Unbroken
$15.00
Originally conceived as an acoustic record, ‘Unbroken’ morphed into a full production project once we dug into the songs. With some tracks surviving in their acoustic-based form and others crying out for the guiding hands and ears of the best ‘go to’ musicians I’ve had the continued pleasure of working with, the result is, without a doubt in my mind, one of my best recordings to date.
Paul’s vision from the get-go, we picked these songs from a list of 20+ written in the 2 years since the release of ‘Lonely In America’ and Paul’s treatment of the productions, guided by input from ‘The Harder Men’ and close friend Chris Davison has yielded a cohesive collection that I’m truly proud to share.
The title was decided on after a protracted submersion into a sea of possible ideas, but in the end it seemed the most fitting. It attempts to most simply define a state I’ve aspired to, despite the continual pounding this industry can deliver to even the most driven and resilient. It has cost me dearly along the way, in many areas of my life, both professional and personal, to remain this focused for this long and despite how that sounds, I wouldn’t change one step of my journey to remaining […for the most part…] ‘Unbroken’….SWB.
copyright © 2013 - 2014, words and music by Dean Batstone
Gary Burke - Drums
Ira Colemen - Bass
John Platania - Electric Guitar
Jim Weider - Acoustic and Electric Guitars
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic and Electric Guitars
A thousand pearls roll off a braided string,
and drop through cracks and holes, but that don't mean a thing,
A thousand raindrops fall on a single seed,
Roots fill cracks and holes from which a new life springs,
I'm a simple man, that's what I am
I walk a crooked line, straight as I can
Forgiven and let go, for all I could not know
Proud and naked with no plan,
Except to live and die a simple man.
One man walks home alone from a corner bar
Dragging dreams behind like cans on a wedding car
One man walks home from war, grateful he can walk
Holds the ones he loves beneath a million stars,
I'm a simple man, that's what I am
I walk a crooked line, straight as I can
Forgiven and let go, for all I could not know
Proud and naked with no plan,
Except to live and die a simple man.
Outside your door you've placed a single chair
Is that in case I come by and find that you're not there?
I could rest, maybe find shelter from the rain
Or did you leave it there 'cause you won't be needing it again?
I'm a simple man, that's what I am
I walk a crooked line, straight as I can
Forgiven and let go, for all I could not know
Proud and naked with no plan,
Except to live and die a simple man.
Gary Burke - Drums
D. James Goodwin - Bass
Jim Weider - Electric Guitars
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you
And I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
You taught me how to love
What it's of, what it's of
You never said too much
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can't let go
And I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Is there someone you know
You're loving them so
But taking them all for granted
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear the words you long to say
I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again
Copyright © 2013 - 2014 words and music by Dean Batstone
Gary Burke - Drums
Ira Coleman - Bass
John Platania - Electric Guitar
Jim Weider - Acoustic Guitar
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
Angie Moger - Background Vocals
I've chased a couple like you about a thousand times before,
I've given in to every weakened limb,
I almost once felt love once, or at least I spoke the word,
Then tripped over it as I was waltzing in,
There's an angel at my door tonight,
There's music beneath the stars,
There's a calling to the pale moonlight,
I believe this dance is ours.
I've seen a private rainbow grace the sky after a storm,
I've traded all I've treasured for one smile,
I've kicked a couple doors in and found there's no one home,
Then rebuilt the very walls that I've defiled,
There's an angel at my door tonight,
There's music beneath the stars,
There's a calling to the pale moonlight,
I believe this dance is ours.
I don't mind if you lead,
In fact, I think it might be best,
To fold myself into your arms,
Let this old song do the rest,
There's an angel at my door tonight,
There's music beneath the stars,
There's a calling to the pale moonlight,
I believe this dance is ours.
Copyright © 2013 - 2014 words and music by Dean Batstone
Ira Colemen - Bass
Jim Weider - Electric Guitars
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
I want you, you want me, there’s no question
Two strong hearts, one strong need, but no direction
Sometimes it’s just not enough, great big passion and a great big love
If we can’t live with the things that we can’t change
The little things so small at the start,
The little things so close to the heart,
The little things are gonna tear us apart someday.
I hurt you, you hurt me, there’s no question
To forgive, that’s a gift, it’s not a weapon
Learn to let go of each small pain or get lost in the dark, in a cloud of blame
Whatever we rise above gets blown away
The little things so small at the start,
The little things so close to the heart,
The little things are gonna tear us apart someday.
The bigger the love, the harder the fall
So don’t sweat the little things, or we might lose it all
To the little things
Sometimes it’s just not enough, great big passion and a great big love
If we can’t love with the things that we can’t change
The little things so small at the start,
The little things so close to the heart,
The little things are gonna tear us apart someday.
I love you, you love me, there’s no question…
Copyright © 2013 - 2014 words and music by Dean Batstone
Gary Burke - Drums
Ira Colemen - Bass
John Platania - Electric Guitar
Jim Weider - Acoustic Guitar
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
Don Sparks - Background Vocals
Angie Moger - Background Vocals
I was 29, me and Sarah doing her short play
On a corner in The Village under street lights,
Passers strained to hear the lines, but I tore them up so fine
Under New York's endless summer, breaking midnight,
The thunder of those Harley's could not deny her perfect words
I loved Sarah and my lead role and the scratching few who heard,
...An old actor on a train
An old dancer takes his hand
An old poet coins a phrase
An old fiddler strikes the band
An old drummer steals the beat
From the old wheels on the track
An old voice sings the refrain
For the old actor on a train.
At 49, with my name in lights on Broadway
My voice carried like wings on Sarah's words
Offers came, I would not leave you, New York City
Glory days and Sarah's shining love endured,
We were perfect, just for now
Seems we had enough, somehow
I loved Sarah, the East Village
And my sweet St. Pauli Girl
...An old actor on a train
An old dancer takes his hand
An old poet coins a phrase
An old fiddler strikes the band
An old drummer steals the beat
From the old wheels on the track
An old voice sings the refrain
For the old actor on a train.
69, used to be my favourite number,
Now it's weight just pulls me under my own shadow,
Night train coffee, it’s never strong enough
To put magic back in hands and hearts grown hollow,
It's a short walk to the mall where I play Santa 30 days,
But it's cold and I'm so tired, since God took Sarah away,
Northbound on this train no one's eyes ever look up,
Rolled over and turned down, like this wax-rimmed paper cup,
I'd break the silence, just for now,
If I could remember them somehow,
Sweet Sarah's words…
….An old actor on a train
An old dancer takes his hand
An old poet coins a phrase
An old fiddler strikes the band
An old drummer steals the beat
From the old wheels on the track
An old voice sings the refrain
For the old actor on a train.
Copyright © 2013 - 2014, words and music by Dean Batstone
Ira Colemen - Bass
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
Day to day, week to week, kiss to kiss, cheek to cheek, it's empty love
Shallow friends are wearing thin, cigarettes and whiskey grins are not enough
She's trying' to find herself
Tryin' to love herself, but it's hard
When you're done with prayin'
She's another Fallen Angel
Hallow shattered at her feet
She knows she won't find Heaven
On the corner of the street
But she's found me
Where the Fallen Angels meet...
She saw Jesus once when Momma died, she swears he had the deepest, kindest, darkest eyes
I held her hand and for a while I held her heart 'til she smiled, then she cried
She's trying' to lose her pain
Tryin' to lose the blame, but it's hard
When you're tired of prayin'
She's another Fallen Angel
Hallow shattered at her feet
She knows she won't find Heaven
On the corner of the street
But she's found me
Where the Fallen Angels meet...
…bar stool princess, it's closing time, you're my dancing queen
She breaks her Fallen Angel smile that somehow cuts through me
The crucifix around my neck is only jewelry
It won't buy trailers for sale or rent, or a small room down the street
So goodnight, until we meet again,
Where the Fallen Angels meet….
She's another Fallen Angel
Hallow shattered at her feet
She knows she won't find Heaven
On the corner of the street
But she's found me
Where the Fallen Angels meet.
Copyright © 2013 - 2014, words and music by Dean Batstone
Gary Burke - Drums
Ira Colemen - Bass
John Platania - Electric Guitar
Jim Weider - Acoustic Guitar
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar and Background Vocals
Chuck Laskowski - Background Vocals
I've never been a victim, I hope I'll never be
Any bad that's happened, well I guess was coming to me
I've never been a sailor, but I think I'd like to be
'Cause the wind's been on my back since I was 17
Old train, don't fail
Throw me on your faded box car, drag me back out on these janglin’ rails
Old heart, beat strong
Fly me back into the race on the wings of a sweet love song.
I'm not signed up for Sainthood, I’m thinkin' that makes sense
I measure how I'm doing by who I call my friends
I've never been a rich man, except in every way
That money cannot measure, I’m healthy, loved and sane
Old train, don't fail
Throw me on your faded box car, drag me back out on these janglin’ rails
Old heart, beat strong
Fly me back into the race on the wings of a sweet love song.
I've seen the fire of young hearts, grow cold along this road
Leaving souls lingering in shadows, so far from what they know
I've never seen a saviour, but I've felt a brothers hand
And I’ve seen the spark the of heroes bring light to darkened lands
Old train, don't fail
Throw me on your faded box car, drag me back out on these janglin’ rails
Old heart, beat strong
Fly me back into the race on the wings of a sweet love song.
Copyright © 2013 - 2014, words and music by Dean Batstone
Jim Weider - Electric Guitars
Clifford Carter - Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
Roll your head back Little Momma, you've got time
There's still mischief in the sparkle of your eyes
In your mind I know you're scuffin' on the deck of the old Kyle
Peace on earth comes when you grow old with a smile
Throw your head back, little Poppa, the storm can wait
There's still passion in the truth of your embrace
Your hand steady on the wheel of a schooner on the bay
Peace on earth comes when the wind has filled your sails
Toss your head back, my brother, it's all right
Throttle hard into the darkness of your ride
If the hill you climb's too high, I'll be pushing from behind
Peace on earth comes when you reach the other side
Ease your head back, little sister, you're still safe
Find comfort in your warm, forgiven place
Through the window of closed doors you will see my smiling face
Peace on earth comes when fear gives way to grace
Lay your head back, little dreamer, it's alright
If no one hears your broken melody tonight
There's still beauty in a heart that's lost forever trying
Peace on earth comes when you're not afraid of dying
Copyright © 2013 - 2014 words and music by Dean Batstone
Gary Burke - Drums
Ira Colemen - Bass
John Platania - Electric Guitar
Jim Weider - Acoustic Guitar
Clifford Carter - Grand Piano, Hammond Organ
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar and Background Vocals
Here's the church and here's the steeple
open the doors but there ain't any people
truck stop coffee works like blo on me
'cept it tastes like diesel and it makes me pee
there’s a bicycle chained to a picket fence
kicked out the kid for not paying' his rent
chalk on the side walk pink and green
little kid graffiti says my Momma's mean
wheels on the train go round and round
wheels in my head they pound and pound
they say you can't keep a good man down
But the fools with the power pin me to the ground
I'm a restless wanderer with a burning hunger
I've got a hunger I can't satisfy
I am a Journeyman on and endless highway
Torn and broken 'neath a timeless sky...
text tired thumbs is a new decease
but man, it's not what's killin' me
my senses crash on overload
there’s too much stuff clutterin’ up my road
there’s a blackbird singing in the dead of night
is it just me, 'cause that don't seem right
blue bird's singing but there's no words
for the words over words under words into words
I'm a restless wanderer with a burning hunger
I've a hunger I can't satisfy
I am a Journeyman on and endless highway
Torn and broken 'neath a timeless sky...
the dancers breasts are probably fake
do fries go with that shake shake shake
now, if I could rap I'd rap this song
but I'm a skinny white boy and my hair's just wrong
there’s a tire hanging from and old oak tree
the kids inside glued to a screen
The only ones swingin' are Mom and Dad
'Cause doin' it with the neighbour ain't half bad
I'd avert my eyes, but it's way too good to miss
Driving through the night 'til light shines on all my bliss...
I'm a restless wanderer with a burning hunger
I've a hunger I can't satisfy
I am a Journeyman on and endless highway
Tired and broken 'neath a timeless sky...
I'd avert my eyes, but it's way too good to miss
Driving through the night 'til light shines on all I’ve missed….
Copyright © 2014, words and music by Dean Batstone
Dean Batstone - Acoustic Guitar
Bobby Willing led his flock to a righteous lake
He waded past the butts and condoms floating in his wake
He baptized the true believers who had 20 bucks and change
The rest would have to wait
A book of faith is good if words are what you need
But the time for talkin's done, judge me by my deeds
The Saints can cast the stones and the rest of us can rust
And leave a trail of sins in the dust.
Tommy Strong marched his troops up hill 29
Take this dirt for all mankind and you can live with pride
If you die we'll send a flag to those waiting at home
And we'll carve your name in stone
A book of war is good if words are what you need
But the time for talkin's done, judge me by my deeds
The Saints can cast the stones and the rest of us can bleed
And leave a trail of sins in these weeds.
Johnny Crack can stand almost lifeless in the dark
His punters fall into a line to deal for what he's got
Ten'll get you ten, but a promise gets you nigh
But strung out and wishing' you could die
A book of laws is good if words are what you need
But the time for talkin's done, judge me by my deeds
The Saints can cast the stones and the rest of us can weep
And leave a trail of sins…
A book of life is good if words are what you need
But the time for talkin's done, judge me by my deeds
The Saints can cast the stones and the rest of us get by
And leave a trail of sins when we die.
All songs by Dean Batstone Copyright © 2015 Battunes Music
except song 2, by David Gates, used by permission.