[1] Hey God (Bon Jovi/Sambora) - 6:20
[2] Something for the Pain (Bon Jovi/Campbell/Sambora) - 4:46
[3] This Ain't a Love Song (Bon Jovi/Campbell/Sambora) - 5:06
[4] These Days (Bon Jovi/Sambora) - 6:26
[5] Lie to Me (Bon Jovi/Sambora) - 5:33
[6] Damned (Bon Jovi/Sambora) - 4:27
[7] My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms (Bon Jovi/Sambora) - 5:42
[8] (It's Hard) Letting You Go (Bon Jovi) - 5:50
[9] Hearts Breaking Even (Bon Jovi/Campbell) - 5:05
[10] Something to Believe In (Bon Jovi) - 5:25
[11] If That's What It Takes (Bon ovi/Sambora) - 5:27
[12] Diamond Ring (Bon Jovi/Campbell/Sambora) - 3:46
Bon Jovi:
Jon Bon Jovi - Vocals, Percussion, Harmonica, Producer
Richie Sambora - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Electric Sitar, Background Vocals, Producer
David Bryan - Keyboards, Background Vocals
Tico Torres - Drums, Percussion
Additional personnel:
Jerry Cohen - keyboards
Robbie Buchanan - keyboards, programming
Hugh McDonald - bass
Randy "The Emperor" Jackson - Bass
Tommy Funderburk - background vocals
Rory Dodd - background vocals
David Campbell - Conductor, String Arrangements Suzie Katayama - Accordion, String Contractor
Miami Horns:
Jerry Vivino - tenor saxophone
Ed Manion - baritone saxophone
Mark Pender - trumpet
Richie LaBamba - trombone
Peter Collins - Producer
Nathaniel Kunkel - Engineer
David Thoener - Engineer
Obie O'Brien - Engineer
Gabe Veltry - Engineer
Jay Schwartz - Engineer
Bob Clearmountain - Mixing
George Marino - Mastering
Pete Martinez - Assistant Engineer
Mark Mason - Assistant Engineer
Mike Scotella - Assistant Engineer
Chris Laidlaw - Assistant Engineer
Jim Labinski - Assistant Engineer
Mark Apringer - Assistant Engineer
Manny Lecouna - Assistant Engineer
Ryan Freeland - Assistant Engineer
Tal Miller - Assistant Engineer
Margery Greenspan - Art Direction
Mark Seliger - Photography
Frank Harkins - Design
Cynthia Levine - Photography
1995 CD Mercury 528181
1995 CS Mercury 528181
1995 CD Mercury 8181
1995 CD Mercury 5282482
1998 CD Mercury 532644
1999 CD Mercury 94069
1999 CD Mercury 538119
1999 CD Polygram International 94069
2000 CD Mercury 9007
Riding a resurgence in popularity with the triple-platinum success of
their greatest-hits package CROSSROADS, Bon Jovi returns with THESE
DAYS, their first studio album since 1992's KEEP THE FAITH. And it's
obvious that the alterna-rock nihilism exhibited by many of their more
angst-ridden peers has affected the band's material, giving the
blue-collar romanticism of the Jersey rockers a darker vibe. Jon Bon
Jovi's characters on THESE DAYS weigh in with more mature and darker
conflicts than those explored on previous albums. On "Hey God", a
family man on the brink of homelessness cries out for spiritual
guidance. The title track goes a step further,describing the sheer
hopelessness that goes with not havinga place to live. Other characters
who've lost their way areeither on quests of faith ("Something To
Believe In") or have found other altars to worship at ("Something For
The Pain").
Along with heightened lyrical development, the group's sound continues
to evolve away from the usual pop-metal fare. Jon Bon Jovi
occassionally drifts into a raspy voice that is a direct nod to Bruce
Springsteen, while David Bryan's keyboard playing veers from the lush
orchestration of "Lie To Me" to a simpler harpsichord tone in "If
That's What It Takes". Still, Bon Jovi remain a guitar-driven band, and
Richie Sambora's muscular style has expanded to include some tasty
electric-sitar playing. Though Jon Bon Jovi's sunny optimism is
tempered by the murkier subject matter, he still closes THESE DAYS with
"Diamond Ring", a gentle matrimonial proposal that shows this Jersey
boy is still a romantic at hea
Bon Jovi are the musical equivalent of romantic films like While You
Were Sleeping: You realize you're being shamelessly manipulated by the
script, but you cry anyway.
For proof, hear "Hey God," the opening track on These Days. Here are
Bon Jovi, a band that includes numerous multimillionaires and the guy
who married Heather Locklear, and they're rocking out behind lyrics
like "We're barely hanging on.... Only two paychecks away from living
in the street." Jon Bon Jovi not only sings it with a straight face, he
makes it work.
The fact is, nobody does this better. Bon Jovi pump out those really
big, rounder-than-round sound-wavin' hooks, the ultimate guilty
pleasure. Then there's the BJ-patented Crescendoing Power Ballad,
including I-will-die-for-you lyrics that tread that fine line between
Springsteen and Hallmark: "She came looking for some shelter with a
suitcase full of dreams." The chorus of "These Days" insists you sing
along nonetheless.
These Days employs these cheesy-but-irresistible pop qualities while
unapologetically presenting mostly sad music for grown-ups. On this,
their sixth album, Bon Jovi trade their metallic party-dude past for
Garth Brooks and ZZ Top-ish turns. Check the gorgeously depressed
twangy harmonies of "Diamond Ring" and the boozy pathos of "Lie to Me"
("If you don't love me, baby, lie to me"). Even the record's most
rollicking, guitar-solohappy cut, "Damned," owes more to INXS than to
Motley Crue.
The glossy-but-desolate tone of Richie Sambora's solo disc, Stranger in
This Town, shows up on "My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms." In fact, a
welcome morose quality permeates These Days; it's the next smart step
away from the land of puffy hair. Remember the White bands (Lion, Great
and 'Snake)? Unlike their crash-and-burned pop-metal cohorts, Bon Jovi
have maintained their platinum status and age gracefully along with
their fans – who'll probably be flocking to the Vegas Hard Rock
Hotel and Casino in the year 2025. Jon Bon Jovi in an exclusive
engagement on the big stage ... the Frank Sinatra of his era.
With These Days, Bon Jovi firmly established themselves as an adult
contemporary act. They still have their fair share of rockers, but they
seem half-hearted and incomplete. Instead, the band sounds the most
comfortable with love ballads and working class anthems, from hits
"This Ain't a Love Song" and "Lie to Me" to the acoustic "Diamond
Ring." In fact, as the years go by, Bon Jovi gets musically stronger.
Not only are their best songs stronger now, their playing is more
accomplished. Keeping these improvements in mind, it's no surprise that
the group was one of the few pop-metal bands to sustain a career in the
mid-'90s.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All-Music Guide
These Days ist unverkennbar Bon Jovi - und das in Bestform. Was die
Vier hier bieten ist erfrischend gut und zeigt zu welcher Perfektion
das jahrelange Zusammenspiel eine Rockband bringen kann. Pure
Spielfreude regiert, Jon Bons arrivierte Stimme und Richie Samboras
Gitarre ergänzen sich perfekt. "Hey God" als Einstieg ist eine
beeindruckende Schallwand, mit "Something For The Pain" packen sie
direkt noch einen echten Rocker obendrauf. Bon Jovi beherrschen hier
auch die leisen Töne meisterlich. "My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My
Arms": Jon leidet überzeugend und Samboras virtuose Behandlung der
sechs Saiten, ganz im Sinne des Titels, erzeugt eine angemessen
melancholische Stimmung. Momente dieser Art bietet "These Days" viele,
ohne aber im Schluchzen zu erstarren. Jeder Song hat echte Kraft in
sich und so gelingt es auch "Lie To Me" oder "(It's Hard) Letting You
Go" den langjährigen Fan der Band zu überzeugen. Welches
Extrem die Band auch wählt, es macht Spaß zuzuhören.
Wolfram Lumpe, Amazon.de
Nach dem unglaublichen Erfolg von "Crossroads" - weltweit zwölf
Millionen, alleine in Deutschland 1,5 davon - war zu erwarten,
daß Bon Jovi auch bei senem neuen Album auf ruhigere Klänge
setzt. Zu gut aufgegangen ist das Konzept, die Radiostationen
flächendeckend mit Balladen zu überziehen. Daß New
Jersey´s Finest nach dem eher experimentell ausgefallenen
Studioalbum "Keep The Faith" diesen Gdanken aber auf so drastische Art
und Weise in die Tat umsetzen, überrascht. Zyniker werden "These
Days" als gelungene EP mit einer Unmenge überflüssiger
Bonus-Tracks bezeichnen - eine Klassifizierung, die man auch nach
mehrmaligem Hören der Scheibe stehen lassen kann. So richtig fest
setzten sich in den Ghörgängen lediglich der fulminante
Opener ´Hey God´, der von der eben absolvierten Stadiontour
bekannt sein dürfte, das an Def Leppards ´Let´s Get
Rocked´ erinnernde ´Something For The Pain´ und die
etwas kitschige Singleauskopplung ´This Ain´t A Love
Song´. Nach weiteren Durchläufen gehen auch das in bester
Springsteen-Manier stehende Titelstück und das getragene `Guitar
Lies Bleeding In My Hands´ als "gut" durch, aber dann? Belanglose
Säuselsongs machen den Rest des Albums aus und präsentieren
den Mann, dessen Name stets synonym für exzellente Melodoc
Rock-Scheiben stand, in erschreckend schwacher Form. Wenn da der
unglaubliche Erfolg mal nicht mit zunehmendem Ideenverlust und
mangelnder Kreativität einhergeht.
Bon Jovi was born into the rock and roll world sometime in the year of
1984 with their self-titled album. Their second album, 7800°
Fahrenheit followed, but it wasn't until their third, Slippery When
Wet, that Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Alec John Such, David Bryan and
Tico Torres became a house-hold name with their
catchy-yet-thought-provoking tunes about having fun, boy/girl
relationships, and friendship. By the time their fourth album, New
Jersey, hit the hungry public they had become one of the biggest rock
acts of the 80s.
The 90s arrived, proving to be a treacherous road for many of the 80s
rock bands, but not so for Bon Jovi. In 1990-91, we saw the growth of
both Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora with their solo projects, Blaze of
Glory and Stranger In This Town during a period of uncertainty within
the band. By 1992, Bon Jovi was ready to take on the world with Keep
The Faith and shortly thereafter with Crossroads, their greatest hits
album, leaving Bon Jovi very much on the rock and roll map. This year,
in 1995, marked the departure of bassist Alec John Such and the release
of their most recent effort, These Days - an album that shows a deep
maturity and keen insight into a 90s world full of agitation,
desperation, loss of hope and a lack of heroes.
The album opens with a hard-hitting "Hey God", which explores issues of
poverty, violence and hard times in today's world, while questioning
God's presence as these tragedies go unchecked. "Something For The
Pain" begins with windchime-sounding keyboards and a forceful guitar
intro. The song has a catchy feel, a harmonious chorus, and
thought-provoking lyrics about needing someone or something to get you
through those painful blues. Richie and Jon add a nice effect to the
song by singing separate verses at the same time during the bridge.
"Damned" is an all-out jam with a funky rhythm and soaring vocals by
Jon, who sings about being involved with a married woman. With a
crunchy beat and flavorful horns this song can only prove to be great
live. "My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms" is eerie-sounding and dismal
both musically and vocally, telling the torture of being hit with
writer's block. "If That's What It Takes" provides us with a positive
outlook on being there for your partner in a relationship and trusting
that person, even though that trust has been broken in the past. The
ballads are plentiful on this album, but they are all very unique in
their own right. "This Ain't A Love Song" is a break-up song that
paints beautiful pictures lyrically, laced with engaging keyboards and
R&B vocals. "Lie To Me" is a relationship song about having some
hope left as long as your soul mate believes in you because, without
that, there would be nothing left. Musically, it's backed with melodic
keyboards and guitars, while Richie croons softly in the background.
"(It's Hard) Letting You Go" uses picturesque lyrical prose telling a
gut-wrenching story about grieving the loss of someone you love very
much, backed up by a simple, yet enchanting guitar melody. "Heart's
Breaking Even" is another break-up song about calling quits on a
relationship before it's too late, providing a waltzy, soulful rhythm.
The title song, "These Days" begins with an exquisite piano intro,
leading into a sonorous guitar intro. The clever lyrics, sung soulfully
by Jon, paints a very real picture of today's world of lost innocence,
irrevocable heroes, and dreams hard to grasp. The most depressing song
of the album, "Something To Believe In" proposes a sense of
hopelessness about friendships, religion, and circumstances. Backed by
a tribal drum beat and tambourine, and punctuated with a series of
"heys" by Richie, this song proves to be the most cynical on the album.
"Diamond Ring" wraps up the album with simple, yet meaningful lyrics,
wrapped around an euphonious acoustic guitar. Jon's clear, aesthetic
vocals and Richie's backups makes this short, yet charming song
complete.
These Days is a wonderful, mature collaboration that is very real and
insightful lyrically, while it shows off Jon's incredible vocal
abilities and the band's unbelievable musical expertise. Despite the
excellence of this album, some masterpieces have been pitifully left
out. One standout, "Lonely At The Top" is another simple acoustic
number about a girl's father who committed suicide because he couldn't
deal with his fame any longer. Beautifully written and sung, it touches
the heart. Another standout, "Bitter Wine" is another ballad filled
with poignant piano, ethereal guitars, and tender vocals, and is
lyrically bittersweet and elegant. Three other gems, "All I Want Is
Everything" shows the boys can still write a kicking rock tune, "When
She Comes" is mellow, yet catchy with it's driving bass rhythm, and
"The End" is whimsical and delightful. "Wedding Day", an upbeat ballad
flavored with a tad of county influence, is melodic and wistful,
diplaying Jon's intrinsically exquisite voice. One tune that I don't
particularly care for is "Prostitute" , which I find too divergent and
eccentric, making it more reminiscent of Nirvana.
Bon Jovi doesn't need to prove they are a 90s band; they've already
done so. They mix what they know with new, flavorful ideas that keep
their music refreshing and always moving forward. They never
regurgitate past albums, as each one sounds significantly different
from the other. They continue to improve musically, lyrically, and
vocally, while they remain charming performers live. What's more,
they're even nice guys. These Days , as with their previous works,
proves to be another hit.
Diane Trautweiler (LadyDi1971@aol.com) from New Jersey, September 23, 1999
Hey God, I'm just a little man got a wife and family
But I almost lost the house
Yeah, I bought into the dream
We're barely holdin' on, when I'm in way to deep
We're two paychecks away from living out on the streets
She's a workin' single mom, like a Saint she doesn't complain
She never says a word, but she thinks that she's to blame
Her son just got convicted, he blew some punk away
She did her best to raise him, but the world got in the way
Hey God - Tell me what the hell is going on
Seems like all the good shits gone
It keeps on getting harder hanging on
Hey God, there's nights you know I want to scream
These days you've even harder to believe
I know how busy you must be, but Hey God...
Do you ever think about me
Born into the ghetto in 1991, just a happy child
Playing beneath the summer sun
A vacant lots' his playground, by 12 he's got a gun
The odds are bet against him, junior don't make 21
Hey God - Tell me what the hell is going on
Seems like all the good shits gone
It keeps on getting harder hangin' on
Hey God, there's nights you know I want to scream
These days you've even harder to believe
I know how busy you must be, but Hey God...
I'd get down on my knees
I'm going to try this thing you way
Seen a dying man too proud to beg spit on his own grave
Was he too gone to save?
Did you even know his name?
Are you the one to blame, I got something to say
Hey God - Tell me what the hell is going on
Seems like all the good shits gone
It keeps on getting harder hangin' on
Hey God, there's nights you know I want to scream
These days you've even harder to believe
I know how busy you must be, but Hey God...
Do you ever think about me
Something For The Pain
Happiness, it's been no friend to me
But forever after ain't what it's all cracked up to be
Yeah, I had a taste, you were my fantasy
But I lost my faith when I hit reality
I don't need no Guru to tell me what to do
When you feeling like a headline on yesterday's news
Come on , Come on, Come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when I feel I've been danglin' from
A hang-man's noose
Give me something for the pain
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right, something like you
Loneliness has found a home in me
My suitcase and guitar are my only family
I've tried to need someone, like they needed me
I opened up my heart but all I did was bleed
I don't need no lover, just to get screwed
They don't make a bandage that is going to cover my bruise
Come on , Come on, Come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when I feel I've been danglin' from
A hang-man's noose
Give me something for the pain
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right, something like you
Pull me under (help I'm falling)
Run through my veins (night is calling)
To a place (feels like I'm flying)
Where I feel no pain (Christ - I'm dying)
Be the pillow under my head
Give me cover when I'm in my bed
Take me higher than I've ever been
Take me down and back again
Come to me, be my disguise
Open your coat, let me crawl inside
Come on, Come on, Come on
Come on , Come on, Come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when I feel I've been danglin' from
A hang-man's noose
Give me something for the pain
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right, something like you
Come on , Come on, Come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when I feel I've been danglin' from
A hang-man's noose
Give me something for the pain
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right, something like you
This Ain't A Love Song
I should have seen it coming when the roses died
Should have seen the end of summer in your eyes
I should have listened when you said good night
You really meant good bye
Baby ain't it funny how you never ever learn to fall
You're really on your knees when you think you're standing tall
But only fools are know-it-alls and I've played that fool for you
I cried and cried every night
There were nights that I died for you baby
I tried and I tried to deny it that your love drove me crazy baby
If the love that I got for you is gone
If the river I've cried ain't that long
Then I'm wrong yeah I'm wrong
This ain't a love song
Baby I thought you and me would
Stand the test of time
Like we got away with the perfect crime
But we were just a legend in my mind
I guess that I was blind
Remember those nights dancing at the masquerade
The clowns wore smiles that wouldn't fade
You and I were the renegades some things never change
It made me so mad 'cause I wanted it bad for us baby
And now it's so sad that whatever we had
Ain't worth saving oh oh oh
If the love that I've got for you is gone
If the river I've cried ain't that long
Then I'm wrong yes I'm wrong
This ain't a love song
If the pain that I'm feeling so strong
Is the reason that I'm holding on
Then I'm wrong yeah I'm wrong
This ain't a love song
I cried and I cried every night
There were nights that I died for you baby
I tried and I tried to deny it that
Your love drove me crazy
If the love that I got for you is gone
If the river I cried ain't that long
Then I'm wrong yeah I'm wrong
This ain't a love song
Then I'm wrong yeah I'm wrong
This ain't a love song
oh oh oh no no
These Days
I was walking around, just a face in the crowd
Trying to keep myself out of the rain
Saw a vagabond king wear a styrofoam crown
Wondered if I might end up the same
There's a man out on the corner
Singing old songs about change
Everybody got their cross to bare, these days
She came looking for some shelter with a suitcase full of dreams
To a motel room on the boulevard
Guess she's trying to be James Dean
She's seen all the disciples and all the "wanna be's"
No one wants to be themselves these days
Still there's nothing to hold on to but these days
These days - the stars seem out of reach
These days - there ain't a ladder on these streets
These days - are fast, love don't last in this graceless age
There ain't nobody left but us these days
Jimmy shoes busted both his legs, trying to learn to fly
From a second story window, he just jumped and closed his eyes
His momma said he was crazy - he said momma "I've got to try"
Don't you know that all my heroes died
And I guess I'd rather die than fade away
These days - the stars seem out of reach
But these days - there ain't a ladder on these streets
These days are fast, love don't lasts-in this graceless age
Even innocence has caught the morning train
And there ain't nobody left but us these days
I know Rome's still burning
Though the times have changed
This world keepd turning round and round and round and round
These days
These days - the stars seem out of reach
But these days - there ain't a ladder on these streets
These days are fast, love don't lasts-in this graceless age
Even innocence has caught the morning train
And there ain't nobody left but us these days
These days - the stars seem out of reach
These days - there ain't a ladder on these streets
These days - are fast, nothing lasts
There ain't no time to waste
There ain't nobody left to take the blame
There ain't nobody left but us these days
Lie To Me
Rumour has it that your daddy's coming down
He's gonna pay the rent
Tell me baby, is this as good as life is gonna get
It feels like there's a stranger standing in these shoes
But, I know I can't lose me, 'cause then I'd be losing you
I know I promised baby
I would be the one to make our dreams come true
I ain't too proud of all the struggles
And the hard times we've been through
When this cold world comes between us
Please tell me you'll be brave
'Cause I can realize the danger when forgiveness fades away
If you don't love me - lie to me
'Cause baby you're the one thing I believe
Let it all fall down around us, if that's what's meant to be
Right now if you don't love me baby - lie to me
Pour another cup of coffee
Babe I got something to say to you
I ain't got the winning ticket
Not the one that's gonna pull us through
No one said that it'd be easy
Let your old man take you home
But know that if you walk out on me that darling
I'd be gone
If you don't love me - lie to me
'Cause baby you're the one thing I believe
Let it all fall down around us, if that's what's meant to be
Right now if you can't love me baby - lie to me
Baby, I can take it
It's a bitch, but life's a roller coaster ride
The ups and downs will make you scream sometimes
It's hard believing that the thrill is gone
But we got to go around again, so let's hold on
If you don't love me - lie to me
'Cause baby you're the one thing I believe
Let it all fall down around us
If that's what's meant to be
Right now if you can't love me baby - lie to me
Lie to me
Baby, I can take it
C'mon lie to me
Damned
I'm lying here beside you in someone else's bed
Knowing what were doing's wrong
But better left unsaid
Your breathing sounds like screaming
It's all that I can stand
His ring is on your finger
But my heart is in your hands
Damned if you love me
Damned if you don't
It's getting harder holding on, but I can't let you go
Damned if you don't need me
Damned if you do
God, I wish it wasn't me standin' in these shoes
Damned, damned
A door slams like a shotgun, you jump up to your feet
But it's just the wind blowing through the secrets that we keep
Made me want to want you, God knows I need to need you
By the time the love is over, I'll be sleeping on the streets
Damned if you love me
Damned if you don't
It's getting harder holding on, but I can't let you go
Damned if you don't need me
Damned if you do
God, I wish it wasn't me standin' in these shoes
Damned, damned
Why don't you talk to me? (Because I'm too blind to see)
Why don't you look at me? (Because I'm afraid to breath)
What do you want from me? (All that I can stand)
The lies are on my tongue and I can't turn back I know
My soul is damned
Don't worry
I ain't gonna call you or hear you say my name
And if you see me on the street, don't wave just walk away
Our lives are getting twisted, let's keep our stories straight
The more that I resist it, my temptation turns to fate
Damned if you love me
Damned if you don't
It's getting harder holding on, but I can't let you go
Damned if you don't need me
Damned if you do
God, I wish it wasn't me standin' in these shoes
My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms
Misery likes company, I like the way that sounds
I've been trying to find the meaning, so I can write it down
Staring out the window, it's such a long way down
I'd like to jump, but I'm afraid to hit the ground
I can't write a love song the way I feel today
I can't sing no song of hope, I got nothing to say
Life is feeling kind of strange, since you went away
I sing this song to you wherever you are
As my guitar lies bleeding in my arms
I'm tired of watching TV, it makes me ant to scream
Outside the world is burning, man it's so hard to belive
Each day you know you're dying from the cradle to the grave
I get so numb sometimes, that I can't feel the pain
I can't write a love song the way I feel today
I can't sing no song of hope I've got nothing to say
Life is feeling kind of strange, it's strange enough these days
I send this song to you, whoever you are
As my guitar lies bleeding in my arms
Staring at the paper, I don't know what to write
I'll have my last cigarette-well, turn out the lights
Maybe tomorrow I'll fell a different way
But here im my delusion , I don't know what to say
I can't write a love song the way I feel today
I can't sing no song of hope I've got nothing to save
And I can't fight the feelings buried in my brains
I send this song to you, whoever you are
As my guitar lies bleeding
(It's Hard) Letting You Go
It ain't no fun lying down to sleep
And there ain't no secrets left for me to keep
I wish the stars up in the sky
Would all just call in sick
And the clouds would take the moon out
On some one-way trip
I drove all night down streets that wouldn't bend
But somehow they drove me back here once again
To the place I lost at love, and the place I lost my soul
I wish I'd just burn down this place that we called home
It would all have been so easy
If you'd only made me cry
And told me how you're leaving me
To some organ grinder's lullaby
It's hard, so hard - it's tearing out my heart
It's hard letting you go
Now the sky, it shines a different kind of blue
And the neighbor's dog don't bark like he used to
Well - me, these days
I just miss you - it's the nights that I go insane
Unless you're coming back for me
That's one thing I know that won't change
It's hard, so hard - it's tearing out my heart
It's hard letting you go
Now some tarot card shark said I'll draw you a heart
And we'll find you somebody else new
But I've made my last trip to those carnival lips
When I bet all that I had on you
It's hard, it's hard, it's hard, so hard
It's hard letting you go
It's hard, so hard, it's tearing out my heart
But it's hard letting you go
Hearts Breaking Even
It's been a cold, cold, cold, cold night tonight
And I can't get you off my mind
God knows I've tried
Did I throw away the best part of my life
When I cut you off, did I cut myself with the same damn knife
Hide my tears in the pouring rain, had my share of hurt and pain
Don't say my name, run away, cause it's all in vain
My heart's breaking even, now there's no use we even try
Hey I cried, Yeah I lied, Hell I almost died
Both got our reasons, let's just fold the cards and say good-bye
It's all right, just two hearts breaking even tonight
It's been a long, long, long time
Since I've had your love here in my hands
We didn't understand it, we couldn't understand it
But, nothing's fair in love and hate
You lay it all down and walk away , before it's too late
We danced all night as the music played
The sheets got tangled in the mess we made
There in the stains , we remain,
No one left to blame
My heart's breaking even, now there's no use we even try
Hey I cried, Yeah I lied, Hell I almost died
Both got our reasons, let's just fold the cards and say good-bye
It's all right, just two hearts breaking even tonight
Go on, get on with your life, Yeah - I'll get on with mine
Broken hearts can't call the cops, yeah it's the perfect crime
Twisting and turning the night keeps me yearning
I'm burning alive
I'm paying the price again
But I'll see the light again
My heart's breaking even, now there's no use we even try
Hey I cried, Yeah I lied, Hell I almost died
Both got our reasons, let's just fold the cards and say good-bye
It's alright, just two hearts breaking even tonight
yeah
yeah
Oh I'm going, gonna walk out the door
Saying you don't care for me anymore
That's alright, just two hearts breaking even tonight
Something To Believe In
I lost all faith in my God, in his religion too
I told the angels they could sing their songs to someone new
I lost all trust in my friends
I watched my heart turn to stone
I thought that I was left to walk this wicked world alone
Tonight I'll dust myself off
Tonight I'll suck my gut in
I'll face the night and I'll pretend
I got something to believe in
And I had lost touch with reason
I watched life criticize the truth
Been waiting for a miracle
I know you have too
Though I know I won't win
I'll take this one on the chin
We'll raise a toast and I'll pretend
I got something to believe in
If I don't believe in Jesus, how can I believe the Pope
If I don't believe in heroin, how can I believe in dope
If there's nothing but survival, how can I believe in sin
In a world that gives you nothing
We need something to believe in
If I don't believe in Jesus, how can I believe the Pope
If I don't believe in heroin, how can I believe in dope
If there's nothing but survival, how can I believe in sin
In a world that gives you nothing
We need something to believe in
If That's What It Takes
I played the part of a broken heart upon a show
I played that part so lonely and so well
Thought that love belonged to someone else, not me and you
Yeah, I know that you've been shattered
You been bruised
We both know what it feels like when you lose
But I'd bet my life on a roll of the dice for you
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
Tonite's the night, I'm gonna prove it to you
Do I have to break down, baby just to break through
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
If that's what it takes...
I bet you counted all the tears I bet you've cried
I bet you swore you'd never let love back inside
'Cause it hurt youway too bad to say good-bye
Now, there'll be times when I might put us to the test
And it's hard for broken hearts to just forget
But I'm driving blind, I'll lay it all on the line for you
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
Tonite's the night, I'm gonna prove it to you
Do I have to break down, baby just to break through
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
If that's what it takes...
So, when you feel like jumping
Just when your heart starts pumping
When you're stading out on that ledge-staring over the edge
I'll be there to talk to you down
I'll be there before you hit the ground
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
Tonite's the night, I'm gonna prove it to you
Do I have to break down, baby just to break through
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
If that's what it takes...
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
If we take the time to do it right, I know we'll put through
If it took all my life, I'd prove it to you
If that's what it takes, that's what I'd do
If that's what it takes...
Diamond Ring
Diamond ring, wear it on your hand
It's gonna tell the world, I'm your only man
Diamond ring, diamond ring
Baby, you're my everything, diamond ring
Red, red rose brought it home to you
Blood red rose, tells me that you're true
Red, red rose, blood-red rose
Like a fire inside that grows, blood-red rose
When you're hungry, I will fill you up
When you're thirsty, drink out of my loving cup
When you're crying, I'll be the tears for you
There is nothing that I wouldn't do for you
When you're hungry, I will fill you up
When you're thirsty, drink out of my loving cup
When you're crying, I'll be the tears for you
There is nothing that I wouldn't do for you
You know, I bleed every night you sleep
'Cause I don't know if I'm in your dreams
I want to be your everything...
Diamond ring, wear it on your hand
It's gonna tell the world, I'm your only man
Diamond ring, diamond ring
Baby, you're my everything, diamond ring
Darling, you're my everything, diamond ring
Now you've got it on the string
Diamond ring
All I Want Is Everything
Some 15 year old kid sits on his porch, just half-past noon
Trying to figure out just what he's doing
Why he had to grow up so soon
With all the gangs, all the guns-watcha gonna learn in school
There's got to be some way out of here
He says "Man, this life is cruel"
I knew this Puerto Rican girl who lied to change her life
She changed her name
Her face because the grass looked greener on the other side
She turned her back, she ran away straight into the night
Her friends, her family feel the pain, but she's the one who cries
Tell me what you want
Tell me what you need
I want everything
I've had enough of havin' nothing, I won't take just anything
I got my mind set on something, all I want is everything
It's my life Mr. - I ain't running, I'm no puppet on a string
I want more than I see coming
All I want is everything
All I want is everything
My next door neighbor Donnie
Died in his room just the other day
His brother come home
Found him dead on the floor with a needle in his vain
Cops come down with a body bag
They said Donnie was a casually
I said, all it's about is the boy checked out
He couldn't handle reality
Tell me what you want
Tell me what you need
I want everything
I've had enough of havin' nothing, I won't take just anything
I got my mind set on something, all I want is everything
It's my life Mr. - I ain't running, I'm no puppet on a string
I want more than I see coming
All I want is everything
All I want is everything
Bitter Wine
We met some time ago, when we were almost young
It never crossed my mind to ask, where did you come from?
I didn't have much money, so I stole you a rose
You were dressed like an orphan, in Salvation Army clothes
Once you were my inspiration, but, that river's run dry
What was once holy water, tastes like bitter wine
I know I wasn't funny, but you laughed at all my jokes
When I was chaking on the words to say
You shoved your finger down my throat
The first night I said I loved you, you told me to go to hell
You were giving he head, on that creeky
Old bed at the Ol'Duvol Motel
Once you were my inspiration, but, that river's run dry
What was once holy water, tastes like bitter wine
Once you were my inspiration, but, that river's run dry
What was once holy water, tastes like bitter wine
I would drink of your river, it would always get me high
What was once my salvation, now tastes like bitter wine
I never thought I'd love ya, no - I'd rather go blind
I thought I saw the future, but the fortune teller lied
I guess she lied
Just like everything, even good love has to die
Ain't no sympathy when it waves goodbye, no one even cried
We were one of a kind
I would drink of your river, it would always get me high
What was once my salvation, now tastes like bitter wine
I never thought I'd love ya, no - I'd rather go blind
I thought I saw the future, but the fortune teller lied
I guess she lied
Como Yo Nadie Te Ha Amado (This Ain't A Love Song)
Yo no vi las flores marchitar,
ni ese frio en tus ojos al mirar,
no,no vi la realidad
me ibas a dejar.
Dicen que la vida baby no es como la ves,
para aprender hay que caer,
para ganar hay que perder,
lo di todo por ti.
Llore y llore y jure que no iba a perderte,
trate y trate de negar este amor tantas veces, baby
Si mis lagrimas fueron en vano,
si al final yo te ame demasiado,
como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado.
Cada hora, una eternidad,
cada amanecer, un comenzar;
ilusiones nada mas,
que facil fue sonar.
Tantas noches de intimidad
parecian no acabar;
nos dejamos desafiar
y hoy nada es igual.
Se que en verdad el amor al final siempre duele,
no lo pude salvar y hoy voy a pagarlo con creces, baby
Si mis lagrimas fueron en vano,
si al final yo te ame demasiado,
como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado.
Esta vez la pasion ha ganado
y por eso sigo esperando,
como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado.
Llore y llore y jure que no iba a perderte,
trate y trate de negar este amor tantas veces, baby
Si mis lagrimas fueron en vano,
si al final yo te ame demasiado,
como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado.
Esta vez la pasion ha ganado
y por eso sigo esperando,
como yo, como yo nadie te ha amado.