YOU'RE SITTIN ON MY TRACKS

I heard it’s like a thrill ride for you

Causing other’s pain

I want you to listen closely 

For the echoes of a train

When you don’t know where it’s coming from

Whistles haunting you

And you’re so scared you want to run

But you don’t know what to do

You think of all the kids you've bullied

Wanting their revenge

Pretend they are the passengers

With no mercy to extend

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

Oh you think that you’re a bad-ass

Every time that you attack

Well I’m a locomotive

And you’re sittin on my tracks

And buddy I’d poor on the coal

To rid them of your evil soul

You’d better look both ways

And watch your back

You’re sittin on my tracks

~~*~~

Well that kid you called a worthless fag

Joking that he cried

Went home and hung himself today

And I blamed you when he died

Go ahead and say it’s not your fault

Distaste in your tone

I’m stoking up the fires now

See if you can make it home

Listen for the echoes of the train

It’s fires raging

Soon there will be nowhere that is safe

You feel the wind? It’s changing

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Boy,  it’s time to set this engine free

Surging hot with steam

I’ll blow that whistle so damned loud

That no one will hear your screams

Now you nod your head, at what I've said

Say you understand

You make things right, or fear the night

When this train gets out of hand

~~*~~

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

Oh you think that you’re a bad-ass

Every time that you attack

Well I’m a locomotive

And you’re sittin on my tracks

And buddy I’d poor on the coal

To rid them of your evil soul

You’d better look both ways

And watch your back

You’re sittin on my tracks

~~*~~

You’d better make it right

Or I’ll be back

You’re sittin

Sittin on my tracks

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

VIGILANCE

He knew the city better  
Than the back of his own hand  
From the lowest filthy dive
To the penthouse at the Grand

And he knew every person
All their troubles, and their dreams
The Mayor and the judges
Every vagrant on the streets

Drank with the lonely winos
And he dined with the elite
Your worst nightmare, come to life
Greatest man you’ll ever meet

~~~*Chorus*~~~
The Hawthorne trees are stirring
The Missouri’s on the rise
There’s movement in the shadows
Vigilance can recognize
The city is a target
For the morally depraved
Unnerved by the calm waters
When their factor is the waves
~~*~~

He watched them, and he waited
For the discord to begin
They tried to rob a quick stop
But they didn't count on him

Worst mistake, that they could make
Was to think he’s no big deal
Looks just like a gentleman
Till you see him brandish steel

Put one in the hospital
While the other sits in jail
Where old Sarge yells, through the bars
Vigilance has kicked your tail

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
It might not seem fair to the ones who care
How some people just stand by
Remain the victims, they chose to be
While the rest rise up to fight
But if you have that will in you
Give it all you've got to give
Protect what’s yours
Then give it that, and more
To the city where you live
~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~
The Hawthorne trees are stirring
The Missouri’s on the rise
There’s movement in the shadows
Vigilance can recognize
The city is a target
For the morally depraved
Unnerved by the calm waters
When their factor is the waves
~~*~~

Morality is spreading
Citizens are on the watch
Come and deal with righteous steel
In the town of vigilance

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

ONLY RICH INSIDE

They were only little kids
First and second year of school
Their clothes weren't much to look at
Both thin from lack of food
They were only little kids

When they walked into their house
And their Mama saw their eyes
She said, tell me, my sweet babies
What on earth has made you cry

One said, Mama they made fun of
The clothes we wore today
Told everyone they were
The same we wore yesterday

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Well, they didn't lie

Son, this world holds its mean

You tell them yes they are

But at least they’re nice and clean

We may be poor on the outside

But from deep within we gleam

They didn't lie….

We’re only rich inside

~~*~~

She was such a desperate girl
With two kids waiting in line
She had never asked for help
But she knew that it was time

So hard to deal with the stares
But she stood up straight and tall
Heard the whispers of the staff
She only has three dollars ya’ll

~~~*2^nd Chorus*~~~

Well it’s not a lie

Lord, this world holds its mean

Spoke out to the women

Said I've worked for everything

We may be poor on the outside

But from deep within we gleam

You didn't lie

We’re only rich inside

~~*~~

Their life was never easy
But in time they earned respect
A good friend finally asked her
Why the kids’ Father left

She said he didn't leave us
My man was a Marine
He died for love of country
While serving overseas

He said 
Don’t look to our Country
To survive if I die there
You’re just another number
And nobody really cares

~~~*3^rd Chorus*~~~

Well he didn't lie

Lord, this world holds its mean

We have struggled always

But still have integrity

We may be poor on the outside

But from deep within we gleam

He didn't lie

We’re only rich inside

~~*~~

~~~*Finale*~~~

You don’t know their Stories

If you don’t look for the truth

You just add to their hardships

All the pain that they've been through

Not everyone has money

Doesn't mean they don't have pride

You have to care, to know just

How rich they are inside

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

MY LIFE'S CRUSADE

The sky resembles late night embers now

When the fire in the stones is finally giving out

It remains breathtaking, so I’m anchored here

Knowing I won’t part until it disappears

I claim the panorama as my very own

An offering of solace for my milestone

I surrendered you, and started my crusade

To radiate with life, free of your restraint

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I had to sacrifice

Permit myself to live

I was fading in your grasp

But you wouldn't give

I barely existed

Your oppressive ways

So I summoned up the courage

For my life’s crusade

~~*~~

I did not give lightly, my honored pledge

I’m the affirmation, the swords double edge

The tragedy and triumph are like civil war

Half of me holds victory, the other scars

As I gaze upon the beauty of the waning sky

Exhilaration battles with the dire need to cry

I nod my thanks, to the heavens, for the fine display

Reaffirm the vindication, of my life’s crusade

~~~*2^nd Chorus*~~~

That I must sacrifice

Permit myself to live

I was fading in your grasp

But you wouldn't give

I barely existed

Your oppressive ways

So I summoned up the courage

Started my crusade

~~*~~

In every demonstration there are enemies

And I can’t justify the cause to your family

Some label me a traitor some beg me to stay

One’s an adversary to my life’s crusade

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Yes I’ll always love you somewhere tucked away

But that won’t weaken the defenses of my crusade

The embers are extinguished in the darkened sky

And I am a crusader for the right to life

~~*~~

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

I had to sacrifice

Permit myself to live

I was fading in your grasp

But you wouldn't give

I barely existed

Your oppressive ways

So I summoned up the courage

or my life’s crusade

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

I AM HERE FOR YOU

I am here for you

As clear as day …no fog

I've not wavered once

Please tell me why you’re lost

You’re not walking blind

I've cleared a path for you

Let your feet hold strong

It’s paved with love on through

I am here for you

Why do you run away

Through a tangled mess

How do I keep you safe

~~~*Chorus*~~~

There’s nothing out there for you

But anguish and pain

Why are you deviating

From my love this way

And why head for the shadows

When the skies are blue

There’s no reason to be lost

I am here for you

~~*~~

I am here for you

Sure as the air you breathe

I won’t let you fall

Please reach out to me

Oh your hurting mind

I’d fix at any cost

I am here for you

I’m praying while you’re lost

~~~*Chorus*~~~

There’s nothing out there for you

But anguish and pain

Why are you deviating

From my love this way

And why head for the shadows

When the skies are blue

There’s no reason to be lost

I am here for you

~~*~~

When there’s no control

You’re screaming through the hurt

I too absorb that pain

I maim you with my words

Its frustrated love

When there’s no way to help

Watching you get lost

And wander through your hell

Look beyond the trials

There’s no way you can lose

If you understand

That I am here for you

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Please forgive me for the hurtful things I've said

They come out of desperation for the path you tread

It’s hard to watch you struggle when I am right here

And you’re avoiding the road I've worked so hard to clear

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~

There’s nothing out there for you

But anguish and pain

Why are you deviating

From my love this way

And why head for the shadows

When the skies are blue

There’s no reason to be lost

I am here for you

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

WHAT ABOUT THE PIECES

See the fine cut crystal vase

Holding the flowers so prettily

Admiration stares in awe

While envy turns a bitter green

Love tenders the vessel full

Affection keeps the flora fresh

Hate smashes the crystal vase

And remorse deals with the mess

~~~*Chorus*~~~

But what about the pieces…

Scattered everywhere 

Irrational cannot find them all

So the vase can never be repaired 

And the shards are lethal…

Anticipate attack

Betrayal it is real

And virtue cannot heal

Thee afflicted is fighting back

The bedlam never ceases…

What about the pieces

~~*~~

See the sun on broken glass

Bleeding through begets an altering

Admiration drinks it in

While envy scoffs at the debris

Love affords a mirrored throne

Affection harnesses the light

Hate recalls the crystal vase

And remorse recoils to cry

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

What about the pieces

Too concealed to find

When perfection can not be obtained

Love of self will always be declined

Now the shards are lethal…

The heart isn't whole

What is left behind

Fragments biding time

And revenge is their only only goal

~~*~~

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

Watch out for the pieces…

Scattered everywhere

Irrational cannot find them all

So the vase can never be repaired 

And the shards are lethal…

Anticipate attack

Betrayal it is real

And virtue cannot heal

Thee afflicted is fighting back

The bedlam never ceases…

What about the pieces

~~*~~

Beware of the pieces

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

A BROUHAHA

So you find this amusing

Hanging out here every night

Killing guys in cyberspace

Well, my man, it’s just not right

You interact with strangers

When your friends are really here

Let’s go and rock the campus

And be all we don’t appear

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Lets…

Instigate a brouhaha

Fire up to laugh and dance

Incite a rebellion

While we still have the chance

I fancy the excitement

Sweet rush of getting caught

Let’s vitalize a Soiree

Bring on the brouhaha

~~*~~

Knew that I would find you here

Biting on your nails in stress

Girl, Harvard’s looking at you

You've surmounted all their best

It’s time to take a break now

Leave the books, get out of here

Let’s go and rock the campus

And be all we don’t appear

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Lets…

Instigate a brouhaha

Fire up to laugh and dance

Incite a rebellion

While we still have the chance

I fancy the excitement

Sweet rush of getting caught

Let’s vitalize a Soiree

Bring on the brouhaha

~~*~~

Come on dudes, lose the lab coats

I’ll show you real alcohol

There’s more to life than science

You don’t socialize at all

It’s time to meet your classmates

Leave the pens and rats in here

Let’s go and rock the campus

And be all we don’t appear

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

We've been wandering the same

Institution for years

We’re like cogs in a machine

And it’s time to switch the gears

None of us have broken rules

Been in trouble with the law

Time to live, I’m going to give

Everyone a brouhaha

~~*~~

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

Lets…

Instigate a brouhaha

Fire up to laugh and dance

Incite a rebellion

While we still have the chance

I fancy the excitement

Sweet rush of getting caught

Let’s vitalize a Soiree

Bring on the brouhaha

Ahhh

Brouhaha

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

SENTINEL

She hit me like a heat wave
On the desert in July
Covered me like an avalanche
When there is no place to hide
She held me at the bottom
Of a wicked waterfall
Spun me like a twister
And I've survived it all
I am
A Sentinel

~~~*Chorus*~~~
I fell in love with
A calm before the storm
She revealed her history
A land ravaged and torn
The damaged ones
Will run from love
Diversion's their defense
She waged a war
Didn't know what for
Or whom it was against
But I will protect her
Arm me for the duel
To defend a heart so lost
I am
A Sentinel
~~*~~

Yes…
Go ahead, come at me
I’m prepared for the fight
My love is downright definite
It won’t slip, fold, or backslide
Oh, she is a disaster
Out to rip us both apart
Well I am a Sentinel
I will defend her heart

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
My word is a vow
No room for change or doubt
If what I love is damaged
I don’t just throw it out
I will protect her
Arm me for the duel
To defend her from herself
I am
A Sentinel
~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~
I fell in love with
A calm before the storm
She revealed her history
A land ravaged and torn
The damaged ones
Will run from love
Diversion's their defense
She waged a war
Didn't know what for
Or whom it was against
But I will protect her
Arm me for the duel
To defend a heart so lost
I am
A Sentinel
~~*~~ 

~~~*Finale*~~~
I will protect her
Arm me for the duel
To defend her from herself
I am
A Sentinel
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

LONE SAXOPHONE

I can’t make the memories vanish

Like the fog over the sea

When the sun

It slowly comes

To set the brilliance free

This torn and grieving heart

Beats tenuous at best

I can’t conceive

Its struggle on

When nothing’s left...

~~~*Chorus*~~~

While everyone ooh’s and ah’s

At the forest lush and green

I’m the deep dark cavern

In the mountains you can’t see

While you shout your Bravos

And applaud the symphony

I am a lone saxophone

And the blues are killing me

~~*~~

I've tried to find a substitute

Fill the lifeless shell of me

I lost hope

So long ago

How does a numb heart beat

It should cease to function

Abandoned and bereft

It’s a marvel

To achieve this

When nothing’s left

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

I don’t begrudge a single soul

The happiness that keeps them whole

And they will never hear me say

That I gave up one single day

My heart will keep on beating

While what's left of me is breathing

As they wonder why I am all alone

Listen

Listen for a lone saxophone

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~

While everyone ooh’s and ah’s

At the forest lush and green

I’m the deep dark cavern

In the mountains you can’t see

While you shout your Bravos

And applaud the symphony

I am a lone saxophone

And the blues are killing me

~~*~~

Oh Oh Oh …

Lone Saxophone…

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013