ALL DOWN THE DAYS

Suppertime Comes

I told the captain he don’t worry me.
I got ninety nine summers. I never will be free.
I hate to get up in the morning so dog gone soon.
When the only thing that’s shining, the stars and the moon.

I don’t mind rolling from sun to sun.
But I want my supper when supper time comes.

The boss packs a horse pistol. You know he thinks he’s bad.
But I’ll take it this morning if he makes me mad.
Water boy, water boy bring that water round.
And if you don’t like your job boy, set the bucket down.

I don’t mind rolling from sun to sun.
But I want my supper when supper time comes.

Call out the dogs. I ain’t swinging that axe.
If I’m gone in the morning I won’t ever come back.

Judge said I’m guilty. The jury agreed.
So they sent me up the Brazo. I won’t ever leave.
I got a letter from Rosy. She said daddy come home.
I got a letter from the governor. He said “buddy roll on”.

I don’t mind rolling from sun to sun.
But I want my supper when supper time comes
I want my supper when supper time comes

Philip Buller - Bass & Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Tony DiGregorio - Lap Steel Guitar
Chris Gestrin - Organ
Nan Vernon - BG Vox
Choir - Valerie Tessier, Nan Vernon, Genny Sterling, Thijs Vermeulen, Bonn Smith

All Down the Days

One by one, one by one.

All these long days, one by one.
I’m leaving now, I’m not the only one.
It’s only time that needs to heal.
But you gotta’ try, this time for real.
All down the days, we’ll make a stand.
We came this far, without a plan.

Close your eyes, the sun goes down. You know how you feel.
When you lay your burden down, give back everything you steal.

Tall black trees, the road to town.
There’s one way up, it’s the same way down.
The tall black trees, bending down.
There’s one way up, it’s the same way down.
All down the days have I’ve forgotten how.
If I was wrong. Am I forgiven now?
You know I try to slow the circle down.
But there’s no way to turn this thing around.

I got reasons. I used them up. There really were some brilliant ones.
When I lay my burden down, there’ll be no need for even one.

All down the days, one by one.
Under the sky, we come undone.
Already gone, but you know I’m not the only one.
If you never close your eyes you never will be found.
Down the days. One by one.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals & Nylon String Guitar
Daniel Elmes - Electric Guitar & Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Chris Gestrin - Organ
Nan Vernon - BG Vox
Jack Garton - BG Vox

Got to Be

The window’s open, Let the darkness in.
You’re bound to fight. But you cannot win.
Now you’re wandering, lonely and cold.
Lift your hands up. The stars are gold.

Ain’t no time to give it up. Just time to let it go.
Just when you're thinking you might be home. you gotta go.

Reading poems. The morning sun.
In the distance you’re closer than anyone.
Day is hope. The night is blind.
I’m still searching for the form to define.

Ain’t no time to give it up. Just time to let it go.
Just when you’re thinking you might be home. You gotta go. I know, you gotta go.

I’m skipping the details as I’m carving up the time.
Still longing for the texture of your love over mine.
Isn’t there a lesson somewhere? There’s got to be a lesson. Gotta be a lesson somewhere. I know. I know there’s a lesson somewhere.

Room to walk and a place to stand,
I’ll keep moving just as long as I can.
Don’t give me no crutches, just a place to fall.
I keep hoping you’ll be there after all.

Ain’t no time to give it up. Just time to let it go.
Just when we’re thinking we might be home. We gotta go. We gotta go.

Everything’s silent. Cloud shadows roll.
Drifting down the river to my soul.
Isn’t there a lesson somewhere? Gotta be,
Got to be a lesson somewhere.
Got to be a lesson somewhere, somewhere.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar & Nylon String Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums & Percussion
Chris Gestrin - Electric Piano
Nan Vernon - BG Vox

Only One

I am younger than I will be. The winter sun, the light is low.
All around the wet hills shining. Any day it’s gonna snow.
Tall dry grass along the highway. Leaves are sleeping in my hair.
Miles of years of roads behind me. And no one’s waiting for me there.

Every morning seems a good plan. All day long still got a chance.
Every evening back to wishing, time still leaking through my hands.

I see face up in a window. Everybody makes mistakes.
Each weary step that walked me this way, and all the steps I will not take.

I watch the smoke rise from a chimney. My blue eyes fading into wind.
If I can find a rhythm falling, You know I’ll rise to fall again.

I think last Sunday was my birthday. I found a dog without a name.
It’s good to have someone to talk to. These low towns make me feel the same.

The light lays flat upon the water. My worn out dreams are full of sand.
I guess I’ll sort it out tomorrow. Maybe then I’ll understand.

The days they roll away below me. I’m gonna sink if I don’t swim.
But right now there is this moment. This one’s the only one I’m in.

Philip Buller - Bass & Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Tony Di Gregorio - Slide Guitar

It Would Not Last

I’ve seen the light up all night in the house out on the point.
I wonder did she just forget or is she sad?
I measure every little space between the minutes, between the hours.
I’d give it all for what I thought I had.
All around the crooked stones, everybody stands alone.
The river runs, now it’s running mighty fast.
Long ago, a different life, we walked along in dappled light.
How could we know it would not last.

I know that equal is one thing, and that no one’s keeping track.
Up on the hill somebody lives like a king.
And all the rest we hug the dirt, at least until it cracks.
To take us down to where there’s nothing to bring.
Crack open wide and take us home, if you believe or if you don’t.
I know we left but now we’re coming back.
It doesn’t seem that long ago I dug the truck out of the snow.
Even then I knew it would not last.

Before we knew the heavy weight, the sinking sun behind the gate.
The twisted branches of loss and regret.
I walked all night in driving rain, without a hat, to your embrace,
And even then I never did get wet.
I know the poets. I’ve read their prose. Some left standing with no clothes.
They back away without a word into the past.
Still we can travel where we please, or get down upon our knees.
Either way we know it will not last.

I do remember very well, the light and how it fell,
But I cannot recall a word of what we said.
We smoked our last cigarette, the waxing moon about to set.
Just like a letter, open but unread.
I don’t choose to carry doubt. In fact I try to block it out.
I wouldn’t even bring it up except you ask.
I know it might just be reflex, to put one foot before the next.
Even though we know it will not last.

I saw a dog tied to a tree in the yard beside a house.
The sky is cracked. And now it’s filling up with dark.
Through a window across the lawn shines the light, from the TV.
I guess they never hear him bark.
I never walked this way before. But all the paths lead to your door.
The winter sun behind the trees is sinking fast.
Hey we will take what we can get. I don’t think it’s over yet.
Even though we know it will not last.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals & Nylon String Guitar
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Chris Gestrin - Piano
Meredith Bates - Violin
Nan Vernon - BG Vox

Wish I Could

Every story’s like another. They’re almost all the same.
We end up here together. No matter how you came.
Hear the water moving, moving slow for anyone.
Standing in the doorway, sinking with the sun.

I wish I could hear one. Wish I could hear one now. I wish I could.
I wish I could hear one, Wish I could hear one now. Wish I could.

Reflections on the water, light and dark and light.
I’m trying to remember. I want to get it right.
Trying to remember all the songs we sung.
Without you standing by me, can’t remember even one.

I wish I could hear one, Wish I could hear one now. I wish I could.
I wish I could hear one, Wish I could hear one now.

Today is not yet done. Songs yet to be sung.

Tide is out this morning. Shore is long and low.
If you were someplace else, that would be where I would go.
Worry ‘bout tomorrow. But tomorrow never comes.
Empty out my pockets. I don’t know when I’ll be done.

I wish I could hear one, Wish I could hear one now. I wish I could
I wish I could hear one, Wish I could hear one now. I wish I could. I wish I could.

Today is not yet done. Songs yet to be sung.

You know I miss my mother. I’m so far away.
My sisters and my father, lost our way.
Hands are getting tired. But my heart is breaking free.
Gonna’ line up here beside you on our way down to the sea.

I wish I could hear one, wish I could hear one now.
I wish I could hear one, I wish, I wish I could hear, hear one now.
I wish I wish I could hear one, wish I could hear one now. hear one now.
I wish I could hear one, hear one now.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Vince Mai - Trumpet
Nan Vernon - BG Vox
Jack Garton - BG Vox

Bells

I am a man I play the part, smile and say hello
to all the people playing theirs. They come and they go.
Many long and wasted years since I last saw my son.
I stock the shelves and clock my shift. Until my day is done.

I thought I heard bells a’ringing as I lay down my head.
I thought I heard my boy calling to come and join him there.

Tuck the blade beneath my coat. Check the stove and lock the door.
The sidewalk’s icy through the town. I hear his voice for sure.
At dawn the sky was dark as lead. The weight I feel inside.
Now the snow begins to fall. I stand in black and white.

I thought I heard bells a’ringing as I lay down my head.
I thought I heard my boy calling to come and join him there.

I stand before the graveyard gate. Feel the cold steel in my hand. Although I’m coming years too late, I know he’ll understand.
This is it, the moment now. I kneel on frozen ground.
It took so long to find my way. I’m lost but now i’m found.

I thought I heard bells a’ringing as I lay down my head.
I thought I heard my boy calling to come and join him there.

I can’t blame the stranger now. Who saw me laying in the snow.
Who rang the bells and called for help. No way he could have know.
Now I lay in these white sheets. Watch the curtains blow.
I try to live the best I can, till it’s time to go.

I thought I heard bells a’ringing as I lay down my head.
I thought I heard my boy calling to come and join him there.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums & Percussion
Tony Di Gregorio - Slide Guitar
Michael Davidson - Vibraphone
Jack Garton - Accordion
Nan Vernon - BG Vox

Nowhere Else To Go

Did you see the birds moving there as one?

Up above the trees, down below the sun.
Sweeping down the restless wind.
I want to lean that way again.

I thought the day would never end. Now it’s swinging low.
I’m down on my knees. ‘Cause there’s nowhere else to go.

Everyone’s afraid. Some less, some more.
Out in the storm, or standing on the shore.
A light in the window, small and far away.
Just aim for the light if you don’t know how to pray.

I thought the day would never end. Now it’s swinging low.
I’m down on my knees. ‘Cause there’s nowhere else to go.

There’ll be a day you’re going to leave me, even though you want to stay.
But if you really want to please me, stay with me today.

You’re talking to yourself. You want to line it up.
Nothing wasted here, rain in broken cups.
We’re cracked and mended, sounding out of time.
You and me together, holding the line.

I thought the day would never end. Now it’s swinging low.
I’m down on my knees. ‘Cause there’s nowhere else to go.

I don’t believe the winds are wicked. It’s more like they just don’t care.
We’re like the ragged trailing clouds babe, just in the way out there.

You can’t outrun the pain. But I get the plan.
It’s getting dark for sure. And we’re far from land.
The sky still spins. Wind bound to blow.
Come a little closer, never let go.

I thought the day would never end. Now it’s swinging low.
I’m down on my knees. ‘Cause there’s nowhere else to go.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Nylon String Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums & Percussion
Vince Mai - Trumpet
Michael Davidson - Vibraphone
Nan Vernon - BG Vox

If You’re Able

I was young and on the road. Like the days stretched out ahead.
I saw some bent low by their load. But for the grace of who you said.

Sit on down if you’re able. Plenty of food upon the table.
Speak up I can’t hear your voice.
We might end up broken hearted, left to finish what you started.
I didn’t know I had a choice.

Lay it out I want to see the plan. My friend said she isn’t sure.
I’ll let you talk you’ll be the man. For what I know, you got the cure.

Sit on down...

Come on in. It’s hot outside.You and the little thirsty one.
I’m not sure it’s hard to tell. Are you the father or the son.

Sit on down...

I saw you coming from afar. Now the dust is in your eyes.
You weren’t waiting for a car. But you never turn down a ride.

Sit on down…

I know the valley’s mighty wide. Hard enough to get across.
I guess you’ve seen the other side. Is the journey worth the cost?

Sit on down...

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals & Nylon String Guitar
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Chris Gestrin - Electric Piano

Here Comes the Rain

One step closer, two steps away.
Don’t know how, how to measure this shade of grey.
If I did I’d tell you. Think I’ll wait till we’re alone.
Shadows lay in long lines. Take the road that leads me home.

I’ve been out standing in the hard light of the sun.
Now I feel a change. Here comes the rain. Here comes the rain.

How I wish I could take back those foolish words, just meant to touch.
Should have thought more before speaking. Or maybe I thought too much.
Wasn’t that you I heard calling up on the hill.
Behind the trees sun sinking. Colours fade and the dark sky fills.

I’ve been out standing in the hard light of the sun.
Now I feel a change. Here comes the rain. Here comes the rain.

I know that time and love can heal all those tiny cuts.
That just might be good enough to mend two halves of what we’ve got.

You’re the one. You see me. Standing here with open hands.
Beneath the light, keeps shifting on the spangled water and the bright dry land.
You’re the one. I see you. Standing there against the bay.
I don’t know how, how to measure this shade of grey.

I’ve been out standing in the hard light of the sun.
Now I feel a change. Here comes the rain. Here comes the rain.
Here comes the rain. Here comes the rain.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Electric Guitar & Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Chris Gestrin - Organ
Nan Vernon - BG Vox
Jack Garton - BG Vox

Where We’re Bound

From what I’m hearing there is no answer.
From where I’m standing no path forward.
Feels like moving, spinning ‘round.
We don’t know where we’re bound.

I got this feeling. It won’t let go.
Something’s changing. I know you know.
The only comfort, as I go down,
is not knowing where I’m bound.

All the children standing in the yard. Faces turned up to the sky.
I’m putting up my tools. I’ve been working so hard.
I want to look them in the eye.

Wind is rising all around us.
We’re still hoping someone found us.
All the boats run aground.
Still we don’t know where we’re bound.

But all this loving cannot save us from our greed.
All this beauty, held hostage to our need.
Every moment, so profound.
But we don’t know where we’re bound.

I might be blind but I can hear the cries.
One of sadness one of rage.
I close my eyes and pray my dreams are real.
Take me back to a simple day.

You’ve got regrets, I know your friends and everyone.
Have some mercy, the Lord would have done.
It’s late for talking, this time around.
Still we don’t know where we’re bound.
Every moment, so profound.
But we don’t know where we’re bound.
We don’t know.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals
Daniel Elmes - Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums
Meredith Bates - Violin

Pay The Price

Rainy Sunday all the time. I’ve been out walking.Trying to find.
What it is I’m waiting for, boat won’t sink when it’s on the shore.
I got voices in my head. Don’t have to listen, but they’re still there.
Some are kind. Some are not. But when you’re gone, they’re all I’ve got.

I’m bound to love you, I’m calling out behind the walls I built myself.
I’ve been guilty all my life. I know the cost. You pay the price. You pay the price.

Threw your nickel in the hat. You changed your mind. Now you want it back.
Did you think you could pick and choose. Maybe you can. But you’re still going to lose.
You hear the whistle. You get on board, the long slow train heading north.
You don’t look back. Don’t even try. Though the past is gone it’s still alive.

You know I love you, I’m calling out, behind the walls I built myself.
I’ve been guilty all my life. I know the cost. You pay the price. You pay the price.

I got a pen. But I’m out of ink. The dogs keep barking. I can’t think.
Got something here I want to say. All these words get in the way.

Close your eyes in the dark. I hear you breathe, your beating heart.
Your bare feet on the wooden floor. The moonlight falls through the open door.
The sky is grey. The night is long. I want to stay where I belong.
One day soon I’ll float away. And I’ll be long gone by judgment day.

I’m bound to love you, I’m calling out behind the walls I built myself.
I’ve been guilty all my life. I know the cost, you pay the price.
You pay the price. You pay the price. You pay the price.

Philip Buller - Bass, Lead Vocals & Nylon String Guitar
Daniel Elmes - Electric Guitar & Acoustic Guitar
Daniel Gaucher - Drums & Percussion
Chris Gestrin - Organ
Vince Mai - Trumpet
Nan Vernon - BG Vox

Silver Feather

Down, all the way down.
All across the distance I can see a line of rain, falling on the rooftops out across the bay.
Always been a stranger sometimes try to feel at home. Everyone’s together. Everyone’s alone.
Yeah we’re helpless too. It rains on me. And It falls on you.
Can’t you hear the rain while you sleep the winds are mean, fill the sea with green.
I do believe in my dreams, filled with you and rain.

Rain like a silver feather, five hundred miles wide.
I can feel the feather falling, way down deep inside.
Way down. All the way down.

Mountains they roll like waves across the past. Arising, falling until at last.
They break on the ocean and hold it like a hand. And still this distance inside a man.
How alone we can be. It rains on you. and it falls on me.
Can’t you hear the rain while you sleep the winds are mean, they fill the sea with green.
I do believe in my dreams. They’re filled with you and rain.

Rain like a silver feather, five hundred miles wide.
I can feel the feather falling, way down deep inside.
Way down, all the way down. All the way down, all the way down.
Way down, all the way down.

Philip Buller - Lead Vocals & Nylon String Guitar

All songs written by Philip Buller

Produced, arranged, recorded, and mixed by Daniel Elmes at Retreat Cove Studio.