Ashes

Lyrics: Debra Lyn / Music: Jeff Silverman

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP) / So Look It Music (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Ashes” was partially inspired by the late Tina Turner. I was reading an article about how much abuse she suffered at the hands of her then husband, Ike. Fortunately, I can barely imagine a life like this. Tina gained her strength and eventually left with 36 cents in her pocket, but she still had her pride, and her voice which became an inspiration to so many. “Who’s Sorry Now” is a nod to the 1958 Connie Francis hit and “Stayin’ Alive,” well, who wasn’t inspired by the Bee Gees?

You lift me up – just to push me down

Oh, I can’t believe I used to worship your ground

You tell me lies just to watch me cry

And like a fool all I wonder is why

I don’t understand why you do me this way

Why I don’t leave or the reason I stay

CHORUS:

Ashes, ashes, burn this down

Ashes, ashes, no one will hear a sound

Ashes, ashes, you never will be found (Down, Down, Down, He’s Goin’, Down, Down, Down, He’s Goin’)

Who’s sorry now (Goin’ Down)

VERSE 2:

I was a fool – oh from the start

I believed you when you said we’d never part

You were a dream come true even my friends agreed

I said, “I do,” you put the chains on me

I lost my way, my friends, my family

You can’t see what I don’t want you to see

CHORUS:

Ashes, ashes, burn this down

Ashes, ashes, no one will hear a sound

Ashes, ashes, you never will be found (Down, Down, Down, He’s Goin’, Down, He’s Goin’)

Who’s sorry now (Goin’ Down)

LEAD:

VERSE 3:

I’m gaining strength (I gain my strength) – oh every day (every day)

And sooner or later (sooner or later) you won’t stand in my way (you’re not in my way)

I’ll bide my time till you’re not lookin’ behind

I see the light and freedom is mine

I ain’t got much, but I still got my pride

No way to live barely stayin’ alive.

CHORUS:

Ashes, ashes, burn this down

Ashes, ashes, no one will hear a sound

Ashes, ashes, you never will be found (Down, Down, Down)

Who’s sorry now (Down, Down, Down, He’s Goin’)

He’s Goin’ Down (Down, Down, Down, He’s Goin’)

In the ashes (Down, Down, Down, He’s Goin’, Ashes)

(Down, Down, Down, Down, Down, Down, Down, Down)

Ashes, Ashes, (hes’ goin’ down)

Ashes Ashes

Ashes, Ashes

Ashes, Ashes

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Keyboards, Bass, Baritone Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Background Vocals – www.palettemusic.com
TJ Klay: Harmonica – www.tjklay.com
Kim Fleming: Background Vocals – Kim Flemming (Facebook)

Lyrics: Debra Lyn / Music: Jeff Silverman

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP) / So Look It Music (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Wing And A Prayer” was inspired a number of years ago when Jeff and I were living in California. We had gone to see a late-night movie in Santa Monica. It was early evening,
and the sun was still shining–just a normal night for most of us. The movie was long and as we walked out onto the same street, now dimly lit by the street lamps, we could not believe our eyes. Everywhere we looked, on benches, in doorways to the high-end shops, homeless people had settled in for the night … not much further down the road was Hollywood, where so many dreams come true.

VERSE 1:

You pass me by each morning and try not to see

Look away, look ahead and just let me be

I don’t want your money or even your time

But for the grace of Almighty, your world could be mine

CHORUS:

And maybe Florida or California would be better to go

Where the days would be warmer, and the nights not so cold

You and I could rest easy beneath the stars

On the sand with no worries about where we are

On a wing and a prayer

VERSE 2:

I once was a banker with a beautiful wife

Till I fell to the bottom with no future in sight

My wife she did leave me without a word

In the rain on a Saturday, I lost my whole world

CHORUS:

And maybe Florida or California would be better to go

Where the days would be warmer, and the nights not so cold

You and I could rest easy beneath the stars

On the sand with no worries about where we are

On a wing and a prayer

BRIDGE:

In dreams I see curtains blow in the breeze

Sun shines through the window, feels like Heaven to me

In dreams I’m not cold, and I’m not hungry

Tomorrow may be better

Together we may get there

On a wing, on a wing and a prayer

VERSE 3:

Street life isn’t easy, peace is harder to find

Always watch where you’re goin’, always lookin’ behind

All that I own is in this pack on my back

A lifetime of memories as I fall through this crack

CHORUS:

And maybe Florida or California would be better to go

Where the days would be warmer, and the nights not so cold

You and I could rest easy beneath the stars

On the sand with no worries about where we are

On a wing and a prayer (on a wing and prayer)

On a wing and a prayer (on a wing and prayer)

On a wing and a prayer (on a wing and prayer)

On a wing and a prayer

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Keyboards, Bass, Background Vocals – www.palettemusic.com
Matthew Burgess: Drums & Percussion – www.percussionator.com
David Flint: Acoustic Guitars, Bouzouki – David Flint (Facebook)
Tim Lorsch: Strings – www.timlorsch.com

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP) / So Look It Music (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Brown Dog” was in part inspired by Buck, in Jack London‘s CALL OF THE WILD, who was stolen from his family to be used as a sled dog in the Yukon. I also adopted a rescue Corgi named Chris who would shy away from certain people due to issues unknown from his past. My “brown dog” was taken for a more sinister and cruel purpose–to feed the blood sport “game” of dog fighting. Although dog fighting is a felony in the United States, organized fights still take place. According to the ASPCA, estimates suggest that tens of thousands of individuals are involved in dog fighting in the U.S. Dog fighting has been banned in many countries as well, but it remains legal in others and the “bad men” continue to profit.

VERSE 1:

Brown dog has big sad eyes and scars upon his face

He sometimes will still shy away from those he can’t erase

No history was told to me aside from circumstance

He was saved and healed by someone who gave him second chance

CHORUS:

Brown dog had to fight for his life without a reason why

Blood in his fur at the end of the night, sometimes barely alive

Money on the table, for those who gamble

On death with no mercy

And the bad man smiles (Bad Man)

VERSE 2:

Brown dog has no mean bone, he’s gentle as can be

He was stolen for a blood sport game with tickets, they sold them for a fee

To live or die, the reasons why he couldn’t understand

Wickedness and cruelty that should be forever banned

CHORUS:

Brown dog had to fight for his life without a reason why

Blood in his fur at the end of the night, sometimes barely alive

Money on the table, for those who gamble

On death with no mercy

And the bad man smiles (Bad Man)

Poor brown dog

LEAD:

Money on the table, for those who gamble

On death with no mercy

And the bad man smiles (Bad Man)

VERSE 3:

Brown dog was all alone and living in a cage

Broken, scared, misunderstood, his heart would still not break

He raised his head and our eyes met, I didn’t leave alone

Now he sleeps peaceful beside me in his forever home

CHORUS:

Brown dog had to fight for his life without a reason why

Blood in his fur at the end of the night, sometimes barely alive

Money on the table, for those who gamble

On death with no mercy

And the bad man smiles (Bad Man)

Bad man smiles (Bad Man)

Bad man smiles

As brown dogs die

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Bass, Baritone Acoustic Guitar – www.palettemusic.com
Matthew Burgess: Percussion – www.percussionator.com
David Flint: Acoustic Guitars, Dobro – David Flint (Facebook)

VIDEO PRODUCTION: Markey Blue Productions

Lyrics: Debra Lyn / Music: Jeff Silverman

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP) / So Look It Music (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Stranded” is again inspired by Tina Turner as well as friends I have known in the past that just could never seem to break free from a person who was not treating them kindly.

VERSE 1:

You don’t see how you can be

Your words cut to the heart of me

Though I try to hide my tears

I try to hide my fear

To keep the peace, I will agree

CHORUS:

But I’m Stranded

You know you stole my heart

Oh, I’m stranded

Cause you tore it all apart

Empty handed

Nothing I can hold

VERSE 2:

I gave my heart, you took my name

You make me feel like I’m to blame

There is no way that I can see

The way to live or leave

I burn in your eternal flame

CHORUS:

But I’m Stranded

You know you stole my heart

Oh, I’m stranded

Cause you tore it all apart

Empty handed

Nothing I can hold

BRIDGE:

Those who say I have the choice

Can’t understand I have no voice

He tells me if I leave today

no one would want me, anyway

LEAD:

VERSE 3:

In darkness I lay quiet now

Afraid to move or make a sound

Angry words and angry hands

More pain that I can stand

I close my eyes and wonder how

CHORUS:

I’m still stranded

You know you stole my heart

Oh, I’m stranded

Cause you tore it all apart

Empty handed

Nothing I can hold on to

Oh, I’m stranded

I’m still stranded with you

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Bass, Baritone Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Drums – www.palettemusic.com
David Flint: Acoustic Guitars – David Flint (Facebook)
Kasey Todd: Percussion – www.kaseytodd.com

Words & Music: Debra Lyn

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Close By,” there is a phrase about lightening striking you down if you lie. In this case, she deems it to be not safe to stand too close…

VERSE 1:

Five past midnight when you come home

One look and I know that you weren’t alone

Honestly, you swear to me that I must be wrong

‘Cause if I don’t believe you, you say, “May lightning strike you down.”

CHORUS:

And, I hear the thunder rollin’

It’s lighting up the sky

I maybe should start running

I don’t wanna be close by

VERSE 2:

Long I have doubted and long I have cried

I’ve tried to understand and make things right

And I believe I might see the truth yet tonight

‘Cause if I don’t believe you, you say, “May lightning strike you down.”

CHORUS:

And, I hear the thunder rollin’

It’s lighting up the sky

I maybe should start running

I don’t wanna be close by

BRIDGE:

And the wind is getting higher

I feel the chill down to my bones

I don’t wanna stand beside you

It’s not safe to be so close

CHORUS:

And, I hear the thunder rollin’

It’s lighting up the sky

I maybe should start running

I don’t wanna be close by

When the thunder’s rollin’

It’s lighting up the sky

I maybe should start running

I don’t wanna be close by

I hear the thunder rolling

It’s lighting up the sky

I maybe should start running

I don’t wanna be close by

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Keyboards, Bass, Background Vocals, Sound Design – www.palettemusic.com
Matthew Burgess: Drums & Percussion – www.percussionator.com
David Flint: Acoustic Guitars – David Flint (Facebook)

Words & Music: Debra Lyn

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP)

© 2023

VERSE 1:

I don’t even know why I stand here and let you make me cry

It’s the same story mmmmm… night after night

You’re always running away and I’m running out of time

If you were truly, truly mine, you’d turn away from that door and hold me tonight

CHORUS:

‘Cause I don’t know how to love you

Don’t know how to hold you

Don’t know what goes through your mind

It’s a mystery what you ever did see in me

I’m not what you want me to be

And I don’t know how to love you.

VERSE 2:

I’m believing you’ll come back tonight you’ll miss me and finally realize

Just wishful thinking  mmmmm… I pray every night

You’ll find a reason to stay and a reason to tell her goodbye

Then you’ll be truly, truly mine, you’ll never walk out of that door without your hand in mine

CHORUS:

‘Cause I don’t know how to love you

Don’t know how to hold you

Don’t know what goes through your mind

It’s a mystery what you ever did see in me

I’m not what you want me to be

And I don’t know how to love you

BRIDGE:

You run away from me

From what you won’t say to me

I won’t beg and I won’t plead

Or get down to my knees

CHORUS:

‘Cause I don’t know how to love you

Don’t know how to hold you

Don’t know what goes through your mind

It’s a mystery what you ever did see in me

I’m not what you want me to be

And I don’t know how to love you

No, I don’t know how to love you

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Bass, Baritone Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Background Vocals – www.palettemusic.com
David Flint: Acoustic and Electric Guitars – David Flint (Facebook)
Andy Hull: Drums – Andy Hull (Facebook)

Lyrics: Debra Lyn / Music: Jeff Silverman
DebraLynMusic (ASCAP) / So Look It Music (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Big Enough For 2” is for anyone who has ever had someone tell you that they’d like to “put you in the ground…” Hopefully you successfully kicked that person to the curb.

VERSE 1:

Well, you thought you were the only one and you could choose

I would stay here – no matter what you do

Smack me down, you know you bruise my heart

You give me all the strength I need alone to start

Now the ties are all undone

So, you better run to your new someone

CHORUS:

You say you’re gonna put me in the ground

One long cold night no one’s around

And I say well if you do

You better dig a grave that’s big enough for two.

Well, you dig a grave big enough for two

You better dig a grave big enough for two

Woo Hoo

VERSE 2:

There’s been a lotta talk around our little town

It ain’t big enough for the two of us now

You know my Daddy’s got a big shotgun

If I were you I’d run, I’d run

Now the ties are all undone

So, you better run to your new someone

CHORUS:

You say you’re gonna put me in the ground

One long cold night no one’s around

And I say well if you do

You better dig a grave that’s big enough for two.

Well, you dig a grave big enough for two

You better dig a grave big enough for two

Woo Hoo

BRIDGE:

There are times when the sun don’t shine

You get lost and you lose your mind

Now I don’t wish you much ill will

I’ll never want you back, but I want you still

LEAD:

Now the ties are all undone

So, you better run to your new someone

CHORUS:

You say you’re gonna put me in the ground

One long cold night no one’s around

And I say well if you do

You better dig a grave that’s big enough for two.

Well, you dig a grave big enough for two

You better dig a grave big enough for two

Woo Hoo

Better dig (Ya gotta dig)

Better dig (Ya gotta dig)

Yeah, ya dig (Ya gotta dig)

Better dig (Ya gotta dig)

Better dig

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Lead & Background Vocals, Bass, Baritone Acoustic Guitar, Sound Design – www.palettemusic.com
Andy Hull: Drums – Andy Hull (Facebook)
Mike Johnson: Steel Guitar – www.mikejohnsonproductions.com

Lyrics: Debra Lyn / Music: Jeff Silverman

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP) / So Look It Music (ASCAP)

© 2023

VERSE 1:

Don’t wanna listen to your reasons why and all your worn out lies

Just keep a straight face while you smile

You say you’re taking out the trash and you disappear for hours

And now you wanna bring me flowers

You smile that shy boy kind of grin

And I know I’ll never, ever win

CHORUS:

Hell must‘a sent you

‘Cause Heaven never would

I don’t think I deserve this

‘Cause all I’ve been was good

There must be a reason

I really don’t know why

But Hell must’a sent you into my life

VERSE 2:

You say our neighbor’s car broke down and you have to help her out

And now her husband’s out of town

You say really you hope I’ll understand

Well Hell if I do but you’re my man

CHORUS:

Hell must‘a sent you

‘Cause Heaven never would

I don’t think I deserve this

‘Cause all I’ve been was good

There must be a reason

I really don’t know why

But Hell must’a sent you into my life

BRIDGE:

Instead of Heaven sent, I’m hellbent to leave you behind

If I stay one more day, I’m gonna throw everything I have away

Then all I’ll have today is yesterday

Hell must’a sent you

LEAD:

CHORUS:

Hell must‘a sent you

‘Cause Heaven never would

I don’t think I deserve this

‘Cause all I’ve been was good

There must be a reason

I really don’t know why

But Hell must‘a sent you into my life

Hell must‘a sent you into my life

Hell must‘a sent you into my life

Hell must‘a sent you

Hell must‘a sent you

Hell must‘a sent you

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Bass, Baritone Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Background Vocals – www.palettemusic.com
Andy Hull: Drums – Andy Hull (Facebook)

Words & Music: Debra Lyn

DebraLynMusic (ASCAP)

© 2023

“Winter Heart” is for anyone who still holds a candle for someone in their past, even though that love can never be.

VERSE 1:

In my winter heart

My love for you stays true to never depart

As the snow covers the ground

Softly sheltering the world below without a sound

CHORUS:

And you, you’ll never know me

And you, forever will be

My one and only

The ghost of a love that won’t part

From my winter heart

VERSE 2:

In the spring flowers will bloom

Rising up to the sun on wings from their earthly tomb

As the green covers the ground

My heart remains with you to never be found

CHORUS:

And you, you’ll never know me

And you, forever will be

My one and only

The ghost of a love that won’t part

From my winter heart

BRIDGE:

Though love has tried to find a place, it’s passed me by

The flame grows dimmer, but it won’t die

It won’t die

VERSE 3:

As the day fades to the night

The moon lights the shadows and tears fall from my eyes

I know our love never will be

You belong to another and you will never love me

CHORUS:

And you, you’ll never know me

And you, forever will be

My one and only

The ghost of a love that won’t part

From my winter heart

The ghost of a love that won’t part

From my winter heart

MUSICIANS:
Debra Lyn: Lead & Background Vocals, Ukulele – www.debralyn.com
Jeff Silverman: Keyboards, Bass, Baritone Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocals – www.palettemusic.com
Matthew Burgess: Hand Drums & Percussion – www.percussionator.com
David Flint: Acoustic Guitars – David Flint (Facebook)
Tim Lorsch: Strings – www.timlorsch.com