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2020 Songs Rough Cuts

by Cat Faber

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1.
I’ll See You Around Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 (just) There’s a chill in the air, though the weather was nice Growing over the water, there are needles of ice The wild geese are crying, as southward they wend There are so many things that winter brings to an end. Looking over the water, you’re starting to cry; You don’t want to do this, and neither do I. There are tears on my lashes, a hitch in your voice, But sometimes our natures converge to one choice. There is ice on the sound; it lingers at noon And under the branches the birch leaves are strewn Your heart is your ground; I won’t importune I’ll see you around, I’ll see you around I’ll see you around… But it may not be soon. Like autumn’s last sunset, this isn’t a fight; It’s the frozen earth turning her face from the light. It’s a long time till sunrise. I’ll get there somehow... But the light of the stars is no comfort right now. There is ice on the sound; it lingers at noon And under the branches the birch leaves are strewn Your heart is your ground; I won’t importune I’ll see you around, I’ll see you around I’ll see you around… But it may not be soon.
2.
Cary Was a Little Girl Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Cary was a little girl; She liked to color and to dance. She liked to don a dress and twirl; Her parents always bought her pants. Pink was what she liked to wear; Cary’s clothes were blue and gray. Cary begged to have long hair; “That’s not for boys,” her Dad would say. So much of what we say and do By rote and rule is summoned forth, But some of us run deep and true-- A compass always pointing north. Cary learned to shout and dare, To ape a boy, but day by day There grew a pain she could not bear, Until at last she flew away. Cary’s parents grieve because They tried to twist her as she grew; They loved the boy they thought she was, And lost the girl they never knew Cary is a woman grown She always knew her heart somehow. She’s neither hidden, nor alone, And dances when she pleases now.
3.
You’re not the boss of me Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 You’re not the boss of me You’re not the boss of me Not my teacher, not my preacher, and you’re not my mother either You’re not the boss of me I know that I’m not perfect but I try for grace And I try to make this gathering a friendly space You’ve no call to walk in here and slap my face You’re not the boss of me. I headed for the parking lot when you were through To cry and wonder what I ever did to you What makes some people haters, well I wish I knew But you’re not the boss of me You’re not the boss of me You’re not the boss of me Not my teacher, not my preacher, and you’re not my mother either You’re not the boss of me If nobody and nothing’s good enough for you Not the Muslim not the atheist and not the Jew Then you’re just a jerk, oh, and a bigot too. And you’re not the boss of me. Perhaps there is a fool here, but it isn’t me. When you represent religion, you should stop and see Is a messenger of love so hard a thing to be? You’re not the boss of me. You’re not the boss of me You’re not the boss of me Not my teacher, not my preacher, and you’re not my mother either You’re not the boss of me If you want to come and sing then maybe ditch the pride; You can sit beside an atheist and let it ride. Bigotry won’t spoil--it can wait outside. You’re not the boss of me. If you want to pick a fight, remember, song’s my art I’ve got a dozen more to write this month, so don’t you start You think that you’re my match? Oh honey, bless your heart! You’re not the boss of me! You’re not the boss of me You’re not the boss of me Not my teacher, not my preacher, and you’re not my mother either, honey You’re not the boss of me
4.
Not Happening. (Ignacia’s Song) Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 Now I have joined the Order, your plans you would unfold This guardian’s no stranger; I know this man of old. I am glad to have his aid here, our efforts to combine, But I cannot be a healer and trade his life for mine. He says he’s done such evil, that all his rights are spent. To give his life in service, he says he is content. I don’t care if he is willing, the gift I must decline; I cannot be a healer and trade his life for mine. You tell me he’s an Arrow and meant these risks to take, That no one likes to think it, but sometimes arrows break; The world lies in the balance, and blood may flow like wine; But I cannot be a healer and trade his life for mine I don’t care if I am learning, nor yet if I am young. It’s not in resignation I nod and hold my tongue I am not going to argue, about some grand design. I cannot be a healer, and trade his life for mine.
5.
It Wouldn’t Be The First Time. (Sawyer’s Song) Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 If people come with ledgers where our deeds align I know that there’s an awful lot of red in mine To pay a debt in blood, well, in my life of crime It wouldn’t be the first time. I agreed to be her guard, and it was understood If she survives to grieve me, I will call it good. To see myself discarded, in my life of crime, It wouldn’t be the first time. She thinks that it’s a secret she does not agree, But a face is so much clearer than a book to me. She thinks she can deceive me, in my life of crime It wouldn’t be the first time I’m not so unfamiliar with the web we weave To set before a friend we practice to deceive. Lying to a woman—in my life of crime Well, it wouldn’t be the first time.
6.
7.
Mackerel Sky 01:26
When blue sky peeks through lacy shrouds Of Altocumulus rippling clouds That’s a warm front planning to pass on by Change is coming with a mackerel sky! Mackerel sky, mackerel sky Never long wet and never long dry with a mackerel sky! Trout are jumping, let us all take note Dress in layers and a waterproof coat It’s a pretty morning and hopes run high Change is coming with a mackerel sky Mackerel sky, mackerel sky Never long wet and never long dry with a mackerel sky! My heart is full; it’s like to burst With a need that feels like a powerful thirst Way too long it’s been way too dry Change is coming with a mackerel sky! Mackerel sky, mackerel sky Never long wet and never long dry with a Mackerel sky, mackerel sky Never long wet and never long dry with a mackerel sky!
8.
Aaron's Song 02:44
Honesty should be her due My lack she’ll surely freely chart That I made profit of her art And every word of it is true Though darkness like a curtain sway Before her brilliance it must part As she has entered in my heart Through gates that cannot bar her way The wings that span the sky of night The wings that span the sky of day The mind that thrills to change’s kiss And thwarts the crown of the abyss The eyes that lift to see the light The hands that gave a voice to clay. It was for knowledge first and last The legends and the tales of old The truth she valued more than gold And all the treasures of the past And though I’m well rewarded yet The richer gem the rivers hold A treasure-house, whose walls enfold Gold and lapis, emerald, jet. The wings that span the sky of night The wings that span the sky of day The mind that thrills to change’s kiss And thwarts the crown of the abyss The eyes that lift to see the light The hands that gave a voice to clay. So if I vanish in my sleep, Bid her when my deeds are shown To walk the winding streets of bone To heights that reign above the deep. She’ll have the fame that brilliance brings Once her work and name are known Though I, of all, will stand alone Outside the shelter of her wings
9.
That Kind Of Guy Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 I lay out the bricks to the plumbob and string In a pattern that bonds the whole wall as one thing; Stretchers lie lengthwise along the whole run, And the headers that cross bond two layers as one. By the sweat of my brow while there’s light in the sky I work for a future no rules will deny; I’m a plain simple man, but I help where I can. I guess I’m just that kind of guy I dream of Kentucky, remembering when, And sweet as the first time, I kiss you again. The strength of your arms holds the comfort I seek, And I wake in the morning with tears on my cheek. By the sweat of my brow while there’s light in the sky I work for a future no rules will deny; I’m a plain simple man, but I help where I can. I guess I’m just that kind of guy I stare at your letters and know in my heart We must soon reach across or risk falling apart But the city’s not safe and I ask of the stars Is there anywhere safe for a love such as ours? By the sweat of my brow while there’s light in the sky I work for a future no rules will deny; I’m a plain simple man, but I help where I can. I guess I’m just that kind of guy I can’t go to you till this danger is by— I don’t dare have you here and I can’t tell you why; I don’t trust a letter my fears to discuss— Something must break and I’m scared it is us By the sweat of my brow while there’s light in the sky I work for a future no rules will deny; I’m a plain simple man, but I help where I can. I guess I’m just that kind of guy Those who would part us can all go to hell; I have solved bigger problems; I’ll solve this as well. Bonds are my business; I know all the tricks Let me set up the plumb bob and lay out the bricks... By the sweat of my brow while there’s light in the sky I work for a future no rules will deny; I’m a plain simple man, but I help where I can. I guess I’m just that kind of guy
10.
Wash Your Hands Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 Something new is going round Corona virus inward bound It’s a little worse than flu There is something you can do: Wash your hands, wash your hands, Use the soap, till white foam stands You’ve got friends and you’ve got plans Don’t forget to wash your hands. Tiny droplets hit the breeze Whenever people cough or sneeze They carry virus where they land, Waiting for your questing hand. Wash your hands, wash your hands, Use the soap, till white foam stands You’ve got friends and you’ve got plans Don’t forget to wash your hands. Wash your hands and shake them dry Before you touch your nose or eye Soap and water will suffice. While you sing this chorus twice: Wash your hands, wash your hands, Use the soap, till white foam stands You’ve got friends and you’ve got plans Don’t forget to wash your hands. Wash your hands, wash your hands, Use the soap, till white foam stands You’ve got friends and you’ve got plans Don’t forget to wash your hands.
11.
Designers should be wary of the simplest mistakes And ask the crucial question--what happens if it breaks? Whether it’s a parachute or just a kind of grout Bear in mind the failure mode before you try it out Oh the failure mode of clever’s unpredictable at best The folks who didn’t get the joke may wind up unimpressed The hitch with cleverations is they may not always work And the failure mode of clever—is jerk. You want to send an e-mail, but it’s to a busy guy, So you clever up the subject; that will catch their clever eye! Feeling cleveringent, they will be a better sport— Instead they just delete it because buddy, life’s too short... Oh the failure mode of clever’s unpredictable at best The folks who didn’t get the joke may wind up unimpressed The hitch with cleverations is they may not always work And the failure mode of clever—is jerk. You want to make your song a hit before the beat can drop You fill it up with clevernesses till it’s fit to pop; You find your cleverology has filled your heart with glee; And hope your cleverama will impress your cleveree. Oh the failure mode of clever’s unpredictable at best The folks who didn’t get the joke may wind up unimpressed The hitch with cleverations is they may not always work And the failure mode of clever—is jerk.
12.
Nopetopus 02:01
You’ve been taught to reassure, to flatter and connect But you’re allowed some boundaries, and those deserve respect. There’s a thing that you can do, to rise above the fray; Saddle up the nopetopus and ride that beast away! Your mom comes to your parties and it’s really getting old Your roommate keeps the yogurt till it grows all kinds of mold Or wants you to explain to them why you don’t want to play... Saddle up the nopetopus and ride that beast away! Your partner borrows money and then never pays the bills Your friend is in kitchen and they won’t wipe up their spills Some stranger’s pressing drinks on you, no matter what you say Saddle up the nopetopus and ride that beast away! Some weirdo’s pushing church on you, and wants to give a tour Some jerk makes little comments pitched to make you insecure Turn your back upon that creep you’re tempted to fillet Saddle up the nopetopus and ride that beast away.
13.
Running Away From Eden Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 We are running away from Eden Too quickly to choose the route With an angel behind With fire on his mind Into famine and flood and drought We will run till our hearts give out We are running away from Eden In the harsh unfamiliar sun We’ve no choice but to go We believe there is no Forgiveness for what we’ve done There is nothing to do but run. So often it is repeated We expect it as destiny We don’t wait to be blamed But pre-emptively shamed We deny or attack or flee... Is it always our doom to be-- Running away from Eden The tragedy of our flight Is that sometimes we choose To make certain we lose The people who brought us light, Over things we could still put right.
14.
Skeptic 03:43
Skeptic’s Song Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2020 Inspired by Agnes, played by Clio Yun Su Davis in The Red Death My father once answered my childish appeal I’ll read you a book, with the choice up to you Will you have fables, or hear something real? I thought and I told him “I want what is true.” (chorus) This was my compass and this was my star My guide to the universe since I was small To follow the answers, no matter how far; Skeptic, who valued the truth above all. I know that I’m always the one who objects To mystics and mediums groaning on cue; But finding the cause of the magic’s effects It always turned out to be forces I knew. Till faced with a being of malice and pride That I knew couldn’t be, but regardless perceived Certainty faltered and struggled and died I saw, and I fell, and I broke, ...and believed. (bridge) How do I build when there’s nowhere to stand Undone by the truth I am driven to know Logic’s a knife that has turned in my hand But however I bleed, still I cannot let go. At the end of the road I have walked since my youth With confidence shattered and certainty dead To be true to the child who demanded the truth. I must go in the end where the answers have led This was my compass and this was my star The faith I’d still hold if I only knew how To follow the answers, no matter how far; Skeptic no more, tell me, who am I now?

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released January 25, 2020

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Cat Faber Tennessee

I write music about science fiction and fantasy subjects, commonly referred to as "filk."

I write much faster than I can record. Recent songs may be found at my website--the URL is given below.

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