A TURN OF THE TIDES

My favorite station

Is 94.9

I'm blasting out the country

All the time

Some kid pulled up next to me

Car shaking from his Rap

I was born in the sixties

I can't get used to that

~~~*Chorus*~~~

But I'm burning for a turn of the tides

Something shook loose

Couldn't be confined

Now I'm burning for a turn of the tides

A Native sensation

Veiled by the times

A sovereign awareness

Impressed upon my mind

Yeah I'm burning for a turn of the tides

~~*~~

Got me some "Led Zeppelin"

Rocking in my car

Loving that "Jimmy Page"

Commanding his guitar

Made me think of "Gilmour"

Another English Boy

Found myself lost with him 

In the magic of "Pink Floyd"

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

Yeah...

I was burning for a turn of the tides

Something shook loose

Couldn't be confined

I was burning for a turn of the tides

A native sensation 

Veiled by the times

A sovereign awareness

Impressed upon my mind

Yeah I was burning for a turn of the tides

~~*~~

Washed and waxed my car

Was shining up the chrome

Feeling satisfaction

For "The Rolling Stones"

Then I cranked "The Beatles"

Some "Marley" and "The Who"

My friends started asking...

Man what's got into you.....

I Said...

~~~*3rd Chorus*~~~

I was burning for a turn of the tides

Something shook loose

Couldn't be confined

I was burning for a turn of the tides

A native sensation

Veiled by the times

A sovereign awareness

Impressed upon my mind

Yeah I was burning for a turn of the tides

~~*~~

I'm feeling quite euphoric

Raising "The Grateful Dead"

Got "The Best of CCR"

That I'm inhaling next

"BTO" and "Boston"

"The Cars" and "Three Dog Night"

"The Doors" and "The Eagles"

"Rush"~"Earth Wind and Fire"

There are so many more

Playing in my mind

Yeah... 

It was time for a turn of the tides

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  

SHAME ON YOU

Did you forget to grab your heart

When you left the house today

It lies beside your sympathy

What hatred you've displayed

Do you think you're something special

You're the only one that counts

Why did you roll your eyes again

You don't know what they're about

You pretend that they don't exist

If you look the other way

Instead of trying to understand

Lady all I have to say.................is

~~~*Chorus*~~~

It's a personal attack

Words that you can't take back

You don't think they understand

Well that's not true

Shame on you

These kids need a gentle touch

Compassion that's infused with love

You come in here with venom

And you turn it loose

Shame on you

~~*~~

That little boy sitting on the bench

With the dreamy distant stare

The quiet girl fighting hard to live

Gave cancer her pretty hair

That sweet girl, with green eyes and curls

She was born without a smile

Well those of us, with empathy

Adore every precious child

You walk in here, with your disdain

Shudder while you speak out loud

Say you're not waiting, in here, with them

So you'll see the doctor now................Well,

~~~*Chorus*~~~

It's a personal attack

Words that you can't take back

You don't think they understand

Well that's not true

Shame on you

These kids need a gentle touch

Compassion that's infused with love

You come in here with venom

And you turn it loose

Shame on you

~~*~~

If you really want to know what's sad

There's pureness shining through

You're the serpent in the nest

But your victims pity you

Now take your heartless self on home

And forget what they've been through

I've labeled you as ruthless

They don't

Shame on you

Oh.........

Oh.........

Shame on you!

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  
For Kayla C. and Emily C.
with so much Love and Admiration for your strength!



OUT OF LUCK

He was walking with a can down 395

I stopped and asked if he'd like a ride

He said thank you miss, it's tough anymore

To get a lift, and my feet are sore

I said I carry a gun, and I'll shoot you dead

Just behave yourself, and I'll be your friend

A ghostly pallor crept across his skin

Hey I was just being straight with him

We got to the station, gave him ten bucks

Said he left his wallet back in his truck

Four days later on my way home

There he was again, on a different road

I said hey good looking you just got caught

Or you sure run out of gas a lot

He flashed that smile, that's been on my mind

Is this a shooting mood, or do I get a ride

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Some folks just run out of luck

They're the kind that aren't expecting much

The only thing I ask, is you tell the truth

I'll jump right in, do what I can do

Mind your manners, or you will get shot

It might not be a lot, but I share what I got

Try* not *to *screw *it *up

Or you're out of luck

~~*~~

He said I'm sorry that I lied to you

But I lost my job and that's the truth

On top of that... my ex kicked me out

She just tossed my things out of the house

My truck's right there, by those trees

Been using the money for a bite to eat

I honestly thought my luck ran dry

Until you showed up and gave me a ride

Well, we filled his truck up with gas

And he followed me home right after that

He took a shower...Yeah I took a chance

Kept Smith and Wesson in my right hand

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Some folks just run out of luck

They're the kind that aren't expecting much

The only thing I ask, is you tell the truth

I'll jump right in, do what I can do

Mind your manners, or you will get shot

It might not be a lot, but I share what I got

Try* not *to *screw *it *up

Or you're out of luck

~~*~~

Came out of the bath without his shirt

Downright sexy minus all that dirt

I held my breath, and put the gun away

Said I'll fix you dinner, if you want to stay

We got married, he went back to school

Now he's doing what he was meant to do

Yeah, he's a pilot for Atlantic Skies

And I'm the hitcher that he gives free rides

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Some folks just run out of luck

They're the kind that aren't expecting much

The only thing we ask, is you tell the truth

We'll jump right in, do what we can do

Mind your manners, or you will get shot

Oh yeah, we have a lot, we share what we got

Try * not * to * screw * it * up

Or you're out of luck!

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  





WHERE ARE YOU

I was working in the garden Sunday
Couldn't help but recall the way
Your gentle blue eyes sent love to mine
Without touching... they caressed my face

I was playing with the soil gently
Felt an overwhelming need to weep
Clenching the dirt... I released a sob
And dug my hands in deep

I could feel my fingers hit the roots
The little rocks cut into my skin
I know that I have to deal with this
But I'm hopeless where to begin

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Where are you darling

Do you have memories

Will I ever reach you

Make you remember me

Are your cries of anguish

Late into the night

For the life you've given

Or terror of the fight

You left here my man...

With everything intact

That's what they took Love

But not what they gave back

~~*~~

I'm used to bathing you like a baby

Combing and playing with your hair

You once laughed and pulled me up against you

And now you are not even there

When we fixed this house up together

The garden was our final task

Said you couldn't wait to see the flowers

The seeds produced when you came back

You look as handsome as you always did

There's no evidence of any scars

You returned from service long ago

But I still don't know where you are

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Where are you darling
Do you have memories
Will I ever reach you
Make you remember me
Are your cries of anguish
Late into the night
For the life you've given
Or terror of the fight
You left here my man...
With everything intact
That's what they took Love
But not what they gave back
~~*~~

I'm trying so hard to be thankful
That you're physically home with me
That I still get to be your woman
Even if it's only in my dreams...

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Where are you darling

Do you have memories

Will I ever reach you

Make you remember me

Are your cries of anguish

Late into the night

For the life you've given

Or terror of the fight

You left here my man...

With everything intact

That's what they took Love

But not what they gave back

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  



BLAME THE BAYOU

He was a nurse at Redbrook Manor

An asylum near Graves ravine

A powerless victim, of a patient

Sadie Marc...

Of New Orleans

There was a rule that he'd discarded

Never to become attached

Sadie deemed him her protector

Her safeguard from ...

A sordid past

He'd never witnessed such a vision

So exquisite and refined

Overlooked the grievous fact that

The damage loomed...

Down deep inside

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

(soulful cries)..

Oh, oh oh......

In the darkness

The bayou came to life

With unearthly whispers

Hunting through the night

Calling to their tainted

Creatures void of shame

Compelling the tinder to flame

A righteous soul to claim

The bayou is to blame

Mmm mmm mmm 

Blame the Bayou

~~*~~

She preyed upon his weakness

Colleagues brought up their concerns

He lied...ending the rumors

Within it's walls...

The manor burned

She used her body as the quicksand

To ensnare him towards her aim

He was bewitched, completely helpless

A hunted fool...

Of thee insane

She begged him to release her

Promising his deepest needs

So he freed her from the manor

Scalding passion...

Was his greed

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

(soulful cries)..

Oh, oh oh...

In the darkness

The bayou came to life

With unearthly whispers

Hunting through the night

Calling to their tainted

Creatures void of shame

Compelling the tinder to flame

An immoral soul to claim

The bayou is to blame

Mmm mmm mmm 

Blame the Bayou

~~*~~

Her laughter rang out cruelly

On the waters murky edge

While professing his devotion

Loves pure...

Undying pledge

He broke under her malice

And the bayou claimed his mind

In a wing at Redbrook Manor's

where he will...

Serve out his time

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

(soulful cries)..

Oh, oh oh....

In the darkness

The bayou came to life

With unearthly whispers

Hunting through the night

Calling to their tainted

Creatures void of shame

Compelling the tinder to flame

Another soul's been claimed

The bayou is to blame

Mmm mmm mmm 

Blame the Bayou

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  

AKA...TIME OFF!

I didn't do my hair or put on a dress

Showed up for dinner looking like a mess

Mom opened her door, asked...what is this

I said nothing that a little time off won't fix

I don't remember what sleeping is

And no one wanted to watch the kids

They called them monsters and spoiled brats

Who wants to deal with the likes of that

Oh, I called their Dad, and he came this time

Brought reinforcement in his child bride

Yeah, she had the nerve to look like a doll

You're lucky that I showed up at all

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

My kids are a blessing

But no downhill coast

I'm a cook and a maid

A chauffeur and coach

A teacher and a doctor

Full time referee

A guidance counselor

Do it all for free

It's rough at the bottom

With so much on top

Lord I need a break

AKA

TIME OFF!

~~*~~

Now you know why my hair's not fixed

Your blind date dinner wasn't on my list

He might as well meet me... just like I am

If it's not good enough...then he's not my man

Don't blame the situation on my kids

It wasn't anything, that they ever did

You think their Dad got tired of being last

Well his new model...won't wear out so fast

Hey, he's the reason it gets this bad

I shouldn't have to be the Mom and Dad

The only help, from him, I've ever asked

Is to be a man, and pick up the slack 

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

My kids are a blessing

But no downhill coast

I'm a cook and a maid

A chauffeur and coach

A teacher and a doctor

Full time referee

A guidance counselor

Do it all for free

It's rough at the bottom

With so much on top

Wanna give me a break

AKA

TIME OFF!

~~*~~

I really have to hand it to my Mom

He's a pediatrician, and a chef for fun

I called the ex, and told him life is sweet

And that I'd be home in about two weeks



~~~*3rd Chorus*~~~

Your kids are a blessing

But no downhill coast

You're a cook and a maid

A chauffeur and coach

A teacher and a doctor

Full time referee

A guidance counselor

Baby now you're me

It's rough at the bottom

With so much on top

I'm taking a break

AKA

TIME OFF!

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  





THANK YOU

Hey, I want to thank you for the presents
I really liked the way you signed your cards
I loved you too
No, I never once noticed the hammer
That you used to bust my world apart

Thank you for the poems you wrote about me
How no one's ever made you feel like that
I believed you
Tell me, what did my successor give you baby
That special something you forgot to add
Doesn't matter...

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Cause I want to thank you
Thank you from this mixed up, messed with heart
I want to thank you
For making my life perfect, just by tearing it apart
You must break the surface, to reach what's at the core
You were temporary
I found the one worth living for
I hold the treasure, for all you put me through
So...
I want to thank you
~~*~~

Did I forget to thank you for lying
You weren't the first, or the last one to try
Ridiculous
I gave you my trust from the beginning
And that's not the only thing I sacrificed
But thank you for being such a loser
Even cheaters are a slice of the whole
And without you
I'd never have completed the circle
This unbreakable union of two souls

~~~*Chorus*~~~
So... I want to thank you
Thank you from this mixed up, messed with heart
I want to thank you
For making my life perfect, just by tearing it apart
You must break the surface, to reach what's at the core
You were temporary
I found the one worth living for
I hold the treasure, for all you put me through
So...
I want to thank you
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  
Written by request for
Jenn Morris Music

NOT FORSAKEN

Running blindly through the trees

Roots reaching for his feet

He stumbles for the final time

Pursuit will cease right here

Relieved the end is near

Oh Judges...Hear his cries...

~~~*Chorus*~~~

The forest walls echo with his screams

Am I not your Son

Why have you forsaken me

You've told everyone it's evil

Immoral and a shame

So why...

Why...

Why'd you make me this way

~~*~~

Oh...He was born this way

It's not a choice he made

Would he torment his own mind...

No way to contemplate

This twisted brand of fate

It's not something that dilutes with time

If there was any way

Then he would fight to change

Plans escape through suicide

Wonders who will weep

Freak of society

Even God's not on his side

~~~*Chorus*~~~

The forest walls echo with his screams

Am I not your Son

Why have you forsaken me

You've told everyone it's evil

Immoral and a shame

So why...

Why...

Why'd you make me this way

~~*~~

They heard the strangled cries

Surrendering his life

Burst through the trees to intervene

Saw them through shame and tears

Why did they interfere

He despised himself so viciously

Oh judges...Can't you see...

Confessing in the woods
He'd always be no good
Didn't know where he'd end up

But nothing could be worse
Than living with this curse
Let me go I've had enough

They said don't take your life
Before you've even lived
There are souls who suffer this same fate

Some try to judge you now
They shun, and cast you out
Those believers all filled with hate

Just take it day by day
And you will find your way
It's not true that God's forsaken you

He made you just this way
Get past the fear and hate
Build your life with someone searching too

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~
The forest walls echo with relief
Yes I am your Son
You have not forsaken me
There's no evil in my love
I will not bear their shame
I will
Will
Find the faith to live again
~~*~~

For Brandon, Kenneth, 
Corey, Jack,Rafael, Eric, David, 
and so many young men 
who didn't have anyone intervene...  
So sorry for the hell you endured on earth...
My Prayers...

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  

A REAL MAN

My guy didn't want me

To go see "Magic Mike"

I shook my head and told him

Don't be so uptight

The girls are on their way

So I'm not backing out

It's just a movie baby

Got a real man in the house

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I don't sugar-coat the truth

That's not a game I play

I won't ever lie to you

I say what I need to say

Don't act like you're confused

Burdened down with doubt

I've never strayed a single day

With a real man in the house

~~*~~

You can raise your eyebrows

When Michael Bolton sings

As I turn down the heater

A girl's got her fantasies

When I say ,"Oh Man"

At some guy walking down the street

You give me that look babe

I just appreciate fine things

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

You don't have to dance for me

Or take off any clothes

My body starts responding

To your voice over the phone

I've memorized every line

Time's etched upon your face

Perception this powerful

Just doesn't go away

Yeah, you do things to me

Nice girls don't talk about

All other guys are fiction

With a real man in the house

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I don't sugar-coat the truth

That's not a game I play

I won't ever lie to you

I say what I need to say

Don't act like you're confused

Burdened down with doubt

I've never strayed a single day

With a real man in the house

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  

SWEET BREATH OF LIFE

She walked off

The stage exhausted

The surging crowd

So much alive

In her arms

Scarlet roses

Wilting with

Tears of her eyes

No one guessed

A soul was waning

To fill their needs

She sacrificed

Then left the stage

As torment followed

Weakening

The breath of life

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Every soul...is the breath of life

There's no guarantee...things will turn out right

You may have to wander...withdraw, or fight

Some souls are poisoned...while some are blind

Some are wicked...and some are blessed

Some close to perfect...Some a total mess

Some forever young...Some far too old

Oh, the breath of life...is a living soul

~~*~~

He was the force

That drove her body

To crave desire

To dream and wish

Without his presence

The lust departed

To continue

To exist

She was a spirit

Greedy drank from

Wanting more

As she reigned

In time her essence

Was so faded

They drifted off

For better gain

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

A soul can heal from the deepest wound

If the ache is wakened in the depths of you

Don't let pain cripple your gift of time

Be a living soul sweet breath of life

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Every soul...is the breath of life

There's no guarantee...things will turn out right

You may have to wander...withdraw, or fight

Some souls are poisoned...while some are blind

Some are wicked...and some are blessed

Some close to perfect...Some a total mess

Some forever young...Some far too old

Oh, the breath of life...is a living soul

~~*~~

~~~*Finale*~~~

Don't let pain cripple your gift of time

Be a living soul, sweet breath of life

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Copyright © 2012
Wrdspnr@aol.com
~~~Whitney~~~ 



THE HELL'S ANGELS

I was walking home through the trees, it was getting late

That wasn't much to worry about in 1978

When I came from the woods, I hit the old dirt road

That's where old man Lester lived, and he was always home

The moon was nature's candle on that particular night

I was loving the mountains, thinking everything's so right

When Lester burst from his cabin, he gave me quite a fright

Ran past me on the dirt road, screaming with all his might...

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

The Hell's Angels is coming inta town!

Load yer guns, and lock yer daughters in the house!

Ya better teach yer sons what fightin's all about!

Do ya hear me ya'll?... I ain't messin around!

The Hell's Angels

Is coming inta town!

~~*~~

I walked into our home, told Mama what Lester said

She laughed, "Pay no attention, he's not right in the head

You don't know my cousin Rylie, but he rides with them

He'll stop by when they get here, and introduce us to the men."

I know my eyes turned to saucers, at my Mama's words

There was not a soul in our town, who didn't admire her

She was sweet and quiet, unless you messed with us

Then she'd cut you to the bone, and she didn't even cuss

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

Now the Hell's Angels are coming into town

Daddy bought beer, and they're invited to the house

Both of my Brothers are jumping up and down

No problems here...just messing around

The Hell's Angels

Are coming into town

~~*~~

Yeah, you could hear them riding, no mistaking the sound

There's nothing like a bunch of Harleys shaking up the ground

There were nervous neighbors, lighting up the party lines

When Rylie, and about twelve buddies, pulled in our drive

They may have looked a little rough, but they were sure polite

The yes sir, No Mam, and Thank you kind of nice

The rest of them were waiting... uptown at the bar

Mama caught a ride with Rylie...Daddy followed in the car

The next thing I know , I heard Old Lester shout...

~~~*3rd Chorus*~~~

Lawd! The Hell's Angels is gittin outta town!

They done stole them kids' Mama right from the house!

Grab yer guns, and come on all you men!

Their Daddy's surely gonna die chasing after them!

Do Ya hear me Ya'll? ...I ain't messin around!

The Hell's Angels

Is gittin outta town

~~*~~

~~~*Finale*~~~

Took us half the night

To calm poor Lester down

We felt bad about the duct tape

The only way to shut his mouth

We set the neighbors straight

There was laughter all around

Oh, we still love to talk about

The Hell's Angels in our town

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012  





EVEN SOLDIERS NEED TO CRY

Dear Captain Johnson,

I hope my letter finds you well

So much has changed since you've been gone

I saw your Wife at the park today

She takes your Son there to play

You'd be so proud of her

For being strong

But without you...

It's hard

I know that your first year there

Was the roughest on her

Not knowing what you would

Have to face

We sure were glad when the baby came

The cute little guy who bears your name

I'm sure that was hard for you so far away

But you're missed Sir

Missed here everyday

~~~*Chorus*~~~

So tell me Captain Johnson

Just lay it on the line

Don't lie and tell me

Everything is fine

If there's anything that I can do

To help you bear the ugly truth

Here I am

My shoulder's open wide

Even Soldiers need to cry

~~*~~

You know,

I've listened to the worst stories imagined

Being a Pastor all these years

I know that Soldiers talk to each other

But if you need an outlet

I am here

 I heard your best friend died in June

I can't imagine what that did to you

His family called your Wife

And we all prayed

Oh we pray Sir

We pray everyday

~~~*Chorus*~~~

So tell me Captain Johnson

Just lay it on the line

Don't lie and tell me

Everything is fine

If there's anything that I can do

To help you bear the ugly truth

Here I am

My shoulder's open wide

Even Soldiers need to cry

~~*~~

Last Year, in October,

I thought you'd be coming home

Your Wife told me no

It's not that way

Of the thousands of men

On their way to U S soil

You were one of the Soldiers who stayed

She broke down telling me the news

Then cried because she's proud of you

Said she just wants to be back in your arms

That without you

Everything too hard

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Don't know how long you'll have to stay

I know you're tough, and true, and brave

But I believe God wanted me to write...

I'm here Sir..

For you anytime..

Even Soldiers need to cry

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~
So tell me Captain Johnson
Just lay it on the line
Don't lie and tell me
Everything is fine
If there's anything that I can do
To help you bear the ugly truth
Here I am
My shoulder's open wide
Even Soldiers need to cry
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn  Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2012