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Common Snense

by ETHOS

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1.
"I'm going away, I'm gonna change, I've been waiting for forever for my nine 'o clock train... Oh it's true, just for you I've been shedding bad habits like a snake during noon... what a shame you're not insane, it's me! I can watch, wait and see, for the tick tick tick to crawl after me. And it blows through the ozone, winner for the old thoughts with my broken comb... what a shame you're not lame, it's me! Let's go travel the world, together we'll be heard, Let's go hop a train, together we'll spread the word... Kicking grooves, last to know, I'm a curious ginger without any soul and I thought you might see a friend worth knowing deep inside me... what a shame we had to become such great enemies. Let's go travel the world, together we'll be heard, Let's go hop a train, together we'll spread the word... (La la la) Sometimes I want to take it all away, but there's three words I long to hear you say. And as much as I try to stay cool, it's clear I'm just a fool; and as much as I try to give up, it's only apparent I think too much... And I heard from a bird that the nuclear family is your only concern but I know it's slander at its worst from a crazy mofo.... who'd have thought you'd never ever remember to know? Let's go travel the world, together we'll be heard, Let's go hop a train, together we'll spread the word..."
2.
Hey Hey Hey 04:06
"I just have to let you know I'd let it all go in a heartbeat... One jump to the left, we're gonna second guess Here's the spot where we took those quick shots Yes we're young but we feel no guarantees Times are dark and we're on our knees to the floor And the wall street's crashing down on the poor girls and boys Who had nothing left to--loosen up this noose you've got round our necks Hung up with a noose, wrung up by you. I just have to let you know I'd let it all go with no second guess... Trip your way round the moon and back again Float down gently ascending your counterculture swims in a dark malaise Pulsating with Jimi's purple haze Lazy days where the sun doesn't want to share its hope Through the fog nothing's ever as it--seams that rips so quickly, and we go Oh you know? How we go. In the days of old was a quickening The pastoral lands filled with hay 'Hey hey hey hello' said my oldest friend As she gave a polite nod and a wave... (I wasn't feeling cool--no I wasn't feeling safe; just a slight unease and distaste.) I just have to let you know I've let them all go, all my memories... Times like these we feel invincibility When we crash and burn so hard our hands are tied Games with a two minute tick left to catch the lead Led like sheep but feeling just like wolves We push and push and push the envelope until there's nothing left, not hope At the end of my rope, wrung up with a noose, hung up by you. In the days of old was a quickening The pastoral lands filled with hay 'Hey hey hey hello' said my oldest friend As she gave a polite nod and a wave... (I wasn't feeling cool--no I wasn't feeling safe; just a slight unease and distaste.)"
3.
"Waves lick their lips as they lap upon the shore-line, concave ovals drive by Tomorrow is the day where I'll chance upon a face, the one i rare' seen before The sky is orange gray and the horizon fades long into the ever windy plain La lune does not exist like a butterfly's sweet kiss, a gentle rap upon my door. I never thought I'd see a younger man like me sitting cross-legged in the sand I kept running on by but a thought crossed my mind--could this be the lad destined for me? The sky is orange gray and the horizon fades long into the ever windy plain La lune does not exist like a butterfly's sweet kiss, a gentle rap upon my door. Today I noticed for the first time That the leaves had fallen from their branches That the ferns had turned golden and the tomatoes had fallen from their perches If i were the earth and you became la soleil, I'd circle you upon every hour The analemma you would make, and my wish it would take as you would only exist magnetically. The sky changes every day in that conciliatory way with the Pleiades and nebulae side by side Stars rotating mars with the red streaks left behind, we're too lonely for this galaxy. Today I noticed for the first time that the leaves had fallen from their branches The tomatoes had turned golden and the ferns had turned brown on their perches... I can see you outlined by the limelight We're sitting just nearly side by side Oh badumpadump maybe all it takes Would be a little little little leap of faith Silly silhouette in the moonlight Silly things arent unknown to me Oh badoopadoop maybe all we need Would be a little little push if we please Today I noticed for the first time that the leaves had fallen from their branches The tomatoes had turned golden and the ferns had turned brown on their perches... If the sun can leave ina heartbeat who knows what the next hour will bring? Perhaps gentle illumination or odedeare come to be realizing..."
4.
Folk You! 04:40
Wish I could write you a folk song just to say how I feel, play how I feel about you. And how you do, harder to write when inspired; unfortunately true. Really think sad, folk Americana, cafe Americano would show how I feel about you. And how you do, you’re the best kind of writer’s block; I can’t get the blues. It’s a shame I can’t explain why I breathe when you do. Hands varnished by glassy eyes threw me for a loop, it’s a shame I can’t explain… Wish I could write you a folk song with a little mandolin, bit of fiddling for you. And how you groove, but I can’t find a tune that’s suitable for the mood. I take my coffee black: how I like my songs. A little dark, steamy, bittersweet attitude. But not with you, my dear you’re the best kind of sweet; I can’t get the blues. It’s a shame I can’t explain why I breathe when you do. Hands varnished by glassy eyes threw me for a loop, it’s a shame I can’t explain… I can’t find a reason either way to kiss the season far away or behind. Do you see? If every piece of day we gave to the cloudy way we’d believe.
5.
"The solidity of things surprises me, then hark! A sunbeam! Just like Margritte, slick knife smoothed streets, sun bouncing off; kinda looks like fish-eye to me. These seem like new places--don't feel the comfort familiarity brings. Watching walls, can't tell if they're stucco; what if we're in europe but i was never told? Once again sealed in--cellophane ain't got nothing on me so sleep is closing in; more or less a gentle snowfall blanketing my head... And when I dream I'll be greeted by nothing--just great white noise... and when I sleep I'll be visited by sorrow--that old friend that comes weekly. Hallucinations, I've missed a few, but many could greet as old friends. Jacky with crossed legs sits in the back as Pa salutes Helios, but I'm far too gone... I wish I could seduce like the recluse spins its genetic web, but my warps and wefts have gotten tangled and torn. Damn shame I can't just weave with keratin, it's my best feature--too bad, too bad, too bad it's not real gold... Majesty lines streak as crows feet and I too salute Helios in all his crowning glory. Ah! We can sense the clover, mares eat oats and does eat oats and we simply eat the ivy. And when I dream I'll be greeted by nothing--just great white noise... and when I sleep I'll be visited by sorrow--that old friend that visits weekly..."
6.
Harmonium 03:46
"I came to a fork in the road, saw a broken star fall so low and I knew you'd help me pass the time; passionate discourse makes me lose my mind, lose my mind I laid in the impression you made, sat there and simply waited for my pulse to return once more, never quite breathing, my chest near the floor loves your mind, loves your mind I know you to be something new, more than anything I'd ever seen before... Ooh, what a way to go, falling down slow, down into the empty town... The heat comes from within, emanating, hissing, take a close listen burning so hot you'll never know, this empathy so cold--a mountain peak is where I sit alone in the snow Alone in my mind..."
7.
“Synonyms in this monotonous land couldn’t describe, but at least I tried, cried when completing a diatribe. How apologetically sorry to pursue you the wrong way; so curious, the best thoughts are hardest to convey. Hit me like a brick, completely smashed the cranium, filling gallimaufry with dasied geraniums. Juice tomato-scarlet slid down hollows of my back: weeds which quietly grow may startle just as heart attacks. Didn’t realize you were rooted in those precious vessels: a quarter rest, an eighth, a liter of my sacred devils. Far too late to take precautionary blue measures, no way to protect illusions I have learned now to treasure… Eons, no decades ago, I saw you two together, But now your bird has flown away and which lady shall replace her? I can see in your eyes the one you prize is made of feathers; She takes flight upon each eve and shows no sign of pleasure. Didn’t realize you were rooted in those precious vessels: a quarter rest, an eighth, a liter of my sacred devils. Far too late to take precautionary blue measures, no way to protect illusions I have learned now to treasure… "
8.
"Shoeless and clueless like a cussing tattooist in the woods, yeah we're good, man we're screwed but skating through this. Hopeless and dopeless like a homeless old cold kiss, yeah we'll smoke this twice, thrice if you only pay in hard cash. Kiss it, I wish it would only come true once if we miss it, so piss off I got better things to do. If'in you be missing something distant don't be crying, damn sighing busboy I got better things to do. Once yeah we were foolish, thought it's useless, let's skip school: go play with fire, we got a million better things to do, this fan blows hot cold lukewarm medicine so crush close honey, there's something I'll tell you... Kiss it, I wish it would only come true once if we miss it, so piss off I got better things to do. If'in you be missing something distant don't be crying, damn sighing busboy I got better things to do. My socks are mismatched I know, but it doesn't matter anymore cause I got ten flavors to taste from the whizzing lizard wizard from the mexican calico... I'd let you know... I'd let you know... I'd let you go... If I only knew the things you'd do when I let you go drinking tea, try to at least be christian, but you're headed to Mexico, that letter between your teeth grinding, don't mind me, grinding, drink your heathen tea. Kiss it, I wish it would only come true once if we miss it, so piss off I got better things to do. If'in you be missing something distant don't be crying, damn sighing busboy I got better things to do."
9.
Seashine 02:50
"The people walking by can listen to my noise, but the colors within them--the signs within them will never guess the tale I wish to tell. Oh to tell... Won't you come help me? Cause I need a fine friend... the bushes all scattered and wrong in the daytime, I won't bite if you draw near over here. Help me please help me, my heart is on fire and I can't reach the floor for the seaside... help me please help me, my head is burning hot, and I can't reach the floor for the seashine. Once there was a woman who used to be a girl, as old as the world, so wise for a young girl. She soon began to feel the creep of time in her mind... Help me please help me, my heart is on fire and I can't reach the floor for the seaside... help me please help me, my head is burning hot, and I can't reach the floor for the seashine. Ooooo.... For the seashine... For the seashine."
10.
"I don't care if you believe I'm already there, I'm running half-speed and could go faster. Yesterday I sat for so long my time flew off, felt a curiosity that inspired my slice; cut like the thoughts that killed the cat. Running up the bank so matter of fact I don't know where she leads me. What a sudden attack--I don't care when you see me. We're no longer two birds of a feather, no two peas in a pod could see it better. In your eyes I see unjust accusations, distorted and running like a mouse. You snap like a trap in my direction... Running up the bank so matter of fact I don't know where she leads me. What a sudden attack--I don't care when you see me. Ooo... Let's spin around the world and sing a pretty little song, girl. I can't count the days I said 'go away...' Running up the bank so matter of fact I don't know where she leads me. What a sudden attack--I don't care when you see me. Through the pane I feel muffled street songs, I don't really mind--it's a distraction. Summery hearts bursting on a tepid fall day pool below in my down down deeps while I sit too long and my time flies away... Running up the bank so matter of fact I don't know where she leads me. What a sudden attack--I don't care when you see me. Just an opening act; no one comes out to hear me. While my soul flies away on the cool red evening..."
11.
Easy Miles 02:10
"I can feel the clouds cover the sun, On the nape of my neck it's an intuition. A certainty that we'll become so much closer to everyone. And it doesnt matter if the rain pours, soaking us, we'll be hoping us for a smile. And it doesn't matter if our legs are broking us; we'll be hoping for an easy mile... I can feel the ground writhe at every step; when the worms they crawl they spread the earth's breath. A sigh so dark heavy and cold you can feel the moss on your neck as it chills your bones. And it doesnt matter if the rain pours, soaking us, we'll be hoping us for a smile. And it doesn't matter if our legs are broking us; we'll be hoping for an easy mile..."
12.
Totally Fine 03:03
"I'm gonna sit on my front porch and watch the clouds roll by It's all beautiful in my mind. The light across the way has a fern in the window-pane It's the only light I see, but that's alright by me. Cause I'm fine, totally fine all the time Cause I'm fine, totally fine all the time (I'm fine, I'm fine) On a summer night like this there's nothing to miss And I'm fine all the time... The strikes across the sky form constellations Bringing Kandinsky to consideration. I could count the pickets on my fence if it made any difference But I'd much rather watch the storm roll through... Cause I'm fine, totally fine all the time Cause I'm fine, totally fine all the time (I'm fine, I'm fine) On a summer night like this there's nothing to miss And I'm fine all the time And I'm fine, totally fine all the time..."
13.
"Oh hey there old friend You've got a strong mind but I don't like what I find when i look inside Hey there old friend You've got a black soul, how do you find the time to keep your heart so cold? A long time ago it would have really mattered You're not what you say You're okay, but not great; a bit lame You once left a the room--I assume 'cause you knew and felt cruel Your life is a stage, you're the actor that plays but's not safe It's okay You're just okay It's okay You're just okay Oh hey there old friend You think you're so neat--with your condescending words you feel no defeat Hey there old friend What an ornery man; you're like a broken record or a clock with no hands. A long time ago it would have really mattered You're not what you say You're okay, but not great; a bit lame You once left a the room--I assume 'cause you knew and felt cruel Your life is a stage, you're the actor that plays but's not safe It's okay You're just okay It's okay You're just okay You've really changed You're not the same You're kind of lame You could act a bit ashamed You could change You could be great It's okay You're just okay... A long time ago it would have really mattered You're not what you say You're okay, but not great; a bit lame You once left a the room--I assume 'cause you knew and felt cruel Your life is a stage, you're the actor that plays but's not safe."
14.
Begendings 03:05
15.
"I was walking down the road Feeling a little cold And a little bit down as my feet would hit the ground. My dog went and rolled in the snow The wind beat my back like a blow But a little softer still, like the way birds land on my window-sill Oh I must have looked pretty down And been wearing a frown For a woman walked up to me and asked 'why act so sadly?' I said I've got the morning blues They came like you put on your shoes Without second thoughts or plans I tied them with my very own hands... She said 'well you could be dead With a mound of dirt upon your head All nailed up in a little black box with dress shoes on and fancy socks.' Said I got the morning blues They came like you put on your shoes Without second thoughts or plans I tied them with my very own hands... Oh I got the morning blues I didn't have a clue Until the sun woke me up today That nothing ever goes my way..."

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"Common Snense" was performed, recorded, mixed, and written by Gretchen McKenzie. All rights reserved.

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released April 30, 2013

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ETHOS Marquette, Michigan

red-headed bassist and fiery emcee. sometimes based in Marquette, MI, sometimes in Boston, MA, and sometimes way out in space. currently Ethos is probably wearing some kinda dumb hat.

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