Original Track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett.

Lyrics...

I'll be the last one to know,
When the lights go out,
I've been living in the dark,
With my fear and doubts,
It doesn't really matter,
What offer you propose
Because every day is wasted,
As I slowly decompose.

We rise and we fall,
Then the rubber hits the road,
We drive overnight,
It's never easy so I'm told
And the song that is playing,
Takes me back to my youth,
At journeys end,
I'll stop and face the truth.

Oh somebody hold me,
I think I've lost it all
Won't somebody ask me,
Was it worth it all
Oh somebody take me
I think I've lost my way
Oh somebody kiss me
And make me live again

With all my days numbered
From the first until last
You'd think I'd had a ball
Well you'd think I'd had a blast
I drank all my tequila
My whisky and wine
To drown out all the noise
And passage of time

As my memories dim
In the cold light of day
I'll politely ask you
If I should have stayed
As I feel the earth shifting
Here beneath my feet
The drummers are marching
To the sound of a different beat

Oh somebody hold me
I think I've lost it all
Won't somebody ask me
Was it worth it all
Oh somebody take me
I think I've lost my way
Oh somebody kiss me
And make me live again

When the lights go out
Remember me
When the lights go out
Remember me
When the lights…

Melancholy Blue

When the Lights go Out

When The Lights Go Out

An original one take track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

A one take blues jam. Les wrote the amazing lyrics with which I  jammed this track. I was feeling the blues at the time and wanted to keep the raw emotion, so I haven't produced the track. This is a one take on rhythm guitars, vocal, bass and lead. Warts n all! The vocal is the original jam. Hope you like it! 

Keeping it real.

Lyrics...

Would I be overstating, my friend,
A light in the darkness, lead me to the end.
A comfort when I stumble, a shoulder to cry on,
No altar, no god, just keep movin' along.

When my father gave wisdom, fell on deaf ears,
Scream and rail at the system, expose all my fears.
In the midst of conversation, stumble, no sense,
They wait in anticipation, make fun at my expense.

I'm a poet, a joker, a faker, less than my parts,
Liar, thief, breaker of promises and hearts.
Traveled the world without leaving my room,
Planted seeds in the morning, flowers fully bloom.

Watchin' the world burn before me, know it's wrong,
Emotions boil within me, weak and the strong.
Whispers tumbled and span like leaves in the fall,
Smile of the wicked, pride in the deed, stand tall.

Rattlesnake

A Poet a Joker a Faker

A Poet, A Joker, A Faker!

Original song by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics...
I've been walking on egg shells, I'm desperate for sleep.
Will you please tell me, About the secrets you keep?
I'm twisting and turning, I'm starting to fret.
Awaiting the outcome, Of what I can't guess. 

My spine starts to tingle, My body's on fire.
If I dare to tell you, You'd call me a liar.
Well Rodeo Jackson, Has a powerful punch.
Just give me some action, Before you eat me for lunch.

Well I witnessed a poor boy, Down on his luck.
I heard all the rumours, But I don't give a fuck.
Please help me Miss Polly, Get back in the race.
My engine is blowing, And I ain't got no breaks. 

I know there'll be danger, I'm scared for my life.
A mysterious stranger, Comes around every night.
She's been diggin' for diamonds, Castin' pearls before swine.
I'm in no great hurry, Cause I ain't got the time. 

I'm in need of a journey, The end's a full stop.
Hope she won't desert me, And I cop the lot.
I'm paying the price, Sometimes it's too dear.
She left in a taxi, The future's unclear. 

I've been walking on egg shells, I'm desperate for sleep.
Will you please tell me, About the secrets you keep?
I'm twisting and turning, I'm starting to fret.
Awaiting the outcome, Of what I can't guess.

Rodeo Jackson

Original song by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

Before you come runnin',
To tare me to pieces.
You'll understand,
When this whole things ceases.

Stop what you're doin',
Halt in your tracks,
There's no point in arguin',
You'll get no time back.

You're pushin' You're pullin',
You've left me in a daze.
I don't care about the cost,
Cause everybody pays.

You wrapped me round your finger,
You tangled me in lies.
I should have known much sooner,
I should have seen it in your eyes. 
My love for you grows stronger,
Even though I hate your guts.
I never knew how deep,
Your words were gonna cut.

You're constant insistence,
Won't last the distance.
I don't give a damn,
That's just the way I am.

I feel you've exploited,
A love that disappointed.
You've made your excuses,
And out the door you ran.

Give me a moment, 
I'll try to make this brief.
I've gone and lost my faith,
But I still got belief.
You wrapped me round your finger,
You tangled me in lies.
I should have known much sooner,
I should have seen it in your eyes. 
My love for you grows stronger,
Even though I hate your guts.
I never knew how deep,
Your words were gonna cut.

Before you come runnin',
And tare me to pieces.
You'll understand,
When this whole thing ceases.

Stop what you're doin',
Halt in your tracks.
There's no point in arguin',
You'll get no time back.

You're pushin' You're pullin'.
You've left me in a daze.
I don't care about the cost,
Cause everybody pays.

Burning Bridges

Stop What You're Doing

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics...

If only for a second do you stop and think of me,
Sitting in the shadow of a life that's set you free?
Wishing you remembered how good you had it then,
I only wish you well on your journey to the end.

And if by some small miracle you should pass this way,
I'd take you warmly by the hand but I wouldn't make you stay.
See memories have a thousand tricks they always like to use,
One day you think it's sunshine the next it's just bad news.

I'll stand and I'll be waving from the top step by my door,
As your car heads down the road and you're on your way once more.
Towards a lost horizon with wings upon your heels,
Tell me when you get there how good it really feels. 

These whispered words of sentiment come only when I drink,
If I was stone cold sober I'd take the time to think.
And wonder what the hell you ever saw in me,
Did you settle for second best or did you get lazy?

I guess in time you realised that I was just no good,
The secrets that I hid behind the cabin in the woods.
Were too far gone and so messed up they put me in the frame,
And the only things they've left me with are sorrow and my name.

If I could still be brave enough if I could be adored,
Would I be a slave to love or simply be ignored?
The weight of expectation is the thing that's killing me,
In time you came to cage the beast and threw away the key.

Systematic waves of panic are coursing through my veins,
I'd better light the signal fire before everybody blames.
The single reason I exist as a warning to you all,
I thought I flew among the stars but everybody falls.

I made mistakes that much is true and I paid the price,
I tried to hide the lies I cried and tried to be real nice.
Depression all consuming tore at my very soul,
But now I turn to face the truth before I get too old.

If only for a second do you stop and think of me,
Sitting in the shadows of a life that's set you free?
Wishing you remembered how good you had it then,
I only wish you well on your journey to the end.

The Puppeteers

If Only For a Second

Please see the video that goes along with this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRezIMtZQjo

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

NOTE...
Like most people, we cannot watch what is happening around the world at the moment without feeling a real sense of hopelessness and anger. Les and I have tried to express both in this song....

Verse 1
In a world of shadows, where the sun meets the night,
Old men play with fire, young souls in their sight.
A chessboard of nations, moving pieces on the sand,
But it's the innocents who suffer, caught in the command.

Chorus
Oh, the winds of change are whispering,
Calling out for hearts to sing.
Beyond the lines that they've drawn in the sand,
It's time for us, the people, to make a stand.

Verse 2
They like to speak in riddles, in a language cold and grey,
They trade in lives like pawns, that’s the price we all must pay.
That’s not the colour in our hearts, they sound a different beat,
We cry out for compassion, yet they send the fleet.

Chorus
Oh, the winds of change are whispering,
Calling out for hearts to sing.
Beyond the lines that they've drawn in the sand,
It's time for us, the people, to make a stand.

Verse 3
Hear the cries of mothers, see the tears in fathers' eye,
Bridges turned to ashes as their children die.
But in the silence of the night, a melody unfolds,
A chorus of unity, where compassion takes a hold.

Chorus
Oh, the winds of change are whispering,
Calling out for hearts to sing.
Beyond the lines that they've drawn in the sand,
It's time for us, the people, to make a stand.

Verse 4
Hear the cries of mothers, see the tears in fathers' eye,
Bridges burnt to ashes as their children die.
But in the silence of the night, a melody unfolds,
A chorus of unity, where compassion takes a hold.

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

I built a wall
I locked the gate
Waited for time
To seal my fate
Was paralysed
Was so unsure
I felt unclean
And what is more

I looked in to
The mirror there
I fell apart
I didn't care

I hope that my body's never found
Perhaps some day
But never now
No, never now

What should I do?
Where should I go?
Why call a wind
That never blows?
I kept the peace
With the devine
I'm heading off
Which suits me fine

Now then, Now then
Dry your tears
For me my friend
Just dry your tears

This is my beginning
I'll see you at the end

I embraced
The blackest night
I wish I could
I wish I might
I dreamt of stars
That shone so bright
They still blind me
Today

I held out hands
To touch the world
It rejected me
In a ball I curled

I hope my body's never found
Perhaps some day
But never now
No, never now

This is my Beginning

This Is My Beginning

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

Oh What it was,
Oh What a shame,
We could have been.
One and the same.
With complications,
When things go wrong.
My paranoia,
Is growing strong.

In my confusion,
I kept on losing'.
My bad decisions,
Got in the way.
I kept on lying,
I kept on trying.
The only reason,
I'm here to stay.

I looked the wrong way. 
I took the wrong way.
My sense of purpose,
Was stripped  away. 
I never found out,
Who pulled the ground out.
From under me,
From under me.

You're never going to hear me say,
I love you,
You're never going to hear me say,
I care.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
My days grow long whenever you're not there.

I looked the wrong way. 
I took the wrong way.
My sense of purpose,
Was stripped  away. 
I never found out,
Who pulled the ground out.
From under me,
From under me.

Oh what it was,
Oh what a shame.
We could have been,
One and the same.
With complications,
When things go wrong.
My paranoia,
Is growing strong.

I looked the wrong way. 
I took the wrong way.
My sense of purpose,
Was stripped  away. 
I never found out,
Who pulled the ground out.
From under me,
From under me.

Repeat…

One and the Same

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

If I could only tell you, How good you make me feel.
I wouldn't have to hide the fact, You make it so real.
If I could only show you, How high you make me climb.
I wouldn't have the words to say, I want you to be mine.

(Ooh. . . Tra la la la la).
(Ooh. . . Tra la la la la...
Whisper it softly, 
I'm lost in a moment like this.
What will it cost me,
If I don't give into it.

If I could only show you, what you do to my poor heart.
Your kiss would raise a dying man, and cause his life to start.
If I could only tell you, how you make me feel.
I wouldn't have to hide the fact, You make it so real.

What shall we do with the rest of our days,
Will we sit here and wonder how we're going to pay.
For the highs and lows and the bits in between,
For the pureness of the silence as we're floating down stream. 

(Ooh. . . Tra la la la la).
(Ooh. . . Tra la la la la)...
Whisper it softly, 
I'm lost in a moment like this.
What will it cost me,
If I don't give into it.

What shall we do if love finds a way,
Will we silence the doubters block out all that they say.
Whispering sometimes you kept me alive,
In embracing the morning see a new sun rise. 

(Ooh. . . Tra la la la la).
(Ooh. . . Tra la la la la)...
Whisper it softly, 
I'm lost in a moment like this.
What will it cost me,
If I don't give into it.

Repeat...

Yellin' at Clouds

Floating Downstream

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

I'm just an old guy yellin' at clouds,
Hoping for some rain to fall.
I don't care if the lightnin' strikes,
I know what I'm in for.

I'm no good at being in crowds,
I'm too quick at speakin' my mind.
I'm too foolish that I won't back down,
I melt like butter on the inside. 

Got my high,
Got my buzz.
Got enough for the both of us.

Got my heart, 
Beating fast.
I hope this feeling's gonna last.

In tryin' to break the silence,
Someone please come and rattle my cage.
I'll try to make it plain and simple, 
I've still got you playin' with my brain.

I'll kick back and lie in the long grass.
I'll have a time and smoke a reefer or two,
If anyone asks for or wants me,
I'll be back by the middle of June.

Man I be chillin' 'n' killin' it good now,
Got high on life like any old guy should.

Got my high,
Got my buzz.
Got enough for the both of us.

Got my heart, 
Beating fast.
I hope this feeling's gonna last.

I'm just an old guy yellin' at clouds,
Hopin' for some rain to fall.

Yellin at the Clouds

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

I've got a ring around my collar,
I've got stains upon my shirt,
I bet for every dollar,
She could take away my hurt.

I've got blisters on my heels,
I've got splinters in my tongue,
I've been searchin' for how it feels,
She won't tell me what I've done wrong.

She treats love like it was a science,
She experiments with my heart,
Attach electrodes to my appliance,
I light up when we're in the dark.

Twistin' me with her witchcraft,
She fires words with a spittle lip,
She been sent to destroy me,
And I'm lovin' every bit of it.

She didn't give me a safe word,
She said she didn't see the point,
I hear laugh with such malice,
I'm callin' Alice when I reach Detroit.

A giggle 'n' a wiggle that tempts me,
A shove 'n' a shake in her groove,
I let go in the moment she breaks me,
A happy bunny but I can't move.

A hush 'n' a push and I'm fallin',
I tumble 'n' I'm gaspin' for air,
A hush 'n' a push and I'm spinnin' out,
She gives a look like she don't care.

She treats love like it was a science,
She experiments with my heart,
Attach electrodes to my appliance,
I light up when we're in the dark.

Boom boom boom,
Goes the room spinnin' wildly,
Boom boom boom,
Come and roll me a joint.
Boom boom boom,
Come kiss and delight me,
Boom boom boom,
Goodnight.

When I Reach Detroit

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

I stood by the waters edge,
Clothed by the rays of the sun in the morning.

I laughed like I'd lost a bet,
Stolen a moment as I wait after work.

How soon we lose respect,
For those who twist words despite all the facts.

Idly wishing I could remember her name,
I guess I'll go swimming to clear my head.

And the cracks appear,
In the masks that we wear as we pass in the street.

Oh celestial heavens help me,
I've lost my way and I can't find my way back.

The broken-hearted fool is dancing,
Happy to know that summer's on the way.

It's a two pound fair to the centre of my town,
And a five minute walk to the middle of nowhere.

How soon we lose respect,
For those who twist words despite all the facts.

Oh celestial heavens help me,
I've lost my way and I can't find my way back.

And the cracks appear,
In the masks that we wear as we pass in the street.

Please, please smile that smile for me,
The one that makes me feel like I'm 17.
Please, please, please say "Hello" to me,
You make me feel so happy, so free.

I stood by the waters edge,
Clothed by the rays of the sun in the morning.

The Sun in the Morning

Original track by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett
Lyrics...

Yeah I'm lazy,
People think I'm crazy,
There's not a lot,
That I can do.

Nothin' fazed me,
When they thought that they'd play me,
Because I like,
A drink or two.

It's been a long long long,
Long long long long,
Way down.

It's been a long long long,
Long long long long,
Way down.

I took my time girl,
I had to find the right pearl,
No plastic imitation,
Would do.

I hung around here,
You should have seen me last year,
I tried to make,
Your dreams come true.

It may sound drastic,
I tried to play my last trick,
Anythin' to try and get through.

I begged and pleaded,
and in the end I conceded,
So now I raise a glass to you.

It's been a long long long,
Long long long long,
Way down.

It's been a long long long,
Long long long long,
Way down.

Your words were drippin' honey,
They were makin' no sense,
I'm just another victim of circumstance.

I opened up a bottle and out it poured,
The tears I've been cryin',
For the one I adored.

It's been a long long long,
Long long long long,
Way down.

It's been a long long long,
Long long long long,
Way down.

The Long Way Down

Our track from 2023 with a few nice changes for 2024.
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

I've been slow burning in the shade,
The memories that I have will fade.
The rattle of the branches sang,
Forever and a day.

I felt the heat and your eyes on me,
Distance grown increasingly.
A thirst raged deep down in my soul,
As I waited for the rain.

Bitter tears that stung my face,
Dried up and they left no trace.
Of long lost love left lying,
By a poor man's empty grave.
I felt a fear come over me,
I changed in mood and sympathy.
I lost what little time I had,
I couldn't turn away.

I've been slow burning in the shade,
The memories that I have will fade.
The rattle of the branches sang,
Forever and a day.
I felt the heat and your eyes on me,
Distance grown increasingly.
A thirst raged deep down in my soul,
As I waited for the rain.

The Rain

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

I'm a man of peace,
At war with myself.
I tamed the beast,
On my knees I knelt.

There's some distraction,
There's something wrong.
I don't need the attention,
To carry on.

The streets are burning,
The World's gone mad.
My heart's still yearnin',
For what we once had.

We cry in frustration,
Scream if you need.
Black smoke I'm chokin',
I need to breath.

If we could make a difference,
Would anybody care.
Some people seem to lose their way,
But they're neither here or there.

We've forgotten who we are now,
We run like rabid dogs.
We struggle in misfortune,
And we're missing what we lost.

We're ordinary people,
Living ordinary lives.
What the hell brought us to this?
We've fallen for the same old lies.

Please someone tell me,
If I'm only dreaming?
Wake me from the nightmare,
That we're in.

If peace and love and harmony,
Is something worth fighting for.
Why are we on the verge,
Of another civil war?

Can anyone make some sense of this?
Please help us if you can.
Like millions I am lost,
And I don't understand.

I'm a man of peace,
At war with myself.
But it's still not as bad,
As what we're doing to ourselves.

At War With Myself

AT WAR WITH MYSELF

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

I still love you,
But yesterday has gone.
I keep on hopin',
That I can right some wrongs.

I never found out,
Where it is that I stand.
All I wanted,
Was to take you by the hand.

And tell you that I love,
In oh so many ways.
I'd tell you that I need you,
But I'm afraid it would be too late.

You're the only one,
I have ever loved.
I count my blessings,
But I know it's not enough.

I want to kiss you,
hold you in my arms.
I want to protect you,
And keep you safe from harm.

And tell you that I love,
In oh so many ways.
I'd tell you that I need you,
But I'm afraid it would be too late.

I regret the things,
we never did.
Our dream to build a home,
And fill it with some kids.

To live a life with love,
I threw it all away.
Sometimes we make mistakes,
Don’t mean the things we say.

And tell you that I love,
In oh so many ways.
I'd tell you that I need you,
But I'm afraid it would be too late.

I Still Love You

I STILL LOVE YOU

Something a little different here. We are stepping back in time to a bit of our old story telling style songs. Hope you like it!

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

I had a thought,
To return what I bought,
How much for a broken  heart?

It's easy to see,
I'd give it for free,
Lift me as I'm fallin' apart.

Well Well Well,
Is it any wonder,
I keep fallin' under,
I keep fallin' under,
I keep fallin' under,
Your spell.

Where do I look,
I'm comin' unstuck.
I'm carryin' too much load.

Where do I find,
Some peace of mind,
I'm squeezin blood from a stone.

The price wasn't good,
But I did what I could,
It lasted for the rest of my days.

I took your advice,
And it wasn't nice,
I started crawlin' from the heavy weight.

Well, Well, Well,
Is it any wonder,
I keep fallin' under,
I keep fallin' under,
I keep fallin' under,
Your spell.

BLOOD FROM A STONE

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

You can see it coming… like a slow-motion car crash. Every choice, every twist of fate, leading to this moment. And still, you can't stop it.

I was taken by surprise,
Which was just my luck.
A symptom of the state I'm in,
Feelin' kind of heavy,
Feelin' kind of small.
Put the pedal to the metal,
Before I hit the wall.
I was lost for words,
Which isn't like me.
I came to a halt,
Wrapped around a tree.
And I whispered in a voice,
So deep and low.
Doesn't it look pretty,
In the fallin' snow.

Strange, isn’t it? How the snow can cover everything, make even the darkest night look pure… even the wreckage.

It was all mapped out,
It was plain to see.
There ain't no angels,
Set aside for me.
just my luck,
just a roll of the dice.
That right at that moment,
I hit the black ice.
the last thing I remember,
Before I closed my eyes.
Was the bright orange glow,
That filled the sky.
I guess someone loves me,
I guess someone cares.
I'm lookin' at you kid,
Sat on the stairs.
I know that I'll make it,
No matter how far.
I'll tell you I love you,
With all of my heart.
It was all mapped out,
It was plain to see.
There ain't no angels,
Set aside for me.

Through all the chaos, all the wrecks… it’s always been you. The one thing that makes it all worth it. The only light in the dark.

Black Ice

BLACK ICE

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

I've become an emotional wreck,
I'm doin' things you wouldn't expect.
I've spent my time,
Just thinkin' about you.

I'll roll a fag and talk for hours,
About the fools in their ivory towers,
You better watch out,
Cause they're coming after you.

I'm speakin' out cause I've no choice,
They're tryin' to take away my voice.
I'm shoutin' at the world,
That much is true.

Don't look at me like I'm to blame,
The deckchairs have been rearranged,
There's no place left to sit,
They're all in use.

Well it's madness,
With a hint of sadness,
We'll carry on regardless,
We've got nothin' to lose.

They brand us,,
They're tryin' to fuckin' tame us,
They act as if they're blameless,
Their game is fuckin' shameless. 

I've become an emotional wreck,
I'm doin' things you wouldn't expect,
I'm putting up a fight,
Because of you.

An Emotional Egg

AN EMOTIONAL EGG

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

If saying goodbye was so easy,
Why do I want to run back to you?
I stand terrified you can't see me,
Time and again I wish it weren't true.

I'm blind to the concept,
Of having known love,
I stand defeated,
As I see above the oncoming rain.

Before me stands beauty,
I let it slip away.
I still feel the loss,
There's no more I could say, 
about love, love, love,
about love,
about love, love, love.

You know when that feeling,
of loss soon subsides.
What the hell was I thinking?
I just couldn't decide.

I was bound I was broken,
And hope turned to dust.
It may well sound silly,
But I've no one to left to trust.

Before me stands beauty,
I let it slip away.
I still feel the loss,
There's no more I could say, 
about love, love, love,
about love,
about love, love, love.

I sit in the darkness,
Cigarette in my hand,
Life hasn't turned out,
The way that I planned

Well call me a taxi,
I want to go home.
There's no sense in my walking,
These streets all alone,

For some it is lasting,
But my chance slipped away.
I was scared of her knowing,
That I'd fail her someday,
Who would think me foolish,
For wasting half my life on foolish dreams.
Yeah, who would think me foolish,
For wasting half my life on foolish dreams.

IF SAYING GOODBYE WAS SO EASY

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

Flood my mind with images, 
broken hopes and dreams,
Try to wipe away the tears, 
drown out all the screams.

Listen for a second,
As the sun begins to rise.
You leave yourself wide open,
your fear lies in disguise.

See her as she's falling,
Catch her if you can,
Sooth her every worry,
Stand up and be a man.

Delicate and fragile, 
Wrapped in your embrace.
Help her see the future
and all it's gonna' take.

I  spoke to her this evening,
She said she's feeling fine.
I looked into her eyes,
She's lying.

Call her up she's lonely,
She needs to speak to you.
Promise her the world,
And come through.

Colour her mood with a love that shines like gold.
Whisper a line, which lifts her very soul.
Tell her you need her of every minute, every day.
Tell her she's the reason that you stay.

Flood my mind with images, 
broken hopes and dreams,
Try to wipe away the tears, 
drown out all the screams.

Listen for a second,
As the sun begins to rise.
You leave yourself wide open,
your fear lies in disguise.

See her as she's falling,
Catch her if you can,
Sooth her every worry,
Stand up and be a man.

Colour her mood with a love that shines like gold.
Whisper a line, which lifts her very soul.
Tell her you need her of every minute, every day.
Tell her she's the reason that you stay.

FLOOD

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

It took me an age to lift myself,
From the deep pit of despair.
It took me an age to forgive myself,
As if anybody cared.

I showed myself to the world,
They saw through all my lies.
If they really want to know the truth,
Look deep into my eyes.

The pain I felt came with a cost,
One I can now reveal.
I tried to hide how deep I sank,
And how I couldn't tell what was real.

Friends tried their best to break me free,
From the prison I had built.
The walls were from a promise made,
And the bars came from my guilt.

I prayed for my salvation,
I prayed till the light grew dark.
I struggled with the demons,
That burnt and left their mark.

10 years gone I'm free at last,
And my days are running out.
But I'm still too scared to live my life,
So I pour my feelings out.

The pain I felt came with a cost,
One I can now reveal.
I tried to hide how deep I sank,
And how I couldn't tell what was real.

Friends tried their best to break me free,
From the prison I had built.
The walls were from a promise made,
And the bars came from my guilt.

IT TOOK AN AGE

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

You sang songs of freedom,
In times of change.
Remembering how,
They've been rearranged.

What does it matter,
You had no choice.
To open your mouth,
And let them hear your voice.

And now you're diggin',
In the dirt.
You've still got pride,
Even when it hurts.

Don't you cry,
It ain't so bad.
To lose the things,
You've never had.

You don't have money,
You ain't got fame.
While they try their best,
to blacken your name.

Play it simple,
Don't act too quick.
You drank their poison,
Till it made you sick.

Don't you cry,
It ain't so bad.
To lose the things,
You've never had.

You don't have money,
You ain't got fame.
While they try their best,
To blacken your name.

Play it simple,
Don't act too quick.
You drank their poison,
Till it made you sick.

You sang songs of freedom,
In times of change.
Remembering how,
They've been rearranged.

What does it matter,
You had no choice.
To open your mouth,
And let them hear your voice.

A one time junkie,
A night time king.
You took the bate,
And they made you sing.

DONT YOU CRY

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

Everything comes in colours and shapes...

Everything comes in colours and shapes,
The people we love,
And the things that we hate.
We travelled the distance,
Across time and space,
We made our mark but we left no trace.

We all have our reasons and things that we trust,
The same old illusions are starting to rust.
We picked a direction,
But we're straying off course,
All we have left is a buyers remorse.
Rpt. after middle 8

We go through life as if by design,
You've got yours and I've got mine.
We've all got the same wants,
We know what we need.
We're looking for answers,
And to fulfill our dreams.

We all have our reasons and things that we trust,
The same old illusions are starting to rust.
We picked a direction,
But we're straying off course,
All we have left is a buyers remorse.

A BUYERS REMORSE

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

They sell you the motto, go hustle, go fight,
But how can you soar when you’re grounded in flight?
They act like it's all in the work and the will,
But the deck's been stacked, it’s a hustle for real.
They sellin’ you a dream, like it’s made in a day,
But they don’t mention the price that you pay.
You climbin' a mountain that’s missin' the peak,
While they sit on the top man, talk is cheap.
You’re chasin’ the paper, and they’re printin’ the rules,
While they’re holdin' the keys, and your playin’ the fool.
It’s all a façade, but they package it nice,
You grind till you drop and they’re rollin’ the dice.

The way it’s set up, we can’t reach the top,
They throw us the crumbs while they feast from the trough.
The way it’s laid out, so few of us rise,
They give us the clouds, but they’re taking the skies.

You’re stuck in a loop, they’re ahead by design,
When they cash out, you’re still burnin' your time.
They like you to think it’s your fault when you fail,
But the system’s set up like a yacht with no sail.
For every boss, there’s a million in chains,
For every penny, somebody’s pain.
Don’t let ‘em fool you, don’t let ‘em define,
Success ain't for all in a world that’s designed,
To keep you in line while they pocket the gold,
A game is so rigged, but the story’s been told.
They set you up just to sell you a dream,
You’re runnin' in circles or so it would seem.

The way it’s set up, we can’t reach the top,
They throw us the crumbs while they feast from the trough.
The way it’s laid out, so few of us rise,
They give us the clouds, but they’re takin' the skies.
The way it’s set up, we can’t reach the top,
They throw us the crumbs while they feast from the trough.
The way it’s laid out, so few of us rise,
They give us the clouds, but they’re takin' the skies.

Wake up to the scheme, man, this story ain’t new,
They paintin' a picture, but it’s missin’ the view.
They preachin' and teachin' about riches and fame,
But nobody tells you, it’s all in the game.
You grindin’ forever, but what’s in your hands?
They’ll push you, they’ll blame you, no matter the plans.
So if you gonna' hustle, at least know the deal,
Success ain’t the same when it aint your wheel.
Why, I’m just sayin’, don’t buy their hype,
It’s a game that’s rigged, and we’re caught in the fight.
You can push all you want, but don’t be surprised,
That the systems set up, where greed gets the prize.

THE WAY IT'S SET UP

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

I was drowning in my sorrow,
With no strength left to fight.
Every whisper in the silence
only led me to the night.
I was searching for redemption,
In the shadows of my pain,
But every road that I travelled,
Just brought me back again.
	
All through the morning,
As I tried to rise and stand,
I stumbled on the memories,
Of the fire in my hands.
In the slow destruction
of my soul.
In the slow destruction,
Of my soul.

I was crippled by addiction, 
I was lost beyond belief. 
I was blinded by the notion, 
That I couldn't find relief.
I was tempted by the evil,
That was coursing through my veins.
I was praying that somebody,
Would release me from my chains.

All through the morning,
As I tried to rise and stand,
I stumbled on the memories,
Of the fire in my hands.
In the slow destruction
of my soul.
In the slow destruction,
Of my soul.
I heard someone outside knocking,
But I wouldn't let them in.
Fragile as I may have been,
I broke like porcelain.
The weight of every secret,
Was too heavy to confess,
So I built a wall around me,
In the silence of my mess.

All through the morning,
As I tried to rise and stand,
I stumbled on the memories,
Of the fire in my hands.
In the slow destruction
of my soul.
In the slow destruction,
Of my soul.
In the slow destruction,
Of my soul.

ADDICTION

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

This can't go on,
Dragging up the same old story.
"It's time" he said,
"To put away my tales of glory"
"The world's moved on,
And the past is where it should be"
He kept his souvenirs,
And wears his scars with pride.

There's no point in worrying,
Take your time, no hurryin',
They can all wait,
You've go nothin' left to prove"
If only someone stopped,
To take a look inside.
His thoughts are delicate,
His dreams remain immaculate.

A SONG FOR DAVE

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

Rain, thunder and ocean waves,
A moon so full I feel lost.
I thought of crossing to the other side,
And I didn't mind the cost.
I hope that there's somewhere out there,
It kept me awake last night,
All that have are the memories,
I swear that I'm feeling alright.

I made a decision to put somethings right,
Some others were left where they lay,
There's nothing else there but the sad vacant stare,
And I've seen enough today.
You called me a liar and I must admit,
The sense of elation as I took the hit,
Was worth it I fear,
As one single tear rolled down.

I'm mad at myself,
I know I did wrong,
I simply lost sight of,
You keeping me strong.
In spite of you needing,
To kick me when I'm down,
I kept on believing,
Anyway anyhow.
That it's all for nothing,
Because nobody cares,
But I'm open to dreaming,
Of a place over there.

OPEN TO DREAMING

Original Song
by Phil Dutton & Les Corlett

Lyrics

The river’s wide, the bridge is gone,
Shadows stretch, I carry on,
The moon don't shine like it used to do
I leave the old for somethin new.

The road is long, the stars are dim,
I chase the night on a broken whim,
With heavy heart, but lighter load,
I keep on walkin' down that road.

Shadows fade in the morning light,
Left my world in black and white,
Many colours I’ve never known,
Leaving home, to find my own

Wheels keep turnin', dust in the air,
Leave behind what I dare,
The past is whispers, fading slow,
I can’t go back to what I know.

Faces pass like ghosts I once knew,
Haunting words, “They’ll see right through,”
But I’m a stranger even to me,
Leaving home, so I’ll be free

Wheels keep turnin', dust in the air,
Leavin' behind what I can't repair,
The past is whispers, fading slow,
I can't go back to what I know.

LEAVING HOME

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR OUR BRAND NEW TRACK, 'LEAVING HOME'... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGxaODQPnwk
Hey there! I’m Phil Dutton, a music enthusiast, producer, composer, and singer from the UK. Alongside my long-time song writing partner, Les Corlett (who’s also an incredible vocalist—check out our older Caroda material!), we’re thrilled to have you here.

Our latest album, ‘BLACK ICE’ is now up on Soundcloud. It’s our sixth album in the last 20 months, and we’re genuinely proud of the tracks we’ve crafted together. We create all our music at home using Cakewalk on a trusty PC. I play most of the instruments, except for a few tracks where our talented friend Juan Smith lends his skills.

Music is our ultimate joy, and we hope you enjoy listening to our tunes. If you’re curious, feel free to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more musical adventures.

Thanks for joining us on this journey—it’s all about the love of music! 🎶✨

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