses X X X 9. deal with this in the morning 10. on the brink 11. in your words 12. don't want to be friends 13. scent of you 14. love's brutality 15. reverie (live and acoustic) 16. under lock and key (*unlisted hidden track!) As always, you can hear STREAMING AUDIO of tracks off "lo-fi is chic." (and web-exclusive cover songs) on the music downloads page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 3, 2005 lo-fi is chic." is OFFICIALLY DONE! Two years in the making...and it's finally finished. The art files for the CD are in my hands and after finishing some paperwork...it's off to the presses. Depending on the turnaround time, the CD should be in my hands sometime in late May or early June. Let's hope it gets pressed without a hitch! Some minor changes: "under lock and key" will actually be the "unlisted hidden track" on the CD. This brings the final tracklisting to a whopping 16 songs! I know that there are a few instances where I considered cutting a few tracks, but in the interest of showing my range and just because I wanted to give you all more bang for your buck...I went ahead and included nearly all the songs from the recording sessions. (The next CD project will be a more cohesive set of songs and most likely will lean towards more acoustic material.) Something to note: As I listened to the album on different set ups...it's obvious that "lo-fi is chic." is meant to be listened to with headphones strapped to your noggin. The stereo effects and harmonies sound best when your listening to the tunes piped in from your headphones. So for all you "ipod zombies" ...that's some good news. Well, if you want to get a jump on some tasty rock songs with that distinct pop-tangyness...pre-order your copy of "lo-fi is chic." by filling out the form on the merchandise page. I'll be sure to include surprise goodies with each pre-order! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 9th, 2005 NEW WEB EXCLUSIVE SONG! Wow...talk about getting hit with inspiration. Wrote, recorded, and uploaded "under lock and key" in 3 hours. I really think it's one of my best songs. Very personal lyrics. Lead vocals and guitar recorded live. The vocal harmonies were overdubbed and are pretty darn tight. Click over to the music downloads page to listen to the new WEB EXCLUSIVE track! NEW COVER SONGS! It's been a very productive weekend! Recorded and uploaded my versions of "hurt (live acoustic)" by Nine Inch Nails and "high and dry (live acoustic)" by Radiohead (play spot-the-riff and identify the surprise intro for this song). Head on over to the music downloads page to listen to the new tunes in all their streaming audio glory. Almost done with "leading you astray" finalized the shiny new vocals and just need to polish up the drums. Check back for this web-exclusive track in the coming weeks! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 29, 2005 Uploaded "reverie (live acoustic)" to the streaming audio page. I've been playing this song for a long time now and people still seem to like it. You'll find this version on "lo-fi is chic." and the full-studio version, as well. Go to the music page to hear it now! enjoy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 25, 2005 WOW... it sure has been a long time since I updated this page. Well, it was due to the fact that I was working a little too hard at the day job (which I've since quit) but I'll be back in fine form in the coming weeks! Just an update: "lo-fi is chic." is officially D O N E ! Once I get the art files in my hot hands...it's off to the presses. The full-length, studio album will be available early spring 2005! To tide you over, I've been working on some new material: "leading you astray" will be up and available to stream/download in early April! Just need to lay down some drum tracks for this web-exclusive preview of new songs to be on the follow-up to "lo-fi is chic." ! And since I'll have some spare time...I'll be recording some more covers. Most likely they will be live acoustic tracks. Possibilities: hurt" --NIN there is a light that never goes out" --the smiths like dylan in the movies" --belle and sebastian high and dry" --radiohead don't stop believin'" --journey So if you have a preference..sign the guestbook or send me a note to let me know which song you'd like to see covered. That's it for now, kids. Check back soon! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 19, 2004 Yes, it looks like "lo-fi is chic" is going to be out in 2005. (fresh year, fresh CD)...the artwork is the only hold up. So, to tide you over... more and more web-exclusive cover songs (wow, I could probably do a whole album of covers at this point...) for your listening pleasure. The latest addition A brand new U2 song meets one of their old classics sometimes you can't make it on your own / bad 2 guitars, 2 songs, and it only took 2 hours to finish! Check out my Edge-esque riffs and my Bonofalsetto! So head over to the music downloads page and check out cuts from "lo-fi is chic." and more cover songs then you can shake your jingle bells at! I'm planning to record and post a few more cover songs, any requests? (So far I've got request for a Killers song and for "Miles Away" by Winger?!??!) Sign the guestbook or send me a note and I'll see what I can do! P.S. And if I haven't said it already....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God bless us, everyone. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 6, 2004 lo-fi is chic." is still in post-production...but it's going to get done! So...to keep the waters churning, I've recorded even more cover songs and posted them to the music downloads page! What's available now in STREAMING AUDIO: Another live-acoustic favorite from the 80's...the Eurythmics' classic here comes the rain again recorded in one take! And a rockin' garage band version of Sarah McLachlan's sweet surrender that is definitely not fit for Lilith Fair! I'm planning to record and post a few more cover songs, any requests? Sign the guestbook or send me a note and I'll see what I can do! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 7, 2004 Hey you! I'm still proofing the art work for "lo-fi is chic." Hoping to get everything finalized and off to the presses before Thanksgiving. But to tide you over: By popular demand, I've recorded some LIVE acoustic versions of some cover songs and posted them to the music downloads page! What's available now in STREAMING AUDIO: The infamous cry me a river/hey ya/lean back medley. stare at the sun originally by THRICE and my version of the Jimmy Eat World classic no sensitivity from my SOLD OUT EP "lucky insouciance" (oh yeah, did I forget to mention that it was sold out? sorry, no more left!) Just click and give a listen! These cover songs and others are the little surprises that I whip out when I play live. See what you've been missing out! I'm planning to record and post a few more cover songs, any requests? Send me a note and I'll see what I can do! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 7, 2004 Just a quick update, kids. The TEABAG AMPLIFIED performance rocked the house! Due to a scheduling conflict...PAPER DOLL was replaced by the excellent, guitar virtuoso George Lagaspe. I opened with a little a capella TOOL, played 5 songs off "lo-fi is chic." and closed with the (in)famous "Cry Me a River/Hey Ya/Lean Back" medley! I probably won't be playing live until "lo-fi is chic." is back from the studio. Speaking of which...I'm coating the songs with some lovely reverb effects this week...and the final master should be done before October 15th! Once artwork is finalized...it's off to the presses. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more album release news! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 17, 2004 The new website is HERE! Welcome to www.abechangrocks.com Loads of new features! STREAMING AUDIO! GUESTBOOK! MAIL LIST! Explore the site to find all the new goodies! And recording on "lo-fi is chic." is DONE! I'm in the final stages of selecting the very best mixes to include on the final track listing of the full studio album. It's going to be 15 songs of eclectic electricity! (Say that three times fast!) Go to the music downloads page to hear samples from the album in lovely STREAMING AUDIO! And be sure to check back for more news! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for dropping by and supporting me ! --Abe *DISCLAIMER* All photos, art work, and intellectual property (mine or others) belong to their respective creators. Let me know if you want more info!”

“NEW LYRICS *** GRAVITY A photograph of you, is all I seem to have A summer shaded view, of things in our past They haunt me, with words left unsaid They taunt me, with foolish pride instead of you And I would give up gravity, to fly through skies of blue And I would give up liberty, I’m shackled in chains for two And I would give integrity, to liars who are true And I would trade all these things for a moment here with you A lingering regret, upon my faded lips A winter’s promise left, on a frozen weary kiss They haunt me, with dreams in the night They taunt me, with wrongs left not right, for you And I would give up gravity, to fly through skies of blue And I would give up liberty, I’m shackled in chains for two And I would give integrity, to liars who are true And I would trade all these things for a moment here with you And I would give my destiny, cause I don’t know what to do When all I have is misery, in a world without you I SCREAM Tell me once again the lies you tell Sing me another story, you do it all so well Show me the truth for once, and leave me to cry Let me know the ending of the way our love died And I scream at the top of my lungs Leave me to bleed and then you run Show me your way I’ll believe every word you say And I scream at the top of my lungs Take me anywhere that you go No questions asked, no one will know I’ll close my eyes for once, and let you be my guide Take me to another place, I’m good for the ride And I scream at the top of my lungs Leave me to bleed and then you run Show me your way I’ll believe every word you say And I scream at the top of my lungs Tell me you love me, tell me you need me Tell me more of your lies Tell me you love me, tell me you need me Tell me the truth one more time And I scream at the top of my lungs Leave me to bleed and then you run Show me your way I’ll believe every word you say And I scream at the top of my lungs WALT WHITMAN AND ME I’m an English major It’s a hard life to live Didn’t think I was in danger When poetry readings are all I give Hey Jack Kerouac How’s your road been rolling Got that monkey on your back With booze, girls, and a car that’s stolen Walt Whitman and me Leaves of Grass will always be my favorite Walt Whitman and me Heard he was gay but I’ve never seen his lover Walt Whitman and me Sing the Body Electric," baby! Walt Whitman and me Repeating his words all over and over again I’m an English major It’s a hard life to lead Don’t think I’m a stranger To the world of a poor man’s creed Edgar Allan Poe How’s your Raven calling It’s a brand new low When black clouds are a-fallin’, fallin’ Walt Whitman and me Leaves of Grass will always be my favorite Walt Whitman and me Heard he was gay but I’ve never seen his lover Walt Whitman and me Sing the Body Electric," baby! Walt Whitman and me Repeating his words all over and over again And oooh, I know There’s so many books I have not read And ooh, I know You’re never famous until you’re dead Walt Whitman and me Leaves of Grass will always be my favorite Walt Whitman and me Heard he was gay but I’ve never seen his lover Walt Whitman and me Sing the Body Electric," baby! Walt Whitman and me Repeating his words all over and over again BREATHE IN MY HEART A summer spent asleep in the rain A cool sense of solace to ease the pain And you beside me, holding my hand Soothing the sorrow, one who understands So breathe in my heart this time Take every breath you can find Secrets fade to mist I have nothing left to hide All we have is truth You’ve taken away the lies So breathe in my heart this time A lonely wish ascends far away A last ray of sunshine to close the day It reminds me, how I always knew That I’d spend tomorrow with only you Eternity isn’t too far away When I see it in your eyes I would wait forever and a day Just to be by your side So breathe in my heart this time Take every breath you can find Secrets fade to mist I have nothing left to hide All we have is truth You’ve taken away the lies So breathe in my heart this time SKINTIGHT SPANDEX SUITS The world’s greatest heroes, gathered on a dime Discussing who would fight their greatest foes Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain America and you Raise your right hand and swear to the flag Liberty, Justice, and Truth In the darkest hour, in the bleakest day In skin tight spandex suits And I wanna be just like Green Lantern My power ring will get me through Aquaman gets jealous of everybody else He’s got the lamest powers in the world Dolphins, whales, and salmon. Octopussy The villains are all making seafood stew. Raise your right hand and swear to the flag Liberty, Justice, and Truth In the darkest hour, in the bleakest day In skin tight spandex suits And I wanna be just like Wolverine My claws will rip you in two. And I wanna be just like Wonder Woman Wear a tiara and go-go boots And I wanna be just like superduperextrapowerful ELONGATED MAN And I know you’d like to be a superhero too. SO DESPERATELY Take this as confession I’m not the man I seem Under rough exterior I’m shaking at the knees Tried to play it cool But I’m failing brilliantly Again I am the fool Trying so desperately So desperately So desperately I’ve got nothing charming Hidden up my sleeves I wear my heart with confidence With no need to deceive Tried to bend the rules And I’m aching to believe That you won’t be cruel When I’m trying so desperately So desperately So desperately Though this could end in tragedy I’m not willing to concede This battle we’ve just begun These words are more than sympathy You know how fragile hearts can be When you risk it all to find someone Could you be the one? I’m not sure if I dare to care I’m waiting to come undone One whisper, one look, one stare Your stare I know it’s not romantic But I’m trying to redeem All the things I said before So I hope you wait and see That I’m telling you the truth Though not so gracefully That I think you’re really cool And I want you so desperately So desperately So desperately EUROPEAN PLAYGROUND A double decker bus, on the streets of Berlin It’s snowing down in April But you won’t let the cold in Heavy with history Your European playground Looking for the answers you thought you found And all I have are yellow photographs Crying for you ignorance Beneath the tears of scribbled autographs I’m dying for your innocence A double decker bus, along the river Thames It’s raining truth and fables And a stereotypes a friend Drowning in mystery Your Anglo-Saxon battleground Looking for the answers you thought you found And all I have are yellow photographs Crying for you ignorance Beneath the tears of scribbled autographs I’m dying for your innocence So plead your case to my ears again Your apologies are wearing thin The past will find you repeating all your sins It’s cold outside Don’t you let it in, let it in Until we fall down again Until we fall down again Until we fall down again I’m dying for your innocence I’m dying for your innocence THE CRUELEST CUT It always starts the same The cruelest cut is your name There’s no sense in recompense –the blame There’s no way for me to sway –unchanged There’s no time for compromise –remain By these wounds you are healed By these tears you are sealed By these wounds you are healed By these tears you are sealed It always is the case Someone else to take your place There's no lies within your sighs --the space Keep it tied and occupied --the trace A speck denied and crucified --your face By these wounds you are healed By these tears you are sealed By these wounds you are healed By these tears you are sealed Beg or borrow nothing, you just steal Fact or fiction–close your eyes, this is real ONLY ETERNITY If I could find the words To express my love for you They’d never be enough Only eternity would do Amazing love that’s so divine Circumscribes my hardened heart Your love flows sweeter than wine Tearing my bitterness apart Take this broken man away Replace the years spent in shame Embrace this son, gone astray And he will cry out Your name Holiness that’s so sublime Captivates my sinner’s soul What I would give to find My life purified as gold If I could find the words To express my love for you They’d never be enough Only eternity would do FOR AN UPTOWN GIRL (YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME JUST FEELING DOWN) insouciance is part of your design diffidence--the key to feeling fine cool, calm, and collected when caring is a crime for an uptown girl you spend a lot of time just feeling down for an uptown girl you spend a lot of time just hanging ‘round and you know, I’d go... and take you far away but you won’t and you don’t... have too much to say I want to wake you up and shake you to the world you’ve got outside shed the second skin you wear and take you for a ride this city never sleeps and your heart still beats just waiting for the chance to come alive bitterness is where you’ve built your shrine indifference is all you have in mind cool, calm, disaffected but you’re spinning on a dime for an uptown girl you spend a lot of time just feeling down for an uptown girl you spend a lot of time just hanging ‘round and you know, I’d go... and take you far away but you won’t and you don’t... have too much to say I want to breathe and resuscitate you, bring you back to life tear that stubborn armor, you’ve been wearing every night this city never sleeps and your heart still beats just waiting for the chance to come alive so let’s go to the L.E.S. downtown love is the best I’ll take you to the greatest bar Tuesday special, no cover charge! for an uptown girl you spend a lot of time… for an uptown girl you spend a lot of time… Billy Joel…he’s just feeling fine… Billy Joel… said it in ‘85 But you’re no Christie Brinkley You’re no Christie Brinkley LEADING YOU ASTRAY there’s not much left that I can say that would seem optimistic I base it on the principle of avoiding the clichés so accuse me of just what you will, I’ve always been a little sadistic but I’d rather be found innocent of leading you astray leading you, leading you astray leading you, leading you astray gathered all the evidence, I knew this wouldn’t work everything I said to you just added to the hurt blame the one that came before for leaving such a mess in another time you’d be the only, but now you’re second best I wouldn’t say that I lied to you but what I said was half the truth there was no other way I’m leading you, leading you astray leading you, leading you astray there’s not much left that I can do to better the situation I blame it on the principle of “fight another day” so accuse me of just what you will, it’s selfish preservation I’d rather be the one to go, than watch you walk away watch you walk, watch you walk away watch you walk, watch you walk away if you think this is sabotage, I wouldn’t blame you at all it wasn’t planned but that’s how things always seem to fall I’ll tell you all the sweetest things before it turns to dust given time it could be love, but now it’s only lust I wouldn’t say that I lied to you but I find it hard to tell the truth there was no other way I’m leading you, leading you astray leading you, leading you astray AS I WALK THE BORDERLINE And I'm feeling dead in the water And I'm ready to sink down I'd let the waves wash over But you won't let me drown Just don't waste my time If you're gonna come and save me Do you realize? That you're stupid for your bravery And I think I'm in your crosshairs A steady finger trembling close A moment's pain I could bear But it's the sound that I fear most Just don't waste my time If you're gonna pull the trigger Do you realize? That this waiting makes you sicker Waiting on you I'm waiting on you Waiting for the truth Waiting for you But today I don't feel nothing As I walk the borderline I'm letting go of every thing But I'm holding on too tight Can't make up my mind If I'm living or I'm dying And I realize What's the point of even trying? I'll believe your lies Just this once and then I'm leaving Just this one last time ON FIRE I'm burning through your atmosphere a spiralling decay a deadly trajectory I turn the blue to grey ON FIRE what we lose in altitude we never will reclaim say a prayer for the perishing going down in flames ON FIRE Icarus I am not jealous of you ever reaching upwards says the fool damn your wings if they won't let you fly a haunted, bitter memory of the sky T & A I don't need to tell ya Don't know your design As long as you got...got that T & A TENDER loving care A little bit of AFFECTION As long as you don't mind going all the way Going all the way I'm on pins and needles The way your eyes do shine Looking for the right DNA DON'T waste your time NOTHING comes from teasing ALLOW me to show you the way You the way Lust or love What you looking for? Lust or love Decide before I close the door I won't even argue I won't cross that line As long as you don't tempt me to go astray A hopeless romantic I'm just coy and shy Or any role you want me to play Want me to play? EPISTLES FROM THE BROKENHEARTED I rue the day I ever met you and every hour by your side every minute that I lived through every second of your lies consider this an epistle a letter from a broken heart a final plea from the dying to one who tore it apart I pray to God to forgive you to have mercy on your soul for every moment that you smiled through the sweet deceptions that you told consider this an epistle a letter from a broken heart a final plea from the dying to one who tore it apart consider this resignation from ever loving you again every moment that I wasted on every cruel and labored sin Never should have let you in Never should have let you in TWISTED SMILE never any problems with the questions the answers locked up in your mind another name, another lover do you think of him when you sigh? and when you kiss me are you miles away? (you fake it) and do you miss me when you cannot stay? (you take it) you take it all, all in stride behind the eyes of a twisted smile a twisted smile every minute I took for granted is stained with bitterness unkind another chapter, another story ends in tragedy when love dies and when I tell you I never felt a thing (I fake it) and when you left me I had to hide the sting (I take it) I take it all, all in stride behind the eyes of a twisted smile a twisted smile there is no solace in the memories that you left me every photograph seems like a lie a moment that I thought I knew, a moment I could carry is something I can't even recognize WON'T GIVE IN a loose interpretation of the events at hand: righteous indignation, chills the soul of man she looked at me with murder in her eyes the cruelest intentions she never would disguise and she said: “redrum, redrum let’s burn this sucker down bathe in the ashes of this poison, sickened town raise holy hell with me cross the deserts, swim the seven seas” but I won’t give in to my sin alabaster smile, cherry frozen lips the deepest deceptions, at her fingertips she looked at me with fire in her eyes that pleading expression, I always recognize and she said: “run wild, run wild let’s tear this to the ground shred through the masses of this desperate faceless crowd raise holy hell with me cross the deserts, swim the seven seas” but I won’t give in to my sin you're spinning your wheels again flat up against the floor self pity is a friend that leaves you begging for more and more LOSE THE EMOTIONAL CURSE step back, step back—and take another minute to breathe step back, step back—and take another minute to breathe one track, one track—is all your little mind can conceive just take a second to take all the ambience in another moment for the real fun to begin no, no no bring me to the chorus don’t want the chance for you to bore us skip the foreplay, no need to go in reverse break the tension, lose the emotional curse I want you and you want me so why are you bothering with that silly chastity key so let’s get down, down to the denouement I got what you need and baby, you’ve got what I want drink up, drink up—is all that I’m hearing you say relax, relax—your modesty’s in the way just take a second to see the current state that we’re in another moment before the dance of skin to skin no, no no bring me to the chorus don’t want the chance for you to bore us skip the foreplay, don’t bother going in reverse break the tension, lose the emotional curse YOUR ONLY THRILL can you keep it like a secret? can you fake it like a lie? would you fail to ever reach it? if I told you just how high? would you drown it in the desert? would you burn it in the sea? can you use your heart to measure your love’s capacity? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and your heart is broken still 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and you’ve lost your only thrill she’s just another woman looking for some sympathy so you buy her another bottle, another glass or three you’ll rub her silky shoulders and lead her to the door take her back to your place and have her begging you for more 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and you never seem to learn 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and you set yourself up to burn can you keep it like a secret? can you fake it like a lie? would you fail to ever reach it? if I told you just how high? you bring terror to the garden would you crucify your Eve? can you love another woman If you don’t let the past go free? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and your heart is broken still 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and you’ve lost your only thrill as you move in for the kill as you move in for the kill”

“LYRICS from "lo-fi is chic." *** PINIONED pin my hands against my back you should know that this attack is not made on one so pure that I’d never show you what it’s for what it’s for cause I don’t know myself don’t even know myself I’m not one to confide in a brother with much to hide in a place a withered little room in a race finishing much too soon much too soon cause I don’t know myself don’t even know myself and I would place all my crowns at your feet if you’d allow one like me with so much pain so much hate behind my shame behind my shame cause I don’t know myself don’t even know myself UNREQUITED My friends all say I'm crazy Better keep it all inside Hidden under cover Wrapped up in the lie Doesn't matter if she's brilliant Doesn't matter if she's sweet Doesn't matter if she's everything you imagined in your dreams So this love goes unrequited And I'll shoulder all the blame Is it better to deny it? When I feel it just the same? And if you say that this won't work I'll swallow all the hurt But it doesn't mean my heart is gonna change My friends all think I'm tied up In a web of your design Innocent flirtation With a deadly knowing smile Doesn't matter if you're playing Doesn't matter if you care Doesn't matter if it's nothing cause we both know that it's there So this love goes unrequited And you treat it like a game Is it better to deny it? When you really love me in vain ? So I'll say that this won't work Too scared of being hurt But it doesn't mean my heart is gonna change A change would do you good A change would do you good A change would do you good Doesn't matter if she's brilliant Doesn't matter if she's sweet Doesn't matter if she's everything you imagined in your dreams So this love goes unrequited And I'll shoulder all the blame Is it better to deny it? When I feel it just the same? And if you say that this won't work I'll swallow all the hurt But it doesn't mean my heart is gonna change Gotta strike while the iron’s hot Baby ready or not FLAME AND WAX You lit candles with a certainty, flame and wax caressed the darkness Intimate light careened, past the windows in shades of silence You placed these sentinels along your bookcase, and hide behind their light Your desperate fading dreams, kill the sun with the night I saw your tears, through the veil of my own Behind the spectacle of emotion I saw your fears beneath the weight of my own Behind the promises of devotion A last good bye in misery, we’re torn asunder in painful slowness Heavy words, like poetry, tearing through our weak defenses We scream like animals to the full moon, and hide behind our cries I’ve given up casting shadows, I can’t live this empty life I saw your tears, through the veil of my own Behind the spectacle of emotion I saw your fears beneath the weight of my own Behind the promises of devotion I could live without your love But I don’t think I could breathe I could try, but it’s not enough Without your light, I couldn’t see I saw your tears, through the veil of my own Behind the spectacle of emotion I saw your fears beneath the weight of my own Behind the promises of devotion REVERIE Would you consider it unnatural If I would pull you close to me And spin dizzy circles Under a crescent moon Spend the night alone in serenity But I live in a world of reverie All these walls are built from memory The world around collapses And fades to gray I’m living in the past and the words you say The words you said to me Over and over and over and over again This measured silence is unbearable I need to hear you speak to me And whisper sweet surrender Under a crescent moon Tell me that You’ll never leave But I live in a world of reverie All these walls are built from memory The world around collapses And fades to gray I’m living in the past and the words you say And over and over In my head I hear you say goodbye Over and over this sense of dread Keeps me paralyzed But I live in a world of reverie All these walls are built from memory The world around collapses And fades to gray I’m living in the past and the words you say The words you said to me Over and over and over and over again WILL The feel of my skin, beneath my fingers Pressing them down, until they bleed And the memories, they often linger Reminding me, of what I need The razorblades, the overflowing water Loaded gun, are you hot beneath the collar Pretty colored pills, taken by the handful Do what you will, you’ll never see me cry The feel of my sin, soaked in anger Cover my eyes, until I can’t see And the history, compelled to bring her My sister mercy, to her knees The razorblades, the overflowing water Loaded gun, are you hot beneath the collar Pretty colored pills, taken by the handful Do what you will, you’ll never see me cry Sweet salvation, washing over me Tearing through the darkness of iniquity Bring me back to myself, who I used to be The person I was, before this misery TEARING The night folds all around me And I turn in my bed I’m dreaming about the words I heard before Shifting slowly under Pools of cognizance I just can’t fight temptation Any more I reach into the darkness And I see you staring back Eyes so cold you annihilate my heart I search for the answers But they’re slipping through the cracks I’m tearing my own soul apart Shadows pull me closer In a self inflicted mess I’m creating my own creatures Behind the door Fall into the cycle Of repeated wickedness I’m waving my salvation Away from shore I reach into the darkness And I see you staring back Eyes so cold you annihilate my heart I search for the answers But they’re slipping through the cracks I’m tearing my own soul apart Free me From this mortal coil This will be last time I break your heart Take me Far from my self I’ll end this violation Before it starts But I’ll always Be tearing my soul apart 777 7 times 7 and 7 again Forgive your brother Forgive his sin Clasp your hands Get down on your knees Maybe the Lord will purge you from your disease Place your hand upon your heart And swear to heaven You can't stop before you start 7 7 7 You know your Bible You know it inside out Chapters and verses At the chorus you scream and shout But where is the love? The love of One who died? You preach the law, with that you're crucified Place your hand upon your heart And swear to heaven You can't stop before you start 7 times 7 times 7 SENSES Bitter lips utter acrid words Telling me of the day In some other place, other world Colored some shade of gray Empty eyes see between the lines Showing me where you lay In some other bed, other sleep A temporary stay And you stand alone, in the absence of my love Gave you everything and still it’s not enough Wanting more than I’ve ever held in my hands Leave in the way of ever shifting sand Unheeding ears are better deaf Listening to you pray To some other man, other god Much to my dismay And inept fingers feeling alone Molding empty clay In some other shape, other form An amusing game you play And you stand alone, in the absence of my love Gave you everything and still it’s not enough Wanting more than I’ve ever held in my hands Leave in the way of ever shifting sand And my senses betray me Tripping me once again And my senses betray me My patience is wearing thin And my senses betray me Killing me in the end And my senses betray me Over and over again And you stand alone, in the absence of my love Gave you everything and still it’s not enough Wanting more than I’ve ever held in my hands Leave in the way of ever shifting sand DEAL WITH THIS IN THE MORNING so this is how it started we shared a drink or three and I don’t even mind I don’t even mind if this is temporary if this is just a fling I hope you’re not unkind I hope you’re not unkind we give into the atmosphere fall for the ambience cause I want to hear your sighs I want to hear your sighs so we’ll deal with this in the morning whatever this might be a youthful indiscretion or the start of you and me I’m not one for kiss and tell I believe in subtlety but you made me realize but you made me realize that I could spend a thousand evenings with the fire we had tonight you had me burning up inside had me burning up inside so we’ll deal with this in the morning I know what this could be the beginning of our story or the end of you and me we could give into the potential here or just leave it to circumstance I don’t even mind I don’t even mind but I want you tonight. ON THE BRINK This could be the last night you are lonely I’m on the verge of giving you my all I’ll surrender my defenses to you only But promise that you’ll catch me when I fall I’m on the brink, on the edge Slipping into your gravity Falling through the haze inside my head Fumbling for some words of clarity I may not understand how it got this far But I know the complications deep inside your heart Are we ready for this fire? Are we ready for this flame? Give up this trepidation and we’ll never be the same It’s a scary thing I know We’ll take it slow Close your eyes and just let it go This feels like the first time that I’ve seen you My racing pulse is giving me away Keeping my composure is all I can do But I can’t catch my breath when I hear you say You’re on the brink, on the edge You’ve abandoned your subtlety Refuse to fight, give in instead I’m waiting for you to fall for me I may not understand how it got this far But I know the complications deep inside your heart Are we ready for this fire? Are we ready for this flame? Give up this trepidation and we’ll never be the same It’s a scary thing I know We’ll take it slow Close your eyes and just let it go IN YOUR WORDS Another night on this side of 3 AM I pick up this old guitar and try to write again It’s getting harder and harder for me to talk to you Because nothing I could say could ever be as good As the words you said to me And now I almost believe That there’s nothing more simple and true As the words I’d say back to you I used to take pride in my verbosity I thought a thousand words would win you over so easily But you prove me wrong again & again with your reticence You said: less is more when you feel it in your heart and not your head Like the words you said to me And now I almost believe That there’s nothing more simple and true As the words I’d say back to you I always thought I’d be the one to say it first But I was afraid that this would end in hurt But you left me reassured that you loved me in your words in your words in just three words in your words DON’T WANT TO BE FRIENDS And it’s true, that for a time You meant the world to me And I knew, when you were mine There’d be no certainty The cruelness you inflicted Swept through me like a fire Like the tremors of the addicted Left you shaking like a liar I don’t want to know your body Don’t want to know your touch I’ve struggled through this memory I’ve suffered long enough So let the reigns go loose There is no choice to choose I don’t want to be, Don’t want to be friends with you And it’s a shame, how you could lie And say those words to me It’s not a game of compromise It’s just your selfish vanity The harshness you injected Into my innocent desire Like a summer’s love rejected Into autumn’s flaming pyre I don’t want to know your body Don’t want to know your touch I’ve struggled through this memory I’ve suffered long enough Untie the hang man’s noose Take aim and break the truce I don’t want to be, Don’t want to be friends with you Baby, I don’t mind waiting I’m used to this despair While you’re busy contemplating I’ll save you time Cause I don’t care I don’t want to know your body Don’t want to know your touch I’ve struggled through this memory I’ve suffered long enough I’ve got nothing left to lose Just three chords and the truth I don’t want to be, Don’t want to be friends with you I don’t want to be, Don’t want to be friends with.... SCENT OF YOU liberation speaks to me, tells me words that I can’t keep hold me under lock and key, take the weight of memory seldom would I shudder at the tide never thought we’d be on opposing sides the scent of you, used to drive me wild and self control never was my style but I’m the spark that never burns the wheel that doesn’t turn I’m frozen in the moment you denied freedom is a charity, one that can’t be spared on me can’t pay the price for sanity, another night that I can’t sleep seldom would I stutter when I lied never thought my heart would compromise the scent of you used to drive me wild but now the air is permanently vile I’m the wound that always hurts the blessing become a curse I’m frozen in the moment you denied given time and apathy, I’m not sure what you’d say to me while I’m burning here in effigy, just a flicker in our history seldom would I stumble when I cried never thought your love would subside the scent of you, used to drive me wild but now I’ve finally driven my last mile I’m the song without a verse the heart that’s about to burst I’m frozen in the moment you denied. LOVE’S BRUTALITY I’ll stoke the flames with these ashes Of the letters I wrote in vain But lightning never crashes When you’re not expecting the pain So I’ll cry until my eyes turn red Wait until our love’s raised from the dead I don’t believe it’s over Lie and say it’s in my head That you’re not with him and you love me more instead I don’t believe it’s over This foolish honesty Gave you my heart and you tore it from me As you turn away and leave In love’s brutality Your smile I remember in flashes A memory replayed Count each day that passes The wounds of a love betrayed I’ll suffer in my empty bed And fear the night when the sun has gone and fled I don’t believe it’s over Try to lose just where I’ve tread The shape of you, a place I’ve come to dread I don’t believe it’s over This childish lover’s plea You don’t hear my words of sincerity So I’m drowning in this sea Of love’s brutality Call me what you will But don’t say I’m a fool I love you even still Even if it isn’t true Hide away the words you’ve said I’ll scream until I’m finally dry and bled Then I’ll believe it’s over Forget the life we could have led And the ghost of you is finally put to rest Then I’ll believe it’s over It’s over It’s over It’s over UNDER LOCK AND KEY guided by the voices in your head you run away and I don't mind, I don't mind it happens much too often than I'd ever care to say but I'll be fine, I'll be fine but if you think not knowing makes it easier on me you'd swallow your convicitions, give up the driver's seat it's a question of volition that you keep under lock and key, under lock and key slip into submission and I take the easy way never cross the line, never cross the line days and days of silence and I wait for you to say that you're still mine, you're still mine if you think not knowing makes it easier on me you'd wallow in contrition, fill these empty sheets it's a question of volition that you keep under lock and key, under lock and key if you keep it like a secret it's my heart you'll break every promise lost when you hesitate when you hesitate and if you think not knowing makes it easier on me you'd forsake this indecision, reach for clarity it's a question of volition that you keep under lock and key, under lock and key”