Call Me Ishmael Album Lyrics
Guys Like Me
Guys like me are hard to find
Won’t be hanging around this dirty little town forever.
Guys like me are hard to find.
But we can find you baby any time.
I was sitting at the bus stop
Watching all the rust stop
As another greyhound got away.
She was sipping on a soda pop
Wearing a low-cut halter top
Carrying a suitcase that says “Jesus saves.’
I knew we'd both be stuck there a while
So, I gave her my best gold tooth smile.
As I made my way across the room
It sounded like a sonic boom.
She said buddy just get out of my face.
Baby don’t write me off like that so fast
I got a love that was made to last.
Baby don’t write me off like that this time
Cause guys like me are hard to find.
So, I decided to take a Sunday ride
Feeling great to be alive
and I watched her from the back of the bus.
She was reading a trashy paperback
Seemed unaware of my surprise attack
As I made my way down the isle of love.
Well I sat myself down next to her
Put my hand on her knee and whispered in her ear.
She turned around and I hit the ground,
I wonder what kind of woman I found
It’s not turning out to be a good year.
Now I’m not one to give up
On a girl with a mild hang up
So, I followed her when she left the bus.
I new she really wanted me
But girls like her ain’t so easy
So, I had to look inconspicuous.
I was behind her at the bank.
When she said hit the floor my heart just sank.
But as you point that gun right at my nose
My love for you just grows and grows
I think its time to talk real, talk real, talk real.
Guys like me are hard to find
We won’t be hanging round this dirty little town forever
Guys like me are hard to find
But we can find you baby any time
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Mine Torne Road
Sitting here on Dickey’s front porch
waiting for the last stragglers to come down from Hell Hole's obstacle course.
The man from Bear Mountain Bridge called and said "hold them"
"The deal will take a little more time."
Kerri don't run, Kerri don't hide.
Take it real slow, let them inside.
You were the one that set the trip wire
and lead them down that winding path.
Down to Mine Torne Road.
Be careful where you’re going to now.
Don’t turn around and look back, just let it go.
Anyway, anyhow it will all be over soon.
Just do your part, remember “lock and load”
and I'll meet you out tonight
down on Mine Torne Road.
Let's take it from the top
You'll be the only one inside.
When they make the drop it's time to
quietly slip back outside.
I know where to go,
been down that road before
and it won't be so easy to follow us
down Mine Torne Road
Crash brought two briefcases for the package exchange.
And Cowboy calmed his nerves at the Fireside's Firing Range.
And I just tossed a beer waiting for the light to change.
Seems the double-cross is set as we all had arranged.
Kerri don't run, Kerri don't hide.
Take it real slow, let them inside.
Say now you were the one who set the trip wire and lead them down that winding path.
Down to Mine Torne Road
Be careful where you’re going to now.
Don't turn around and look back, just let it go.
Anyway, anyhow it will all be over soon.
Just do your part, remember “lock and load.”
And I'll meet you out tonight
down on Mine Torn Road
Sometimes the best of plans can go astray.
I remember those gunshots
just like it was yesterday.
I was on the path when Dickey’s burst into flames.
Crash and Cowboy disappeared,
and I never saw the frame.
It's been 20 long years and I never went back
But I keep reliving that night in constant sweaty flashbacks.
Now I'm down in New York City living on the other side of the tracks
where I've blended into the scene.
But I swear I saw you just the other day
Getting out of a taxi somewhere by JFK.
So, I followed you home through the smoke and crowded subway
To find if I just buried a dream.
Kerri don't run, Kerri don't hide
Take it real slow, let me inside
You were the one, you were the one, you were the one
You were the one
Down at Mine Torne Road.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Down And Out In LA
I'm standing here thinking by the side of the road
times change fast, your life can implode.
My world fell apart once we were through
now I'm holding a sign saying' "I'll work for food."
I want to be down in T.J. dancing with the senoritas
Where life just goes reel slow and I can try to forget, but I can't.
We let something come between us.
You ran out on me
it's just a matter of trust.
Say you love me, but you don’t.
Say you will, but you know you won’t.
I remember when love was in your eyes
And I thought twin heartbeats never lied.
Was it real, or just pretend?
Did you plan this bitter end?
How could you do it, throw it all away
Was it so easy just like two kids at play?
You stole my heart and it stung
Like a Memory
Cars pass by and I get that empty stare
but I bless them all and say the Lord ’s Prayer.
Nighttime comes and I change my plans
I search your trash for aluminum cans.
I want to be down in T.J. dancing with the senoritas
Where life just goes reel slow and I can try to forget, but I can't.
We let something come between us
You ran out on me
It's just a matter of trust
And every night when I sleep in the “Mission"
I still see your eyes
looking through the way they use too.
I need to show you, I can make it,
I am still alive.
I'm alive.
Every city there’s others like me.
It always seems like we've hit rock bottom.
But we all use to be like you are
we lost our lives and we've fallen too far.
You can find us on freeway off ramps
holding up signs saying "will work for food."
You can find us on any street corner
hustling spare change
with holes in our shoes.
All this time alone again
With no shelter overhead.
And I remember the good times
Before I was left for dead.
And the dreams of a better tomorrow fade,
fade with the days gone by.
As I count up all my nickels
And I dine on cold French fries.
And I'm searching for a reason
Why I am still alive.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Winter Highland Falls
This town died so long ago.
No one noticed because it died so slow.
Board it up, burn it down
The good jobs have moved over seas.
Grab all the things you need Wendy and run away with me.
All right
Wendy take me by the hand.
Head out in the night
Find your Neverland.
Hold tight
Wendy never let me go.
It’s a rollercoaster ride
down the back roads
to the lost world of “Rock and Roll”.
This town never saw it coming.
This town is full of ghosts.
No time left the clock is ticking.
Its time to hit the road.
Board it up, burn it down.
All the good jobs moved over seas.
Grab all the things you need Wendy and run away with me.
This town is like so many others.
Grew old and lost the race.
This town became so boring.
We got to get out of this place.
Board it up, burn it down.
The good jobs moved over seas.
Grab all the things you need Wendy and run away with me.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Roll The Dice
Can’t handle not knowing where we stand
at the end of the road without a plan.
Always knew we’d wind up in this spot
with our future all tied up in knots.
It’s a tough situation
not knowing what to do.
But I know we can work it out
‘cause we ain’t got much to lose.
Come on baby roll the dice.
Close your eyes and don’t think twice.
It ain’t hard to make this bet.
‘cause I don’t think we’re done quite yet.
Come on honey take a hit.
It’s too soon to fold and quit.
Who knows you may flip an ace.
Win it all, disappear without a trace.
Not ready to,
give up quite yet.
Just trying to find a way
to keep us together.
I don’t know how this all plays out
but you can’t bluff and beat the house.
Or run away to find romance
‘cause life is still a game of chance.
It’s a tough situation
not knowing what to do.
But I know we can work it out
‘cause we ain’t got much to lose.
Double down
Deal the cards
It’s time to go for broke
I’m all in
To win it all
There’s no way we’ll ever bust and break apart ‘cause I know what your heart will say.
There’s no way we’ll bust and break apart ‘cause I still have one card left to play.
And its gonna be our lucky day.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Strung Out
I feel so strung-out with the early morning blues.
I just can’t get up and face the day.
I feel so strung-out and I don’t know what to do.
Can’t imagine living this life
Strung-out without you.
I feel so burned out and I can’t get my mind off you.
My brains so messed up that I can’t think straight.
I feel so burned out and I don’t know what to do.
I can’t imagine living this life
Burned out without you.
And those cravings won’t go away
I want you more and more every day.
I feel like I’m just barely holding on
I feel so strung-out since you have gone away.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Sunny Came Back
Thought I forgot about you long ago
and that was ok, until you turned up
in the bar I go last evening.
So, I looked around for the back door out
in case I needed to run.
Didn’t think I’d see you around here anymore.
Seems so long ago
that I met you at the lost and found.
Never thought you’d burn it all down on me.
And all those days gone by
right now, it doesn’t seem so very long ago.
Since you opened up your heart and set me free.
And you came straight toward me with that look on your face that I remember so well.
I knew right then all hell was about to break loose.
So, I looked around for a quick escape
but the door was locked.
Same old shit, seems I always lose.
I know there must be something wrong with me.
I was just your monkey on a chain.
Girls that play with matches are probably insane.
I tried I tried, I tried but you keep coming back.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Top of the World
Stop, look around, never thought, but it happened once before.
Eyes open wide still I walked quiet blindly through your door.
Breaking down the barriers that it took so long to build.
Made me wake up all at once and shout.
Look at me Ma I’m on top of the world.
I’m in love with a gorgeous girl.
Look at me now I’m on top of the world.
I’m in love with a beautiful girl.
Mind spinning ‘round, wondering why I get so damn confused.
Hearts beating faster, butterflies, just want to know the truth.
You pulled me out of the darkness, and you took me by the hand
Made me wake up all at once and shout
Look at me Ma I’m on top of the world
I’m in love with a gorgeous girl
Look at me now I’m on top of the world
I’m in love with a beautiful girl
Now I’m wondering what to do.
How to escape this life and save me and you.
Love enters with a shout but leaves in a soft whisper.
Don’t know if I can say goodbye.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Last Gunfighter
Thought you had me surrounded down in Mexico.
'Cause I left four men dead out in the streets of El Paso I’ve taken some time off to head south of the Rio Grande.
‘Cause sheriff and his posse want to see me shot or hanged .
Never going to get me
With that team of losers after me
Don’t care how many
‘Cause when the smoke clears you can drag them from the street
I want to tell you a story.
Bet you never heard bout those men that I shot before I got here
Well I ain’t bragging,
It’s just a matter of fact you’ll be dead by the count of five
‘cause there’s no faster gun alive
Learned my skills from robbing banks and trains .
Started riding shotgun for Frank and Jessie James.
The best train robbery is when rich folk all go broke.
And we leave each town in a cloud of fresh gun smoke.
Never going to catch me
With your team of losers after me.
Don’t care how many
‘Cause when the smoke clears you can drag them from the street .
I want to tell you a story.
Bet you never heard bout those men that I shot before I got here
Well I ain’t bragging,
It’s just a matter of fact you’ll be dead by the count of five
‘cause there’s no faster gun alive
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Do You Know My Name
Desert sky is turning black
just like that big old lump of coal in my chest.
I fear a tornado’s gathering strength
God’s giving me one more test.
Its forty days since I gave it up
And left to chase the wind.
But all hells about to erupt
and pull me back again.
Do you know my name?
Do you even know my name?
Well I don’t want to be your hero no more.
Every time I try to quit, it always winds up like before.
So pass me the hooch it’s now or never.
Black Rain is been building up
and I can’t quench my thirst.
I feel my eyes about to pop
and my brains about to burst.
But I ain’t going to "crash and burn"
and I don’t give a damn.
Someone else can take my turn
‘cause this ain’t the holy land.
Do you know my name?
Do you even know my name?
Well I don’t want to be your hero no more
Every time I try to quit, it always winds up like before.
So pass me the hooch it’s now or never.
Take me down from this cross.
Here I come again to save the day.
But no matter how hard I try,
can’t save the both us.
I’m the anti-hero
Living in the twilight zone.
And I’m the all-time loser
That’s why I drink alone.
I’m going to the desert
where it feels like I’m living in Hell.
Cause I’m not the perfect hero
everyone thinks they know so well.
Let me out of this "Dark Cell"
and point me towards the nearest bar.
If you need me to fight some "Demons from Hell"
You’ll need to refill that empty tip jar.
The monkey was on my back
Long before we met.
So I’ll sing you a song for the courage
And then the Devil can pay my debt.
Written by Tom Ciurczak Copyright 2020
Faces In The Crowd
I look for faces in the crowd.
I realize it’s been a long time
that I’ve been away from here
and all the faces aren’t as clear.
And all those nickel dime affairs
while I was stuck in solitaire
you thought you’d find your millionaire
you thought I wouldn’t even care.
But it was all so long ago
And now I’m back out on parole
I bet it comes as some surprise
I never could forget those lies.
They were the ones that I believed
those poison darts aimed to deceive.
It all exploded way too loud
now I search for faces in the crowd.
We all grow old.
We all do hard time
Never thought I'd pass this way again
If I get a chance to do it over
would anything have changed?
I guess the answers still blowing in the wind.
But all those days gone by
you were always in a hurry.
All those days you had a secret plan.
All those days gone by
You were always in a hurry.
Always chasing after another man.
I know you’re at the same old bars
‘cause all you veterans have war scars.
Still trying to hook up with Mr. Right
even for just one lonely night.
And all the chasing the winner’s purse
seems to have come along with a curse
it snuck up on you day by day
the lines on your face give it away.
So should stay or should I bother
I’ve only got a couple of dollars
It’s enough to get in trouble again
The "Whiskey Man” is still my friend.
But in the end you were never here
just a fading memory from cheap liquor and beer.
I just wanted some kind of final reprieve
one more lie I could believe.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Ishmael
Call me Ishmael
I got a story to tell.
I’m the lone survivor
Of the Jimenez Cartel.
I was captured up the Yucatan
Drugged and stuffed in a big old mason jar.
Taken to some Narco Ranch
where their leader thought he was Pablo Escobar.
Jesus is watching
Jesus is near
In the heart of the Jungle
I stand tall with no fear.
There were so many cages
I don’t know where to start.
I couldn’t tell if they were smugglers or cannibals
They were using every part.
At night they’d sit around a camp fire
Act like nothing was wrong.
Passing the tequila
And they’d all sing Mariachi songs.
Jesus is watching
Jesus is near
In the heart of the Jungle
I stand tall with no fear.
She creeps through the high grass, see’s everything.
Waiting for the right time when it’s her turn.
Then it all exploded like a cheap "Meth Lab"
and I escaped to the highest branch.
It looked like the last days with Ahab on the Pequod.
From up above the carnage and mayhem tore through the Narco ranch
Everyone was running around like chickens with their heads cut off.
We all need someone we can count on.
We all need someone we can count on.
I didn’t see anything left alive.
After that there’s not much more for me to tell.
The last thing I heard before I flew away
Is that Pablo said he’d chase that cat to the gates of hell.
Jesus is watching
Jesus is near
In the heart of the Jungle
I stand tall with no fear.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2020
Singles Lyrics
Christmas Time in Hollywood
Holiday Music in the air
It looks real cold outside
Carolers sing songs
All through the night
And the TV Camera’s zoom in close
As we watch the snow fall down
But none of this is real in Tinsel Town.
Sleigh bells ring
But no one hears a sound
They’re too busy in the fast lane
And no way to slow down.
Everyone sings along
To their favorite song
And that droning just goes on and on and on.
It’s Christmas Time in Hollywood
Movie Stars like to tell us what to do
What presents to buy and how to act
But I don’t care about any of that
As long as my Christmas is with you.
My brain keeps spinning
And I can’t help thinking
About “It’s a Wonderful Life”
But no angels going to tell me what to do
I keep trying but I ain’t buying
And it keeps me up all night
Wondering what they’re sending down the chimney this year
After me and you
It’s Christmas Time in Hollywood.
They’re coming right into your living room
Everybody’s singing “Jingle Bells”
But I’m still not buying what they’re selling.
Cause all I want for Christmas is,
all I need for Christmas is,
I just want my Christmas to be with you.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2021
Leave it to the Universe
The Days are rushing by so fast
Yet I feel like I’m standing still
Need to slow them down, and turn it on
Got to find a brand-new thrill
I’m tired of these same old bars
Staring at that empty tip jar
Maybe we should just steal a car
This time we could get away
Let’s head on out for something new
As another town fades in the rearview
Cause we’re never turning back
No, I’m never going back
I tried my best but it just gets worse
So, I’ll leave it to the universe
And I don’t know what it’s got for me and you up next.
Racing up the Thruway
Headed for Montreal
Only made it part way
Before the engine began to stall
Stopped by the nearest liquor store
Took all the money from the cash drawer
Tied the clerk up left him on the floor
Stole his truck and drove away
We’re heading out for something new
As another town fades in the rear view
Cause we’re never turning back
No, I’m never going back
I tried my best but it just gets worse
So, I’ll leave it to the universe
And I don’t know what it’s got for me and you up next.
I heard the sound of something moving
Outside at 4 am
I looked outside my window
There’s only 6 of them
It’s nothing I ain’t seen before
State Troopers knocking at my door
I was expecting they’d send a couple more
And make it harder to get away
We’re busting out for something new
As another town fades in the rearview
Cause we’re never turning back
No, I’m never going back
I tried my best but it just gets worse
So, I’ll leave it to the universe
And I don’t know what it’s got for me and you up next.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2021
New Album - Coming Soon 2023
Ontario Nights
Standing by the shoreline
Skimming stones across the water
Well Ontario rises cross my path and her winds describe her secrets to us
The bonfires burning distant in the night
And they’re right inside your eyes And I’m melting in this winter madness
But the howling wind keeps interrupting the moment
And your down on your knee’s
And you’re clinging to the ropes
the wind is blowing harder
You burst in to flames as the fires rise into the night
And Ontario keeps taking us higher
The last bit of smoke that we rolled into the night with
Has yet to finally go down and out
While Cayuga girls sitting by patiently waiting
for the storm on the beach to die down
Oh yeah taking those shots and finally losing count
Cause we’re staying out all night
‘til the morning sun finally comes around
And your down on your knee’s
And you’re clinging to the ropes
the wind is blowing harder
You burst in to flames as the fires rise into the night
And Ontario keeps taking us higher
And when the sun comes up I don’t want to go home Just want to hang round here and skim stones with you all day
You say it’s too cold
You say its too cold
You say it’s too fucking cold
Well, I’m burning up
Written by Tom Ciurczak , Copyright 2021
All Night Long
Music’s playing loud and fast
She was standing in the corner
waiting for someone to ask her to dance
Well tonight is way too young
and I know it’s just begun
But I could dance with you all night long
Hearts are pumping to that rock and roll beat
Everybody’s on the dance floor’s moving their feet
If you look real close, you’ll see my soul’s desire
You’ll have to cool me down ‘cause I’m on fire
Well I’m burning up for you
I hope you feel the same way too
Cause I can dance with you all night long
Midnight hour comes and goes
Band plays a final song real slow
And I’m holding you close
Cause tonight might be all we have
I got to know
If this song and dance will be the last
Let’s party tonight
got nothing tomorrow
We can crank up some music on my radio
Cause you know that I’m right
and we ain’t done with the night
And I can go
no need to take it slow
I could dance with you all night long
Written By Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2021
Kilimanjaro Skies
I was meeting with some Big Game Hunters
at the “Sportsman Café”
It was another beautiful Tanzania day
I need to hire some local guy
I’m heading up that mountain side
Somewhere past the snowline
Way up high in those Kilimanjaro Skies
I ain’t looking for no “Lost City of Gold”
Blood Diamonds that were fought for and sold
I’m after a different prize
I heard those stories from the "Chaga" tribe
I’m looking for that place where elephants go to die
In those Kilimanjaro skies.
Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro
Way up high
somewhere lost in those Kilimanjaro skies
We’re Raiders of the places lost in history
Ancient tales of graveyards full of ivory
But legends often come along with a curse
But its hard to walk away
Its hard to walk away
Its hard to walk away
Cause in the end it’ll all be worth it
And they call me Bula Matari, Bula Matari,
Bula Matari, Bula Matari
We’re going way up high
Legends says that most of you’ll go blind
I like the odds it’s worth the risk
Think of all the money you’ll get
Somewhere in those Kilimanjaro skies.
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2022
Action out there
Simmer down, choose your words
Don’t bite your tongue, don’t lose your courage
You can’t sit and wait when it’s time to fight
You got to come out swinging hit with all your might
And the voices in the back of your head
got you spinning
Do it right it’s a new beginning
At the sound of the bell
the shot of the gun
When the whistle blows
we’re going to have some fun tonight
Monday night they shut the world off
Turn their televisions on to sports
Nothing ever really matters then
Everybody sitting happy, at their own front court
Last of the ninth
Final Round
Two-minute Warning comes
you don’t understand
you don’t even care
There’s “Action Out There”
Keep your cool don’t lose your head
Don’t drop your guard or you might drop dead
You can’t hold back when you draw first blood
You got to move in quick rub their face in the mud
And the roar of the crowd
seems to grow in assistance
Thumbs down chant
weakens your opponent’s resistance
Block that kick
steal that base
Knock him out
we’re going to win the race
Monday night they shut the world off
Turn their televisions on to sports
Nothing ever really matters then
Everybody sitting happy, at their own front court
Last of the ninth
Final Round
Two-minute warning comes
you don’t understand
you don’t even care
There’s “Action Out There”
Why don’t you sit down with me
Cause ready or not
It’s gonna come right down to the end
Can’t you pretend like you used to do.
Count is full
electricity is in the air
It’s time to wake up
open your eye’s
Cause there’s “Action Out There”
“Action Out There”
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2019
Nights on Fire
You strike a match
Create a spark
That brings the flames
That light the dark
You stand and watch
As it all burns
and you absorb
What you have learned
The “Nights on Fire"
See how it goes
And who survives
Once it gets cold
The fire purifies the souls
Of any witches in the town
So every full moon you go out
And burn another down
The "Nights on Fire"
See how it goes
And who survives
In the morning you just look around
And see what’s left to do
From the night before
Everything’s still smoking
Everyone has gone
And the sun has finally broken through
The cycle comes around
And once again you’re howling at the moon
You can’t relax
you strike a match
You know exactly what to do
The "Nights on Fire"
See how it goes
And who survives
Once it gets cold
Written by Tom Ciurczak, Copyright 2021