Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj

You wear your winter coat of pure cashmere wool
I'm in the valley low, you're up on the hill
An icy light is tracing steps to my door
Don't know how much more of this I can endure

We live to fight to die for something you believe
And when it's over you'll give a victory speech
But I'm no martyr I'll not go gently into the night
My blood may dry but I wont give up the fight

* And you can beat me to submission in these cold, cold hours
Make for me decisions from your ivory towers
But don't you know for everyone there comes a time
Out there lies tomorrow waiting across the line

They say the heart of man is wicked above all things
And sometimes heaven is a place for peasant dreams
You've forgotten what is mine and yours and God's
You want it all you say no matter what the cost

But I am everywhere since Abel I've been killed
And you are many like Legion always will
You make and break, mend and bend every rule
But for my children's sake I never was your tool

*

Across The Line

Ethiopia  
Words & music: Pravinand Maharaj (Johnny Minstrel)

Your fear has overcome you
And faith is just a matter of doing what you really doubt
Your strength has slowly left you
And everything you lost are the only things you cared about

Your dreams in shattered jars of clay now
Scattered all across the world and everybody knows
You scream through another day now
But all you hear are echoes of yourself the valley throws

Chorus
So far you couldn’t remember Eden
So down the road you don’t know who you are
So close to the post of the one left scourged and bleeding
On the desert road back to Ethiopia

The light is slowly fading
Edges of the darkness are creeping on your soul
Your queen back home is waiting
Waiting for the gift that can’t be bought or sold

Chorus
A sound and your heart it freezes
Till a voice tells you be not afraid
Just be strong
There’s a man and he’s sent by Jesus
As your fears disappear
You ask him what took so long

Chorus




Ethiopia

Like Sean I just love “train songs.”  So when he sent me these lyrics the melody immediately screamed out!  He writes from a place I fully understand but cannot articulate it in that great way he does.  I think we fully compliment each other.  Perhaps he’s my good twin!!!
Please check out Sean Doran’s sounds:  http://soundcloud.com/something-memorable
Music/Vocal: Johnny Minstrel. 
 Lyrics/Bass: Something Memorable http://soundcloud.com/something-memorable
Guitars and Harmonic: Johnny Minstrel.   
Drum Mix & iPad Instruments and Garageband  Arrangement: Something Memorable.

LONESOME WHISTLE
There’s a reason why this train sounds so lonesome, 
When you listen late at night, safe in bed, 
He’s riding tracks that can't be changed for no-one. 
Headin’ down the line, where he don't want to go.... 
That’s why you hear that lonesome whistle blow.
We cut sleepers with our talking, 
That buzzed when we first met. 
Carving out a life together, 
Deciding where we’d like to get. 
And each sleeper was a promise, 
That we gladly made. 
And we set them down together 
So young and so unafraid.
We shaped rails in the forge 
Where our burning passion sparked. 
We rolled them and we tempered them 
and quenched them in the dark. 
And each rail was commitment, 
Which would never crack 
And we laid them on the sleepers, 
Without thought of looking back.
That’s when I knew where I was going, 
So I worked to drive us there. 
And I trusted in the good work, 
In the path that we prepared. 
But that track just got longer, 
took me away from home. 
And on days when I’d come back, 
I’d hear the distance in your tone.
Hammer flashing like a curse, 
Alone I’d drive the spikes. 
Bolting down forever, 
This life I thought  you’d would like. 
But then you started talking 
Like you’d not known what we’d built. 
Wanting other ways to go, 
Where your life would be more filled.
Now I’m riding in the engine, 
Down this track that I’ve designed. 
I pull the whistle cord 
Though there’s no danger on the line, 
No Danger, No strangers, No passengers, No pride. 
I’m the driver of this train, 
That no-one wants to ride..
There’s a reason why this train sounds lonesome, 
When you listen late at night, safe in bed, 
He’s riding tracks that can't changed for no-one. 
Headin’ down the line, where he don't want to go.... 
That’s why you hear that lonesome whistle blow.
Picture care of... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.saubcy.games.puzzle.Train.SteamLocomotive.gm
"Lonesome Whistle (Collaboration Johnny Minstrel & Something Memorable)" by Something Memorable is licensed under a Creative Commons License



Lonesome Whistle - A Collaboration With Johnny Minstrel and Something Memorable

Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj (Johnny Minstrel)

By the sweet waters we stopped to drink
All through that evening didn't sleep a wink
You spoke of movement inside the womb
Seeking out shelter in a poor man's room

Chorus:
And with the sword of Gideon we traveled on
Found the balm of Gilead in the breaking dawn
A war or healing, what is it we bring
From the Stem of Jesse, a promised king

Rumours surround me, rumours and lies
Will love allow me its tender prize
Where are the shepherds and the songs they sang
Like a host of angels when their voices rang

Chorus:

He will walk among us when the hour comes
Will we be certain he be the one
How they rise among us through devious seed
The kings of mammon in idols of greed

Chorus:

Ryan Joshua on synth pads, backing vocals and keyboard generated "choir" - and a certain craziness possessed by a truly great soul

Cover pic: Ryan and Minstrel

By The Sweet Waters - Johnny Minstrel and Ryan Joshua

Hello dear friends. It's been a long while. We've all been through hell some way or other and I wish you love joy and strength.
It was great having Brian visit us in Durban this past month (the old boy's leaving on Friday). Well while he was here I got him to do some backing vocals. And he was a big help with the mixing as well. Thanks Brian!

Vocals and guitars Johnny Minstrel
Backing vocals Brian Peters https://soundcloud.com/brianpeters-3



Legerdemain - words and music Johnny Minstrel 

Bring out your entertainers
the jugglers and the clowns
We’re in the belly of the beast
as the world shuts down
All is smoke and mirrors
I hear someone say
Living the illusion
till Judgement Day 

Oh legerdemain
Too fast for the eye to see and the brain to explain
Oh, oh legerdemain
C’mon baby 
Do that trick again

He’s gonna blow your mind
Mo Magic’s back in town
There’s always something kinder
Whenever he’s around
Today is like tomorrow
Uncertain and unclear
Spill your drink of sorrows
God knows that’s too much beer

Oh legerdemain
Too fast for the eye to see and the brain to explain
Oh, oh legerdemain
C’mon baby 
Do that trick again

Well there’s nobody here
Anymore than somebody there
Guess I’ll meet you in the ether
On some dodgy cable line
And if you see me turn the corner
Wave a hello or goodbye
Who knows where I’ll be going
And who I’ll be next time
Who I’ll be next time 

Bring out your entertainers
All the world’s a stage
Just looks a little smaller
In this virtual cage
So, throw in a coin dear missus
I promise you a thrill
Not stealing from the masses
Or teaching how to kill

Oh legerdemain
Too fast for the eye to see and the brain to explain
Oh, oh legerdemain
C’mon baby 
Do that trick again

Rumours From Paradise

Legerdemain

Legerdemain     with Brian Peters

World Gone Bad - Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj

I was born downtown on a bed of rats
From a dirty faced kid to a mean ol’ cat
Mama said son you look just like your dad
It’s hard being good in a world gone bad

Don’t wanna go where I don’t want to be
Don’t want to say what I don’t really mean
What a lowdown rotten life I had
It’s hard being good in a world gone bad

Gonna pull up my boots
Pick up my cane
Put on my hat
Get on the road again
Hit that trail before the break of dawn
You can wait all you want but baby I’ll be gone

Some get their kicks in the back of a hearse
Some drink blood just to quench their thirst
Me I’m on the edge going mad
It’s hard being good in a world gone bad 


World Gone Bad

So Sean’s done it again. Third time round now, he sends me lyrics and out pops a tune. It’s as if the tune’s embedded in the lyrics themselves. And again what a pleasure it is working with this man. While we both know what we want there’s no tantrums and tiaras, and things slot in as they should. I must say most of the hard work comes from Sean. I got the tune and recorded it with my trusted acoustic. The rest: the shaping of the sound, the arrangements, the thought out irony in the music itself are all his doing. Thank you Sean!!! 

Music, Vocals & Acoustic Guitar: Pravinand Maharaj (Johnny Minstel: @johnny-minstrel)
Lyrics, Arrangements (Bass, Clav & Percussion) keyboard & Ukulele: Sean Doran (Something-memorable https://soundcloud.com/something-memorable)
Our Previous Collabs: 
Something-memorable – Oh-bury-me
Something-memorable – Lonesome-whistle

LOVE'S CONTRADICTIONS.

If love was money and hopes were gold,
I’d be rich from all the dreams I hold.
If money could buy all the things that I wish.
I’d be happy and poor spending pennies for your kiss.
If kisses were flowers and love the field.
The hives would buzz and sweet honey they’d yield.
If all you desired was a scented bouquet.
I’d strip that field of flowers every day.
For love is one thing and then the other
It’s the lows, then the highs,
Contradiction in contradiction.
Loves in the tears behind the smiles.
If your love opened all locks, all doors.
Then we’d run free from peak to shore.
If I could hold love, like I see in your eyes.
I’d hold it tightly, keep it only mine.
If loving you was a deadly sin,
I’ll shake devil's hand, as I walk in.
But love for you will save my soul.
So you have my life, complete and whole.
For love is one thing and then the other
It’s the lows, then the highs,
Contradiction in contradiction.
Loves in the tears behind the smiles.

Photo from: www.sott.net/image/image/s7/143…owers_hd_deskt.jpg


Love's Contradicitons (Collaboration with Something Memorable)

Roger Moore is an accomplished musician and a very fine performer. Originally he wanted to do this as a backing track for me to sing on. But he also had a go at the vocals for my private listening. I just loved it, and so will you! Please check out his page. You will really enjoy his music. https://soundcloud.com/roger-m-2

Gracias Por El Amor - Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj

Gracias por el amor
You changed my life completely
I'm not the man I was before
Gracia por el amor

Gracias por el amor
A sacred fire burning
A flame divine and pure
Gracias por el amor

We're the song of creation
Since time began
We're the song of the lovers
Every woman and man
And I can play you sweet melodies
Of the songs that I know
But my heart only sings
Gracias por el amor

Gracias por el amor
A gift to me from heaven
You're the woman I adore
Gracias por el amor

We're the dance of the ages
Over darkness and fear
We're the dance of the lovers
With their laughter and tears
And if I'm ever silenced
And my words be no more
In the dance you will hear
Gracias por el amor

Gracias por el amor
A song to you my friend
The dance will never end
Forever I'm yours
Gracias por el amor

Cover picture: The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt
 www.biographyonline.net.

Gracias Por El Amor - Covered by Roger. M

Crime In High Places - Words & music by Pravinand Maharaj

There’s a death in the house tonight
Sorrow running wild
The priest has come and gone
Down the other side
You’re forgiven though you didn’t repent
A part of heaven’s love to you is sent
And all I’m left with are old familiar faces
Shadows deepen like crime in high places

I saw a man brought down
I saw a woman bleed
I saw children robbed of love by hate and greed
A war is raging, the battlefield’s a street
While someone’s staging a show of pure deceit
And in my corner I feel I’m slowly wasted
Darkness descends from crime in high places

I was forced to tell the truth
And swear by the light I pray
I was forced to give my youth
To old age and decay
But it’s alright now
I took a vow
By the hand of God to slay
The thief who comes before the light of day

There are no footprints on the shores of Galilee
By faith alone I stand, by grace alone I’m free
A multitude of sins dwell inside the soul  
There is no god within, just a demon without control
And every where I go there’s evidence and traces
Who does not know there’s crime in high places

Cover Art: Abstract of Crime Scene by S-caruso

Crime In High Places

The Road  

Bright lights on the highway
Silent shadows follow through the night
Poets on the radio
Singing songs of darkness and of light
I hear a wounded echo sounding far away
Like us two lonely souls in flight

When the morning comes
Will we say the road we took was right
When the morning comes
Will we say the road we took was right

I see my life before me
Flash like lightening breaking through the dark
And the same be said about you
Like twin stars together we just spark
So much has gone before us
We don’t know what to do
Who to hate and what to like

When the morning comes
Will we say the road we took was right
When the morning comes will we say the road we took was right

And I wish we were some place, some place where no choice is ever made
And I wish we were strangers, strangers know that friendships never fade

Tonight I want to love you
Like I never done before
Confusion always follows
Every time I open up that door
Driving through the borders 
To where we’ve never been
So fast you better hold on tight

When the morning comes
Will we say the road we took was right
When the morning comes
Will we say the road we took was right

Cover image from bashooka.com


The Road

Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj (aka Johnny Minstrel)

When I’m Young Again

Met a man with a broken wheel
Had the ride of his life
He turned to me to make a deal
To do it one last time
Off we went into the night
Through the dark I drove
The sky with stars and satellites
The road with tar and stones
Then he spoke after a while
Said things have really changed
Guess I’ll be where I should have been
When I’m young again

I was wondering about my friend 
Just what had turned his tide
Did he think that this journey’s end
Would be one happy ride
Do you know I was happy once
In the silence he spoke
His tone of voice had me in a trance
Like a reed that broke
It’s always once upon a time
And on and on, on this road
Guess I’ll write my own fairytale
When I’m young again

Twice I stopped for fuel and beer
Back on the road we went
It was all becoming clear
This was no accident
At last I spoke and asked him straight
Where he wanted to go
He smiled the smile we smile at fate
And said where I was before
Each passing year I think of him
And of that journey so strange
Guess I still want to be with you
When I’m young again

Cover pic: "Mamoo at the Tearoom"  - Our old pal and King of Asherville

When I'm Young Again

It's been an absolute pleasure and honour having Chris Living
working with me on this song. He's one helluva cool dude, friend and a great artist. I love his work and when I got this song down I could hear Chris' sound in it. I'm so glad that he was happy to oblige. And thank you Chris. You did a lot of work on this bro. 
Please check out his music here: https://soundcloud.com/chrisliving 

Johnny Minstrel: 
Vocals and Acoustic Guitar

Chris Living:
Fender Strat; Fender Acoustic; Cabasa; Drum Program; Backing Vocals

Cover pic by Chris Living

Needle’s Eye - Words and Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

Come over baby let me see your face 
The map of love has led me to this place
I been walking since the dead of night
Trying to get to you before the fall of light
And you can’t put your trust
In things that rust
Time is moving in a wicked rush

Chorus:
It’s that last train heading for the Needle’s Eye
You strain the truth to swallow a lie
You can’t take it with you
As you were born you will die
It’s the last train heading for the Needle’s Eye

That old merchant at the end of the road
Pick up a pace he said before we close
My only friends are the sins that I made
Been with me every step of the way
But you can’t always roll
On silver and gold
Money can’t talk enough to save your soul

Chorus:
That last train’s heading for the Needle’s Eye
You strain the truth to swallow a lie
You can’t take it with you
As you were born you will die
It’s the last train heading for the Needle’s Eye

So c’mon baby you can take my hand
By chance or destiny I am your man
The sun’s a fire burning day and night
We just live in between the light
You can’t do the talk
If you ain’t got the walk
Mile for mile where the devil stalks

Chorus:
That last train’s heading for the Needle’s Eye
You strain the truth to swallow a lie
You can’t take it with you
As you were born you will die
It’s the last train heading for the Needle’s Eye




Needle's Eye - Johnny Minstrel and Chris Living

Little Bethlehem
Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

All the lights burning in my eyes
Somewhere darkness makes a happy home
Persuasion’s never been a crime
Just attempts to turn you into stone
Every shelf for every foreign flag
And a million postcards I never meant to send
Welcome to Little Bethlehem

Never know one day from the next
Who can when the world is in your room
And everyone is talking to excess
Many voices with a single point of view
They look out and they look in
They say they see the world through crystal lens
They can’t see Little Bethlehem

Some forgotten graveyard waits in town
Many streets riding over death
Some forgotten flower wilts and browns
There I had drawn my first breath
The world’s a parish, John Wesley said
There must be something to it but did he lend
A helping hand to Little Bethlehem

No wise men riding
‘neath the starry skies tonight 
No company expected 
round that dying light
Just a tired old journeyman
trying to make his way back home

I can go a dozen different routes
But there’s only one way I must take
Like everyone I got to choose
I took the train running through the caves
Somewhere nativity awaits the wandering child
It won’t be long now and soon I will return
To my Little Bethlehem

Cover pic: Part of night-time Overport from our balcony. Taken by Iyra

Little Bethlehem

A big thank you to Gabriel Vanore (https://soundcloud.com/vangabriel) for his wonderful production of this song, and for getting Brian on board.
A big thank you to Brian Peters (https://soundcloud.com/brianpeters-3)  for additional guitar and some marvelous backing vocals. It was so good working with him again - my old music partner.

Pravinand Maharaj (Johnny Minstrel): Acoustic guitar, vocals, lead solo

Brian Peters: Second guitar, backing vocals and chant

Gabriel Vanore (Van Gabriel): Mixing and Production

Cover Art by Chris Living (https://soundcloud.com/chrisliving)


Burning Tree – Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel - with additional Greek chant by Brian Peters

What fire’s this?
No smoke no burn
Whose voice it speaks?
So loud, so stern
Neath the burning tree

What does it say?
What can you hear?
Kneel down and pray
Till the thunder rolls clear
From the burning tree

Chorus:
I am, I am
Though my face you can’t see
I am, I am
And I will always be

What must you do?
You hear people cry
Who’ll go with you?
Set the captives free to fly
From the burning tree

Chorus:
I am, I am
Though my face you can’t see
I am, I am 
And I will always be

Who can change the aimless
A sated man won’t feed
Who can name the Nameless
On every tongue
Calling from your need

Chorus:
I am, I am
Though my face you can’t see
I am, I am
And I will always be

What fire’s this?
No smoke, no burn
Whose voice it speaks?
So loud, so stern
Neath the burning tree

Additional Chant by Brian Peters:
Ακίνητος υποκινητής – 
αιτία και Γεννήτορά...
Akienintosh Epokinitis – 
Atia kay Yennitora
(Motionless Mover – Causer – Begetter – Prime Parent)









Burning Tree by Johnny Minstrel and Brian Peters - A Van Gabriel Production

I had posted this song a few months back last year with just acoustic guitar, vocals and harmonica. Russell Sinfield heard it in his own special way and wanted to add something to it. He took up the tempo a little and then got Gary Reeves to add percussion. He then did the bass himself and finally had Gavin Stephens to do the trumpet. I was quite blown away with the end result! I hope you don’t mind giving this song a listen again. These are three supremely talented artists and I can’t thank them enough! 

Russ (https://soundcloud.com/russell-sinfield) Bass and Mix
Gary (https://soundcloud.com/mountain-songs) Percussion
Gavin (https://soundcloud.com/ocean-of-tunes-presents) Horns
Johnny- Vocals, Acoustic Guitar and Harmonica
Cover Art: Russell Sinfield


When I’m Young Again – Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

Met a man with a broken wheel
Had the ride of his life
He turned to me to make a deal
To do it one last time
Off we went into the night
Through the dark I drove
The sky with stars and satellites
The road with tar and stones
Then he spoke after a while
Said things have really changed
Guess I’ll be where I should have been
When I’m young again

I was wondering about my friend 
Just what had turned his tide
Did he think that this journey’s end
Would be one happy ride
Do you know I was happy once
In the silence he spoke
His tone of voice had me in a trance
Like a reed that broke
It’s always once upon a time
And on and on, on this road
Guess I’ll write my own fairy tale
When I’m young again

Twice I stopped for fuel and beer
Back on the road we went
It was all becoming clear
This was no accident
At last I spoke and asked him straight
Where he wanted to go
He smiled the smile we smile at fate
And said where I was before
Each passing year I think of him
And of that journey so strange
Guess I still want to be with you
When I’m young again






When I'm Young Again - with Russ, Gavin and Gary

Sweet Face Woman - Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

Living outside the law sometimes
Must have its own peculiar reward
I thought about being an outlaw once
But knew I’d get easily caught
Everybody wants to be someone else
We’re tired of the same old face
Moving around in dreams and thoughts
But never can leave this place

Oh sweet face woman don’t ask why
I feel the way I do
I got time to kill and a couple more minutes
Wishing that I were with you

A minute ago something crossed my mind
I can’t remember it now
So much information comes
So little we let out
We say we do the best we can
And lie about it most of the time
Just like me I’m falling to pieces
But say I’m doing fine

Oh sweet face woman don’t ask why
I feel the way I do
I got time to kill and a couple more minutes
Wishing that I were with you

I passed the old places we’ve been to
I got to get back inside
There’s something mean in the sky tonight
I need a place to hide
I hear outside the moaning wind
And listen to the haunted sounds
It seems to me the wind has learned to sing
Each of our broken songs

Oh sweet face woman don’t ask why
I feel the way I do
I got time to kill and a couple more minutes
Wishing that I were with you












Sweet Face Woman

Just wrote this song and did a one take demo.

Bless Me Father - Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

Bless me Father I have sinned again
Tried so hard but took her name in vain
Then there was that big moon
Shining through the window pane

Thought the bitter dust had settled down
Didn’t quite know that it was still around
In a flash it fell upon me
And brought me to the ground

I’m down on my knees
At the altar of the Beast
Old waters flow
The dark lights still glow
Angry gods surround me
And they refuse to speak 
An empty silence my reward
A mortal at her feet

Is this the hour the stones arise
Is this the moment all nature cries
Mourning deep and terrified
When a spirit dies

All the blessed holy saints have failed
None of them could hear the wail
None of eyes nor of ears avail
Just icons from a sale

I’m down on my knees
At the altar of the Beast
Old waters flow
The dark lights still glow
Angry gods surround me
And they refuse to speak
An empty silence my reward
A mortal at her feet

I carry flowers to an unmarked grave
Here lies the lost unsaved
The Keeper beckons me to gaze
So deep the abyss lay

Bless me Father I have sinned again
So deep the abyss lay
Bless me Father I have sinned again
So deep the abyss lay



Bless Me Father

Borderland  - Words & Music: Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

There’s a wire fence running east
Keeping Eden out of bounds
And he speaks unto the least
Like a Sermon on the Mount
And as the living often do
Find a million ways to die
I was born loving you
A truth I still deny

It’s my inheritance they say
A house with many rooms
But I be homeless night and day
Until I’m in the tomb
Behind that solid door
Something else lies in
And when you open up you know
It was the same old thing

Now you and I we learned
That freedom’s golden chains
Caused Paradise to burn
And we both took the blame
Still shaken from the fall
And I can’t get back up
They all are prison walls
Everything I touch

I’m crawling through the sands
To the setting sun
Into the Borderland
Where shadows overcome
Into the Borderland
Where shadows overcome


Borderland

In the Shadow of the Cross 
Words and Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

Far away and I can feel
That distant moan inside of me
A darkened window I must be
When the full light of moon is lost
Far away as in a dream
I’m half there and cannot scream
As if behind an iron screen
In the shadow of the cross

Far away and close at hand
Lofty kingdoms in the sand
On the trail the saved and damned
Are overcome by violent force
Far away and faith still grieves
Blessed are they who will not leave
Who have not seen and still believe
In the shadow of the cross

Far away in time and space
Yet so near to touch my face
Still so near my tears to trace
Every time I count the cost
Far away beyond the mile
Without a coat is winter’s child
The smitten brave will rest awhile
In the shadow of the cross

Far away and blood is rain
Mocking tongues in cold disdain
Weave with deceit a web of shame
And laugh at love’s unnatural course
Far away the dead will rise
Wounded hands will touch blind eyes
Defiled no more nor beauty dies
In the shadow of the cross

In The Shadow Of The Cross

Video:  https://youtu.be/9FFo2xsLauo
Take Me Down  - Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

There’s a ghost star light
Somewhere in the night
If ever I be found
Baby take me down

I’m out on a limb
And the odds are slim
If ever I be found
Baby take me down

Out on this side
Everything’s hazy
Nothing’s ever clear
Out on this side 
It’s so crazy
How far the way appears

Some leave tracks
To the moon and back
If ever I be found
Baby take me down

Out on this side
Everything’s hazy
Nothing’s ever clear
Out on this side 
It’s so crazy
How far the way appears

When worlds collide
A spark survives
If ever I be found
Baby take me down

There’s a ghost star light
Somewhere in the night
If ever I be found
Baby take me down

Image from "Photo Bucket"

Take Me Down

Brenda Fassie (3 November 1964 – 9 May 2004)

Much thanks to Arkestar https://soundcloud.com/ocean-of-tunes-presents for hours of slog and oceans of brilliance!
A big thanks as well to Russell Sinfield  https://soundcloud.com/russell-sinfield for initiating this project and for all the encouragement and pointers

Vocals by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel
All Instrumentation by The Ocean Of Tunes Arkestar
Backing Vocals by The Aquabooty City Choir

 
Brenda – Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj 

Showstopper, pill popper
What’s it all about
Bad weather coming down
The fans sing and shout
Cry heaven, earth in ruin
A battle won and lost
Somewhere up a Muslim moon
Somewhere down a Christian cross

And oh it’s a situation
A bad situation

Survivor, revive her
She can’t die again
What will we do without her
The last link on freedom’s chain
Cities fall, madmen rise
Fear everywhere
Kids learn the facts of life
From bigots who don’t care

And oh it’s a situation
A bad situation
Oh…it’s a situation
A bad situation

Singing sweet and strong
Weeping deep and long
What voice comes to you today?
Singing sweet and strong
Weeping deep and long
What voice comes to you today?

And oh it’s a situation
A bad situation
Oh…it’s a situation
A bad situation

Laid to rest, she was the best
To her grave alone
With every song she ever sung
To find a way back home
A lone wind calling, sirens howling
Somewhere someone screams
If we could lay our weapons down
And like her start to sing

Brenda - with  The Ocean Of Tunes Arkestar featuring The Aquabooty City Choir

Dedicated to the memory of a most generous soul -  my brother George

A real joy having my two girls Iyra and Zaineta help with some backing vocals

“Thomas is as much to say as abysm or double, which in Greek is said didimus...When he was in Caesarea our Lord appeared to him, and said: The king of India, Gundoferus…seek men that can well the craft of masons, and I shall send thee to him.
…and the king devised to the apostle a marvelous palace, and delivered to him great treasure. And the king went to another province, and the apostle gave all the treasure to poor people…” From the Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine (c 1260)

“The color line was washed away in the Blood.” – Frank Bartleman on The Los Angeles Revival of 1906 led by William J Seymour

Didymus - Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel

I dreamed about St Thomas
In India he died
They say he was the twin
Of whom I can’t decide
He took the king’s money
And built a temple for his god
Not of bricks and stones
But of kindness, peace and love
There’s a banquet in Takshashila
For the hungry souls to feast
The table’s laid and waiting
To serve the promised meal
And Jesus sent dear Thomas
His image on his face
With a mission just to make
The world a better place

I dreamed of William Seymour
A humble black man
Who dreamed of integration 
Before it was the plan
Not a dime in his pocket
And with only one good eye
His faith was like a rocket
It roared into the sky
And the Holy Ghost came down
On black and white alike
Unheard of in that town
It set Azusa Street alight
And Jesus sent dear William
His image on his face
With a mission just to make
The world a better place

I dreamed the Rose of Sharon
Emmanuel the name
Just like a loving mother
Into the world he came
Born inside a stable
To live under a curse
As homeless as a wanderer
Nailed to die of thirst
With scars he rose in triumph
The wounds for all to see
From every blow that hurt him
That kills humanity
And God sent dear Jesus
His image on his face
With a mission just to make
The world a better place

I dreamed about St Thomas
I dreamed of William Seymour
Sweet Rose of Sharon
Sweet Rose of Sharon
Make the world a better place
The world a better place

A better place
The world a better place
A better place
Spirit Twin
Spirit Twin
Spirit Twin
God in our skin

Songs From A Revolution

Didymus

Down Where The Sage Winds Blow
Words and Music by Pravinand Maharaj

You took a long drink from the cup of truth
Squeezed fresh from your favourite fruit
Picked ripe in the misty woods
Down where the sage winds blow

People live and people die
You made a point of staying alive
Can’t always see it with the naked eye
All you got to show

Easy smiled the face you met
Who knew what’s beneath the flesh
Laying low behind its breath            
The things you never saw

It’s a rat race out there I hear you say
 A leaky roof for a rainy day
Nothing more could make her stay
You knew she had to go

You can’t freeze ice on a burning flame
You can’t be called by another’s name
Can’t build a wall without a frame
On which to hang the door

Easy smiled the face you met
Who knew what’s beneath the flesh
Laying low behind its breath            
The things you never saw

Night falls and shadows play
Beneath a mocking moon
You can’t help thinking the mark of Cain
Was but a lover’s wound

You took a long drink from the cup of truth
Nocturne birdsongs play like flutes
From the tree of the forbidden root
Down where the sage winds blow

Where the boughs of promise stood
Down where the sage winds blow

Down Where The Sage Winds Blow

In 1921 Simon Kimbangu from the Congo was arrested for sedition, but he was just a preacher-man. His death sentence was commuted to life and after 30 years, died in prison. Today Kimbangu lives on through his church "Église De Jésus-christ Sur La Terre Par Le Prophète Simon Kimbangu" (The Church Of Jesus Christ On Earth By The Prophet Simon Kimbangu)

Simon Kimbangu

Skies of Jehovah (words & music: Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrel)

Under the skies of Jehovah
Under the glow of hope I stand
Where I pitch my tent’s my home
I’m a traveler through this land
On the wings of love I soar
Over the mountains of my woes
Across the seas of doubt and fear
I know He’s always near
Wherever I go, wherever I be
Skies of Jehovah over me

Under the skies of Jehovah 
Down by the streams of faith I lay
In the nightfall as I rest
Until the break of day
On the rocks of mystery 
There’s another world to see
In another place and time
You’d still be on my mind 
Wherever I go, wherever I be
Skies of Jehovah over me

And I hear the Riddler speaking
And it goes beyond my wits
When the truth can be misleading
You got to deal with it
I stand before you open
I’ve forgotten what to hide
Sometimes I feel I’m chosen
Other times I feel outside, I feel outside

Under the skies of Jehovah
Unto the last unto the least
In these moments as I wake
Rising from the east
Out in the Potter’s field of clay
Comes the hire for the day
And he works while it’s still light
Before the coming night
Wherever I go, wherever I be
Skies of Jehovah over me
Whoever I am, whatever I be
Skies of Jehovah over me  

pic by Iyra

Skies of Jehovah

The City

Once it was a city
Now it’s just a street
With every mile another dream lays crushed
And the sun shows no pity
Pouring out its heat
As mighty towers crumble into dust

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

There were signs on the water
Portents in the sky
The Watchers blind by sleep didn’t see a thing
Six crows at the altar
A bargain for the price
Half less worth an eagle’s broken wing

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

What walks the moon at midnight
Through the narrow lanes 
Lurking in the shadows that it cast
A pestilence upon us, a blight
A spreading stain
Taking everything out on its path

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

So, sing the last love song written
Drink up the vineyard grape
Rouse the ghosts of tomorrow from their slumber
If I break out of this prison
And the hour’s not too late
I’ll be down the road without a name or number

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

Written and Performed by Pravinand Maharaj aka Johnny Minstrerl

Image credits:
Creator:ZULFA MOHAMAD
Copyright:New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

Stone Mirror

The City

The City - Words & Music by Pravinand Maharaj

Once it was a city
Now it’s just a street
With every mile another dream lays crushed
And the sun shows no pity
Pouring out its heat
As mighty towers crumble into dust

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

There were signs on the water
Portents in the sky
The Watchers blind by sleep didn’t see a thing
Six crows at the altar
A bargain for the price
Half less worth an eagle’s broken wing

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

What walks the moon at midnight
Through the narrow lanes 
Lurking in the shadows that it cast
A pestilence upon us, a blight
A spreading stain
Taking everything out on its path

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

So, sing the last love song written
Drink up the vineyard grape
Rouse the ghosts of tomorrow from their slumber
If I break out of this prison
And the hour’s not too late
I’ll be down the road without a name or number

One by one they followed
One by one they left without a trace

Pravinand: Vocals and Acoustic
Bas: Backing Vocals and Electric
Mix and Mastered by Bas Kooman

The City - Johnny Minstrel and Bas Kooman

Thirty Six Men  words&music: Pravinand Maharaj 

Thirty six men among us
Holding back the devil’s game
Walking with the weight of mortals
None can tell their names

*You trip on a chip of sin
You fall where the countless been
You wonder how you got in here
And will you get out again

Thirty six men among us
Since time began
Walking with the weight of pardon
Waiting till their work is done

*
Thirty six men among us
Down where the devils dread
Walking with the weight of mercy
Tramping on the serpent’s head

*


Thirty Six Men

Dance of the Seven Veils  
words & music: Pravinand Maharaj  
http://youtu.be/ngD9aYNy5Rs

1. Rumours from Paradise
The king lost his mind
Half the truth I was told’s a lie
Once upon a time
She was a courtesan
In the guise of a bride
Memories were dulled that night
Feelings ran wild

Chorus
She did the dance of the seven veils
Did the dance of the seven veils 
And brought the house down
And brought him to his knees

2. There’s so many ways to love
And twice more to hate
What was lost in the mist of time
Lay outside his gate
She was courtesan
Queen to her tribe
And as he defiled the Word
She laughed at his pride

Chorus

Ice flowing through my veins he said
I’m bitter and I’m cold
She cut him with her winter stare
As he gave up his soul
He gave up his soul

3. Now she is going home
Warm in her fate
Wild wolves and serpents show
On the path that she takes
A trace of her sweet perfume
Still lingers in the air
To night when all time will freeze
She’ll be out there

chorus
Doing the dance of the seven veils
Doing the dance of the seven veils
She’ll bring the house down 
And bring you to your knees


Dance of the Seven Veils

Skin and Bones  Words and Music: Pravinand Maharaj

Skin and bones
Heat and snow
Dark and white
Rest and flow
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

Leave and run
Be my guest
All the guns
Haven’t fired yet
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

There’s a hole on the mountain
There’s a tower in the fountain
There’s a bridge over Hades
By the Quarry-side
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

Meet the damned
Damn the beast
Half the man
I’ll always be
It’s the wider truth
A big fat wider truth

Cover pic by Julia Rohwedder on deviantART. 

Skin and Bones

I'm a singer-songwriter from Durban, South Africa. Having being raised in the church I was advantaged with a ready-made audience. Their kindness, patience and ecouragement gave me the confidence to improve my songwriting and to take it quite seriously. At times when the lyrics had a touch of controversy, they never thought it scandalous, which further encouraged me to write on social issues, love songs, and songs with just a story. 
By my mid-teens I was heavily influenced by the hippy gospel songwriter Larry Norman, which may explain why into my 50's I still have long hair! Through his music I learned that songs do have a greater purpose. 
As a young upstart I was blessed with a kind and forgiving congregation. Today I'm blessed with a very tolerant family and a bunch of great friends. I love what I do!



Johnny Minstrel

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