Life Is in Session
Allan J. Comeau


You Can’t Catch Me
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI and Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI

You can catch any fish in the sea, but you can’t catch me
You can catch a fly if you try, but Honey, I’m no sticky paper guy
You can bring some lunch, on a hunch; today you might be my honey-bunch
You can catch any fish in the sea, but Honey, you can’t catch me

You can catch a cold in the rain, so cover yourself all the same
You can play the game of love, with all the stars above
You can work that mojo thing, but that, my love, won’t bring
You can catch any fish in the sea, but Honey, you can’t catch me

You-can-catch a matinee, I might go, but I won’t stay
You can catch an elevator. You go on, I’ll see you later
You can catch a ball with your glove, but that won’t bring you love
You can catch my eye, my-oh-my, with that look that satisfies

All your moves and all your grooves, they may soothe my restless mind
When it’s time to make your play, you may take me all the way
Though you may catch any fish in the sea, Honey, you can’t catch me
Don’t tie me down; I’m not your hound-dog man

I’ll come around; I’ll make your life real grand
I’ve got my ways, I am a ramblin’ man; I always doin’ the very best I can
I’ve got my pride, I got confidence inside, I get my way, I know I got to pay
Someday you’ll catch some other fish in the sea, but Honey, you can’t catch me

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass
Leo Krubsack: upright piano
Joseph McDonald: percussion

Sin to Be Saved
Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI and Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI

Now you’re off the track, nearly broke your back
And just hanging on till tomorrow
But for all your rage, you’re making minimum wage
To pay the karma of what you’ve borrowed

The psychodramas and the lamas can’t deliver what they promised
And you’ve run out of the wherefores and the whys
You’ve got to ‘rase all the tapes and shred all the texts that define you
To build your own estate of grace

You got to stand in your grave - And scream so you can find you.
To kill the devil inside your brain—you got to sin, sin to be saved

When you’ve figured out that there’s one way out
Now it’s time to pay the piper
Yes, you’ve played the fool, broken all the rules
Stole the poison from the mouth of the viper
Now your ears are ringin’, your knees are bleedin’
From crawling through the wreckage of your life

You got to stand in your grave and scream so you can find you
To kill the devil inside your brain
You got to sin to be saved, no two ways about it
To kill the devil you’ve got to be brave
You got to sin—sin to be saved

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
Arthur Barrow: bass, Hammond organ
Loni Specter: lead guitar
Joseph McDonald: percussion

Best Man
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI and Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI

I’ll tell my story now. It won’t be long or loud
I went to war to be the best man that I could be
All called and chosen they, the best men of this day
To honor what they believe. Whose trust must not deceive

And I found my way through fear and I found the truth was dear
A best man I’ve yet to be; the rest I’ll leave with thee

The pointed finger said the best men must be led
In uniformity; in silent infantry
The call was loud and clear; the price of peace was near
“The people want us here,” the orders were quite clear

When flags turn to rags you’ll see it’s peace that was meant to be
When flags turn to rags you’ll find bindings to heal in time

The best man gave his all. He fought on till he fell
His spirit and his flesh; he’d thrown in all the rest
So listen carefully, this lesson’s not for me
Though freedom is not free, his death wasn’t meant to be

When flags turn to rags you’ll see it’s peace that was meant to be
When flags turn to rags you’ll find bindings to heal in time

And I found my way through fear and I found the truth was dear
A best man I’ve yet to be; the rest I’ll leave with thee

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: fretless bass
Joseph McDonald: percussion

Lately
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI and Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI

Lately, she seems to dress in black ‘n white
Maybe, the colors always seem too bright
Trips through every fairytale. Sips her drink and bites her nails.
Took the subway down to the turnaround

Gone before, took the train that went to nowhere
Right out the door, never sure just where she’s been
Is there something more, to get her past the times that ache?
She needs something more, than who she’s been and who she’s been with…

Lately, he runs from hot to cold, it seems
Maybe, he doesn’t recognize his dreams
He’s lost his sense of innocence
Took the subway down to the turnaround

Gone before, took the train that went to nowhere
Right out the door, never sure just where he’s been
Is there something more, to get him past the times that ache?
He needs something more than who he’s been and who he’s been with…

They don’t know what they want or where to get it
Here we are, tryn’ to find a way to make it
Can’t erase the pain must it always be the same?
Take the subway down to the turnaround

Gone before, they took ride the train that went to nowhere
Right out the door, never sure just where they’ve been
Is there something more, to get them past the times that ache?
They need something more than who they’ve been and who they’ve been with…

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Moira Marquis: vocals
Arthur Barrow: bass
Mel Lee: percussion

Lay Down Your Guns
Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI and Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI

I’d love to let the human race see from outer space how we must appear
Fighting over silly things like pawns and kings; it would be so clear

Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?
Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?

Zoom in on just one face from any race, without any fear
In the blink of an eye you will realize every life is dear

Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?
Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?

Lay down your guns, love has you surrounded
Silence the drums with the beat of your heart

Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?
Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?

I’d like to find the melody and harmony of perfect peace
Words and music all in rhyme to the beat of time for eternity

Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?
Lay down, lay down, lay down. Won’t you lay down?

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic and 12-string guitars
Arthur Barrow: bass
Evan Shapiro: lead guitar
Paul Daniels, Loni Specter, Moira Marquis, Johnny Szmyd: vocals
Mel Lee: percussion


Homeless Man
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI

If you give me some food I’ll walk away slowly
Toss me a dime, I’ll sing out a tune
If you talk to me kindly I’ll smile and remember
Your kindness will last long, your gift’s not too soon

Wasn’t long ago after I’d lost all my bearings
My belongings, I had not a thing to my name
Love was gone, we were childless, ‘made plans for a future
But disaster had struck us; unfair was its name

Often wonder, “What if it’d had happened to-some other?”
Would I walk right on by me ‘though I did not see?
A person, displaced, of-no particular race—
A nameless face lost in obscurity

I am homeless, and groundless and hungry and tired
I am lost to my life all my breath has expired
So, I sit on the sidewalk just out of the way
Watch the people go by, on each passing day

If I could rise up and give you, a gift for your giving
I’d tell you a secret long lost, not regained
I’d ask you to tell me what others would call you
I’d reach for your hand and then I’d give you my name

There’s a lesson to be learned, for “Life is in session.”
It’s a heartfelt impression, left by every good deed
Though I’m homeless and tired, you’ve extended my stay
So, thanks for your kindness at the end of this day

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass, keyboards
Johnny Szmyd: vocals
Mel Lee: percussion

Everybody Needs
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI and Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI

Everybody needs some shelter
Everybody needs a place to call their own
Everybody needs a home to go to
A place to come from, a place to sooth their soul

Everybody needs some help, from time to time
Sometimes we all need a verse, to make it rhyme
Everybody needs to know they’re worth it
To find their real place in the Grand Design

Yes, tonight I’ll shine a light on all the faces I have known
Though we might not get it right
I promise that you’ll never be alone
You won’t be alone

How can there be peace on earth W
When there’s a child without a home?
How can any body laugh when so many people cry?

Everybody needs some friendship
Someone who listens when the times get tough
(When the seas get rough) to walk a mile
Stay a while and bring a smile

Yes, tonight I’ll shine a light on all the faces I have known
Though we might not get it right
I promise that you’ll never be alone
You won’t be alone

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, guitars
Arthur Barrow: bass
Leo Krubsack: piano, Hammond organ
Patty Fiden, Loni Specter: vocals
Joseph McDonald: percussion

Teacher
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI and Loni Specter/Lonster Music/BMI

They tell me that I’m not okay
Because I don’t walk the way they walk
Or talk the way they talk

They bar the way to the holy places
And put up signs to protect their spaces
From the likes of me

Teacher, help me understand
What’s wrong and right
Take my hand, and let me walk with you

I’ve heard that mercy wears a human face
But compassion fills the empty spaces
Now I really know what they mean

You gave me shelter from the rain and the cold
Shared your bread, your wine, your loving soul
And for that I’m grateful

The way is long; the path is narrow
The fruits are ripe; the cost is steep.
Detractors many, the righteous few
I hope they’ll find their way back-to-you

On this road I know I'll find my way to heaven
So I sing this song to get me through the night
On this road I know there's shelter, food and water
To guide my spirit’s flight. On this road I know

You told me, “Blessed are the pure of heart,” it matters
What comes from the mouth of a man
Is what counts in your mind and mine

I see you suffer, but you’re not complaining
The weights and the burdens you carry are partly mine
I know it’s true

Teacher, help me understand
What’s holy, what’s right
Won’t you take my hand, and let me walk with you


Allan J. Comeau: vocals, guitars
Arthur Barrow: bass
Mel Lee: percussion

This Day
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI

My Darling One. let me hold you in my arms
I will keep you free from harm
Because you are my girl

This day, we can make it come out right
We can get it in our sights
‘Let the sun shine on bright

What can we do? It’s a change for me and you
What can I say? I wish it didn’t turn out this way

Let’s walk on. This life has more in store for you
And I’ll be there to see you through
All your tears…your laughter too

When your momma left she made you cry
Didn’t know how to tell you why
Hardly knew myself, I was lost there too
But we’ll find our way, this day, me and you

Some day you’ll find a way to put it all aside
And keep the best of yourself in stride
I hope you find it with my love

Here in our hearts, it’s where we’ll rest and make a start
We’ve got this day; it’s ours
No need to while away these hours

So much to say—let it go and slip away
Rest your tired eyes and know
I’ll be there when the morning comes

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass
Leo Krubsack: Hammond organ
Mel Lee: percussion

With a Little Bit of Luck…
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI

With a little bit of luck and a lot of love
We’re gonna find our way to the Promised Land
Where we get things right, without a fuss or a fight
If we sit together ‘till we understand

Even when it seems like there’s no in-between
We’re gonna face each other and we won’t be mean

With a little bit of luck and a lot of love
We’re gonna tell the truth about a lot of things
Listen real hard until we hear it together
And find the fruits that true love brings

First we’ll make some space, some time and place
Then we’ll invite the rest of the human race

With a little bit of luck and a lot of love
We can make this world what it ought to be
Work and play ‘till the end of the day
When we rest our heads in the dreamy sea

When the sun comes up to a brand new day
We can start again; we can rise and say…

With a little bit of luck and a lot of love
We’re gonna find our way to the Promised Land
Where we get things right, without a fuss or a fight
If we sit together ‘till we understand

Even when it seems like there’s no in-between
We’re gonna face each other and we won’t be mean

With a little bit of luck and a lot of love
We can make some peace, won’t you give it a chance
All sing along with a prayer or a song
We could harmonize in this life-long dance

When the sun comes up to a brand new day
We can start again; we can rise and say…

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass

The Promised Land
Chuck Berry/Arc Music Corporation

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
Arthur Barrow: bass
Evan Shapiro: lead guitar
Mel Lee: percussion

No Place Like Home
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI

There is no place like home
There is no place like home
When you’re lost and you’re all alone
There is no place like home

There is no love but to love
There is no love but to love
It’s a call from heaven above
There is no love but to love

There is no peace but peace
There is no peace but peace
From war we must release
There is no peace but peace

We are all alike inside
We are all alike inside
Except for the shade of your hide
We are all alike inside

All brothers and sisters we are
All brothers and sisters we are
From near and from afar
All brothers and sisters we are

There’s a rainbow connecting us now
There’s a rainbow connecting us now
Together we stand with hand in hand
There’s a rainbow connecting us now

There’s courage in speaking your mind
There’s courage in speaking your mind
Honors lost can become re-find
There’s courage in speaking your mind

There’s wisdom in asking them “Why?”
There’s wisdom in asking them “Why?”
Nothings gained by silence in the face of their violence
There’s wisdom in asking them “Why?”

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass
Leo Krubsack: upright piano
Allen Chroman: banjo
Loni Specter, Moira Marquis, Johnny Szmyd: vocals
Joseph McDonald: percussion

Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen/ Sony/ATV Songs LLC OBO Bad Monk Publishing

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass, keyboards
Evan Shapiro: lead guitar
Mel Lee: percussion

O Katrina
Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI
(Prelude by Leonard Krubsack)

When the wind blows and the rain falls and the sun won’t take the sky
And the levee breaks and the streets flood and there’s mud all ‘or the baie
And the seas rise and the rivers flow, through the day and through the night
Old Noah, can you help me, for I fear no end in sight?

O Katrina you are mighty, tearing houses into shreds
Storm is over, now the people will rebuild their homes again

I’ve been waiting for your help now, with no roof above my head
Water’s rising o’r the treetops. Can you save this wretched man?
Can you bring me food and shelter, got no money for to pay
Or will you leave me to the depths of the destruction of this day?

O Katrina, you have shown me devastation and despair
But the lesson I have learned is we must help each other here

Old Noah, I am lost now. Can you help me to find my way?
For returning to my home is what I want—I want to stay
Can you help me find the highways, back-roads and byways to my place?
For the signs are all bent and broken, nothing’s open, I’m lost in space

O Katrina, nature’s fury, global warming’s latest friend
Poseidon’s maiden shows no mercy, come next summer, fall again

Old Noah, the work’s not done yet. Won’t you stay and help a while?
For our task is ever greater, it will take a long, long while
For this land is where our dreams are and these people are our kin
Won’t you help us start it over; won’t you help us build again?

O Katrina, you have faded, from the moment you set to sand
Old Noah, the time is late now, don’t hesitate, we understand

Allan J. Comeau: vocals, acoustic guitar
Arthur Barrow: bass, lead guitar
Leo Krubsack: upright piano
Paul Daniels, Loni Specter, Moira Marquis,
Johnny Szmyd, Julian Comeau: vocals
Joseph McDonald: percussion