Dandelions are a symbol of healing in physical and emotional ways, representing an ability to survive through all difficulties by standing strong and proud.  The new album is clearly influenced by a turbulent year but is optimistic for the America that was, for looking forward, not backward and a belief that better ways and lessons can and have been learned. Rockier than previous outings, Oxygen shares Randall's British perspective with a raised eyebrow to a decade moving from Boston, New York and now Vegas.

Oxygen (Album Sampler) Released May 2021

Riffy rock with hooky melodies and a nod to the Kinks and other Brits.

Rock Paper Scissors (Album Sampler)

Collection of songs with a retro feel and/or political topics.

Retropolitan (Album Sampler) Released April 3, 2020)

STOP FALLING DOWN
Words and Music Stephen Randall

Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah

I can’t seem to focus
On the images that float
Around inside my head
Inside my head

I can’t seem to hear the words
As clearly as I used to
Hear the words you said
The words you said

CHORUS
I can’t stop falling down
No I can’t stop falling down
Excuse me while I kiss the ground
I can’t stop f f f f falling down

Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah

I can’t shake the feeling
That history is repeatuing
And I took the wrong pill
I took the wrong pill 

I can’t stop the motorcade
From changing its direction
Then the world stood still
The world stood still

CHORUS
I can’t stop falling down
No I can’t stop falling down
Excuse me while I kiss the ground
I can’t stop f f f f falling down

Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah

CHORUS
I can’t stop falling down
No I can’t stop falling down
Excuse me while I kiss the ground
I can’t stop f f f f falling down

Stop Falling Down.

OXYGEN
Words and Music Stephen Randall

I breathe your oxygen
And you know
You know that I want you
I breathe your oxygen
And it feels like
Feels like I am you

CHORUS
I need your oxygen
I need to breathe you in

I breathe your oxygen
And I’m there
I’m right there next to you
I breathe your oxygen
And it feels like
Feels like I’m in you

CHORUS
I need your oxygen
I need to breathe you in

I can breathe again
I can breathe again

CHORUS
I need your oxygen
I need your oxygen
I need your oxygen
I need your oxygen

© & Ⓟ 2014 Stephen Randall

Oxygen

MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK
Words and Music Stephen Randall

One step forward
And other step back
Look them in the eye
Cut them no slack
Cross the line
Just to make them crack
But you won’t get far
With that monkey on your back

CHORUS
Hey hey hey
Get that monkey off your back
Hey hey hey
Get that monkey off your back

Stay outta the fire
Stay away from the flack
If you don’tslow down
Or you’ll have a heart attack
You’re on the right road
But you’re on the wrong track
But you won’t get far
With that monkey on your back

CHORUS
Hey hey hey
Get that monkey off your back
Hey hey hey
Get that monkey off your back

CHORUS
Hey hey hey
Get that monkey off your back
Hey hey hey
Get that monkey off your back

Monkey Off Your Back

RAGE OF MEN
Words and Music Stephen Randall

They got something to prove
They got nothing to lose
They’re just pumped up muscle
Looking for a hustle
Gonna take you down
Gonna shake you down
Riding on the train to oblivion

They got war on the cards
They got hate in their hearts
We’re one shot away 
From being blown away
Gotta be the man
Gotta have a plan
Riding on the train to oblivion

Is it a lack of
Direction
That fans the flames
That turn into

CHORUS
Rage
Blame it on the rage of men
Rage
Blame it on the rage of men

Got to be in the tribe
Gotta believe in the lie
There are very fine guys
On both sides 
Gonna hunt us down
Gonna run this town
Riding on the train to oblivion

Is it a lack of
Connection
That fans the flames
That turn into

CHORUS
Rage
Blame it on the rage of men
Rage
Blame it on the rage of men

Blame it on the rage of men

Rage Of Men

YOUR FASCINATION
Words and Music Stephen Randall

She’s your fascination
She’s your last tempatation no
For every heart that breaks
There are hearts that ache
For fascination

She’s your invitation
She’s your imitation no no no
All the love she makes
All the while she takes
Your fascination

CHORUS
And she
Leads you astray
And she
Always gets her own way

She’s your detonation
She’s your deviation no 
Every earth qu quake 
Every milk sh shakes
Fascination

CHORUS
And she
Leads you astray
And she
Always gets her own way

Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination
She's your fascination

Your Fascination

ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
Words & Music Stephen Randall
A Bethany Sky Whitman production
Featuring Ramon Beiboer on lead guitar

When you can’t move up
And you can’t turn around
When the walls keep closing in
And the sky is falling down
And the sky is falling down

No matter where you turn
No matter where you run
When you shout out loud 
But you can’t be heard
When you have to stand your ground
You have to stand your ground

CHORUS
That’s where you want me
That’s where you need me
That’s where you got me
Between a rock and hard place

You can’t move forward
And can’t go back 
And the road is blocked ahead
And every green light turned to red
Every green light turned to red

When you’re standing on the ledge
And the voice in your head
Say don’t look down
But you still look down
You wanna jump and hit the ground
You wanna jump and hit the ground

CHORUS
That’s where you want me
That’s where you need me
That’s where you got me
Between a rock and hard place
That’s where you like me
That’s where you fight me
That’s where you right me
Between a rock and hard place

CHORUS
That’s where you want me
That’s where you need me
That’s where you got me
Between a rock and hard place
That’s where you like me
That’s where you fight me
That’s where you right me
Between a rock and hard place

Rock and a Hard Place

DO YOU NO GOOD
Words and Music Stephen Randall

Suck it up
Dial it up
Mix it up
Mess it up
Dress it up
Break it up
Which ever way you play it
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good

Don’t start 
Something that you can’t stop
Something that you want so bad
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good

Light it up
Write it up
Tighten up 
And lighten up
Fill it up
Drink it up
Which ever way you slay it
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good

Don’t start 
Something that could hurt bad
Something that could make you mad
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good

BRIDGE

Ahhhhhhhhh
No jumped up
Pumped up
Good enough
Bumped up
Pay the fine
Take your time
Make you feel better than you should

No execution
Revolution
Tearing up the Constitution 
First class institution
Second rate substitution
Make you feel you better than you could

Suck it in
Rake it in
Hold it in
Fold it in
Dive right in
Slide right in
Which ever way you say it
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good

Don’t start 
Something that you can’t stop
Something that you want so bad
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good

Suck it down
Chuck it down
Turn it down
Burn it down
Let it down
Keep it down
Which ever way you lay it
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good   

Don’t start 
Something that could hurt bad
Something that could make you mad
It’ll do you no good
Do you no good 
Do you no good 
No good no good no good
Do you no good

Do You No Good

AMERICAN SPIRIT
Words and Music Steohen Randall

Blue they’re original 
Like a new car
Gleaming in a showroom
Like the ocean
Like the ocean

Green full bodied
Color like an emerald
The color of jealousy
Take a deep breath
Draw it in

CHORUS
Light up
American Spirit
Close your eyes
And fly away
Light up
American Spirit
Taste like America 

Yellow like fire
Let it glow
Give me that spark and flame
Say my name
Say my name

Gold like her long hair
Let it flow
Put her mouth on me
Take a deep breath
Draw it in

CHORUS
Light up
American Spirit
Close your eyes
And fly away
Light up
American Spirit
Taste like America

Light up
American Spirit
Taste like America
Taste like America

American Spirit

KISS OF LIFE
Words and Music Stephen Randall

I don’t want your head
To get too big
But you talked me
Off a ledge tonight

I didn’t want the fire
To burn down the house 
I guess I never
Should have set it alight

Well maybe I’m messed up
Maybe I’m not
But I’ve never known
Nothing so right

CHORUS
Won’t you save me
Save me
Put your lips to mine
Let our tongues entwine
I need the kiss of life

I don't want my bed
To feel too big
Won’t you tuck me in
Good and tight?

I dreamed that Elvis
Married us in Vegas
I’d swear
He really was alive

Well maybe I’m messed up
Maybe I’m not
Maybe I’m as 
High as a kite

CHORUS
Won’t you save me
Save me
Put your lips to mine
Let our tongues entwine
I need the kiss of life

CHORUS
Won’t you save me
Save me
Won’t you save me
Save me
Put your lips to mine
Let our tongues entwine
I need the kiss of life
Put your lips to mine
Let our tongues entwine
I need the kiss of life

© & Ⓟ 2015 Stephen Randall

Heartlands

Kiss of Life

iTunes

Kiss Of Life

I heard the phrase "snowflake in an avalanche" and Googled it to find that it's attributed to Stanisław Jerzy Lec. I had a melancholic (my go-to mood for songs) electric piano riff and the idea that the phrase could be written into a more abstract lyric - so it could be political for some listeners, or romantic to others...

SNOWFLAKE IN AN AVALANCHE
Words and Music Stephen Randall

A rumble in the distance
A sound that signals 
Change is in the air

Avert your gaze now
You’re not alone now 
They are everywhere

CHORUS
No snowflake 
In an avalanche
Ever feels
Responsible
No snowflake 
In an avalanche
Ever feels
Responsible

Can we make it out now
Can we make it in now
Can we make it from here

This is not an option
This is not our freedom
The day we learn is near

CHORUS
No snowflake 
In an avalanche
Ever feels
Responsible
No snowflake 
In an avalanche
Ever feels
Responsible

© & Ⓟ 2015 Stephen Randall

Snowflake In An Avalanche

DUMB AND DANGEROUS THING
Words and Music Stephen Randall

We are
Of dust and a billion days
We are
Of dust and a billion days
For all that we’ve created
There’s more that we’ll erase
We are
Of dust and a billion days

We are
Silent bruised and bled
We are
Silent bruised and bled
And ashes once were flames
And flames are all but dead
We are 
Silent bruised and bled

We are
A dumb and dangerous thing
We are
A dumb and dangerous thing
The hand that cast the stone
With beauty carved the sling
We are
A dumb and dangerous thing

Instrumental 

The hand that cast the stone
With beauty carved the sling
We are
A dumb and dangerous thing

We are
A dumb and dangerous thing

Dumb and Dangerous Thing

TWO TRICK PONY
Words and Music Stephen Randall

He got nowhere to go
And nothing to buy
He got not enough to do
And too much time
Gonna wind you up slowly
And watch you unwind
He’s a two trick pony
With a one track mind

Gonna make his bed
And lie in it
Gonna fake it till he make it
And die in it
Gonna tie you up tight
He no friend of mine
He’s a two trick pony
With a one track mind
He’s a two trick pony
With a one track mind

If you think he got a trick
Hiding up his sleeve
There’s no rabbit in his hat
No magic make-believe
He’ll promise you the promised land
And leave you behind
He’s a two trick pony
With a one track mind
(One track mind)
He’s a two trick pony
With a one track mind
Tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me
(One track mind)
He’s a two trick pony
With a one track mind

Two Trick Pony

Inspired by interviews with Richard E Grant and his book, Pocketful of Happiness, about his love for his wife who asked him to try to find a pocketful of happiness every day after she passed away.

POCKETFUL OF HAPPINESS
Words and Music Stephen Randall

I got your letter
In my wallet
I can’t forgive myself
If I tried
I can’t read it
But I need it
Love is raw
With nowhere to hide

You made it good
You made it last
You made it fun
It went too fast

You were always
The one grounded
I had my head
In the clouds
Now every day
I’m reminded
You gave me
The will to survive

I don’t why
You had to go
I guess that’s something
I’ll never know

Na na na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na na na

CHORUS
Will you promise me that every day you’ll be fine
Will you promise me in every way you’ll be mine
Will you promise me that every day you will find
A pocketful of happiness

I’ll write you
Every morning
And wait in vain
For your reply
And I’ll fight you
And adore you
Just to keep
Your love alive

You made it good
You made it last
You made it fun
It went too fast

I can feel you
Like I’m near you
And I hear you
Call my name
And I imagine
You unwind me
By your presence
And your pain

I don’t why
You had to go
I guess that’s something
I’ll never know

Na na na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na na na

CHORUS
Will you promise me that every day you’ll be fine
Will you promise me in every way you’ll be mine
Will you promise me that every day you will find
A pocketful of happiness

Na na na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na na na

CHORUS
Will you promise me that every day you’ll be fine
Will you promise me in every way you’ll be mine
Will you promise me that every day you will find
A pocketful of ha ha
A pocketful of ha ha
A pocketful of happiness

Pocketful of Happiness

SMELL THE COFFEE
Words and Music Stephen Randall

CHORUS
Wake up
And smell the coffee

Johnny thinks he’s Jack White
Wears his leather pants tight
He can play a riff
On his E string all night
Wake up John
Don’t want to burst your balloon
You can’t be a rock star
If you stay in your bedroom

Katie is a packer
Wants to be actor
Bunked off of work
And then her boss gone and sacked her
Wake up Kate
Don’t expect it on a plate
And then act surprised
When you don’t get the date

CHORUS
Wake up
And smell the coffee
Wake up
And smell the coffee

Ricky dropped out early
Wasted daddy’s money
No more milk and honey
For Daddy’s favorite sonny
Wake up Rick
You’re entitled to zip
You don’t win the game
When you’re the first one to quit

CHORUS
Wake up
And smell the coffee
Wake up
And smell the coffee

Do do do
Do do do
Do do do do do do do
Do do do
Do do do
Do do do do do do do

It takes hard work to be adored
It takes hard work to be adored
It takes hard work to be adored

Smell the coffee

Smell the Coffee

NOT JUST ROME
Words and Music Stephen Randall

I don’t know what we can say 
That hasn’t been said before
I don’t know what we can do
If we don’t want to face the truth
It seems to me
That our words won’t drown out the liers
It seems to me
That our tears won’t put out the fires

I don’t know what we can try
That hasn’t been tried before
And at the risk of repeating myself I say
We don’t want to face the truth
It seems to me  
(Bang our heads against the wall)
You can close your eyes and count to ten
It seems to me
(We whistle in the wind)
You can turn around and start again

CHORUS
And so they say
Nero played
While Rome was burning  
And so it goes
It’s not just Rome
That’s burning now
We can’t all fit
In a rocket ship
And fly to Mars no
And if we could
It surely wouldn’t 
Be better than here

I can’t sit in hope and pray
That tomorrow won’t be like today
But I don’t have a prayer to sing
You know God never let me in 

I ask myself
(Bang our heads against the wall)
How could I be so naive
I ask myself
(We whistle in the wind)
How could I be so wrong

CHORUS
And so they say
Nero played
While Rome was burning  
And so it goes
It’s not just Rome
That’s burning now
We can’t all fit
In a rocket ship
And fly to Mars no
And if we could
It surely wouldn’t be better than here

Not Just Rome

IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Words and Music Stephen Randall

Hey babe
The smile on that face needs practice
When you think you don’t belong
Bury your self-doubt
Like a model at a fashion show

Well you can fake it
It’s called imposter syndrome for a reason
Take a look at yourself
Wear authentic
Like a flag of convenience

CHORUS
Oh no that voice inside your head 
Won’t let you win the day
It’s all downhill from here
Oh no you should have stayed in bed
You won’t get away with it
It’s all downhill from here

Hey babe
You sweat it a while but then you crushed it
You deserve to take a bow
Only you can stop you
Only you can stop you now

Well no one’s perfect
Just know that you can work it ‘cos you’re worth it
Know you’re not alone
Be reckless
Fuck the world and have some fun

CHORUS
Oh no that voice inside your head 
Won’t let you win the day
It’s all downhill from here
Oh no you should have stayed in bed
You won’t get away with it
It’s all downhill from here

Oh no that voice inside your head 
Won’t let you win the day
It’s all downhill from here
Oh no you should have stayed in bed
You won’t get away with it
It’s all downhill from here

Imposter Syndrome

SAVE ME FROM MYSELF (AGAIN)
Words and Music Stephen Randall

Wake up son
You’re sitting on an atom bomb
Oh don’t worry too much
I can take it from here

And my Daddy told me son
You better save it for a rainy day
I said Daddy don’t you know
You can put on payaway

And I’ve got nothing to say
But that’s ok
And I’ve got nothing holding me
Stand back
Move out of my way

CHORUS
Save me from myself again
Save me from myself

We can laugh for free
We have the riches of the poor
Yeah take it from me
We didn’t get the good seats

And my Daddy was right
But I didn’t know it at the time
I’m a glass-half fool
Drinking half a glass of larger and lime

And I’ve got nothing to say
But that’s ok
And I’ve got nothing holding me
Stand back
Move out of my way

CHORUS
Save me from myself again
Save me from myself

Stand back
Move out of my way

CHORUS
Save me from myself again
Save me from myself

Save Me From Myself (Again)

UH HUH HUH
Words and Music Stephen Randall

We set fire to the world
Between the snow and the strawberry moon
How could so much hope be undone so soon 

They play us for fools
And preach to the godless and tired
And there’s no peace until the last shot is fired

We must be doing everything we can
We must be doing everything we can 
We must be doing everything we can 
To screw up again

CHORUS
Uh huh huh Uh huh huh
Uh huh huh Uh huh huh 

Many good men will fold
Where truth dies and witches drown
And naked kings still wear the crown

We must be doing everything we can
We must be doing everything we can 
We must be doing everything we can 
To screw up again

CHORUS
Uh huh huh Uh huh huh
Uh huh huh Uh huh huh 

We must be doing everything we can
We must be doing everything we can 
We must be doing everything we can
To screw up again

Uh Huh Huh

Remix of one of my older songs....

ONE PROMISE (I CAN’T KEEP)
Words and Music Stephen Randall

I promise I'll be there for you girl
When you need the strength to carry on
And I promise I won't let you down girl
I'll come running when you feel alone

But if you ask me not to cross the line
Between a friend and the lover 
That I know you need
Well that's one promise that I
One promise that I
I can’t keep

I promise I will always be true girl
You know I’ll never tell you lies
And I promise I’d be happy just holding you girl
Staring into those eyes

But if you ask me not to cross the line
Between a friend and the lover
That I know you need
Well that's one promise that I
One promise that I
I can’t keep

I can't be just a friend to you
That would be too hard for me you know
I need to be the one waking up next to you
That would be so easy for me you know

I promise I'll be there for you girl
When you need the strength to carry on
And I promise I won't let you down girl
I'll come running when you feel alone

But if you ask me not to cross the line
Between a friend and the lover
That I know you need
Well that's one promise that I
One promise that I
I can’t keep 

Oh, t hat's one promise that I
One promise that I
I can’t keep

© & Ⓟ 2013 Stephen Randall

One Promise (I Can't Keep)

ENGLAND  BACK (LIKE RAY DAVIES SINGS)
Words and Music Stephen Randall

He dresses like a girl
She dresses like his boyfriend
His brother temped 
At Marks and Sparks
But only on weekends
His father smoked two packs a day
And played away 
Died peacefully in the end
And all the Dunkirk memories
Died with him
The greatest generation

CHORUS
They want their England back
And God save the Queen
God save the Queen
They want to rule Britannia
Like Ray Davies sings

She waits in line
So patiently
For her National Health glasses
They long for strawberries and cream
And Wimbledon grasses
Wake me up with cup of Tetley
A slice of Hovis
Eggs, bacon and beans
But the rain is falling down
It’s falling down it’s falling down
On Coronation Street

CHORUS
They want their England back
And God save the Queen
God save the Queen
They want to rule Britannia
Like Ray Davies sings

He made his bed each day
Exactly the way
He learned in the army
When Hurricanes and Spitfires fly
Swarm in the sky
And white cliffs cry

CHORUS
They want their England back
And God save the Queen
God save the Queen
They want to rule Britannia
Like Ray Davies sings

England Back (Like Ray Davies Sings)

OH YOU INNOCENT
Words and Music Stephen Randall

You wake with some regret
And tandoori breath
Leaves you wanting
More or less

They sold you beautiful 
But you’re no model no
Life’s not a fashion show
You’re a mess

CHORUS
Oh you innocent
There’s no walking in the rain
Oh you innocent
There’s no pleasure without some pain

You feel like you’re faking it
Everyone’s doing it
They can’t tell you why
Or why not

There must be something wrong
There must be something right
Either you play along
Or you quit

CHORUS
Oh you innocent
There’s no walking in the rain
Oh you innocent
There’s no pleasure without some pain

Oh you innocent
There’s no walking in the rain
Oh you innocent
There’s no pleasure without some pain

Oh You Innocent

SLOWLY
Words and Music Stephen Randall

Shooting stars are falling by
A million light beams in the sky  
Why does  the world turn
So slowly

Suns are burning up tonight
But they're still shining oh so bright
Why does the world turn
So slowly

I don't want to wait another day
I don't want to wait another day

Slowly slowly slowly
Why does the world turn
Slowly slowly slowly

The moon has drawn so close to me
I could touch tranquility
Why does the world turn
So slowly

The universe's mysteries
Are marked in time and history
Why does the world turn
So slowly
    
I don't want to wait another day
I don't want to wait another day

Slowly slowly slowly
Why does the world turn
Slowly slowly slowly

We appear for an atom's death
And yet I wait to taste your breath
Why does the world turn
So slowly

Slowly

YOUR FASCINATION
Words and Music Stephen Randall

She’s your fascination
She’s your last temptation no
For every heart that breaks
There are hearts that ache
For fascination

She’s your invitation
She’s your imitation no no no
All the love she makes
All the while she takes
Your fascination

CHORUS
And she
Leads you astray
And she
Always gets her own way

She’s your detonation
She’s your deviation no 
Every earth qu quake 
Every milk sh shakes
Fascination

CHORUS
And she
Leads you astray
And she
Always gets her own way

Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination
Your fascination

Adore

Jangle

NONE HIT WONDER
Words and Music Stephen Randall

He sits alone in his bedroom
Waiting for the words to come
But inspiration is easier said than done

He plays the chords he always plays
His mother says it’s just a phase he’s going through
Da do run run

And it’s not fair
That every classic song
Has come and gone
He sits alone
In his bedroom
He’s a none hit wonder

Imagined fans stand in line
Waiting for the one that they adore
But he’s not cool for school he’s quite a bore

And though he dreams he’s in magazines
And signing autographs in record stores
Da do run run

And it’s not fair
That every classic song
Has come and gone
He sits alone
In his bedroom
He’s a none hit wonder
 
And it’s not fair
That every classic song
Has come and gone
He sits alone
In his bedroom
He’s a none hit wonder

But he don’t quit
With one less hit
Than a one hit wonder

None Hit Wonder

SALTWATER
Words and Music Stephen Randall and Bethany Sky Whitman

Ocean girl
Touch the sky
Live to fulfill all your fantasies
City boy
Change the world
Deliver on your dreams and stratgeies 

Ocean girl
Dolphins cry
You can hear the whale song deep inside
City boy
City lights
Maybe one day you can see me fly 

We can meet somewhere in the middle
Take a drive (were we both feel alive)
Wrap ourselves in a blanket of stars 

CHORUS
Oh oh give me saltwater kisses
Oh oh oh be my saltwater girl    

Ocean girl
Breathlessly
Turning every heart with your alchemy
City Boy
Restlessly
Burning to create your legacy

We can meet somewhere in the middle
Take a drive were we both feel alive
Wrap ourselves in a blanket of stars 

CHORUS
Oh oh give me saltwater kisses
Oh oh oh be my saltwater girl

Saltwater

Storm

TOO MANY ASSHOLES
Words and Music Stephen Randall

CHORUS
Too many assholes in this world
Too many assholes in this world
                    
Guess there's a reason why 
God gave us one         
Yes there's a reason why
God gave us one        
Two eyes to see
Two ears to hear
One mouth to speak     
When there's something to say
If not, shut the fuck up.
                                         
Ooh you little asshole oh
You little Hitler oh  
Ooh you little asshole oh
 
CHORUS
Too many assholes in this world
Too many assholes in this world 
 
You little Hitler
You power hungry fool
I bet your pay grade
Is squeezing your balls     
Do we make your day 
When we fall at your feet?               
Does it make you hard
When you sense our defeat?   

Ooh you little asshole oh
You little Hitler  
Ooh you little asshole oh
 
CHORUS
Too many assholes in this world
Too many assholes in this world

Too Many Assholes

GBGH

Shine On

WALK DON’T RUN (DANCE IN RICH MAN SHOES)
Words and Music Stephen Randall 

Give yourself a medal
Chainsaw thief
Stick it to the man
Take it to the chief
Look at you 
Coo ca choo
You got better things to do
Rake it in
Don’t play games with me

Take me to your leader
Take me to your grief
Burn down the mission
Sell them your belief
Flashback
Brain hack
Backtrack
Heart attack
Zip it up
Keep me numb and free

CHORUS
Walk - Woo - Don’t run
Dance in rich man shoes
Walk - Woo - Don’t run
Dance in rich man shoes

Hold on to your horses
Dress for the show
We got somewhere
We need to go
Take out
Self doubt
Drown out
Pay out
Shake it up
I got moves for you

CHORUS

OUTRO
Walk - Woo - Don’t run
Walk - Woo - Don’t run
Dance in rich man’s shoes

Walk, Don't Run (Dance in Rich Man's Shoes)

ALL THE YOUNG DUDES
David Bowie

Billy rapped all night about his suicide 
How he’ll kick it in the head when he is 25 
Speed jive, don't wanna stay alive, when you're 25

Wendy's stealing clothes from Marks and Sparks
And Freddy's got spots from ripping off the stars from his face 
Funky little boat race 

The television man is crazy 
Saying we're juvenile delinquent wrecks 
Oh man I need a TV when I got T. Rex 
Hey mister you guessed 
I'm a dude man

CHORUS 
All the young dudes 
Carry the news 
Boogaloo dudes 
Carry the news
All the young dudes 
Carry the news 
Boogaloo dudes 
Carry the news

Now Jimmy’s looking sweet 
‘Cos he’s dressed like a queen 
He can kick like a mule 
It's a real mean team 
But we can love 
Oh we can love 

And my brother's back at home 
With his Beatles and his Stones 
We never got if off on that revolution stuff 
What a drag 
Too many snags 

Now I drunk a lot of wine 
And I'm feeling fine 
Gonna race some cat to bed 
Is there concrete all around 
Or in my head, just in my head
Yeah I'm a dude man

CHORUS 
All the young dudes 
Carry the news 
Boogaloo dudes 
Carry the news
All the young dudes 
Carry the news 
Boogaloo dudes 
Carry the news

All The Young Dudes (Bowie/Mott The Hoople Cover)

Inspired by Ray Davies of the Kinks and a blistering article by the late AA Gill on Brexit.

ENGLAND  BACK (LIKE RAY DAVIES SINGS)
Words and Music Stephen Randall

He dresses like a girl
She dresses like his boyfriend
His brother temped 
At Marks and Sparks
But only on weekends
His father smoked two packs a day
And played away 
Died peacefully in the end
And all the Dunkirk memories
Died with him
The greatest generation

CHORUS
They want their England back
And God save the Queen
God save the Queen
They want to rule Britannia
Like Ray Davies sings

She waits in line
So patiently
For her National Health glasses
They long for strawberries and cream
And Wimbledon grasses
Wake me up with cup of Tetley
A slice of Hovis
Eggs, bacon and beans
But the rain is falling down
It’s falling down it’s falling down
On Coronation Street

CHORUS
They want their England back
And God save the Queen
God save the Queen
They want to rule Britannia
Like Ray Davies sings

He made his bed each day
Exactly the way
He learned in the army
When Hurricanes and Spitfires fly
Swarm in the sky
And white cliffs cry

CHORUS
They want their England back
And God save the Queen
God save the Queen
They want to rule Britannia
Like Ray Davies sings

NONE OF US ARE SUPERMAN
Words and Music Stephen Randall

We all live in our Fortresses of Solitude
We all do the very best we can
Hiding from our own secret identity
But none of us are Superman no
None of us are Superman 
We have to get it while we can 
None of us are Superman      

We all live in our own little Metropolis
Living for work or working to live
But most of us are like the Clark Kents of the world
And none of us are Superman no
None of us are Superman 
We have to get it while we can 
None of us are Superman      

And none of us are Superman no
None of us are Superman 
We have to get it while we can 
None of us are Superman

None Of Us Are Superman

I've been gone a while, bouncing between London, Brisbane, Boston, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco. This song was inspired by some of those long distance flights. (With production snaps to Bethany Sky Whitman)

RED EYE
Words and Music Stephen Randall
  
Every face looks the same
On this red eye
Am I the only one not asleep?
We sat on the runway
For two hours
Don’t wait up for me

When will we start to-descend
This endless flight just won’t end
Drink and pills won’t get me home

CHORUS
And I got a fear of flying
Try to steer clear of dying
And the clouds confirm I’m flying high
And the fear’s intensifying
Can’t escape, it’s terrifying
Strapped in suspended in the skyyyyyy

And I’ve seen every movie 
On this red eye
I’m so tired but I still can’t sleep
Flight attendant
Pushing dull refreshments
And plastic food that I can’t eat 

Stuck in a middle seat
Curtained from the elite
Drink and pills please get me home

CHORUS
And I got a fear of flying
Try to steer clear of dying
And the clouds confirm I’m flying high
And the fear’s intensifying
Can’t escape, it’s terrifying
Strapped in suspended in the skyyyyyy

And I’ve seen every movie 
On this redeye
I’m so tired but I still can’t sleep

When will we start to-descend
This endless flight just won’t end
Drink and pills please get me home

CHORUS
And I got a fear of flying
Try to steer clear of dying
And the clouds confirm I’m flying high
And the fear’s intensifying
Can’t escape, it’s terrifying
Strapped in suspended in the skyyyyyy

When will we start to-descend
This endless flight just won’t end
Drink and pills please get me home

Red Eye

VINYL
Words and Music Stephen Randall

We missed a beat they day we lost dear John
Imagine what the world would be without his songs
We could dance to a different tune
But nothing moves us now
So let’s party like it’s 1965
When the vinyl had the coolest vibe

Walking past the door at number 3
Reading the graffiti from fan s just like me
Even scratches on my LP sounded sweet
So let’s party like it’s 1965
But I wish that John was still alive

So we climb inside you head
And read the words that you once said
And sing the songs that still live on
And on and on and on and on
And on and on and on and on
And on and on and on and on
And on and on and on and on

Even scratches on my LP sounded sweet
So let’s party like it’s 1965
God I wish that John was still alive

Vinyl

This mix features https://soundcloud.com/finn-slide-guitarist on slide guitar. Big thanks to the man from Oslo.

THE DEVIL INSIDE
Words and Music Stephen Randall

The Devil chooses every night
An innocent soul to excite
And this evening for his game
The girl that he would claim
Wouldn’t know she had the Devil inside

The girl wanted everything right
She even wanted to lose it wearing white
But she couldn’t understand
That the Devil had a plan
And tonight was going to be his night
 
CHORUS
She had the Devil standing there by her side
Smiling 'cos he knew what she liked
She had Devil standing there by her side
God in her heart
But the Devil came along for the ride
 
The satisfaction of the Devil incarnate
Was the reaction as he sealed her fate
And tonight with added flair
He wanted her to swear
She looked young but she wasn’t jailbait

CHORUS
She had the Devil standing there by her side
Smiling 'cos he knew what she liked
She had Devil standing there by her side
God in her heart
But the Devil came along for the ride

© & Ⓟ 2013 Stephen Randall


If you like this song, you might also like:

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/melt

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/in-over-your-head

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/holly-bought-a-fender

The Devil Inside

I always loved this track - and in a world that seems increasingly like a disaster movie with the combination of Covid-19, Trump and the George Floyd protests, the track resonated even more. 

I changed the lyrics in the last verse from "Hand out the arms and ammo, we're going to blast our way through here" to "Lock up your arms and ammo, we're gonna march our way through here". There's enough violence and chaos in the world. Democracy moves when we are able to be heard. Stay safe out there.

SOMETHING IN THE AIR
Thunderclap Newman
Words and Music by John Keen

Call out the instigators
Because there's something in the air
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here, and you know it's right

And you know that it's right
We have got to get it together
We have got to get it together now

Lock up the streets and houses
Because there's something in the air
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here, and you know it's right

And you know that it's right
We have got to get it together
We have got to get it together now

Lock up your arms and ammo
We're gonna march our way through here
We've got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution's here, and you know it's right

And you know that it's right
We have got to get it together
We have got to get it together now

Something In The Air (Thunderclap Newman Cover)

GIRL IN A CLOUD
Words and Music Stephen Randall

I will wait for you
My girl in a cloud
Keep on shining through
My girl in a cloud
We need something
More than we can get
And life hasn't yielded
To us yet 
So I will wait for you
My girl in a cloud

You can fly for me
My girl in a cloud
You are the sky for me
My girl in a cloud
You’re my hope
You’re my song
And when you smile
We are strong
And you can fly for me
My girl in a cloud

And when it rains
You’re above the rain
And when it shines
You part and let it shine, shine, shine

Hey there girl in a cloud
When I’m alone
I’m not alone
I’m your man on the ground 
And in an instant, we are one
And words alone cannot express
How a girl in a cloud
Has me obsessed
And I will be with you
My girl in a cloud
 
And when it rains
You’re above the rain
And when it shines
You part and let it shine, shine, shine

And I will wait for you
Yes I will wait for you
Oh I will wait for you
My girl in a cloud
  
© & Ⓟ 2013 Stephen Randall

If you like this song, you might also like one of these:

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/naive

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/in-their-name

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/ghost-of-me

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/the-briefest-time

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/still

Girl In A Cloud

Thanks to Bethany Sky Whitman @bethany-sky-whitman for her production and arrangement help.

MISSING AMERICA
Words and Music Stephen Randall
 
Millions of people looking West
Dreaming of meaning or being the best
Escaping poverty or wars and unrest
For a safe place to work and a safe place to rest
 
Is the dream an illusion after all?
Was it Hollywood and admen and rock and roll
That made us believe that that wide open road
Took us to freedom not urban sprawl

CHORUS
We’re missing America
Land of the proud and the free
We’re missing America
We want the American dream
We’re missing America
Home of opportunity
We’re missing America
And the promise of equality  

Kennedy men with square cut jaws
Land men on the moon and fight far way wars 
The napkin plans of entrepreneurs
When impossible was just a word to ignore

Steam from subways blowing up from the street
Lifting Marilyn’s dress and a million heartbeats
Mustang screeching down Russian Hill
Left my heart where there’s a homeless landfill

CHORUS
We’re missing America
Land of the proud and the free
We’re missing America
We want the American dream
We’re missing America
Home of opportunity
We’re missing America
And the promise of equality

Missing America

This is a song from 2010 that I revisited in June 2013.  I liked the unpredictable chord changes (even though they are "normal" chords, the progression is less predictable Dm Am G  Dm Am G  Bb G A Aaug Bb G  A...)   

CRASH
Words and Music Stephen Randall

You could break every bone
Jumping off a ledge 
And never hit the ground
You could fly close to the sun
Melt your pretty wings
And fall into my arms 

Give in to everything
Throw caution to wind
And crash

We could crash
(If we need love)
We could crash 
(If we feed love)
We could crash 
(If we heed love)
We could crash 
(If we bleed love)

I don't care if we crash
Just as long as we
Give it our best shot
It’s not that we could break
It’s just that we should make 
The most of what we’ve got

Give in to everything
Throw caution to the wind
And crash

We could crash
(If we need love)
We could crash
(If we feed love)
We could crash
(If we heed love)
We could crash
(If we bleed love)

© & Ⓟ 2010 Stephen Randall

If you like this track you might also like:

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/naive

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/in-their-name

https://soundcloud.com/stephenrandall-1/china-shop

Crash

Video: https://youtu.be/aRxjCsrTRN4

LEAVE THE YEAR BEHIND
Words and Music Stephen Randall

We could get on an plane
Or we could go on a cruise 
Or sit in a movie
And ignore all the news 

And we’re eating out tonight
‘Cos that’s all we really want
‘Cos we’re missing all the noise
Of a crowded restaurant  
Let me tell you a secret
‘Cos you’re my confident
  
Pack your bags let’s go 
Let’s go Lets go
Let’s go go go go go

CHORUS
Leave the year behind 
It’s been a really bad one for everyone
We’re not alone in feeling alone, alone, alone
Leave the year behind
Leave the year behind

We’re talking to strangers
We’re shaking their hands
We’re laughing and we’re happy
To be making all these plans

And we’re running to the shops
To buy so many things
‘Cos the sales are all on
Yeah the sales are in full swing  
So grab your credit card
We’re gonna buy everything

Start the car let’s go 
Let’s go let’s go
Let’s go go go go go

CHORUS
Leave the year behind 
It’s been a really bad one for everyone
We’re not alone in feeling alone, alone alone
Leave the year behind
Leave the year behind

Pack your bags let’s go 
Let’s go let’s go
Let’s go go go go go

CHORUS
Leave the year behind 
It’s been a really bad one for everyone
We’re not alone in feeling alone, alone, alone
Leave the year behind
Leave the year behind

Leave the year behind 
It’s been a really bad one for everyone
We’re not alone in feeling alone, alone, alone
Leave the year behind
Leave the year behind

Leave The Year Behind

Thanks to Bethany Sky Whitman @bethany-sky-whitman for her production and arrangement help.

GO BIG OR GO HOME
Words and Music Stephen Randall

Every day is Sunday
So I’ll stay in bed ‘till noon
I’ll make some plans to call my friends
In the afternoon
But my motivation so to speak
Needs a little shake
‘Cos the world won’t wait forever
There are plenty on the make

I know you know that I know
The creeps and the geeks and the freaks will steal the show

CHORUS
So hold me like you used to
And tell me so I know
Unwind me if I’m going too fast
And wind when I’m slow
Oh slap me to my senses
If I’m feeling low
Go big or go home
Go big or go home

Even if I’m not the most
Energetic type
I’ll be the first to fight for you
I’ll be the first to strike
Truth be told I love you
I don’t mean that to sound trite
But just because I love you
Doesn’t always make you right

I know you know that I know
The creeps and the geeks and the freaks will steal the show

CHORUS
So hold me like you used to
And tell me so I know
Unwind me if I’m going too fast
And wind when I’m slow   
Remind me ever so delicately
There’s room for me to grow
Go big or go home
Go big or go home

CHORUS
So hold me like you used to
And tell me so I know
Unwind me if I’m going too fast
And wind when I’m slow
Oh slap me to my senses
If I’m feeling low
Go big or go home
Go big or go home

So hold me like you used to
And tell me so I know
Unwind me if I’m going too fast
And wind when I’m slow   
Remind me ever so delicately
There’s room for me to grow
Go big or go home
Go big or go home

GBGH (Go Big or Go Home)

I'm a Brit in America.

I've released eight albums - Naive in 2014, Above The Rain in 2015, Heartlands in 2016, The Freaks and the Brave in 2017, Nashville When I Rise in 2018, Retropolitan in 2020, Oxygen in 2021 and Rock Paper Scissors in 2023.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/oxygen/1567362004
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/retropolitan/1505508938
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nashville-when-i-rise/1422418349
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-freaks-and-the-brave/id1278535762
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heartlands/id1131404464
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/above-the-rain/id1023879301
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/naive/id882888725
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/na%C3%AFve/id1202021941
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenRandall

I also released a tribute song for the victims of the Boston Marathon, We Will Run Again, (100% of the proceeds go to the victims) which is also available on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-will-run-again/id858791917

I used to write songs for other artists and thought that getting covers was what it was all about. Whenever I heard the end results of what other artists, producers or A&R people would do with my songs, I mostly found it soul destroying, so I allowed myself to I get distracted for a while - inventing a digital guitar (The Stepp DG1 and DGX) and getting involved in mobile computing (Symbian).  Then about eight years ago I started writing again and this time I wrote for myself and rediscovered my passion. So here I am, a songwriter again. 

I record on a MacBook Pro using Logic Pro X, and play a Fender Jazzmaster (my current go-to), American Fender Tele, '59 Epiphone semi acoustic, Taylor 614ce acoustic, Paul Reed Smith PRS Custom 24, Epiphone Sheraton II Pro, Fender Jazz Bass, Line 6 Variax JTV, Stepp DG1 (of course!), Nord Piano 4/MIDI keyboard, Gretsch Lap Steel and am learning pedal steel on a Sho-Bud Pro pedal steel guitar. 

The Soundcloud community has fostered my motivation for songwriting and music discovery. Thanks for listening - every comment, constructive or otherwise inspires me.

Cheers,

Stephen

StephenRandall

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