Song lyrics
The Chosen Ones
Words & music by Hal Howland
You with your guns
You with your racist fear
Where is your safety now
Where is your country now
You with your bombs
You with your lowly hate
Where is your victory now
How beats your heart
You with your fists
You with your bleeding wife
Where is your manliness
Where is your righteousness
You with your rope
You with your cheap revenge
Where is your justice now
How beats your heart
Are we the chosen ones
Are we God’s finest hour
Or are we castaways
Far from what we could be
Guitar solo
You with your blade
You with your thief’s reward
Where is your history now
Where is your wisdom now
You with your tanks
You with your scarlet sands
Where is your holiness
How beats your heart
Are we the chosen ones
Are we God’s finest hour
Or are we castaways
Far from what we could be
Far from what we could be
Far from what we could be
© 1995 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Derabucca (A Song for Palestine)
Words & music by Hal Howland
I walk with the sound of the drum in my heart tonight
I walk with the sound of the drum in my heart tonight
I keep it alive; it will always be there
As long as I know that this land is not theirs
I cannot escape from the sound of my drum
Our people have lived in this place for thousands of years
Working this sand and these rocks with our blood and our tears
They say that this land is a gift from their god
They see us as though we were just a mirage
They will not escape from the sound of my drum
I dream of a day when we will not hear their guns
They’ll know us as brothers under one sun
Guitar solo
I dream of a day when we will live here in peace
Their leaders must know that we’ll never leave
So walk with the sound of the drum in your heart tonight
Walk with the sound of the drum in your heart tonight
Keep it alive; it must always be there
As long as this crime is committed somewhere
The whole world can dance to the sound of my drum
Yes, the whole world can dance to the sound of my drum
© 1988 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Elysium
Words & music by Hal Howland
Long ago
Thousands of miles away
I had a love
That turned the night to day
This one love
This one heavenly light
Slipped through my hands
Like water to the bay
Every spring I hear her voice
Sing on clear blue sky
In our scented field of grass
May she make her choice
By and by
Over the years
We would write
We made a world
Where love never dies
In this world
In this heavenly place
Time stood still
Like the visions in our eyes
Every spring I hear her voice
Sing on clear blue sky
In our scented field of grass
May she make her choice
By and by
To this day
Our words deliver me
She gives me hope
To turn another page
This one hope
This one heavenly dream
Keeps me alive
Like songs that never age
Even now I hear her voice
Sing on clear blue sky
In our scented field of grass
She will make her choice
By and by
© 1994 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Free
Words & music by Hal Howland
She got in a cab
And rode across town
And looked at the number
And went in
He was sitting in a chair
At the foot of the bed
Looking strange and defenseless
She stood before him
And was free
Vibe solo
In a couple of days
She called again and said
“How long had you wanted me
That way?”
He said slowly and tenderly
“For years and years
Since long before the wedding
Please see me again
Please”
© 1976 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
The Freshman Women
Words & music by Hal Howland, with Bob Shimizu
I’m a simple man
Just a scholar
Penny loafers, Harris tweed, button-down collar
Stuck in Kansas
Teaching English
To the cretins
Bred at Oxford
Weaned on Shelley
Never watch their morbid rubbish on the telly
Still they taunt me
How I hate them
The freshman women
See them laughing
Skipping brightly
In threes and fours across the campus, kissing nightly
Scrawny boyfriends
With their baseball caps
Turned backward
Oh, the torture
Their florid prose
Hackneyed verse, perceptive questions, fitted clothes
Still they mock me
How I want them
The freshman women
At the zenith
Of their beauty
While I suffer with my studied sense of duty
Staying later
Grading papers
In the moonlight
As I finish
Twist the drawer key
Switch the light off, turn to go; they stand before me
Paired perfection
How I need them
The freshman women
In the boardroom
At the hearing
Innuendo, false bravado, brazen leering
Such hypocrisy
As if it’s only me
In the gallery
But I’m the scapegoat
It’s decided
Step down softly, disappear now, unrequited
Still they haunt me
How I miss them
The freshman women
Here’s the nurse now
With my lunch tray
I think she knows me
I’ll be old soon
I’ll forget them
The freshman women
The freshman women
Ah, the freshman women
Note to the mentally challenged: This song is a satirical treatment of the serious problem of sexual misconduct. The lyrics do not reflect the authors’ views. Well, I should speak for myself. —H. H.
© 1994 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Holy Land
Words & music by Hal Howland
Will every decent boy and girl open your eyes
You got to take this to your heart
Our land is bowing to the specter of our size
When will you see it’s gone too far
Holy land
Holy land
Earth don’t speak
Earth can’t say
Stop me now; I’m going away
Our sprawling city screams for more on every side
Another newborn needs a home
How many will he bring before him when he dies
To make him think he’s not alone
It seems an easy thing to love the dancing trees
To know the gorgeous country sky
It seems that man is locked inside at times like these
And then he always wonders why
Holy land
Holy land
Earth don’t speak
Earth can’t say
Stop me now; I’m going away
© 1976 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
I Just Can’t Say Goodbye
Words & music by Hal Howland
I was looking again
At your photograph
Every time I pay the price
Wipe tears from my eyes
How could I let you go
Was a middle child
In a stranger’s house
Every time I made a friend
Had to make one again
You’re the only truth I know
I just can’t say goodbye
You know the reason why
I just can’t say goodbye to you
In another life
In another world
Might have gone another way
But this is today
Got to live with the choice I made
But through all this time
And through all the changes
Every day I think on you
Live my whole life through
In the hope for the love I’ve saved
I just can’t say goodbye
You know the reason why
I just can’t say goodbye to you
I know that
I can’t just
Turn back the clock and start over again
But I see
Love in your eyes
And I’ve just got to try ’cause this pain never ends
Instrumental solo
In another time
In another place
I would love you just the same
And it’s not too late
But we’ll never know till you take my hand
I just can’t say goodbye
You know the reason why
I just can’t say goodbye to you
I’ve paid for my mistake
In years of heartbreak
I know that what is at stake is the truth
’Cause I can’t say goodbye to you
© 1991 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
I’m So Alternative
Words & music by Hal Howland
I’m a goofy white kid
And I’m losing my hair
And I wish I was Roger McGuinn
I’d like to have some talent
But it just isn’t there
Now, tell me, is that such a sin
I was born too late to be groovy
Everything I learned I saw in a movie
But I know I’ll go far
I’ll rewrite Roger’s repertoire in
My whiny voice
My whiny voice
(Woe, woe)
My whiny voice
I’m so alternative
It’s been twenty-five years
Since Mommy bore me
And what a time I’ve had
I paid my dues watching MTV
Now, tell me, is that so bad
My role models played heavy metal
While I dreamed of polishing Ringo’s pedal
But I know I’m a man
I’ve got Daddy’s business plan and
My whiny voice
My whiny voice
(Yeah, yeah)
My whiny voice
I’m so alternative
You take these three tired chords
And you can’t go wrong
You add some pitiful words
And you make the snare drum
The loudest thing in the song
12-string solo
So when you see me on the tube
Remember the nerd
That you laughed at in Phys Ed
That song they keep playing
That you think you’ve heard
Well, that came out of my head
I’m not one of you groping slackers
I’ve got a room full of Rickenbackers
And I know they’re in tune
I wake my roadie every day at noon with
My whiny voice
My whiny voice
(I’m in love with)
My whiny voice
(I’m kiddin’ you)
My whiny voice
(A complete unknown)
My whiny voice
(Writing for Rolling Stone)
My whiny voice
I’m so alternative
© 1995 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
I’m Sorry, Dear
Words & music by Hal Howland
It does no good
To apologize
It seemed I should
I don’t know why
All along
Becoming clear
I need more time
I’m sorry, dear
I learned at home
To live inside
When I was moved
I learned to hide
So you see
It’s not just you
It’s new to me
I’m in this too
Please don’t go
I need you near
If I seem slow
I’m sorry, dear
I love you so
I’m sorry, dear
© 1976 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
In Quest of Yesterday
Words & music by Hal Howland
Yes, I hear what you say
That you’ve finally seen things my way, and
Would I come along and have another go
Like a fool I’m off
In spite of everything I know
In quest of yesterday
Surely nothing has changed
Every time we’re together it’s the same game, and
How I ever loved you I will never know
Still I find myself
Behind you everywhere you go
In quest of yesterday
Like a monument that I cemented
To my brain
You’re a souvenir, a dearly sung refrain
When you can’t erase the space between us
With your eyes
There’s your proud supply of tried-and-tested lies
And she says
“I never said it was easy
I never told you no lie
You still refuse to believe me
That it don’t grieve me
When you cry
“I never wanted to love you
I only said I would try
So you were out of the room
When I said goodbye
“You say that I have controlled you
Well, I don’t see it that way
Didn’t I prepare you
I didn’t dare you
To stay
“You made it such an adventure
I was the earth and the sky above
Don’t know where you dreamed up
All this love
“So you are devastated by my charms
Don’t hold that against me
I just fell into the open arms
You offered so gently
“So don’t you tell me that you did not see
The road was coming to an end
It seems like such a simple thing to me
Why can’t we be friends
“I never wanted to hurt you
I never wanted to lie
I just became an obsession
It was destined
To die
“So don’t be saying I’m careless
And that I’ve played with your heart
You knew that I was no good
Right from the start”
As I climb in the car
Wondering just what it is that we are, I
Swear I’ll disconnect the phone next time it rings
Love can surely make a
Person do some crazy things
In quest of yesterday
© 1977 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
In the Right Place at the Right Time
For Mary Chapin Carpenter
Words and music by Hal Howland
I know what you’re thinking
I came out of the blue
I’m getting all the attention
That the world owes you
I’m just a lucky kid
Who’s never paid any dues
You’re the one who’s earned the right
To sing the blues
I’m in the right place at the right time
Now everything I’ve worked for
Is gonna be mine
I bet all my dreams
Laid them here on the line
I’m in the right place at the right time
You talk about rejection
Well, I’ve been there before
I’ve missed a hundred opportunities
And unopened doors
I’ve heard no so many times
I couldn’t take it no more
Sometimes I’ve forgotten
What I’m doing this for
I’m in the right place at the right time
Now everything I’ve worked for
Is gonna be mine
I bet all my dreams
Laid them here on the line
I’m in the right place at the right time
I know it isn’t much
Just a three-chord song
I know you despise it
But you’re singing along
It’s got a good beat
And a strong melody
I’ve sung it twenty thousand times
You can take it from me
I’m in the right place at the right time
Guitar solo
So instead of sitting there
Feeling sorry for yourself
Turn on the light
Get your guitar off the shelf
Grab a piece of paper
All you need is the truth
This could be the one
You know, it’s all up to you
You’re in the right place at the right time
Put everything you’ve worked for
Right next to mine
Gamble all your dreams
Lay them there on the line
You’re in the right place at the right time
© 1992 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
It’s Only Money
Words & music by Hal Howland
Well, I wake up every night
From a fitful sleep
Same bad dream
Denizens of the deep
Maybe it’s the county
Or maybe it’s the bank
Familiar foul medicine
That we all drank
It’s only money
It’s only money
It will put you through hell
If you don’t remind yourself
It’s only money
Well, I try to face the morning
Getting harder every day
Working just to make a buck
What a price to pay
In the evening I can’t listen
To my answering machine
Same greedy bastards
Trying to pick my pocket clean
It’s only money
It’s only money
It will turn you to drink
If you fail to stop and think
It’s only money
When I was just a boy
My daddy said to me
Never buy with credit
Pay with cash and you’ll be free
Listen to me well, son
Don’t go into debt
Don’t gamble with your future
’Cause you’re gonna lose that bet
It’s only money
It’s only money
It will drive you to despair
If you don’t stay out of there
It’s only money
Well, I thought that I was smart
Didn’t follow his advice
Every chance I got
I would roll them loaded dice
Now I’m up to here
And I won’t live long enough
To tell the moneylenders
What to do with all this stuff
It’s only money
It’s only money
You can listen to it ring
Or you can do the right thing
It’s only money
It’s only money
It will drive you to despair
If you don’t stay out of there
It will turn you to drink
If you fail to stop and think
It will put you through hell
If you don’t remind yourself
It’s only money
© 1992 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Last Night
Words & music by Hal Howland
No use to try to sleep
What I feel inside won’t keep
I’ve got to set it down
No way to get around it
Last night the world began
You hold me in your hand
God knows what we have started now
How long we’d known
Words don’t tell you
It doesn’t show
Until you’re by my side
I swear I nearly died
We can’t begin to say
What it is we know today
I want to close my eyes
But everything I try
Just tells me how I love you now
© 1976 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Laura Lee
Words & music by Hal Howland
How many times
I’ve tried to tell you
Oh, my lover to be
While you’re away
These warm devotions
Sing so clearly to me
My love is forever
Sweet Laura Lee
And I’ll love you this way
Oh, my loving girl to be
All of this time
I’ve dreamed about you
Oh, my lover to be
And ever since
The day I met you
You’re the music to me
My song is forever
Sweet Laura Lee
And I’ll sing you this way
Oh, my loving girl to be
Guitar solo
My love is forever
Sweet Laura Lee
And I’ll love you this way
Oh, my loving girl to be
© 1976 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Look, Don’t Touch
Words & music by Hal Howland
Look, don’t touch
(She’s another man’s wife)
Look, don’t touch
(This could ruin your life)
Look, don’t touch
Hurts too much
She walked in the office
Put away her things
Muscular shoulders
Didn’t notice her rings
Provocative smile
Chestnut hair
By the end of the day
I was halfway there
Weeks went by
Sweet conversation
Trouble at home
Bad situation
Years of winter
She dying inside
Late one evening
Would you give me a ride
Look, don’t touch
(She’s another man’s wife)
Look, don’t touch
(This could ruin her life)
Look, don’t touch
Hurts too much
Guitar solo
Six months later
More than an affair
Born for each other
Delicious despair
Can’t turn back
Can’t move ahead
Too many lies
And truths unsaid
So now we face
An impossible choice
Destroy a family
Or silence a voice
Is it better to have loved
Whatever the cost
Than to live your life
Missing what you’ve lost
Look, don’t touch
(She’s another man’s wife)
Look, don’t touch
(This could ruin your life)
Look, don’t touch
Hurts too much
© 1996 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Mother, I Found Your Son
Words & music by Hal Howland
There was a time
Not so long ago
When I walked the valley of death
One cold Lenten night
You came to me
Said, Give up what isn’t your own
We walked through the dust
Over the viper’s domain
We stepped through shattering glass
Not looking for light
Nor for the truth explained
You said, Roll away the stone
In a low-hanging room
Calling out their names
Saying to each one
Do this in memory of me
You bowed and you sang
My gift belongs to you
I finally heard
Mother, I found your Son
You led me in
He set a place for me
A rough board, a peasant’s cold meal
But, Teacher, I begged,
I cannot receive
He said, You shall be healed
In a low-hanging room
Calling out their names
Saying to each one
Do this in memory of me
You bowed and you sang
My gift belongs to you
I finally heard
Mother, I found your Son
Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin
Grant us peace
Now as I walk
This vale of tears
My life is a small enough price
For you took my hand
You took me straight to Him
Fruit of your womb, Jesus Christ
In a low-hanging room
Calling out their names
Saying to each one
Do this in memory of me
You bowed and you sang
My gift belongs to you
I finally heard
Mother, I found your Son
Mother, I found your Son
I finally heard
© 1999 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Our Guitars
In memory of George Harrison
Words & music by Hal Howland
Our guitars
Are crying
Our guitars
Are singing tonight
Hallelujah
For you
Our guitars
Are praying
Our guitars
Are whispering tonight
Hare Krishna
For you
Prisoner of love
You sought holy truth
We were busy drowning
In the fountain of youth
Our guitars
Are ringing
Our guitars
Are calling tonight
Shiva Shiva
For you
Guitar solo
So many times
You offered the way
We preferred to remember
That first yesterday
Yeah, you
You saw through the lie
Our guitars
Still cry
Mahadeva
Shiva Shiva
Hare Krishna
Hallelujah
For you
© 2001 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Poem to Your Wife
Words & music by Hal Howland
I wrote a poem to your wife
That she didn’t think you’d find
Or maybe she just figured
That you simply wouldn’t mind
’Cause for years inside the house you share
You’ve lived so far away
Kissing tall green bottles
Getting sicker every day
She folded what I’d written
In the pages of a book
And put it in her stocking drawer
The first place I’d have looked
I guess that it was just her way
Of trying to clear the air
So why was she surprised
When my poem wasn’t there
She turned to me for love she knows
She’ll never have with you
She turned to me to share a dream
That really might come true
I’m sorry that I’ve added to
The burdens of your life
I’m so sorry that you had to read
My poem to your wife
I wish that I could tell you
It’s as simple as it seems
That she had not turned out to be
The woman of my dreams
And that her love for me
Had not been buried deep for years
But you’re not the only man in town
Who’s sleeping in his tears
It started out so sweetly
Quiet feelings in the room
Deep smiles and sad confessions
That your house felt like a tomb
When we finally faced the music
It was choice and it was fate
By the time she got your attention
It had long since been too late
Guitar solo
I hope that you recover
From your sorrow and your haze
That you find the perfect woman
To share your better days
But a twenty-year-old girl
Is way too young to make that vow
She knew this long ago
And everybody knows it now
She turned to me for love she knows
She’ll never have with you
She turned to me to share a dream
That really might come true
I’m sorry that I’ve added to
The burdens of your life
I’m so sorry that you had to read
My poem to your wife
© 1996 Harold Howland Music (BMI). All rights reserved.
Snakes in the Sun
Words & music by Hal Howland
Alone with my thoughts on the long open highway
I could be home on Wednesday if I really tried
But these mountains are lovely, and night, she is calling
Got my vanishing country along for the ride
Just imagine the people who settled this valley
So proud of their labor, their unyielding will
They took what they needed and left us tomorrow
Their children are gone, but they’re living here still
There’s a light in the distance near the bank of that stream
Just a ramshackle farmhouse, not another one for miles
If I pulled off the highway and knocked on the door
Could I bear to go in and sit down for a while
Could I witness the timeless and dignified grace
Of a good, simple life that believes in the land
Could I look in their eyes and forgive their descendants
Who have moved in with me and turned forests to sand
I cry for the shame we have brought here today
And I fear that our greed is beyond our control
We belong to the soil, and we shall not possess it
We cannot gain the world without losing our soul
Guitar solo
So I turn my attention to the darkening sky
Where the Milky Way shimmers like a river of glass
But that glowing horizon is the badge of some city
Where the great cleansing peace of this moment shall pass
I slow down and consider this la