Life Is in Session

Allan J. Comeau

You Can’t Catch Me

Allan J. Comeau/Mind Matters Music/BMI & 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 & 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 & 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 / its 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 & 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 ride 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 & 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?

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 your guns, love has you surrounded

Silence the drums with the beat of your heart

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

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 & 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 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, say 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 & 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

Chorus:

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

(Bridge 1)

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

(Bridge 2)

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

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

(We’re gonna) listen real hard until we hear it together / ‘till we find the fruits that true love brings

First we’ll make some space, ‘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

(We) can work and play ‘till the end of the day / when we rest our heads in the dreamy sea

So, 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 can make some peace, won’t you give it a chance

If we all sing along with a prayer or a song / we could harmonize in this life-long dance

So, 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 (2x) / When you’re lost and you’re all alone / There is no place like home 

There is no love but to love (2x) / It’s a call from heaven above / There is no love but to love

There is no peace but peace (2x) / From war we must release / There is no peace but peace

We are all alike inside (2x) / Except for the shade of your hide / We are all alike inside

All brothers and sisters we are (2x) / From near and from afar / All brothers and sisters we are

There’s a rainbow connecting us now (2x) / Together we stand with hand in hand / There’s a rainbow connecting us now 

There’s courage in speaking your mind (2x) / Honors lost can become re-find / There’s courage in speaking your mind 

There’s wisdom in asking them “Why?” (2x) / 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 ‘or 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

Notes and acknowledgements:

(So much to say, so little space—I’ve been forced to cut my comments, but I’ve kept your names here and in my heart. AC)

Special thanks go to many who have inspired and encouraged this project: to my wife, Catherine, who is my chief muse, my constant inspiration, and my creative mirror; to my children, Siri, Lily, and Julian, whose lives sing out to me a love song and a compelling reason for making all of our lives better and our planet healthier. To my parents Oneil and Jan and my sibs, Neil, Joyce, Bruce (“Best Man” was for you), and Craig: mom sang to me as a child and dad bought me my first guitar—I never put it down, as he had predicted—and he never complained that I didn’t.

Friends in life and music: Al Chroman, Richard Cohen, Patty Fiden, Sage Knight, Shawn Omrani, Michael Selfridge, Evan Shapiro, Jon Shea, and Johnny Szmyd. God-sent friends and musical inspirations: Leo and Lynn Krubsack and Paul Daniels. Another thanks to Leo for his magnificent prelude to “O Katrina.” Joseph McDonald: your presence is large here and in our lives. Mel Lee, you sounded like you were there from the start. Special Muses: Bill Gorski, Brad and Debbie Lubell, Mihaelo Stanich, Zahra Modjarrad and Good Earth, Jeff and Chris Spitz, Merit Price and Carla Roth, and especially Michael and Liza Lynn.

Many thanks to: Robert Morgan Fisher, Chad Watson, Pam Loe, Barry Kohan, Kat Howell, Mark and David Cohen, Jeff Gold, Dan Navarro and Eric Lowen, James Coberly Smith and Severin Browne, Richard Marchetta, Garrett Swayne and Paul Zollo. “With a Little Bit of Luck” was for the late Dave Carter, and his partner in song, Tracy Grammer. “Teacher” was written in response to my readings of Marcus Borg. Thanks to the Revs. June Goudy, Stephen Amsden, and to Signe Hardesty for their words and works of compassion for all and my WHCC music friends for “The Gift for the Gulf” benefit: Bruce and Maria Barbee, Bill and Lyn Owen, George Walter, Bruce Lowe, Marty Cagan, Connie and Eric Alter, Mert and Mavis Burkhard, Betsy Zentner, Dianne Meyer, and a special thanks to all my WHCC friends.. Also, Drs. Michelle Cohen, Joanna Lipari, and Laura Marks. Dave Zielski, Nick Phillips, Shelton Johnson, Corky McClellan, and Brent Merritt: thanks for taking care and getting it right over and over again.

Arthur Barrow, bass giant and Lotek Studios genius, recorded the whole CD and masterfully and tactfully guided me through the humbling process of turning my words and music into a listenable CD. Mo special thanks go to Moira Marquis and Mo’s Garage—for a long day’s journey into night and a masterful mastering session as well. Thanks again for your friendship, your harmonious voice, and your fine audible sensibilities.

For my many patients, clients, co-muses, livers of life and survivors of good times and bad, I can’t call you by name, but I do reach out my hand in gratitude.

Finally, thanks to my co-songwriter, co-producer and pal, Loni Specter, who joined with me when “Everybody Needs” was born and then co-penned a dozen more songs with me. Loni, you helped me grow as a songwriter and recording performer, all the while keeping a smile on your face. Good luck as you record your own CD and, man, I’ll be there for ya when you call!

Everything changes when you begin to see everything as an opportunity to do some good.

Allan J. Comeau, July 1, 2007

All songs written by Allan J. Comeau (Mind Matters Music/BMI), except “You Can’t Catch Me,” “Best Man,” “Lately,” “Everybody Needs,” and “Teacher,” written by Allan J. Comeau (Mind Matters Music/BMI) and Loni Specter (Lonster Music/BMI); “Sin to Be Saved” and “Lay Down Your Guns,” written by Loni Specter (Lonster Music/BMI) and Allan J. Comeau (Mind Matters Music/BMI); “Hallelujah,” written by Leonard Cohen (Sony/ATV Songs LLC OBO Bad Monk Publishing); and “The Promised Land,” written by Chuck Berry (Arc Music Corporation).

A © 2007 Topanga Records Release   TR-0001

Produced by Allan J. Comeau and Loni Specter

Topanga Records and Mind Matters Music: 2001 S Barrington Ave. #304, West Los Angeles, CA 90025