19.Favorite

The Failed States

For the winners

Thanks Kajati for the keys and harmonies

Lottery of Life

Rhythm of Life

IN ALL FAIRNESS

PARIS ,TEXAS

This started life as a demo for FAWM 2020, and the inspiration came from a line I read in a local paper about a homeless person going door to door begging

Lyrics:
a man described as a homeless santa
seen knocking on doors in the area
he's an opportunist
oh yeah
'cause for him it ain't christmas
it ain't even close

local paper....
what's news today?

a man described as a hopeless romantic
caught taking photos in the quiet carriage
he's an opportunist
oh yeah
oh yeah

local paper....
what's news today?
vocal stanger
what are your views today?

Local Paper

Thanks to @Kajati for the bass, guitar licks, keys, and backing vocals

i walked around the corner and bumped into myself
it was a really really awkward moment
i was wearing blue jeans and a baseball cap
not something i would have chosen

i won't leave me alone...

we stood there talking on that crowded street
i told me that i looked much older
i lied and said I have to get to work
but i said OK can you lend me ten dollars

i won't leave me alone...

no when i go out for a drive
i'm in the back seat 
telling me how to drive
you're going too fast 
turn left turn right
i'd stop and kick me out but I'm far too polite

i won't leave me alone...

I Wont Leave Me Alone

ITS TOO LATE

NO LOVE

A demo for FAWM 2024. Colab @kajati

you know we’re the exception neither thrown nor caught
i know my same old joke isn’t funny anymore
can’t be bothered giving up
too tired to call for help
so baby give me up and find someone else

I’m a shadow
I’m a shadow
I’m a shadow
a shadow of my former self

I read a book by you
about a better place
in it I lay beside you
studying your face

we are brittle
crack or crumble
in that looming battle
with thrown and caught

i'm always throwing
you're always catching
we are only doing what we were taught

I read a book by you
about a better place
in it I lay inside you
stroking your face

A Book by You

The Failed States is a creative project based in an aged care facility in the leafy suburb of Wantirna, Melbourne Australia. 

Initially a recreational outlet, allowing residents to express themselves through music, poetry and sitting still, The Failed States has since taken on a life of it own. 

Anguished songs about other residents' grandchildren being too loud at the table tennis table, or jeremiads of lukewarm, semi-set puddings were gradually replaced by powerful pieces about climate change, urban decay, relationship breakdown and missing dentures.

There are no permanent members of The Failed States, we live on, as age, petty rivalries, and forgetfulness takes us all.

The Failed States tries to perform in the common room on the second Tuesday of every month, after lunch.

Rhythm of Life

the failed states