Appalachia

I grew up on the mountain
with Mama and my dad
a rocky patch of land
was all we had

A messenger rode up one day
said its time to make our stand
Mama cried "he's just a boy"
but Daddy said "he's a man"

A hundred men assembled
in a field outside the town
autumn breeze was blowing
all around

They taught us our maneuvers
and they taught us how to fight
told us that the other side was wrong
and we were right

I left my home in Appalachia
I left my home to be free
Now I'm marching into battle
Don't know what I'm gonna be

We marched along the river
Killing men and boys alike
The smell of death and powder
Filled our nights

I came upon a soldier
His eyes were blue as sky
I took his life and stood there
As the tears filled my eyes

I left my soul in Appalachia
I left my heart in Tennessee
Now I'm wandering in the wasteland
Don't know what's become of me

I been out here too long
lost my way between the right and wrong
did you wait for me?
in the shade of the old oak tree?
do you still remember me?
the way I used to be?

I left my home in Appalachia
I left my home to be free
Now I'm wandering in the wasteland
Don't know what's become of me

I left my home in Appalachia
I left my home to be free
Now I'm wandering in the wasteland
Don't know what's become of me

© 2013 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Appalachia by John Staples

Both Feet on the Ground

You danced into my life
Turned my whole world upside down
You tried to sweep me off my feet
But I have both feet on the ground

I tried to understand your world
every sight and sound
But I can't be the man you want
Cause I have both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground

I tried so many things
When I was younger
I suffered greatly
from bad breaks and bad falls
But I learned my lessons well
They made me stronger
I built my fences
and my walls

So now I'll say goodbye to you
I just can't have you hanging 'round
You know my dancing days are through
Cause I have both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground

You danced into my life
Turned my whole world upside down
You tried to sweep me off my feet
But I have both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground
Both feet on the ground

© 2012 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Both Feet On The Ground by John Staples

Cabbage White

Cabbage White lives in the holler
pigs and goats and sons and daughters
a little nectar's all he's after
loves the music and the laughter

Cabbage White fly today
Cabbage White don't shy away
find red clover, roll her over
Cabbage White you cannot play
why you're here I cannot say

he don't mind those dandelions
he just thinks they look real fine
don't like birds of any kind
toads and earwigs blow his mind

Cabbage White fly today
Cabbage White don't shy away
find red clover, roll her over
Cabbage White you cannot pray
why we're here I cannot say

all his life is just a flutter by
never complains and he don't cry
lives his life with a gleam in his eye
he'll be here until he dies

Cabbage White wants Black-Eyed Susan
loves her dearly ain't no foolin'
but he also loves Red Clover
c'mon Cabbage that one's over

Cabbage White fly today
Cabbage White don't shy away
find red clover, roll her over
Cabbage White you cannot play
why you're here I cannot say

Cabbage White fly today
Cabbage White don't shy away
find red clover, roll her over
Cabbage White you cannot pray
why we're here I cannot say

© 2013 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Cabbage White by John Staples

Everything Comes Back To You

riding down the road
all you feel is cold
thinking 'bout the things
you left behind

living life alone
spending way too much time stoned
trying to forget
what's on your mind

everything comes back to you
doesn't matter what you do
ya tried to make your life brand new
but everything comes back to you
everything comes back to you

flying toward the sun
leaving so much left undone
worrying bought the things
you're runnin' from

holding back the tears
haven't felt this much in years
seems like all you
ever do is run

everything comes back to you
doesn't matter what you do
ya tried to make your life brand new
but everything comes back to you
everything comes back to you

instrumental bridge

everything comes back to you
doesn't matter what you do
ya tried to make your life brand new
but everything comes back to you

everything comes back to you
doesn't matter what you do
ya tried to make your life brand new
but everything comes back to you
everything comes back to you

© 2013 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Everything Comes Back To You by John Staples

Way Back When

I remember painted faces
Holding hands in secret places
Dreamin' bout the things that we would do

Camping out in your backyard
Pounding on that old guitar
Wishing on a shooting star with you

way back when

You and I were young
You and I were young
Riding bareback in the sun
You and I were young

I remember folding lawn chairs
Yellow dog that stole your teddy bear
Back when we thought dreams could still come true

I was yours and you were mine
disappeared into the sands of time
Wish I'd had a whole lot more with you

way back when

You and I were young
You and I were young
Driving high down 101
You and I were young

way back when
way back when
way back when

You and I were young
You and I were young
Banging gongs and beating drums
You and I were young

I remember painted faces
Holding hands in secret places
I remember all these things with you

way back when

© 2012 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Way Back When by John Staples

Christmas At Grandpa's

Down in western Kentucky
Nine miles off the highway
On an old gravel road
At the top of a hill

The farm of my family
Trees that we climbed on
And the snow covered fields
In old Forestville

Christmas at Grandpa's
Family's all there
Laughter and music
A chill in the air
There'll be chocolate for breakfast
We'll all say our prayers
And we'll always remember
The love
that we shared

Grandma in the kitchen
Fryin' chicken on the woodstove
Opal telling stories
To the kids by the fire

Grandpa cut a Christmas tree
Up on the mountain
We'll cover it in popcorn and
Lights

(chorus)

(instrumental)

Now the years go by quickly
We grow up so fast
And we cherish the memories
Of each Christmas past

In my dreams I'm in Kentucky
Grandma waiting at the door
It's Christmas at Grandpa's
Once more

(chorus x 2)

© 2012 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Christmas At Grandpas by John Staples

This is a song I wrote for my lovely and wonderful wife Rose! It is a true story and I am a lucky man!

Note: This is the first demo so we will be giving this more love in the studio to tighten up the recording and the mix.

All My Life With You (for Rose) by John Staples

This is a song about coloring outside the lines! Marching to a different drummer! Following your passion!

My favorite section is the second half of verse 2! This just kinda tickled me! I like the ending too as this fellow breaks the rules one more time!

Embracing All My Days

So many years ago
when I was just a silly lad
my momma tried to tell me what to do
she told me not to climb a tree
and not to eat that sugar sweet
but I just would not listen baby blue

I went speeding
Down the highway
I went running
Toward the grave
I was bound
To do things my way
Embracing all my days

I grew into a man
and I traveled all the land
police tried to make me step in tune
but I drank the fire water
and I touched the farmer's daughter
and I stayed up late a howlin' at the moon

I went speeding
Down the highway
I went running
Toward the grave
I was bound
To do things my way
Embracing all my days

Now so many years have passed
and the end is near at last
they tie me to a chair and feed me gruel
but tonight when all is still
I'll climb over the windowsill
and drive that car until we're outta fuel

I'm still speeding
Down the highway
I'm still running
Toward the grave
And I'm bound
To do things my way
Embracing all my days

© 2015 John Staples

Embracing All My Days by John Staples

Old Moke River Heartbeats

Ol' Moke running to the Bay
Ol' Moke River wild and free
I'm just running Ol' Moke River
This is where I need to be

Flow Source Waters in Upcountry
Ancient Lakes 'n' Salt Creek shores
Wild Deer on its banks a singin'
Asking Freedom nothing more

This Old River has a Heartbeat
Ol' Moke River runs so Free
I am one with this Old River
And this River's one with Me

I'm on this River in my kayak
Running Electra - Tiger Creek
Release These Rapids full with Water
Where Dams and River Life all meet

Is this River for our Use then?
Is it's only Life our own?
All the plants and trees and stones then
For the Wildlife: This is Home

This Old River has a Heartbeat
Ol' Moke River runs so Free
I am one with this Old River
It is once again in me

So I ply my paddle onward
So the River sings my song
My brave kayak is her warrior
For This River my life long
For This River my life long

This Old River has a Heartbeat
Ol' Moke River runs so Free
I am one with this Old River
It is once again in me

Old Moke River has its Heartbeat
Old Moke River running free
We are one in this Old River
This was always meant to be
This is ever meant to be
Old Moke River running Free

© 2014 Kat Everitt & John Staples johns@visionarywebworks.com

Old Moke River Heartbeats by Kat Everitt and John Staples

Looking For Truth

Lonely souls
Don’t walk alone
They’re right here
In our homes

Stubborn ghosts
Will stay the night
Telling stories
They must fight

And unless you speak
They will carry on
With hollow smiles
Pretending to be strong
Unless you speak
It’s just old news
Worlds within worlds
Looking for truth

Darkened skies
Attract the blues
Maybe you’ll feel
Their hold on you

Rich or poor
It makes no sense
The feeling will climb
Over the fence

And unless you speak
They will carry on
With hollow smiles
Pretending to be strong
Unless you speak
It’s just old news
Worlds within worlds
Looking for truth

And the sun will warm us
With its saving grace
Shine down, shine down
Show us a better place

And unless you speak
They will carry on
With hollow smiles
Pretending to be strong
Unless you speak
It’s just old news
Worlds within worlds
Looking for truth

©2016 Kristi McKeever & John Staples

Looking For Truth by Kristi McKeever & John Staples

You've Been Gone Way Too Long
July 7, 2016

well I was reeling from the lies that you told me
how you promised I was always gonna be your man
but then you hung me out to dry 'cause I was cramping your style
you left me in a summertime jam

I watched you walk away
tried to think of something that would make you stay

you've been gone way too long
I think I've played this whole damn thing all wrong

well I finally have a life out from under your knife
I live a quiet lonely peace
but I'd take you back in a minute for life with you in it
in your arms is where I long to be

I watched you walk away
tried to think of some how I could make you pay

you've been gone way too long
how in the hell could you do someone so wrong? so wrong?

every time I see you all I feel is pain
every time you smile at me you make my storm clouds rain

you've been gone way too long
I think I've played this whole damn game all wrong

you've been gone way too long
how in the hell could you do someone so wrong? so wrong?

© 2016 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Summer Dreams - 50/90 2016

You've Been Gone Way Too Long by John Staples

In June 2016 Dr. Ralph Stanley died. I love his music and have been heavily influenced by it over the years. I wanted to write a song for him and this is what I ended up with...kind of a dark imagining of his last night.

When I hear Ralph Stanley sing it always takes me back to Forestville, Kentucky...where it is always late afternoon in the summertime...the spring water always runs pure & cold...Grandpa's molasses are never bitter. Grandma's mocking bird alights just outside her window and the bobwhite is calling from the holler past the field where the pony grazes. The cows are restlessly congregating around the barn because they know it is almost time for milking and I hear Grandpa whistling as he prepares the barn. The lightning bugs are just starting their show and us kids are running all around catching them in little bottles and then releasing them again. Later, after supper, we will watch a little TV and maybe get to hear Ralph Stanley playing on the Grand Ole Opry. Life is good.

From the bottom of my heart...Thank You Dr. Stanley for helping to lay down the soundtrack of my life. Godspeed dear soul...your Angel Band awaits.

Darkest Night
July 3, 2016

I can hear the angels coming
and they're callin' out my name
I don't wanna leave here
but they take me just the same

Darkest Night
Darkest Night
Oh Lord I don't wanna have this fight
Darkest Night
Darkest Night
If I survive this journey meet me on the other side

I dream about a lifetime
as I tumble through the night
the angels pull me closer
as the moon turns out her light

Darkest Night
Darkest Night
Oh Lord I don't wanna have this fight
Darkest Night
Darkest Night
If I survive this journey meet me on the other side

My hopes and dreams come down to this
I give my baby one last kiss

Darkest Night
Darkest Night
Oh Lord I don't wanna have this fight
Darkest Night
Darkest Night
If I survive this journey meet me on the other side

© 2016 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Darkest Night (R.I.P. Ralph Stanley) by John Staples

This one has an interesting back story! For years I sang along to Man On the Moon by R.E.M. And whenever they would get to this part, "Now, Andy did you hear about this one? / Tell me, are you locked in the punch?" I always sang it wrong! I guess "locked in the punch" is a wrestling/fighting reference. 

But I always thought Michael Stipe was singing "Tell me, are you lost in the part?" And I always thought that was a brilliant characterization of Andy Kaufman, who, toward the end of his career, seemed to have lost track of where his act and his real life began and ended!

Then about a year ago I decided to cover the song and when I took the time to actually look up the lyrics I was surprised to find that "lost in the part" was never a part of the song! This delighted me because now I was free to write "Lost in the Part"!!!!!
-------------------------------------
Lost in the Part
(rough demo written September 10, 2016)

sometimes your eyes
stare back at me
like they don't see
the lies
that we tell
to each other

sometimes I cry
when you come back to me
cause you don't see
the disguise
that we wear
for each other

please
tell me
are we lost
lost in the part
the part that we play
in the play
that we wrote together

sometimes you sigh
when you speak to me
and I believe
the lie
that we need
one another

I somehow survive
though a part of me
that you don't see
has died
and we're lost
lost in the part

please
tell me
are we lost
lost in the part
the part that we play
in the play
that we wrote together

will we ever
find our way
back to love
away from hate
our story ahead
not yet foretold
our lot not cast
the die not rolled

please
tell me
are we lost
lost in the part
the part that we play
in the play
that we wrote together

please
tell me
are we lost
lost in the part
the part that we play
in the play
that we wrote together

© 2016 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

Lost in the Part by John Staples

Once Again

You and I lived in the sun
We were always on the run
Life can go so fast
Seems the best things, never last

Everywhere I go
I see people that we know

You and I were never done
Taking risk and having fun
Lived our life so bold
Never a thought about getting old

I know our love was real
But I've forgotten how to feel
 
Once again
Thought I heard you call my name
Once again I felt the pain
I want another day with you
Feel the sun come shining through
All I ever get is rain

Picked some flowers close to home
Laid them gently on the stone
Just another rainy day
Stood there with so much to say

I watched you slip away
On a cold Kentucky day

Once again
Thought I heard you call my name
Once again I felt the pain
I need another day with you
Feel the sun come shining through
All I ever get is rain
Just one more day with you
Feel the sun come shining through
All I ever get is rain

© 2012 John Staples
johns@visionarywebworks.com

John Staples

Once Again by John Staples

Burn The Ground

when the sun slept in one morning
and the sky stayed black as coal
saw the nightwish mount their dragons
as they searched my mortal soul
when we fought the raging armies
of the damned in dark and cold
your essence drained into their night
as you sacrificed control

burn the ground
so the dead can't find me
pray the drowned
stay beneath the sea
hear the sound
dark angels calling
in the visions that I see
burn the ground

when you forfeited our freedom
and you cast your lot with dark
I held your empty shell until
I saw the devil's mark
when your lifeblood drained my ocean
and our fever pitch was reached
I saw you dancing slowly
on the sacrificial beach

burn the ground
so the dead can't find me
pray the drowned
stay beneath the sea
hear the sound
dark angels calling
in the visions that I see
burn the ground

heaven knows I loved you
heaven knows I tried
all the time I'm thinking of you
I should be glad I'm still alive

burn the ground
so the dead can't find me
pray the drowned
stay beneath the sea
hear the sound
dark angels calling
in the visions that I see
burn the ground

© 2016 John Staples

Burn the Ground

Burn The Ground

I have always been kind of fascinated by a quote attributed to Tennessee Williams..."We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out, just the upstairs window to look out of while the fire burns the house down with us trapped, locked in it." A bit morbid, right?

So I took it a bit further in postulating that it is we who started the fire! The hook for this one has been swirling around in my brain since November. In a lot of ways it feels like humanity is on fire right now.

I stayed up all night writing, recording and mixing this one. But when your house is on fire...
----
In The House (We Set On Fire)
February 1, 2017
http://www.winpath.com/JohnStaplesMusic/FAWM2017/JohnStaples-InTheHouse(WeSetOnFire).mp3

we sit and watch
the world outside
shattered windows
broken life

temperature
begins to rise
nothing
left to hide

in the house
we set on fire
watchin' flames
climbin' higher
this is the end
of everything
we dreamed
that we could be
the end
of you and me

clouds of smoke
obscure your words
your essence fades
and starts to blur

you lean against
the peeling paint
then you cry
and call my name

in the house
we set on fire
watchin' flames
climbin' higher
this is the end
of everything
we dreamed
that we could be
the end
of you and me

scream for salvation
dream of damnation
there must have been another way
abandoned love
burned away

in the house
we set on fire
watchin' flames
climbin' higher
this is the end
of everything
we dreamed
that we could be
the end
of you and me
the end
of you and me

© 2017 John Staples JohnStaplesMusic.com

FAWM 2017

In The House (We Set On Fire)

I Don't Know Where We Went Wrong

I don't know where we went wrong
lost inside an old love song
you were verses
I was chorus and refrain
building bridges
that our love could not sustain

I think about things we used to do
I remember all the love I had for you
I recall you said our wishes had come true
our melody brand new

I don't know where we went wrong
lost inside an old love song
you were verses
I was chorus and refrain
building bridges
that our love could not sustain

but the storm came in rain became our life
defenses down cut us like a knife
on the mountaintop we plunged from that great height
falling out of time

I still
miss you girl
I think of you
every day
I dream
of kissing you
convincing you to stay

I don't know where we went wrong
lost inside an old love song
you were verses
I was chorus and refrain
building bridges
that our love could not sustain

I don't know where we went wrong
I don't know where we went wrong
I don't know where we went wrong

we lost the song

© 2017 John Staples JohnStaplesMusic.com

I Don't Know Where We Went Wrong

Lost in Rain

you take me
you break me
send me
away

you mend me
defend me
tell me
to stay

mind on fire
thoughts obscene
nighttime ravaged
fever dreams
daylight promised
fear restrained

life goes on
lost in rain

I need you
I bleed you
force you
to pray

I see you
I'll be you
A role I
can play

mind on fire
thoughts obscene
nighttime ravaged
fever dreams
daylight promised
fear restrained

life goes on
lost in rain

clear cut reasons given
by the one who holds my heart
for the seasons I am living
as my world just falls apart

mind on fire
thoughts obscene
nighttime ravaged
fever dreams
daylight promised
fear restrained

life goes on
lost in rain

life goes on
lost in rain

© 2017 John Staples JohnStaplesMusic.com

Lost in Rain

The Fire and The Rain

you were the fire and
I was the rain
burning desire
and pain
you pulled me close
but I pushed you away
I'm changing
yet I'm still the same

lightning strikes before
you ever hear the thunder
waves wash over you
and pull you under
everything about you
made me wonder
what our life could be
what you meant to me

and now you're gone
I guess I have to go on

you were the one
but I guess I let you go
I was the last one to know
you gave me hope and dreams
you helped me through this world
now I'm alone
I'm alone

you were the fire and
I was the rain
burning desire
and pain

© 2017 John Staples JohnStaplesMusic.com

The Fire and The Rain

Heartbreak Apropos

I should have seen it coming
you were out of my league
but I dared to think you loved me
now I have to concede
that I don't know
how to let you go
you've been leaving me forever
let's just call the whole thing
heartbreak apropos

the first time that I saw you
felt my heart overheat
you smiled and said "hey baby"
it was too good to believe
now I don't know
how to let you go
you've been leaving me forever
let's just call the whole thing
heartbreak apropos

I was just a simple man
the quiet type
a gentle summer breeze
but you blew into my life
like a hurricane
left me on my knees

the last time that I saw you
felt my little heart bleed
you smiled and said "goodbye"
made my heartbreak complete
now I don't know
how to let you go
you've been leaving me forever
let's just call the whole thing
heartbreak apropos

you've been leaving me forever
let's just call the whole thing
heartbreak apropos

you've been leaving me forever
let's just call the whole thing
heartbreak apropos

© 2017 John Staples JohnStaplesMusic.com

John A Staples

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