Everything I Like is Killing Me By Howard Levinson I like to drink a few beers with a whiskey back, I like to smoke those funny cigarettes I’ll even take a few pills to be happy you see Everything I like is killing me. I like to put a pinch between my cheek and gum and smoke a fat cigar when the day is done The warning label of the stuff is plain to see Everything I like is Killing me I probably won’t live to a ripe old age; they say I’ll put myself in an early grave I doubt if I’ll make it to my forties Cause everything I like is killing me. I like steak and eggs with a side of fries, I top it off with a piece of pecan pie I love the kick from a glass of Georgia sweet tea Everything I like is killing me I love to play poker and a little blackjack, I lost my house and my Cadillac I put my last dollar on a losing team Everything I like is killing me. I probably won’t live to a ripe old age; they say I’ll put myself in an early grave I doubt if I’ll make it to my forties Cause everything I like is killing me. I ride my Harley all over the place, I like the wind blowing in my hair and in my face Crashed and woke up in Emergency Everything I like is killing me My best girl she’s a roller derby queen, when she’s had a few she gets kinda mean She broke my tooth and bruised my spleen Everything I like is killing me There’s one thing that I know for sure, when I die and knock on Heaven’s door Saint Peters gonna ask what happened to me I’ll tell him everything I liked, everything I liked, everything I liked Well it killed me, yea it killed me, yea it killed me.

Go Fast on Saturday Night By Howard Levinson My daddy said boy, you gotta get out of bed. You better get that NASCAR out of your head, You’re eatin my food and using my tools You better get a job or get back in school He never understood, he never got me right All I wanna do is go fast, on Saturday night I spend my time and money to go real fast. My girlfriend says she thinks I’m an ass. My mama says son, you gotta be sick. We gotta get you a doctor, get you fixed. They never understood, they never got me right All I wanna do is go fast, on Saturday night I feel the need for speed, I gotta get the rush. I’m lookin’ for the finish line, it never is enough. I gotta push the needle way into the red. And if I can’t live like this, And if I can’t live like this, And if I can’t live like this, I’d rather be dead. I told them I was up late last night. I got the pistons and rings set just right. I got the heads bolted down, tonight is the night. Gonna take it down to Main St., put it on the line. They never understood, they never got me right All I wanna do is go fast, on Saturday night. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with winning the race. The first one in, gets first place. Checkered flags waving as I fly by Pretty girls, hugs and hollers Flash bulbs and champagne showers A trophy and a thousand dollars, that’s my life. I feel the need for speed, I gotta get the rush. I’m lookin’ for the finish line, it never is enough. I gotta push the needle way into the red. And if I can’t live like this, fast cars And if I can’t live like this, hot chicks And if I can’t live like this, money I’d rather be dead

I’m a Sinner, You’re a Saint By Howard Levinson Sitting outside of your bedroom door, know I should’ve said a whole lot more Waiting outside, anticipatin’, hoping you’ll come out and give me salvation Open the door, I know it’s been rough, I got some things to say before I move all my stuff I ain’t always right, I ain’t always wrong, I got a few problems, but I wrote you this song I’m a sinner and you’re a saint, You’re angel, we all know I ain’t Girl, you’re so pretty, even in the dark, With that body you got, damn, you’re so hot It’s a mystery, you’ve stayed with me this long. Lovin me was work I could tell, you put up with my 3 kinds of hell Story is written by the lines on your face, not enough laughter, not enough grace You stood beside me, loved me so true, even after all the mean things I said to you, I promised and apologized time and again, you deserve so much better than I am I’m a sinner and you’re a saint, You’re angel, we all know I ain’t Girl, you’re so pretty, even in the dark, With that body you got, damn, you’re so hot It’s a mystery, you’ve stayed with me this long. I will mend you heart with a song and a smile I can be that man you want in your life. Open the door it’s getting kind of late, you know the gig starts at 8 Tuck away your anger, stash away your pain, and hop aboard my runaway train Come to the show and wear that red leather, let your hair down, I know you’ll feel better Have a couple beers with a whiskey back, a couple shots of Jaeger you’ll get on track The man I was won’t seem to matter, cause tomorrow, I promise, I’ll be better. Yes I will. I’m a sinner, you’re a saint You’re an angel, we all know I ain’t Girl, you’re so pretty, even in the dark With that body you got, damn you’re so hot It’s a mystery, you stayed with me…this long

WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING? By Howard Levinson I got a great life, got a trophy wife, I’ve got money for guns, girls and liquor I even got a stash, put away for bail So tell me how come…I’m sitting in jail I’ve been payin my bills, alimony, child support, I’m eatin baloney I’ve been a model citizen, for a half a year I’m sittin in jail, sure could use a beer Its heads or tails, red or black Aces and Eights will get you shot in the back Its all about luck, and I’m sorely lackin Makes you wonder… what the hell is happenin. Did my stretch, got out of jail, Went on home, the house was for sale The old lady left me, without a note Took the money and kids, she took my bass boat Its heads or tails, red or black Aces and Eights will get you shot in the back Its all about luck, and I’m sorely lackin Makes you wonder, what the hell is happenin.

TRUCKS, GUNS, GIRLS, MONEY, BEER By Howard Levinson Ain’t got no money, but I got this truck, F150 built Ford tough Got a 351 under the hood, got 4 on the floor, runs damn good. Got a Smith and Wesson with a 6 inch barrel, It’s a 44 magnum like Dirty Harry’s Keep it under my shirt in the small of my back, I’m steady it’s ready and that’s a fact. Got a truck, got a gun, no girl, no money, no beer. It won’t be long before I have it all right here, I’ll have money in my pocket, beer on the dash, Girl ridin’ shotgun fine looking ass Got a truck, got a gun, no girl, no money, no beer. So I took my truck over to that place, I stuck my gun in the cashier’s face, She didn’t scream or cry or show no fear, she said “I’ll give you the money and beer, if you take me away from here.” Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. I’m a man of my word, my story’s really quite clear Got money in my pocket, beer on the dash, Girl ridin’ shotgun with a fine looking ass Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. It’s been 4 weeks since we left that place, 3 liquor stores, 2 country banks. We’re kicking up gravel on them dusty roads, Way ahead of cops keep cause we go, go, go. Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. I’m a man of my word, my story’s really quite clear Got money in my pocket, beer on the dash, Girl ridin’ shotgun with a fine looking ass Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. Went on down to that Tulsa town, cops down there don’t mess around. Truck blew a tire, ran out of luck, I’m in the back of their car in handcuffs. No truck, no gun, no girl, no money, no beer. It won’t be long before I get it all back here, I’ll have money in my pocket, beer on the dash, Girl ridin’ shotgun fine looking ass No truck, no gun, no girl, no money, no beer. Made my bond, posted 10 percent, Got my Ford from the tow truck man. Crossed the border at night into Mexico, Bought a gun from old man Pablo. Got a truck, got a gun, no girl, no money, no beer. So I took my truck over to that place, I stuck my gun in the senorita’s face, She didn’t scream or cry or show no fear, she said “Te doy el dinero y la cerveza si me llevas de aqui.” Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. I’m a man of my word, my story’s really quite clear Pesos in my pocket Dos Equis on the dash, A chica ridin’ shotgun with a fine looking ass Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer. Got a truck, got a gun, got a girl, got money, got beer.

Still Small Voice by Howard Levinson You could say he lived a full life, A lot of years and a couple of wives, Five kids, two who will carry his name. Too much time living in bars Whiskey and smoke and playing guitar, The story’s written on his arms in ink and scars. It ain’t about what you got, What you are or what you’re not, Or if the spotlight ever shines upon your face It’s about joy and love, Family and friends and the man above, You'll just make the choice, you’ll hear that still, small voice. In a hurry to get somewhere Any place other than just right here When all he had to do was come on home. Life’s lessons don’t come too quick, At 100 miles an hour, that clock still ticks, He never found peace in the bottle or the bank. It ain’t about what you got, What you are or what you’re not, Or if the spotlight ever shines upon your face It’s about joy and love, Family and friends and the man above, You'll just make the choice, you’ll hear that still, small voice. While chasing his dreams, life passed him by, His babies grew and mama died He missed the best parts in a blink of an eye I’m a lot like him, I just wouldn't hear, took me over forty years, I finally turned from the noise and heard that voice, That still small voice. It ain’t about what you got, What you are or what you’re not, Or if the spotlight ever shines upon your face It’s about joy and love, Family and friends and the man above, You'll just make the choice, you’ll hear that still, small voice.

NOW THAT YOU’RE GONE, I’M GOIN’ TO TOWN By Howard Levinson I cooked and cleaned, washed and ironed your clothes I raised those kids by myself the good Lord knows You smoked and drank and gambled night and day The Sheriff finally came around and they took you away I’m taking your ring to the pawnshop today Now that you’re gone, it’s my time to play I put a match to my wedding gown Cause now that you’re gone, I’m goin’ to town. I’ll find a man that treats me like a lady We’ll talk and drink and dance like we are crazy He’ll drive a fancy car to his house up on the hill We’ll be having fun in bed while you’re sittin’ in county jail. I’m taking your ring to the pawnshop today Now that you’re gone, it’s my time to play I put a match to my wedding gown Cause now that you’re gone, I’m goin’ to town. Who’d ever thought they’d let you out so early With you in jail, I didn’t have a worry I changed the locks but you still broke down the door I shot you dead and there you lay, just like the dog you are. They called it justified You’re 6 feet underground Sheriff and I are still having fun… Now that you ain’t around Well I’m taking your ring to the pawnshop today Now that you’re gone, it’s my time to play I put a match to my wedding gown Cause now that you’re gone, now that you’re gone, now that you’re gone, I’m goin’ to town.

Distance Between Love and Hate By Howard Levinson The distance between love and hate is a continuum of pain and pleasure It’s a tenure of tears, laughter and grace It takes a toll you cannot measure The sweet, wet smell of sex and skin Emotions thick and thready It’s temper and pride, it’s sleepless nights It’s living a life on eggshells. You got medicated absolution, spiritual prostitution Because the distance between love and hate The distance between love and hate I said the distance between love and hate You cannot measure Cocktail carousels of pleasure and lust, you’re desperately needing to trust You heard what I said, but not what I meant It’s all the same and yet so different Because the distance between love and hate is a continuum of pain and pleasure Loving vows, wanes and waxes, avoidable as death and taxes You got medicated absolution, spiritual prostitution Because the distance between love and hate The distance between love and hate I said the distance between love and hate You cannot measure You got medicated absolution, spiritual prostitution Because the distance between love and hate The distance between love and hate I said the distance between love and hate You cannot measure

Verse 1 Gloves and masks, Tyvek suit On the front line, working for you A twelve-hour shift, takes a toll Hard on the body, hard on the soul Chorus We do our best, working together We’ll take a stand, together We’ll hold your hand, please understand We’ll get through this… together Verse 2 They call it Corona, a silent ghost Creeps up on you, it ain’t no joke Covid is tricky, it’s sneaky and lies We'll do our damndest, so no one dies Chorus We do our best, working together We’ll take a stand, together We’ll hold your hand, please understand We’ll get through this… together BRIDGE Sometimes you go home and cry all alone The risk, the worry, the fear of the unknown But, you pull yourself together, cause what you do really matters Because tomorrows another day and you pray, things will get better Chorus We do our best, working together We’ll take a stand, together We’ll hold your hand, please understand We’ll get through this… together

Verse 1 They sure do love Jesus in Texas On every corner there’s a church and a cross There’s Revised Corinthian, King James and Gideons, Bibles for sale at truck stops They say he’s the savior, born in a manger Bringing peace and love to all who believe But there’s wars and people dyin’ and politicians lying Seems like the world’s still f**ked up. Chorus Everybody got they own version of God Is there hell to pay if you’re the one at odds? If just one of them is right, everyone else must be wrong How do you know which side to stand on? Verse 2 They sure love Mohammed in Iran They pray ‘bout 5 times a day There’s bowing and chantin’, prayin’ and rantin’, In mosques, hotels and cafes They say he’s a prophet, quite philosophic, Bringing peace and love to all who believe But some put on a vest, dynamite strapped to their chest Seems like the world’s still f**ked up. Chorus Everybody got they own version of God Is there hell to pay if you’re the one at odds? If just one of them is right, everyone else must be wrong How do you know which side to stand on? Verse 3 There’s a Western Wall over there in Israel, The chosen people stand there each day There’s wailin’ and sighin’, prayin’ and cryin’ That the messiah will show up someday. They got Ten Commandments, that demand attention. Bringing peace and love to all who believe But if you don’t, you might just be smote Seems like the world’s still f**ked up Chorus Everybody got they own version of God Is there hell to pay if you’re the one at odds? If just one of them is right, everyone else must be wrong How do you know which side to stand on? Well the answer to the question is faith. Faith in God in whatever shape it takes. It doesn’t matter what path you take (G) As long as you don’t… forsake Cause he really don’t care which side you stand on. .

Verse 1 You came to our magical island, like the scent of a beautiful woman you swept us away We took heed of your of your heartbreaking power, We huddled together held hands and prayed Chorus Maria, Maria Your winds were fierce as you tore our island apart Maria, Maria You took our power and water, but you cant break our hearts Verse 2 Your winds, stripped the land of it’s beauty, the island was drenched as our tears flooded the streets Our beaches and trees, cried from your fury, but when you left us alone, we rose to our feet Chorus Maria, Maria Your winds were fierce as you tore our island apart Maria, Maria You took our power and water, but you cant break our hearts Bridge With our faith, we are stronger than ever, together we stand, proud to be here Life will return to the forests and shoreline, Puerto Rico our home, we love you so dear Chorus Maria, Maria Your winds were fierce as you tore our island apart Maria, Maria You took our power and water, but you cant break our hearts

Some wear a badge over their chest A veteran’s patch on a black leather vest, Some in desert brown or jungle green It’s all about trust and loyalty I got your Six you know what I mean No matter what side of the line we’re standing on [Chorus] Cause when you take an oath and live by a creed You cut one of us, we all bleed There some of us in every town In a uniform or not, we’re holding our ground You’re either one of us, or one of them It’s a brotherhood of love, honor and pride Comes with a price mighty high All gave some and some gave all [Chorus] All too often we lose a brother To the road or a bullet, doesn’t really matter? You never see it coming, even when it comes for you Tears a hole into our chest, Pills and whiskey ain’t no help So we all get together to ease the pain [Chorus) You answered the call, you met the threat, You gave your all, we’ll never forget We’ll raise a glass, to your memory, On hallowed ground, we’ll gather there, We’ll take a knee and say a prayer We’ll meet again someday… to God I swear Cause when you take an oath and live by a creed, You cut one of us, we all bleed

With You I Win By Howard Levinson Living on the edge of a knife, whiskey, smoke, beer and wine, Darkness and sin and bottles of gin I had seven deadly sins as a life, No family, friends, lover or wife, You pulled me back from that ring of fire. Chorus Out of control you got a hold of my soul. From the ninth ring of hell, you pulled me up the well. Past the River of Styx, Lucifer’s tricks, wicked and sin With you I win I was a gypsy, a drifter in time. An outlaw, a thief and a liar. In a tailspin, I was close to the end. Seized by shadows at night, released by a radiant light. You pulled me back from that ring of fire. Chorus Out of control you got a hold of my soul. From the ninth ring of hell, you pulled me up the well. Past the River of Styx, Lucifer’s tricks, wicked and sin With you I win You took me down to the river. You washed the blood from my hands. I surrendered my old life, from the water came a new man. Chorus Out of control you got a hold of my soul. From the ninth ring of hell, you pulled me up the well. Past the River of Styx, Lucifer’s tricks, wicked and sin With you I win

I WASN”T ALWAYS LIKE THIS By Howard Levinson I’m standing on a corner, cardboard sign on a string The words on the board say “I will do anything”, Car window rolls down, a couple of ones go into my cup, I say God bless and you say, ‘Don’t smoke it up’. [Chorus] I wasn’t always like this, I had trust, honor and pride I stood tall, lean and tough, but I had a peaceful side I played football in high school, took an oath to protect I wasn’t always like this, someone you could respect. My face and hands are scarred from the bullets, fire and blast All the pain in the clinic not so long in the past People are scared, but some will stare anyway, I smile and say it’s ok, don’t be afraid [Chorus] I wasn’t always like this, I had a job and a family A nice car, warm home, and someone called me daddy I got lost in a maze of whiskey, pills and bad dreams I wasn’t always like this, I’m more than you see. I still have my hopes and my dreams I’m doin’ my best every day to stay sober and clean I fight a battle with my demons just about every damn day My wish is for a victory and for that I still pray. [Chorus] I wasn’t always like this, I’ll stop running away. I wanna be the man who comes home to stay. I wasn’t always like this I’m tryin’ so hard to find…. The road I need to take and leave the past behind. The road I need to take and leave the past behind. The road I need to take and leave the past…. behind.