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FAWM songs 2019 (extended)

by Cat Faber

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1.
Mark Dean 02:40
Mark Dean lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 His name’s Mark Dean, and he came from here A black computer scientist and engineer There are twenty patents in his name I swear And he grew up right on the hill up there! (chorus) So take a note and remember still, Maybe we should label it genius hill! In Mark Dean’s honor, ‘cause it’s only fair When he grew up right on the hill up there! Back when segregation was the legal will, He went to Nelson Merry at the top of the hill He built a tractor just to have some fun, On the hill up there, and he wasn’t done! In Jefferson High, when integration went through He was a straight A student and an athlete too, At UT engineering, he did not just pass He graduated at the top of his class! He helped invent with his scholarship, The personal computer and the gigahertz chip, He’s an IBM fellow and you’ll find his name In the National Inventors’ Hall of Fame.
2.
Unsustainable Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 I’m no genius but I’m still able To call out the problem when I can see An ecosystem’s no longer stable; Here is the sitch as it looks to me: (chorus) This unsustainable situation Won’t be contained in this tiny town A single match lights a conflagration; It’s spreading. How do we shut it down? Juno knows we are up to something Pidge even helped us one fateful night Calvin Owens was water’s plaything You know his daddy's the sheriff—right? Someone tell me just what the bleep’ll We do about this damn agent guy? Inobservant and careless people Don’t get hired by the FBI. We’ve made a start with the plain denying But bullshit walks only so damn far... Though you’re an artist at flat out lying, The sheriff will challenge your repertoire. Flimflam artists or pyromancers, We’d better come up with a backup plan. Now that a gang is out hunting for answers, It’s a matter of time till the shit hits the fan!
3.
Good Night Opportunity Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 On the Internet, we had a Martian friend Who lived more life than she had to spend. When word got around that she was dead, Grieving together, we stood up and said: (chorus) Good night, Opportunity Your name will go down in history We’re grateful for your Curiosity In the Spirit of Discovery... Good night, Opportunity Good night, Opportunity If Oppy could talk today, I like to imagine that she would say “If you want to honor my memory Cherish each other like you cherished me." "I followed my road around its bends Showed all my pictures to a billion friends. So when I’m gone don’t grieve for me But come out here yourselves and see!" "My battery’s low and it’s getting dark In the killing cold, I’m a fading spark Falling asleep, I will dream of you And all of the things that we got to do.”
4.
Mittens Grey and Button Brown Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 I know a couple kittens, Mittens Gray and Button Brown. They only ask a pittance as they scamper up and down And though they tore the curtain and they tracked a little dirt in I am really very certain they are kittens of renown I caught them at the window just admiring the view Preparing to abandon almost everything they knew Though the heat was scorchin’ they were off to seek their fortune I had to screen the porch in to discourage derring do Mittens scared the plumber once by nuzzling his ear Button knocked a bottle down and fed the keyboard beer And since they’d like to ramble through forest field and bramble We really have to scramble to keep everyone right here
5.
Tell Julia 03:16
Tell Julia lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Tell Julia I said I love her Since so much more will have to go unsaid Her voice still clear for memory to discover As the vows we spoke the morning we were wed In my heart she reigns forever queen The most lovely woman I have ever seen (chorus) Since you go where I can’t follow yet Tell Julia that I do not forget I was offered back my only Jewel With the power to rewrite each day since then And though the choice was fashioned to be cruel It was a gift to see her face again. To save her I’d have torn the world apart But I knew too well that price would break her heart I live my life in joy much more than sorrow There’s too much good to strive for to be sad And yet the years will hold no bright tomorrow To outshine the ever after I once had I guess the happy ending to my tale Waits where Julia has passed beyond the veil.
6.
Lady Flame 02:24
Lady Flame Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2018 You’re a corker, little Lady Flame You’re a real loose cannon and you’ve got no shame. You pretend you’re listening to what I say; Then you go and do the thing your own darn way (chorus) But it does no good to sit and tear my hair You can be annoying girl, but to be fair Teaching’s like the granola biz It’s the flakes that make it what it is! The gravest rules you will defy Then you think it’s fine because you didn’t die You’ll break a finger playing fast and loose And you’re endangering a century of shaky truce. You want to help; you say it would be grand While you play with forces you don’t understand You’ll take your teacher to an early grave Honey this. Is. Not. Your. World to save!
7.
Not Another Cliffhanger Blues lyrics and melody by Cat Faber (TTO David Drive Me Crazy Blues) We laugh at the noise from the McElroy boys As they weave us a tale to amaze The laughs and the feels, and the twists and reveals— Then we’ve all got to wait fourteen days! Griffin calls it a tack, to make sure we come back, But I think that is just an excuse! I’ve got the listen to reason, Griffin’s just teasing Not Another Cliffhanger Blues Hoping Ned can escape, I hear lyrics take shape So I pull out the old mandolin— As we scrabble and grip, hoping no one will slip I have DAYS my complaint to begin— From rehearsals and jams, I’ve got pretty strong hands But this starts to amount to abuse I’ve got the listen to reason Griffin’s just teasing Not Another Cliffhanger Blues I ask is this a fling, Or an ongoing thing? While I pull out some chording and riffs The answer unnerves, 'cause if memory serves Griffins LIKE nesting on cliffs! And when we get the next bit, it’s a live show; that’s it! It’s a MONTH till we get any news! I’ve got the listen to reason, Griffin’s just teasing Not Another Cliffhanger Blues If you hoped for an end To the cliffhanger trend, You'll be waiting till curfew is rung. I don’t want to be rude but I think we’re all screwed Because Griffin is raising his young! So get used to this ledge; till the little ones fledge His instincts we’ll have to excuse I’ve got the listen to reason, Griffin’s just teasing Not Another Cliffhanger Blues
8.
I Will Remember lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2016 When you’re trapped underneath the dead weight of your heart In depression’s sharp teeth all your joys fall apart When you can’t keep in mind all the good things you do-- I will remember them for you. (chorus) I’ll carry the blessings that I’ve seen you be; They aren’t so heavy, and they’re precious to me. When you can’t find your strengths, or believe they are true, I will remember them for you. Depression’s a liar, each loss it deploys While it trashes your triumphs and soils your joys Let me keep them safe till the sunlight breaks through I will remember them for you. Sailors once knew, when the storm starts to rip; That you jettison cargo to lighten the ship. I’ll salvage; you pilot; just get the ship through; I will remember them for you.
9.
That Is Over Now I sort through memories, good and bad, Even the happiest fade to sad We had the fun that the times allow, But forget it mate--that is over now. Burgling the same house one day We helped each other to get away And wound up partners--I'm not sure how, But forget it mate--that is over now. Art in April, and gems in June, Crepes at midnight, and scones at noon; Our sense of time was askew somehow But forget it mate--that is over now. From a job gone bad, as we fled in shame, We wrecked, and you left me to take the blame: Betrayal neither can disavow; So forget it mate--that is over now I've had a while to think it through Some lessons learned seem to sear the soul; Whatever lay between me and you, Some things you break you just can't make whole. Lost opportunities don't return, Friendships shatter, and bridges burn; It's curtain call. Come take a bow! And forget it mate, that is over now.
10.
Hour To Decide lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Are you gonna, are you gonna, are you gonna run? Are you gonna run and hide? Are you gonna pull a runner now the fun is done And your past won’t turn aside? Will you flee the coming battle, will you play your part? Will your friendship or your nature rule your timid heart? If you hope to reconcile you’d better make a start— It’s your hour to decide. You ambled gently step by step to where you are As you took the easy way. Look back and wonder briefly how you came so far, And with such a debt to pay. Then face the bitter choices that the fates have laid Are you gonna help with cleaning up the mess you made? Redemption’s in the cards if you just lend your aid. We all have feet of clay. Curtain call is coming, come and take a bow And behold the crowd we drew; What you thought was fun and games is not so funny now That the piper’s bill comes due Friends will face the fire where the worlds collide. You can let them fall without you if you dare not bide; You can meet the fight with magic standing at your side— The choice is up to you (Repeat first verse)
11.
What Is Remembered Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Your voice has spun us stories And we recall the sound Your blood has touched this soil And made it sacred ground Your sins have been forgotten Washed out where death forgives Your courage is remembered What is remembered lives You held a hoard of secrets And brought some forth to view; We laughed to hear your exploits But never thought them true. Now we recount our memories In talk that comfort gives To reconstruct those moments What is remembered lives. You came to us a stranger Mired in despair and fear You’d thrown away your family But built a new one here. We claim you ours to honor The tie that shed blood gives You're woven in our history What is remembered lives. Repeat 1st verse.
12.
Be What You Have To Be lyrics and melody by Cat Faber, 2019 Everyone grows up, they say, but you don’t think you can Your friends, your father, push you, say “you need to be a man” They shove, they shout, they knock you down, to force you to agree Saying “be what you have to be.” Be what you have to be Be what you have to be Be what you have to be… They label you a sissy when you’re trying to be strong. Pushing you to take a role your heart cries out is wrong. Something feels like panic and there’s nowhere left to flee Be what you have to be Be what you have to be Be what you have to be Be what you have to be... A murmur that you can’t ignore, a bone deep music sings, A song of metamorphosis, of swiftly drying wings…
 It’s the voice that calls the butterfly that struggles to be free Saying “Be what you have to be. Be what you have to be Be what you have to be Be what you have to be… Searching for the answers in the darkness of your mind Scrabbling for courage I believe that you will find That fighting like a girl brings a strength you don’t foresee. Be what you have to be. Be what you have to be. Be what you have to be. Be what you have to be.
13.
Needs Must 01:55
14.
Pancakes For Sally lyrics and melody by Cat Faber Sieve 2 cups of flour, toss a pinch of salt therein, Break a couple eggs into the middle. Add a pint of milk and then a half cup more to thin Melt a little butter on the griddle. (chorus) The morning sun is pouring in and banishing all doubt The pancake and the lemon smells entwining... Someone shake the tablecloth and set the dishes out Pour the milk and get the silver shining. Cook about three minutes till it’s set and golden brown, Flip and give another half a minute Repeat to make a dozen; I’ve got all that written down Though I’d need to cross dimensions to begin it Sally will have lemon juice and sugar from the store I’ll have cream, and honey from the clover, There’ll be pancakes for Sally till she can’t eat any more And perhaps her sister, if there’s some left over. She could hopscotch into Fairy without looking where she went; And cross the narrow bridge above the valley. I believe in pancakes, and the love they represent; Someday there’ll be pancakes for Sally.
15.
The Marsh Haven Ghost Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber, 2019 “Beware, oh take care,” cries the rook from her perch, When the daylight is dying in silence and chill, Don’t go on foot by St Winifred’s Church, Out past the blackthorns on Badderlock Hill. (chorus) When they search for the missing in pity and fear And the marsh and the coast they have quartered in vain They come to the pool with the saint standing near For the Marsh Haven ghost is both slayer and slain If you find yourself near, hurry by on the street Lest a shuddering light in the windows be pinned Don’t look at the church, or the pool at its feet-- If the music begins you must run like the wind. Chorus In the daylight the waters don’t rise to your knee Without wetting your skirt through the pool you can tread In the dark, when the music has made you unfree Before you draw breath you’ll be over your head. (bridge) Looking down from the wall where the spring waters fall, The saint in her wisdom is deaf to your cries. As you are pulled down, your pleas as you drown Wake no compassion behind her stone eyes. The melody’s price is another soul bound. The water is sweet, it’s refreshing and cold, But sunrise will shine on a child who has drowned And a new ghost is risen in place of the old. Chorus “Beware, oh take care,” cries the rook from her perch When the daylight is dying in silence and chill Don’t go on foot by St Winifred’s Church Out past the blackthorns on Badderlock Hill.
16.
(You Can’t) Just Go It Alone Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Saving the world is a delicate art You can’t just go it alone You need some help when the troubles start You can’t just go it alone I wish I could take away the smart Of whatever old injury blinded your heart You’ve got capable folks to take your part And you can’t just go it alone. The last dark element seeks its prey You can’t just go it alone You can’t command because we won’t obey But you can’t just go it alone But we’re just standing here to say You’re gonna need the help of the Fey You’re an awful fool to drive Erin away When you can’t just go it alone We’re not okay that you shot someone But you can’t just go it alone We need an answer that isn’t gun But you can’t just go it alone Fleet and brave we yield to none This is a battle that had better be won; We’re here to help you get it done. You can’t just go it alone You can send us home, with orders stern; But you can’t just go it alone And there’s not much point; we will just return ‘Cause you can’t just go it alone We’ve messed this up at every turn But if we don’t all of us grow up and learn The sky will fall, and the Marsh will burn So you can’t just go it alone. You can't just go it alone You can't just go it Alone.
17.
Call Me The Gnome lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Of average stature and modest demeanor I’m oft overlooked in the strife So here is a ditty to help you remember My name, with the tales of my life (chorus) The weaver of words and the master of music, I’m fabled where-ever I roam I’m Hamish McTamish O’Grady MacGuyver But you can just call me the gnome! I was earning my bread as a firework salesman And giving the mountains a tour When over the hill came a big fuming dragon And I thought I’d had it for sure I thought that my days of fast living were over The bill from the piper was finally due But luckily I came out smelling like roses Cause dragons like fireworks too! Chorus I know that I stepped in the trap that was wired To set all the rust monsters free, But the blade that went over my head would have killed you You ought to be glad it was me! There was a trap here, but I have disarmed it, You’re lucky to have my quick hands and cool head Look at the darts that are stuck in my armor They could have hit your legs instead! Chorus I encountered some trolls and my best evocations Had all been used up in the strife Then had the misfortune to meet with a squadron Of elves, as I ran for my life “Why yes, there’s a fire—oh, *I* didn’t set it; That was the trolls you can see down below— And with all of the trolls unaccountably dead There is no one to say it’s not so.” Chorus I know it looks odd that I’m laden with gems; While your guardsmen are nursing a grudge That some of your jewels are gone from the market, But folks, don’t be hasty to judge For Kirsi the Litch Queen, the scourge of High Darvish Turns out has a soft spot for kittens, who knew? I rescued her cat, and this knapsack of jewels; Are simply her thanks shining through! Chorus Of average stature and modest demeanor, I’m oft overlooked in the strife, So here is a ditty to help you remember My name, with the tales of my life. I have to confess it was all accidental Which just means my greatness cannot be denied I’m pick of the litter; just pause to consider The things I could do if I tried! The weaver of light and the master of music I’m fabled where-ever I roam; I’m Hamish McTamish O’Grady MacGuyver-- The firework salesman and profit deriver The dart trap disarmer and rust monster driver, The scourge of the trolls, the fire conniver The savior of cats and the lich queen survivor My autobiography’s yours for a fiver-- But you can just call me The Gnome!
18.
Changeling 01:53
19.
Something In The Wood lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 Everybody knows that there is something in the wood Restless and uncanny, meaning nothing that is good I ought to turn away from it, but cannot make the choice, And from the forest shadows, hear my brother’s voice (chorus) In the little town of Hillcrest when the sun is shining bright Everyone knows everyone, yet strangers walk at night; In an aura of uneasiness that blossoms into fear In the forest shadows children disappear Adam has been missing for two years, or maybe more I cannot quite remember him the way I did before His timbre fades from memory, his face begins to dim But I’m absolutely certain it was really him. There is something in the forest, where the wicked raven flies. It watches us with malice in its green and glowing eyes. On the hearts that held the missing, on the people we became, In the voices it has stolen, it is laying claim.
20.
Troublesome Girl Lyrics and melody by Catherine Faber 2019 I have places I go, when my parents decree, But it’s never a place I am happy to be, And everyone has the same answer for me: I’m a troublesome girl, with a heart like a stone If I’m troublesome, why don’t they leave me alone? If I’m troublesome, why don’t they leave me alone? School is a bore if a person is bright; When the teachers are wrong it is always a fight, And the only amusement is proving I’m right. I’m a troublesome girl, with a mind of her own. If I’m troublesome, why don’t they leave me alone? If I’m troublesome, why don’t they leave me alone? Everyone says I’ve a heart like a shrike Or a tangle of bramble with thorns like a spike; I’m not easy to love, no, nor even to like; I’m a troublesome girl; I can pierce to the bone. If I’m troublesome, why don’t they leave me alone? If I’m troublesome, why don’t they leave me alone? I armour my feelings in fire and ice; It wouldn’t be right to complain of the price, But sometimes I do think a friend would be nice… I’m a troublesome girl, and I ought to have known: When you’re troublesome, people will leave you alone. When you’re troublesome, people will leave you alone.
21.
When Your Back Is To The Wall. Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 When the foe is getting stronger When the danger’s getting real You can’t dodge it any longer And the time has come to deal Will you fight to keep your freedom Will you falter, will you fall? You will find out what you’re made of When your back is to the wall. All your guardians are falling To the propaganda war Though protection is their calling They can’t help you anymore. Will you stand for right and justice Will you stumble, will you stall? You will find out what you’re made of When your back is to the wall You’re the soul whom strife has beckoned Though you vowed to pass it by You’re the girl of whom they reckoned “She would never hurt a fly” Can you knock a man unconscious Steal a car, or start a brawl? You will find out what you’re made of When your back is to the wall. One last choice in all its starkness And you didn’t choose to yeild Now you’re bombing through the darkness As the tyres swerve and squeal There is much to be afraid of— But it’s time to make the call; You will find out what you’re made of When your back is to the wall. We will find out what you're made of When your back is to the wall.
22.
Spooky Little Limbo Girl By Cat Faber (writing for the band Sue Me.) We’re gonna do the limbo at the high school dance We’re gonna have a contest tonight If you touch the bar or fall there will be no second chance You only limbo once at any height You can dress to the nines you can come as you are. We’re raising the tempo as we lower the bar. If you think you can do it, come give it a whirl. Spooky little limbo girl. Spooky little limbo girl. It’s important to be limber, it’s important not to fall It’s good to be the deftest one around But it’s nearly as important to be very very small And this spooky little girl has got that down You’ve got the power to make it a fight You’re quick and you’re clever, you’re limber and slight There’s sweat on your face and you’ll sleep well tonight! Rise to your tiptoes and twirl, Spooky little limbo girl. Spooky little limbo girl. You can dress to the nines you can come as you are. We’re raising the tempo as we lower the bar. If you think you can do it, come give it a whirl. Spooky little limbo girl. Spooky little limbo girl. Spooky little limbo girl. Spooky little limbo girl.
23.
Hearth Fire 02:43
Hearth Fire By Cat Faber 2019 Welcome to my little town, my friend I wrecked my first bike on that one way bend I had my first kiss on that concrete stair The school where I learned how to read’s over there... A circle awaits me where I fit in My little community, kith and kin. That anchors my heart when I rise and roam: My hearth fire, my harbor, my home. If you walk up the ridge in the dusk I know, You can turn and look out on the lights below, Shining like gems in the dark and chill; Sometimes in dreams I can see them still. A circle awaits me where I fit in, My little community, kith and kin. That anchors my heart when I rise and roam: My hearth fire, my harbor, my home. I know little towns can be hard and strange They don’t always change when they need to change It’s hard to start over when all folks know Is a shell you broke out of years ago. And that’s how it happened one autumn day I said my goodbyes and I moved away, And made a new home without fear or shame, With people who valued the me I became. A circle awaits me where I fit in, My little community, kith and kin, That anchors my heart when I rise and roam: My hearth fire, my harbor, my home.
24.
Still Here 02:54
Still Here
 Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2016 I am sick at heart this morning, as I count your tantrum's cost
 The marriages you will shatter, the innocent black lives lost 
But I got out of bed and I put on clothes and I showed up here to say
 I'm still here-- and I will not go away! Your hatred gives me sorrow, but I'll look you in the face
 If you murder me tomorrow, another will take my place 
I am not alone and I'm not ashamed, and I showed up here to say
 I'm still here-- and I will not go away! We're still here--and we will not go away! 
We're still here--and we will not go away! We are men who crossed the border, and children raised right here
 We are women who are equals; and we will not live in fear
 We are red and yellow, black and brown, we are trans and bi and gay 
And we're still here-- and we will not go away! We're still here--and we will not go away!
 We're still here--and we will not go away! Though you've made our lives much harder, we’ll remember why and how 
For the earth and for each other, we must stand together now; 
There are more of us than there are of you and you may have won today
 But we're still here-- and we will not go away! We're still here, still here, and we will not go away. 
We're still here (in our millions) still here--and we will not go away.
25.
Let Them In 01:15
Let Them IN Lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2017 They are fathers they are mothers Let them in, let them in They're our sisters, and our brothers Let them in, let them in White supremacists rejoice And it's time to make your choice Take a stand and raise your voice! LET THEM IN. Call the protesters and lawyers Let them in, let them in To the courtrooms and the foyers Let them in, let them in All you congressmen amid Your next reelection bid We'll remember what you did LET THEM IN They are doctors, they are students, Let them in, let them in Speak for fairness, speak for prudence Let them in, let them in I am told that Christ decrees That we aid the least of these Do you think that Jesus sees? LET THEM IN.
26.
Doorway In the Pines (Duck’s Song) lyrics and melody by Cat Faber 2019 When your life was laid before you, Known and named, straight as any arrow shaft, You complained that it was scripted, Sought out change; Lord how fortune must’ve laughed. Now your life spins out on strange and twisted lines, Around a doorway in the pines… Two worlds touch like bubbles, And it’s likely one is going to disappear, While their junction summons monsters Who regard you with a very human fear, As your life spins out in choices fate designs, Around a doorway in the pines… You would burn a world to ash To win the forest that you guard another day, And now your only hope and greatest fear Are those who feel the self same way. As your life spins out as random chance aligns Around a doorway in the pines… But in this desperate struggle your old certainties Are shattered like a reed, Your power and your purpose smashed to flinders In your hour of greatest need… You are warden of the forest And you know it from the river to the scarp. You aren’t what you were, But we may find a broken sword can still be sharp-- As your life spins out where mist and moonlight shines Around a doorway in the pines…

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released February 17, 2019

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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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