This is kinda dark.

Lyrics;
The empty eyes
Had seen the future
A silent heart
Had found the past

Off into the distance
An engine roars
The sound is fading
Very fast

Dead end alley
End of the road
Dead end 
is all you need to know

Yellow light darkly shines
And dimly reaches ground
Dumpsters tethered to the walls
Where treasures for lost souls are found

Moon is new
Stars beam through the dim light glare
A cool breeze
Stirs the dirty air

Dead end alley
End of the road
Dead end

The empty eyes
Had seen the future
A silent heart
Had found the past

Dead end alley
End of the road
Dead end 
is all you need to know

Dead End Alley

COOP Lyrics

His is about some dude on a beach....😉 

Lyrics;
People looking for me
in some other place
FBI on the news
Have you seen this face?

There's no TV'S here
Just sand and some waves
And my beard's getting long
Cause I haven't shaved

I'm on the run
Reclined in this chair
Just a guy with some time
And lots of money to spare

Got my feet to the sea
Umbrella for shade
Cold drink in my hand
Yeah, I've got it made

Some dude on the beach
Nobody cares
A guy on the run
could be anywhere

A notorious criminal
Daredevil I hear
Biding his time
Til the coast is all clear

I used to play by the rules
With the suit and a tie
Regular citizen
Real stand up guy

But after some time
The air got too stale
And my colorful world
Began to grow pale

So I took a leap
On a cold rainy night
And just disappeared
And I'm still out of sight

Yeah, I'm on the run
Reclined in this chair
Just a guy with some time
And lots of money to spare

Just some dude on the beach
Nobody cares
A guy on the run
Could be anywhere

The sun's burning hot
And I've got a fresh tan
I'm living the life
Of a real wanted man

I used to play by the rules
With the suit and a tie
Regular citizen
Real stand up guy

Got my feet to the sea
Umbrella for shade
Cold drink in my hand
Yeah, I've got it made

COOP

Pluto's Retort

Here is Pluto's Retort. This is actually the second time I've written it. The first one was a bit longer. but got lost.  The story just seemed to fit the music so well. 

Lyrics;
Pluto here, the planet
And I'm gonna fix the spin
That's buzzing round the galaxy
And buzzes back around again

I heard ol Neil talk about me
I heard Neil put me down
Well, Neil degrasse Tyson,
Don't think I need you 'round

I'm the planet you call Pluto
Rocking groupies are on my path, that's true
They just wannt to see the show
Don't let that bother you

It takes a little while for me
to orbit around the sun
Your Earth goes round 248 times
Before I can go around one

But I'm the rock star of the Kuiper
Finding loving groupies on my way
And I'm pushing right on through
So what you got to say

Who needs a sub planet anyway

Yeah! Pluto here, the planet
I'm here to fix the spin
Neil, you gotta tell 'em
That I'm planet nine again!

Yeah, I'm the planet you call Pluto
It's been a rocky road, that's true
But Ice and rock don't bother me
Don't let it bother you

Pluto's Retort

There is this little break.  We hope you like it.  The inspiration for the lyrics is a dream that consists of a giant puzzle.  It looks geometric, like farmland. The dream stops but it begins again, and again, and again...  There is this puzzle...  iT MUST BE SOLVED...

Lyrics;
Running down a rabbit hole
Your bright world turning black as coal
The optimistic mystic spell
A pessimistic prison cell

See your dream with eagle eye
But with broken wings you'll never fly
The unexplained in full control, has got you
Running down a rabbit hole

Your feelings change with every move
You find the beat but lose the groove
Confidence leaps from your heart
You feel your faith falling apart

Deeper still the search goes on and on
Darker still before the dawn
So unsure of what you'll find
The draw too strong to leave behind

Pieces of a puzzle
Becoming clear within your view
The answer right before you
But you don't know what to do
Fade to black
You haven't got a clue

Running down a rabbit hole
Hit the target but miss the goal
Questions only multiply
Where when what and how and why

The Nightmares burn and leave a scar
Inside your mind they're never far
They chase after your very soul
Running down a rabbit hole

Rabbit Hole

Lyrics;
The time we share means more to me
Than anything this world could ever give
The time we share is the reason
For why I want to live

Like leaves change color in the fall
The hair turns gray upon my head
I've lost a bit of wherewithal
But love you more each time I love you is said.

The time we share is not enough
If it took us to the end of everything
The time we share is the answer
You give my life its very meaning

Seas rise and fall upon the shore
Mountains rise up to the skies
And my heart flies when I see you smile
The bright blue sky could never match your eyes

When darkness cast its shadow
The cold is at the door
Fear looks through the window
Of my soul

I see you there before me
I gently take your hand
We face the coming storms
To the end we make our stand

The time we share means more to me
Than anything this world could ever share
Time with you is all I need
My world is here cause you are there

For Mary

Because You're There

A little bit of fun. I used to hate disco. Not anymore.
Lyrics;
You feel the ground It's moving!
Pulsing through the street
It kicks you out your comfy chair
And puts you on your feet

You know you're not a dancer
You move like wet concrete
And you always hated disco
But You gotta love that beat!

Burnin' through the walls
Your feel the rhythm's heat
This vibe has got you groovin'
And it's hard to be discrete
You tried to fight against it
But wound up in defeat

And you always hated disco
But you  really love that beat

Always Hated Disco

Lyrics;
Summer brought the sunshine
Winter brought the freeze
Spring had sprung me to my feet
You want me falling to my knees

You brushed me off your shoulders
You up and turned your back
The tight rope I've been walking on
Feeling mighty slack

Once we had a fire
Burning hot and bright
Long gone are the embers
And it's pretty cold at night

This race is run
What's done is done
We ran right off the course
No point in pointing fingers
Or beating this dead horse

I remember way back when
On the day you said "I do"
Love me till the day I die
Now I see that wasn't true

And so I'll say goodbye my love
And move on down the line
Thinking of what might have been
Got to get you off my mind

Once we had a fire
Burning hot and bright
Long gone are the embers
And it's freezing cold at night

This race is run
What's done is done
We ran right off the course
No point in pointing fingers
Or beating this dead horse

Dead Horse

Lyrics;
I'm in the middle of nowhere
A long long way from my team player days
Hop skip and jump from the freeway
But you're gone for miles no matter which way

Another day's blending in with the last
I'm passing the time that flies past me so fast
I rise in the morning and try to keep pace
As this kid in my mirror reflects an old face

Think of the places I'd once been
If I could would I go back again?
The air here's gone stifle and stale
And I'm in a rudderless boat at sea with slack sail

Thoughts travel back to the days of my teens
To my torn flannel shirts and bell bottom blue jeans
When I knew it all though I hadn't a clue
And someday was when I'd have something to do

Well, I'm growing old that's a stone cold fact
I try to look forward can't help looking back
Been feeling restless but don't really know
If I'm I too set in my ways to pull up stakes  and go?

I'm in the middle of nowhere
A long long way from my headier days
A hop skip and jump to go somewhere
But I've been there before and I've nowhere to stay

All of the days blending in with the past
Blurring the spaces between the first and the last
Why rise in the morning and try to keep pace
When the kid in my mirror reflects this old face

Been so long since I was wild and free
Leaving to chance the future waiting for me
The middle of nowhere is all I could find
And what might have been has left me behind

I'm in the middle of nowhere

The Middle Of Nowhere

Lyrics;
The sky was blue
The trees were bare
And Jimmy  wished
he wasn't there
Another year going to school
Where kids excel
at being cruel
In the classroom
In the corner
At the back of the class
As the teacher
Speaks to no one
Doesn't matter they'll all pass
Playing games at every turn
Complete with trophies
never earned
Comes the time to graduate
Blinders off
The world awaits
Dad shows him the door
This house is not home anymore
On his own he finds a trade
Modest job modestly paid
Hollow world
Of hollow men
Calloused hands
And Calloused friends
Wonders why he's still here
Go through the motions every year
Is he part of some great plan?
Is there a place where he fits in?
Same old questions he asks himself
Same old place he's always been.
The sky still blue
The trees still bare
And Jimmy wished
he wasn't there ...

The Book Of Jimmy

Gumshoe is a slang term for a private detective, or someone who investigates criminal or illicit activity, or searches for missing people. The term comes from those who wore street shoes with a thick, soft, and quiet rubber sole

A paradigm is a model, pattern, or set of ideas that can be used as a standard or perspective for looking at something. It can also refer to a theory or group of ideas about how something should be done or made.
Lyrics;

It was cool in San Francisco
It was cold in up New York
Watched the ball drop on the TV
And then I popped the cork

Not much for celebration
But for the new year raise a toast
Washed down some resolutions
Said goodbye to some old ghosts

And I hear the clock
That tics and tocks
Count the money for my time
Scent of perfume
In a smoke filled room
A gumshoe's paradigm

The cigarette that smoldered
In the ashtray wasn't mine
Had an envelope with cash
And contract freshly signed

Reclining in my chair
With a mystery in mind
The client's sordid story
About a girl he left behind

And I hear the clock
And someone walk
And a shadow on the blinds
Scent of perfume
In a smoke filled room
A gumshoe's paradigm

A target of new focus
Had entered through my door
Soft hands with painted nails
And a shiny 44

Not a word was needed
The message loud and clear
Back off while you can old man
Or you've seen your last new year

She left as she had come
Smoke swirled in her wake
But she'd left the door wide open
And a trail for me to take

And I hear the clock
That tics and tocks
Count the money for my time
Scent of perfume
In a smoke filled room
A gumshoe's paradigm

A Gumshoe's Paradigm

Always A Perfect Day
In a world of unrest, war and forced overtime. Life can get so heavy it weighs you down. Come plug in to a world of peace and tranquility. Where no matter the news or weather, every day is a perfect day.
Sposored by B.R.A.I.N.
( Breach Recondite Artificial Intelligence Network)
Lyrics,
No worries 'bout the weather
That's what everyone will say
Clouds or rain or warm sunshine
Always a perfect day

Hear the buzzing in the air
From electric power lines
The vibe will pulse right through your feet
Bringing comfort your mind

I came here in a troubled time
And lost the will to leave
With nothing in my pockets
No aces up my sleeve

I faded to the background
A sinking boat still mored
Hypnotized by rhythmic waves
Until totally absorbed 

Floating in a real live dream
This is where you get away
Let go the world that brought you here
That's the only price you'll pay

Connect your own paradise
If you come here plan to stay
Lose your mind come rain or shine
Always a perfect day

Always A Perfect Day

Lyrics;
I didn't ask to be here
But I don't want to leave
They say you won't find Heaven
If you don't believe

I wake up every morning
my body feeling sore
And I still have no idea
what this life is for

Memories crawling forward
From way back in my mind
Like bugs from out of nowhere
That I can't leave behind

I heard the Word as I grew up
But folks would read it differently
Now I don't know who's right or wrong
Guess we'll just have to wait and see

I didn't ask to be here
But I don't want to leave
Can you stumble into Heaven
If you don't believe

See things on the news
Spun and twisted for more views
The misery can sometimes get a bit
much to me

See places that I'll never go
Edited for prime time shows
The hardships and the poverty

They didn't ask to be there
And they can't seem to leave
But can find their way to Heaven
If they just believe

But the world can be so wonderful
So I go outside to get my fill
Of trees and grass and clouds and sky
As raindrops fell before my eyes

And the world can be cold and dark
And lightning's bound to leave a mark
Back to the shelter of my home
Watch through the window till the storm is gone

Too much time I have to think
I feel my feelings start to sink
Those creeping bugs soon return
With ghosts of the past and lessons learned

No, I didn't ask to be here
But I sure don't want to leave
How can anyone find Heaven
If they don't believe?

Bugs

Lyrics;
Aliens or Angels
Art Bell on the air one night
Said something streaked across the sky
So I searched the stars before morning light
In hope a spaceship would fly by

Watching what's been televised
Hey, are they watching me?
From some dimension as yet unknown
Beyond our technology

Are there Angels down from Heaven
That look out for our soul
Or aliens from outerspace
Who wait to take control

There's a limit to my vision
I'm only flesh and bone
I search for something out there
For some great unknown

Are they here now only waiting
for some fateful day
To show themselves in their true form
In some congenial way

Could eyes out in the universe
See this speck of dust
Orbiting a yellow star
Is someone watching us?

Are there Angels down from Heaven
That look out for our soul
Or aliens from outerspace
Who wait to take control

There's a limit to our vision
We're only flesh and bone
Are there Aliens or Angels
Or are we all alone

George Noory on the air tonight
Speaks of fire in the sky
I search the stars before  morning light
And pray that spaceships will fly by

Aliens Or Angels

Lyrics;
Be careful how you spend it
Time's worth more than gold
She's gone you can't rescind it
Can't cage what you can't hold

The chain so easily broken
At the weakest link
Now both of us are free
I don't know what to think

She is going her own way
And I am going mine
Without negotiation
Just wasn't worth her time

The ring a hollow token
Of all I hoped would be
Glad she didn't see my face
Walking away from me

Maybe it's a lucky break
I don't need to settle down
There's plenty of adventures
And new treasures to be found

The full moon slinks away
Dimmer goes the light
I slip into the darkness
And wander through the night

Be careful how you spend it
Time's worth more than gold
She's gone you can't rescind it
Can't cage what you can't hold

So heavy on your mind
Let go those memories
Find out what's ahead
Whatever was was not to be

She was going her own way
I am going mine
No negotiation
Guess it wasn't worth her time

Be careful how you spend it
Time's worth more than gold
She's gone you can't rescind it
Can't cage what you can't hold

What You Can't Hold

Dan X2 is Dan Blackard (Reno, Nevada & Susanville, California) and Dan Lockhart (Carmel, Indiana & Edwardsville, Illinois).  We met here on SoundCloud.  We like making music together.  We have written and published over 300 songs together.  More songs written together than Lennon and McCartney.

You can find Dan Blackard's music here:
https://soundcloud.com/daniel-blackard

You can find Dan Lockhart's (aka ProgRockDan) music here:
https://soundcloud.com/dan-lockhart
https://soundcloud.com/user-276716031
https://soundcloud.com/progrockdan-instrumentals

The ProgRockDan1 site was taken down by SoundCloud. It was located here:
https://soundcloud.com/progrockdan1

We play the music that comes to us.  Much of our music has a basis in blues and rock.  Although we venture into other musical territory.  You will find hints of jazz, country, bluegrass, soul, classical, and other music in our songs.  We have a number of songs that change time signatures and pace.

When we first started recording we called ourselves Dan and Dan. 
 You can find our music under that moniker here:
https://soundcloud.com/user-590884876

We stopped using the name Dan and Dan's because there were to many other Dan's using that name.  If you google Dan and Dan we would not show up.  We believe that Dan X2 to be a moniker that we could own.   If you google Dan X2 we are right at the top,

You can find more Dan X2 music on ReverbNation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/dananddan5

The first Dan X2 album is now available on iTunes.  Songs on the album are not available on SoundCloud.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/4114/1439066447?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

You can also find the Dan X2 album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3hEejRAQYPj9q130D5lZ8f

You can also find the second Dan X2 album:  "Playing the Odds" on Amazon Music:
https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Odds-Dan-X2/dp/B08C4VNX3R

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6oI3XsqPph3v6Xkg2BjVDG

and other on-line music sites.

We have a music making process that fits our unique skills.  We each do the parts that best fit our skills and interests.  Dan Lockhart does the initial song development.  Dan Blackard writes the lyrics, perform the vocals, and adds lead guitar.  Dan Lockhart then takes the track and do all final production (mixing and mastering).

Dan Lockhart writes all of the chords, timing, changes, and develops the track.  I then send two tracks to Dan Blackard.  One track has Dan L. describing the song.  Tell him the key, the timing, and any oddities about the song (changing keys or time signature...).  In the track Dan L tell Dan B verbally where is the verse, chorus, bridge and any other important information.

Dan Lockhart then send a second track that does not have this verbal dialogue.  This is called the instrumental track.  This is a track to which Dan B. can sing and add his parts.  Dan Blackard then returns  four pieces to Dan L:  a complete version of the song, a solo track of his vocals, a solo track of his guitar parts, and the artwork to accompany the song.

Dan Lockhart add his information into the original file.  Dan L. listen to it and make changes to the song to enhance the meaning of the lyrics. He sometimes adds instruments or takes away some instruments.  As Dan L. play many instruments (guitar, keyboards, banjo, mandolin, pedal steel, violin, viola...), he can make a lot of adjustments.    On rare occasions he move pieces about.  Dan Lockhart then masters it and prepare it for final production.

You can find press releases about us in the Lassen News here:
http://www.lassennews.com/former-resident-creates-album-with-near-stranger/

and in Current in Carmel  here:
http://www.youarecurrent.com/2018/12/20/carmel-resident-partner-create-album-through-internet/

You can find Dan X2 videos Here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7p2YTgLdrMAJjSBBwrgRew

Out albums are also on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicvC6l-R73MzdLHLdcFuZQ

We hope you enjoy our music.

Many heartfelt thanks to all who risked their ears and took the time to listen! You all made me feel like Elvis! And with that, Dan's Shadowman has left the building. 

New tracks tagged #Dan Blackard