sbyrne1
Thin Lizzy - Showdown
updated
Setlist:- 0:00 When The Day Is Done
2:26 From The Morning
4:57 Place To Be
7:41 Pink Moon
9:48 Northern Sky
13:34 River Man
17:56 At The Chime Of A City Clock
22:40 Cello Song
27:26 Hazey Jane II
31:12 Things Behind The Sun
35:10 Fly
38:10 The Thoughts Of Mary Jane
41:33 Man In A Shed
45:28 Fruit Tree
50:17 One Of These Things First
55:11 Time Has Told Me
One of the finest tributes to Elvis Presley with a special guest appearance by the one and only Mark Knopfler. For all of those rainy nights.
It was a rainy night the night the king went down
Everybody was crying it seemed like sadness had surrounded the town
Me I went to the liquor store
And I bought a bottle of wine and a bottle of gin
I played his records all night
Drinking with a close, close friend
Now some people say that that ain't right
And some people say nothing at all
But even in the darkest of night
You can always hear the king's call
You can always hear the king's call
Well they put him away in Memphis
Six feet beneath the clay
Everybody was crying
Everybody said it was a plain grey day
Me I went to the liquor store
And I bought another bottle of wine and another bottle of gin
I played his records all night
And I got drunk all over again
Now some people say that that ain't right
(That ain't right)
And some people say nothing at all
(I say nothing)
But even in the darkest of night
You could always hear the king's call
You could always hear the king's call
Taken from the classic 'Men From Earth' album. An insightful view on the value of society and class standing using dreams as circling metaphor. Thank you loupe pentar and roadkingcowboy66 for requesting this song. Would have got it done sooner but had problems uploading. Enjoy!!!!
Lyrics: -
(Mandolin introduction)
The Blacksmith dreams of a White Queen
The Blacksmith dreams of a Queen
The Cobbler dreams of a gold ring
The Cobbler dreams of a ring
And weeds grow wild on the village green
The red plum rots on the ground
And she lays there with a bright gold ring
And a pure white ivory crown
The Wheelwright dreams of a jewel'd case
The Wheelwright dreams of a case
The Drover dreams of the Queen's lace
The Drover dreams of the lace
And weeds grow wild on the village green
The red plum rots on the ground
And she lays there with a bright jewel'd case
In a full length white lace gown
(Mandolin Solo)
The Crier dreams of a Queen's face
The Crier dreams of a face
The Fletcher dreams of a royal place
The Fletcher dreams of a place
And no one goes where the weeds bend deep
When the snow falls down on the town
And she lays there in a dreamless sleep
And the red plum can't be found
Fan Art by JoeTheToucan
Lyrics :-
You won't believe this I sold your soul today
These hours between us will never fade away
As sad as it seems, it's like something in dreams
Fuck it, I'm high and as the winter makes me so sad
Bitter and cold now my thoughts get sick and make me mad
Hello-hello Guantanamo bay,
Farewell, so long goodbye, USA
Farewell American primitive,
Native American immigrant,
Farewell American primitive
(Larry Parker got me 2.1 million)
I'm here in spirit, so don't hesitate to write
Bitter and cold, now my thoughts make me sick at night
If that isn't me, North Korea is me
Farewell American,
Farewell American, primitive,
Native American immigrant
(Not my chair, not my problem)
Keeps 'em happy!
Keeps you happy!
You won't believe this I sold your soul today
Those hours between us will never fade away
As sad as it seems, it's like something in dreams
Farewell American ... Farewell American
Native American primitive,
Farewell American primitive,
Native American primitive
(It's your money, use it when you need it)
Finally found the video to this performance but it had poor audio so I replaced it with the good quality audio version I have. Taken from the Me & My Music tv recording. Enjoy!
Lyrics:-
[Intro by Phil]
Sweet Marie, you mean a lot to me
In my memory, oh I hold you dearly
Once in all my dreams, my plans hopes and future schemes
There was Sweet Marie
And my home is where my heart is
But my heart is not at home
You see, whenever we are parted
Oh I feel so all alone
The twilight's falling the full moon it is calling
And what the sea tells only sea shells are whispering
(Sweet Marie, Sweet Marie, Sweet Marie)
Into the darkness, there goes this message to you my darling
Sweet Marie
Some lovers they are parted
They must end what they have started
All that's left is the broken hearted
And I must depart my Sweet Marie
(Solo)
Somewhere out in Arizona
Such a long way from California
Oh I felt so alone there
I was two thousand miles away from home there
Tonight we're gonna play Boston
And I still don't know what the hell is going on
Oh but I just wrote this song and
It keeps me thinking of
Sweet Marie
She mean a lot to me
Oh this melody keeps on haunting me
It's with me constantly, in harmony
Oh my Sweet Marie
But my home is where my heart is
And my heart it's not at home
You see whenever we are parted
Oh I feel so all alone
Since the sad passing of the Captain a few days ago, I decided to put up this song. It is already on youtube but I thought it would be a nice tribute to put it to some footage of the Milky Way - since he now belongs to the stars. Enjoy
Johnny the Fox!
He called to Jimmy the Weed
He said "Hey man, I know your name"
I seen you cruising with the low riders
Hangin' out down on First street and Main
Tuned into and listenin' to,
The Voodoo Rhythm Devils
Around the bay
They got some crazy DJ
Send you right out to heaven
Jimmy the Weed for greed he was taken back
Johnny the Fox you old sly cat!
Cleverly the Fox conceals his stash
Crisp dollar bills can leave no tracks
In the back of a black cadillac
The voodoo music travels
Down Skid Row only black men can go
A shady deal unravels
{How much is this stuff?...
... Too much}
[Guitar Solo]
Johnny the Fox, had to hustle
Jimmy the Weed he won't use no muscle
That cat's so sly, slick and subtle
Johnny the Fox breaks out the bottle!
Tuned into and listening to
The Voodoo music travels
The beating drum for the lonely one
Send you right out to heaven
Right out to heaven
{Is that real cocaine or is it speed?}
Since SHAYMCN2's account has been closed, uploading some of his videos until he gets back for the benefit of all us fans. This comes from the band's 1975 album 'Fighting'.
Lyrics :
Wild one wont you please come home
You've been away too long, will ya?
We need you home, we need you near
Come back wild one will ya?
How can we live without your love
You know that could kill ya
And how can we carry on
When you are gone my wild one.
Oh sure you're a wild one
Oh you are a wild one
Over and over and over and over.
So you go your way, and wild one
I'll try and follow
And if you change your mind
I will be waiting here for ya tomorrow.
For I would beg for ya,
I would steal and I would borrow
I'd do anything at all,anything at all
To end this sorrow
My wild one
Oh you're a wild one!
'Cause Johnny goes a 'rolling home
[Solo]
'Cause Johnny goes a 'rolling home
There was no hope!
Wild one,
The gypsies warned of the danger
You can laugh and joke with friends
But don't you ever talk to strangers
Although their offers may be sweet
And I'd bet and I would wager
Away you'll stray and never come back
To those who love and made you
'Cause Johnny goes a 'rolling home
Away you'll stray away you'll stray
Over and over and over and over
Now what a lonely wild one!
Taken from the hip-smackin 1972 album 'Clear Spot'.
Lyrics :-
I have to run so far to find a clear spot in the hot!
Sun's all hottin' and a rotten' hot
Swamp's all rotten 'n stinkin' uhh
Vegetation's hot
Sleepin' in a bayou on a old rotten cot
Can't find my kind of folks havin' fun!
I have to run, run, run, run
Run to find a clear spot uh!
Cane shadow down on the sun-baked ground
Mosquitos 'n moccasins steppin' all around
'Fraid I'm gonna get hit!
Sun's all a hottin' and a rottin' hot
Vegetation's hot
Sleepin' in a bayou on a old rotten cot
Can't find my kind of folks havin' fun
Gotta run, run, run, run
Run to find a clear spot!
[Harmonica Interlude]
Cane shadow down on the sun-baked ground
Mosquitos 'n moccasins steppin' all around
'Fraid I'm gonna get hit
'Fraid I'm gonna get hit
I have to run so far to find a clear spot!
There are a couple of versions of this floating around on youtube but both (although awesome) have the incorrect version of the song synced with the video. This is the correct version, enjoy! Played live in Dublin, Ireland. I like the little touch of Phil telling the fans at the front to keep a bit back from the awesome explosion ;).
Lyrics :-
Fighting!
Well I'm tough, I'm rough I'm ready and I'm able
To pick myself up from under this table
Don't you stick no sign on me, I got no label
I'm a little unsure, unsound and unstable
But I'm fighting!
Fighting!
Well I'm busting out and I'm going in
And I'm kicking up about the state I'm in
Looking to my future, not my past
I want to be a good boy but how long can it last
Fighting!
Fighting yeah!
Ha-ha hey!
[Solo]
This kid is going to wreck and ruin
And he ain't quite sure of what he's doing
You see it happened all a little too soon
But it's all here in this here tune
Fighting!
[Interlude]
Busting out and going in
And kicking up about the state I'm in
Cos I'm tough I'm rough I'm ready and I'm able
Fighting!
Oh you know I'm fighting!
Hey!
Again, I realise this is already posted by waddockhunt, all credit to him for having it on, but thought I'd give the choice of a higher quality audio version. Enjoy! This one is taken from their 1975 live concert in Dublin, Ireland.
Lyrics :-
Up jumped Jack on the railroad track
Said "I've got to get out of town"
"It's been really nice knowing you"
"Hope to see you around"
Oh the boy he could boogie
Oh the boy can kick a ball
But the boy he got hung up
Smooching in the stalls
You've got to give a little love
To those who love to live
You've got to take a little hate
From those who have to wait
Up jumped John putting his trousers on
Saying "I've got to get out of here"
"Hear your lover's footsteps"
"They're coming to near for me my dear"
Oh the boy he could boogie
Oh the boy can kick a ball
But the boy he got hung up
Making love against the wall
You've got to give a little love
To those who love to live
You've got to take a little hate
From those who have to wait
Taken from the Live & Dangerous album tour. I realise this video is already on youtube but since I found a better quality audio one I decided to put this up. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
Down from the glen came the marching men
With their shields and their swords
To fight the fight they believed to be right
Overthrow the overlords
To the town where there was plenty
They brought plunder, swords and flame
When they left the town was empty
Children would never play again
From their graves I heard the fallen
Above the battle cry
By that bridge near the border
There were many more to die
Then onward over the mountain
And outward towards the sea
They had come to claim the Emerald
Without it they could not leave
Since my friend's youtube account has closed (thinlizzyunited), I'll be putting some videos that I took from the channel until they return. Hope you enjoy this one. Taken from their promotional videos from the Johnny The Fox album.
A great version of Half-Caste. Superb song with a controversial appeal yet Phil plays it out very well and with class. Get your reggae boots on! Played in session in 1975. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
I got a girl in Brixton town
Her daddy don't like me hanging 'round
The boy ain't black the boy is brown
Don't he know it's a half-caste town
The big smoke
Big smoke
Big smoke
Big smoke
[Guitar solo interlude]
'Smoke
'Smoke
Big smoke
Big smoke
The boy is half caste
Half caste
(Half caste)
I got a girl up near Richmond way
Her daddy don't like me to lead the girl astray
The brown boy is born to serve he say
Don't he know it's a different day
In the big smoke
(I like it)
Big smoke
(No joke)
Big smoke
Big smoke
Mister I'm Half Caste
You see I'm Half Caste
Got no class
[Outro to fade and end]
Taken from the 'More Peel Sessions CD'. A great rendition of a song credited to Brian Downey.
This ones from around 1974. Some lyrics are different to the original. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
Sitamoia, x 4
Gidda gadda aga
Sitamoia
Gidda gadda aga
Hey mister can I shine your shoes?
Hey mister can I sing the blues?
Hey mister you think it's gonna snow?
Hey mister my heart belongs to Glasgow
Hey mister I was a jiggalow
Hey mister I kissed Rudolph Valentino
Hey mister can I ask a question or two?
What are we to do?
Children abandoned and left to America
Children forsaken in Ethiopia
Sitamoia x 6
[Bass guitar/ Electric guitar interlude solo]
Sitamoia, x 4
Gidda gadda aga
Sitamoia
Gidda gadda aga
Repeat to fade with outro
This sounds not too different from the original but it is. The sound is much more rough and loud (which I love), it's a little shorter by 4/5 seconds and I just decided to upload it as its my favourite version of the song. Enjoy this was recorded in 1976.
Lyrics :-
In the year of the famine
When starvation and black death raged across the land
There were many driven by their hunger to set sail for the Americas
In search for a new life and a new hope
Oh but there were some that couldn't cope
And they spent their life in search of fools gold
The old prospector
He makes it to the four lane highway
His old compadre
He lays dead in the sand
With outstretched hands he cries are you going my way
The people passing by didn't seem to understand
Fools gold x 4
Broken Joe just lying in a gutter
He's gone as low as any man can be
He calls for wine but they'll only serve him water
The bartender say we dont sell sympathy
He tells a strange story
About his father
How Sunday mornings they'd go down
To the church on the corner
As time grows older
His thoughts they grow younger
It is his wish
To search no longer for fools gold
Fools gold x 4
(Oh you keep on searching)
Hey!
[Guitar solo]
The vulture sits on top
Of the big-top circus arena
He's seen this show before
Knows someone's going to fall
Just near the part
Where the beautiful dancing tightrope ballerina
Forgets the safety net
Isn't there at all
Down he swoops with claws drawn to take her
Razor sharp so savagely is she mauled
Oh my god, is there no one who can save her?
In steps the Fox to thunderous applause
Fools gold x 4
(You better believe it)
Ohh
Taken from an awesome live set in 75. This is a great example of drumming as it showcases Downey's talent in superb quality. Hope you enjoy this fine instrumental.
Lyrics :-
Sha la la la la la
Great quality studio session of 'Gonna Creep Up On You' made in 1974. I have made sure there's no other versions of the same song on youtube as of yet. This one's for you Ryan ;). I know you like it haha.
Thin Lizzy made around 43 individual recordings, featuring 41 different songs, with two tracks recorded twice, for the Stuart Henry radio programme and then released via the BBC.
Lyrics :-
Ahhh x 4
[Guitar Intro]
Imma gonna creep up on ya x3
I'm gonna gonna
The writing on the wall showed the scandal
Pointed out the victim of the vandal
The lady was upset by the angle
Scratch your back it's hot to handle
I'm gonna creep up on ya x 3
I'm gonna gonna!
[Short Drum Interlude]
You're sly you're slick you're sleek you're outstanding
My legs are weak my heart it beats its pounding
Soon you gonna weep in your sleepless surrounding
For I'm the one taking you down for grounding
Gonna creep up on ya
Imma gonna creep up on ya x 3
Don't you hear me baby mama gonna gonna gonna gonna gonna
Oohh
[Guitar solo & outro]
Little lady won't you let me take a little bit of your love!
From the Vagabonds of the Western World album. I don't usually do this for my other videos but since this is a song I dearly love I decided to put up some photos to accompany it. I hope you enjoy and that it reminds you of the special people close to your hearts.
Lyrics :-
In these words I wrote and play and sing for you
Do not convey the love I brought and bring to you
For this is a song for while I'm away
To say all the things I'd love to say
You are my life, my everything, you're all I have
You are my hopes, my dreams, my world come true
You're all I have
Please heed me now these words I have to say
Now I'm headed for the border
You see this song it ends right at the start
I swore when I was younger
No one would win my heart
And far away hills look greener still
But soon they'll all slip away
It's then I'll be returning
And I'll be coming home to stay
You are my life, my everything, you're all I have
You are my hopes, my dreams, my world come true
You're all I have
Please heed me now these words I have to say
A great recording of a classic song taken from the Rainbow's soundboard in Boston.
Makes you realise what an awesome live band they were. One of the best indeed.
Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
Johnny the Fox!
He called to Jimmy the Weed
Said 'Hey Man I know your name!'
I seen you crusin' with the low riders
Hanging out down on first street and main
Tune into listening to
The voodoo rhythm devils
Around the bay, they got a crazy dj
Send you out to heaven!
You know who I'm talking about!
Jimmy the Weed for greed
He was taken back
Johnny the Fox you old sly cat!
Cleverly the Fox conceals his stash
Crisp dollar bills leave no tracks
In the back, of a black, cadillac
The voodoo music travel
Down Skid Row, only black men go
A shady deal unravels
How much is this stuff?!
Too much!
[Superb solo's]
Johnny the Fox just had to hussle
Jimmy the Weed he won't use no muscle
That cat's so sly slick and subtle
Johnny the Fox breaks out the bottle!
Tune into, listening to
The voodoo rhythm devil
Beating drum, for all along
It send you out to heaven, right out to heaven-ah!
[Solo outro & end]
Taken from a fabulous soundboard recording of Lizzy's appearance at the Rainbow.
I never realised this song was about Hendrix but looks like it was! Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
Thankyou! This is a song written about Jimi Hendrix this one. There he is there's the Strat.
This is a number called Warriors.
1,2,1,2,3,4!
[Intro]
I am a Warrior
I serve the Death machine
Losers or Conquerors
All flash past on my silver screen
Death is no easy answer
For those who really wish to know
Just as those who've been before you
What fate does the future hold?
It ain't pretty [echo]
I am a messenger
The message, you all should know
I am a Warrior
I deliver the fatal blow
So fate, will have to wait
Till time, can heal the scar
See my heart, it's ruled by Venus
My head, by Mars
[Awesome solo]
[Insane drum solo follows]
[Twin solo attack outro and finish]
The superb final track from the beautiful 'Men From Earth' album. When you are down or feeling
sad, I guarantee this song will cheer you up no end. One of my favourites.
Lyrics :-
[Guitar/Harp intro]
For days on days
I've seen your game
And it takes away my joy
The sea bird knows
Where the fair winds blow
His knowledge, he employs
I know that fast, the end shall come
The writing's on the wall
But better days are comin'
For us all
Brother, be your own
Or the faults we moan
Still gather at our door
And the journey we walk
The talk we've talked
Won't help us anymore
The sea bird's flown, so far away
You can't hear his voice's call
But better days are comin'
For us all
(Guitar/Harp interlude)
Do what you will
When you climb that hill
Your rise shall be your fall
'Cause better days are comin'
For us all
'Cause better days are comin'
For us all
A superb studio session of Emerald. A song about the ancient wars over Ireland. Really got a great raw feel from this. It is like listening to a live version without audience clapping/cheering. Taken from the 'More Peel Sessions' disc. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
Down from the glen came the marching men
With their shields and their swords
To fight the fight they believed to be right
And overthrow the overlords
To the towns where there was plenty
They brought plunder, sword and flame
When they left the town was empty
And children would never play again
From their graves I heard the fallen
Above the battle cry
By that bridge near the border
There were many more to die
Then onward over the mountain
And outward towards the sea
They had come to claim the Emerald!
Without it they could not leave
(Awesome solo/outro/ending)
A superb song from their CD (not LP, thanks for the information peeps) 'Vagabonds of the Western World' album. Enjoy the beautiful lyrics and solo.
Lyrics :-
The senorita took off her bobby socks
She said she's gonna wear a skirt that shocks
She's pulling out all the stops
To get her Randolph back again
Meanwhile Randolph, he's back at the ranch
He's getting ready for tonight's song and dance
He's doesn't know he doesn't stand a chance
His last affair will be his last romance
The senorita will be there waiting
Don't go my Randolph slow tango with me
Underneath the Latin moonlight
The danced and seen a falling star in flight
To the strum of guitars she held him tight
She wants her Randolph back again
Meanwhile it's worthwhile for Randolph to wait
'Till he gets the nerve then he won't hesitate
He doesn't know but he's just bit the bait
He just asked if he could make a date
The senorita will be there waiting
Don't go my Randolph slow tango with me
The senorita's heart is in love
She wearing white tonight, looks as pure as a dove
She's thanking God and all the heavenly stars above
Randolph's romance is back again
Meanwhile Randolph smiles and says he'll give her ten
She doesn't come so he just counts again
And he's been there since he does not know when
He's thinks she's stood him up but in the end
The senorita won't keep him waiting
Don't go my Randolph slow tango with me
ooh la-la...
Senorita dance cheek to cheek
ooh la-la...
We will dance off into the sky
A great session of Downtown Sundown recorded in 1977. Thin Lizzy is said to have recorded 43 individual recordings, featuring 41 different songs, with two tracks recorded twice, for the Stuart Henry radio programme and released via the BBC.
Lyrics :-
If you want your freedom
There is nothing planned
If you really need him
I will understand
Please believe in love
I believe there is a God above
For love
And He's coming
If you want to fly
Then fly away
All the cloudy skies
Belong to yesterday
Please believe in love
I believe there is a God above
For love
And He's coming
Yes, He's coming
And in the shadow
A swallow dies
No-one knows
The hobo hides
There is no need to apologise
This is the story of a downtown sundown
Oh
[Solo]
If you climb the mountain
Then you will see
There is no great distance
Between the Lord and me
Please believe in love
I believe there is a God above
For love
And He's coming
Yes, He's coming
And in the shadow
A swallow dies
No-one knows
The hobo hides
There is no need to apologise
This is the story of a downtown sundown
A very rare live recording of Buffalo Gal. It is very listenable but sorry it's not of the highest quality. But just had to post it. Enjoy! Couldn't make out the lyrics but they go something like the original song.
Lyrics :-
[Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo]
Buffalo gal
You've had your fun
Your button's undone
Every town's ripe with slaughter
Buffalo gal
You're thirsty and there's no more water
Like the lamb on the altar
And it's sad to see ya lookin down and feeling blue
Try your best to get on up and see it through
In a while you might smile and see the sun
Ohh the day has begun
And Buffalo Gal
They're closin' down the ole dance hall
Hmm, Buffalo Gal
What we gonna do now, oh?
Buffalo Gal!
Due to these circumstances
There's no more dances
Buffalo Gal!
All your chances of further romances
Will have to be nil
'Til I can get it sung
Is a shame, your only claim to fame is Jessie James
You know his middle name
That's very strange
Stranger!
You know a friend called the Friendly Ranger!
Oh, you shared the pain din'tcha
And Buffalo Gal
They're closin' down the old dance hall
Hmm Buffalo Gal
What we gonna do now oh?
[Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo]
Buffalo Gal
You gotta try a big step
You've got a big jump ahead
Buffalo Gal
The show left town!
Spread, sunshine all around
And it's bad to see ya, ohh lookin' blue
Dry your eyes and I'll apologise for all the lies
Try a smile, and in a while just in a while
You'll be smilling through
Ohh Buffalo Gal
The'yre closin down the ole dance hall
And Buffalo Gal
Oh, you look so good to me now
Ohh Buffalo Gal!
Ooh, thats such a pretty dress
Buffalo Gal!
The show left town
Buffalo Gal! (Take a picture!)
Ohh Buffalo Gal
A splendid live version of Kings Vengeance. Very good quality recording considering its audience taped. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
[Intro by Phil]
Down and out in the city
Won't you give a boy a break
Juvenile on trial before commitee
Taken all he can take
King wants his vengeance
Specially on the poor
Some say preaching to convert him
Me I'm not so sure
Spring come and
Spring tease
Bring summer winds and summer breeze
Blowing through your hair till autumn leaves
When autumn leaves winter freeze
[Solo]
And the child is still breathing
With the beating of his heart
Some say we are equal
Some a million miles apart
[Second solo]
And the King want's his vengeance
Specially on the down and out
King wants his vengeance
We got something to shout about
Spring come and spring tease
Bring summer, summer breeze
Blowing through your hair, autumn leaves
Autumn leaves winter freeze
A great version of Slow Blues recorded in 74 for the BBC as a studio session. Lyrics slightly different.
Thin Lizzy made around 43 individual recordings, featuring 41 different songs, with two tracks recorded twice, for the Stuart Henry radio programme and then released via the BBC.
Lyrics :-
My baby don't love me
My baby's gone and made me sad
My baby she don't love me
My baby's gone and made me sad
A hard hearted woman
A hard hearted woman true
My baby she don't love me
My baby she don't love me
Oh baby
Let the flags fly at half mast
Let your real face
Show your real mask
Oh baby
You don't know how much I'm missing ya
All my tears are falling
All my tears are falling darling
Guess it's true
It's the blues that's calling
Oh baby
You don't know how much I'm missing you
[Solo]
My baby don't love me
My baby's gone and made me sad
My baby she don't love me
My baby's gone and made me sad
A hard hearted woman
A hard hearted woman true
My baby she don't love me
My baby she don't love me
[Great outro solo]
This is a great session of Showdown with Gary Moore I believe on backing vocals and guitar. Very different take on a classic Lizzy song. Some lyrics are pretty different too. Thin Lizzy made around 43 individual recordings, featuring 41 different songs, with two tracks recorded twice, for the Stuart Henry radio programme and then released via the BBC. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
Johnny Cool was King
He was the leader of the boot boys
He never caused no trouble
In a rumble make some noise
He heard about Miss Lucy
And the way she liked to rock
He said come on Lucy
Gonna teach you where to stop
Gonna be a little showdown
Gonna be a little showdown yeah
Showdown
Gonna be a little showdown yeah
He heard about Miss Lucy
And the way she liked to groove
He said come on Lucy
Gonna teach you how to move
But Miss Lucy had a fellah
With a flick-knife in his hand
Johnny Cool had a shotgun
He in command
Gonna be a little showdown
Gonna be a little showdown yeah
Showdown
Gonna be a little showdown yeah
[Solo]
[Repeat Chorus]
King Cool King Kong
King From King Everything
King of Clubs King of Hearts
King of the Wedding Ring
Miss Lucy had a fellah
And she called him Johnny Cool
Johnny Cool got a gun
And he called her Miss Lou
[Repeat Chorus]
Showdown
Showdown yeah
Showdown
Showdown yeah
Gonna be a showdown [Repeat]
[Outro solo rockout]
This is a very tender and uplifting live studio version of Little Girl in Bloom. Thin Lizzy made around 43 individual recordings, featuring 41 different songs, with two tracks recorded twice, for the Stuart Henry radio programme and then released via the BBC. One of which is this. Enjoy.
Lyrics :-
Little girl in bloom
With happy heart
You walk beside
Any sadness, sorry or gloom
Tomorrow you'll be a blushing bride
That loves her blushing groom
Little girl in bloom
You watch the men play cricket
From the window in your room
You see the ball go from bat to wicket
Pass the afternoon
Little girl in bloom
Carries a secret
A child she carries in her womb
She feels something sacred
She's gonna be a mammy soon
When your daddy come home
Don't tell him till alone
When your daddy come back
Go tell him the facts
Just relax
And see how he's gonna react
Little girl in bloom
All the clouds they go drifting by
So sing your lullabying tune
And all the words
Are in your eyes
As you sit and softly croon
Little girl in bloom
Your love it fills the air
Like the scent of the sweetest sweet perfume
You feel so good you just don't care
Little girl in bloom
With happy heart you walk beside
Any sadness, sorry or gloom
Tomorrow your gonna be a blushing bride
That loves her blushing groom
Little girl in bloom
Carries a secret
A child, it's a child, a child
It's your child
You're gonna be a mama soon
When you're daddy come home
Don't tell him till alone
When you're daddy come back
Go tell him the facts
Just relax
And see how he's
Gonna react
[Soloing/Drums/Outro]
This is one of the most fantastic live studio sessions of this song I think I've ever heard. Thin Lizzy made around 43 individual recordings, featuring 41 different songs, with two tracks recorded twice, for the Stuart Henry radio programme and then released via the BBC. I will be putting up more tracks from these sessions in due time. But for now rock out with this explosive rendition of Black Boys on the Corner!
Lyrics :-
Hey man what you doin?
I think I'll go on down the corner
One of the black boys said
I need none of your pity!
It's your mama that don't
Like you loose in the city
But stick about, take note
Take a tip, and take no back lip
Come a closer
Let me see you snap your fingertip
Because standing on the corner
It might suit you
Or maybe baby
Theres something else you wanna do yeah
Like rolling dice, nice!
Like shooting pool, hey thats cool
Black boy
And I don't know my proper place
I'm a little
Black boy
And I just got to play my bass
I'm a little
Black boy
And I don't recognise a face
I'm a little
Black boy
Ain't no much fun ain't no disgrace
I'm a little
[Solo and drumming]
One of the black boys said
Im a giving a warning
People been putting me down
Im so tired Im yawning
A new suit, pretty boots to boot
Im feeling slick
Gonna go to town, look around
Pull a chick
'Course standing on the corner
Might suit ya
Or maybe baby there's something else
That ya wanna do yeah
I like a playing poker
Joker
I like to back a race
Ace!
Black boy
And I don't know my proper place
I'm a little
Black boy
And I just got to play my bass
I'm a little
Black boy
And I just throw my spaded ace
I'm a little
Black boy
Won't you recognise the face
I'm a little
[Outro Solo]
I never fail to be suprised by the amount of great Dublin versions that are out there. This is a great studio session of the song and probably one of my favourites, as its a much more full sounding version considering its live yet Phil's voice has such a haunting quality in it. Hope you enjoy!
Lyrics :-
[Phil] 'Yeah this one is a modern Irish number, you know, as opposed to Whisky in the Jar being a
traditional Irish number'
After our affair
I swore
That I'd leave Dublin
And in that line
I'd left behind
The years the tears the memories
You in Dublin
At the quays
Friends come
To say farewell
We'd laugh and joke and smoke
And later on the boat
I'd cry over you
How can I
Leave the town
That brings me down
That has no jobs
Is blessed by God
And makes me cry
Dublin
[Superb solo]
And at sea
With blowing hair
I think of Dublin
Of Grafton Street
And Derby Square
Those of whom I care
And you in Dublin
And you in Dublin
Taken from the various live studio sessions the original Thin Lizzy 3-Piece did during the 70/73 era. This one is a great recording with some words changed. It's also my personal favourite version of the song.
Lyrics :-
[Announcer Intro]
In the dismal darkness
I have sat and gazed amazed
At the blazing factories
Like a lonely man
Who stands on the seashore stand
I am afraid
As weary as I be
I try and seem at sea
To look so gay
Run boy run
In your skin
Look what the wind just blew in!
Many lovely ladies
I have felt touched
And I was not afraid
I took them out dancing
Moonlight romancing
And I was not afraid
Then somewhere from the north
This gal I knew just blew in
And I am afraid
Run boy run
In your skin
Look what the wind just blew in!
[Awesome solo]
Look out the way
For a girl so small
I couldn't love at all
I'm weary and I'm lonely
And I'm tired of being on my own yes
And I'm feeling so
Melancholy
And if you leave me now
I swear I'd never love another woman
Anyhow
Run boy run
In your skin
Look what the wind just blew in
Run you've got to run
In your skin
Look what the wind just blew in
[Excellent solo outro]
A fabulous audience recording of their great song 'She Knows' taken from their Nightlife album.
Was very hard to find this and also had to convert it as it was in pure midi format. Taken from their UK tour somewhere around '75 '76. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
[Audience Cheers]
Who got the stuff
When you're feeling low down
Who gonna love ya
When there's no one else around
Who gonna help ya
Especially when you're sick
Mother Mary
I need you quick
She knows she gives everything
She knows it doesn't mean a thing
She knows and she tries her best
She knows, oh you know she knows
Who got the junk
When you're feeling low down
Who gonna give
When there's none to go around
Who gonna help ya
When you feel you've had enough
Mother Mary
This time its rough
She knows she gives everything
She knows it doesn't mean a thing
She knows and she tries her best
She knows, oh you know she knows
Oh I need it
Oh I want it
But Mother Mary, doesn't feel the pain
I'm falling down, and I can't get get up again
Ohh ya do ya do ya do
Just a slight guitar injection!
[Awesome solo]
Who's got the stuff
When you're feeling low down
Who gonna help ya when there's none to go around
Who gonna love ya, especially when you're ill
Mother Mary! I hope ya will!
She knows
She gives everything
She knows
It doesn't mean a thing
She knows
And she tries her best
She knows!
Ohh ya know ya know she knows
Ohh yeah believe it
Ohh yeah witness
Ohh yeah
But Mother Mary can feel the pain
I'm fallen down and I can't get up again
Mother Mary is there nothing you can't do?
[Cheering]
Until 2006 there was 5 tracks that had been hidden in the Lizzy vault that had never been released. Very early studio recordings of some of the later famous and best loved songs. But also 2 tracks 'Mama and Papa' and 'It's Really Worthwhile', that had been recorded but never released officially. Hope you enjoy! These were recorded in Dublin.
This one is my most favourite rendition of Saga because it's just so heartfelt and the piano is incredibly striking on this version.
Lyrics :-
Father and I
Waved goodbye
As we went to look
Uncle Peter was writing
A book
And his mama was starting
To cook
And she's ageing
We had come
In search of one
Who evades us all
Never heeds the call
If only someone could stall
This ageing
So I'll go
And hope and know
That my time is near
Laughing through
The years
Having only
Fear
Of ageing, Of ageing
Taken from their 1973 Berlin Television broadcast. Hope you enjoy it's a fantastic live rendition of Whiskey in the Jar and it's uncut which I find most live performances reduce it to 3 minutes cutting out Bell's fantastic guitar solo.
Eric Bell introduces this live rockout which I just had to upload. A friend of mine sent it but try as I might I could not eliminate the hiss, though it is very easily ignoreable when the track begins.
It's a great cover of the British Dr Who TV series theme, where Phil even adds lyrics. Though I can't be sure whether they are his or not. I also absolutely love the end when Phil explains how they have to keep regularly tuning their instruments, because they put new strings on the guitars but mashed them up when they were drunk haha :D. No lyrics cos I could not for the life of me work them out. Otherwise...Enjoy!
Until 2006 there was 5 tracks that had been hidden in the Lizzy vault that had never been released. Very early studio recordings of some of the later famous and best loved songs. But also 2 tracks 'Mama and Papa' and 'It's Really Worthwhile', that had been recorded but never released officially. Hope you enjoy! These were recorded in Dublin.
Now this track is very special as it is very different to the one that was released on the album. It is very interesting because Phil uses lyrics that were to be incorporated on the song 'Buffalo Gal' but switched them around. I therefore had to take the lyrics by ear, but if you think that the lyrics are wrong in any way, do not hesitate to contact me and I shall rectify them!
Lyrics :-
The Friendly Ranger paused
And scooping a bowl of beans
Spreading them like stars
Falling like justice
On different scenes
I'm damned
Indeed comrade
I'm being bombed
And all the people's faces turned strawberry blonde
By the morning gate
The Friendly Ranger waits
For the sun
Making sure it's not late
Just in time
No need to fear
Just in case
And all the people happy for another year
True to these circumstances no more dances
And your chances for further romances will be met
Till the young maid has been paid
Recieved the debt which was delayed
I'm afraid there's a bet
(Very cool bongos)
And in the evening shade
He climbs upon the sun
Getting it's glow
Goes on singing this song
Very relaxing but upbeat song from the magnificent Daredevils. Taken from their 'Car Over The Lake' album. Enjoy!
Lyrics :-
If I only knew what wakes me
If I only knew
Then I would be outside walkin'
Through the morning dew with you
It shouldn't be too far
It shouldn't be far away, away, away
If I only knew which road went where
If I only knew
Then I would be outside walkin'
Through the morning air with you
It shouldn't be too hard
It shouldn't be hard to see, to see, to see
(SAX SOLO)
Hey you
Put some funny looking clothes on me too
Then we can run around and show our happy glow
If I only knew what it would take
If I only knew
Then I wouldn't make the same mistakes
That I usually do with you
It shouldn't be too hard
It shouldn't be hard to do, to do, to do, to do
A superb collaberation on a Christmas Hit. How cool is this? Never heard such a rocking Xmas rendition. The actual video of the TOTP performance is on youtube but I decided to upload the high quality audio of the song. Enjoy and even though it's not Xmas yet it can be enjoyed anytime!
Lyrics:-
We wish you a merry Xmas x 3
And a happy new year!
We wish you a merry Xmas x 3
And a happy new year!
Jingle bells, Jingle jangle
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh
Hey! x 4
We wish you a merry Xmas x 3
And a happy new year!
Jingle bells, Jingle jangle
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh
Hey! x 2
Oh what fun it is to ride
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Sleigh! Hey!
We wish you (all the best for Xmas)
We wish you a merry Xmas
And a happy new year
And a happy new
New
Year!
Taken from the B-Side to Phil's single 'Together'. This is a really cool jiveout and I love the lyrics. It's all about how he feels with the life of a rockstar. A little self indulgant but nonetheless brilliant.
Lyrics:-
(Damn, damn x 3)
First he comes up and he tells ya
Hey I'm bored with the whole musical scene
And then he says, I've seen your act
It's the greatest thing
But the more he gets to know ya
The more he shows ya he's off the lunatic fringe
You see as silly as it seems
I'm so tired of living out somebody else's dream
Who do you think you are
Are you a poet a lover a father a rock and roll star
Who do I think I am x 2
I love my partner in life - my wife, my children and mam
Who do you think you are x 2
Well I messed up, I mucked up oh I should shut up
Who do you think you are x 2
Who do I think I am
You mean a thousand different faces
But it's that same old reclaim
And a thousand different places
Don't you know home?
Let me introduce you to who I mean
Then you get impatient
Then you start to scream
You see as silly as it seems
You're living out somebody else's dream
You're living out someone else's dream x 4
So tired of it
Of living
And people say
It must be nice to be noticed
And you say
It don't affect me at all
But some day this pretending it must stop
And you must protest do the people have the right to know it all
Do they know it all?
Are they told it all
Do you know it all?
I don't know at all
As silly as it seems
What did that mean?
I mean it was a fob a flash a scheme
What do you mean?
You're living out someone elses dream
What does that mean?
It means I dont know man
I'll never do this again
You're living out someone else's dream x 2
Who says this song has anything in common with you at all
That's what I mean
You mean as silly as it seems
I'm so tired of living out somebody else's dream
This is taken from a TV appearance where Phil was just on his own. The vocals are 100 percent live and I'm pretty sure the bass is too, but no other members were there at the time. I think it's much better version then the album as it's got incredible emotion. Superb song and enjoy!
Lyrics :-
[Intro by Phil]
Sweet Marie, you mean a lot to me
In my memory, oh I hold you dearly
Once in all my dreams, my plans hopes and future schemes
There was Sweet Marie
And my home is where my heart is
But my heart is not at home
You see, whenever we are parted
Oh I feel so all alone
The twilight's falling the full moon it is calling
And what the sea tells only sea shells are whispering
(Sweet Marie, Sweet Marie, Sweet Marie)
Into the darkness, there goes this message to you my darling
Sweet Marie
Some lovers they are parted
They must end what they have started
All that's left is the broken hearted
And I must depart my Sweet Marie
(Solo)
Somewhere out in Arizona
Such a long way from California
Oh I felt so alone there
I was two thousand miles away from home there
Tonight we're gonna play Boston
And I still don't know what the hell is going on
Oh but I just wrote this song and
It keeps me thinking of
Sweet Marie
She mean a lot to me
Oh this melody keeps on haunting me
It's with me constantly, in harmony
Oh my Sweet Marie
But my home is where my heart is
And my heart it's not at home
You see whenever we are parted
Oh I feel so all alone
(Clapping)
Until 2006 there was 5 tracks that had been hidden in the Lizzy vault that had never been released. Very early studio recordings of some of the later famous and best loved songs. But also 2 tracks 'Mama and Papa' and 'It's Really Worthwhile', that had been recorded but never released officially. Hope you enjoy! These were recorded in Dublin. This here is a pretty stripped back version of Dublin but is incredible all the same. Enjoy!
Until 2006 there was 5 tracks that had been hidden in the Lizzy vault that had never been released. Very early studio recordings of some of the later famous and best loved songs. But also 2 tracks 'Mama and Papa' and 'It's Really Worthwhile', that had been recorded but never released officially. Hope you enjoy! These were recorded in Dublin.
Lyrics :-
Baby river crying like a waterfall
For soon it's to be taken away by Master Sea
And Mama and Papa go on
And they nearly fall
Mother they're feeling me
Mr Sun shone down upon, the valley
Even though Lady Tree had stripped off her leaves, indeed
Mama and Papa talk on in the city
Mother in you I'm pleased
[Eric Solo]
The grass grew long but was cut by Mr Weather
And Brother Mist was climbing down the mountainside
Mama, Papa live happily together
Mother they feel inside
You don't know how I've tried
This is a spectacular live recording of Thin Lizzy's 'The Rocker' when it was newly released. They were performing it in Golders Green North London at the Hippodrome (roughly seats 3000) for the BBC. I am pretty sure this was video recorded also as it was a television studio as well as venue at the time. I also love this version cos the PA did a great job with the sound levels of Phil's bass. Enjoy!
[Announcer]
Hello again and welcome to another BBC and concert programme from the Hippodrome Golders Green in London. With us for the first time on the concert tonight we've got a band from Ireland who made a lot of new friends with their hit single quite recently. Would you welcome please, Thin Lizzy!
... Well the band are gonna open up in fact with a number I think we can dedicate this one to the front row here because it's called The Rocker!
[Intro]
I am your main man if you're looking for trouble
I'll take no lip no ones tougher than me
If I kicked your face you'd soon be seeing double
Hey little girl, keep your hands off of me
I'm a rocker
I'm a rocker!
I'm a roller too, baby
I'm a rocker!
Down at the juke joint me and the boys are stompin'
Bippin' an a boppin', and telling a dirty joke or two
In walked this chick and I knew she was up to something
I kissed her right out of the blue
I said "Hey baby, meet me I'm a tough guy"
"Got my cycle outside, you wanna try?"
She just looked at me and rolled them big eyes
And said "Ooh I'd do anything for ya for you're a rocker"
I'm a rocker!
I'm a roller too, honey
I'm a rocker!
I love to rock and roll
Get my records at the Rock On stall
Sweet rock and roll
Teddy boy, he's got them all, look out baby!
[Incredible Eric Bell solo]
I love to rock and roll
I get my records at the Rock On stall
Sweet rock and roll
Teddy boy, he's got them all, oh baby, ow baby!
[Phil]: Thankyou
This is the final track from the 1971 debut album of Thin Lizzy. I found this in my music collection. It is taken from a BBC concert the Hippodrome, Golders Green in North London. It's a great live recording of this very rare and early song from Thin Lizzy. It's the first Lizzy 3 piece set up with the great Eric Bell. You will also find that the lyrics aren't the same from the album version. I love it! Enjoy! It's a great one.
Lyrics :-
[Intro by announcer]
"Yes, and that's just for starters that's uh the opening number from Thin Lizzy a new number in fact called The Rocker. Well this next one is a bit more familiar because it first appeared on a Thin Lizzy maxi single you may remember, 'Thing's Ain't Working Out Down At The Farm'."
There goes Moses carrying a bible book
Never has a problem, he just has a cup
It's good clean alchohol, and it fill ya up
Here I go laughing, like a fool yeah
Thing's ain't working out, down at the farm
Got noo bag or baggage, got no love
And I ain't been in trouble since I was a baby, and I was born
Thing's ain't working out, down at the farm
He caught me unawares, and he made me strip, naked
Ohh I was scared, Ohh I was scared, I was shaking
He said
It's you and me
And me and you
And me and me
And you and you
And me and me
And I just kept laughing, geez he liked bustin' me, he liked busting me
Thing's ain't working out, down at the farm
I got no woman, to keep me warm
And I ain't been in trouble, with the law before
And it's bad and I'm discusted
You see my girlfriend's just been busted
Low down and dirty, I can't be trusted!
[Great signature Eric Bell Solo]
Thing's ain't working out, Out
[Eric joins] Down at the ... farm.
Clapping 'Thankyou'.
Taken from one of their most explosive albums ; 'Vagabonds of the Western World'. One of my favourite Eric Bell guitar tracks, he just goes insane toward the end. Incredible lyrics as usual follow and this song is open to many interpretations which I love.
Lyrics :-
The Hero, rode a white horse
Across the desert
To where his woman was
He'd been riding
For four days
When he saw the tower
Where she was locked
In the moonlight, he left his old steed
Near the drawbridge, that he crossed
And by way of a rope ladder
He tippie-toed to where, his woman was
If I recall, you're the actor who followed the stars
Searching for the lost city of Mars
Hoping time, could heal the scars
Knowing Fate held no bars
Those that knew ya
Always said you'd go far
Are you the one, I think you are?
Oh are you the hero?
Oh are you the madman?
Oh are you the hero
Oh are you the madman
The madman, climbed the steeple spire
"Go higher, go higher!", said the crowd from down below
"But the world's on fire!", said the madman from the steeple
"You're a liar, you're a liar!" said the crowd from down below
So the madman climbed the steeple spire
And let a crystal ball tear fall
On the crowd down below
If I recall, you're the actor who took to the stage
Set the world ablaze, with your anger and your rage
And with every new leaf, you turned and wrote a new page
Cleverly concealing, your real age
Those that knew ya
Were always quite amazed
Are you the one, that can take this praise?
Oh, are you the hero?
Oh, are you the madman?
Oh, are you the hero
Oh, are you the madman
"You're the only one that can save us", cried the wizard
"Or all is lost."
[Furious solo and end]
*disclaimer - I do not own nor hold any of the rights to this song. All rights belong to the respective
band/ or management.
This was the first ever official single released from the band Thin Lizzy in 1970.
I truly love it and it already exudes the confidence of Phil's songwriting and the bands tightness and talent.
Took me a while to find, as it does not appear on their debut album and in Phil's own words : "Its a real rare song so if you find it good luck to ya". Enjoy friends!
Lyrics :-
Sure do appreciate ya'll comin
Specially you Skinny Lizzy
Me and my cousin Frank
He's the one who robbed the bank
Bought some whiskey all can drank
And it's in the barn
You see Ma she's passed away
And there's not much I can say
'Cept I'd like ya all to pray
'Cause I don't know what we're gonna do, Lord help me!
Won't ya'll come again
Won't ya'll come?
Your faces keep us warm
Won't ya'll come?
Pappa sits alone
All he does is moan and groan
Moan and grooooooan
So I put on my pin-striped suit
I wouldn't fill my pockets with loot
I went lookin for the Reverand Luke
Way up north in Tennessee
Won't ya'll come again
Wont ya'll come?
Your faces keep us warm
Won't ya'll come?
[Great solo]
Ma passed away
Not much I can say
Like you all to pray
I don't know what we're gonna do, Lord help me
[Repeat chorus and fade]
*disclaimer - I do not own any of the rights to this song. All rights belong to the respective band/ and or
management.


