1. |
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The Saga of Pearl (It’s Not You)
© 1999, Sue Fink
The girls were at Pearl’s, discussing her date
And by her account, everything had gone great
– Except for the fact he was two hours late…
You can’t expect perfection these days
He wore a suede suit and he brought Pearl some flowers
The went to a movie about Austin Powers
And later, at dinner, they laughed and talked hours
– There was never a question who pays
They kissed, and he promised by Wednesday he’d call
But now it was Friday, the phone in the hall
Remained silent, “I guess he didn’t like me at all,”
Pearl fretted, “Oh, what shall I do?”
“Perhaps when we talked he thought I was too meek,
Or what if I had something caught in my teeth?”
But Betty Ann bristled, she said, “Pearl, don’t freak,
The reason we all wish we knew,
But I’m certain, dear Pearl, it’s not you.”
It’s not you, It’s not you,
For absolute certain it’s true
The guy may be dead or be out of his head
But I tell you, dear Pearl, it’s not you
But still Pearl pouted, she puckered a frown.
“I think I tried too hard, yes, I played the clown,
Or what if he noticed this hair on my chin
– Do I close my mouth when I chew?”
“Or maybe,” mused Merrill, “It’s something he did:
He stepped on a manhole without any lid
And now he’s somewhere in a hospital bed…
Or maybe he just has the flu,
But I tell you, dear Pearl, it’s not you.”
It’s not you, It’s not you,
For absolute certain it’s true
The guy may be cracked or perhaps he was whacked
On the head, but dear Pearl, it’s not you
Perhaps he was transferred to work out of state,
He could have amnesia, and that’s why he’s late!
An angry dog chased him and he had a fall,
The dog ate your number and now he can’t call
So move on, just be strong
Yes, that’s what we think you should do!
‘Cause he may be hurtin’ but one thing is certain,
And that is, dear Pearl, it’s not you
So the girls grabbed their purses, out the door they all flew
The birds in the trees sang the song, “It’s not you”
And the clouds in the sky formed the words, “It’s not you”
What wondrous things they did see
The newspaper headlines all screamed, “It’s not you!”
The people they passed greeted Pearl: “It’s not you!”
As they entered Berl’s Bar to see what was on brew
Pearl said, “Girls, I’m beginning to see
That the problem here might not be me!”
It’s not me, It’s not me,
So thank you for setting me free
His heart I did not win it, I won’t spend one more minute
Wondering what I should do differently
Because, my dear friends, it’s not me!
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2. |
Fine Line
04:10
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Fine Line
© 2003, Sue Fink
You and me, baby, we go back for years
Still, I can’t say what lies in store
Sometimes we’re laughing, the next minute we’re in tears
Now someone’s headed for the door
Look out in the distance, there’s a line at the horizon
Separating heaven from the earth
One side of that line, the sun is slowly rising
The other side is darkness and dirt
And it’s a fine line
Separating black from gray
A fine line
What you’ll do and what you’ll say
A fine line
Should you leave or should you stay
It’s a fine line
And I’m hoping we don’t fall
Tree branch is broken, will it hold or will it crack?
Sometimes it all depends on you
Certain things spoken cannot be taken back
The devil likes to take his due
Look into your heart, there’s a line runs down the middle
Blood flows in, comes out the other side
Look into your thoughts, do they still waver just a little
Are feelings still alive, or have they died
And it’s a fine line
Between the happy and the sad
A fine line
Between the charmer and the cad
A fine line
The love we have, the love we had
It’s a fine line, baby
I’m hoping we don’t fall
The lovers on the tightrope
Take a step to neither side
There’s no room for mistakes
When there is no net open wide
Will they meet right in the middle
Or turn around and say they tried
Love extended… or love denied
And it’s a fine line
Between what’s funny and what’s mean
It’s a fine line
Between laughter and the scream
A fine line
Between the waking and the dream
We walk that line with no room in between
And I’m hoping we don’t fall…
I’m hoping we don’t fall
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3. |
Unencumbered by Love
04:51
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Unencumbered by Love
© 2003, Sue Fink
[Chorus]
Unencumbered by love
Unencumbered by love
Like a star twinkling bright
In the long, restless night
Like a cloud drifting by
A balloon in the sky
Floating high, way above
Unencumbered by love
He’s known her all his life
First childhood friend, then wife
Their love a solid ground
On which he made his home
But after all these years
She grew sick, he shed tears
Now she’s gone, he’s left un-
tethered, alone
[Chorus]
She raised those kids from wild seeds
No time to care for her needs
No husband, no help
They inhaled all her air
Now grown, her kids live far away
They come back once a year in May
She’s free to live her own life
– No one will care
Unencumbered by love….
So much joy, so many tears
This anger, those silly fears
Love drags down, love anchors,
Chooses earth as home
When love goes, the anchors lift
Feather-light through life we drift
The night sky, we float by
So many, so alone
[Chorus]
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4. |
Damsel In Distress
03:21
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Damsel in Distress
© 2005, Sue Fink
Tie myself onto the track
Wonderin’ when that train comes back
Wonderin’ if you’ll come along and save me
Please remove me from disaster
Praise my skin of alabaster
Or I’ll have to use the wits God gave me
[Chorus]
HELP me, HELP me, damsel in distress
I want your attention so I get into a mess
HELP me, HELP me, damsel in distress
– Or I’ll have to save myself, I guess
Standing on the ledge so thin
Window’s stuck, I can’t get in!
I need your assistance but you can’t be found
Turning dark and ten below
No one’s coming by and so…
Guess I’ll jump the three feet to the ground
[Chorus]
I know you like to help a girl in trouble –
She the damsel, you the dashing gent
And I’m trying not to burst your bubble
Can I help it that I’m just so com-pe-tent…
At the crime scene I’m the hero
Helpless quotient less than zero
Quick karate chop, the bad guy’s on the floo-oor
Then I see you passing by, I
Hand the gun back to the guy,
Pleading, “Won’t you hold me up once more?”
[Chorus]
Wish I were more helpless, I confess
– Though all this fainting causes me some stress
But I’ll do anything for your caress…
Just trying to be the damsel in distress!
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5. |
Goin' Fishin'
04:03
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Goin’ Fishin’
© 2003, Sue Fink
When we were young we’d go for sport
Down to our favorite fishing resort
They’d stock the ponds so you couldn’t miss
The joy of catching your very own fish (fishin’…)
We’d stand on the pier, my girlfriends and I
And watch our little fishing rods fly
A few seconds later, the fish would bite
While we would squeal with fear and delight (fishin’…)
The ponds were full, the fish swam thick
They’d bite the hook, we’d have our pick
But most we’d throw back, ‘cause we weren’t greedy
We’d leave them for someone else… more needy
Our favorite part was waiting to see
Which ones we’d attract and which ones stayed free
Once we’d catch some, our interest would wane
The longer it took… the better the game (fishin’…)
I’d wonder why certain fish would fall
For our same old tricks each time we’d call
Even stale bread for bait worked fine
They couldn’t wait to jump on the line (fishin’…)
The fish were strong, the fish were sleek
We’d catch a year’s worth in just a week
But most we’d throw back, ‘cause we weren’t greedy
We’d leave them for someone else… more needy
Ooh, ooh, ooh, goin’ fishin’
Ooh, ooh, ooh, and I’m wishin’
For something good cookin’ in my kitchen
… Goin’ fishin’
Now I’m older, the fish are sparcer
Catching one seems a little bit harder
Perhaps I need to try a new bait
Perhaps I shouldn’t mind the long wait
One day last year, the month of June
I was walking through Lincoln Park Lagoon
I looked in the water, close as I could stand
When a fish jumped out, right into my hand!
That fish looked me right in the eye
Said, “I’m yours!” and it heaved a sigh
But I could tell he was old and reedy
So I threw him back for someone else… more needy
So now I stand here fishin’ and a’ waitin’
Don’t mind the silence, don’t mind re-baitin’
It might take some time, that’s something I can see
But I know somewhere there’s still a fish… there’s still a fish for me
Ooh, ooh, ooh, goin’ fishin’
Ooh, ooh, ooh, and I’m wishin’
To catch one more, that’s my ambition
…Goin’ fishin’
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6. |
Not Lookin' (for Love)
03:05
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Not Lookin’ (for Love)
© 2002, Sue Fink
They say when you’re least expecting love, that’s when you’ll find it
When you stop shouting its name, it finally comes your way
The more you chase love, the more love eludes you
So I’m posting a sign on my door, here’s what I proclaim…
[Chorus]
I’m not lookin’ for love
I’m not lookin’ for love
I’m not lookin’ for love
Still, I hope love’s lookin’ for me
I’m tired of waiting for the day that Love and I meet
All starry-eyed and wavy-haired and sauntering down the street
Each time I’ve opened up the door so Love could come in
Turns out it’s an imposter playing some game I’ll never win, so
[Chorus]
Love is so fine, that’s what they say
Love’s a winged creature never flyin’ my way
Love is deceptive, love is unkind
The more I think of Love the more I’m out of my mind
Not lookin’
Not lookin’
I’m not lookin’ for love
(She’s lookin, she’s lookin’) I’m not lookin’
(She’s lookin, she’s lookin’) I’m not lookin’
(She’s lookin, she’s lookin’) No, I’m not,
Still, I hope love’s lookin’ for me
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7. |
I Saw a Bird
03:36
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I Saw a Bird
© 2003, Sue Fink
I saw a bird the other day
High up on a wire
His feathers green against sky-gray –
A splendid burst of fire
And as he sang so sweet and clear –
A tune meant just for me
I did not understand
But I reached out my hand
The bird glanced down, but then he
Flew into a nearby tree…
I knew I’d seen this bird before
But I could not place when
I thought of fairy-tales and lore
Recalled a childhood friend
We’d sing our tunes in fields of weeds
Beneath the cloudless sky
We’d flap our arms like wings –
Such magic childhood brings
We were convinced if we tried
Hard enough that we could fly…
I saw a bird so small and still
Perched high upon the wire
He called to me and I could feel
The flutter of desire
I followed down the street below
‘Till he was gone from sight
But I’ll see him again
Though I may not know when
And his song stays with me, I
Sing it now in darkest night…
I saw a bird …
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8. |
Our Last Goodbye
05:26
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Our Last Goodbye
© 2004, Sue Fink
Was the sky more than blue
Was the sun extra bright?
Did I say I love you
Did I hold you so tight?
Maybe I touched your hand
Brushed a tear from your eye
But I had not a clue
This was our last good-bye
There was no shrouded hint
I’d never see you again
And so little I heeded
What you said to me then
And I do not recall
Were there clouds in the sky?
Was the radio playing
During our last good-bye
[Bridge]
If I’d only been told
By the breeze in the morning
You’d be taken from me
And I’d have no warning…
I’d have photographed details
Like that green shirt you wore
How I leaned ’gainst the lamppost
While you closed your car door
How the day was no different
[1st time] Than a thousand that fly…
[2nd time] Though I heard a bird cry…
As you crossed the horizon
It was our last good-bye
[Repeat from Bridge]
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9. |
Tale of Rover
03:52
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Tale of Rover
© 2004, Sue Fink
I was out for my usual trot about town
I believe it was somewhere near nine
Morning-fresh dew-scent still lingered as I
Re-marked the territory as mine, still mine…
I re-marked the territory as mine
The oak tree, the flowers, the hydrant
The scents both familiar and new
My leash had some lead as we waited at the corner
And I sat, just as I was told to, oh yes, I sat…
Her head hung out the window as the car swiftly passed
– Make and model, I just could not say –
But her! Her long ears blowing back in the breeze
Her coat soft and golden as sunlight through trees
Her eyes wide and joyful, they met mine with ease…
For a moment… then the car sped away
Strange how a second can change one forever
The moment two pairs of eyes meet
Strange how ‘till then I’d not known what I was missing –
How I’d thought my life was complete, complete,
How I’d thought my life was complete
So now it’s been months, or now it’s been years –
Linear time means nothing to me
Each day we continue to go for our walk –
The flowers, the hydrant, the tree
And we wait for the traffic to stop whizzing by
We wait at the top of the hill
And I wait for my true love to pass here again
For I know that some day, she will, she will,
For I know that some day, she will
Then I’ll follow that car to the ends of the earth
I’ll break loose, and run ‘till I fly
And I’ll meet my love, and we’ll both run together
Through the fields ‘neath the darkening sky
Through the fields ‘neath the darkening sky
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10. |
Back Road to Your Heart
03:21
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Back Road to Your Heart
© 2002, Sue Fink
I’m driving down the highway to your heart
My car is gassed, the music’s on, I’ve gone well past the start
But a sign up ahead says this road is closed for good
It’s fallen into disrepair, stop now, nobody should
Venture further, for there’s danger, bridge is out, it’s a dead end
Detour: take the next turn, it leads to being just a friend
[Chorus]
I’m pulling out maps and directions
From the main road I must part
And if it can be done, I know I am the one
To try and find the back road to your heart
Seems like there’s construction everywhere
How come you didn’t warn me, you just said you want me there
You neglected to mention all these potholes and blockades
The alligators in the ditches haven’t snacked for days
The mountains are mirages, these paths do not exist
‘Cause just like in a fairy tale, the gravel turns to mist
[Chorus]
I shall prevail, I shall prevail
I think I see the end in sight just down this twisted trail
I shall prevail, I shall prevail
‘Cause when I think of turning back, that’s when I hear you wail
[Chorus]
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11. |
Song of the Cell
05:52
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Song of the Cell
© 2004, Sue Fink
Yesterday I attended the opera
Watching those operatic types sing
And just as the heroine wailed away in Italian
On her deathbed, I heard the most familiar ring…
Hello? Who is this? Oh, Amanda!
I’m at the opera, can you believe?
How strange, the gentleman seated to my right
Keeps coughing and tugging my sleeve!
How are you? How’s the kids? No, don’t worry,
This act is an awfully dull bore!
Someone’s crying, someone’s singing, someone’s dying…
Now what’s everyone staring at me for?
And as I was in line at the grocery
My cart overflowing with food
Some elderly woman was paying in pennies
Holding all of us up… just so rude!
Hello? Oh, it’s Trisha, how fortuitous!
My dear, perhaps you can help me out.
Is “brianna” a cheese, or the name of a woman? Ow!
I’m being pushed from behind by some lout!
Are you coming to Trixie and Donald’s?
Ow! I need to unload, I’m at the store
Now the cashier is glaring, and behind me they’re swearing,
What’s everyone upset with me for?!
It’s the song of the cell, we all know it so well
It draws us in like the bee to a honey jar
All those tinny classic tunes, like miniature clanking spoons
And it rings out: my dear, you’re a star
Aha ha ha ha ha…
Just last week, I was riding the El train
To my office downtown, where I work:
I’m a therapist, and believe me, there’s always someone
Who’s just on the verge of berserk…
Hello? Yes, it’s me. Oh, hi, Timothy!
You’re breaking up, dear, please stay on the line!
I’m on the train, but don’t worry, no one’s listening.
I’m sure everything will be fine!
You say you still suffer from cynanthropy?
(A mental ailment in which he thinks he’s a dog)
Timothy, sit! Put on your leash and come see me
If you use all four limbs, it’s just a short jog…
It’s the song of the cell, we all know it so well
Some adore it, and others abhor it
But wherever you are, if it rings near or far…
One thing you’ll never do is ignore it
When I hear my phone ring, well, my heart starts to sing
As I wonder: Now who can it be?
But whether it’s a wrong number, or some guy selling lumber,
I know soon all eyes will be on me…
He he he he he he…
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12. |
Tonight
04:30
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Tonight
©2000, Sue Fink
Her first blush of youth
Has long since hit the sticks
But it’s nothing that a little
Touch of make-up will not fix
But the wrinkles ‘round her eyes
Eyes that still burn like the stars
Well they make her look more wise
So she leaves them as they are
[Chorus]
She’s too thin, but that’s OK
Somewhat brittle, but she still can sway
She’s spent most of today
Getting ready for tonight
Some big party at an old friend’s
– Could be good, but it all depends
It’s too soon to guess the end
But she hopes she’ll be all right
Now she lightly walks up steps
Like a dancer in a dream
She holds her coat wrapped tight
She can see that doorknob gleam
And she turns it oh so gently
All at once she is inside
Night so dark is left behind her
Lights so bright, nowhere to hide
[Chorus]
Strangers’ faces, clear like glass
Hard to read, but still she smiles
Sees the hostess in the next room
Seems so far, it could be miles
Just then someone grabs her hand
Tells her it has been too long
Someone else hands her a drink
Someone’s playing her favorite song
Ooooh – and now she’s laughing with her friends
Telling stories, see how the clock of time rewinds
Ooooh – and now she’s twenty again
Magic net is cast, you never know what you might find
Ooooh…
[Chorus]
She knows she will be all right
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Sue Fink Chicago, Illinois
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Sue Fink enchants audiences with her whimsical perspective on the world. Her genre, “urban campfire cabaret,” is folk with a hint of jazz, a large dollop of humor, and a drop of sadness for good measure: think Christine Lavin, with a dash of Rickie Lee Jones, Melanie, and Nellie McKay. ... more
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